America set to perform its first album during Cannery show

The year was 1972, and I was working at Lake Tahoe when I first heard “A Horse With No Name” on the radio. The group singing it was America, and this would be the first of its many No. 1 hits. I remember that I really didn’t understand the song. So let it be known that when I go see America perform that song again at 9 p.m. May 14 at The Club inside The Cannery Casino, I still won’t understand it.

It’s those lyrics: “I’ve been through the desert on a horse with no name, it felt good to be out of the rain. In the desert you can remember your name, ’cause there ain’t no one for to give you no pain.”

America is now two of the three founding members, Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnel; Dan Peek left in 1977. Over the years, America recorded such giant hits as “Ventura Highway,” “Tin Man,” “Lonely People,” “You Can Do Magic,” and my favorite, “Sister Golden Hair.” The concert features a special acoustic performance of the group’s first album, appropriately titled “America.” Tickets start at $19.95. For more information: 507-5757 or www.cannerycasino.com.

The King’s Daughter

The Cannery is becoming the place for performers that we remember and enjoy. Nine-time Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Natalie Cole is scheduled to be on stage there at 8:30 p.m. May 21. Her best-selling album is “Unforgettable: With Love” (1991), which featured her vocal arrangements on songs originally done by her father, Nat “King” Cole. Thanks to modern technology, she performed the title song “Unforgettable” as a duet with her father using her father’s vocals from the original recording. The album earned six Grammy Awards and sold more than 14 million copies worldwide. Her latest album, “Still Unforgettable,” was released in 2009 and also includes a virtual duet with her late father:“Walking My Baby Back Home.” Tickets start at $37.95. For more information: 507-5757 or www.cannerycasino.com.

José Jalapeño on a Stick

Here’s another first time. The first time I saw ventriloquist Jeff Dunham was at the Riviera Comedy Club in 1997. He was a known comic who had a loyal following through albums and college appearances. My wife and I laughed throughout the show as we enjoyed his comedic style reminiscent of Don Rickles with multiple personality disorders. See for yourself when Dunham appears at 8 p.m. May 7 at 8 p.m. at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace with his many characters including Walter, Peanut, José Jalapeño on a Stick, Bubba J and Melvin the Superhero Guy. Tickets start at $49.50. Call 731-7110 for more information.

Free Laughs

Sammy Shore’s Legends of Comedy is handing out free laughs on May 21 at the Eastside Cannery Casino. Shore, a comedy legend who founded the Comedy Store on the Sunset Strip, was hand-picked to be Elvis’ opening act during Presley’s comeback tour in Las Vegas in the 1970s.  Shore will share the stage with the “Pit Bull of Comedy,” Bobby Slayton, and Robert Duchaine, who says he was kicked out of every organization he was forced to join. The free performance is at 8 p.m. in Marilyn’s Lounge. For more information: 856-5300 or www.eastsidecannery.com.

Free Motown

This is a lovely time to visit the Fremont Street Experience downtown and enjoy The Jacks & Fives paying tribute to Motown on the First Street stage. There are three free shows nightly at 8:10, 9:10 and 10:10 through May 27.  

Duke of Earl

Earl Turner is a multi-talented singer, musician and dancer who has been entertaining Las Vegans for years. He has received numerous awards, including being recognized by the Las Vegas Review-Journal as “Male Vocalist of the Year.” Turner is bringing his act to the Suncoast at 7:30 p.m. May 20-22. Tickets start at $15.95. Call 636-7075 for more information.

XBU

It’s never too late to continue your education, and a new graduate program is under way at XBU: X Burlesque University at the Flamingo. XBU offers its students an XBU showgirl diploma in the art of burlesque, from sexy choreography to how to properly apply showgirl makeup. Classes, at 3 p.m. daily, are taught by the X Girls, who perform at 10 nightly in X Burlesque. Classes for XBU are $34.95. Tickets for X Burlesque begin at $44.95. Call 733-3333 for more information.

And finally …

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Jack Bulavsky is a 35-year Nevadan and has covered the entertainment, dining and gaming industries for local and national publications. Contact him at jackbulavsky@yahoo.com.