Casino catering to boomers and above with tribute acts

Don't expect the Eastside Cannery to battle toe-to-toe with Boulder Station for every concert act. But the new casino's entertainment policy includes six to eight concerts per year in its events center, and plenty of tribute acts in the lounge.

"We're sticking with what the Cannery brand is, which is baby boomers and above," says Kathie Spehar, director of entertainment for Cannery Casino Resorts. "Our demographic is mostly over 50, but I'm going to bring in some classic rock."

The opening weekend lineup sets the tone for free entertainment in Marilyn's Lounge. The 6 to 9 p.m. shift goes to The Swing Sisters, a female vocal trio saluting the harmony groups of the '40s and '50s. The 9 p.m. to midnight slot goes to the disco tribute Superboogie.

The lounge seats about 200 people at cocktail tables. Removing the tables for rows of chairs can add another 100 to the capacity for upcoming tribute bands such as Peace Frog (The Doors), Viva! (Santana) or Bella Donna (Stevie Nicks). The lounge will be curtained off for tribute acts that carry a $5 cover.

Solo musicians and duo groups also perform in the Pin-Ups bar on the central casino floor.

The Casablanca ballroom can host about 1,400 for concerts such as War on Oct. 18 or Tanya Tucker's Christmas show during the National Finals Rodeo in December. New Year's Eve already is reserved for "That's Italian!" with Jerry Vale, Dick Contino and Frankie Randall.

Contact reporter Mike Weatherford at mweatherford@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0288.