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To the reactions

23-24-26-27 May 2007 Gino Vannelli live at the Flamingo Las Vegas, NV, USA:




REACTIONS & COMMENTS:

A few reactions by different e-mails from Cynthia Star in Las Vegas, NV, USA:

(1): Saw him opening night (right on the stage) here in Vegas. He was awesome as usual and did change the show from what we saw at the Suncoast. It starts with him in SMOKE!

More later, but wanted to tell you I spoke to him (very briefly) after the show. His kindness always shines through. Cyn

(2): I'm pretty sure he opened with Crazy Life.
I was wonderfully surprised. Would you like me to get the set list for his closing night performance? I am going to try and also go tonight to see him. I'll know around 12:30 p.m. my time if I can get a good seat.

I also spoke to Ross on opening night and thanked him for bringing Gino back to Las Vegas. He was also very cordial and kind to me. Cynthia.

(3): The showroom was full of people. Though you will never get the people on the "Strip" to be as receptive as the people were at the Suncoast. But you know Gino always gets them going by the end of the show. Also, the song from Canto leaves them breathless every time. They were so amazed at the beauty of his voice, they kept clapping at different parts of the song.

(4): It appeared I was the only fan there that night. I'm sure there were others but I was the one closest to the stage enjoying Gino the most.

(5): You know how much I love seeing him. I begin to feel alive and happy again when he sings.

(6): went opening night (Wednesday) and wanted very much to go Thursday night but became very spoiled by the fact that I sat right ON the stage for the opening night performance. I calmed myself by saying that maybe it is meant to be that I only see him opening and closing night. But I am going to try very hard to get a ticket for tonight's (Saturday) performance also.

(7): I would have sent the update earlier but I was glowing. I wanted to get tickets for all four nights but the ticket prices were much higher at the Flamingo than they were at the Suncoast. That's why I asked you to put in a good word with Gino for me. When and if you do talk to him (and I know he talks to THOUSANDS of people on the road) ask him if he remembers the lady who showed him the special shoes she wore for him. It was kind of funny.

I had spoken to him briefly at the meet and greet after the show, and was walking away from the area, when I said to my Mom and husband (who attended the show with me) "I forgot to show Gino my shoes!" Lo and behold, I turned around to say it, and guess who was standing behind me? I showed them to him and he smiled kindly. One of his managers (the BIG, BIG, guy who usually walks in front of him) said those are NICE! It was very sweet of all of them to stop and acknowledge this silly fan, but Gino smiled and patted me ( I was in heaven!) and proceeded through the casino to go have dinner at the Flamingo steakhouse. I was too nervous to tell him I was a local and was happy to help him and his entourage with anything they might need while they were in town.

Ross was kind enough to inform me that Gino will be returning in July (my birthday month!).

A lovely experience I cannot wait to repeat. I am hoping desperately to get a good single ticket for tonight's performance. Cynthia.

(8): The tickets were expensive, but not that bad when it comes to Las Vegas shows. They are all very overpriced, so Gino's fans appreciate that he kept them affordable.

You are always welcome to come to Vegas to see Gino - I'm sure he could get you a good rate (or a free room) at the Flamingo. The Flamingo was the first hotel built in Las Vegas. It is famous for being associated with the mobster, Bugsy Siegel and named after his girlfriend who was a red head with long, long legs. They still have real LIVE flamingos poolside. Ask Gino if he ventured out to see the birds. I know he mentioned he was over at Caesar's on the Wednesday the show opened. He said the ad for his show played on the big screen, and someone leaned over and said, Hey, you look like that guy!

(9):Vegas has just become incredibly expensive. But Gino's fans will pay whatever it takes to see him. You two know that above all.

What a treat to get to see the musical genius that I have looked up to for so long. I wonder how tired he gets of all the middle aged women saying, "I saw you when I was sixteen!" He takes it all in stride. What a classy man.

(10): Now you know Gino will always draw his fans!
And this is a big US holiday weekend.
In fact, guess who's going AGAIN tonight? Gonna go get a memory stick for the camera and start the preparation process.

(11): fer sure! it was a FRENZY last night! everybody up and dancing like they should be. gino looking resplendent in all black and very happy and relaxed.

the meet and greet was oh so brief though, he kind of glanced at the crowd and the entourage shuffled him off..i at least got to greet him and shake his hand but definitely no conversation. my mom heard (on the radio station that has been promoting him here) that he went to the airport the other day to pick up his "sweetie"....maybe the wife came to town to see the shows?

