Columnist Joe Delaney: This is Black History Month

Joe Delaney

Friday, Feb. 7, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH. ... This year's annual February observance includes performances of author Lorraine Hansberry's theater classic, "Raisin in the Sun," through Sunday in UNLV's Judy Bayley Theatre. ... The world-famed Alvin Alley Dance Troupe is scheduled to perform in UNLV's Artemus Ham Hall on Feb. 28, March 1 and 2.

Our favorite Alvin Ailey piece is "The River," which had music and narration by the late Duke Ellington. ... We use the Ellington narrative as our annual Friday before Easter column. ... It deals with "The heavenly anticipation of rebirth."

Check the West Las Vegas Arts Center for its list of special activities, which includes television and film actor John Amos performing in his one-act play, "Halley's Comet," Feb. 28 and March 1 in the West Las Vegas Library Theater in the same location.

There's more

Black performers appearing in Las Vegas hotel showrooms this month include the "Bossman of the Blues," B.B. King, at the Desert Inn, Feb. 14-16, followed there by Smokey Robinson, Feb. 19-23. ... One-night stands are set for Nancy Wilson (LV Hilton, Feb. 14), Kool & the Gand (Hard Rock, Feb. 15) and Etta James (LV Hilton, Feb. 28).

We recommend the excellent Ira Aldridge Company's production of Shakespeare's "Othello," 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 14 through March 2, Winchester Community Center.

Community College of Southern Nevada will host its second annual Wine-Tasting, Spirits and Jazz Scholarship fund-raiser plus an African-inspired fashion show and art exhibit, 7-11 p.m. Saturday on the Cheyenne Campus. ... The event is sponsored by the school's Black History Committee and its student government members.

Allen & Allen

Marty Allen and Karon Kate Blackwell, with Robbie Howard as opening act, are now the "Hooray America" show, nightly except Saturday at 7 in the Westward Ho Crown Room. ... It is not often that another comedian will call us with a rave review on a comedic competitor, but venerable Bernie Allen did call after catching Marty's show.

Bernie on the telephone: "Joe, I had a wonderful time. You will, too. Marty is in top form and in great spirits. Karon Kate is the perfect straight lady for Marty's craziness. Catch them."

Allen & Rossi were a top act for years, headlining all over the country, red hot at the Riviera here on many occasions. ... Their reunion for Bob Stupak at Vegas World earned the duo a "lifetime" contract, now in litigation. ... Allen & Blackwell, really Allen & Allen, may surpass the originals in time; meanwhile, they're having fun.

For 'Rap' fans

UNLV's Arnold Shaw Research Center for Popular Music's Entertainment/Celebrity audiotaping sessions, once called "Rap With the Artist," resumes Thursday at 3 p.m. in Arizona Charlie's Naughty Ladies Saloon. ... Classical pianist Giovanni will be the first guest. ... Executive Director Bill Willard will officiate. ... It's free, the public is welcome. ... See you next Thursday.