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All In: Live
Championship Boxing featuring Prince-Badi Ajamu 'Dancing Prince' vs. Dallas 'Deaf Pride' Vargas at Resorts
WHAT IS IT: Dee Lee Promotion and GNP Boxing Present All In: Live Championship Boxing. The event features eight bouts, including a Light Heavyweight title bout and local Atlantic City talent on the undercard.
WHAT TO EXPECT: The main event of Friday night's All In: Live Championship boxing is a title bout between light heavyweights Prince-Badi Ajamu "Dancing Prince" (26-3-1, 15 KOs) and Dallas "Deaf Pride" Vargas (22-4, 16 KOs). This match between two hard-punching fighters looks to be a true battle a memorable one. The undercard features heavyweight Timur Ibragimov (24-2-1, 13 KOs) and several of Atlantic City's own young boxers, such as super flyweight Qaid Muhammad (4-0, 4 KOs), light heavyweight Lavarn "Baby Bowe" Harvell (3-0), super middleweight Joel De La Paz (2-0, 1 KO), super middleweight Eugene Soto (1-0), light heavyweight Pedro Sandana (1-0), female featherweight Amanda Serrano (2-0) and super middleweight Gabriel "Gabby" Phan, who hails from Pleasantville and will be making his professional debut.
SHOW INFO: Tickets are $40, $55, $75 and $90. The show begins at 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 31 at Resorts Atlantic City's Superstar Theater.
Daryl Hall & John Oates at Borgata
WHO ARE THEY: During the second half of the 1970s and throughout the 1980s, Hall & Oates assaulted the masses with their blue-eyed Philadelphia soul and pop sound, scoring six No. 1 singles and six platinum albums in the process. Their hits from the '70s include "Sara Smile," "She's Gone" and "Rich Girl," but it was during the '80s that the duo really took off. "Kiss On My List" became Hall & Oates' second No. 1 hit in 1980. In 1981, they released the album "Private Eyes," which contained two more No. 1 hits, the title track and "I Can't Go For That (No Can Do)." Hall and Oates rode the wave of success, releasing "H20" in 1982, which sold more than two million copies and contained their biggest hit single, "Maneater," along with other hits such as "One on One" and "Family Man." 1984's "Big Bam Boom" gave fans the No. 1 hit "Out of Touch."
WHAT TO EXPECT: With their infectious pop melodies, soulful rhythms and straight-ahead approach, Hall & Oates were among the most consistent hit makers of the late 1970s and early to mid-1980s. In addition to lighting up the pop charts, the duo proved to have great crossover appeal and consistently scored big on the R&B charts. Fans can look forward to a show containing "Maneater," "Rich Girl" and "Kiss On My List."Expect to engage in sing a longs and dancing in the aisles.
WHAT'S NEW: In June the National Association of Recording Merchandisers honored Daryl Hall and John Oates with the chairman's award for sustained creative achievement.
SHOW INFO: Tickets are $55, $65 and $85. The show begins at 8 p.m. Friday, July 31, at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa Event Center.
WEB SITE:
Paramount's Laser Spectacular featuring the Music of Pink Floyd at A. C. Hilton
WHAT IS IT: Paramount's Laser Spectacular is the world's longest-touring theater show, having been on the road for more than 23 years.
WHAT TO EXPECT: Pink Floyd's classic material from albums such as "Dark Side of the Moon," "The Wall," "Animals" and "Wish You Were Here" is presented in all its glory as colorful laser and video imagery is choreographed to coincide perfectly with the music. The presentation can come close to sensory overload. But for Pink Floyd fans, it's a show that captures the essence of the band .
WEBSITE:
SHOW INFO: Tickets are $15 and the show begins at 8 p.m. Friday, July 31, at the Theater, Atlantic City Hilton.
Foreigner at Tropicana
WHO ARE THEY: Foreigner was one of several successful arena rock bands in the late 1970s. Its self-titled debut album went platinum five times over and featured the hit singles "Feels Like the First Time," "Long, Long Way From Home" and "Cold as Ice." The band's second album "Double Vision" sold even better and contained the massive hit single "Hot Blooded," along with the title track. Foreigner's success continued into the 1980s with its hit album "4," which featured the hits "Urgent," "Jukebox Hero" and the power ballad "Waiting For a Girl Like You." In 1984, the band released another hit ballad, "I Want to Know What Love Is," off of the "Agent Provocateur" album.
