The big news last week was Lady Gaga was a complete sellout at the MGM Grand Arena. Lady Gaga and her entourage dazzled and bedazzled the audience. In this day and age a sellout performance in a venue that large is quite unbelievable. Bottom line is her musical talents shine through the gimmicks and bizarre costumes.

Last week, surrounded by my own entourage, I had the pleasure of seeing Al Green perform at the Hilton. It was a star-studded audience that jumped to their feet during and after every song to offer their applause. This man is amazing. He "leads" his band with the snap of a finger while performing. These one- and two-night events hosted by the Hilton always seem to fill the showroom and keep the audience asking for more.

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For true R&B fans. The Hilton continues its Soul School Series with Maze in October and Charlie Wilson in November.

Wayne Newton came up for air last week. Mr. Las Vegas is involved in the new USO Lounge at McCarran Airport Terminal One. It’s surprising that no one had thought of this earlier. After all, it’s a truly wonderful treat to add to Las Vegas for our military and veterans. Again, thanks to Wayne who has done so much for the USO the last few years. He remains our Las Vegas star and one of the last living legends. (Well, except for me of course. Oh, no! That was a Legend In His Own Mind!)

The Manilow Music Project to benefit Clark County School District students is a great concept. As of Aug. 15, for each new or gently-used musical instrument donated, Manilow and Paris Las Vegas will offer a ticket to Manilow’s show at Paris Las Vegas for any date of your choice. Barry was quoted as saying: "It’s my honor to offer the gift of music." It’s nice to see the legendary singer/songwriter give to the community.

We should raise our glasses to the MGM Grand in recognition of their recent awards from the Wine Spectator Restaurant Wine List Awards. MGM had 11 restaurants contending and received the top award. This is considered by the culinary world to be a most prestigious honor. Personally, I loved the headline – MGM Grand Puts a Cork in the Competition. We offer our congrats!

In West Hollywood, the Abbey Food & Bar is a major hot spot. Now, they have joined with the new Vdara at CityCenter to create Abbey Beach. They’re even bringing in Abbey bartenders to dazzle the guests with their mixology talents. Starting Aug. 22, Vdara hotel guests can enjoy Abbey Beach at no charge and locals can join in the fun for a mere $10. If you’re into this scene, it sounds like a great summer break.

Jenny McCarthy, who recently split from Jim Carrey, and new boyfriend Jason Toohey have been seen all over town. They look like bookends – quite lovely ones I might add. Also, the infamous Jesse James was in town and could be seen holding hands with his latest. Now really!

Last week my longtime friend Barbara Stanton came to Las Vegas and stayed at Aria in a multi-room suite. This fabulous socialite from New York City gave yours truly the name Monti Rock III many years ago. She’s here to put her own touches on my docudrama, a film which I’m producing.

"Menopause" is one of the few shows that has staying power in this town. They have done over 2,000 performances and are still going strong. Paige O’Hara and her costars keep this show as fresh and entertaining and the audience loves it – women and men alike.

Paradise Gift Shop, Strip Gift Shop and Knight Gallery presented a fashion show as part of Hilton’s "Stay Cool With Us @ the Hilton" Wednesday night event. Free chair massages and cocktails were available during the course of the evening. Highlights of the show were Claire Jane custom handmade purses and photographer Robert Knight acting as host/emcee. Wednesday night events such as this may become a steady thing in the future.

As always the Rev. Monti Rock wishes you all a great week!