The current cast of "A Really Big Shew, America's Favorite Variety Show" running through April 17 at the Flamingo presents music, magic and comedy.

Show times are 7 and 9 p.m. nightly. Tickets are $14.95, call 800-435-8469 or 702 298-5111.

Actor Jerry Hoban, best known for his Ed Sullivan role in the motion picture "Pulp Fiction," is portraying the late host in this re-creation of the popular "Ed Sullivan Show" that aired on CBS from 1947-1971. The variety show includes Hoban as the comedic emcee, specialty acts and one musical act. The acts are interspersed with vintage television commercials and commentary.

The current cast features Hillel Gitter - Mr. Balloon Man™, Jeff DeHart - Comic Impressionist and Richie Valens impersonated by Ray Anthony.

Gitter, who hails from Buenos Aires, has performed as an actor, mime, clown, magician, and is widely known as Mr. Balloon Man. He has toured the world and appeared in numerous film and television productions showcasing his talents.

DeHart is an actor, songwriter, and stand-up comic, who has become known for his impressions of over 130 different people including Johnny Carson and Rod Serling. His talents have landed him in several films and countless television shows including writing for David Letterman and winning an Emmy Award for his acting and impressions.

Anthony is a veteran of the music industry and paying tribute to Richie Valens. He is a self taught guitar and bass player, drummer, pianist, and songwriter.

The Colorado Belle began this year's tournaments at the beginning of March with the Secret Agent 777 Slot Tournament. The event fielded 143 competitors and gave away a total of $70,750 in prize money paid to 85th place.

Prize money for each tournament is based on 150 entrants, and is subject to change. Among the standard features of the tournaments are Early Bird cash drawings, cash prizes paid to winners of each round, and large cash prizes for the top five winners. Contestants enjoy two days of exciting tournament action, three complimentary nights' accommodations, a welcome cocktail reception, complimentary food and beverages for two, a commemorative gift and an awards dinner. To reserve a seat in any slot tournament, call the Colorado Belle's One Club at 1-877-480-2747, Monday-Friday.

Three more themed slot tournaments are planned for 2005. The Moon Shot Slot Tournament will be held June 26-28, have $63,900 in total prize money and a $450 entry fee. The Survivor VI Slot Tournament will take place Sept. 18-20, and have a $550 entry fee. The total prize money will be $78,000. The Boot Camp Slot Tournament taking place Nov. 11-13, will be last with prize money totaling $49,900.

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For a limited time, the free Patriotic Show "On the Wings of Eagles" will be shown Saturday, April 9 through Thursday, April 14 at the Pavilion Theater in the Ramada Express. After April 14, "The American Spirit" show will return.

"On the Wings of Eagles," is a 15 minute, four-screen, multi-media presentation honoring the courage and bravery of the fighting men and women of our Armed Forces from World War II through Desert Storm. The show was created by the same talent that brought the Light Parade to Disneyland.

More patriotism is displayed at the Ramada where The American Heroes Museum is also located in the Pavilion Theater. The collection includes photos, uniforms, medals and memorabilia that pay tribute to Veterans of World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm. The museum is open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is free.

"Hot August Nights" at the Riverside from April 5-10 will be a Neil Diamond Tribute show starring Barrie Cunningham. Tickets are $22.

Cunningham is a singer, guitar player, producer and entertainer, who has spent most of his life entertaining in clubs, lounges, showrooms, cruise ships and concert halls around the world and performing solo or with full accompaniment. He made his mark in Southern California with the popular rock-a-billy group Black Slacks. He was a principal act in a show voted Show of the Year in Reno, Nev. for three years.

Cunningham is probably best known for his tributes to the legendary Neil Diamond, Jimmy Buffett, and Neil Young. He has been the main Diamond and only Buffett tribute artist for "Legends in Concert," "American Superstars" and "Stars in Concert." He has produced and starred in his own shows such as "Hot August Nights."

For more than 12 years, Cunningham has performed about 300 dates per year and also been a recording artist with several releases.

The Poker Room at the Riverside has unveiled an all-new promotion where players can win up to nearly $5,000 in cash daily. A $50 random winner will be picked according to their seated position by a computer generated system every 15 minutes during designated times, which will be posted on the Poker Room table schedule board. To win $50, all you have to do to be chosen is be seated in the HOT SEAT at the table and be in a live poker game when the number is selected.

Marie Dey recently celebrated her 104th birthday with 19 family members at the Ramada Express. She enjoyed her birthday lunch in Carnegie's Dining Car, and afterwards went straight to the 25-cent reel machines.

Dey was born in Minnesota and moved to Santa Monica, Calif. in 1923. She worked for Douglas Aircraft as an original "Rosie the Riveter" retiring in 1962. She has two children, 16 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, and five great, great grandchildren.

Dey started visiting Laughlin in 1983, picked the Ramada Express as her favorite casino in 1989 and joined the Players Club in 1990. Dey and her family come to Laughlin three times a year-July, September and March.

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