NIGHTLIFE

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Jerry Tiffe

The World's Greatest Lounge Singer

By Arthur J. Bloberger

If "lounge singer" was in the dictionary, Jerry Tiffe's picture would be with it. He defines it.

When I was a young cub in the early years of Today In Las Vegas Magazine, I must've typed his name a million times. It seemed like he was everywhere, always performing, giving his all to the glory days of Las Vegas lounges. Heck, half the places he carried on his shoulders have been blown up by now. Since 1978, Jerry Tiffe has been the man. And perhaps now more than ever.

The lounge scene here ain't what it used to be. Far from legendary, it's pretty much just all recycled rock and pop and hip-hop - or a glorified DJ. Frankly, I'm just a bit tired of it. Not that I have anything against those genres - I grew up on R&R - it's just that there's so much more, much better, in the whole American songbook than that.

It's not just that Tiffe is the best at what he does, it's also that he sings the best songs - the songs we used to listen to before the music got so loud and overbearing that you couldn't talk to each other. Think Frank Sinatra, not Frank Zappa; Johnny Mathis, not Johnny Rotten; Sammy Davis, Jr., not Sammy Hagar, Trini Lopez, not... well, I don't think anyone else has ever been named Trini, but you get the idea. He's more Engelbert than Elvis, but there's a little of both in him. Add Dean Martin and Nat King Cole and all those others and roll them up in one and what you get is Jerry Tiffe.

Except he's nothing like any of them. Tiffe has his own singular style and sound. It's the sound of classic Las Vegas, the house that Jerry Tiffe built at the Desert Inn, the Tropicana and many others. When the lights are low and the mood is mellow, Tiffe's your fellow.

His two latest and current venues, Arizona Charlie's West on Decatur and the Skyline on Boulder Highway in Henderson, cater to locals. You can catch him at the former on Fridays from 4-7 p.m., and at the latter on Saturdays from 7-11 p.m, backed by a veteran musical trio. A recent gig at the Italian American Club was standing room only, and they honored him with a plaque (photo above with IAC President Angelo Cassaro).

As tall as he is talented, as enduring as he is entertaining, as legendary as he is listenable, he's the one and only Jerry Tiffe - the greatest lounge singer ever. For more, visit http://jerrytiffe.com/.

Located at 4625 South Polaris Avenue, offers among the most beautiful women in all of Las Vegas and is one of the classiest adult clubs in town. VIP sky boxes available. Open daily 4 p.m.-close. 702-541-7000.

At Wynn Las Vegas, a boutique nightclub with outside bar and secluded seating surrounded by lush foliage. Nightclub opens at 9 p.m., Tue., Thu.-Sat. $30 visitors cover; locals free. 702-770-WYNN.

At the Hard Rock, offers a format of hip-hop, house and, of course, rock music. Cover charge is $30 gents, $20 ladies, with local ladies free. Open Fri.-Sun., 10:30 p.m.-4 a.m. 702-693-4000.

At the Luxor, this is a relaxed, sexy, European lounge whose interiors are a modern take on a 19th Century French bordello. Open four nights a week, from 10:30 p.m.-4 a.m. 702-262-4228.

At Red Rock, this nightclub is ripe like fruit with hip singles just begging to be picked. Take in edgy beats while enjoying tasty (cherry?) cocktails. Open Thurs.-Sat., 10 p.m. ‘til ?. 702-767-7773.

At Treasure Island, this club blends the world of design and nightlife with Rock & Roll and glam-inspired fashion. Dress code is enforced. Open Thurs.-Sun., from 10 p.m. 702-894-7580.

At Bill’s Gamblin Hall, doesn’t get started ‘til midnight, but it continues on until the very wee hours of the morning. Cover charge, $20-ladies, $30, men. Open Thurs.-Sun., 1 a.m. to close. 702-737-0555.

