The festival will also include panel discussions on the business of comedy with writers, producers and cast members from some of television’s top comedies, celebrity golf and poker tournaments. The festival will culminate with an awards presentation and celebrity roast.

Performers are expected to include Heather McDonald, Niecy Nash, Jon Lovitz, Jeff Dye, Dana Eagle, Rick Najera, Paula Poundstone, Carol Leifer, Cathy Ladman, John Mendoza, Paul Provenza, Sherri Shepherd, Greg Hahn, Craig Shoemaker and Mark Eddie. Robert Townsend also will make his return to stand-up.

Among the comedy headliners will be Jim Gaffigan, Demetri Martin, Aasif Mandvi, Anthony Jeselnik, Tig Notaro, Jim Breuer, Greg Behrendt, Wyatt Cenac, Rob Delaney, Kristen Schaal, Bill Burr, Natasha Leggero and J. Chris Newberg. At least three comedy shows will take place daily on the Bcomedy stage at the Napa Valley Expo, the festival’s home.

In addition to the comedians, the festival will feature more than 60 artists, bands and performers, including the Kings of Leon, The Black Keys, the Zac Brown Band, Furthur featuring Phil Lesh and Bob Weir, Jane’s Addiction and The Shins.

The comedy shows are available to VIP pass holders first; general pass holders will have access to the shows on a space-available basis, starting 10 minutes before each performance. Festival passes start at $139 for a single-day pass, $329 for a three-day pass, $399 for a four-day pass, and $599 for a four-day VIP pass. Individual tickets for the May 8 Macklemore and Ryan Lewis show are $29. Three- and four-day passes also include the Macklemore and Ryan Lewis show.

Genre: Hispanic Comedian

Date: Saturday, February 23, 2013, at 9 p.m.

Ticket Prices: $22, $32, $42 and $50 plus tax and applicable fees

Artist Info: Known for his comments on Mexican and international social life, comedian Adal Ramones hosted the popular Mexican television show, Otro Rollo, which was televised in 53 countries. Ramones’ show has featured numerous American superstars including, Britney Spears, Sylvester Stallone, Will Smith, Kevin James, Christina Aguilera, Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz and Chris Rock. Ramones received a “Favorite Actor” nomination during the 2005 Mexican MTV Movie Awards, for his role in Puños rosas. In 2006 Ramones participated in the Mexican production of the Mel Brooks musical The Producers in the role of Leo Bloom.

Must be 21 years or older
Tickets can be purchased at any Station Casinos Reward Center and The Fiestas, by logging onto www.sclv.com/concerts  or through Ticketmaster at 1.800.745.3000 or www.ticketmaster.com

To purchase tickets, please visit the Pearl Box Office, call 702-944-3200, visit any Ticketmaster location, call 1-800-745-3000 or visit www.ticketmaster.com

LAS VEGAS – Comedian, television host, political commentator and best-selling author Bill Maher will make the Pearl Concert Theater inside Palms Casino Resort his 2013 home with performances on the following dates: March 23-24, June 8-9, Sept. 6-7 and Nov. 2-3, 2013. Show times are 8 p.m.

Tickets start at $45, plus additional service fees and tickets for the March 23-24 dates go on sale Friday, Jan. 11 at noon.

For the last 20 years, Bill Maher has set the boundaries of where funny, political talk can go on American television. First on “Politically Incorrect” and for the last 10 years on HBO’s “Real Time,” Maher’s combination of unflinching honesty and big laughs have garnered him 29 Emmy nominations.

In October of 2008, this same combination was on display in Maher’s uproarious and unprecedented swipe at organized religion, “Religulous,” directed by Larry Charles.

The documentary has gone on to become the 8th highest grossing documentary of all time.

In addition to his television program, which has featured such regular visitors as John Edwards, Ben Affleck, Robin Williams, Arianna Huffington, Alec Baldwin and Michael Moore, Maher has written four bestsellers: “True Story,” “Does Anybody Have a Problem with That? Politically Incorrect’s Greatest Hits,” “When You Ride Alone, You Ride with Bin Laden,” “New Rules: Polite Musings from a Timid Observer” and most recently, “The New New Rules: A Funny Look at How Everybody But Me Has Their Head Up Their Ass.”

