LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- A Grammy award-winner, a Nashville top-20 recording artist and a network sitcom star will be among the celebrities performing at the Entertainment Arena at G2E, the Global Gaming Expo, Nov. 18-20, 2008, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Focusing on the importance of live casino entertainment and events in a constantly diversifying gaming industry, this new specialty area at G2E will feature the G2E Entertainment Showcase, with live shows by musical artists and comedians, as well as an exhibit hall with vendors who support live performances. Professional staging, lighting, audio visual and backline for the G2E Entertainment Showcase stage will be provided by Apex Stages, StagePro and AV Vegas, transforming the stage into a professional concert venue. There also will be a dedicated conference track addressing the latest issues surrounding entertainment at casino properties.
"Live entertainment has always been an important part of the casino gaming experience, and even as casinos across the country continue to expand the amenities available to guests, live entertainment will remain a cornerstone of those options," said Frank Fahrenkopf, president and CEO of the American Gaming Association (AGA). "All of the offerings at the Entertainment Arena at G2E reflect the diversification of casino entertainment and the industry's acknowledgement of the importance of offering top flight entertainment to our customers."
On Tuesday, Nov. 18, the G2E Entertainment Showcase will kick off its performances with Philadelphia jazz duo Supa Lowery Bros., Reggae artist Adrian Xavier, American standards crooner Steve Lippia and the touring cast of Smokey Joe's Caf, Broadway's longest running musical revue and a Tony award nominee. Comedians, Willie Barcena, Mark Eddie, Greg Hahn and Dwight Slade also will perform.
Performers on Wednesday, Nov. 19, will include 2008 Grammy award-winner Terrance Simien and The Zydeco Experience, Nashville top-20 recording artist Crystal Shawanda, James Brown tribute show Mr. Dynamite and Larry Bagby, co-star of the Johnny Cash bio-film "Walk the Line." Gary Valentine, co-star of the CBS sitcom "King of Queens," also will be featured along with performances by comedians Dick Hardwick, Eddie Ifft and Rich Natole.
On Thursday, Nov. 20, The Blue Suede Crew, a tribute to the recording artists of Sun Records, and Twice As Good, a Native American father and son blues duo will take to the stage, and performances by Native American comedians Mark Yaffee and Pow Wow Comedy Jam also will be featured.