August 13th, 2002

Harrah's Rincon Casino and Resort opened this month on August 8th
in Valley Center, near San Diego, California.
Shirley was asked to be the first performer to grace their stage.


Here Shirley is performing Stephen Sondheim's "Send In The Clowns".
She always sings the song with such intense emotion.
 That is  Ron Abel in the background. He is Shirley's brilliant
musical director/conductor.
 

Once or twice a year, Marty and Shirley gather together a group
of friends for a crazy bus ride to one of Shirley's California concerts.
Me and my husband have had the honor a number of times. 

Some of the illustrious guests this trip included marvelous director Arthur Hiller.
He's directed so many great movies including Sliver Streak, which is a favorite of mine.
Jane Kean was also along for the fun. Of course we all  know her as
Trixie Norton from the enduring classic The Honeymooners"

 
We were treated to some interesting Caribbean cuisine.
But seriously, they always have delicious deli sandwiches made up for the trip.

  
Our joyous jaunt took a little over two hours each way and the entertainment
never stopped! Marty has an endless supply of funny stories to tell.
  That's Marty making us laugh as Shirley looks on from the front seat.

On the trip back Shirley stood up and told us about her Rincon experience.
It's a lovely place, but they are still getting some of the bugs worked out..
They had elevator problems, slot machines were acting up, but nothing really
unexpected for a brand new resort that had only been open a few days.

Between shows Marty treated all of us to a giant buffet meal at the Resort
and then some of us gambled a bit. We did not lose ........ too much! 

The Shows

Shirley was scheduled for only one afternoon performance. However, so many people
came to see her, Harrah's asked Shirley to please do another show and she obliged.
 In the photo above a grateful audience greets Shirley as she steps down off the stage to sing
"You Made Me Love You" to several lucky gentleman seating in the first few rows.

 


Enjoy this new photo loop of all the shots
 that I took during Shirley's appearance at Harrah's.

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