(12): I forgot to get the set list again last night. Going tonight for closing night so I'll ask the guitarist Allen for his set list again. Last night was so much fun, and I met a lot of fans from Portland. Not the best seat but still near enough to Gino and Sandin to get to truly enjoy the show. He was bouncy and happy and looked MAHVELOUS!

(13): he read the poem "love and politics" instead of venus envy.....he said how he spends time living near amsterdam....he that when he's near to you two?

(14): The main floor was definitely full, and he had a good, responsive crowd last night. He deserves that. And it really looked like he was having FUN! 725 total, 525 on the main floor and 200 in the balcony!

(15): Oh my goodness! He produced the same frenzy in the crowd he always does and was so PUFFED UP by the excitement and the music that by the end of the show I thought he was literally going to lift up off the stage. The crowd was ecstatic and screamed for him when he arrived at the meet and greet.

(16:) I've realized now that what would be nicest is to sit and have a nice discussion with him. He was so eloquent on Sunday night, but when you go to speak to him at meet and greet its such a frenzy that he can't hear what you are saying, and I'm sure everything is a blur. I did lean in to him on closing night and whisper in his ear that Barend and Trees sent a hug. I'm not sure if he really heard me, but I did get one final hug from him on his way away from the meet and greet crowd. You will have to ask him if he remembers me speaking to him of you guys at all. He is always very tender with me, but his meet and greet experience on the last two nights was extremely brief. As I mentioned earlier, they had said on the radio that Gino had gone to the airport to pick up his sweetie, and the drummer mentioned that she had been in the crowd during the meet and greet on Sunday night. I'm sure he was anxious to get back to her. I would have loved to have at least seen her. That woman has been quite an inspiration to Gino. CYNTHIA STAR.

(17): Hello, I sent the definition to you in a later email. I also got the setlist on Sunday night. It will be in one of my next few emails. Cynthia...

(18): An e-mail from Cynthia in Las Vegas, NV, USA dated 24 June 2007 with the subject: long awaited set list from the flamingo las vegas gig.
Dear Barend and Trees:
Sorry this took so long to get to you. I've been on my summer tour whirlwhind. Gino in March and May. Michael Lington and Jeffrey Osborne in early June.

Then the Police, Kenny Loggins and Gerald Albright last weekend.

Steve Winwood coming up the end of June.

I'd trade them all to see Gino again in July!

So here goes.....

CRAZY LIFE

BLACK CARS

WHEELS OF LIFE

WILD HORSES

LIVING INSIDE MYSELF

IT'S ONLY LOVE

CANTO

APPALOOSA

HURTS TO BE IN LOVE

VENUS ENVY

I JUST WANNA STOP

BROTHER TO BROTHER

PEOPLE GOTTA MOVE (ENCORE)


An e-mail from Omar R. in southern California, USA dated Saterday 2 June 2007 with the subject: Gino In Vegas

How are you? I got back from the Gino concert at the Flamingo in Las Vegas on Saturday and I have to tell you he was incredible!

He seems to really have a different energy about him that in the past. He seemed more energized and very chatty between the songs. I had great seats and the crowd was into it. I hear he is coming back in July I cant wait to gat tickets for the show.

Again I cant thank you enough for your emails, infomation about the Vegas show. Because of your information you emailed me, I was able to get incredible seats! Keep up the great work! Cheers, Omar. PS Here are some photos from the show: photo 1 and photo 2.





An e-mail dated 2 June 2007 from Sandin Wilson the Bass-guitar player of Gino Vannelli's Portland Band with the subject: Vegas... we are here!

Hi Baren and Trees....
sorry it has taken so long..............had to go back to work the next day...

The Flamingo was a great Venue for Gino and the band.............absolutely awesome light show, as well as some new tunes we have added...... "Crazy Life", and "Appaloosa"....

the band has also added a new member on sax, Patrick Lamb. He is a saxophonist from Portland who is not only a great player, he sounds and looks great and fits very well into Gino's band spotlight.... (Patrick and I sat in with a few bands while in Vegas....Ronnie Foster keyboardist touring with Stevie Wonder and the band "Santa Fe, and the Fat City Horns"......

Shows were mostly sold out, and not bad since tickets were only on sale for a week or 2..........

