Cautious Crow shuns clubbing

Don't expect to see Sheryl Crow roll through the Vegas night life while she's here to perform Sunday at the Hard Rock Hotel. In tour cities, she usually takes her two adopted sons on daytime activities. That's what she told London's Guardian newspaper this week.

Crow was supposed to play the Hard Rock on Sept. 11, but she postponed because of illness. I talked to her right before that illness, and she came across as fairly guarded though I was just asking music questions. I don't know what was up with that.

Nevertheless, I told her the truth, that in concert her voice sounds stronger than ever.

"As you get older, sometimes your voice matures," she responded. "I also think touring and singing a lot strengthens your voice.

"And," she said, "letting go of preconceived notions of what people think I should be doing -- or how I shouldn't be singing -- has been really helpful."

By the way, journalists can write whatever they want about her because she'll never find out, apparently.

"Honest to God, I don't read what's written about me," she told me.

Tickets cost $46-$96.

CIGARS

Usher walks a 12:30 a.m. red carpet at club Bank after his Saturday show at Mandalay Bay Events Center. ... Jessica Lowndes of "90210" celebrates a birthday at club Pure late Saturday. She turned 22 on Monday.

SHOWS

Usher on Saturday at Mandalay Bay ($50-$128). ... Diana Ross tonight and Saturday at Caesars ($50-$100). ... Rod Stewart on Sunday at Caesars ($69-$225). ... "So You Think You Can Dance" tonight at Planet Hollywood ($38-$55). ... The Hold Steady tonight at House of Blues ($29). ... The Invaders Tour featuring Victor Manuelle and others Sunday at Rio ($45-$55). ... Heart on Saturday at the Las Vegas Hilton ($98-$115). ... Marc Cohn on Saturday at Venetian ($32.50). ... Sara Evans on Saturday at Silverton ($44). ... John Mayall on Saturday at Red Rock ($23). ... L.A. Guns on Saturday at Sunset Station ($17.50). ... Jo Koy on Saturday at Mirage ($50-$72). ... Vicki Lawrence and "Mama" today-Sunday at South Point ($45-$55). ... And Beatallica (a combo tribute to the Beatles and Metallica!) Sunday at Cheyenne Saloon.

SAY WHAT?

"If you think what you're about to say might be hurtful to somebody, take a beat before you do it." -- Whoopi Goldberg in an interview with me in today's Neon. She performs tonight at Treasure Island ($87-$109).

Doug Elfman's column appears Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. E-mail him at delfman@reviewjournal.com. He blogs at reviewjournal.com/elfman.