Vegas awards show a good idea

It’s a solid idea that was tried a few times in the past and resurfaces every so often. This time it came through the door in the hands of Gabriel Maciocia. He reminded me we met via “The Elvis Files,” a 1991 TV special exploring the possibility of the King being alive.

The Fabulous Gabriel, as he is known in his songwriting and recording, rode the wave of speculation with his song “Somewhere, Elvis is Smiling.”

Now he proposes a physical hall of fame and a TV awards show. He has a letter of cooperation from the City of Las Vegas Redevelopment Agency, pledging help with site location.

That may be all he has, beyond an artist’s rendering. Promotional materials note the need for “seed monies to start up.”

The idea itself is almost public domain, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a good one. I would argue a televised nod to Vegas entertainment is more needed now than ever.

Why? I get the sinking feeling ticketed shows are fast falling into third place behind nightclubs and restaurants. You can spread the blame wide, from putting too many eggs in Cirque du Soleil’s basket to all the clutter of nickel-and-dime small-timers.

But TV is potential savior. Look at the lift “America’s Got Talent” gives to variety acts. It’s safe to assume “Holly’s World,” which debuts today, will help Holly Madison and “Peepshow.”

I talked to Pat Christenson, who heads Las Vegas Events, and to a spokeswoman for a producer of televised special events. Both felt a TV show would have to organically flow from a museum or awards event.

“It requires major validation,” says Christenson, who nonetheless thinks the idea has merit, especially if it includes both sports and entertainment. “That’s the key to the whole thing, that it has credibility.”

Perhaps the upcoming mafia and neon museums will reverse the previous lack of enthusiasm for preserving Las Vegas’ past.

But I’m not so sure a TV special needs to wait. For years, the Billboard Music Awards re-cast old-fashioned variety TV as an awards show without much concern about “the winner is …” stuff; awards were based on sales. Figuring out how to choose “Best Magician” or “Best Impressionist” may be almost secondary.

To do it right, however, “would require a concerted citywide effort in getting the right people engaged,” Christenson says. “It’s one thing to have an idea, but you need a champion for your idea. And that person needs to go out and get another dozen champions.”

If Maciocia lives up to that, then somewhere Elvis will smile.

Contact reporter Mike Weatherford at mweatherford@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0288.