WHAT TO EXPECT: The lineup may have changed over the years, but with founding member Mick Jones still wailing away on guitar, this band is definitely Foreigner. The current lineup also features Kelly Hansen, Jeff Pilson, Tom Gimbel and Michael Bluestein. Foreigner's combination of power ballads and rock anthems lent itself perfectly to the arena rock genre of the late 1970s and '80s. On Saturday night, fans will have an opportunity to see arena rock in a more intimate setting. The band will be performing all of its massive hit singles.
WHAT'S NEW: In the fall, Foreigner is scheduled to release a new three-disc package consisting of 10 new songs, its hits and a video.
WEBSITE:
SHOW INFO: Tickets are $35, $45, $55 and $75. The show begins at 9 p.m. Friday, July 31, at the Showroom, Tropicana.
Drew Hastings and
Bob Zany at Borgata
WHO ARE THEY: Drew Hastings is a stand-up comedian who didn't try his hand at the profession until he was in his early 30s. The 6'6" comic starred in several one-man shows such as "Commencement Speech" and "The Business of Living," and performed on "The Tonight Show." In 2008, Hastings starred in his own Comedy Central special, "Drew Hastings: Irked and Miffed." It was eventually released on DVD. Bob Zany's show business career began in the 1970s after an appearance on "The Gong Show." Since that time he has landed small roles in films, worked the comedy club circuit and nowadays appears weekly on "The Bob and Tom Show."
WHAT TO EXPECT: Hastings and Zany are a couple of Midwestern comics featured frequently on the syndicated radio program "The Bob and Tom Show." Hastings covers a range of topics in his act, mostly revolving around everyday life. Zany never does a show without his trademark cigar and chip on his shoulder. Those attending the show shouldn't expect anything too groundbreaking, just a night of comedy with plenty of profanity.
WHAT'S NEW: In September, Zany will star in the film "The Informant" alongside Matt Damon.
SHOW INFO: Tickets are $25 and $35. The show begins at 9 p.m. Friday, July 31, at the Borgata Music Box.
Zakk Wylde's
Black Label Society
at House of Blues
WHO IS HE: Zakk Wylde became famous as the guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne before striking out on his own in the mid 1990s. In 1999, he formed Black Label Society and released the album "Sonic Brew." In 2000, "Stronger Than Death" was released, and Wylde and the band toured as part of Ozzfest. Black Label Society kept up its rapid recording schedule releasing "1919 Eternal" in 2002, "Blessed Hellride" in 2003, "Hangover Music, Vol. VI" in 2004, "Mafia" in 2005 and "Shot to Hell" in 2006.
WHAT TO EXPECT: It's hard to go wrong in the world of heavy metal when you learn under the guidance of "The Prince of Darkness" Ozzy Osbourne. Wylde did just that before forging ahead on his own with Black Label Society. The singer/guitarist knows how to rock as hard as anybody, and has done an amazing job of releasing album after album in a short period of time while continuing to tour. Concertgoers at the House of Blues can expect a night of heavy guitars, pounding drums and aggressive vocals. The show will also feature tracks from Black Label Society's latest release, "Pride and Glory."
WHAT'S NEW: Black Label Society's latest album "Pride and Glory" was released in March and features covers of The Beatles' "Come Together" and Led Zeppelin's "In My Time of Dying," as well as tracks written by Wylde.
WEBSITE:
SHOW INFO: Tickets are $30 and $35 and the show begins at 8 p.m. Sunday, August 2, at the House of Blues.
Explosion 2009:
Sonu Nigam, Sunidhi Chauhan, Hard Kaur
at Trump Taj Mahal
WHO ARE THEY: Sonu Nigam is an Indian singer who has released several successful pop albums. His songs have been featured in films and Nigam has performed in countries around the world. In addition to music, Nigam has also worked as an actor and has starred as the host of the show "Kisme Kitna Hai Dum."
