Columnist Joe Delaney: UNLV ushers in another ‘Big City Season’

Joe Delaney

Thursday, Sept. 14, 2000 | 10:04 a.m.

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

This weekend's main event is the UNLV Performing Arts Center's "Big City Season" premiere with multiple-award winning composer-conductor Marvin Hamlisch and a full orchestra in concert at 8 p.m. Friday in Artemus Ham Hall ... On Sunday at 2 p.m. in Ham Hall, it's Ladysmith Black Mambazo in the first event of this season's World Stage Series.

As a composer, Hamlisch has won three Oscars, four Grammys, two Emmys, a Tony and three Golden Globes ... His "A Chorus Line" earned him a Pulitzer Prize ... He also conducted for Barbra Streisand in the MGM Grand Garden Arena over the year-end holidays.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo is best known for its work with Paul Simon on his best-selling, award-winning "Graceland" album ... The group has taken its native Zulu harmonies all over the world ... The prestigious Charles Vanda Master Series starts on Oct. 14 with the Iceland Symphony.

Equally important

Mexican Independence Day is celebrated on Saturday ... It has been an important weekend in Las Vegas as well with major boxing events, festivals and appearances here by top Mexican and Mexican-American performers ... Alejandro Fernandez, son of the great "charro," Vicente Fernandez, a star in his own right, will perform in the Bellagio Grand Ballroom at 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, a special promotion with General Motors, also available to the public.

As he has on previous Mexican holiday weekends, comedian Paul Rodriguez presents his Yo Quiero Comedy Jam, at 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday (Paris Las Vegas) ... Alex Raynondo, Joey Medina, Marilyn Martinez and Destiny will perform with Rodriguez.

The 10th annual Las Vegas International Mariachi Festival is set for Sept. 23 at 8 p.m. in the Mandalay Bay Events Center, featuring Lucero and Humberto Herrera along with three top mariachi bands.

Star-policy rundown

It's Chick Corea (Blue Note); Loretta Lynn, Saturday only (Boulder Station); Patsy Cline Tribute (Gold Coast); Clint Holmes (Harrah's); Reba McEntire (LV Hilton); Bill Acosta (Luxor); Carrot Top, plus Rita Rudner, plus Tommy Tune starring in "EFX" (MGM Grand); Siegfried & Roy, plus Danny Gans (Mirage) and Jeff Dunham, in for Lance Burton (Monte Carlo).

The Righteous Brothers are back in residence (Orleans); David Cassidy-Sheena Easton (Rio); Sally Struthers and Rachel Ricca in "Always ... Patsy Cline" (Silverton); Wayne Newton, plus Bob Anderson (Stardust); Air Supply (Suncoast); and Melinda, First Lady of Magic (Venetian).

Bob Anderson has been held over through Sept. 30 at the Stardust, then will be on hiatus when the convention season gets into full swing ... Anderson and his quartet deserve a class location in town, full time ... He has not too many peers as a singer or as an impressionist.

Comedy, anyone?

In addition to the comedians already listed, there are a number of shows where laughs are plentiful ... If you like yours revue-style, "Bottoms Up" (Flamingo Las Vegas), 2 and 4 p.m. should be your first stop ... "Viva Las Vegas" (Stratosphere) has Dave Swan, Bruce Michelson and Golden Joe Baker, also at 2 and 4 p.m. ... Both of these can be enjoyed for the price of a drink with a coupon ... Recommended.

Our first choice in the various comedy clubs this week would be the Riviera with Jeff Wayne headlining, plus Gerry Bednob and Tom & Dan ... Wayne is a multitalent, one step away from a major breakthrough ... Mik Lazinski, John Knight and Joan Fagan are at the Tropicana Comedy Stop.

Comedy-magician Mac King at 1 and 3 p.m. (Harrah's) is a real treat, very funny ... Adam Ferrara and Becky Pedigo are the Harrah's Improv acts this week ... Prices are most reasonable at comedy clubs.

Old Las Vegas

The Regent Las Vegas offers lounge entertainment as it was in its heyday with the originals who helped make it so special, led each weekend by master saloon singer Sonny King and friends ... Shows are at 3 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Monday, plus a 7:30 p.m. curtain on Monday ... Steve Rossi and Sandy Hackett are King's talented friends this weekend.