Concert offerings include Jacksons, Oak Ridge Boys, Willie Nelson
For the first time since 1984, the Jacksons are back on tour.
Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Tito are scheduled to perform at the Cannery Casino on July 20. Their Unity Tour 2012 is the first nationwide concert tour of the remaining members of the Jackson 5. An integral part of the concert will be honoring brother Michael, who died in 2009. Concertgoers can expect a trip through music history with performances of "I Want You Back," "ABC," "I'll Be There" and "Dancing Machine."
The Jackson 5 debuted in 1969 as Motown's newest act. They paired a soulful and optimistic sound with a stage presence many had never seen before. The group achieved a recording industry milestone when its first four singles hit No. 1 on the Billboard chart. The brothers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 and remain the biggest-selling family recording artists of all time. Tickets start at $69.95. 507-5700. www.cannerycasino.com.
They're American Made
The Oak Ridge Boys have one of the most distinctive and recognizable recording sounds with their sophisticated four-part harmonies and upbeat songs. The Boys - Duane Allen, Joe Bonsall, William Lee Golden and Richard Sterban - are scheduled to appear July 6-7 at the Golden Nugget singing their many hits, including "Elvira" and "American Made." Showtime each night is 8 p.m. Tickets start at $29. www.goldennugget.com or 385-7111.
American Rock 'n Roll
From a set during the original Woodstock in 1969 to their variety TV series in the '70s and '80s, Sha Na Na has gained a legion of fans while developing a reputation as premier entertainers of their era. The famed rock 'n' roll band is scheduled to appear at the Rampart Casino at 7:30 p.m. July 14 and 4 p.m. July 15. Tickets start at $25. 507-5900.
Me Man. You Woman
Kevin Burke has become a specialist in understanding relationships, and he shares his philosophy in "Defending The Caveman" at Harrah's. This insightful comedy attempts to describe the ongoing battle for understanding between the sexes, i.e., that 40 percent of women would consider dumping a boyfriend if her friends didn't like him and that 90 percent of what we say isn't verbal and that body language (gestures, eye contact, expressions) does most of the talking. The show plays at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $39.95. 369-5111.
A Manly Man
Willie Nelson is his own man. One of country music's most recognized artists of all time, Nelson has penned many tunes that have become American classics, including "Crazy," "Night Life" and the sublime "Funny How Time Slips Away." But that was just the prologue for the iconoclastic singer-songwriter who would redraw the borders of country music in the '70s after moving to Austin, Texas. Along with Waylon Jennings, Nelson was labeled the outlaw of the genre but was more visionary than rebel with the way he attracted rock fans to take a closer look at country. He was celebrated for his work with buddies Jennings, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson but scaled even greater chart heights by singing with Julio Iglesias ("To All the Girls I Loved Before"). He is scheduled to perform at 8 p.m. July 21 at Sunset Station. Tickets start at $39. www.sunsetstation.com. 547-7777.
Eccentric Lunatics
The internationally acclaimed quartet, The Flying Karamazov Brothers, are proud to call themselves "eccentric lunatics." They are scheduled to bring their vaudevillian comedy, wild theatrics and juggling to The Venetian July 19-21 and July 26-28. The brothers began at a Renaissance fair in Northern California in 1973 and have since been on Broadway, television and in the movies. Each show is a new challenge as guests are encouraged to bring any object (less than 10 pounds) to them to test their juggling expertise. Tickets start at $44.50. Showtime is 9 p.m. www.venetian.com. 414-9000.
A Real Genius
While you're at The Venetian, go from lunatic to genius. The most comprehensive exploration of Leonardo da Vinci's work ever created is now on display through the summer. The interactive experience, Da Vinci -- The Genius, immerses guests in da Vinci's timeless brilliance through full-scale interpretations of his remarkable talent as an inventor, artist, anatomist, sculptor, engineer, musician and architect. Guests will enjoy more than 200 unique pieces, including 75 life-size machine inventions, three-dimensional renderings of da Vinci's most notable Renaissance works and an eye-opening, in-depth analysis of his most famous piece, "Mona Lisa." The exhibition is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults, $23 for senior/military, $20 for Nevada residents and $18 for children 12 or younger. 414-1000. www.venetian.com.
And Finally
A man goes to a shrink.
"Doctor," said the man, "my wife is unfaithful to me. Every evening, she goes to Larry's bar and picks up men. In fact, she goes home with anybody who asks her. I'm going crazy. What do you think I should do?"
"Relax," said the doctor. "Calm down and take a deep breath. Now, exactly where is Larry's bar?"
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.
