Columnist Joe Delaney: Back-to-back title bouts highlight a raging weekend

Joe Delaney

Friday, March 3, 2000 | 9:14 a.m.

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

Boxing is the major entertainment attraction this weekend with not one but two title fights, tonight between Felix Trinidad and David Reid, both undefeated, outdoors at Caesars Palace, and Paulie Ayala vs. Johnny Bredahl, Saturday at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. ... The Trinidad-Reid match has the greater significance.

Oscar De La Hoya had a bad moment in his televised fight last weekend. ... Should Trinidad lose tonight, it could take much of the steam out of the proposed De La Hoya-Trinidad rematch which is, most likely, being saved for the Mexican Independence Day weekend, especially with the actual date, Sept. 16, falling on a Saturday this year.

The other major sports happening will be the NASCAR Winston Cup racing action starting Thursday and continuing through Sunday at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. ... Be sure to start your cars early each day.

No one asked me but ...

Notwithstanding the departure of Joel Fischman, entertainment director for Mandalay Resorts Group, "Chicago" should have been allowed to return to major stars or at least recognizable name performers in lead roles until a suitable show replacement could be found for the Mandalay Bay Theatre. ... This is still a good weekend to see a new production show.

Those attending "Blue Man Group: Live at Luxor" tonight will be benefiting Golden Rainbow; Saturday's performance is for KNPR 89.5-FM, public radio, and Sunday is a benefit for Big Brothers and Big Sisters, with all or most of your ticket price, tax deductible.

Buddy Holly fans, especially those whose musically formative years were in the second half of the 1950s, purchase tickets if you can for "Buddy ... The Buddy Holly Story" at the LV Hilton, in its final weekend. ... See review on page 3E.

Another suggestion

If you don't have tickets for the fight tonight and would prefer a pleasant evening of dancing and entertainment plus a surprise guest performer or two, we recommend Buddy Greco, Lezlie Anders and their big band, Friday nights in the Flamingo Las Vegas showroom. ... Saturday, a Woody Herman Orchestra plays for dancing, free at the Stardust.

The late Lamont Patterson had a long and distinguished career in the U.S. Diplomatic Service. ... After retirement, he was a columnist here for years, writing about music, especially big band music. ... One of his legacies was the annual free big band dance, this year featuring the Woody Herman Orchestra in the Stardust hotel ballroom.

Admission is free but by ticket only. ... Tickets are available at the Stardust box office, limit is two to a person. ... Patterson also established a musical scholarship in his name at UNLV.

St. Patrick's Day update

This is the Sons and Daughters of Erin's 34th annual St. Patrick's Day celebration, staring March 13 with the Irish Show Band's D.J. Curtin and the Shamrocks, performing nightly through March 18 in the Sahara Casbar Lounge. ... The Sons will have an open meeting, March 14 in the Sahara's Gold Room. ... The March 15 golf outing at the Highland Falls Golf Course is filled. ... Register now for next year.

On March 16 the Notre Dame Glee Club will perform in concert at 7:30 p.m. in Joseph, Husband of Mary R.C. Church on West Sahara. ... Admission is just $10, contact 385-4007 for tickets and details.

The Sons and Daughters annual Dinner Dance takes place on March 17 in the Sahara Gold Room. ... The parade date is March 18, starting at Paradise Road and Convention Center Drive, proceeding north on Paradise to the Sahara hotel, site of the all-day block party and entertainment.

Friday addenda

Multiple award-winning illusionists the Pendragons conclude a strong stand in Caesars Magical Empire on Saturday then fly to England to tape two TV shows for London Weekend Television. ... After touring Europe, they are scheduled to headline in their own show at Harrah's in Laughlin, May 1-June 16 and again from Sept. 8 to Dec. 7.

Band leaders Don Menza (saxophone, a Monday regular at the Riviera) and Jimmy Wilkins (trombone) sat in with Marv Koral's All-Stars last Sunday. ... Carl Fontana is back with Koral Sunday, with Adelaide Robbins on piano, at the Pierce Street Annex. ... Please give to the Sun Summer Camp Fund. ... See you next Thursday.