John Katsilometes catches up with Siegfried and Roy during the first wineNart exhibit at Hofbrauhaus
Roy Horn looks good enough to go horseback riding.
No supposition there: He actually did ride a horse a few days ago, so reported Siegfried and Roy's longtime events coordinator and confidant Lynette Chappell during an appearance by the legendary illusionist team Sunday at Hofbrauhaus Las Vegas. S&R were on hand to show support of their late friend, German abstract artist Jurgen Aldag, whose celebrity-inspired work was displayed at the first wineNart Sunday Festival. Similar events are planned through December at Hofbrauhaus, Paradise Road and Harmon Avenue.
Las Vegas artists in attendance Sunday, showing and selling their work, were Dray, Jennifer Main, Tom D. Giacco, Allen Dewey and Leslie Rowland. Aldag's widow, Wendy Aldag, and recently retired German honorary counsel to Las Vegas Sigrid Sommer were also part of the ceremony.
The turnout was strong - there's nothing like the fine wines of E&J Gallo Winery, the raucous German-pub atmosphere of Hofbrauhaus, a variety of artwork and bulky steins frothy with beer to attract a crowd. Siegfried and Roy provided their power of celebrity, with Roy showing that he's made steady progress in his rehabilitation from the injuries that ended the duo's show at the Mirage on Oct. 3, 2003.
Holding a cane with his right hand and with Siegfried gripping his left biceps, Roy moved deliberately through a throng of well-wishers, nodding and saluting, and later took the microphone to joke, "My name is Roy." On cue, Siegfried responded, "And I am Siegfried."
Roy added, "Thank you for all these years. Las Vegas is our home away from home - a great place for Germans!" And finally, in what has become his mantra, "The magic is back!" Then, grinning, he said, "But enough talk. Let's eat!"
photo by: Steve Marcus/ LAS VEGAS SUN
