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| April 25-May 1, 2002 | ARCHIVES |
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| "It's The Norm" - Recent Entertainment Events in Las Vegas | |
Like I have said many times over the years there are a lot of perks that come with being a columnist in Las Vegas. One of those perks was recently extended to about 35 of us media types ranging from radio to print. Harrah's Laughlin had just recently inked one of the finest entertainers in Las Vegas to a deal for him to appear in its showroom. Earl Turner, who has been around our little city for many years, was most recently appearing in another Harrah's property, the Rio over on Flamingo Blvd. Earl's talents are so multi-faceted, it seemed that he just kept falling between the cracks over the years. At the Rio, Harrah's Entertainment became aware of his fantastic talent and definitely did not want to lose him to another hotel. After a lengthy stay in the mini-showroom lounge at the Rio, they moved him into the big showroom twice a week. "There was just no way we could build any momentum with a two-night engagement," a spokesperson for Earl confided. "But we felt the company would do right by him if we just worked with them and did not go off half-cocked." And pay off it did! An executive of the Laughlin property decided to take a look with the thought of hiring Earl for his hotel. "When I saw his energy and talent along with his ability to connect with an audience, I knew I wanted him," Bill Keena, vice-president and general manager, said. Not only did he sign a deal where Turner would appear for a six-month run, but he christened the showroom the Earl Turner Theatre. That's why we were treated to an evening with Earl! |
Turner hits every niche of the musical world from rock, country and gospel with lots of stops between. His eight-member band follows him as he weaves his audience through a beautiful evening of fine music. Earl's collection of classic hits can run from "Dock of the Bay," "Old Folks," and "Let's Get It On." Then not satisfied with just singing a classic or two he may begin to rock the house with a powerful versions of "Kiss," "Living in America" and "Got to Get You Into My Life."; And, just when you thought you had heard it all he does "The Green, Green Grass of Home." Wow! This is one entertainer you want to see over and over, and no two shows are ever the same. Showtimes are 8 pm., with and extra 10 pm., show on Saturday. Wednesday and Sunday are dark. In 1970 a fine singer, born and raised in New Orleans, moved to Las Vegas and began a long tradition of not only entertaining at just about every hotel in our town, but also on occasion inviting his friends over to his home for some superb real-down-to-earth Cajun food. It was often suggested to Don Gloude, a long time friend, that he should open his own restaurant and serve real Cajun food. So he did just that over a year ago and named it A Taste of N'Awlins at 9320 Sun City Blvd. And let me tell you folks this is pure Cajun food. "This is the real stuff, believe me," I thought as I munched away on one of his homemade Cajun sausages. And where else can you have the owner and chef sing to you as you sup on a fabulous Jambalaya or crawfish etouffee. That's right folks on Friday and Saturday evening from 6 to 10 pm., Don and keyboard expert Larry Walker entertain while you dine. The restaurant is closed on Mondays. More on this in a later column. I'm outa here!
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