Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008 | 2 a.m.
R&B fans needn’t feel left out during rodeo mania — Teena Marie and a host of friends will perform Friday at the Orleans Arena.
Marie made her recording debut in 1979 with the album “Wild and Peaceful,” featuring “I’m a Sucker For Your Love.” Her most recent album, “Sapphire,” includes the critically acclaimed single “Ooh Wee.” In the past 29 years she has released a dozen albums.
Joining her at the Orleans will be Morris Day & The Time, Cameo and Bo Benton.
Day was a founding member of Prince’s backup band. Cameo has been on the funk scene since the 1970s. Hits have included “Rigor Mortis” from “Cardiac Arrest” (1977) and “I Just Want to Be.” Bo Benton is the new kid on the block. Her debut album, “Queen of the Night,” will be released in the spring.
Vocalist Howard Hewett will host the event and perform between sets. Hewett was lead singer of Shalamar, the post-disco group that topped the charts in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Details: Teena Marie, Morris Day & The Time, Cameo and Bo Benton; 7 p.m. Friday; the Orleans Arena; $35 to $50; 284-7777
Leon Russell goes country
Legendary performer Leon Russell, who covers the entire musical landscape from country to R&B, leads the list of performers who will be at the Canyon Club inside the Four Queens during the National Finals Rodeo.
The venue is hosting “Country Future Stars,” featuring over the next two weeks a cast of up-and-coming country artists. Tickets are $10. For information, call 387-5175 or go to fourqueens.com.
Russell caps the entertainment with a Rodeo Wrap Party at 8 p.m. Dec. 13. He will be joined by newcomer Jeremy McComb, former road manager for Larry the Cable Guy.
“Country Future Stars” kicks off today with Brian McComas and Aaron Benward of Blue County. Due West, based in Nashville, takes the stage Friday. Other performers through the NFR include Gloriana, Matt Jenkins and Jeff Allen.
Free country
Arizona Charlie’s Boulder and Arizona Charlie’s Decatur join the long list of venues offering country music over the next couple of weeks.
Local favorite Randy Anderson will perform free shows at Arizona Charlie’s Boulder from 8:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. tonight and Dec. 9-11, and from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday and Dec. 12-13.
Greg Peterson gives a free performance at Arizona Charlie’s Decatur from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. The Kelly J Band will perform at the same location, also for free, from 8:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Tuesday through Dec. 11, and from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Dec. 12-13.
Charity toy concert
The fifth annual Toys for Tickets All-Star Jam, which collects toys for the Children’s Advocacy Alliance, will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday at Ovation inside Green Valley Ranch Station.
The event is sponsored by Station Casinos and KWNR 95.5 FM.
The lineup of country stars who will perform at the event is a secret until the concert begins. Past surprise guests have included Toby Keith, Phil Vassar, Emerson Drive, Chris Young, Rodney Atkins, Steve Holy, Lonestar and Charley Pride.
The price of admission is an unopened toy worth $10 or more.
Star Nursery, with locations around the valley, is exchanging the toys for tickets through Friday. For details go to starnursery.com.
Locals special for ‘Mamma Mia!’
Locals can get two-for-one tickets to see “Mamma Mia!” at Mandalay Bay now through Dec. 21.
After more than 2,100 performances and 2 million guests, the musical ends its six-year run on Jan. 4.
Tickets range from $49.50 to $110, but the locals special applies to tickets priced $82.50 to $100. To receive the offer, you must present a valid Nevada ID to the box office. The performance schedule for show is 7:30 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 6 and 10 p.m. Saturdays. For information, call 632-7580.
Tiny comedian filling big shoes
Little person stand-up comedian Tanyalee Davis is filling in for Kevin Burke at his comedy gig at Fitzgeralds Saturday through Wednesday.
Burke stars in “Defending the Caveman” at the Golden Nugget during the early evening hours and then heads down the street to Fitzgeralds for his comedy act at the resort’s comedy venue, Fitz of Laugher.
“Caveman” is leaving the Nugget to make room for impressionist Gordie Brown. While looking for a permanent location, the one-man play will do a limited engagement at the Excalibur.
For a portion of that engagement, Davis will stand in for Burke at Fitzgeralds. Rolan Whitt opens the show.
Details: 9:15 nightly; $29 and $39; 388-2400.
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