Sunday, May 28, 2000 PRIOR ISSUE   -   ARCHIVES
Jimmy Hooper, Carnaval Court Bar, "Legends In Concert", More...

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Jackie Brett
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After performing nightly for nine continuous months at the Rio's Voodoo Lounge, entertainer Jimmy Hopper gathered a loyal and ever-expanding number of fans. Now he's moved his high energy, eclectic musical show to the Luxor in the Ra showroom.

Backed by a five-piece band, Hopper displays his four-octave range and vocal ability. His musical journey runs a complete gamut from Sinatra and Sting to Beethoven and Bocelli. He also demonstrates his ability to play keyboard and guitar.

Last year was the ninth year Hopper sang his four-octave rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner" at the Newsweek Championship Cup tennis match. Hopper has written a song that will become the Cup's theme song.

Hopper's performances are at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Tickets are $32.50 plus tax, call 702-262-4400.

Harrah's recently invested $1 million to construct a new bar in their outdoor entertainment venue called the Carnaval Court. Situated in the center of the courtyard is the Carnaval Court Bar & Grill, a circular 38.5-foot diameter structure that features, bright, multi-colored lights to match the courtyard's festive "Carnavals of the World" theme. The outdoor bar was built out of more than 30 tons of steel and features an evaporator cooling system and misters.

The bar's service staff not only serve drinks and food, but they sing, dance, juggle glassware and breathe fire.

Drink specials and free drinks flow throughout the night, such as free tequila shots all around the bar when the song, "Tequila" is played. The food includes appetizers, salads and sandwiches.

Carnaval Court Bar & Grill offers an outdoor party on the Strip from 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday, and from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Daily live entertainment takes place from noon to midnight.

The award-winning "Legends In Concert" tribute to superstars show at the Imperial Palace celebrated its 17th anniversary on May 18, and welcomed its five-millionth customer, who received commemorative gifts and memorabilia on stage.

Originally "Legends" began by highlighting deceased stars, but eventually the show's producer John Stuart added living superstars as well. Unlike most other shows of this genre, there is no lip-synching. The cast is supported by a host of singer-dancers and a live band.

Initially, Stuart's contract in 1983 was for a six-week run. No one dreamt back then what an unbelievable success story this one show would turn into. "Legends" has toured nationally in over 40 United States cities and internationally in more than one dozen countries.

The stars being portrayed in the current show are Little Richard, Shania Twain, Prince, Tom Jones, Bette Midler and Elvis Presley. For the anniversary show, M. L. Jordan made a special guest appearance as Louie Armstrong.

Jordan's story is interesting. He had belted out "What A Wonderful World This Could Be" on Dick Clark's television show "Your Big Break" and advanced to the finals competition. Oprah Winfrey was preparing a show on "Good News" and looking for someone she could surprise from "Your Big Break." Jordan's dream was to perform in Las Vegas' longest running independently run production show "Legends," and his dream came true. Jordan should be a permanent fixture in the show because he's excellent. He's currently employed as a construction worker.

"Legends In Concert" is performed at 7:30 ad 10:30 p.m. nightly except Sundays in the Imperial Theatre located on the third floor of the Imperial Palace. Tickets are $34.50 for adults with tax, tip and two drinks included. Tickets for children 12 and under are $19.50, call 702-794-3261.

The 14th annual Golden Rainbow benefit HIV/AIDS show is scheduled June 17 and 18, at Bally's in the Jubilee Theater. What makes this show so special is acts are contributed by hundreds of cast members from nearly every Las Vegas show. Numbers for this year's show are set to tunes from the best of Broadway and Hollywood.

This year's show will feature performers from "Jubilee," "Notre Dame de Paris," Blue Man Group, Cirque du Soleil, "EFX," "Forever Plaid," "Tournament of Kings," "Splash," the Venetian and Flamingo Hotels, and several area community theaters. Sheena Easton and Clint Homes are the slated headliner names.

Tickets are $25,"$50, $75, $100 and $175 for the VIP section, call the Golden Rainbow office at 702-384-2899.

The Magicians of the Century from Germany, Siegfried and Roy have brought their life story to the giant IMAX screen. Entitled "Siegfried & Roy: The Magic Box," the film is the first IMAX 3D film based on a real life story showing in IMAX theaters worldwide. The film has garnered multiple Maximum Image Awards and been selected Best 3D Picture and Best 3D Cinematography. To get a peek at the movie go online at www.siegfriedandroy.com.

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The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, a mainstay of the Big Band Era and a launching pad for legendary vocalists and musicians, will play in the 25,000 square foot Stardust Ballroom on Saturday, June 3.

