Bill Maher at Borgata

WHO IS HE: Comedian Bill Maher began doing standup shortly after he graduated from Cornell in 1978, but it wasn't until the launch of his television show "Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher" in 1993 that he became known to the masses. The show, which Maher described as "The McLaughlin Group on acid," featured actors, politicians, musicians, authors, comedians and writers debating the hot topics of the day with Maher serving as moderator and host. The show was abruptly pulled from the air in 2002, following controversial statements Maher made regarding terrorists, but he was back in 2003 with a new HBO show "Real Time With Bill Maher" which was less formal and equally engaging. Throughout the years Maher has had small roles in many feature films and television shows, while continuing to perform stand-up comedy on a regular basis.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Bill Maher's brutal honesty and sharp political wit have endeared him to millions. Maher's political observations and commentary are so astute that it's easy to forget that he's actually a comedian by trade. Regardless of which administration is in office, there is always plenty for Maher to poke fun at. A Bill Maher performance is one that will make you laugh and think and you'll definitely have something to talk about when the show is over.

WEB SITE: www.billmaher.com

SHOW INFO: Tickets are $45, $55 and $65. The show begins at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Event Center, Borgata.

Smokey Robinson at Tropicana

WHO IS HE: Few personify the term "living legend" better than Smokey Robinson. As a singer, writer, producer and music executive, Robinson had more to do with the early success of Motown than any other performer. His sweet falsetto coupled with romantic lyrics and perfectly-crafted pop tunes enabled Robinson to score constant Top Ten hits throughout the 1960s and into the 1970s. First with The Miracles and later as a solo artist, Robinson's hits included "The Tracks of My Tears," "Tears of a Clown," "Ooh Baby, Baby," and "Cruisin'." The Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Famer also wrote monster hits for The Temptations including "My Girl," and the No. 1 single "My Guy" for Mary Wells.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Smokey Robinson is as talented at performing as he is at songwriting and singing. The pure joy in the man's face when he's on stage is infectious and he has the crowd in the palm of his hands at all times. Robinson performs the hits spanning his entire career, including those he wrote for other acts such as "My Girl." He is also a great storyteller and incorporates it into the show beautifully. Another staple of a Smokey Robinson concert is audience participation. Robinson will often have one side of a ballroom competing against the other to see who can sing the loudest.

SHOW INFO: Tickets are $25 and $45. The show begins at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 6 and 7, at the Showroom, Tropicana.

An Evening with Brian Wilson at the House of Blues

WHO IS HE: Brian Wilson is the genius behind the The Beach Boys. He wrote the majority of the band's songs, produced many of its albums and arranged the intricate vocal harmonies for which the group is famous. Wilson was primarily responsible for the album "Pet Sounds" which is still regarded as one of the greatest ever made. Although he never achieved the same success as a solo artist, Wilson's 2004 release "SMILE," -- which contained new recordings of songs from his abandoned late 1960s concept album -- was a critical and commercial success.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Let's face it, Brian Wilson has always been an exceptionally talented songwriter and singer, but live performance has never really been his cup of tea. After years of logging time in recording studios as his band mates in The Beach Boys took to the road playing shows, Wilson finally got the urge and confidence to perform in front of people on a regular basis. He may never be mistaken for Mick Jagger, Rod Stewart, Bruce Springsteen or Bono as a dynamic front man, but for many people, the opportunity to see this genius live and singing the songs that have held up so well over the years is more than satisfying.

WEB SITE: www.brianwilson.com

SHOW INFO: Tickets are $35, $45, $55 and $65. The show begins at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at the House of Blues.

Cesar Millan of 'Dog Whisperer' at Resorts

WHO IS HE: Cesar Millan is a professional dog trainer who has authored several books and has his own television show "The Dog Whisperer." At his Los Angeles Dog Psychology Center, Millan worked on rehabilitating aggressive dogs. He has made numerous television appearances on shows such as "Oprah," "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and "Bones."

WHAT TO EXPECT: Dog owners wishing to gain a greater perspective into their dog's needs may want to check out Cesar Millan at Resorts on Saturday night. The renowned dog trainer who became famous with his series of books, CDs, DVDs and television show "The Dog Whisperer" will share his experiences and interact with audience members. Millan will share his secrets on how to become a calm and assertive pack leader and will display the unique array of sounds he uses to communicate with dogs.

