The Riverside Resort and Bu-La Productions have booked Platinum Award winning artists Boyz II Men, May 27 and 28, in Don's Celebrity Theatre.

In 1991, this melodically gifted group first got together as students at Philadelphia's School for Performing Arts. The group sang a cappella for New Edition member Michael Bivins, who helped the Boyz secure their first recording contract with Motown. Boyz hit it big with their multimillion-selling debut "Cooleyhighharmony."

Following "Cooleyhighharmony," Boyz II Men released six more top-selling albums. The group sold over 60 million albums worldwide, earned a host of Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, World Music Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and Soul Train Music Awards and even managed to break a record previously held by Elvis Presley. It was Boyz' incredible hit, "End of the Road," that dethroned Presley's "Heartbreak Hotel," as the longest running single at number one. Remarkably, the group later ended up topping themselves with their phenomenal single, "One Sweet Day," and then earned the prestigious and rare Riar Diamond Award for the album, "II," which sold over 14 million copies.

The Flamingo always features an ongoing show in its Club Flamingo Showroom. "A Really Big Show," will run though April 15, and the famous Comedy Stop will once again take over from May 1- Sept. 3.

Headliners are booked in the Ballroom beginning with Bobby Goldsboro on March 11, and in the Outdoor Amphitheater starting in April. The musical masters lined up so far are: Trace Adkins, April 1; Engelbert Humperdinck, April 15; Foreigner, April 27; REO Speedwagon, April 28 and 29; and Clint Black, May 20. Tickets range from $25 to $40 plus taxes and fees; call 702-298-5111 or 800-435-8469.

The Colorado Belle will start off April on day one with the "Country Battle of the Bands." Country bands will compete for cash prizes and a recording session on Saturday tentatively from 3 to 8 p.m.

On April 8 and 9, the event will be "Parti Gras," featuring the zydeco music of the Kenny Menard Band with Louisianna Sue passing out the party beads. This free event is from 6 to 10 p.m. each night with food sold separately.

The "6th Annual Battle of the Bands, featuring classic rock, rock alternative and adult contemporary bands competing for cash prizes and recording sessions will take place on April 15. On Saturday from noon to 8 p.m., there will be free entertainment; food and drink will be sold separately.

More music will follow April 26-30 with the "River Run Blues & Babes" featuring blues music with Michael Burks, John Earl and the Boogieman Band and The Nighthawks, plus an Hawaiian Tropic contest.

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On April 8 and 9, the Belle will hold the "3d Annual Riverwalk Art Festival," highlighting approximately 79 artists displaying and selling fine art, jewelry, photography and fine crafts. The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

On April 15 from noon to 8 p.m., don't miss the "Red Hot on the River" annual employee chili cook-off. The public is invited to view the boots and sample the chili.

The popular Irish favorite, Pat O'Brien is performing free shows at the Caboose Lounge in the Ramada Express, Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 4:30-8:30 p.m. until April 16. O'Brien's popularity is the result of his amazing repertoire of songs and his ability to have fun with the audience.

O'Brien has been singing at the Ramada Express ever since he was "discovered" five years ago by Ramada Express President and General Manager, Susan Murphy, when she and her husband saw him performing at Riley's Pub in Galway, Ireland.

His first contract in the Caboose Lounge was for two weeks. O'Brien's popularity quickly grew and now he is booked twice a year - three months in the spring and two months in the fall.

O'Brien has developed his musical style with the help of technology. His guitar is hooked to a computer. "It's called a midi system," he explains. "I have been using it for 20 years. I can play notes on my guitar and it comes out sounding like the keys of a piano, or a saxophone, or accordion. I can also pre-program instrumental sequences and my own voice and then play along with them. The possibilities are endless. Every song gets its own special touch. The computer takes a back seat on a ballad."

Born and raised in Ireland, O'Brien started his career as a musician playing guitar with a rockabilly band. He studied music in Manchester, England, and performed in "Jesus Christ Superstar" for years.

As a special St. Patrick's treat, he will perform in Victory Plaza when it is transformed into Murphy's Irish Pub, March 12- 17 from 4:30-8:30 p.m.

The schedule of events for the third annual Laughlin TownFest being held March 9-12 will take place in the Laughlin Town Center on Needles Highway between El Mirage Way and Rio Vista Drive. The parade on Needles Highway will be held on Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m.

The progressive "Moonlight in Laughlin" dinner will kick off the event on Thursday, March 9, at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $10. The carnival also gets under way on Thursday and is to be open throughout the entire event from 4 to 10 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Live entertainment will be going on under the huge party tent, dubbed "Entertainment Central," Thursday through Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. New this year will be the group Stars on the Water, a Jimmy Buffett tribute band, which will perform on Saturday Night.

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