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Kevin Johnson, who is acknowledged as one of world's top ten ventriloquist, is recognized from his appearances on NBC's “America's Got Talent” and “The Late Show with David Letterman.” He will bring his puppet pals Matilda, Clyde and Harley to the Riverside for shows in Don's Celebrity Theatre May 30-June 3 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30.

Johnson has worked corporate evens, cruise ships, theaters and casinos and is known for “clean comedy.” He started at San Diego's Legoland California Theme Park where he performed 8, 284 shows in nine years. Johnson was honored twice as the “Best Male Performer” at any amusement park in the world.

THE SPINNERS BRING R&B SOUND TO THE EDGEWATER

The Spinners, a great American rhythm and blues vocal group, will bring their enduring sound to The E Center at the Edgewater on Saturday, June 16 at 8 p.m. The Spinners were formed in Detroit in 1954 and continue to tour today. In 2015, they were nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Some of their hits include: “The Games People Play,” “Workin' My Way Back To You,” “Cupid,” “I'll Be Around and” “The Rubberband Man.” Ticket range is $20 to $60.

HARRAH'S HIGHLIGHTS TEX-MEX MUSIC

Little Joe & La Familia, one of the most popular Tex-Mex bands, will headline the Fiesta Showroom at Harrah's Friday-Saturday, May 11-12 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $27.

Mexican singer José María De León Hernández, better known as Little Joe, grew up in Texas and came from a musical family. He joined his cousin's band at age 13 and became known for performing many genres of music including Noretno, Tejano and Chicano. Recording albums since the 1960s, Little Joe has racked up five Grammy Awards.

LAUGHLIN RIVER REGATTA HAS NEW LIFE

The Laughlin River Regatta occurs annually on the second Saturday of August, which means it will be Aug. 11 this year. The “Regatta” is a 13-mile inner tube float on the Colorado river between Laughlin, Nev., and neighboring Bullhead City, Ariz.

For safety and a more enjoyable event, there are new rules and only a limited amount of tickets, which are $70, will be sold. Minors 8 years old to age 17 must have a written release signed by a parent or guardian. For information call 702-298-4000 or check the Laughlin River Regatta's website.

PITBULL WILL VISIT LAUGHLIN

Grammy®-winning global superstar and business entrepreneur Pitbull will bring his act to the outdoor Laughlin Event Center on Saturday, May 19 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $60.

Miami native born Armando Christian Perez, aka Pitbull, who was raised by an inspiring family of Cuban-American expatriates lives by the motto “turn a negative into a positive.” Defying odds, Pitbull emerged victorious and a testament to the American Dream. His relentless work ethic helped transform him into a Grammy®-winning global superstar and business entrepreneur.

EDGEWATER DOUBLES THE LAUGHS EVERY WEEKEND

On weekends, the Edgewater shifts attention to levity by featuring two different comedians at “Comedy on the Edge” at 7 p.m. every Friday-Sunday. Tickets are $15 with a $2 discount available for U.S. veterans on Sundays.

Comedians lined up in May include: Armando Anto and James Camacho May 4-6; Phil Perrier and Johnny Pizzi May 11-13; Allan Cunningham and Jennifer Murphy May 18-20; and Brooks McBeth and Gary Jones May 25-27.

Armando Anto and James Camacho are center stage May 4-6. Great at family jokes and storytelling, Anto surprises audiences when as a 27-year classical violinist he works both violin and classical guitar into his act. Born and raised in France, Anto has been working the comedy circuit more than 10 years. He also appeared on “Laugh On Fox,” “America Got Talent” and “Coming to the Stage.” Along the way, he earned his BA in Finance.

Phil Perrier is with Johnny Pizzi May 11-13. Perrier is a 30-year comedy veteran who has shared the stage with such names as Jay Leno, Drew Carry and Larry The Cable Guy as well as worked at military bases and on cruise ships. His subject matter includes modern technology, relationships between the sexes, aging, baldness and “being crippled.” Perrier has also written for Leno, Arsenio Hall and David Letterman.

Allan Cunningham will share the stage with Jennifer Murphy May 18-20. Cunningham, a 21-year comedy pro, focuses on family relations and social issues. Some other comedians he's appeared alongside include Chris Rock, Sarah Silverman, Mike Epps, and Dane Cook. He has also entertained U.S. troops in Japan and Korea. Cunningham has worked in a host of indie films as well as HBO's “Insecure” and “The Soul Agency.”

Brooks McBeth will appear with Gary Jones May 25-27. McBeth is a writer and actor best known for MADtv and “Brütal Legend.” He has also frequently appeared on “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.” As a standup comedian for more than 15 years, McBeth's material focuses on his dysfunctional relationships and quirky family. He's toured with Joel McHale and worked with everyone from Howie Mandel to Billy Gardel.

TOP OF NEXT COLUMN

Upcoming tribute shows in Don's Celebrity Theatre at the Riverside Resort will honor Billy Joel, Elton John, the Eagles, and the Bee Gees.

“Billy Joel 2 Elton John” will play Wednesday-Sunday, May 9-13 at 8 p.m. Billy Joel's tribute artist is New York-native Tony Monaco, who is a lifelong fan of the Piano Man. Elton John is played by Los Angeles-native Kenny Metcalf known as one of the top tribute artists worldwide. Together the duo presents an energetic show. Tickets are $32.