Tommy Dorsey directed dance bands from 1935 until his death in 1956. His bands filled arenas and theaters all over America and dominated juke box play lists with memorable tunes such as "Opus One," "Sunny Side of the Street," "Song of India," and "Boogie Woogie."

The orchestra at the Stardust will be directed by former Dorsey sideman Buddy Morrow, who will perform Dorsey's distinctive trombone solos, including the maestro's theme song, "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You." Morrow, who also played with the Paul Whiteman and Artie Shaw bands, will reprise his own signature tune, "Night Train."

The Doors will open at 6 p.m. in the Stardust Showroom and dancing will start at 7 p.m. Admission is $15.

Stars from evening shows on the Strip have been visiting Darren Romeo's afternoon 3 p.m. show at the Flamingo Hilton. Frank Marino, star of "La Cage" at the Riviera, Tommy Tune from "EFX" at the MGM Grand, and the superstars of magic Siegfried and Roy appreciate Romeo's talent.

Romeo sings his way through his illusions and integrates comedy, impressions, dancing and audience participatioin throughout his show. He uses a beautiful assistant and a couple of stage hands. Last October, Romeo received the World Magic Award for "Best Up and Coming Performer."

Romeo's opening routine is performed as a tribute to his namesake, Bobby Darin. He sings "Dream Lover," in Darin's memorable style, while assembling a glass box from where he produces his own "dream lover." This signature presentation has earned Darren the title of "the Voice of Magic" amongst his peers. Tickets for Romeo's daily except Wednesday show are $14.95 with one drink included, call 702-733-7333.

Singer-impressionist Bob Anderson is appearing at the Stardust through June 9. This is his first of four engagements at the Stardust Conference Center. The following dates are June 26-July 15, July 26-Aug 5 and Aug. 21-Sept. 15.

Anderson has been a Las Vegas performer since 1973, toured the world, and made frequent appearances on syndicated talk and variety shows including 13 visits on the NBC "Tonight" show.

Anderson is performing his show at the Stardust on a centrally-located stage "in the round." Tickets are $9.95 per person with tax, tip and one beverage included.

Kool & The Gang, the group with a sound that has influenced the music of three generations, will perform in the Crystal Showroom at The Desert Inn, June 2-4.

The group is famous for such songs as "Celebration," "Cherish," and "Ladies Night." They have won two Grammy Awards and seven American Music Awards. Tickets are $45, call 1-800-634-6909, 702-733-4566, or visit www.thedesertinn.com.

The free Monday Blues Series at The Railhead at Boulder Station will switch to Sunset Station's Club Madrid from 8 to 11 p.m. throughout the summer while The Railhead undergoes an expansion project. There is no cover, but guests must be 21 or over. For information, call 702-547-7777.

Country sensation Toby Keith will take the stage at Sunset Station's outdoor amphitheater on Friday, June 2. His most recent CD, "How Do You Like Me Now," is his first for a new label DreamWorks Records. The title song spent more than five weeks as Billboard's number one country single.

In a little more than a decade, Oklahoma-bred Keith has been an oil field worker, a defensive end with a semi-pro football team, and an Oklahoma honky tonk sensation. He relocated to Nashville and became a bona-fide star. His songwriting and singing have earned him eight No. 1 hit singles. Tickets are $20, $27.50 and $32.50, call 702-547-7777.

Emmy Award winning comedian Louie Anderson will perform at the MGM Grand's Hollywood Theatre, June 1-5.

Anderson's career continues to prosper. He's brought his own childhood experiences to television through an animated series entitled "Life with Louie" for the Fox Children's Network. The Emmy winning series began in the fall of 1995 and climbed to the position of No. 1 animated show on Saturdays. He's also published several children's books based on the series.

Last year, Anderson began hosting the return of the nationally syndicated game show "Family Feud." Tickets to see Anderson are $30 plus tax, call 1-800-929-1111 or 702-891-7777.

The Average White Band commonly called A.W.B. will headline at the Orleans Showroom, June 2-4. The group was formed 28 years go in London by six Scottish musicians who loved American jazz and soul music, particularly the Memphis and "Philly" Soul sound. Their biggest hit in the United States was the funk classic "Pick Up The Pieces," which reached No. 1 on the Pop charts and was nominated for a Grammy.

After a final record release in 1982, each member began working on this own or with other bands. The hiatus lasted five years until the band was revived and recorded the LP "Aftershock." Their latest CD in August 1999, "Face To Face," was a "live in concert" release, recorded in San Francisco at the Fillmore Auditorium.

Tickets for the A.W.B. are $24.95, $29.95 and $34.95 plus taxes, call 702-365-7075.

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