Las Vegas is known for a lot of things, among them the glamorous, big-name entertainment along the Strip. Everyone has heard of Celine and Elton, Britney and Metallica, Siegfried and ... well, you get the idea. But what about the other entertainers? The ones laboring in the small, couple-hundred-seat venues. If they perform, do they not sweat? And if you applaud them, shall they not bow?
Here, in honor of those who work just as hard but don't get lucrative deals from Chrysler, and in no particular order, are of some of the Strip's most underappreciated acts.
Lamar Harris, the Hat Man
Performing in the Westward Ho's lounge for years, Lamar's act was simple, charming and packed them in, standing-room only. Wandering the room, the diminutive, bearded man memorized customers' names, then used them in song lyrics. Both kinds of music, country and western, as the man says. No matter how corny you thought he was, you couldn't help but get converted and swept along by glee he generated. Too bad for you (and us), Lamar left suddenly for parts unknown. Let that be a lesson not to hesitate seeing these other acts.
Circus Circus
They're circus acts and they're free! How much more do you want? OK, how about the performers are from all parts of the globe, brought here just for your amusement? You can see exotic contortionists; death, or at least injury-defying jugglers; breathtaking balancing acts; daring young men and women on flying trapezes; and more, and that's all in one day. Still not convinced? Sure, it's not some arty-farty, poetic interpretation of a circus from Quebec, but it's free, for cryin' out loud!
Joy Ride
There are lounge acts, and then there are lounge acts: groups that not only handle cover songs, but have a blast doing it. Joy Ride, a sextet that usually bounces between the La Scena at The Venetian and Mandalay Bay's Coral Reef, is that and more. Composed of Ines Zak, Michael Bowlin, Carlos Elorza, Carlos "C.D." Delgado, Luis Ocadiz and Hugo Castañeda, Joy Ride is a juggernaut of good times, putting out enough energy to rival Hoover Dam.
Ovation
So good they named a theater after it. While billing it as the next gem in Vegas entertainment is hyperbolic, this variety show is a flurry of acts, at least one of which will make you gasp or laugh aloud. Tino Ferreira's balancing act will make you nervous to be in the front row. All that, for my money, outshines Riverdance; aerialists Cees & Cathy are stunningly graceful; and Doug DeForest's drumming could be a show unto itself.