Liberace’s finery to add sparkle to fundraiser at Thriller Villa

Two flamboyant, gone-but-not-forgotten entertainers with Vegas connections inspire a holiday-season fundraiser for the Las Vegas Philharmonic.

The event's title — "Light Up the Night With Liberace" — reveals the identity of one of those entertainers, the pianist who ruled the Strip as "Mr. Showmanship."

The event's location reveals the other: the "Thriller Villa," alias a Las Vegas abode once occupied by the late "King of Pop," Michael Jackson.

Hosted by the Philharmonic guild in conjunction with the Liberace Foundation for the Performing and Creative Arts, the Dec. 13 fundraiser will showcase the Liberace Museum collection, featuring the extravagant jewelry, sequin-spangled costumes and other items that became a Liberace trademark.

The event's musical lineup ranges from pianists Wes Winters and Jerome Clay (aka Jerry Champian) to Opera Las Vegas' Young Artists and winners of the Cox Communications Young Artists' Concerto Competition.

On the menu: hors d'oevres by Gustav Mauler and wines by Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, along with a silent auction and a holiday boutique.

The event is open to the public and guests are encouraged to shine up their sequins to add Liberace-like flair to the holiday affair. The gathering will run from 5 to 8 p.m.; to reserve tickets ($85, including complimentary valet parking), call 702-858-9311 or e-mail guildtreasurer@lvphil.com.