Top-name acts are part and parcel of the gaming resort experience. These properties, after all, are really in the entertainment business, whether it’s dazzling patrons with sound and lights on the gaming floor or bringing them to their feet in front of their favorite stars.
While it would be impossible to list all of these faces and places here, Meetings Focus put together an overview of some of the prime performers gracing the stage this year and in early 2014. Here are some top casinos and serious showstoppers to consider for your next group.
Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino
Chandler, Ariz.
The resort offers show discounts on a case-by-case basis for groups staying and/or meeting at the hotel, and also offers ticket discounts to group blocks of 20 or more with advance notice.
Here are some of the top performers currently on tap:
Stevie Vai, Oct. 20
It’s no stretch to call Vai one of the top rock guitarists in history. The Grammy winner has sold over 15 million albums globally and played with some of the greatest music legends of all time.
Craig Ferguson, Nov. 2
Anyone who has stayed up late enough to see Ferguson on The Late, Late Show—which he’s hosted for eight years—knows how hysterically funny and sharp-witted he can be. Ferguson cut his teeth on stand-up routines, and for groups seeking laugh-out loud fun, this is their guy.
Pat Benatar, Nov. 21
Hit Me With Your Best Shot. Need we say more? This iconic ’80s rocker is still going strong and can get any group with a heartbeat on their feet and rocking within minutes.PageBreak
Tulalip Resort
Tulalip, Wash.
Tulalip is sure to pack its Orca Ballroom for one of comedy’s all-time greats, so grab your tickets soon to avoid having your group left out in the cold.
Bill Cosby, Nov. 1 (two shows)
Cosby is one of those rare performers who can make almost anyone laugh without being offensive, a rarity in the standup comedy world and a perfect fit for a group outing.
The Flamingo
Las Vegas
George Wallace, Ongoing
Wallace is in his 10th year at the Flamingo and has logged more Vegas performances than any other black entertainer in history. Planners seeking an established act can’t do much better than this iconic comedian, who recently received the Soul Train Lifetime Achievement Award.
Borgata Hotel and Casino
Atlantic City, N.J.
The Borgata has all manner of performers and performances at its four entertainment venues, and below is just a small sampler.
Jerry Seinfeld, Oct. 19
There are few funnier people alive than Jerry Seinfeld, and your attendees will be quoting him around the water cooler for months to come.
Joan Rivers, Nov. 2 (two shows)
Not for the easily offended, but Joan Rivers is one of the funniest women alive and willing to make fun of anything and anyone—herself included.
Tony Bennett, Nov. 30
One of the most famed crooners in history, Bennett can move any attendee with his heartfelt performances.
Lewis Black, Dec. 6 & 7
Like Rivers, Black leaves no stone unoffended, but for groups who don’t mind a bit of off-color humor he’s one of the best comics around.
Foxwoods Resort
Mashantucket, Conn.
Enhancing its shows for groups, Foxwoods offers a hospitality suite at its MGM Grand Theater that can host up to 40 for pre- or post-show fun, and also offers a special Music Box VIP suite boasting superb views of the main stage during live acts.
Liza Minnelli, Nov. 8
This dynamic diva loves the spotlight and it shows during her live performances.
Cheap Trick, Nov. 15
These retro rockers have etched their name into the American rock lexicon with classics like I Want You to Want Me and Surrender.PageBreak
Caesars Palace
Las Vegas
Planners can add an unforgettable element to their event by taking in a show at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, which features a half-acre stage, one of the world’s largest LED screens and seating for more than 4,100.
Rod Stewart, Nov. 6, 9-10, 13, 16-17, 20, 23-24
Rod Stewart is the rare performer who has infinite hits of his own to perform, but loves belting out iconic classics penned by other performers as well.
Celine Dion, Dec. 30-31
Jan. (2014) 4, 5, 8, 11-12, 14-15, 18-19
Feb. (2014) 18-19, 21-22, 25-26, 28
March (2014) 1, 4-5, 7-8, 11-12, 14-15, 18-19
The best-selling female musical artist in history and a five-time Grammy winner. What more can we say?
Paris Las Vegas
Las Vegas
Planners can stage their own unique outing at the Jersey Boys Theatre, an amphitheaterstyle venue where every seat in the house is within 80 feet of the stage and features an unobstructed view. The theater features stadium-style seating for up to 1,400.
Jersey Boys, Ongoing
Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
Biloxi, Miss.
Kenny G, Nov. 8
The most famous saxophonist on the planet, Kenny G is a crowd-pleaser that any group can enjoy.
Vince Gill, Jan. 31
One of the biggest country stars around, Gill has sold more than 20 million albums and twice has been named Entertainer of the Year by the Country Music Association.
