Tom Jones International

It’s been a point of (very) minor frustration* to many of us who live here that many of Tom’s fans come to visit and never leave the MGM Grand — even during the day. That is a real pity because there’s a lot to see here in town without traveling to the Grand Canyon. It’s got a lot of natural wonders, museums you’ll find nowhere else (Liberace Museum? Atomic Testing Museum?), interesting attractions (Ethel M Candy and Cactus Garden with amazing M&M flavors and a Lucy and Ethel-like conveyer belt) and probably the best shopping in the world.

Some fans, we know for a fact, venture out during the day and — even — in the evening. There are other wonderful shows to see. Now, before you get upset, it must be said that with the economy the way it is and with tickets priced as they are, we local fans — with one glaring exception — do not go to the show every night. Sometimes, we stay home. Sometimes, we do other things.

Friday, my good friend Ursula and I went to see impressionist Gordie Brown’s opening at the Golden Nugget downtown where, if you go, you’ll also see the world-famous Fremont Street Experience (an absolute must-do). The last time I saw Gordie was not, in fact, onstage. It was in the audience at Tom Jones’ show at the MGM.

There are two factors that set Brown apart from other impressionists. First, is his range — Bono, Green Day, Tony Bennett, Bruce Springsteen, Jack Nicholson, Coldplay, Elvis, Robert DeNiro, Jim Carrey, Al Pacino and Tom Cruise, among many others. Second is the fact that he does their songs but puts in his own appropriate words. (What he did with Sir Tom’s material cannot be printed here but it was funny and included something about Tattoo from Fantasy Island.)

He is also a very good caricaturist (see sample here) who started out doing political cartoons in his hometown newspaper, the Ottawa Sunday Herald in Ontario, Canada.

His is one of many fun, worthwhile shows. And it’s doable. With hotel rates at an all-time low, consider arriving a couple of days before Tom begins a run or staying a night or two after he closes. You won’t regret it. If you cannot bear to miss a night with Tom, there are plenty of afternoon shows from which to choose.

*It wouldn’t have been mentioned except for (1) what a good time we had at the show and (2) how Gordie Brown impersonated Sir Tom.

And, no matter who you see tonight, don’t forget Midnight Music with Herman Matthews and Friends — Bootlegger Bistro, 7700 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 702/736-4939.