Paul Anka, one of this century’s most successful entertainers and songwriters, marks his 50th anniversary in music and nearly five decades performing in Las Vegas with an exclusive appearance at the Las Vegas Hilton May 4 & 5. As a recording artist, Anka has sold more than 40 million albums, CDs and singles worldwide. In the United States, he has scored three #1 songs, “Diana,” “Lonely Boy,” and “You’re Having My Baby,” as well as 22 Top 20 hits. To date, he has recorded 125 albums, including more than ten albums in Japanese, German, Spanish, French, and Italian, composing songs culturally tailored to each country.

Artist Ed Dominguez, originally from Puerto Rico, and a graduate from Arizona State University majoring in architecture, embraced Las Vegas in his work. The vibrant energy of the city and the ever changing architectural surroundings inspired him to relocate his studio within the arts district concentrate on the Las Vegas skyline.

Martin is co-founder of Las Vegas Vodka, He has been a consultant and has worked managing hotels, restaurants and bars in several cities. In 2001, he started a private label water company in Las Vegas, then sold his interest to start Las Vegas Vodka. Martin is originally from Virginia, has lived many places, but picks Las Vegas as his favorite.

Nathan Burton performed his first magic show for his own kindergarten class in Palm Springs, California. Since then he has won four first-place trophies in international stage competitions, performed on NBC’s “The World’s Wildest Magic,” made six appearances on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” and now headlines a magic show in Las Vegas.

James Wilcox was born in Heidelberg, Germany and grew up in Olympia, Washington. He became a Navy Seal, earned a degree in International Business and Psychology and is now a Chippendale in Las Vegas.

Dave Abrams also is a Chippendale, who grew up in a small Canadian town.” I’ve been so fortunate in this lifetime, I can’t take a single second for granted,” says Dave. “Life is too short to worry, to fight, to hate or to hold grudges. My Mother gave me a book when I was 14 and it changed my life forever:’ Jonathan Livingston Seagull’ by Richard Bach.”

Tom Ficara started programming ‘new electronic media’ in 1970 while working at a cable TV system in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. He was the first syndicator for cable TV systems, providing 70 hours of programming weekly to virtually every cable system in USA from 1973-78 ‘pre satellite’ era. Today he owns and operates along with partner Charry Kennedy) the classic Tv4u broadband TV network, located in Henderson.

Dita Von Teese, the International Queen of Burlesque, brings classic art deco and pin-up imagery to life. Following in the tradition of legends like Lili St. Cyr, Sally Rand, and Gypsy Rose Lee, she is well-known for her retro looks and style as well as her elaborate performance costumes and ornate sets.

First there was “Doo-Wopp.com,” a popular doo-wop group founded by Phil Riccobono. After a long run, it became the new high energy show band, “The Goodfellas.” The band is still performing some doo-wop, but also adding more of the hits from the 50’s 60’s and 70’s, bringing back memories of the great male artists of the era with a rat-packish style.

Grant Griffin is the producer of the third annual “Meatball Awards,” which honors Las Vegans in several categories and is designed to honor the recipients’ life experiences, recognizing the indelible mark their spirit has left on “Vintage Las Vegas.”

Ben Stephens is a staff writer with the Las Vegas Business Press. A southern Nevada native and UNLV journalism graduate, he covers entertainment, development and public utility issues for the weekly business publication.

Tim Maland is director of the Nevada Commission on Tourism, which is the only agency that markets and promotes the entire state of Nevada as a visitor destination. NCOT aggressively markets Nevada globally, working with its office in China and representatives in the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea and France.

Earthwind Moreland played five years in the NFL, one year with the New York Jets in 2000, three years with the Cleveland Browns in 2001 and two years with the New England Patriots in 2004. He played the 2006 season with the Georgia Force in his first season in the Arena Football League. He is now with the Las Vegas Gladiators.

Thabiti Davis has played the last four years in the Arena Football League with teams in Orlando New Orleans, Detroit and Columbus. Previous to his AFL career he spent time in the NFL. He signed with the Las Vegas Gladiators in 2007.

Kip Mungin, whose 15-year career include work as a producer, recording artist and drummer, is a member of Sunset Strip, which performs in the Shimmer Cabaret at the Las Vegas Hilton. Kips sings two songs, one from his album, Vindication.