Columnist Joe Delaney: Entertainment options abound for holiday

Joe Delaney's column appears Thursdays and Fridays. Reach him at 259-4066 or [email protected]

Las Vegas will have some first-rate classical choices this Labor Day weekend with "Bolshoi, The Classical Collection -- From Russia With Love" being performed at 8 p.m. today through Sunday in the Luxor Theatre, plus Sarah Brightman and her "One Night In Eden" tour at 8 p.m. Sunday in the MGM Grand Garden Arena. ... Brightman's PBS special, "One Night In Eden," played here locally on KLVX Channel 10 on Tuesday.

Brightman, once married to Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, co-starred in his productions of "Cats" and "Phantom of the Opera," with Michael Crawford in the latter. ... "Cats," sans Brightman, will be the MGM Grand Theatre attraction Sept. 12 in place of Tommy Tune in "EFX."

"Time To Say Goodbye," Brightman's duet with Andrea Boccelli, sold more than 4 million records worldwide on the Angel label, and her Angel album with that title has been certified gold.

Back to Bolshoi

Under the direction of former lead principal dancer and head of the Bolshoi, Vladimir Vasiliev, the dancers will perform the "Don Quixote" ballet suite, the second act of "La Bayadere," the adagio from "Spartacus," the pas de deux from "Le Corsaire" and the legendary solo, "Dying Swan." ... "Imagine" returns to the Luxor Theatre on Tuesday.

Bill Acosta continues as usual in the Luxor Live Theatre. ... Anita Mann is preparing a special production, "Midnight Fantasy," a dance and song show, at 10 p.m. nightly except Tuesday in the Luxor Live Theatre starting on Nov. 1. ... Acosta, dark on Mondays, will then begin performing at 7 and 9:30 p.m. on Tuesdays as well.

The main event this Labor Day weekend, as always, will be the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, carried locally on KLAS Channel 8 from 8 p.m. Sunday until 4 p.m. Monday. ... Local action will be at the Boulevard mall.

Action elsewhere

If you're heading north this weekend spend some time at John Ascuaga's Sparks Nugget for the annual Best In The West Nugget Rib Cook-Off, plus free concerts by Terri Clark, Friday; Mumbo Gumbo, Saturday; E.T.O., Sunday; and Lydia Pense & Cold Blood on Monday. ... Crystal Gayle will be the headliner through Sept. 15 in the Nugget's showroom.

Spending the weekend on the West coast? ... Try the annual Jazz Party at the Irvine Marriott, Friday through Sunday, with guest performers: Ernie Andrews, Peter Appleyard, Conte Candoli, Frankie Carr and his Juggernaut Band, Terry Gibbs and his Dream Band, Scott Hamilton, Pete Jolly, Butch Miles, the Paul Smith Trio and Gerry Wiggins, among others.

Check out good local jazz like Pogo's on Fridays or the Mike Breene Trio, Wednesday through Saturday (Sante Fe) and Joe Darro with Allyn Gamble, Tuesday through Saturday, Ruth's Chris West.

Action locally

Sunset Station has an active weekend planned starting with John Michael Montgomery tonight at 8:30. ... Saturday, it's the Las Vegas Brew Ha Ha Beer Festival, 1-9 p.m., and Sunday at 8:30 p.m."The Rock Never Stops" tour will feature Ted Nugent and Night Ranger. ... All three events will be staged in the outdoor amphitheater.

Rock band Dokken, guitarist Gilby Clarke of Guns & Roses and the Jimmie Van Zant Band are at Texas Station, starting at 6 o'clock this evening. ... Saturday, it's jazz artist Najee and bass guitarist Waymon Tisdale at 8:30 p.m. with both nights in the South Padre Amphitheater. ... Wild Mango performs at 8 o'clock this evening, Reed Whipple Cultural Center.

Three Dog Night is scheduled to appear at 8 tonight in the Stardust Theatre; comedian Carlos Oscar will open the show. ... The $39.95 tab includes tax, tip and two beverages.

Friday addenda

On Labor Day, at 8 p.m., the Las Vegas Picnic Pops Concert will be performed in Hills Park at Summerlin. ... Mirage stars Siegfried & Roy will guest on "Larry King Live" at 6 tonight on CNN (Cox cable channel 20) promoting their new IMAX 3-D film, "Siegfried & Roy: The Magic Box." ... Earl Turner is now a permanent party in the Rio's RioBamba Cabaret; good move, build that association.

The Riviera's "Splash" will now be topless both shows, nightly at 7:30 and 10:30 through Nov. 10 when it will be replaced by "Splash 2000." ... Reminder, comedian Jeff Wayne (Riviera Comedy Club) closes Sunday. ... Have a safe and sane weekend. ... See you next Thursday.

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