Sunidhi Chauhan is a playback singer from Indian whose songs have been featured in numerous Bollywood films.
Hard Kaur is known as the first female Indian rapper. Her first hit was a song called "Glossy," and she managed to breakthrough on the Bollywood scene in 2007 in the film "Johnny Gaddaar." Kaur participated in the reality television show "Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa."
WHAT TO EXPECT: This trio of some of India's most successful singers will hit the stage at the Taj Arena on Saturday night as part of the Explosion 2009 tour. Nigam, Chauhan and Kaur will bring their Bollywood flair to the Taj Mahal performing the hit songs that made them famous. The show is a unique opportunity to see these three talented artists on the same bill. Fans can expect to hear songs from throughout their careers.
SHOW INFO: Tickets are $39, $59, $79, $109, $209 and $329. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, August 1, at the Arena, Trump Taj Mahal.
Depeche Mode
at the Borgata
WHO ARE THEY: Depeche Mode emerged from England's New Romantic movement in the early 1980s with a pop sound derived from a heavy dose of synthesizers and catchy melodies. The group's first hit was 1981's "Just Can't Get Enough." When Martin Gore took over songwriting duties, the band really began to hit its stride. Successful albums such as "Black Celebration" and "Music For the Masses" further enlarged the band's growing fan base. In 1990 Depeche Mode's album "Violator" was a smash hit containing the singles "Personal Jesus," "Policy of Truth" and "Enjoy the Silence." They followed it up with "Songs of Faith of Devotion" which debuted at the top of the charts and featured the hits "I Feel You," "Walking in My Shoes" and "In Your Room."
WHAT TO EXPECT: For those who know little about Depeche Mode other than their catchy, synthesizer drenched songs, it may come as a surprise to know that they are one of the best live acts around and have been for quite some time. Singer Dave Gahan is as charismatic a front man as there is in the business and his stage presence and showmanship bring the songs to life. Although the set changes very little from night to night, Depeche Mode delivers consistently excellent live performances. Fans can expect to hear hits such as "I Feel You," "Enjoy the Silence," "Never Let Me Down Again," "Stripped," "Walking in My Shoes," "Personal Jesus" and "Policy of Truth," as well as gems such as "Fly on the Windscreen," "Home" and "It's No Good," as well as new tracks such as "In Chains," "Hole to Feed" and "Little Soul."
WHAT'S NEW: Depeche Mode's new album is titled "Sounds of the Universe" as is a throwback in style and content to albums such as "Music For the Masses" and "Violator."
WEBSITE:
SHOW INFO: Tickets are sold out. The show begins at 8 p.m. Saturday, August 1, at the Borgata Event Center.
Kozak the Magician
at Tropicana
WHO IS HE: Kozak the Magician began his career as a street performer in Pittsburgh and quickly rose to become a successful comedian and magician. Kozak headlined comedy clubs for years, eventually branching out to perform at casinos, colleges and corporate functions. Kozak even got an opportunity to perform for Prince Charles and Princess Diana at the Palladium Theater in London. He is currently the host of "Atlantic City Plugged In."
WHAT TO EXPECT: A comedic night of magic is what one can expect from Kozak the Magician, who performs at the Tropicana Casino and Resort's Comedy Stop for an extended engagement. "Magic is a blend of art, science, history, philosophy, theology and psychology," says Kozak on his official Web site. "I bring these to the table along with a razor-sharp wit honed from years of improvisational experience in comedy clubs." Kozak is the type of performer who is always looking to exceed people's expectations. "I never promise more than I can deliver and I always deliver more than I promised," Kozak has said.
SHOW INFO: Tickets are $23 and $30, and the $30 tickets include dinner. Dinner is 6 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays,
5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, with the show following one hour later. at the Comedy Stop in The Quarter at the Tropicana.
'Yesterday -
A Tribute to the
Beatles' at Tropicana
WHAT IS IT: Yesterday is a Las Vegas-based Beatles tribute band that began performing as a unit in 1986. The band has appeared onstage with America, Chicago and The Moody Blues. Yesterday was invited to perform at the U.S. Postal Service's unveiling of the "Yellow Submarine" postage stamp. The band strives to achieve the utmost authenticity in every performance.