Gino was in fine form, "Canto" is Gino's spotlight, he just is such a great singer, better than ever, I hear it all the time.......

Appaloosa sounds as good if not more intense live, than on the original recording back in 1979, great tunes, great performances by Randy, Allen, Patrick and Sandin. All my emails from fans say the "SHOW IS TOO SHORT!" 90 minutes is all these venues want , and that is all Gino can give because of the time factor.....

Ross has been doing sound for Gino and the band for several months, and has amazing ears, he has brought the sound of this group to new heights as well as getting Gino into new Venues, he hasn't seen for quite a while.........

Las Vegas Loves Gino, and the people came out in droves, and so did the musicians who live there....so many compliments on the show, it just gets better and better every performance!!

WE go back in July............... and Posters, huge lighted screens everywhere outdoors, indoors at the Airport in the Casinos, on the walls......they are betting on Gino to light up the night with his shows..... with Shots of Gino and the band in Jakarta and South Africa everywhere................

I can send more pics if you like...
All the best to you Barend and Trees!! Love you
Sandin


An e-mail from Ruben M. in the USA dated 1 June 2007 with the subject:
GINO VANNELLI

This is my first time writing to you.
I just got back from seeing Gino perform at the Flamingo over the Memorial Day Weekend. I missed seeing the friends I made at the previous Suncoast concert. I agree with a previous writer that there were more true fans at Suncoast than at the Flamingo. Nevertheless, he packed them in and his performance, along with the Portland Band, was spectacular.

I ran into Gino at a Starbucks along the strip gave him a big bear hug. He was very gracious and appreciative running into an avid fan. I also had a chance to take pictures with Gino, Ross, Randy, Sandin and Aland. These fellows are fabulous. They all remembered us from the Suncoast concert and greeted us while on stage. We are already planning our next trip to Las Vegas this coming July to see Gino and the band. Maybe we should start the "Gino Heads" club. Any thoughts? Ruben


An e-mail from DBeyers – Phoenix, AZ - USA dated 1 June 2007 with the subject: Gino Vannelli... Hi Guys!
I’m sorry it has taken me so long to get in touch with you. Please forgive me.

Anyway, THE CONCERT WAS FANTASTIC!!!!
Gino was perfect (as always).
We attended the May 27th concert with front table seats.
He started with a terrific opening (smoky stage effects—which I hope he keeps!) and dressed in what appeared to be a black vinyl jacket and black satin jeans (a beautiful sight).

The show lasted about 2.5 hours and was worth each and every minute. He sang a few of the new pop tunes (“It’s Only Love” and “Venus Envy”) and my very favorite “Canto”. As expected, the classic items from his catalogue (“Living Inside Myself”, “People Gotta Move”, “I Just Wanna Stop”, etc.) were arranged and performed with perfection.

The Portland Band was the best and I hope he continues performing with them. What also made the show unstoppable was a very enthusiastic fan that had a front row seat across the stage while she displayed a large framed photo of Gino. After the show, I had the opportunity to speak with her and found that Gino had come to her 1979 high school prom and performed after she and several classmates had written a letter requesting his presence. Since then, she has been a dedicated fan.

In the meantime, Gino was kind enough to sign autographs for the LARGE CROWD waiting for him outside the theatre in the casino area. I had the privilege of having my picture taken with him (I don’t have the prints back yet unfortunately) and he signed my poster (the Flamingo piece) and the inside piece of my “Canto” CD.

I also had the pleasure of meeting his brother Ross. He was extremely kind and graciously offered to have his photo taken with me (I hope he will autograph it when/if I see him again). From what I understand, Gino will be back in Vegas again in July (I’ll be checking with you all every day for the most recent info). I will absolutely have my tickets in hand for a front row seat and will be bringing more items in an effort to get more things autographed.

This was the best concert I’ve ever been to. I’m so glad Gino is back and I can only pray that he does more US cities soon! I’ll send pictures asap. Thanks again, DBeyers – Phoenix, AZ - USA


A second e-mail from DBeyers – Phoenix, AZ - USA dated 15 June 2007 with the subject: Gino Vannelli... Hi! I don’t mind you posting my last response to the Las Vegas page it at all—it’s an honor.

