Chubby Checker brings his classic show to the Silverton

By Becky Bosshart

Monday, Feb. 9, 2009 | 3:12 p.m.

Courtesy photo

Chubby Checker performs at 8 p.m. Feb. 14 at the Silverton Entertainment Pavilion.

It's not that Chubby Checker is over confident.

He's just secure in his position as a rock icon who will never fade. He cites one of his singles that entered the hot dance Billboard sales chart in late 2007. And he's working on another album, to be released in March.

His ebullient voice does falter a bit, however, when he talks about one thing: radio play and the lack of love that station managers have for the man who popularized "The Twist."

"I get jealous when I hear others (on the radio) who haven't had a hit record in 30 years," the 67-year-old rock & roll artist said.

Checker, born Ernest Evans, released his "All the Best" album with the single "Knock Down the Walls" in July 2008. He performs at 8 p.m. Feb. 14 at the Silverton Entertainment Pavilion. He will be signing autographs after the show.

His name, which he picked up at an American Bandstand recording session, is affixed to a variety of merchandise, such as petite steaks, beef jerky and a CD of workout music for those who enjoy the snacks a bit too much.

He also markets special occasion phone greetings. A monthly wake-up call delivered to your phone by the Checker phone system costs $25. He uses his name like a marketing tool, one attached to a persona that is "like the telephone. It never goes out of style."

The merchandise, and the wacky performances, are part of Checker's appeal to audiences.

"I entertain the people. It's emotional. It's stupid. It's serious. It's fun. It's exciting. That's what the Chubby Checker show is all about," he said.

Checker's fond memories of entertaining in Las Vegas date back to when he performed at the Flamingo in 1962. As part of his exercise regimen, Checker would take a cab from the casino at 3555 Las Vegas Blvd. South about 10 miles out to what is currently St. Rose Parkway in Henderson.

"I've seen things change in Vegas. I used to jog from there twice a week to the Flamingo. At that time there was nothing between there except gravel. Now there are so many people and so many stores. All of that road and those buildings I know well. My fingerprint is there."

These days he likes to look at the Strip from afar. One of his favorite performance destinations is the Silverton, which he said balances old Las Vegas with the new. It's a large, modern property that still has that intimate feel, he said.

The $25 tickets can be purchased at the Silverton box office, 3333 Blue Diamond Road, or by calling (866) 722-4619.

Becky Bosshart can be reached at 990-7748 or becky.bosshart@hbcpub.com.