WHAT TO EXPECT: Those looking to take a trip back to the days when four young lads from England ruled the world will want to head to the Tropicana. "Yesterday - A Tribute to the Beatles" is in town re-living the magic of the world's most famous band. Yesterday will be performing "The British are Coming," a live re-enactment of the famous concerts that introduced the first wave of British invasion to the United States. The show includes re-enactments of the Beatles' performance on "The Ed Sullivan Show," plus legendary concerts at the Hollywood Bowl and Shea Stadium.
CRITIC'S CORNER: Press of Atlantic City critic Scott Cronick wrote: "While there are some more elaborate and even better Beatles tribute bands out there, Yesterday's enthusiasm and love for the music shines, and the guys sound as good as most Beatles tributes you will hear. 'The British Are Coming!' is a satisfying, fun and inexpensive night out that shouldn't be missed."
WEB SITE:
SHOW INFO: Tickets are $25. The shows begin 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays at the Liverpool Club, North Tower, Tropicana.
Cirque Dreams
'Pandemonia'
at Trump Taj Mahal
WHAT IS IT: Cirque Dreams "Pandemonia" was created by Neil Goldberg and is the latest in a line of successful Cirque Dreams productions to come through Atlantic City. The show features acrobats, athletes and musicians performing in a whimsical, eccentric atmosphere. Cirque Dreams has produced international touring and Broadway shows that have been seen by millions.
WHAT TO EXPECT: Cirque Dreams is back in Atlantic City with a brand new show called "Pandemonia." Part of the reason why the franchise has managed to stay successful year in and year out is that it hasn't rested on its laurels, but instead has continued to push the envelope, developing new and innovative shows. Cirque Dreams "Pandemonia" is a high-flying spectacular that features breathtaking acrobatics, beautiful costumes and countless visual thrills.
WHAT'S NEW: "Pandemonia" is the latest in a line of successful Cirque Dreams productions to come to Atlantic City. Previously, the Cirque Dreams shows were held at Trump Plaza, but Goldberg wanted to move to the Taj Mahal so the troupe can perform in a larger venue, meaning bigger and better stunts and more excitement.
WEB SITE:
SHOW INFO: Tickets are $25 and $35, and the shows begin
8 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9 p.m. Fridays, and 3:30 and 8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. The show runs through Sept. 5, at the Taj Mahal's Xanadu showroom.
'Fame - The Musical' at Tropicana
WHAT IS IT: "Fame - The Musical" is is based on the 1980 film and television show of the same name. The film was both a commercial and critical success, taking home an Academy Award. The success of the film led to the TV show, which lasted for six seasons. The premise of "Fame" revolves around the lives of kids in New York's School for the Performing Arts. The show was conceived and developed by David De Silva, with a book by Jose Fernandez, music by Steve Margoshes and lyrics by Jacques Levy. The musical was first produced in 1988 in Miami, Fla., played off-Broadway in 2003 and 2004 and has been produced in 25 countries.
WHAT TO EXPECT: Impressive, high-energy dance routines and memorable songs are all part of this production of "Fame." The show details the lives of talented teenagers trying to make it big in the world of dance and all of the ups and downs that come with trying to live out your dreams.
WHAT'S NEW: A remake of "Fame" will be released in theaters in September.
SHOW INFO: Tickets are $25, and the shows begin 8 p.m. Mondays to Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays,
9 p.m. Saturdays and 7 p.m. Sundays at the Tropicana Casino and Resort Showroom. The show runs to Sept. 9.
'A Bronx Tale' starring Chazz Palminteri
at Harrah's
WHAT IS IT: Chazz Palminteri is an actor and writer best known for his one-man show, "A Bronx Tale," which opened off-Broadway in 1989 and was made into a major motion picture starring and directed by Robert De Niro. Palminteri has starred in such films as "The Usual Suspects," "Bullets Over Broadway," "Analyze This" and "Hurly Burly." He initially resisted the urge to sell the script to "A Bronx Tale" until he was given a starring role in the 1993 film. In 2007, the show reopened on Broadway at the Walter Kerr Theater and became a huge hit.
