Rising Stars

By: Sam Wagmeister - Nightlife Editor 

Most Baby Boomers…those born during the WWII years…cringe when they walk by a young vocalist armed with a microphone these days. The expectations usually are for a thunder sounding like the canyons and bombs that fell on D-Day.

Baby Boomers who live in Las Vegas can be thankful that their city’s heritage still inspires and attracts a young generation of appreciative performers respecting the town’s musical heritage.

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One whose star was rising in Las Vegas before being lured to the historic stages, showrooms and night clubs on both coasts, Jonathan Karrant, returns Sunday, Father’s Day, to the Italian American Club, recently refurbished and open to the public.

Karrant is one of those rare vocalists who actually studied his craft, music, leaving his Arkansas home and heading to New York City. There he fulfilled the dream of performing his show Cole Porter and Me.

Besides Porter, other musical influences in his life include Tony Bennett, James Darren, Sinatra, Nat King Cole and others. The young man’s recent album, On and On, reached #4 on jazz charts.

Italian American Club is the oldest Italian restaurant in Nevada. Once a closed membership venue, it became a haven for entertainers, a retreat after their shows on the Strip.

The walls are lined with photos of the stars who performed for their peers. A visit to the Italian American Club combines a walk back into the glitter days of the Entertainment Capital of the World, an historic venue and exceptional, affordable meals and appetizers.

Their menu includes pasta, steaks, fish and chicken dishes. After dinner, the lounge and its inviting bar become the audience for a rotating lineup of great vocalists and musicians carrying on the Vegas tradition of Louis Prima, Sonny King and others.

Karrant provides the perfect complement to Fathers Day, whether stopping by the Club for dinner or just an evening nightcap in the lounge. He be on stage 7:00 – 11:00 PM.

Italian American Club is located at 2333 East Sahara Av., ½ block east of Eastern next to the Sonic Drive-In. For reservations, call (702) 457-3866.

Other upcoming events at the club include:

June 18: Elisa Fiorillo in the lounge

June 19: Genevieve Dew and Keith Neil in the lounge

June20-21: Carmine Mandia in the lounge

June 22: Chadwick Johnson in the lounge

June 25: The return of Rosanna Telfrod in the lounge, with Keith Neil

June 26: Mark Goivi in the lounge

June 27-28: Carmine Mandia in the lounge\

June 28: An evening of Music & Comedy, Classic Motown, Memphis Soul and R&B Classics with Paul Campanella in the showroom (Tickets $20.00)