If film director Federico Fellini had created a band, it would be Pink Martini, a genre-busting orchestra from Portland, Ore. The group was founded by classical pianist Thomas Lauderdale, who grew up loving everything from Chopin and Hungarian folk songs to Scott Joplin and the soundtrack of “Midnight Cowboy.”
One of Elton John’s favorite bands — the Overtures — heads the lineup of “Britain’s Top Talent,” a variety show coming to the Orleans this weekend. Leading up to the Overtures are five acts including magician-comedian Paul Zenon, yo-yo expert Arron Sparks, baton twirler/acrobat Nathalie Enterline and vocalist Ben Stone, the producer’s son.
The Upper U. S. Showband is so popular in Chicago, where it has played off and on for about 45 years, it doesn’t advertise its gigs. “It’s a Chicago staple,” says 'Defending the Caveman’ star Kevin Burke, who once played drums for the 12-piece band. “They perform in secret locations, known only to their fans – their fan base is so strong that’s the way they prefer to do it.”
“I’m becoming like a troubleshooter,” Turan "Turk" Atilla says. “I don’t want to take over a successful operation. If you do you pay top price and you will only lose. The best you can do is keep it going. The only way to go is down. This way I get into it for less money and the only way to go is up.”
Mentalist Gerry McCambridge isn’t superstitious but he says when he moves his popular show from Hooters to Planet Hollywood on May 15 his opening night will be his 777th performance since moving to Las Vegas four years ago.
The “Amos Glick Variety Show”-- a free revue produced by its namesake, a clown with “Le Reve” at Wynn Las Vegas -- takes over the Square Apple monthly, on the second or third Wednesday.
Risque comedian Andrew Dice Clay will be the first entertainer to perform at the Palazzo's SugarcaneLive!, formerly the Sugarcane Lounge, beginning March 25 and continuing through April 4.