"The American Spirit" is the new show in the Pavilion Theater at the Ramada Express replacing the resort's first multi-media show "On the Wings of Eagles," which honored veterans in a collage of images from WWII through Desert Storm.

The new patriotic tribute tells of the solder's search during a trip across the U.S. in his red 1966 Corvette convertible. In spite of the cold reception he receives on his return to America, he seeks and finds patriotism in the many faces and places he visits along the way.

The free 15-mnute multi-media show that runs daily on the hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. is broadcast on four giant screens. The audience sits in the midst of the screens, which offer a "surround" experience.

Kool and The Gang will be headlining at Harrah's on May 24, at 10 p.m. in the Rio Vista Outdoor Amphitheater. Performing continuously for the past 30 years, the group has been together longer than any other rhythm and blues group in history. Tickets are $15, call 702-298-8510.

In 1964, brothers Ronald and Robert Bell enlisted neighborhood friends in forming the band, Kool and The Gang. In 1969 the band's self-titled debut album produced their first Billboard charted singles, "Kool and The Gang" and "Let The Music Take Your Mind." Their 1970 live album produced three hit singles,

In 1976, original band member, Ricky Westfield left the band to form his own group. Kool and The Gang found a new "voice" in 1979, when they hired lead vocalist James JT Taylor and garnered their first platinum selling album.

The 80s found the Gang producing hits such as "Ladies Night," "Too Hot," "Get Down On It," "Joanna," "Take My Heart," "Lets Go Dancing" and the international hit single, "Celebration."

Kool and The Gang were the only American group to participate in the Band Aid hit "Do They Know It's Christmas," a European music industry project for famine victims in Africa. They also released their 35th album, "State of Affairs."

The APBA Powerboat Racing returns to the Colorado River for the sixth consecutive year from May 30 through June 1. Multiple classes of APBA powerboats will battle for top honors in a very challenging mile and a half race course. Music, bikini contest and a vendor village including food and beverages will be available.

General admission tickets are $10 and VIP hospitality tickets featuring breakfast, lunch and unlimited beverages are $35.00. Contact the Laughlin Chamber of Commerce for tickets.

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Free nightly shows brighten up the atmosphere when the River Palms Laserium laser light show takes place outside by the pool at 8:30, 9:30 and 10:30 p.m. Additional shows happen at 11:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. For information, call 800-835-7904.

The incomparable California surfin' party band, The Beach Boys will have people dancing in the aisles of the Flamingo's Outdoor Amphitheater on May 31. Tickets are $25, $30 and $35, call 800-435-8469.

The annual Colgate Country Showdown, the world's largest country music talent showcase, will be held on Wednesday, June 11 at 6 p.m. in The Dance Club, formerly the Western Dance Hall and Lounge, at Don Laughlin's Riverside and be hosted by Highway Country Radio. Audiences are welcome and can watch the contest for free.

The Laughlin winner will advance to a competition in Arizona on Sept. 20. The nationals will be televised and held in Nashville where the grand prize winner gets $100,000.

Allegiant Air has extended its agreement to operate 130-passenger MD-87 charter flights to Laughlin for Harrah's through December 2005. The original two-year agreement between the two companies was signed in late 2001.

Under terms of the extended agreement, Allegiant will continue to operate charter service to Laughlin six days a week for guests staying at Harrah's. Over the last year, Allegiant has operated to over 100 airports across the US for the gaming company. Selection of the cities linking the charters with Laughlin is coordinated by Harrah's, as is the marketing and customer invitations for the flights.

The annual Route 66 Fun Run will have classic autos traveling from Seligman to Topock, Ariz., May 2-4. Events are scheduled along the way. Entries are $49 and available at B&B Automotive in Seligman and a goodie bag and commemorative license plate are included.

The delightful production show "Ain't Misbehavin'" will provide comedy, dance and great music at the Ramada Express from May 26-June 1. Tickets for the 8 p.m. shows are $13.95.

Summer weather is upon us and a good way to cool off is by riding a Sea Doo on the Colorado River. Sea Doo rentals are available daily at Water Craft Adventures, located at the Riverside. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

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