Columnist Joe Delaney: Rodeo shows blend into holiday fare

Joe Delaney

Friday, Dec. 10, 1999 | 9:50 a.m.

Joe Delaney's column appears Thursdays and Fridays. Reach him at 259-4066 or joe@vegas.com

This weekend belongs to the National Finals Rodeo, concluding Sunday in the Thomas & Mack Center. ... Las Vegas will empty out as rodeo fans, performers, technical crews and livestock depart. ... It's good to know that Las Vegas will have some fine family entertainment during that normally quiet period between Monday and Christmas Day.

"The Osmonds' Magical Christmas On Ice," minus Donny and Marie, will be the MGM Grand Hollywood Theatre attraction, Thursday through Dec. 19. ... Don Ho brings his traditional Hawaiian Christmas show to the Orleans, Dec. 17-19. ... Lance Burton is taking his annual holiday vacation, with America performing in his Monte Carlo Theatre, Dec. 17-18, and Louie Anderson, Dec. 21-25.

The Tropicana's "Best of the Folies Bergere" celebrates its 40th anniversary Saturday, then rests until Christmas. ... Singer Brian Evans, a go-getter, plays the Trop's Tiffany Theatre, Dec. 17-18.

There's more

"Doo Whop Ditty" is an original musical with a Christmas message, telling of a street corner singing group, Track 4, and their musical discovery of the real meaning of the holiday season. ... Performances will be in the Riviera's Royale Pavilion, Wednesday through Dec. 19, with proceeds going to M.A.S.H. Village, a vital local nonprofit organization.

The Stardust's "Enter The Night" will perform through Dec. 27. ... As a special feature, the Stardust will also present "Asian Nights: Vietnamese Entertainment," Dec. 17-20, at 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. in the hotel's convention center.

K.C. & the Sunshine Band is the House of Blues attraction Dec. 18, and Morrissey with Sack is there Dec. 19 and 20. ... On Dec. 20 a seasonal favorite, "The Colors Of Christmas," with Dionne Warwick, Peabo Bryson, Deniece Williams and James Ingram, is at the Riviera, one night only.

And still more

Daughter Kathleen and friends are excited about seeing the Amy Grant Christmas concert with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra and special guests, Michael W. Smith, Point of Grace and The Katinas, 7:30 p.m. on Thursday in the Thomas & Mack Center. ... Thursday is also the starting date for the Nevada Ballet Theatre's annual Christmas treat, "The Nutcracker," playing through Dec. 29.

More classical fare: The LV Philharmonic will perform a Holiday Spectacular Concert at 8 p.m. on Dec. 18 and a 2 p.m. concert on Dec. 19 in UNLV's Ham Hall. ... The LV Youth Orchestra performs more holiday music, 2:30 p.m. Saturday in UNLV's Ham Hall.

Walter Boenig conducts the LV All-Star High School Jazz Band in concert, 2 p.m. Saturday, Reed Whipple Center. ... The Rainbow Company's "Meet Me in St. Louis" concludes Sunday, Charleston Heights Center. ... Support your community theater and concert efforts.

And even more

Nevada Theatre Company's "The Boy Scrooge" is a funny spin-off of the Charles Dickens classic, Thursday through Dec. 22, Clark County Library on East Flamingo. ... The Mexico Vivo Dance Company performs traditional Mexican holiday dances, Thursday through Dec. 21, Winchester Community Center. ... There is a Winter Dance Concert at CCSN, on the Cheyenne Campus, tonight at 7:30 and Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m.

Jazz fans can appreciate Dr. Tom Ferguson and the CCSN Faculty Jazz Sextet at 2 p.m. Sunday, Horn Theatre. ... Also on Sunday at 2 p.m., the LV Jazz Society presents "Tenor Madness VII" at the Winchester Center.

Dr. Douglas R. Peterson conducts the Southern Nevada Musical Society's annual Christmas concert, 2 p.m. Sunday, Clark County Library on East Flamingo. ... Author Peter Levinson will be autographing copies of his excellent book on trumpeter-band leader Harry James, 7 p.m., Thursday, Borders Books on North Rainbow Boulevard.

Friday addenda

Country star Clay Walker closes tonight at the Bellagio. ... He has sold more than 7 million albums and has had l2 top-five singles, including six that hit No. 1. ... Equally important, he is a strong supporter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and other children's organizations. ... Walker is a multiple sclerosis victim and devotes quality time to others similarly afflicted.

Burton tapes two television specials, starting at 8 o'clock this evening at the Monte Carlo. ... Ticket donations are $20 with all proceeds going to the Shriners' Burned and Crippled Children's Fund. ... Both specials will appear on network television during 2000.

There are so many good things happening. ... Support these activities with your presence and contributions. ... Help them make themselves better; you'll benefit by doing so. ... See you next Thursday.