Funnyman Don Rickles, his fabled career energized recently by a widely praised performance in his first-ever television movie, has signed for another year of exclusive engagements at the Stardust.
Column Continues Below Advertisement
Rickles' new contract marks his 46th consecutive year as a Las Vegas Strip headliner, a feat unmatched by any other performer. The freewheeling, no-holds-barred comedian debuted at the Sahara in 1959 and finishes up an appearance tonight at the Stardust with singer Lainie Kazan.
The veteran comedian recently earned critical acclaim in a dramatic role in "The Wool Cap," appearing with William H. Macy, Ned Beatty and Catherine O'Hara.
He's also appeared in major films such as "Run Silent, Run Deep," "Rat Race" and "Kelly's Heroes." He received plaudits for his supporting role in "Casino," appearing with Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone and Joe Pesci. His live theater appearances include co-starring with Ernest Borgnine in a West Coast version of the "The Odd Couple." TV credits include the starring role in the hit NBC sitcom "C.P.O. Sharkey."
The Sam's Town 300 race will take place on Saturday, March 11 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. It will also mark the first round of the 2005 Sam's Town Challenge, where a special $20,000 prize is awarded to the driver who is the cumulative points leader in the two Sam's Town-sponsored races. Now entering its third year, the Sam's Town Challenge rewards the winning driver following the completion of the Sam's Town 300 and the Sam's Town 250 at Memphis Motorsports Park in October 2005.
Race weekend, March 9-12, includes a host of special promotions and the wildly popular seventh annual NASCAR Drivers Auction, which will be hosted at Sam's Town Live! on Thursday, March 9. Winning bidders for Nextel Cup drivers will ride with their favorite drivers on a special parade lap prior to the start of the eighth annual UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 NASCAR Nextel Cup 400 on Sunday, March 12. Lucky bidders for Busch Series drivers will get to meet their driver in the pits before the start of the Sam's Town 300 on Saturday, March 11.
Many of the biggest racing names in the Nextel Cup and Busch Series are expected to appear and participate in the event, which raised more than $146,000 last year for needy local area children. NASCAR's drivers and teams also generously donate hundreds of specialty items for the evening's silent auction, including NASCAR memorabilia and autographed collectibles.
Tickets for the auction are $35 and available at the Sam's Town Live! box office or online at www.tickets.com.
Chuck Negron, formerly of Three Dog Night, and Felix Cavaliere's Rascals will appear at The Club at the Cannery in North Las Vegas on Saturday, May 14.
Tickets are $9.95, $14.95 and $19.95 plus tax and applicable fees, call 866-287-4643 or 702-617-5585.
Negron was a founding member of Three Dog Night, a band with top 20 singles such as "One (Is The Loneliest Number)," "Old Fashioned Love Song" and "Black and White." Negron, the voice behind the famous lyric "Jeremiah was a Bullfrog" in the multi-Grammy nominated song, "Joy to the World," is considered one of the greatest singers in rock and pop.
Legendary artist, Felix Cavaliere, founded The Rascals and since has earned four number one hits, six top 20 singles, and six top 20 albums. Their hits include "Good Lovin'," "Girl Like You," "I've Been Lonely Too Long," "Groovin'," "How Can I Be Sure," "A Beautiful Morning" and "People Got To Be Free."
Anita Lanahan, the Polish "Crazy Girl," has returned to the show at the Riviera after a two-year hiatus studying at the University of Texas. She noticed that she is still on all the "Crazy Girls" advertising like the posters and billboards. Now she's taking a break from school even though she wants to continue getting a business degree.
Her background in her homeland includes attending one of the best ballet schools in Poland, being in national competitions, and training for nine years from ages 9-18.
Morgan Fairchild will be starring in the play "The Graduate" at the Cashman Theatre, April 19-24. For tickets, call 702-474-4000.
The Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards will appear in the Grand Ballroom at the J.W. Marriott on March 26. Tickets are $35 plus tax and applicable fees.
Bob Dylan and His Band will appear in concert at the Aladdin on Saturday, March 19. For tickets, call 702-785-5000.
"KA," the latest creation from Cirque du Soleil, will be dark for an extended period of time from March 23 - April 14. Tickets are $150, $125 and $99 (including tax) and are available 120 days in advance of the performance date, call 800-929-1111.
Beacher's Madhouse is back at the Hard Rock Hotel and taking place every Saturday at 10 p.m. through March 26 with additional shows on March 11 and 18. The pre-show offers an excessive party atmosphere that includes a DJ, go-go dancers and sideshow performers before the stand up comedians take to the stage. Tickets are $28, call 702-693-5066.
One Las Vegas is a high-rise luxury condominium planned for a 20-acre site at Windmill Lane and Las Vegas Boulevard. Vertical construction is expected to being in July on the first two 20-story towers. Prices will start from $275,000 for a one-bedroom, 831-square-foot floor plan.
TOP OF NEXT COLUMN