ODD NEWS OUT OF VEGAS: In the "Norm" column of the Las Vegas Review-Journal"singing legend" Johnny Mathis was sighted at the Bellagio this weekend in Las Vegas. That's almost one for the "so what" category. But, I report what I find, so....at any rate, here is the whole column for the enjoyment of those who want to try to figure it out, complete with what I believe to be one of the best photos of Mathis I've seen in a long time. David Vance didn't take this, by the way. It was and probably still is an Associated Press photo.
INTERESTING NEW DATE: According to Pollstar, Johnny Mathis will be appearing at the Atlanta Athletic Club in Duluth, Georgia on the 22nd of May. Sounds like he's playing at YMCAs now! Actually, this is a members-only (private) golf club, and thus, more than likely, a date made in Heaven from Mathis' point of view.
These little oddball venues, like this one, and the one in Wilmington and possibly Baton Rouge, too, aren't all that uncommon anymore. More and more, celebrities are making themselves available for these rich-folks' get-togethers. In fact, according to a Boston Globe article I read called "Takin' care of business," the reasons are basically that it is financially satisfying for them to do so. Many examples were given of private concerts given for corporate leaders. Even the big celebrities like Elton John, Celine Dion, James Brown, and even Stevie Wonder don't mind doing the private birthday parties for the bigwigs. It's apparently very lucrative. A few artists still refuse to play corporate gigs: Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, maybe a couple of others. However, according to the Globe, "the pay is too high and the resistance too low for most entertainers." A similar, but older, article for the British publication The Guardian Unlimited Observer, entitled "Old rockers don't die, they just sing for Microsoft", pretty much confirms the information in the Globe article. In fact, The Observer offers some real financial data that'll make a person's head spin! Just get a load at what Tom Jones is getting. Seems the money is not in the concerts for the recording artists. And when you're talking about that kind of money, like one article suggests, idealism goes out the window in a hurry! My, how the times they are a'changing. Both of these are very informative and eye-opening articles.
All that being said, I'm still a little dumbfounded as to why Johnny Mathis, a man who in the past was as uncaring about money as a rich man could be, would be in need of extra spending cash, although the electric bills are probably very high for him, too. I guess in light of all this, even the Las Vegas news is a little more understandable.
MATHIS IN CONCERT: Outside of any corporate gigs not likely to be published, Mathis next appears at Caesar's Atlantic City. The shows are set for this Friday and Saturday the. Ticket prices start at $60.
Mathis plays Buffalo on Friday, May 11 and Saturday, May 12. Looks like they're not selling online, though. Some folks insist on doing things the old-fashioned way! I would call 1-800-699-3168 and ask about tickets to that show. Here's an online ad for the show. The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra has a cool lady conductor, and I'll bet they'll make Mathis sound fantastic!
Tickets are on sale NOW for the Nashville Symphony concert in Antioch (June 14). There is an 8-ticket limit with strict enforcement, which is good, as 8 should certainly be plenty for anyone!
Tickets are on sale for the shows at the Silver Legacy Casino in Reno, Nevada. Prices are $50, $44, and $30; call (800) 687-8733 for details or use the online form.
The Westbury Music Fair has added two NEW dates for the summer: July 20th & 21st. Tickets are on sale NOW online via Ticketmaster for these new dates.
Tickets for the North Shore Music Theatre concert in Wednesday, August 15 and Thursday, August 16 in Beverly, MA are on sale online NOW!
Tickets for the concert in Saratoga, California (a suburb of San Jose) on August 30th go on sale to the public on April 13th. There is a ticket limit and prices are from $60-$100.
Don't know yet if tickets can be bought now for the Foxwoods Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut (don't ask where that is) on October 5th and 6th.
Sorry, still no Canadian or other foreign dates that I can see. I think I'd find some way to let Mathis know you guys want to hear him sing, too.
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