Hadn’t been to the Wynn Las Vegas in a couple years and was anxious to go there last Wednesday for dinner and a Tom Jones show. Dinner at Wynn’s Le Cave was fine and reasonably priced, though my Diver Sea Scallop portion (two scallops) was smaller than expected for $24. The Encore had lots of handsome young men in the aisles which was a pleasure.

I walked the whole Encore and Wynn customer areas taking photos. Not much new. The gardens were still beautiful and the carpets and floor designs had not changed. The two casinos had lots of brightly lit high-end sounding stores with few customers. The big colorful dog and the carousel were there too. But a couple central areas that formerly housed huge art pieces were blank. More people were in the aisles than at the machines. (I won $4.)

And then there’s was Tom Jones. I’ve been a fan of his–forever–as were lots of other folks who filled the Encore theater. The lady next to me said the show, scheduled for 8 p.m, would start a half-hour late and that’s what exactly what happened.

Singer Tom Jones is 84 years old. He looks great body-wise (broad shoulders and slim hips.) He walked on stage rather carefully, using two artificial hips, but occupied center stage confidently, surrounded by five or maybe it was six musicians. Behind him were colorful videos including a blow-up of Tom so the balcony could see the star. Tom stood most of the time, but had his sit-down time as well. The Welsh singer’s voice was strong and the audience could hear every word. Tom sang for two hours and though hits were part of the program, he sang a number of songs I had never heard before…but loved.

And the show was not without a bit of humor. His opening song was called “I’m growing old” and the audience loved it. Between songs he smiled and laughed as well. When Tom ended the evening, he said he would be touring many more years–and the audience cheered. Our seats in the eighth row were very costly, but then again–the evening was worth every penny. Love you, Tom Jones.