One of the funniest guys around, who was the only person Elvis would allow to open for him for a number of years, and who just happened to be the founder of a very famous comedy club, and the father of another funny guy who just happens to love animals as much as he does, will be staging a huge benefit for his beloved animals this coming Sunday (June 9) at The Orleans. Of course, I’m talking about the great stand-up comedian, Sammy Shore, a resident of Las Vegas.
Shore’s, “Funny Bones,” a live comedy show benefiting the Nevada SPCA, features world-famous comedians, and up-and-coming comedic talents, joining together for a hilarious afternoon of laughs and entertainment. The show, hosted by Sammy, an American comedy legend who founded The Comedy Store on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood, and was hand-picked by Colonel Parker to be Elvis’ opening act during the King’s famous 1969-1972 “Comeback Tour” in Las Vegas, and who fathered two comedic sons, Pauly and Peter, and who turned 86 last February, has a great lineup again this year. In previous “Funny Bones” shows, many nationally and internationally known comedians have participated, including, Pauly Shore, Bobby Slayton, George Wallace, Louie Anderson and Hal Sparks. This year he has confirmations from the following: Tony Orlando, The Amazing Johnathon, Vinnie Favorito, George Wallace, Zowie Bowie, Shades of Sinatra, Geechy Guy, Pete Barbutti (who is also co-hosting), Billy Gardell (of Mike & Molly TV fame), and Vince Carlini, along with a few special surprise guests.
The party kicks off at 2 p.m. in the Orleans Showroom, with tickets priced at $25.00.
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Sun City MacDonald Ranch, 2020 Horizon Ridge, Henderson, NV. will feature “Drinkin’ – Singin’ – Swingin’ – A Salute to Frank Sinatra – Sammy Davis Jr., and Dean Martin” on Saturday, June 15 at 7 p.m. The show stars Sebastian Anzaldo as Frank Sinatra, Kenny Jones as Sammy Davis, Jr., and Rick Michel as Dean Martin. This high-energy original production will make you feel like you’re actually experiencing the magical spontaneity that legendary icons Sinatra, Davis and Martin brought to the stage every night. This light musical comedy tribute transports audiences back to the days when great swaggering talent, song, dance and comedy ruled the stage. The show is timeless! Tickets are priced at $25. Call 702-270-7000 for further information.
Ventriloquist Ronn Lucas, and his cast of characters, will delight audiences with a mix of stand-up comedy and improvisations at the Suncoast Showroom, June 8 and 9. The first ventriloquist to headline a long-running show in Las Vegas, Lucas has received numerous accolades for his performances: including being named “The World’s Best Ventriloquist” by The New York Times and The London Times, and has performed for several U.S. presidents. Appearing alongside Lucas are his trusty sidekicks: Scorch the Dragon, Buffalo Billy and Chuck the Disposable Punk Rocker. In 1992, Scorch was the star of his own self-titled television show on CBS–TV (with Lucas providing the voice). Lucas has appeared on numerous television sitcoms, including “Nip/Tuck,” “L.A. Law,” and “Night Court.” In 1990, he starred in “The Ronn Lucas Show,” broadcast in the United Kingdom. In 2009, he was featured in the documentary, “I’m No Dummy,” which explored the world of ventriloquism through clips and interviews. Showtime each evening is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available from $15.95, plus tax and convenience fees. Tickets can be purchased at any Boyd Gaming box office, by calling 702.636.7075 or visiting www.suncoastcasino.com.
When I was growing up in California, I can remember attending some big band shows, inside a huge ballroom at Mission Beach in San Diego. Some of those bands were: Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Woody Herman, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, and the legendary Jimmy Dorsey bands. Now, “Sam’s Town Live!” will be hosting an evening reminiscent of the classic Vegas dinner shows of the past, with the legendary Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra. Dorsey is considered one of the finest clarinet and alto saxophone players of his day. The Orchestra had 11 No. 1 hits during the ‘30s and ‘40s, and is now under the direction of trombonist, Bill Tole. The combined energy of the band, with Tole’s sentimental style, will take the listening audience from the ‘40s, through the decades to the present day. Nancy Knorr is the featured vocalist. With an elegance of the past, Knorr recreates a tribute with her own style and vocal ease, to the original Orchestra singer, the legendary Helen O’Connell. The menu for the Vegas Dinner and Dance show includes: a tossed green salad; choice of chicken marsala, salmon or filet mignon; scalloped potatoes; asparagus; peach melba and red or white wine. A cash bar will be available. Reserved table seating is $55, including tax and gratuities. Reservations can be made at any Boyd Gaming Box Office, by calling 702-284-7777 or www.samstownlv.com.
Next in line at the Suncoast is multi-talented entertainer and showman, Earl Turner, who returns to the Suncoast Showroom, June 15 and 16. Turner began performing at the age of 13, and by age 19, he was traveling the country with various show bands. As a solo artist, Turner scored a Top 40 dance hit in Europe in the mid-1980s with “Love Caught You by Surprise.” Turner is a renowned Las Vegas performer, having appeared at numerous resorts and showrooms, on and off the Las Vegas Strip. In 2004, Harrah’s New Orleans transformed the Mansion Ballroom into The Earl Turner Theatre, where he performed for two years. Turner has received numerous awards, including “Male Vocalist of the Year” by the Las Vegas Review-Journal. In 2005, Turner was voted as one of the “People to Watch” by New Orleans Magazine, and was inducted into the New Orleans Music Hall of Fame. He works closely with a number of prominent charities, including The Special Olympics, Opportunity Village of Las Vegas, and The Blood Center of Louisiana. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available starting from $15.95, plus tax and convenience fees. Tickets can be purchased at any Boyd Gaming Box Office, by calling 702.636.7075 or visiting www.suncoastcasino.com.
Sing along with “The Lips of an Angel,” with a free concert by Hinder during Fremont Street Experience’s Rock of Vegas summer concert series this Saturday, June 8 at 9:00 p.m. at the 1st Street Stage. The legendary downtown Las Vegas entertainment venue will transform into summer’s alternative destination through Labor Day weekend, with a free concert series that showcases a stellar lineup of bands that take music to the edge. Hinder debuted on the rock scene in 2005, with their first album, “Extreme Behavior,” which sold over three-million copies in the U.S., and featured the breakthrough single “Lips of an Angel,” which hit #1 on the Billboard Pop Chart. The album also featured hits, “Better Than Me,” and “Get Stoned.” The follow-up in 2008, “Take it to the Limit,” surpassed Gold status after debuting at No. 4 on the Billboard Top 200, with over 80,000 copies sold during the first week. Meanwhile, their third effort, “American Nightmare,” was released in 2010. Along the way, the band has shared the stage on national tours with Mötley Crüe, Nickelback, Papa Roach, and Saving Abel. After nearly a decade, Hinder is stronger than ever, releasing their fourth full-length album for Republic Records, “Welcome to the Freakshow.” Throughout the summer, Fremont Street Experience will provide the ultimate nirvana for rock music fans with an exciting lineup of performances. For complete information on the headliner concerts and nightly entertainment, visit www.vegasexperience.com.
Well, gang, that’s about it for this week. See ya at “Funny Bones” this Sunday.