Sights and Sounds of Las Vegas
Ghalib Ghallab Duo
Memphis All Stars

Nevertheless, the stay was enjoyable and afforded me an opportunity to check out my friend Ghalib Ghallab at the Range Steak House in Harrah's . Ghalib is a former Chicagoan who relocated to Vegas over 20 years ago and performs at Harrah's Thursday through Saturday each week.

On this occasion , pianist Ghalib was performing with his son, drummer Jihab. These two have been working together for over 10 years and are truly a dynamic duo. The two played a variety of numbers including "Gravy Waltz," "Summertime," "Green Dolphin Street," "Mr. Magic," "Mercy Mercy Me," "Blue Bossa," "Going to Chicago," "Girl from Ipanema," "Moondance," "Stormy Weather" (involved audience on this one) and a very unique version of Horace Silver's "Song for My Father." On this number, Ghalib added lyrics, in addition to merging it with a Latin tinge. It's a version that MUST be on his next CD.

Not only is Ghalib an awesome pianist, he also can sing with the best of them. His stage presence has always been top notch as he connects with the audience with the greatest of ease.

Be sure to check him out on the web for detailed information about his future events. If you plan to be in Vegas the weekend of August 13th, he's performing at a festival in Vegas.

I also visited BB King's Blues Club in the Mirage during my stay. It's a wonderful room that features blues, jazz and R&B seven nights a week. Located in the beautiful Mirage Hotel, it now features the Memphis All Stars four or five nights a week.

This group plays a variety of R&B selections featuring vocalists Alex Morgan and Larry Springfield. Larry just relocated to Vegas from Chicago and knows how the "rock the house." These two are backed by a fantastic six-piece band.

In addition to the great music, a great "southern cuisine" is served at the "King's" place.

So if visiting Vegas in the near future, save time (and money) at these two venues that are inexpensive (no cover charge) and feature two of the best lounge acts on the Strip. You won't regret it.