WHAT'S NEW: This year Millan launched a monthly magazine called "Cesar's Way." His latest book is titled "How to Raise the Perfect Dog."

WEB SITE: www.cesarmillaninc.com

SHOW INFO: Tickets are $40, $50 and $75. The show begins at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Superstar Theater, Resorts.

Taking Back Sunday and the All American Rejects at the House of Blues

WHO ARE THEY: Taking Back Sunday is an emo rock band from Amityville, New York, whose 2002 debut album "Tell All Your Friends" set the stage for the band's launch into mainstream rock. After a couple of lineup changes, Taking Back Sunday's second album "Where You Want To Be" was released in the summer of 2004, debuting at No. 3 on the Billboard 200. After extensive touring the band retreated back to the studio to work on their third album, "Louder Now," a heavier, darker affair which debuted at No. 2 on the charts.

All-American Rejects is an Oklahoma-based band that formed while some of the members were still in high school. Their self-titled debut album contained the hit "Swing ,Swing," which helped propel the band to a deal with Interscope Records. In July of 2005 All-American Rejects released "Move Along," which went platinum and contained the singles "Dirty Little Secret," "Move Along" and "It Ends Tonight." The band released "When the World Comes Down" in December of 2008.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Two great emo rock bands will be on display at the House of Blues as Taking Back Sunday and All-American Rejects take to the stage. Taking Back Sunday stormed onto the scene in the early 2000s, recording several albums that landed near the top of the charts. The band has always taken great pride in its live performances and this weekend's show should be no different. Fans can expect to hear songs from throughout their career including tracks from their most recent album "New Again." All-American Rejects comes equipped with the hit singles "Swing, Swing," "Move Along," and "It Ends Tonight."

WHAT'S NEW: Taking Back Sunday's latest album "New Again" was released in June and is more pop-oriented than some of their other work.

WEB SITE: www.takingbacksunday.com, www.allamericanrejects.com

SHOW INFO: Tickets are $35 and the show begins at 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, at the House of Blues.

Bob Newhart

with Gene Ferrari

at Borgata

WHO ARE THEY: Bob Newhart is an actor and comedian who is best known for his television work on the "The Bob Newhart Show" during the 1970s and "Newhart" during the 1980s. More recently he has appeared in the Will Ferrell Christmas comedy "Elf," in the role of Papa Elf. Newhart's career was launched through a series of comedy albums in the 1960s. As a stand-up he became known as the world's first solo straight man.

Gene Ferrari is an Italian-American singer who has worked extensively as a headliner and opening act on the stages of Las Vegas and Atlantic City. His romantic style is reminiscent of Englebert Humperdinck and Tom Jones.

WHAT TO EXPECT: With his dry sense of humor and dead-pan delivery, Bob Newhart has been leaving audiences in stiches since the 1960s. His television shows in the 1970s and 80s made him a household name and endeared him to millions. It was as a stand-up comedian however, where Newhart first excelled and continues to do so. Fans can expect a hilarious performance from the solo straight man. Opening for Newhart will be Gene Ferrari, a singer who is known as "The voice with a heart."

WEB SITE: www.bobnewhart.com, www.dearg.com

SHOW INFO: Tickets are $45 and $55. The show begins at 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Music Box, Borgata.

Tony Bennett

at Harrah's

WHO IS HE: This Queens, New York native scored his first hit in 1951 with "Because of You," following it up with "Cold, Cold Heart." In 1953 Tony Bennett reached the top of the charts with "Rags to Riches" and then again with "Stranger in Paradise" from the Broadway musical "Kismet." In 1962, with Bennett's string of chart-toppers seemingly coming to an end with the competition from rock 'n' roll music, he released "I Left my Heart in San Francisco." It remained on the charts for nine months and became Bennett's signature song. In the early 1990s Bennett had resurrected his career once again and his music was appealing to a whole new audience. His 1994 "MTV Unplugged" album went platinum and won a Grammy for Album of the Year.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Tony Bennett is a unique singer who has managed to remain successful years after his contemporaries have faded away. Part of Bennett's appeal is the fact that he truly loves what he does. The warm, husky voice and gentle jazz phrasings are as much a signature of Bennett's style as his million dollar smile. Fans can expect to hear songs like "I Left My Heart in San Francisco," "Rags to Riches" and "Stranger in Paradise." At a Bennett performance, you're unlikely to walk away disappointed. Concert-goers will be treated to a night of classic pop standards performed with grace and dignity by a true living legend.