The house was packed the night we were there, but there were only a few pictures taken because all of the signs at the Flamingo stated that cameras were forbidden during the concert. This is why you probably don’t have any pictures of the actual concert as of yet. However, there were at least two people that I saw with cameras that I know were actually taking pictures.

The ones that my friend took were after the concert during Gino’s autograph signing. She was understandably afraid to take them during the event because they may have confiscated her camera.

Everyone that I spoke with after the concert was strongly anticipating his possible upcoming (and rumored) July Las Vegas concert and couldn’t wait to buy tickets for that one!!! Being one of them, I totally understand and check every day so that I can plan accordingly.

Thanks again and I wish you the very best!
DBeyers – Phoenix, AZ USA


A little message from KC in Washington State, USA dated 17 June 2007 with the subject: Gino Vannelli... Hi! Hello.....I forgot to answer your question about the Las Vegas shows.....

Gino was great and he looked amazingly well in Western attire and boots!
Las Vegas was fantastic. The fans were really enthusiastic...
He did look quite handsome today too in his cycling clothes plus black Crocs and black sports socks! Hope all is well with the both of you. KC


A second e-mail from Ruben M. in the USA dated 12 June 2007 with the subject:
GINO VANNELLI

Greetings Again from Fresno, CA.
To elaborate further on our wonderful and majestic trip to the Flamigo this past month to listen to Gino and the Portland Band, I found it quite amusing that there was a mix of hard core fans and those with some casual knowledge of Gino and his music. It would be wonderful if Gino could hold a concert for his long-time fans. The electricity that permeates the room is unbelievable, as I first saw at the Suncoast.

My son, Andrew, who is a senior entertainment writer for "LIfted Magazine" wrote a very inpsiring article on Gino after seeing him life and in concert. Without my influence, he was able to see, as a next generation fan, the relevancy and uniqueness of Gino. While we heard his most popular songs at the Flamingo, we have not lost sight of Gino's music such as "Black and Blue"; "Jokers Wild"; "People I Belong to" and "I Die a Little", to name but a few. We look forward to seeing more and await his next release.


An e-mail from -- Randy Reyes -- Principal Partner -- Tribecca Productions, Inc. in the USA dated 15 September 2007 with the subject:
GINO VANNELLI

Keep up your great and devoted website to Gino Vannelli...
The website has grown over the years and is a world wide tribute to Gino's great music career!

P.S. I saw Gino and his band in concert recently in Las Vegas and was surprsed to see brother Ross Vannelli helping out with the sound mixing board at the Flimingo Hilton...a great concert!!! We look forward to Gino returning to Los Angeles in the future for a live concert!!!! Randy Reyes.



LAS VEGAS PRE-FUN:

An e-mail from Cheryl in the USA dated 24 april 2007 with the subject: Gino - Vegas.

Hi Barend & Trees;
Thanks so much for the emails and the info. It's always a pleasure communicating with you. I wish we didn't live worlds apart!.

I searched again on the Flamingo Las Vegas link you have listed to try to find out about Gino, but still no luck. Have you heard this from others? Obviously, I am anxious....
Cheryl


Another e-mail from Cheryl in the USA dated 25 april 2007 with the subject: Re: Gino - Vegas.

Hi Barend & Trees;
I just got off the phone with the Flamingo Hotel box office. They finally have the Gino shows listed online, but the tickets are not for sale yet. They said to keep checking back every few days and they will be on sale by phone before online.

Thought I would update you in case others are asking. Have a great day! Regards, Cheryl


An e-mail from DBeyers in the USA dated 26 April 2007 with the subject: Gino Vannelli tour data and information web page

Dear Barend and Trees,
FYI – I called the Flamingo in Las Vegas earlier this afternoon and found that the tickets for the May 23-27, 2007 concert are not yet available because they state that the contract has yet to be signed. However, the Flamingo’s website has all of the concerts listed.

Just thought you’d want to know. DBeyers

P.S.: You have a great and informative website! Thanks for being so devoted to such a terrific performer!


A few e-mails from Omar in south California, USA with the subject: Gino at the Flamingo

(1): dated 26 April 2007:
How are you? You have a great site!
I called the Flamingo Hilton in Las Vegas and they say they show no concerts for Gino in May of 07. The links that you show on your site do not show the concerts as well. Do you have any more info on the Vegas concerts
Thank you, Omar

(2): dated 26 April 2007:
Thank you I will keep a eye out. Keep up the great work!!! Omar

(3): dated 1 May 2007:
Hello, Yes Thank you I was able to get four tickets for a table next to the stage in the center!!!!!

