The Cuban Legend from Finocchio's, David de Alba was asked to perform on a popular variety show, Las Vegas Now with Dennis Bono, which is taped in front of a live audience every Thursday afternoon at 2 pm at Sam's Town Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.   This show is hosted by Singer Dennis Bono, supported by four musicians; Bob Sachs - Bass, Mike Mechem - Drums, Tom Brunner - Guitar, led by the late Bobby Darin's conductor/pianist, Bob Rozario.   Upon David's request the show's producer James D'Arrigo joined the ensemble with his tenor sax.   The show is aired Friday evening on Radio Station KJUL.

David selected a loving tribute to Miss Judy Garland for his segment, entering the stage to a few bars of Judy's dramatic "Over The Rainbow" overture, and then proceeded to sing two songs: the lively "Comes Once In a Lifetime" and a lovely song by Noel Coward from the play Bittersweet "If Love Were All".

Before David went on stage he was greeted backstage by Nevada LT. Governor Lorraine T. Hunt who had come especially to see him perform his Garland act.   Later David was interviewed backstage by Co-Hosts Al Jones and Linda Kass of "High Desert 60" from KPVM-TV Channel 41, Pahrump, Nevada.   They also filmed him on stage.

David had two very special guests in the audience that afternoon who came to see him perfom;   Robin Price who flew from Hayward, CA. for the event, and Laurie Knight from Seattle, Washington.   They are also former entertainers from Finocchio's in San Francisco.

For those of you that missed this live performance, here is a glimpse of the event.   Enjoy!

NOTE:    This page is dedicated to Miss Linda La Blanche.   Without her devotion and faith toward David's theatrical career, most possibly this performance would have not taken place.

David on stage as Judy Garland.   (Singer Corrie Sachs watching from panel on right.)

David de Alba as Judy Garland	David de Alba as Judy Garland	David de Alba as Judy Garland

David de Alba as Judy Garland	David de Alba as Judy Garland	David de Alba as Judy Garland

David de Alba as Judy Garland	David de Alba as Judy Garland	David de Alba as Judy Garland

David on stage as Judy Garland with The Bob Rozario Ensemble

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David returns to the stage after the show

David on stage as Judy Garland


David on stage as Judy Garland


David with fans, greeting Marlene Hale; Dagmar Gardiner to the right


David signing autographs


Entertainers Robin Price and Laurie Knight greeting David


David's Mom Tila and a fan Joy L. Johnson greeting David


David's mom Tila and Paul Ryner greeting David


A spirit caught by the camera
visits David and Laurie after the show


David as Judy Garland
bidding good-bye to fans

Comments on David's performance by Joy L. Johnson, Henderson, NV: I so enjoyed your performance today and thought that you did a superb job.   Cheers to you and your great performance! Comments on David's performance by Loren and Marlene Hale, N. Las Vegas, NV: To a "Super" Star, best wishes. Comments on David's performance by Dagmar and Jeff Gardiner, N. Las Vegas, NV: My husband and I want to thank you for the superb performance at The Dennis Bono Show on the Oct. 21,2004, at Sam's Town.   You had so much energy and you have so much talent.   Since we have been here in Las Vegas (Aug. 2003) we have seen the show every week and your performance was one of the best.   It is very hard to come new to town and find contacts, but with your talent you should be able to find something suitable for yourself.   My husband Jeff und I, Dagmar, wish you the very best and good luck. Comments on David's performance from Tammy Fleshman and dancer Suzanne Bugg, Las Vegas, NV: We enjoyed David's concert at Sam's Town on a Thursday, hosted by Dennis Bono.   David is very talented and a true Artist.   He impersonated Judy Garland in classy and very moving songs.   We would like to see more of him at Sam's Town. Comments on David's performance from Paul and Florine, Las Vegas, NV: Your talent(s) are superb and it is such a shame that you haven't been "discovered" in Las Vegas yet.   We know there is a place for you to display your gifts in town and we sincerely hope it won't be long until you can perform in front of a live audience again.   We look forward to seeing you at SAM'S TOWN again real soon. Comments on David's performance from Betty Fugnetti, Las Vegas, NV: Your performance at The Bono Show was memorable.   Hope to see you again! Comments on David's performance from former dancer / emcee / FI Robin Price, Hayward, CA: For what it's worth, I thought you did a great job.   I'm glad I was there and got to see you after all these years   [since 1986 at Finocchio's]. Comments on David's performance from former singer / dancer / FI Laurie Knight, Quilcene, WA: I saw Judy Garland several times and met her in San Francisco.   She would be very proud to see this excellent performer doing her on stage.   His actions are perfect and what a wonderful voice!   Congratulations, David, you are the best! Comments on David's performance by European Music Critic Linda La Blanche, France: Bravo David, what a performance!   I just finished viewing the "Las Vegas Now with Dennis Bono" video tape you so graciously sent me, and was delightfully surprised; your voice is better than ever, and the Judy likeness and old charisma are there to stay.   I would have loved to have been there and seen the entire show, but the partial segment of your act on video assured me that you are in top form.   Here's wishing that this will be your first stepping stone in your climb to a famous career in Las Vegas. Comments on David's performance by Northern California FI Historian & Interviewer Ken Spaulding, N. CA: "Pretty cool......   Looking back at the performance pix made me recall and relive your "movement" in your performance from the great Finocchio days when I saw you, and that always made you pretty captivating on stage, giving all that energy.   Also, you look not good... but great!   Nice to see that you can still do it, even more importantly that you finally got the chance to do it.   Congrats!"

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Photo credits: Thanks to Alba/Ryner, Ltd., Loren and Marlene Hale, Mr. & Mrs. M. Johnson, Mr. Frank Laduca and Robin Price for providing some of the photos included here.

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