Columnist Joe Delaney: Fight weekend offers entertainment on and off the Strip

Joe Delaney

Thursday, Sept. 16, 1999 | 10:54 a.m.

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

Happy Mexican Independence Day. ... Today's observance has become a two-weekend celebration in Las Vegas during this decade.

This Saturday's main event is the welterweight championship title unification bout in the Mandalay Bay Events Center between Oscar De La Hoya and Felix Trinidad. ... With De La Hoya, an American of Mexican descent, and Trinidad, an American born in Puerto Rico, pride of origin is at stake as well.

Look for the pay-per-view totals for this fight to reach a new record. ... This is really an even money or "pick 'em" matchup; one that could end in the first round, either way, or be a war for the ages.

If it does go the distance, it could be the first in a series of epic encounters. ... Since pay-per-view will be available in Las Vegas, those with cable can invite some friends, split the $49.95 tab and watch it at home. ... There is also plenty of big screen action.

Attractions elsewhere

Trinidad fans from Puerto Rico can enjoy Olga Tanon, Friday at 8 p.m. in the MGM Grand Garden Arena plus jazz great Tito Puente, Saturday at 11 p.m., after the fight, in the MGM Grand Premier Ballroom (see story page 1E). ... Mexico is well represented with comedian Paul Rodriguez, Friday and Saturday at 11 p.m., Monte Carlo's Lance Burton Theatre, and the comedy of George Lopez and Carlos Mencia, Saturday at 8 and 11 p.m., Riviera's Top of the Riv.

Mexican practitioners of the magic arts in town include Fenik (Caesars Magical Empire) and illusionist Joaquin Ayala, starring in "Spellbound" at Harrah's. ... Los Van Van, featuring Barbara Torres, will be the Sunday attraction at the House of Blues.

Speaking of the blues, a legend, Bobby "Blue" Bland, performs at Arizona Charlie's, 8 p.m. today only. ... Charlie's regular, P.J. Belly, opened Wednesday night for Johnny Winter (House of Blues).

Star-policy rundown

In addition to the acts listed above, it's Dennis Miller through Sunday (Desert Inn); Patsy Cline Tribute (Gold Coast); Bill Acosta (Luxor); Wayne Newton (MGM Grand); Siegfried & Roy (Mirage); Righteous Brothers (Orleans) and Danny Gans (Rio). ... Brian Evans will perform 7 and 9 p.m. concerts, a la Sinatra, on Friday (Sunset Station).

With the biggest fight of the year in town, it's hard to understand why Bally's, Caesars Palace and the LV Hilton chose to go dark this weekend. ... 'Tis a puzzlement.

Singer-impressionist Bob Anderson performs at The Resort at Summerlin Saturday and Sunday. ... Anderson rates a room of his own in town; this could be the one. ... The Resort's Jazz On The Roof series goes Latin Friday with Rick Arroyo's 10-piece Latin Jazz Ensemble. ... Carl Lodico's 16-piece swinging big band plays there on Tuesday.

Local happenings

Community theater: It's "Butterflies Are Free," this weekend and next, LV Little Theatre; "Calamity Jane," a musical, also plays this weekend and next, Rainbow Library Amphitheater; and Actors Repertory Theatre's production of Tom Stoppard's "Rough Crossing" concludes Sunday, Summerlin Library Theatre. ... The Desert Chorale, directed by Nancy Helm, performs at 7:30 p.m. Friday, CCSN Performing Arts Center.

Joe Behar's Community Drama Workshop now conducts its free two-hour weekly workshops at 10 a.m. Saturdays in the Gold Coast showroom. ... Behar founded the nonprofit CDW in 1973.

Recommended: The Brass Roots Quintet -- Walt Boenig, trombone; Tom Snelson and Rocky Lombardo, trumpets; Maria Pino, French horn; and Gary Russell, tuba -- performs Sunday at 3 p.m., Reed Whipple Center, it's free but with a ticket. ... Jimmy Wilkins Big Band plays the Riviera's Monday Jazz Nights, Monday and Sept. 27; Tom Ferguson is there on Oct. 4.

Don't be fooled

Toss out those official-looking notices that you have won an astronomical sum of money. ... Read the fine print which states something such as, "If you have and return the grand prize winning entry in time we will officially announce that you are the winner." ... "Have" is the catchword. ... It's just a device to get you to subscribe to a particular publication. ... Sports Illustrated is the most recent offender.

The 13th annual Nevada Shakespeare in the Park presents "Hamlet," it's free, from Sept. 24-26, check for times, in Green Valley's Foxridge Park. ... Call 566-2681 for details. ... See you Friday.