A vigorous trio of comedians will take over the stage inside the Laugh Factory Monday through Sunday (May 11—May 17), at the New Tropicana Hotel, with comedy star Basile headlining what is sure to be a great week of zingers. Holding down the featured position will be Spencer James, with Traci Skene hosting. Show times are 8:30 and 10:30 p.m.
However, there is still this week through Sunday, May 10, with its cast of funny people, with headliner Jackie Flynn, who has emerged as one of the funniest and most talked about comedians to come out of Boston, joining the ranks of Steven Wright, Denis Leary, Lenny Clarke and Jay Leno. Flynn has quickly parlayed his success as a stand-up to firmly establish himself in the film and television arena. Jackie was discovered early in his career by the Farrelly brothers, who cast him in back-to-back roles in “King Pin,” “There’s Something About Mary,” “Me, Myself and Irene,” “Shallow Hal” and “Stuck On You.” Fans of the hit show “The King of Queens” will recognize Flynn from his many appearances on the show. He won the prestigious San Francisco Comedy Competition, and was chosen to perform in the HBO-produced U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen. Flynn is truly a “comic’s comic,” whose refreshingly unique brand of sarcastic observational humor puts him in a class of his own, with audiences young and old appreciating his wit and rapid fire “take no prisoners” delivery.
Basile is perhaps one of the most diverse and sought after entertainers in the world today. He has entertained millions of comedy fans in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia and Africa with his unique blend of material and improvisation. Currently, he is touring throughout North America with his show “A Pinch of Basile.” He also stars in the critically acclaimed comedy series “Growing Up Greek in America,” which is spoken in Greek and English, and has sold over a million copies worldwide. He has been heard on Armed Forces Radio, syndicated radio and comedy segments on XM/Sirius Satellite Radio. Basile has made over 100 television appearances throughout the world, including HBO, Showtime, Comedy Central, A&E and “The Jay Leno Show” on NBC, to name a few. He is also known for his voice work as Universal Studio’s Bullwinkle J. Moose, as well as voices for the Cartoon Network. In March of 2010, Basile was nominated for an Emmy Award for his work on an episode of ESPN’s “30 for 30,” recalling “The Legend of Jimmy the Greek.” Basile was the voice of former Las Vegas resident and odds maker, Jimmy “The Greek” Snyder.
Spencer James’ comedy career started very early on, namely as an 11-year-old fat kid getting picked on by school bullies, while also being ignored by seemingly every girl within his vicinity. James has gritted his comedy teeth on bars and comedy clubs across America, including performances for the fisherman of Dutch Harbor, AK, which has been made famous by the hit TV show “Deadliest Catch.” Currently residing in Denver, Spencer’s show consists of his warped reactions to first-time relationships, a result of a sort of the “fat-kid syndrome” he’s had throughout his adult life, now taking the Ugly Duckling persona to the stage. Just how funny is he? James won the “The World Series of Comedy in Las Vegas,” in 2014. He believes he’s sensitive to a woman’s needs, but – due to many past failures – he also somehow winds up saying the most insensitive things at the worst possible moment. Why does this happen? Guess you’ll find out at the show.
Writer and professional stand-up comedian, Traci Skene has been called the “funniest woman in Philadelphia.” Not only has she performed in all 50 states, but she has also appeared on VH1’s “Fools for Love,” VH1’s “Stand-Up Spotlight,” A&E’s “Comedy on the Road,” and was featured on Season 7 of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing.” Skene also co-wrote “The Comedy Bible: The Complete Resource for Aspiring Comedians” with Brian McKim, which made its debut in 2011.
Tickets are priced at $34.95 and $44.95. For further information call 702-739-2411 or 800-829-9034.
