Country music singer-songwriter Collin Raye will take center stage at Don's Celebrity Theater at the Riverside, April 15-20. Tickets are $34, call 800-227-3849.
Floyd Collin Wray is more commonly known by his stage name Collin Raye. He made his debut on the American country music scene in 1991 with the release of his debut album All I Can Be, which produced his first No. 1 hit Love, Me. All I Can Be was the first of four consecutive albums released by Raye to go platinum.
Throughout the 1990s, Collin continued to produce Top Ten singles on the country music charts. By the end of the decade; however, his momentum had slowed; 2001's Can't Back Down was his first album that did not produce a Top 40 country hit, and he was dropped by his record label soon afterward. He did not record another studio album until 2005's Twenty Years and Change, released on an independent label.
Between 1991 and the present, Raye has charted 30 singles on the U.S. country charts; he has also charted twice on the Adult Contemporary format as a duet partner on two Jim Brickman songs. His most recent compilation, an EP titled Selected Hits, was released in 2007.
The River Palms Comedy Room plays host to a rotating weekly lineup of standup comics. Wild Willy Parsons will appear the week of April 22-26 with fellow comedians Robert Sherwood and Anthony Marino. Tickets are $14.95 and $19.95, call 866-448-7849.
Parsons has been a professional comedian since 1985. He continuously tours the country headlining at clubs, colleges, corporate functions, children's benefits as well as numerous biker events and law enforcement festivities. He has also made many television appearances including, The Dennis Miller Show, Showtime, MTV, Evening at the Improv and Comics Only, to name but a few.
Parsons has opened for many acts on the road such as The Charlie Daniels Band, Steppenwolf, Sam Kinison, Buddy Miles, Andrew Dice Clay, Pauly Shore and Richard Jeni. He has also been the comic relief for several Easyriders videos since 1990. His unique character has opened the door to the acting arena by landing him roles in movies and on television such as: The Guardian, Nothing To Lose, Trancers II, Matlock, Vietnam Texas, Silk Stalkings and a couple of national beer commercials. Parsons also has an Emmy Award for writing.
Parsons has become nationally known as "The World's Original Biker Comic." His subject matter ranges from his personal experiences in life, the justice system, society's misconceptions of bikers and their appearance, current events and even raising a family in today's world.
Don Laughlin's Riverside keeps adding big names and tribute shows to its impressive 2008 lineup. This summer, the resort will be Celebrating the Music of Neil Diamond, Aug. 10-17. Meanwhile, the Superstars of Country Music, June 17-29, will feature a lineup that hasn't been named yet.
Also added this year are: The Tennessee Three July 23 - 27; It's Only Make Believe - A Tribute to Conway Twitty, Sept. 16 - 21; and Mel Tillis over the holidays, Dec, 27 - Jan 1, 2009.
TOP OF NEXT COLUMN