I cant thank you enough for letting me and the world know about Gino news and when he is playing live. I live in the southern California area and was unable to him a few months ago in Las Vegas So we are very excited to see him at the Flamingo. That is a much better and more prestigious hotel and showroom than the Suncoast that he was at before. I have been a fan of his since 1976 and it is nice to see a site like your that has much more info and news that his own. Thank you again! Omar

(4): dated 24 May 2007:
We are leaving on Saturday morning. I will email I am sure an incredible review. I cant wait. I haven't seen Gino live in about 7 years.

Since you guys know all things Gino.......Have you heard or seen a set list of the songs he will perform? Again I cant thank you enough for you help about the tickets at the flamingo....cheers!!!
Omar


An e-mail from Cheryl in the USA dated 13 May 2007 with the subject: You Know His Hits, Now See Him Live at Flamingo Las Vegas!

Hi Barend & Trees;
I wanted to share this email I received from The Flamingo Hilton in Las Vegas.
I am on their mailing list and apparently they sent out this mass email to those on the list. Very cool! Hope you are having a great weekend! Regards, Cheryl


More e-mails from Cheryl in the USA with the subject: Gino in Las Vegas

Dear Barend & Trees;
The Flamingo is a phenominal place to see Gino! I have stayed there many times and the rooms are wonderful. The Flamingo was the first big casino in Vegas all those years ago and has continued to remain on top. Will you be seeing Gino in Amsterdam? Cheryl


An e-mail again from DBeyers in Phoenix, AZ, USA dated 12 May 2007 with the subject: Las Vegas

Hello,
Thank you for getting back to me. I feel so honored to have received your e-mail.
I ended up getting tickets (front row, center, seat 1) for the Sunday, May 27th show!!!
I cannot begin to tell you how extremely excited I am!!!
I called the Flamingo every day until I found that they went on sale that Saturday morning at 10:00.

I hope that he will be available to sign autographs and take quick pictures because I just purchased another copy of the “Canto” CD just for him to autograph. Anyway, I am eternally grateful to you both for staying on top of things and being the first to supply Gino’s fans with up-to-the-minute concert information.

My best friend and I are going and she does all of the photography (she owns the camera). I’ll scan and send you as many pictures (and a quick report) as soon as possible. A million thanks to you, Barend & Trees.
D Beyers
Phoenix, AZ USA



THE MEDIA:

In the Las Vegas Sun: Fri, 01 Jun 2007 7:53 AM PDT By Jerry Fink

Flamingo stands tall
What a terrific and varied lineup of entertainment at the Flamingo - R&B artist Toni Braxton at her sexiest in the evenings, funnyman George Wallace and the richly talented Society of Seven with Lani Misalucha in the afternoons.

In the smaller showroom, the classic Chicago improv group Second City fills the early slot and is still going strong with its troupe of young artists who manage to pull humor out of thin air. The erotic "X Burlesque" holds down late nights, and its latest incarnation may be the hottest yet. Husband and wife producers Matt and Angela Stabile hired Colombia native J.J. Villar to redo the choreography, and he has created an edgy atmosphere that smolders with sexuality.

Drop pop singer Gino Vannelli into the middle of this entertainment buffet. He performed recently in the main showroom and is scheduled to return. Vannelli sells his jazzy tunes to his fans with ease and fills the room with charisma.


Your One Stop Guide to Las Vegas at its Best.....

Back Stage with Gino Vannelli & the Band at the Flamingo...
What a week hanging with The Gino Vannelli Band. Sunday night jamming with the legendary Ronnie Foster, Monday night Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns at The Palms, Thursday touring the Pearl Theater and The Studio at The Palms and seeing the show for the first time in this venue at The Flamingo.

I was invited by my friend Sandin Wilson, bass player with the Gino Vannelli Band to the sound check at 5 PM. They literally spent an hour and a half preparing for the hour and a half show.

Gino was in the audience area for the first part of the sound check and his brother Ross was checking the sound from all sections of the theater then running back to the board to adjust settings. Gino went up on stage to run through a couple of tunes to complete the check.

