Fountain of Youth Springs in Vegas, Baby

Posted February 8, 2008, 11:26 am in Music by Growing Bolder


Who says Las Vegas is just for young starlets? A growing number of artists who have been around the block a few times are taking up residence in Sin City and finding a new fountain of youth.

The latest artist to announce a long-term performance deal in the desert is 61-year-old Cher, who announced Thursday that she has inked a three-year, 200-show gig at Caesars Palace, starting May 6.

Cher, an Oscar, Emmy and Grammy winner, will join two other performers who rose to international fame in the 1970s -- Bette Midler, 62, and Sir Elton John, 60. The three mega-stars will alternate nights at the 4,300-seat Colosseum.

So, what is it about the former stomping grounds of the Rat Pack that is drawing all these divas to put on over-the-top theatrical extravaganzas?

"I started in Vegas at Caesars, so I've come full circle," Cher said in a statement. "I'm back, and I plan to give my fans the best experience yet. I think everybody knows I only do things in a big way."

Midler told USA Today that longtime friends Barry Manilow and John heartily endorsed the idea to her.

"Barry says this is the best gig he ever had in his life -- he loves it!" she said. "Elton has told me that he loves it. He likes the idea that it's only 10 weeks a year and he's free to do other gigs."

Midler will hit the stage five nights a week for two years for her outrageous 90-minute show, "The Showgirl Must Go On," and John's show, "The Red Piano," incorporates videos by famed photographer David LaChapelle that highlight John's legendary career.

Both Cher and Midler plan to incorporate a lot of dancing into their shows.

"I guess you could go on in a black dress (and sing), but oh, I would just want to slit my wrist," Cher told the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

And, both women acknowledge that touring isn't what it used to be, which makes the idea of performing in one place for several years all the more appealing.

"The reason I wanted to go to Vegas is that I just can't do that anymore. That tour would have killed a girl half my age, or a third my age," Cher told the Review-Journal.

We're not sure about that Cher. Growing Bolder thinks you can still out-dance and out-perform all the so-called stars of today.

For more information about Cher, Midler and John's performances, click here.

And it's not just the big-name stars who are still red-hot in what was once considered the declining years. Check out some of these performers who are still kicking up their heels and staying as relevant as they always were:

• In the 1960s, few acts were bigger than The Byrds. And through the years, founder Roger McGuinn has continued to change musical history and inspire countless performers after him. These days, he's still a huge influence in the folk music world and he's also a GB Rocks featured artist. Click here to check out his page and see what he's up to.
  
• Elaine Strich is 83 years old and still knocking 'em dead on Broadway. The awards have been piling up for her in recent years, with scene-stealing turns on "30 Rock" and her one-woman show, "At Liberty," and she says she's just starting to kick it into overdrive. Click here to check out our wild conversation with this bold and blunt lady.
  
• Shall we dance? Growing Bolder has been lucky enough to talk to two icons of the dance world, including Lindy Hop innovator Frankie Manning and Queen of Swing Norma Miller. At 93 and 88, respectively, the two are still working up a sweat on the dance floor and teaching the kids how to move.
• And who says you have to be famous to still perform? Click here to check out our story on the Fab Follies, a show that proves it's never too late to unleash your inner Broadway star. And if dancing is more your speed, click here to check out the Orlando Silver Stars, a group of 50+ dancers who perform at NBA games in front of thousands!
  

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