WEB SITE: www.tonybennett.net

SHOW INFO: Tickets are $100, $125 and $150. The show begins at 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 6 and 7, at the Concert Venue, Harrah's.

NABA Welterweight Boxing Title: Raul Pinzon vs. Mike Jones at Bally's

WHO ARE THEY: Mike Jones is a 26-year old welterweight boxer from North Philadelphia who holds a professional record of 18-0 with 15 knockouts. Jones is ranked seventh by the World Boxing Association, twelfth by the International Boxing Federation and fourteenth by the World Boxing Organization. He currently holds the NABA welterweight title.

Richard Gutierrez, a 31-year old welterweight fighter from Colombia who holds a professional record of 24-3-1 with 14 knockouts, was originally supposed to face Jones, but injured his back and was replaced on the card by Pinzon.

WHAT TO EXPECT: In a bout scheduled for 10 rounds, Mike Jones of Philadelphia will defend is NABA welterweight belt against challenger Pinzon on Saturday night at Bally's. Jones won the vacant title back in August of 2008 and has two title defenses under his belt. Also on the fight card is a middleweight bout between Gabriel Rosado (12-4, 7 KOs) and Latif Mundy (8-1-1, 3 KOs). There are five preliminary bouts scheduled.

WEB SITE: www.nabasite.com

SHOW INFO: Tickets are $50 and $75. The show begins at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Ballroom, Bally's.

Rob Thomas

at Borgata

WHO ARE THEY: Rob Thomas attained stardom as the lead singer for the post grunge rock group Matchbox 20, amassing a sizeable mainstream audience, selling millions of albums, scoring numerous hit singles -- and earning lukewarm reviews from music critics. Thomas's first major success away from Matchbox 20 came with the song "Smooth," which was written and sung by Thomas and featured on Santana's "Supernatural" album. The song topped the charts in 1999 and earned three Grammy Awards including "Song of the Year." Thomas released his first solo album "Something to Be" in 2005. The album featured the single "Lonely No More" and was more pop and dance oriented than Matchbox 20.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Perhaps if he would have began his career in a different decade Rob Thomas would have garnered more respect. But on the heels of heavy lyricists like Eddie Vedder and Kurt Cobain, Thomas's words and image seemed forced and lightweight. Whatever the critics say, it hasn't stopped Thomas from enjoying an incredibly successful career as the leader of Matchbox 20 and on his own as a solo artist. Friday night he takes to the stage of the Borgata with two solo albums worth of material and plenty of old hits to draw from.

WHAT'S NEW: Thomas' latest album is called "Cradlesong" and contains the hit single "Her Diamonds." Thomas has also released the DVD "Live at Red Rocks."

WEB SITE: www.robthomasmusic.com

SHOW INFO: Tickets are $56, $66 and $86. The show begins at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6 at the Event Center, Borgata.

'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.

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.

SHOW INFO: Tickets are $25. The shows begin 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays at the Liverpool Club, North Tower, Tropicana.

'Taste of Emeril's

Cooking Challenge'

at Caesars

WHAT TO EXPECT: The event features audience members competing for prizes. At the end of the show all audience members will get a chance to taste some of the meals. Emeril Lagasse will be appearing on-screen only and will not actually be at the challenges.

WEB SITE: www.emerils.com

SHOW INFO: Tickets are $35, and the shows begin 2 p.m. Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 7 p.m. Thursdays, and

7 p.m. Nov. 6 and 7, to Nov. 12, at the Circus Maximus Theater, Caesars Atlantic City.

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 performing at casinos, colleges and corporate functions.

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.

Footloose at Tropicana

WHAT IS IT: "Footloose" is based on the 1984 hit film of the same name. The plot tells the story of a kid from Chicago who moves with his mother to a small town in the country that has banned dancing. The show includes hit songs such as "Let's Hear it For the Boy" and "Footloose."

WHAT TO EXPECT: Kick off your Sunday shoes and indulge in the popular musical. The 90-minute show features 20 performers dancing and singing favorites, including "Let's Hear it For the Boy."

SHOW INFO: Tickets are $25, and the show begins 9 p.m. Saturdays, 7 p.m. Sundays, 8 p.m. Mondays to Wednesdays, and 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays through November at the Tropicana.