In Piranha Nightclub at 4633 Paradise Road, one of the few clubs in town that truly caters to an alternative lifestyle. Enjoy themed nights. Open daily, 9 p.m. ‘til late. 702-359-9500.

Located above Beso Steakhouse Restaurant on the second level of Crystals at CityCenter Las Vegas, EVE is a swanky venue adorned in black and gold, with the most spacious VIP booths in Las Vegas. 702-227-3838.

At Mandalay Bay, features high-tech twists on the classic cocktail lounge, with interactive tables and revolutionary sound stations. Open 11 a.m.-4 a.m., bar; 6 p.m.-4 a.m. No cover charge. 702-632-7777.

At the Palms, sits 55 floors above Las Vegas, offering a meeting place to celebrity-watch or gaze at unbelievable views. Cover charge is $20 weekdays; $25 Fri./Sat. Open 8 p.m. ‘til late. 702-942-3862.

At the Golden Nugget, offers a new downtown vibe and party atmosphere with a great view overlooking the Fremont Street Experience. Open Wed.-Sun. from 9 p.m. No cover charge. 702-385-7111.

At the Mirage, an innovative club experience featuring three rooms of music – R&R, hip-hop or house – and four bars on multiple levels. Open Thu.-Sat. & Mon., 10:30 p.m.-4:30 a.m. 702-791-7111.

On Harmon next to Planet Hollywood, this is a premier gay nightclub where every night has a different theme. Cover charge is $20, locals free. Open nightly 11 p.m. ‘til close. 702-836-0830.

At the Palazzo, this is the latest “IT” nightclub and restaurant inspired by the bathhouses of ancient Mediterranean culture and a menu that highlights regional cuisine, from the geniuses behind Tao. Open Tues.-Sun., from 10 p.m. 702-791-1818

At the Luxor, it’s two-stories, 26,000 sq. ft., of pure deejay entertainment. Ultra-VIP level available with lofts and private dance floor. Open Wed.-Sat., 10 p.m. ‘til close. 702-212-8140.

At The Hotel at Mandalay Bay, one of the most fashionable spots around with an award-winning restaurant, cocktails, innovative bar menu and views from the 64th floor. Opens at 5 p.m. 702-632-7777.

At the Palms, this is a boutique penthouse nightclub featuring great views and a retractable roof. Cover charge is $20 weekdays, $40 Fri./Sat. Open Tue. & Thu.-Sun., 10:30 p.m. ‘til late. 702-942-6832.

At The Eastside Cannery on Boulder Highway, offers breathtaking views of The Strip and features an outdoor patio, rotating DJs and chic bar. Open Thu., 5-10 p.m.; ‘til 3 a.m., Fri./Sat. 702-856-5457.

At the Palms, pays homage to the original, but with a Las Vegas twist. Of course, “bunnies” abound in costume. Cover charge is $20 Sun.-Thu.; $40 Fri./Sat. Open nightly, 8 p.m. ‘til late. 702-942-6832.

At Caesars Palace, has a fantastic view of the Strip with four distinct music experiences in two stories of decadence. Cover charge is $30 gents, $20 ladies. Open Fri.-Sun. & Tue., 10 p.m. ‘til ?. 702-731-7873.

At the Palms, features such accents as a water wall, water booths, pyrotechnics and gold-mirrored entry tunnel. Cover charge is $10 Thu., $25 Fri./Sat.; local ladies free. Open 11 p.m.-5 a.m. 702-938-9999.

At Paris Las Vegas, features an intimate dance floor and sensual sofas plus energetic world-music. Cover charge is $20, local ladies free. Open Fri.-Sun., 10:30 p.m. to the “oui” hours. 702-946-4589.

At the Imperial Palace, has a separate daiquiri bar and happy hour specials from 3 - 9 p.m. $10 cover charge after 9 p.m., Thu.-Sun. Inexpensive bottle service. Open daily, 10 a.m.-4 a.m. 702-731-8683.

