Lance Burton loses his show and his mother

Tough week for Las Vegas magician Lance Burton. First he lost his show at the Monte Carlo after 13 years over budget cuts. Now comes word from Tabloid Baby pal and top Vegas publicicist Wayne Bernath that he's lost his mother. Hilma Burton died in her sleep in Columbia, Kentucky yesterday at 73. Burton (center, with mom and Criss Angel) will cancel his show next Tuesday so he can be in Kentucky for the funeral, he'll be back onstage at the Lance Burton Theatre on Wednesday. The sleight-of-hand master and illusionist will be at the Monte Carlo through the end of the summer, leaving five years earlier than planned.

Louie, Sammy, Rich, Pete & Lance: All-Stars unite for Las Vegas animal fundraiser

A Murderers' Row of Las Vegas legends gathered last night at a Funny Bones fundraiser for animal rescue organizations. From left, Louie Anderson, Elvis opener Sammy Shore, Rich Little, Pete Barbutti (whom we saw play piano with a broom when he opened for Sinatra at Carnegie Hall) and magician Lance Burton give the full house a night to remember.

Muhammad Ali last night in Las Vegas

We all know that heavyweight hero Muhammad Ali likes magic. And last night, Ali, his wife Lonnie and other family members were in the audience for Lance Burton's magic show at the Monte Carlo. When fellow Louisville native and Tabloid Baby pal Burton announced the champ was in the audience, the entire crowd of over 900 people leapt to their feet with a standing ovation that went on for minutes.


Poor Muhammad Ali.