TROPICANA EXPRESS FEATURES TOMMY JAMES AND THE SHONDELLS

by Jackie Brett Send Me E-mail

Tommy James and the Shondells will headline at the Pavilion Showroom in the Tropicana Express at 8 p.m. on March 21. Tickets are $30, $35 and $45, call 1-800-243-6846.

The music of Tommy James is played continuously, everyday, in every country in the world, and has been for more than a generation. His songs are so ingrained in modern culture that it's difficult to go for more than a day or so without hearing one of them on the radio, TV, or a film soundtrack. To date, James has sold more than 100 million records and has been awarded 23 gold singles, and nine gold and platinum albums.

Today, James is busier than ever performing to sellout crowds across the country as well as working on a myriad of new projects including publishing his autobiography - "Me, The Mob and The Music" - and Hollywood is planning a major motion picture based on his life.

BILL MEDLEY AND FAMILY HEADLINE AT THE RIVERSIDE

Bill Medley and Family will perform together at the Riverside, March 19- 22. Tickets are $36 for the 8 p.m. shows.

Grammy Award winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Righteous Brother Bill Medley will perform his hits and the most played song in the history of American Radio "(You've Lost That) Lovin' Feelin'." He'll be joined onstage by his daughter McKenna Medley and his son Darrin Medley. Not surprisingly, both siblings are currently making inroads with their individual careers as singers. They will each perform solo portions of the show and then return to join their dad on stage.

RIVER CHILI COOK-OFF

The "Red Hot on the River Chili Cook-Off" will take place on the Riverwalk between the Colorado Belle and Edgewater properties on March 21. This cook-off was traditionally limited to employees of the Colorado Belle and Edgewater but this year it's open to all comers, and this one has no restriction on ingredients, so beans are allowed. There will be a total of $5,000 in cash prizes for Best Chili, Best Salsa and Best Booth. For information, call Laura Wegner at 702-298-2453, ext 3758.

TY HERNDON WILL APPEAR AT THE RIVERSIDE

Country music singer Ty Herndon will take the stage at Don's Celebrity Theatre inside the Riverside, March 24-29. Tickets for his 8 p.m. shows are $28, call 800-227-3849, ext 616.

Boyd Tyrone (Ty) Herndon was born in Meridian, Miss., in 1962. He was signed to Epic Records in 1995 and made his debut album that year with the No. 1 single "What Mattered Most." This album was followed one year later by "Living in a Moment," which produced his second No. 1 country hit in its title track. Three more albums for Epic followed the next three years - 1998-2000. Overall, Herndon has charted a total of 17 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts.

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MONTGOMERY GENTRY WILL HEADLINE AQUARIUS AMPHITHEATER

Montgomery Gentry, the duo made up by Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry, will perform at the Aquarius Outdoor Amphitheater on March 27 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $50, call 800-435-8469.

The Montgomery brothers and Gentry joined forces in a band called Young Country until John Michael landed a record deal. His brother Eddie joined his band and Gentry went solo, winning the national Jim Beam Talent Contest in 1994. When Eddie returned to Kentucky, he and Gentry found themselves on stage together at various charity concerts and finally decided to join forces again. Nashville heard the buzz and Columbia Records signed them.

Through it all, the duo's rooted-ness can be seen in the fact that they are still playing with the band they had in their honky-tonk days. Their musical honesty shines through every bit of their latest CD. "Back When I Knew It All" continues their tradition of connectedness as it restates their position as the honky-tonk poets of their generation.

QUICK CLIPS

A new Nathan's outlet has opened at the Edgewater. It's adjacent to the Sbarro's and across from Kokopelli's Showroom. It's not just a hot dog stand but rather a Nathan's outlet offering a full menu of dogs, hamburgers and sandwiches.

The Harry James Orchestra will bring music to the Avi Convention Center on Friday, March 17 at 7 p.m. Admission is $14, call 800-430-0721.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Kiwanis Krash Demolition Derby

The Kiwanis Krash Demolition Derby will be held at the Avi in the Event Area north of the casino on Saturday, April 11 at 6 p.m. In addition to derby, the event will include an Easter egg giveaway for children and tire-rolling competition for adults. Admission: $10 for adults, $5 ages 7-15, and free under 6.

Blues & Brews
The annual "Blues & Brews" is a free event that will take place at the Colorado Belle in the Center Circle Event Area in front of the main entrance, April 10-12. Blues bands including Michael Burks, John Earl and the BoogieMan Band, Brad Wilson and Chris Hiatt will play throughout the day and early evening on a rotating basis. Food and beer will be on sale at booths. For information, call 877-460-0777.

Laughlin River Stampede
The Laughlin River Stampede will take place March 26-29 at the Laughlin Events Area. This is one of PRCA's biggest rodeos of the year. More than $200,000 in prize money assures that America's top cowboys and cowgirls will be competing. Autograph sessions are held daily with many past and present world champions, along with appearances by Miss Rodeo America and Miss Rodeo Nevada. For information, call the Laughlin Chamber of Commerce at 702-298-2214 or 800-227-5245, or www.laughlinchamber.com.

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