Pete Barbutti's career has been a long one, but he's worth your time, even if the clock is set in the microwave.
A 1970s icon, this great stand-up was once the host of the TV show Celebrity Microwave. This was a series that featured microwave recipes among celebrities in the early '80s. The show was syndicated in Canada, recorded in Calgary, and ran for 130 episodes. 
“I had some very good guests, most of whom came as a favor to me,” said Barbutti, who headlines the A-Stars Comedy Show at the Ahern Hotel on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. say. “I did five shows a day. I would cook a meal in a minute or two and eat it on the show. By the fifth show I couldn't breathe, so I had to try to eat little by little. It was.”
The program aired weekdays at 7 p.m., and repeated Sundays. Stars of the day appeared as guests, including Playmate and pop culture celebrity Barbie Benton and slapstick comic Charlie Callas.
Barbutti lasted longer than that show and many others. A self-taught professional and master pianist (he was also an accordion player from a young age), he was especially popular on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.” Barbutti appeared 38 times with Carson and a series of guest hosts, including David Brenner, George Carlin, David Letterman, Martin Mull, Bob Newhart, Burt Reynolds, and MacLean Stevenson. was.
Barbutti also sat down with talk show hosts Mike Douglas, Joey Bishop, Dinah Shore, Merv Griffin and Steve Allen. He covered the daytime and late night circuits.
Just this week, I was telling a friend about the comedy legend headlining Las Vegas this weekend. “He must be 90 years old,” said a friend. Yes, he turns 90 on Saturday, so that's how old he is.
“It feels great and it's great to have a place to perform,” said Barbutti, who can cover an entire set in just a few episodes. His story is based on the comedy's crockpot recipe, which is not microwaved but simmered for minutes until ready to serve.
When asked if he would develop any new material over the weekend, Barbutti simply replied, “No,” and laughed. “But I hope they take me back. We'll see.”
Barbutti's most recent appearance was last month when he inducted his late buddy Shecky Greene at the UNLV School of the Arts Hall of Fame Gala at the Breaux Live Theater in Fontainebleau.
From the stage, Barbutti lavished praise on the chef who prepared that night's dinner. “I give him credit because I don’t know if I’m going to show up to work with hepatitis…” These are jokes, guys. Check out the Barbutti experience. You are in the middle of an adventure.
John Katsirometes' column appears daily in Section A. His “PodKats!” podcast can be found at reviewjournal.com/podcasts. Please contact us at jkatsilometes@reviewjournal.com.to follow @johnnykats X, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.