Maher began his career as a stand-up comedian in 1979 and still performs at least 50 dates a year in sold out theaters across the country. Three of his nine stand-up specials for HBO, 2007’s “The Decider,” 2005’s “I’m Swiss” and the most recent special “Bill Maher…But I’m Not Wrong,” have been nominated for Emmy awards.

Maher was born in New York City, raised in River Vale, N.J. and went to Cornell University. He now resides in Los Angeles.

The Pearl Box Office is open daily from noon until 7 p.m. with extended hours on select event days. The Pearl is now on Twitter. Follow @PearlatPalms for concert announcements and event information.

UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE PEARL

January 12 – Gregg Allman; Tickets start at $39
January 19 – Mike Epps; Tickets start at $44
January 25 – Ben Folds Five; Tickets start at $34
February 9 – Good VS. Evil: An Evening with Anthony Bourdain and Eric Ripert; Tickets start at $59
February 15 – Jackson Browne; Tickets start at $50
February 16 – Lisa Lampanelli; Tickets start at $49.50
February 22 – Bonnie Raitt; Tickets start at $49
March 23 & 24 – Bill Maher 2013 Residency; Tickets start at $45
March 29 – Matchbox Twenty; Tickets start at $79
April 20 – Joe Bonamassa; Tickets start at $73
June 8 & 9 – Bill Maher 2013 Residency; Tickets start at $45
September 6 & 7 – Bill Maher 2013 Residency; Tickets start at $45
November 2 & 3 – Bill Maher 2013 Residency; Tickets start at $45

About the Pearl Concert Theater
The Pearl Concert Theater is Las Vegas’ premier concert theater boasting accommodations for up to 2,500 ticket holders. Featuring a stage just four feet from the floor and the farthest seating area being a mere 120 feet from the stage, the Pearl offers the utmost in intimate viewing of your favorite acts. Private and semi-private skyboxes are located on each side of the venue offering private bars, lounges and restrooms. The Pearl is a marvel of modern technology using only top quality sound and video equipment throughout. Hard wired to Studio at the Palms, the Pearl allows artists to create a cost-effective live album with efficiency and without additional venue set-up. For more information, please visit www.palms.com

Tickets for each show can be purchased by calling 1-866-712-9308 or 702-894-7722.

Treasure Island Headliner Schedule

Mickey Gilley
February 16
8 p.m.
Treasure Island Ballroom
Tickets start at $49, plus taxes and service charge

Bill Cosby
March 1
8 p.m.
Treasure Island Theatre
Tickets start at $59, plus taxes and service charge

Bill Engvall
March 8
9 p.m.
Treasure Island Theatre
Tickets start at $54.95, plus taxes and service charge

Jo Koy
March 22
9 p.m.
Treasure Island Theatre
Tickets start at $44.95, plus taxes and service charge

Whoopi Goldberg
April 5
9 p.m.
Treasure Island Theatre
Tickets start at $69.95, plus taxes and service charge

Green Valley Ranch Resort

o Guests can head to the Lobby Bar, as DJ Neko spins into the 2013 from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Guests must be 21 years or older.

o DJ Andrew B spins into the New Year at Drop Bar from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Guests must be 21 years or older.

o At Quinn’s Irish Pub, Darby O’Gill will perform from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Free entry and guests must be 21 years or older.

Tim Catching performs at Hank’s Fine Steaks & Martinis from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. The party continues with the Rustyn Vaughn Lee Trio from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. No cover and guests must be 21 years or older.

Santa Fe Station

o Ring in the New Year at Revolver. Doors open at 9 p.m. and cover is $25 at the door, which includes two complimentary drinks, a champagne toast at midnight and party favors. Drink specials include $3 shots, $2 wells and $1 drafts from 9 p.m. to midnight.

For table and booth reservations, please call 702-515-4390. Guests must be 21 years or older.

DJ Kram spins from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at 4949 Lounge. Cover is $10 at the door, which includes party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. For booth and bottle reservations, please call 702-290-4675.Guests must be 21 years or older.

Red Rock Resort

At Rocks Lounge, guests can ring in the New Year with Zowie Bowie from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.. Cover is $25 at the door and guests must be 21 years or older.

For booth reservations, please call 702-797-7519.

