Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Pat’s Patter Viva Las Vegas!
Sometimes in life you’re fortunate enough to get an urge to pinch yourself, take a deep breath and think “Is this really happening to me?”
Believe me, that’s how I felt sitting in the departure lounge waiting to board a flight to Las Vegas earlier this month.
I couldn’t stop thinking about gigging at the greatest entertainment capital in the world.
The NAFCSC Convention was the occasion and the venue was the Westgate Resort, formerly known as The Hilton, and a home from home for legends of showbiz from Liberace to Streisand and, of course, the King himself – Elvis.
As a fan, I was delighted to secure a viewing of the suite Mr Presley used on his frequent Vegas visits to the resort and witness the rooftop swimming pool, enormous rooms, helipad, secret lift and incredible artwork that would be at home in the Louvre.
No matter where you go in Vegas, it’s show time.
The place is chocka with dancing girls, zip slides, street performers, live bands, Elvis impersonators and the constant buzz of helicopters overhead as tourists are ferried to the Grand Canyon and night-time flights over the famous strip.
I was buzzing with excitement in anticipation of performing at the world famous Paradise Ballroom, and my adrenaline took me to a different level as I found myself booking one of the aforementioned night-time helicopter rides.
The flight was sensational, with breathtaking views of Vegas in all its neon glory, but I reverted to type when I pondered how much the electricity bill would be. At least on a par with Alistair Doyle’s annual Christmas lights I’d imagine.
The gig itself was excellent and the first time I’d played a venue so big that some punters struggled to see even me onstage, meaning I was beamed on giant TV screens in all my glory.
But that’s just typical Vegas... everything is over the top and then some!
I can honestly say it’s the most energetic and upbeat place I have ever been – including Diamonds nightclub back in the day.
Nothing stands still – roulette wheels spin as often as the helicopter blades, entertainers dance as wildly as the neon lights, and money changes hands with almost every breath taken and the cheers of winners thankfully drown out the cries of despair from losers.
Thankfully, my luck was in, the gig went well and I left feeling like I’d hit the jackpot.
But instead of chips, I was rewarded with laughs.
What a week – a penthouse apartment, dancing with the showbiz girls, flying high in the night sky and gigging in the same venue as Sinatra, Streisand, Tom Jones and Elvis.
And sitting at the airport waiting to head home, all I could think was Viva Las Vegas!