Pinnacle Entertainment is buying Aztar Corporation, which includes the Ramada Express property in Laughlin. The total value of the transaction is approximately $2.1 billion. Other Aztar properties include the Tropicana in Las Vegas, the Tropicana in Atlantic City, and two Casino Aztar river boats in Evansville, Ind., and Caruthersville, Mo.

Including current development projects, the combined company will have an expansive footprint with 12 major gaming properties in the United States and more than 8,800 hotel rooms and approximately 22,000 slot machines. The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of the year 2006.

"For 2006, Aztar is committed to nearly $15 million in renovations for the Ramada Express. That commitment remains and we are proceeding with an $11 million renovation of our rooms," said George Stadler, President and General Manager of the Ramada Express,

In addition, the Ramada Express will be holding an Employment Fair on April 9 and 10 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Ramada Express Pavilion Theater. To apply for a job, call 1-877-364-6402.

Tony Orlando will perform at Harrah's at 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 25, in the Rio Vista Outdoor Amphitheater. The multi-talented performer has graced many stages, from concert halls to theaters to television, through the years. Orlando brings warmth, energy and genuineness in his performances. Tickets start at $25, call 702-298-8510.

After being coaxed by his friends Hank Medress and Dave Appell at Bell Records to record a demo of "Candida," Orlando unknowingly found himself owner of a bona fide hit. "Knock Three Times," which became the top song in 1971 selling more than six million copies worldwide, was followed by "Candida," Along with those hits came the birth of the singing group, "Tony Orlando and Dawn" featuring Telma Hopkins and Joyce Vincent.

In 1973, the group recorded "Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Ole Oak Tree" a song that is as entrenched in American culture as apple pie and baseball.

Tony Orlando and Dawn continued to produce more hits such. From 1973 to 1977, the trio hosted a successful television variety show. In October 2005, Orlando reunited with Hopkins and Vincent to release the CD "A Christmas Reunion." This marked the threesome's first musical reunion in almost 30 years.

The Demolition sponsored by the Morning Kiwanis Club of Bullhead City will take place at the Special Event Area at the Avi Resort on Saturday, April 8, at dusk. Admission is $10, $6 for students 6 to 16, and free to children five and under, call 928-763-2149.

The first town-wide event will be the Laughlin River Stampeded, 12th Annual PRCA Rodeo, March 30-April 2. This event will highlight the premier riders and ropers of the PRCA. Admission tickets are $12 for adults, $6 for children 12 and under, call 928-230-1295.

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The Ramada Express is presenting "Country Music USA" live in concert in the Pavilion Theater, March 25-30 and April 1-6. Tickets for the 8 p.m. shows are $19, call 800-243-6846. New Distinguished Players Club Members who earn 50 points will receive two free tickets to the show.

This tribute show to some of the greatest names in country music showcases the music of artists Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Rogers, Garth Brooks and Tim McGraw.

Eric York performs as Garth Brooks and also as Kix Brooks of the world-famous country duo "Brooks and Dunn." He has amazed audiences nationwide with his resemblance and vocal tribute to Brooks. Ronnie Lee as Ronnie Dunn bears an incredible resemblance to the real performer. He captures every nuance of the character from the wardrobe to the smooth flowing voice that is known so well.

Talented performer Doc Randolph portrays "The Gambler" Kenny Rogers. Randolph has been in the music business for more than 35 years and has mastered his craft. Performing for years at the hottest nightspot in Nashville, the Bull Pen located in the tourist favorite Stockyard Eatery, he has wowed thousands of fans with his charm and talent.

Peter Phillips continues to make his mark as an artist and with his amazing tribute to Tim McGraw. He was the grand prize winner of the Tim McGraw look-a-like contest in Southfield (Detroit), Mich. Being a truly impressive look-a-like to McGraw does have its advantages. When McGraw's security needs a diversion in order to get the real McGraw to the stage safely, they ask Phillips to act as a decoy. What better endorsement could you ask for?

Eight NASCAR parties are on tap at the Colorado Belle in 2006 in the property's Mardi Gras Room. Admission to each of the NASCAR parties is $10 and includes two drinks, stadium snacks and an entry to win official NASCAR merchandise in drawings. Tickets are available at the One Club booth or at the door on the day of the event.

The following races will be shown on big screen televisions during the parties:

The Subway Fresh 500, April 22, in Phoenix; The Dodge Charger 500, May 13, at South Carolina; The Coca Cola 600, May 28, in Concord; The Pepsi 400, at Daytona International Speedway; The Sharpie 500, Aug. 26, in Bristol; The Sony HD 500, Sept. 3,in Fontana; The Chevy Rock & Roll 400, Sept. 9, in Richmond; and The Bank of America 500, Oct. 14, in Concord.

Things will be going crazy at the Colorado Belle with four music events plus the "3rd Annual Riverwalk Art Festival," April 8-9, and the annual employee chili cook-off on April 15.

The Belle's music events will begin on April 1 with the "Country Battle of the Bands." It will be followed on April 8 and 9, by "Parti Gras," featuring the zydeco music of the Kenny Menard Band with Louisiana Sue. The "6th Annual Battle of the Bands" will take place on April 15 and highlight classic rock, rock alternative and adult contemporary bands. Ending the month, April 26-30, will be the "River Run Blues & Babes," and also a Hawaiian Tropic contest. For information on events at the Colorado Belle, call 877-460-0777.

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