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Recording artist, songwriter and three-time Grammy Award winner Debby Boone is set to perform her Billboard chart-toppers at the Suncoast Showroom May 16 and 17. In 1977, Boone’s career reached instant stardom when her song, “You Light Up My Life” became one of the most popular songs in history, and topped the Billboard chart at #1 for 10 consecutive weeks. Additionally, Boone won the Grammy Award for “Best New Artist.” In 2008, “Billboard’s 50th Anniversary All-Time Chart-Topping Songs” ranked Boone’s song as #7 on their list. Following the success of “You Light Up My Life,” Boone displayed her versatility as an artist and crossed over to county music. Some of Boone’s country songs include “In Memory of Your Love” and a cover of Connie Francis’ “My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own.”
In June 2013, Boone released her 13th album, “Swing This,” which combines songs and experiences from the golden era of Las Vegas during the 60’s when her father, Pat Boone, performed at the Sands and Sahara hotels. Boone sings of the galvanizing experiences that exhilarated the 60’s and inspired her to become a performer. Showtime each evening is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available from $15.95, plus tax and fees. Tickets can be purchased at any Boyd Gaming box office, by calling 702.636.7075, or visiting www.suncoastcasino.com.
Following tradition, the 36th Annual San Gennaro Feast will again be seasoned with great entertainment hosted by Las Vegas entertainment director and performer Tony Sacca, who has been part of San Gennaro feasts for 35 years. The feast is “A Love Affair with Italy” honoring the patron saint of Naples, Italy. It will be held Wednesday-Sunday, May 6-10, 2015, at the Grand Canyon Shopping Center, 4245 Grand Canyon Drive and West Flamingo Road (just west of the 215) feature more than 70 restaurant food booths, 60 amusements rides, midway games, arts and crafts booths. Every day there is complimentary entertainment hosted by Tony Sacca, who also does his own show with the Saccettes. Guest performers will include: David Austin, Frank the Singer from “America’s Got Talent,” Shades of Sinatra, Denise Clemente, Mark Giovi, Good Fellas, Show Biz Kiz, Déjà vu, Olivera Gjorgorska, Nite Kings, Lena Prima, Desert Tenors, DeBlanc Music Entertainment, Silver Dolls Dancers and Team U Shock, Musicology, Las Vegas Young Entertainers, Las Vegas Jazz Society, Genevieve, Cardinale Brothers – Thre3 Cards, and Bella Strings. Each night the feast will close with elite closing acts: Good Fellas, Bee Gees Gold, Sam Riddle, MJ Live, and Zowie Bowie. The San Gennaro Feast hours are Wednesday and Thursday 5 -11 p.m., Friday 5 p.m.-midnight; Saturday noon-midnight, and Sunday noon-11 p.m. Tickets are $9 for adults and children (children 54 inches and under are free) and $8 for seniors and military at the door. Parking is free.
The NHL Awards™ will return to Las Vegas this summer at the world-famous MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, the National Hockey League announced earlier. The NHL Awards will be held on Wednesday, June 24, at the renowned MGM Grand Garden Arena. It marks the first year that the NHL Awards will be held at the MGM Grand, home to world-class entertainment, dining and nightlife, as well as concerts, championship boxing and premier sporting and special events. When the biggest stars from the NHL® and hockey fans from around the world descend on the MGM Grand in June, it will mark the seventh year of a successful partnership with Las Vegas and the sixth time the NHL will honor the best hockey players in the world and the top performances of the season in Las Vegas.
“The grandeur and excitement of the NHL Awards makes Las Vegas – and MGM Grand’s famed Garden Arena – the perfect backdrop to celebrate and reward the League’s best players,” Keith Wachtel said, NHL Executive Vice President, Global Partnerships. “We’re thrilled to be entering our seventh year with partner Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, who each year have helped us commemorate an unforgettable season in style. This year, the MGM Grand will set the bar high, delivering an amazing show from its renowned venue allowing more NHL fans to attend the event up close and personal.”
The 2015 NHL Awards will honor the best regular-season players in a wide range of categories, including most valuable player (Hart Trophy), outstanding goaltender (Vezina Trophy), outstanding defenseman (Norris Trophy) and outstanding rookie (Calder Trophy); the Ted Lindsay Award, which is presented annually to the “most outstanding player” in the NHL as voted by fellow members of the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), also will be awarded.
Well, gang, that’s about it for this week.