“Desperado, Music of the Eagles” will follow Wednesday-Sunday, May 23-27 at 8 p.m. nightly. Desperado features five extremely talented musicians and accomplished vocalists. This band presents a totally live show, free of backing tracks, overdubs or any other tricks to enhance the vocal sound. Tickets are $30.

“The Australian Bee Gees” will headline nightly at 8 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday, June 6-10. The talented trio stages a 75-minute multi-media concert event and roll out hits like “Staying Alive,” “You Should Be Dancing,” “How Deep Is Your Love,” and “Jive Talkin'.” The performers take on the trio's clothes, style and moves while showcasing five decades of the Brothers Gibb's success as rock and disco legends. Tickets are $30.

The Original Wailers will provide the entertainment at Harrah's Beach Concert Series party on Friday, May 25 at 10 p.m. with doors opening 8 p.m. with a DJ set. The band features original member Al Anderson, who was once the lead guitarist for Bob Marley & The Wailers. With the group, Andersons's musical achievements include the platinum award winning albums, “Live at the Lyceum,” “Babylon by Bus,” and 10 times platinum album “Legend.”

Folks can dine, picnic or take-out style at the Tropicana's Down Home BBQs in Victory Plaza, a recently renovated outdoor patio event gathering area with a brand-new Trellis Bar adjacent to the casino floor. Upcoming dinners with a selection of BBQ entrees, sandwiches, sides and a slice of pie for dessert are May 5, 12 and 19 beginning at 4 p.m.

Run for the Wall, which was started in 1989, is a 10-day run from May 16-25 with hundreds of participants taking one of three routes, which will all end in Washington, D.C. at The Wall.

The “Veteran's Pack” will arrive in Needles, Calif., at approximately 12:15 p.m. and roll through town from West Broadway to Santa Fe Park where they will be treated to lunch by the chamber and local merchants. Visitors are encouraged to line the sidewalks and cheer the 400-plus veterans on motorcycles. For folks visiting or living in Laughlin, it is only at 30- to 40-minute drive to Needles. This is a great opportunity to show our veterans and military support.

The mission for this patriotic event is to promote healing, to call for an accounting of all Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action (POW/MIA), to honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA) from all wars, and to support our military personnel.

“Brass Monkeys - Beastie Boys Tribute” will be held in the Pavilion Theater at the Tropicana on Saturday, May 26 at 8 p.m. This show is the closest likeness to a live Beastie Boys performance with the Brass Monkeys recreating the look and feel as their three MCs rap over a mix of the original backing tracks and with a live band. Based in Seattle and comprised of professional musicians, Brass Monkeys was formed in 2012 after the untimely passing of Adam Yauch. The group's performances include all eras complete with costume changes and instrumental set. Tickets are $20.

Following the Baja Days Riverwalk Festival May 4-6 honoring Cinco de Mayo will be the Hot Miami Nights Festival Friday-Sunday, May 18-20 with free live entertainment on the Loading Dock Stage and Cuban cuisine for sale such as jerk chicken with rice and beans, fish street tacos, and guava pastries.

The Memorial Weekend Riverwalk BBQ will be held Friday-Sunday, May 25-27 with a barbecue menu, beverages from Riverwalk vendors and free live American country entertainment featuring groups Sweet Home Alabama and Aces & Eights.

The Stevie Nicks Illusion group from California starring Diana Grace as a spot-ib tribute to Stevie Nicks from the 70s and 80s will bring Fleetwood Mac and their celebrated vocalist to life on Saturday, June 16 in the Avi Grand Ballroom at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $20.

Future superstar acts appearing at the outdoor Laughlin Event Center will include the Keith Urban GraffitiU World Tour with special guest Kelsea Ballerini on Friday, Oct. 5 and Rod Stewart on Saturday, Oct. 20. Both shows are at 8 p.m.

There will be Memorial Day Fireworks in the sky above the Avi Beach Overlook on Sunday, May 27 at dusk.

For the Fourth of July, the Rockets Over the River fireworks display just after dark will be on Wednesday July 4.

The 3rd Annual Riverside Challenge Dart Tournament will take place July 20-22 with $10,000 guaranteed. Friday will be the Luck of the Draw at 7:30 p.m. with 100-percent payback. Entry is $20 and Green Fee $5. Main events on Saturday and Sunday are $20 entry and $10 green fee. Note this is not a BullShooter event.

The Colorado River Chef's Food Fest will be held in the Pavilion Ballroom at the Aquarius on Thursday, June 7 at 5:30 p.m. The annual friendly competition event highlights the best chefs from along the Colorado River and area. Tickets are $75.

The 21^st annual Fiesta, better known at The Margarita Party of the Summer, will be hosted by the Aquarius on Friday, July 13 from 6-9 p.m. This is an all-you-can drink margaritas event with a fajita dinner. It's also a competition for the Best Margarita in the Tri-State area. Tickets for this Boys & Girls Clubs of the Colorado River fundraiser are $40, call 928-1411.

The International Gift and Craft Show will be held in the Santa Fe Room at the Tropicana May 12 and 13 starting at 10 a.m. Admittance is free. The show will have vendors showcasing items including Indian skirts and tops, belly dancing and Zumba apparel, scarves, jewelry, Native American jewelry and pottery, etc.