S.R.O. In Las Vegas
S.R.O. In Las Vegas
The Sahara Presents The Zaras
The Sahara Presents The Zaras
Producer: Donny Conn
Sound Engineer: Steve Maslow
Abby Sound Studios, Hollywood, California
ATA Records PM-1080
From the back cover: My flight arrived at 8:30 Las Vegas time. Besides it being a long rough flight, I hadn't gotten any sleep for a couple of nights previously so I was quite "bushed." However, Vegas, the world's most entertainment-saturated city, is no place to sleep.
I got a cab and headed for the Sahara Hotel; possibly Don Rickles or some other super star would be there to stop traffic. Passing through the Casino, the clicking of the slot machines, the spinning of the roulette wheels and the excitement of the dice tables was deadened by the music sifting from the Lounge. It was impossible to see who was on stage, as the Lounge was packed and an "S.R.O." sign (Standing Room Only) was posted at the entrance. Crowds of spectators milled around outside the Lounge stretching their necks, trying to catch a glimpse of the stage. Comments of praise were heard for whoever was under the spotlights "killin' em." I pushed my way through and gave my card to the Mai'tre d' who quickly led me to my reserved table.
I sat back and looked toward the stage. So this is what everyone was so excited about! Their sound and entertaining ability was breathtaking just about the most entertaining act around today. Looking around the room I saw faces "lit up" by the warmth created on stage. It was almost as if the audience were hypnotized.
I closed my eyes and my mind drifted back to Europe five years ago where I first saw THE ZARAS in some small nightclub. I remember the same magic, the same spirit and enthusiasm five years younger, maybe but everything was the same; except now their dreams of coming to the U.S.A., working the biggest nightclubs and being a name act, were fulfilled.
After their show that night in Europe, THE ZARAS came to my table and a thousand questions were thrown at me about the U.S.A.; little did I know then that I'd play a small part in their future; little did I know that a few years later they'd ask me to come to Vegas to produce a record
album so their many fans could take the music home to their living rooms. My reflections of Europe, fond memories of the five brothers and sisters from Madrid, and Julie Grant from London (the stranger in the family), were shattered by the thundering applause of the Sahara audience (now standing) yelling "More! More!"
After their show, autographs were signed and many compliments were graciously received. Once again, Marino, Julie, Toto, Kitty Jesus and Anita came over to my table and reminisced. Later we discussed this album; and much later, as usual, I helped them load their instruments into their van and waved goodbye.
So much had changed and yet so much had remained the same. I got a cab and went back to my hotel. The evening had been rewarding..... I didn't gamble. – Donny Conn
ATA Records PM-1080
From the back cover: My flight arrived at 8:30 Las Vegas time. Besides it being a long rough flight, I hadn't gotten any sleep for a couple of nights previously so I was quite "bushed." However, Vegas, the world's most entertainment-saturated city, is no place to sleep.
I got a cab and headed for the Sahara Hotel; possibly Don Rickles or some other super star would be there to stop traffic. Passing through the Casino, the clicking of the slot machines, the spinning of the roulette wheels and the excitement of the dice tables was deadened by the music sifting from the Lounge. It was impossible to see who was on stage, as the Lounge was packed and an "S.R.O." sign (Standing Room Only) was posted at the entrance. Crowds of spectators milled around outside the Lounge stretching their necks, trying to catch a glimpse of the stage. Comments of praise were heard for whoever was under the spotlights "killin' em." I pushed my way through and gave my card to the Mai'tre d' who quickly led me to my reserved table.
I sat back and looked toward the stage. So this is what everyone was so excited about! Their sound and entertaining ability was breathtaking just about the most entertaining act around today. Looking around the room I saw faces "lit up" by the warmth created on stage. It was almost as if the audience were hypnotized.
I closed my eyes and my mind drifted back to Europe five years ago where I first saw THE ZARAS in some small nightclub. I remember the same magic, the same spirit and enthusiasm five years younger, maybe but everything was the same; except now their dreams of coming to the U.S.A., working the biggest nightclubs and being a name act, were fulfilled.
After their show that night in Europe, THE ZARAS came to my table and a thousand questions were thrown at me about the U.S.A.; little did I know then that I'd play a small part in their future; little did I know that a few years later they'd ask me to come to Vegas to produce a record
album so their many fans could take the music home to their living rooms. My reflections of Europe, fond memories of the five brothers and sisters from Madrid, and Julie Grant from London (the stranger in the family), were shattered by the thundering applause of the Sahara audience (now standing) yelling "More! More!"
After their show, autographs were signed and many compliments were graciously received. Once again, Marino, Julie, Toto, Kitty Jesus and Anita came over to my table and reminisced. Later we discussed this album; and much later, as usual, I helped them load their instruments into their van and waved goodbye.
So much had changed and yet so much had remained the same. I got a cab and went back to my hotel. The evening had been rewarding..... I didn't gamble. – Donny Conn
Spanish Medley
Celebrate
Fiddler On The Roof
Morning Dew
My Life
I Got Love
Mini Guitar
Joy To The World
Never Can Say Goodbye
They were not from Madrid but from Tafalla, a small town in northern Spain.
ReplyDeleteWow! I rememnber going to see the Zaras, both in Germany and here in the States, especially Bridgeport, CT many years ago! In this picture, they are, left to right, Toto, Anita, Jesus,Julie front and center, Kitty and Marino. Boy, does this bring back a lot of memories. We had all their albums, and really enjoyed their performances.
ReplyDelete--Lori T
I was close friends with all of the Zaras and visted their home in Tafalla a number of times...and have recenlty visited Marinos home in Las Vegas...sadly two of the family is no longer with us....
ReplyDeleteHi, friends,
DeleteI am writing the history of the band for my blog (http://66spanishgarage.blogspot.com.es/), and, although I have information, I would like to contact with Marina. I have already touched Toto. I do not know why their father Vicente had to go to Germany.
MANY THANKS!
Miguel
My email: mgllppr@gmail.com
I remember the Zaras when they played the US Army Enlisted Men's club, Patton Barracks, in Heidelberg, Germany. A bright spot in the dull military life. Bob.
ReplyDeleteI was the keyboard player for the group after several family members decided to get off of the road. Julie, Marino and Toto were the originals when I worked with them. Donny Conn from the Playmates indrotuced me to them. Great Musicians, Frankie Sorci
ReplyDeleteFrankie Sorci
DeleteI worked in the Quarterdeck Lounge at the Holiday Inn in Bridgeport, CT. Great music, great friends, and great times <3
ReplyDeleteI loved listening to this group at the EM club in Wiesbaden Germany, The organ was fabulous and Julie Grant could belt out the hits. They were the house band of the month when I first hit Wiesbaden, I was told the organist was married to a GI,
ReplyDelete