Las Vegas is a unique city. One of — if not the — world's top tourist destinations, it seems a city that has it all — top-notch resorts, outstanding dining, excellent shopping, fabulous entertainment....well, you get the idea. It is a city of superlatives. And, judging by that standard, Domenick Allen fits right in.
He is, in a word, unique. Or, if you don't like that word, "superlative" will do. This is so not just because of his musicianship — which is certainly remarkable — but because of his story. Imagine, a boy from Glasgow who, in brief, was discovered and mentored by Liberace, who grew up to sing with the iconic rock band Foreigner and who is, today, a leading light of the Las Vegas entertainment scene.
Allen is married to Leigh Zimmerman who is now on Broadway playing Velma Kelly in Chicago. Along with their daughter Kayleigh, husband and wife perform together whenever they are able. And, as each is when appearing solo, together they are dynamite and terrific to see.
But, with his wife a few thousand miles away, this weekend, Domenick Allen is working solo, doing something very special for his Las Vegas community — a performance of his classic rock show, Vinyl that will benefit Toys for Tots. The show is one case when, in a Las Vegas where it seems too often to be all about money, it is easy to give and those who give will be rewarded as much as the recipients.
Vinyl is music from the 60s through the 80s superbands, including the Stones, the Who, Journey, the Eagles and, of course, Foreigner. In addition to his niine-piece band, Allen has also invited special guests to the event so, appearing with him will be Sonny Turner of the Platters, Billy Hinsche from The Beach Boys, Rick Faugno from Jersey Boys, Antonio Restivo from America’s Got Talent, Mark Giovi from the vampire show, Bite, and Chris Phillips of Zowie Bowie. Former member of Rose Royce, Regi Brown, who toured with I Can't Stop Loving You, will be singing a duet with Allen.
The benefit will be held December 11, from 8 pm to midnight at the Hard Rock Cafe on the Las Vegas Strip. Admission is $20 or a new, unwrapped toy.
Tickets are available at TicketWeb: http://www.ticketweb.com/snl/Search.action?query=domenick+allen
