Michael Monge’s tale of making it to Las Vegas is almost nonexistent in today’s entertainment culture. But it happened to the popular lounge singer, who lived out a fairy tale in Las Vegas during his stint at Eastside Lounge at Encore. “Michael was a good guy, and he lived the Las Vegas dream,” Wynn Las Vegas Entertainment General Manager Rick Gray said.
Monge died on Aug. 9, following a heart attack on Aug. 7.
He was 72. Monge’s path to Las Vegas was forged by dedication, talent and good fortune. Prior to arriving to Vegas, Monge got an out-of-the-blue break when crooning at Bice Ristorante in Palm Beach, Fla.
Then-Las Vegas resort magnate Steve Wynn and his wife, Andrea, were dining at the club when Wynn asked what station the over the house sound system was tuned to. The place was filled the sound of Frank Sinatra. But it wasn’t Sinatra.
It was Monge, who went by “Sonny” in those days, singing far off in the restaurant. Monge was well-known for his warm renditions from the Great American Songbook. Wynn had heard enough to move Monge across the country.
He called Gray and told him to sign Monge to sing at Wynn/Encore. The new headliner would have a regular spot at Eastside Lounge, kicking it up with a three-piece band and a $10 cover. Monge headlined the lounge, open to the casino floor, from 2014-2016, a move prompted by entertainment budget cutbacks.
He was collaboration with the great Vegas bassist Bob Sachs on a new show, filled with Engelbert Humperdinc.