CLINT HOLMES

Like a painter with a blank canvas, he makes every performance an original. His powerful voice and magnetic stage presence embrace the upbeat side of life. When Clint is on stage, anything can happen, and usually does. Holmes, best known for his silky vocal stylings, has also honed his many other talents, which include dancing and a warm comedic touch. Perhaps Clint picked up that comedy know-how from the ever-popular Bill Cosby, with whom he shared a stage. “I learned a lot from Don (Rickles) and Bill who were both very generous with me when I opened for them”, said Holmes. “They never held me back or limited my time on stage. I particularly learned a jazz comedian riffling style from the two of them.” Holmes comes by his tremendous talent naturally. His father is an African-American jazz musician and his mother is a classically trained opera singer from Great Britain. Clint admits it was the best of two musical worlds. “My mom taught me how to sing correctly, and my dad taught me how to enjoy it.” Casual elegance describes Clint’s presence on stage. He has a magical way of filling a room with a warm, comfortable sound. Clint’s musical selections range from contemporary to classic, with jazz and opera thrown into the mix. In addition, he has an energy and passion for life and performing that are infectuous. He exudes pure joy when he sings. Having spent more than 20 years performing, Holmes has served as Joan Rivers’ sidekick and announcer on “The Late Show”, as the musical feature and event correspondent for “Entertainment Tonight”, and as the host of his own Emmy award-winning talk/variety show. Holmes freely admits, though, that he loves nothing more than performing before a live audience. He released a DVD of his live performance at the Clint Holmes Theater at Harrah’s, which debuted nationwide via IN DEMAND on July 7, 2001. In 2006, his PBS special of his Las Vegas act was aired nationwide. PBS filmed three acts in Las Vegas for airing recently and along with Barry Manilow and Andrea Boccelli, Mr. Holmes found himself in great company. Since moving to Las Vegas, Clint has quickly become a favorite in the Las Vegas community as well as a major star in the entertainment arena. He was selected as “Best Kept Secret” by Las Vegas Life Magazine, and “Best Singer” (two years in a row), “Best All-Around Las Vegas Performer” and “Favorite Male Las Vegan” by the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Additionally, he has been the featured performer and host for the “Best of Las Vegas” gala for the Las Vegas Review-Journal and host of the “Las Vegas Life Epicurean Awards”. Clint was inducted into the Buffalo Musical Hall of Fame and into the Casino Legends Hall of Fame. Perhaps what has endeared Clint most to people of Las Vegas is his never-ending spirit of graciousness. In a short time, he has become involved with several worthwhile causes in the community such as Candlelighters, ROB Reachout, Shadetree, St. Jude’s, and various cultural events. Following a brief battle with colon cancer, he is currently serving as a spokesman for the American Cancer Society, encouraging people over age 50 to have annual colonoscopies. He has also taken a special interest in mentoring young people interested in becoming entertainers by working closely with the Las Vegas Academy of Performing Arts. In December 2005, he launched the Clint Holmes Foundation for the Performing Arts, which benefits children in art and music programs in the Clark County School District. In the world of theater, Clint is a seasoned performer and writer. Along with Nelson Cole he created the book, music, and lyrics for the musical, “Comfortable Shoes”. Clint starred in the world premiere of this musical at the legendary Papermill Playhouse. The musical had another successful run at the Royal George Theatre in Chicago. Clint recently starred as Simon Zealotes in the Youth Theatre America one-night-only benefit production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” with Ted Neeley, Yvonne Elliman, Barry Dennen, Ben Vereen, and Jack Black. Clint has finished writing his latest musical “Just Another Man” with Larry Moss and Bill Fayne. The world premiere of this exciting new musical starring Mr. Holmes was presented by the Nevada Conservatory Theatre at the Judy Bailey Theater at UNLV. In late 2011, he premiered a major cabaret piece, “Remembering Bobby Short”, a loving homage to the man who defined New York cabaret. It was performed at the legendary Cafe Carlyle, where Bobby Short held court for over thirty years. In early 2012, he premiered another major work, “This Thing Called Love-The Music of Cole Porter and Paul Simon”, directed by Larry Moss, to rave reviews. In April of 2012, Mr. Holmes was honored to assume the mantle of Artist-In-Residence at Cabaret Jazz at the newly opened Smith Center For the Performing Arts, a world-class performing arts center that rivals any such venue anywhere in the country. Mr. Holmes performs a new show there each month to sell-out crowds.