At New York New York, with first 360 degree video screen in an LV nightclub plus outdoor VIP lounge. Cover charge $20 ladies, $30 men; local ladies free. Open Wed.-Sat., 10:30 p.m.-5 a.m. 702-740-6969.

At Mandalay Bay, a tropically-inspired restaurant by day, colorful club at night, that features music from hip-hop to salsa. Cover charge is $20, $25, Fri./Sat. Open Thu.-Tue., 11 p.m. ’til ?. 702-632-7408.

Located at 3025 Industrial Road, behind the new Echelon Development. Las Veags' largest Strip club features 70,000 sq. ft. of topless entertainment and serving the finest variety of cocktails, wines, champagne and cigars. 702-796-6000.

Located on 4740 Arville, offers 10,000 sq. ft. of adult entertainment. After hours partying at the lounge starts at 4 a.m. Cover charge is $30; locals free. Open 24-hours/7 days a week. 702-227-5200.

At Vegas Pointe Center, Las Vegas’ largest nightclub with more than 20,000 sq. ft. dedicated to country fun, including bar, VIP areas, bowling, pool tables and dance floor. Open 5 p.m.-5 a.m. 702-435-BULL.

At the MGM Grand, offers four dance floors and three bars – all state-of-the-art. Cover charge $20, $10 locals, Tue.-Sat.; $20 men, $10 women/locals, Fri./Sat. Open Tue.-Sat., 10 p.m. ‘til late. 702-891-7254.

At the MGM Grand, features a cool and casual vibe while interactive projections mesmerize with sensual images. Stunning models/servers to tempt you. Open Thurs.-Mon., 10 p.m. ’til close. 702-891-7138.

At The Venetian, offers private skyboxes, espresso, and banquettes with secured drawers. Cover charge is $20 gents, $30 Sat., local ladies free. Open Thu.-Fri. at 10 p.m., Sat. at 9:30 p.m. 702-388-8588.

At the Las Vegas Hilton, mixes cutting-edge music, international wines, exclusive teas and coffees, plus professional dancers and choreographed entertainment. No cover charge; open 24 hours. 702-732-5111.

At The Bellagio, offers unrivalled service, a high-energy atmosphere and an exclusive sanctuary for all things precious. Cover charge is $30 men; ladies free. Open Thu.-Sun., 10:30 p.m.-4 a.m. 702-693-8300.

At the Mirage, this is the first interactive ultra-lounge experience created by Cirque Du Soleil. Vibrant and hip with an eclectic mix of music and rotating DJs. Open nightly, 6 p.m.-4 a.m. 702-692-8383.

At Tuscany Suites & Casino, this is an intimate lounge featuring live music for entertainment and dancing nightly, except Monday. No cover. Open nightly from 8:30 p.m. to midnight. 702-893-8933.

At South Point, has a new, but still familiar format featuring some of the best in Las Vegas’ live bands and themed nights. Open nightly, but hours do vary, so please call. 702-797-8055.

At the Miracle Mile Shops, part of magician Steve Wyrick's $35 million entertainment complex. Cover charge $20. Lounge open Sun.-Thu., 11 a.m.- 2 a.m.; nightclub Fri./Sat., 11 p.m. ‘til ?. 702-777-7794.

At Wynn Las Vegas, epitomizes sophistication, from the spiral staircase and private terraces to the stunning open-air waterfall. Cover charges may apply. Open Thu.-Sun., 10 p.m.-4 a.m. 702-770-3375.

At the Rio All Suites Hotel, has a breathtaking view of the Las Vegas skyline from the 51st floor. Flair bartenders concoct amazing specialty drinks. Open nightly from 5 p.m. 702-777-7923.

At Encore at Wynn Las Vegas, with a dance floor that opens up to the pool. European bottle service; strict dress code. Cover charge is $30 men, $20 ladies. Open Fri.-Mon., 10 p.m.-4 a.m. 702-770-0097.