The two brothers are absolute perfectionists and know their fans are expecting the best and they always deliver. During the sound check I met D.J. McLachlan, Gino’s manager from New York and learned we had some mutual friends in the entertainment business. At the end of the sound check I had the opportunity to meet Ross and found out that he lives in L.A. where he has a studio and is scoring music for film. Ross played guitar in the early days of Gino’s career and has always run the sound.

At 7:15 PM we headed back stage to the dressing room with the group and then downstairs to the stage. Everyone was in position for show time at 7:30 PM and as the curtain was drawn and the fogger enveloped Gino in a haze the music started and was very dramatic in his entrance. The crowd went wild and an evening that I will never forget unfolded. What an experience to be back stage and see this legend, Gino Vannelli perform his show from the wings and feel the the sound as well as hear it.

The show started with "Crazy Life" and then went into "Black Cars". One of his all time favorites was next, "Wheels of Life" followed by "Wild Horses". The crowd cheered to favorites... "Living Inside Myself" and "I Just Wanna Stop" (music and lyrics by Ross Vannelli). Gino also sang "Appaloosa" and a song that he has just written called "Venus".

All of our friends that we had been hanging out with all week were doing their thing. Sandin Wilson, incredible precision bassist playing his 6 string was laying down the foundation and creating the pocket for drummer extraordinaire, Reinhardt Melz. Allen Hinds was on the other side of the stage laying down the guitar licks with attitude.

This amazing show wrapped up with "Brother to Brother" and "Powerful People". A standing ovation brought them back for an encore of "People Gotta Move" which is moving up the charts in Europe. Sandin Wilson encouraged the audience to get up and dance and they didn't need a second invitation.

Randy Porter was on keyboards covering those familiar chord changes written by brother Joe Vannelli. A new addition to the group on this engagement, Patrick Lamb is a seasoned veteran sax player formerly with Diane Schuur and Bobby Caldwell. Patrick enjoyed the show with us backstage in between his appearances during the show.

.
Gino Vannelli


May 22, 2007



Q+A: Gino Vannelli

Uncompromising artist back in Vegas
By Jerry Fink
Las Vegas Sun

Riding a mountain bike through the flatlands of Holland strikes of some sort of symbolism about the biker.

For pop artist Gino Vannelli, it says a lot.

With more than 30 years of success behind him, he has no more mountains to climb, but he continues working hard for the love of it.

Even though a mountain bike may look out of place in a nation without mountains, Vannelli is not concerned with appearances - especially when it comes to his music.

He takes pride in not taking the easy path, which would be to merely perform his past hits at his concerts, picking up his check and going home. Vannelli continues to work hard to evolve.

The native of Canada begins a limited, four-day engagement Wednesday at the Flamingo, where he will be backed by a five-piece band. He will return July 19-21 and may add future dates.

Among Vannelli's hits from the '70s and '80s are "I Just Wanna Stop," "People Gotta Move" and "Living Inside Myself."

In 2005 Vannelli released his 15th album, "These Are the Days," and he says he is working on another between international tours.

He talked to the Sun by telephone from his home near Amsterdam, where he had just completed his nightly bike ride.

Q: Where do you spend most of your time these days?

A: I live half-time here in Holland and half-time in Oregon.

I have a couple of friends there. I travel so much, I just love the countryside of Oregon. I live out in the Columbia Gorge. It's just a really great place to live. I spend like six months out of the year in Oregon and six months in Europe and Holland. It's great, but I travel so much. I'm always doing concerts all over the world. After my gig at the Flamingo I've got to be in Moscow three days later.

I have a Dutch group that I tour with here in Holland. I also do some big-band stuff with a 60-piece orchestra here. I like to do concerts - London, Naples, Stockholm. I love to tour various parts of the world. People don't realize how big the world is.

Q: By the way, where are you from?

A: I spent my younger years in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The San Francisco Bay Area was for so many years - '60s, '70s, '80s - really anti-Vegas, you know. It was against what Vegas stood for. But partly you have changed and partly Vegas has changed because now Vegas is more filled with people like you who have a background of the art and a love of the real art and know how to make it work in the real world - so that's what I've found pleasantly changed about Vegas since I last played there in the '70s.

Q: How did the gig with the Flamingo come about?

A: It's kind of an in-depth story. There's always been a bit of a tug of war between me and the mainstream. For years I definitely refused to be a revue kind of show, doing a medley of my hits, playing as a record - just show up onstage and do it. I've always been too close to the inner sanctum of music to do that. So, in short, I refused to play there.

