Columnist Joe Delaney: Mexico’s big day now a weekend

Joe Delaney

Thursday, Sept. 12, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

MEXICAN HOLIDAY. ... The upcoming weekend will be a three-day observance of Mexican Independence Day for visiting citizens from that country and for Americans of Mexican descent. ... The actual date is Monday, Sept. 16. ... The Las Vegas International Mariachi Festival, now in its sixth year, can take partial credit for this recent development.

Vikki Carr will appear in the Tropicana Tiffany Theatre, Friday and Saturday evening; Ana Gabriel will perform Saturday in the MGM Grand Garden, and Lucero will give Saturday and Sunday performances in the Sheraton Desert Inn Crystal Room.

Look for other holiday observances in the Friday SUN. ... The LV Mariachi Festival, as always, will start at 7 p.m. Saturday in the Aladdin Theatre for the Performing Arts. ... Those attending will be treated to a four-hour extravaganza.

The principals

Mariachi de America de Jesus Rodriguez de Hijar, Jose Hernandez, the great innovator, and his Mariachi Sol de Mexico, San Antonio's Mariachi Campanas de America, and making its debut, Mariachi Internacional de Mexico will perform at the Aladdin along with special guests, Grupo Pandora, comedians Mario & Daniel and the Ballet Folklorico de San Juan, under the direction of Julie Gallego, who doubles as set designer.

Gallego and her Ballet Folklorico have been featured in more than 20 mariachi festivals during these past six years. ... The group consists of youngsters, ages 4-17, dressed in colorful costumes and performing authentic dances indigenous to the various Mexican states.

At 7 p.m. Friday in the Clark County Library Theatre, Teatro Milagro will present "Regreso a Mis Suenna," a bilingual musical dream. ... Tickets are just $3 for adults and $1 for seniors and children.

Another festival

The ninth annual Las Vegas Harvest Festival will be Friday through Sunday at Cashman Field. ... Festival hours are noon to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. ... Admission is $5, $4 for seniors and $3.50 for children, 6-12 years of age. ... One ticket can be good for all three days.

It is a full festival with demonstration artists, ethnic arts for tasty snacks, and gift-giving and continuous strolling entertainment. ... What a lovely way to spend a full-family day.

Nevada Humanities Committee presents a slide-lecture program, "Women in Las Vegas Gaming and Entertainment, 1940s-1970s," with a reception at 5 this evening, lecture at 6, UNLV's Marjorie Barrick Museum, and Saturday, from 4-6 p.m. with reception following at the West Charleston Library.

Community theater

LV Little Theatre's "Blame It on the Movies" is at 8 p.m. through Saturday; "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" plays Friday through Sunday, Winchester Center, check times; and Kevin McCarthy as Harry S. Truman in "Give 'em Hell, Harry," has an 8 p.m. curtain Saturday, Clark County Government Center; admission prices are reasonable.

Hawaii's Brothers Cazimero perform at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sammy Davis Jr. Festival Plaza and "Ho'olaule's '96" goes from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., free, Saturday and Sunday in Lorenzi Park.

French superstar Line Renaud, a big favorite here as well, is in town, taping a LV documentary for France. ... Si Zentner's Big Band plays for dancing, 7 p.m. Saturday, Charleston Heights Center Ballroom and Walt Boenig's Big Band is in concert, 2 p.m. Sunday, Horn Theatre at CCSN.

Star-policy rundown

It's Louie Anderson, see him (Bally's); Kenny Kerr (Debbie Reynolds Hotel); Susan Anton back in "Radio City Spectacular" (Flamingo Hilton); Paula Poundstone, Friday only (LV Hilton); Siegfried & Roy (Mirage); Danny Gans (Stratosphere); and Vikki Carr, Friday and Saturday (Tropicana).

Extra special: Top Mexican rock group, Mana (pronounced "M-nah") will appear 8 p.m. Sunday, Aladdin Theatre for the Performing Arts. ... See you Friday.