WHAT TO EXPECT: Portraying 18 different characters throughout the course of "A Bronx Tale," Palminteri tells a classic story of growing up in the Bronx during the 1960s. The show features direction from four-time Tony Award winner Jerry Zacks and has been hailed by critics.
In a charming and often humorous way, "A Bronx Tale" depicts characters who are forced to choose between right and wrong among circumstances where the lines are often blurred.
The way the story comes full circle is among its greatest strengths, as the clashing ideals of the volatile 1960s help shape the characters and their motivations.
SHOW INFO: Tickets are $40, $55 and $65, and the shows begin 8 p.m. Tuesdays to Thursdays, and 9 p.m. Fridays to Sundays. The show runs to Aug. 9 at Harrah's Resort's Concert Venue.
'Carnival of Wonders' starring Kalin, Jinger & Hobson at Trump Plaza
WHO ARE THEY: Kalin and Jinger began pushing the boundaries of a traditional magic show in the late 1990s with their shows, "Before Your Very Eyes," "Carnival of Wonders" and "Illusionarium." The shows were a huge success across the country and drew rave reviews. The duo teamed up with comedy magician Jeff Hobson, who added a lighthearted feel to the production to counter the dark and mysterious overtones of the performance.
WHAT TO EXPECT: With "Carnival of Wonders," Kalin, Jinger and Hobson put together a show that combines the drama, dance and intrigue of a theater production with the mysterious world of magic, all in a carnival setting. The result is a show that has seen very successful runs in both Atlantic City and Las Vegas over the years. An old-school magic show this is not, and that's a good thing for those who demand more than a guy with a mustache pulling a rabbit out of his hat. "Carnival of Wonders" is a hybrid of styles that focuses on the characters as well as the acts. Gorgeous costumes and elaborate set and prop design makes this a must-see.
WEB SITE:
carnival-of-wonders
SHOW INFO: Tickets are $25, and the shows begin 8 p.m. Tuesdays to Thursdays, 9 p.m. Fridays, 7 p.m. Sundays and 8 p.m. Saturdays at the Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino Theatre. The show runs from Tuesday, June 23, to Sept. 6.
'Hypno-Sterical'
with Joe Boccuti
at Trump Marina
WHAT IS IT: "Hypno-Sterical" is an edgy comedy hypnosis show where people from the audience come up on stage and quickly fall under the powers of master hypnotist Joe Boccuti.
WHAT TO EXPECT: Boccuti brings a raw, no-holds-barred approach to hypnosis with his show "Hypno-Sterical." No plants or actors are used in the performance, just innocent, curious people brave enough to volunteer to be part of the show. Unlike certain hypnosis shows that are fun for the whole family, "Hypno-Sterical" is adult-oriented and not appropriate for children younger than 18. This unique, high-energy show is one that will leave audience members laughing and with some classic stories for years to come.
SHOW INFO: Tickets are $22.50, and the shows begin 9 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and 10 p.m. Saturdays. The show runs Thursday, July 2 through Sept. 5, at the Trump Marina's The Shell.
Island Luau
at Harrah's
WHAT IS IT: The Island Luau at Harrah's is a Polynesian party taking place at The Pool at Harrah's Resort every Monday night. The evening features a meal, soft drinks, music and dancing in a tropical setting.
WHAT TO EXPECT: Patrons are greeted with a flower lei as they enter this indoor tropical oasis filled with the scents of papaya, mango, pineapple and teriyaki. They are then escorted upstairs to the outside deck, where a lavish Hawaiian-inspired buffet precedes a show that features hula dancers, island warriors, musicians and fire twirlers clad in costumes presenting dances from the islands of Tahiti, Hawaii, Samoa and New Zealand. For those wishing to share in the festivities, hula instruction will be provided. The ticket price includes non-alcoholic beverages. There is also a cash bar available for those wishing to turn things up a notch.
WEB SITE:
SHOW INFO: Tickets are $49.99. Doors open at 7 p.m. with the show beginning at 8 p.m. Mondays from July 6 through Sept. 7 at The Pool at Harrah's.