With an energetic mix of rock, blues, jazz, country and Cajun music, talented singer/songwriter Doug Kershaw will treat fans to an extraordinary musical performance at the Riverside Resort, July 25-30. Tickets are $25, call 1-800-227-3849.

Affectionately known as the "Ragin' Cajun," Kershaw's catalog of 30 albums demonstrates his longevity as an artist and performer. He's also a world-renowned fiddle player, who plays the fiddle so ferociously that clouds of resin rise from his bow, giving the audience the impression that the instrument is actually smoking. Often times, Kershaw wears out two to three bows per concert from playing so passionately.

Kershaw's vast musical career began at a local bar where his mother accompanied him on guitar. From there, Kershaw joined his brother's band and eventually had several Top 40 country hits. In 1957, he was invited to join the Grand Ole Opry, and in 1961, Kershaw recorded his career-defining song, "Louisiana Man." He went on to sell millions of records and is considered by many of his peers to be the best musician to ever come out of Southwest Louisiana.

Harrah's Laughlin will present dynamic comedian, Sinbad, in the Rio Vista Outdoor Amphitheater at 10 p.m. on July 8. Tickets start at $25, call 702-298-8510.

Sinbad, a name symbolizing a larger-than-life persona, suits this artist well. Creating a powerful presence as he stalks the stage with an explosive energy, Sinbad is always ready to impart his thoughts on everyday life. Unlike other comedians, Sinbad never tells jokes. His stand-up performance touches on real-life stories of friends, family and today's issues.

This Benton Harbor, Mich. native began his career with an aptly named road trip called "The Poverty Tour." Sinbad's multi-talented career includes television series credits, headlining and directing Home Box Office cable specials such as "Afros & Bellbottoms," "'70s Soul Music Festival" and "Summer Jam Weekend," and big screen supporting roles in "Houseguest," "Necessary Roughness," and "First Kid."

Sinbad's creativity has been exposed to other mediums. A published author, Sinbad relates stories from love to layaway, parenting to primping and weight loss to the World-Wide-Web, in his book, "Sinbad's Guide To Life (Because I Know Everything)." In 2002, he hosted "Sinbad and Friends" on Hot 92.3FM in Southern California.

When not entertaining, Sinbad is involved in alliances with Intel Corporation and Breakaway Technologies and has supported the opening of Computer Clubhouses across the country. He has been a spokesperson for the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering that encourages minorities to pursue studies in science, math and engineering.

The Riverside's bowling center has started summer hours until Sept.4, which are 8 a.m. daily until 1 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Recently, Laughlin Bay Marina opened its doors and became Nevada's first private marina. The marina offers preferred vessel service and launch reservations, 110 boat slips in the lagoon, dry storage and maintenance facilities for an additional 120 boats and watercraft, a three-lane launch ramp, a lighted boardwalk, ship store, restaurant and a sandy beach.

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New this year will be the Laughlin International Rally & Motorsports Festival scheduled for Nov. 9-12. The town-wide event will incorporate several different motorsports activities at various hotel/casinos.

The Federation Internationale de l'Automobile has listed the Laughlin International Rally as part of the United States Rally Championship and it will draw motorsports enthusiasts from around the world. The Adventure Rally is designed for the weekend warrior to experience the thrill of competition especially geared for SUVs.

The Laughlin International Auto Show will feature all types of domestic and imported vehicles. The Drift described as a "ballet on wheels" will be performed by professional drivers. The Rally-Cross will be a race against the clock. The Super Stage will delight spectators with side-by side, up-close racing, thrilling jumps and water crossing.

Other activities will include vendors, displays, music and entrainment. For more information, visit www.rallyusa.com.

American Casino & Entertainment Properties, which owns the Stratosphere and Arizona Charlie's properties in Las Vegas and the Sands in Atlantic City, recently acquired the Flamingo Laughlin and will re-brand the property as the Aquarius Casino Resort this fall.

The Flamingo is the largest hotel in Laughlin with 1,907 rooms in two 18-story towers and a 57,000-square-foot casino. It is situated on approximately 18 acres with many amenities including seven restaurants, 35,000 square-feet of meeting space and a 3,300-seat amphitheater. The property also features an outdoor pool, fitness center, lighted tennis courts and 2,420 parking spaces.

The new owners will continue to book headliner acts in the 3,300-seat amphitheater.

Independence Day will be celebrated early at the Riverside Resort on Saturday, July 1 with a spectacular fireworks display and a poolside all-you-can-eat feast. The location will be the 3rd floor pool. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the fireworks will start at 9 p.m. Tickets are $16.99 for adults and $7.99 for children 5-12 years old with steak not included. Tickets will be on sale starting tomorrow June 26 at the Riverview Restaurant.

On July 7, the Ramada Express will hold its Crew Member Talent Show showcasing the talented employees who work t here. The 7 p.m. show on Friday night is free in the American Heroes Pavilion.

The West was famous for its mines and a few mining towns are a short trip from Laughlin.

Chloride is an 1860s mining town located four miles off Arizona State Hwy 93 some 17 miles north of Kingman, Ariz. It's the site of the oldest post office in Arizona and home of the Tennessee Silver Mine, one of the area's richest. Old buildings dot the town including the original jail. Roy Purcell's painted murals located on nearby canyon walls are worth viewing.

Oatman, also in Arizona, is a historic gold mining town born in 1906 as a tent camp for miners. It's located in the Black Mountains some 18 miles east of Bullhead City. Oatman offers visitors quaint shops, restaurants and saloons with live entertainment. The town is famous for the live burros that roam the streets and staged gunfights.

The Gold Road Mine is located 2.5 miles north of Oatman. Here you can take a 45-minute guided tour of a gold mine and actually see gold as it appears in the rock.

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