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Badfish
at the House of Blues
WHO ARE THEY: Badfish is a three-piece tribute to Sublime, the innovative rock/pop/groove band whose career was cut short with the death of lead singer Brad Nowell in 1996. The band incorporates the spirit of Sublime in an authentic tribute that has proven to be quite successful. Badfish maintains a rigorous touring schedule and has a dedicated following of fans who offer much support. They are one of the most successful tribute bands in the world.
WHAT TO EXPECT: One of the tragedies associated with the death of Nowell was many who became fans of the group never got to see them perform live. Thanks to Badfish, fans are able to experience the energy and emotion of what a live Sublime show was all about. This is a top-notch act that has logged many miles on the road. Concertgoers can expect to hear all of the bands classic songs.
SHOW INFO: Tickets are $18, and the show begins 7 p.m. Friday, Oct.16, at the House of Blues at Showboat Casino-Hotel.
'The Man in Black'
at Trump Plaza
WHO IS HE: Shawn Barker began his career as an Elvis Presley tribute artist, but he soon found his true calling in portraying legendary country music outlaw Johnny Cash. Barker spent a year studying every nuance of Cash's music, performing style and voice to capture the essence of the man. The Illinois native has performed his show, "The Man in Black," throughout North America with great success.
WHAT TO EXPECT: With the look, sound, mannerisms and stage presence of the late Johnny Cash, singer/guitarist Barker offers up an impressive tribute with "The Man in Black." Barker performs many of Cash's legendary hits, including "Walk the Line," "Folsom Prison Blues," "Ring of Fire," "Man in Black," "Give My Love to Rose" and "Big River." Fans can expect to see an intense, passionate show, much like the ones given by Cash himself in his prime. Since the original "Man in Black" is no longer with us, Barker's tribute offers up the next best thing.
SHOW INFO: Tickets are $25, and the show begins 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at the Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino Theater.
Ron White
at Trump Taj Mahal
WHO IS HE: Ron White is a stand-up comedian who rose to fame as a member of The Blue Collar Comedy Tour. White, who is nicknamed "Tater Salad," is known for drinking scotch and smoking a cigar during performances. White's solo comedy debut, "Drunk in Public," was released in November 2003. His comedy specials include "They Call Me Tater Salad," "The Ron White Show" and his latest, "You Can't Fix Stupid."
WHAT TO EXPECT: The recent popularity of Blue Collar Comedy has launched the careers of performers such as Larry the Cable Guy and Bill Engvall. White is another comedian who has seen his fortunes rise as the result of his association with this popular genre of comedy. His deadpan delivery and blunt, straight-forward style have endeared him to fans across the country.
SHOW INFO: Tickets are $55 and $65, and the show begins
8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort's Arena.
Social Distortion
at House of Blues
WHO ARE THEY: Los Angeles punk rockers Social Distortion combine elements of roots rock, blues and country to form a sound and style all their own. The band's debut album, "Mommy's Little Monster," was released in 1983 and featured the single "Another State of Mind." Five years passed before its sophomore release, "Prison Bound," hit the shelves in 1988. Social Distortion's 1992 album, "Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell," became its most popular to date and featured the minor hit "Bad Luck."
WHAT TO EXPECT: Despite various lineup changes over the years, frontman Mike Ness has remained at the helm, keeping the spirit of Social Distortion alive and well. Along with contemporaries such as Bad Religion, Black Flag and the Dead Kennedys, Social Distortion was a major part of the 1980s punk rock revival. Fans can expect to see the kind of spirited, high-energy performance that has characterized the band since its inception. This is a band that flat-out rocks.
SHOW INFO: Tickets are $25, and the show begins 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct.17, at the House of Blues.
'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.
SHOW INFO: Tickets are $25. The shows begin 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays at the Liverpool Club, North Tower, Tropicana.
War at A.C. Hilton
WHO ARE THEY: In the 1970s, War emerged as one of the most popular funk bands. The southern California-based band scored hits with "Spill the Wine," "The World is a Ghetto," "The Cisco Kid," "Gypsy Man," "Why Can't We Be Friends?" and "Low Rider." War became known for its laid-back, southern California vibe, jamming and socially relevant lyrics.
WHAT TO EXPECT: War emerged in the early 1970s with a funky R&B sound and terrific musicianship. One of the group's characteristics is bringing a socially-conscious tone to its music. Hits include "The World is a Ghetto," "Low Rider" and "Why Can't We Be Friends?" Years may have passed, but the heart and soul of the group remains intact.
WHAT'S NEW: War's most recent album is titled "Greatest Hits Live," which was released as a DVD as well as a CD.
SHOW INFO: Tickets are $30, and the show begins 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Atlantic City Hilton Theater.
'Footloose'
at Tropicana
WHAT IS IT: "Footloose" is based on the 1984 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," and is presented by Jersey Shore Entertainment.
WHAT TO EXPECT: For those who simply have got to cut loose, "Footloose" is the perfect show. Kick off your Sunday shoes and indulge in the popular musical that captured the hearts of Americans in the mid-'80s. The 90-minute show features 20 performers dancing and singing favorites, including "Let's Hear It For the Boy" and "Footloose." The show is an upbeat, exhilarating affair sure to strike a chord with audiences.
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 Showroom.
Giada Valenti at
the Atlantic City Hilton
WHO IS SHE: A native of Venice, Italy, Giada Valenti began singing at age 7 and was on the road touring by the time she turned 12. After she moved to New York City in 2004, Valenti's career began to heat up, and she released the CD "Italian Signorina" in December 2005. In late 2008, Valenti released "And I Love You So," and performed during the Columbus Day Parade. The singer was also cast in the Broadway musical "Be My Love."
WHAT TO EXPECT: Valenti will make her Atlantic City debut on Saturday night when she performs her new show, "Tribute to Love," at the Atlantic City Hilton. Recent performances by Valenti have drawn rave reviews, and the singer seems poised to make a big mark.
SHOW INFO: Tickets are $20, and the show begins 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Hilton Theater.
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. 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."
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.
Renaissance 2009
at Trump Taj Mahal
WHO ARE THEY: Renaissance formed in the early 1970s after the disintegration of The Yardbirds. Annie Haslam and Michael Dunford fused elements of folk-rock with classical music to create a unique sound that resonated with progressive rock radio. Between 1972 and 1978, the band was at its peak, releasing the albums "Prologue," "Ashes are Burning," "Turn of the Cards," "Novella," "Scheherazade and Other Stories" and "A Song for All Seasons."
WHAT TO EXPECT: Renaissance is in the midst of celebrating its 40th anniversary with an East Coast tour. "I'm thrilled to be performing these truly unique masterpieces again," says singer Haslam in a press release. "These songs are a big part of my life and I will sing my heart out." In addition to Haslam and Dunford, the current lineup includes keyboardist Rave Tesar, bassist David J. Keyes, keyboardist Tom Brislin and drummer Frank Pagano.
WEB SITE:
SHOW INFO: Tickets are $29, $39 and $49, and the show begins 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Taj Mahal's Xanadu Theater.