A Message From Wayne Bernath – Founder of Way Entertainment

I firmly believe that when doing business it is important to know whom you are working with. The following is a transparent bio that I wrote to introduce myself and my company to you. Thank you so much for visiting Way Entertainment . Vegas

My passion for entertainment runs deep, rooted in family history. My grandfather played alto saxophone with the legendary Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra after World War I, following his service in the Marine Band. His musical legacy inspired my lifelong love for performance and live entertainment, which began during my childhood in the suburbs of Philadelphia.

I attended my first concert at age 12 and have since experienced more than 50 celebrity-driven shows, including unforgettable performances by Sting, Elton John, Jimi Hendrix, The Jackson 5, Janis Joplin, Santana, Chicago, Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton, and many others. I even booked the band Kansas in 1971 for a fraternity event—four hours for $175. Those early experiences shaped my appreciation for authentic talent and set the stage for the work I do today in tribute entertainment.

I earned bachelor’s degrees in journalism and speech from Baker University before moving to Las Vegas on New Year’s Day in 1973 with my wife Peggy and just $800 to our name. Within days, I began working at the Las Vegas Review-Journal as a copy editor, and at age 23 I was promoted to assistant news editor. My career later expanded to the Las Vegas Sun and ShowBiz Weekly, where I oversaw entertainment coverage reaching more than 150,000 readers weekly. That role put me at the center of Las Vegas entertainment culture, interviewing major celebrities such as Elvira, Sam Kinison, Mel Tillis, Paul Anka, and Dolly Parton, and forming long-lasting relationships with entertainers and industry professionals across the Strip.

My work in journalism led me into publicity, marketing, and showroom booking for some of Las Vegas’ most iconic productions. I served as Director of Publicity, Advertising & Marketing for Master Magician Lance Burton for 15 years and represented and promoted a wide variety of performers and productions, including Melinda: The First Lady of Magic, Crazy Girls, An Evening at La Cage starring Frank Marino, Showgirls of Magic, hypnotist Justin Tranz, Fashionistas, and others. I was even involved in the development and placement of the now-famous Crazy Girls statue.

Over time, I developed a unique specialization within the tribute entertainment world. Today, I am recognized as one of the largest and most trusted tribute act bookers in America, providing high-quality tribute acts for corporate events, production shows, festivals, casinos, and private engagements nationwide. My goal is simple: to connect audiences with exceptional tribute performers and to honor the legacy of live entertainment.

Las Vegas has been incredibly good to my family and me. Peggy and I built our lives here, raised two children, and formed meaningful relationships within the entertainment community. My son, who faced developmental challenges, became a beloved part of the Las Vegas hospitality industry thanks to the support of leaders such as Steve Wynn and Michael Gaughan—an experience I treasure deeply.

With decades of experience spanning journalism, entertainment marketing, celebrity relations, production, and talent booking, I bring a lifetime of insight, passion, and dedication to Way Entertainment.

The Crazy Girls Statue Story

I had the “Crazy Idea” and here is what happened:

I wrote a press release seeking a sculpture artist and Michael Conine replied from Sante Fe he read it in Las Vegas Style and worked as a computer programmer for the state of New Mexico. He contacted me and I set it up through VP Bob Vanucci of the Riviera we comped his family of five for a week at the Riviera I went to the Arts District and they recommended a warehouse on E Sahara. So he went to work. Myself and his wife helped with casting the molds his 18-year-old daughter watched the children. He loaded a u haul truck with the molds and drove it home where their were three foundries that bid on it. Michael Conine faxed me the three bids and Vannuici and I selected the foundry that did the women’s Vietnam Memorial and the Oscars all three bids were $80,000 apiece but there were $60k in expensesI named it No, Ifs Ands or …
Visitors rubbed the butts for good luck in front of the Riviera next in Planet Hollywood Norbert Aleman the owner sold it to Circa where it is now.
I based it on a photo used in advertising by Gregg Reiter he did for $200