Being a Tourist in Your Own Home Can Make for a Great Time

Standing the Test of Time.....Pete Vallee

"Big Elvis"

 

Pete Vallee....."Big Elvis"

 

When it comes to local entertainment, I consider myself a leading advocate of the people who live in the Las Vegas community whose life is dedicated to the simple idea of "making people happy" !

 

Whether they be singers, dancers, magicians, or even dog trainers; without them, Las Vegas, in my mind, would be just another city.

 

We're called "The Entertainment Capital of the World" for one reason.....THEM. 

 

...and one of THEM, is my pal, Pete Vallee, affectionately known as "Big Elvis".

 

Not long ago my wife and I decided to be "tourists" in our own home town. 

It was fun, and as we walked along the new LINQ project, my eyes swelled in awe as I saw the view of the "High Roller" at the end of the complex.

 

...but before we took that stroll, I heard a voice from Harrah's Piano Bar that made me recall some of the old days....The "Barbary Coast" days....then "Bill's", now, the glamorous "Cromwell", when a fella named Pete Vallee would draw standing room only crowds every day he performed in his afternoon shows.

 

And there he was at Harrah's, Big Elvis, performing three  FREE shows at 2:00pm, 3:30pm, and 5:00pm,  just as he has done for all the years I remembered coming here as a tourist.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CQ8BxTSt2I

He made a comment during his show that caused me to realize just how important Pete Vallee has been to Las Vegas history, and hopefully, how important he will be in its future. 

 

He is the symbol of what built the entertainment of Las Vegas

.....the afternoon lounge act....

the core of what brought people here for decades as they took a break from a slot machine or blackjack or craps table...

 

...what I believe was the appreciation casinos would show guests....

 

....that has been disappearing in this town.

 

Pete mentioned that in the entire career of "The King"; all of the movies he made were within a 15 year period....and...guess what...Pete's now been at it for 15 years as well....as long as "The King" himself entertained us !

 

There isn't an Elvis song that Pete doesn't know, and he's always willing to sing your favorite.

 

He even has a fan club that just exceeded the 150,000 mark !

 

And Mr. Vallee is finally being recognized for what he's meant to our city....by receiving a star on the Las Vegas "Walk of Fame" on his birthday in February, 2015.

 

We want to congratulate Pete Vallee, not just for receiving his "star", but for his 15 years of performing three afternoon shows every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at Harrah's Piano Bar.

 

If you're one of the few who has never experienced  watching him perform (and be amazed at his "Elvis" voice)...get there,  and if you've already had the pleasure of seeing him, see him again, and again, and again...

 

...because he's every bit the ICON the real one was....and he's stood the test of time in proving it.

 

Want more information, contact Harrah's at  (800) 214-9110.  The hotel is on the Strip at 3475 Las Vegas Blvd. South.

 

And make sure you see the LINQ project as well.  

It's TOMORROW....TODAY 

Dick Arendt