Fans of all ages are beginning to appreciate the talent of dynamic entertainer Art Vargas, who for years has paid tribute to the Golden Age of Las Vegas.
There was a time when older generations packed his shows.
Now he’s being discovered by the younger generations as well.
“I recently performed at the Bootlegger and at this table for 10 a party was celebrating the 21st birthday of one of the girls,” says Vargas. “Someone in the party said, ‘Man, we’ve been trying to find this kind of entertainment inVegas.’”
Vargas performs his tribute show at the Bootlegger on South Las Vegas Boulevard once or twice a month, sometimes more often, sometimes less.
“At the Bootlegger I use a smaller version of my band because of the smaller space,” he says.
The smaller band is a quartet. When he has the space he uses a seven-piece ensemble that includes:
· Mike Dubay – Piano
· Jonathon Rem – Bass
· Paul Ringenbach- Drums
· Rusty Blevins – Saxophone
· Steve Meyer – Trombone
· Glenn Colby- Trumpet
“The arrangements come alive with the extra horns,” Vargas says.
When he isn’t at the Bootlegger he’s at a variety of venues around town, some public, some private.
This weekend he will be at the Rampart in Summerlin.
He’s been so popular there that he will be back for engagements in August, October and December.
The property manager likes Vargas’ vintage show so much a special room has been opened and named the Vintage Lounge.
When he isn’t paying tribute to an era (Vegas in the ‘40s through the ‘60s), Vargas pays tribute to the legendary Bobby Darin.
In July he will perform his Darin act with “Legends in Concert” at the Foxwoods casino in Mashantucket, Conn., and return to Vegas in August.
Vargas came to Vegas in 1987 to join the cast of “Legends in Concert,” which was then at the Imperial Palace.
He was hired to do his Darin tribute. The gig lasted six years.
One of the most striking qualities about Vargas, besides his talent, is his boundless energy. His enthusiasm is catching. “I’ve been entertaining pretty much my entire life,” Vargas says. “I knew at an early age I was born to dance and sing — it was a natural part of who I was. I was 7 years old, singing and dancing at parties. I knew for sure then that this is what I was supposed to do.
“I couldn’t help it. I hear music in my head, even when I’m not thinking about it: patterns, beats and rhythms, things like that.”
Vargas sang and danced his way through school in Detroit, where he also was a clothing model. After graduating from high school in 1982 he began performing in Detroit nightclubs and other venues.
It didn’t take long for audiences to notice a similarity between Vargas and Darin, both in appearance and voice.
“So I developed a Bobby Darin tribute,” Vargas said. “I always loved that kind of music anyway. I learned to like it when I was real young, when I would go to the Salvation Army and look through boxes of old dusty records that sold for 25 cents each. I would take them home and listen to them and learn. It was exciting, an education.”
He said he was influenced by entertainers such as Darin, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Mel Torme, Joe Williams and Sara Vaughan.
Vegas was a natural attraction for Vargas.
“The ‘Legends’ show was an incredible experience,” Vargas says. “I felt so comfortable there, but I didn’t want to get locked into doing Bobby Darin with ‘Legends’ the rest of my life. There was a lot more in me bubbling to get out.”
Today he travels the country, either as Darin or doing the Vintage show. During the past four years he has rejoined the “Legends” family, performing at Foxwoods and Myrtle Beach, Branson and other places.
Lately he’s been focusing on getting back into the Vegas entertainment scene.
“Things got really strange in Vegas for awhile,” he says. “So many places have gone to DJs in ultra lounges. Hopefully, things are getting back to where they were.
He feels lucky.
“I have a good fan base,” Vargas says. “When people see my show, they never forget me.”
If you’ve never heard Vargas check out his current CD ” You Perfect Stranger,” with title track by the late Mike Corda, who for many years wrote and performed musc in Vegas. If you’ve never seen him perform, head for the Rampart this weekend.
“I have the same energy,” he says. “I haven’t slow down. When I have a great band behind me I can’t help but snap my fingers and move.”
Who: Art Vargas in “Vintage Vegas Live” When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 21-22; 4 p.m. Sunday, May 23 Where: Rampart Casino, Vintage Vegas Lounge Tickets: $15 (includes one drink) Information: call 507-5900 For more Show updates visit Art Vargas website: www.Varjazz.com
by Jerry Fink thejerryfink.com
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