But oddly enough an agent booked me into the Suncoast a couple of months ago and the show was such a success that people at Harrah's (owner of the Flamingo) wanted to get involved. I was happy because I could really do the music the way I think music should be. I don't think an artist should be a shadow or a statue of himself and pose for the people. This is real, real musicians, a real music show. A lot of heart and soul.

Q: Describe the show. Will it be more of a concert or an intimate evening with a friend?

A: It's a little bit of it all because of my time in the business and the people that have followed me through the years. In many cases they are interested, or at least curious, to know what I've been up to, what are my thoughts on the world as it is compared to what it was like then. How I've grown up since I started off as a 20-year-old in the business. As I go song to song there's always a little bit of a story, a little bit of background. But definitely it is a concert. It's not a lounge show.

Q: Before the Suncoast, when did you last perform in Vegas?

A: I hadn't been there since 1979.

Q: Why the long absence? Is it because you didn't want to compromise your art?

A: That's partly it. (Flamingo president) Don (Marrandino) and a couple of other people at Harrah's are a little bit more music - oriented than most and so I'm not confronted with being A&R-ed to death, as if it's a record company. I really don't want to do that. I have too much fun doing my stuff all over the world.

A: Don Marrandino knows music. He doesn't make too many bad choices, which says a lot about you.

I appreciate the fact that he wants to give it a go. For me it's great. I don't have to do anything that much different. The room is going to take some thought. We're really giving the room a twice - over. We want to be very alert and inventive. We're trying to make the room sound as best we can. For me, singing and making music is kind of like attending Mass for a Catholic. It's such a great offering for me, a great moment of release and communication, and it's one of the things I love to do the most in my life.

Q: Was it difficult to convince you to take a deal at the Flamingo?

A: I only got convinced to come when they said take the band and the music the way I see it. A lot of people really balk at an artist that walks onstage and doesn't play his hit record the way it was 35 years ago. I found the people that came to see the three shows at the Suncoast to be very progressive, very tolerant, very open.

A: Of course I'm not going to play them "Three Blind Mice," but what they hear is the songs they know and in a lot of cases they like a lot.


GINO VANNELLI: A Special Kind of Artist by Andrew Moreno in Texas, USA.

What characteristics make up an artist?
Perhaps it’s their style, charisma, ability to connect with people, and that special “it factor.” It’s true, many artists comprise these same qualities, but the problem is maintaining these qualities for decades. In our current techno-savvy society, artists appear and disappear. However, what can be said about those artists who have maintained a strong following for 30 years. There is indeed something majestic and pure about the music of Gino Vannelli. Paraded for his music in the 70s, Gino quickly gained a strong and faithful following. Although it might appear that fame can affect anyone, there is something unique about Gino.

This past weekend, I had the opportunity of attending a Gino Vannelli concert in Las Vegas. The audience was filled with people from around the world, both young and adult. Engaging in a few conversations, many people revealed that they had been Gino fans since the 70’s. Some traveled from back East, Canada, and one person from Japan just to see Gino. I told myself, “There is something purely emotional with his music that makes everyone connect with him.” For those who are not “Ginoatics or Fan-Ginos” here is a brief list of his accomplishment.

During his illustrious career Gino has been nominated for a variety of awards, including several Grammy award nominations, toured with Stevie Wonder, and recorded many well-known international chart-toppers. While on sabbatical, Gino decided he wanted to learn more about life. He took a break from the music industry and become a student of the world, where he studied different religions of the world. It was not long until Gino decided to record another album.

As I sat in amazement during his concert, I was so pleased to see his show excited both the young and adult fan became. The look in the eyes of his fans told a unique story. It’s almost if every fan had a meaningful Gino moment. A family I had met informed me that 200 members of her family were at the concert. Another man told me that after experiencing a devastating illness, Gino’s music was the only thing that brought him back. It might seem exaggerated, but as I listed to the words of this man, I could see there wasn’t any exaggeration, just a peace and a sense of appreciation.

If you’re the type of individual who appreciates the message of a song, I strongly encourage you to purchase any of Gino Vannelli’s albums. The music is inspiration, moving, sincere, and honest. An artist like Gino, who doesn’t glorify fame and vanity, is an artist of the people. If I have managed to intrigue you, please visit Here you will find a complete listing of his discography and upcoming tour dates.



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