Music City

Music lovers are in for a treat this weekend. I can't say enough about The Lon Bronson Band that will be performing at Arizona Charlie's from Friday, Nov. 2 through Sunday, Nov. 4 in the Naughty Ladies Saloon.

Bronson has been a long-time fixture in Las Vegas and his All-Star ensemble of world-class musicians delivers a great variety of rhythm & blues, rock, soul and funk. Performing for 17 straight years has earned them the distinction of being the longest running band in the history of our town.

I don't know if anyone will drop in and join the band, but over the years people like The Righteous Brothers, Huey Lewis, Tower of Power, Blood Sweat & Tears, The Temptations, Taylor Dane, David Cassidy, The Bare Naked Ladies, Tom Jones, Joe Walsh and the cast of The Sopranos have joined the band onstage. They will perform from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. You won't want to miss this.

SHAKE WITH SHAKIRA

Listen up, all you Shakira fans. The hot Latin singer will be performing Nov. 6 at the Palms to celebrate the release of the romantic drama, "Love in the Time of Cholera" and her contributions to its soundtrack. Her appearance will also benefit The Bare Feet Foundation (Pies Descalzos Foundation).

The event, which begins at 6 p.m., kicks off with a dinner and silent auction at Rain nightclub, with all proceeds going to the Foundation, a Colombian nonprofit aiding children and their families established through the commitment of Shakira. Following the benefit dinner, Shakira will give a selection of songs from "Love in the Time of Cholera." Winner of two Grammy Awards and eight Latin Grammys, the songstress recorded original songs for the soundtrack. The evening concludes at the Palms' Brenden Theatres with the Las Vegas premiere of "Love in the Time of Cholera," which opens on Nov. 16. If you'd like to go, tickets are $250 and can be purchased by going to www.converges.com

BIG BAND JAM

You're going to have to go back a lot of years to remember this guy, but his music lives on and better than ever. His name is Cab Calloway and though he's been jamming' in that big nightclub in the sky for many years, his grandson, C. Calloway Brooks is carrying on the tradition of his granddaddy's classic boogie-woogie tunes. This year they will be performing for two nights -- Nov. 23-24 -- at the Cannery Casino.

The orchestra creates the sensation of a modern jazz orchestra using the Calloway band's original vintage orchestrations performed by the great musicians who have been with the big band for decades. Brooks and the orchestra deliver an authentic hot jazz sound and a snazzy stage style that will have you tapping your feet and maybe even dancing in the aisles. If you're looking for a real "feel-good" night out, this won't disappoint. Show times are 8 p.m. and admission is only $10 at the door. Great bargain

CELEBRATE VETERANS DAY

Las Vegas' Fremont Street Experience is inviting everyone to come out and salute America with a weekend of free concerts and a Veterans Day parade Saturday, Nov. 10 and Sunday, Nov. 11. The festivities include an exciting line-up of renowned Air Force performers and headline acts by country music stars David Lee Murphy and Halfway To Hazard.

The Patriot Party kicks off an all-American good time when the The Singing Sergeants take to the stage at the 1st Street intersection between Binion's and the Golden Nugget. The Singing Sergeants, the official band of the United States Air Force, is recognized as one of the world's most versatile and traveled choral organizations. The 24-voice chorus has appeared before every chief executive of the United States since President Truman. Murphy will entertain the Saturday night crowd with his rowdy, raucous and rockin' style at 6 p.m. on the 3rd Street stage.

Up-and-coming duo of Chad Warrix and David Tolliver, otherwise known as Halfway To Hazard, will take the stage with their high-energy live show beginning at 9 p.m. The 3rd Street stage is located on Fremont Street between the Four Queens and Fitzgeralds casinos.

In honor of America's brave military heroes, the Veterans Day parade steps off at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 11. At 7 p.m., the Patriot Party concludes with a performance by the Air Force's premier entertainment showcase, Tops In Blue. Tops In Blue is an elite touring ensemble of musicians, singers and dancers -- all active-duty -- that perform for military personnel and their families throughout the world. All Patriot Party events are free and open to the public.

HOOTERS DEALS

If you're looking for a travel break, it's hard to beat this. Hooters is offering two travel packages for guests on select days in the months of November and December. The winter packages boast a variety of deals throughout the property for guests who want to indulge in signature treatments offered at S.A.S.S. spa and salon or experience the hotel-casino as a whole. Packages are valid Nov. 25 through Dec. 6 and Dec. 16-20. Reservations can be made by calling 1.866.LVHOOTS.

The first deal offers guests a hotel room at $39 per night for two evenings and a third night at no charge. As well, you receive a six-pack of savings and special offers including two-for-one tickets to see Bobby Slayton, "The Pit Bull of Comedy" and Gerry McCambridge, "The Mentalist" in the Night Owl Showroom; two-for-one drinks in The Lobby Bar; a free shot glass or playing cards with purchase of a $20 retail item; and 20 percent off a service at S.A.S.S. Gamers receive $10 match play on blackjack. If you play video poker you will earn 500 points and get 500 points. The package is valid Sunday through Thursday. But here's the key words: Based on availability.

Hooters second delightful deal is especially for spa lovers. You will receive four days/three nights' accommodations at Hooters, plus two Swedish massages or two deep tissue massages at SASS. The package costs $250 and is valid Sunday through Thursday. And again, it's based on availability.

Good luck and I'll see you on the Strip. And don't forget to check out www.valleyblogs.com. If you have a question or a Las Vegas experience you would like to share with my readers, please e-mail me at lennylv@netzero.net. Please include your full name and the city or town where you live.