At Onyx Bar, Arrow Arts performs from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. No cover and guests must be 21 years or older.

At T-Bones Chophouse, guitarist and singer Dave Ritz performs Top 40 hits from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. No cover and guests must be 21 years or older.

Sunset Station

At Club Madrid, celebrate New Year’s Eve with Nancy Rayguns from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. No cover and guests must be 21 years or older.

At Gaudi Bar, DJ Lee Orchard spins from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. No cover and guests must be 21 years or older.
At Rosalita’s Cantina, Busker Kings, an acoustic power duo with a Foo Fighters meets Simon & Garfunkel sound, performs from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.

No cover and guests must be 21 years or older.

Texas Station

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at South Padre with the country sounds of Sam Riddle from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. No cover and guests must be 21 years or older.

Over at A-Bar, Darrin Michaels sets the tone for a relaxing New Year’s Eve, with jazz from 8 p.m. to midnight. No cover and guests must be 21 years or older.

Boulder Station

At The Railhead, guests can ring in the New Year with classic rock from KISS Tribute Band from 10:30 p.m.to 1:30 a.m. No cover and guests must be 21 years or older.

At KIXX Lounge, DJ Rouletta spins from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. No cover and guests must be 21 years or older.

Palace Station

At the Louie Anderson Theatre, DJ Anthony will spin from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. No cover and guests must be 21 years or older.

At Jack’s Irish Pub, Crown Ave. performs from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. No cover and guests must be 21 years or older.

Fiesta Rancho

At Cabo Lounge, John Earl & The Boogieman Band will perform from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. No cover and guests must be 21 years or older.

Fiesta Henderson

At Cerveza Cantina, Threedom Rock will perform from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. No cover and guests must be 21 years or older.

About Station Casinos entertainment

Station Casinos’ concert and entertainment lounge venues include: The Railhead at Boulder Station, a 650-seat venue; Grand Events Center, a 2,000-seat venue, and The Backyard, a poolside venue accommodating up to 4,000 guests, at Green Valley Ranch; Club Tequila at Fiesta Rancho, a 380-seat venue; Louie Anderson Theater at Palace Station, a 200-seat venue; Rocks Lounge, a 350-seat venue, The Sandbar, a poolside venue accommodating 4,000 guests, and the Amphitheatre at Red Rock accommodating up to 8,800 guests, at Red Rock Resort; Chrome Showroom at Santa Fe Station, a 550-seat venue; Club Madrid, a 500-seat venue, and Sunset Amphitheater, an outdoor venue accommodating up to 5,000 guests, at Sunset Station and Dallas Events Center, a 1,800-seat venue and South Padre, a 300-seat venue, at Texas Station. For up-to-the-minute news, connect with Station Casinos on Facebook or follow on twitter @stationcasinos.

“America’s Party,” hosted by Las Vegas Events (LVE) and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), features a fireworks display over the Strip on New Year’s Eve.

The show will be fired from the rooftops of seven resorts — the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Aria Resort & Casino, Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Caesars Palace, Treasure Island (TI), the Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino and the Stratosphere.

The Killers kick off New Year’s Eve weekend at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas with the multi-platinum band returning to its hometown to perform for the first time in more than three years.

They take the stage on Dec. 28 and 29 at 9 p.m. in the Chelsea Ballroom. In addition, after seven years of being away from Las Vegas, The Red Hot Chili Peppers will perform on Dec. 31 at 11 p.m. in the Chelsea Ballroom.

Visitors will also be able to see the Grammy Award-winning band perform live on the 65-foot digital marquee facing the Strip.

The Black Keys will perform two shows at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino with performances at 9:30 p.m. on Dec. 30 and 31, with special guest Divine Fits.

Pitbull will perform at the Pearl Concert Theater at The Palms Casino Resort on Dec. 28 and 29 at 8 p.m.

Celine Dion will perform a New Year’s Eve concert at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace at 7:30 p.m.

The Fremont Street Experience’s Downtown Countdown starts at 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve with a street party featuring Buckcherry and Queensryche, plus special guests Quiet Riot, Pop Evil and Otherwise.

The Downtown countdown also includes a 2012 year-in-review on the Viva Vision screen and a midnight countdown led by Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman.

In addition, nightclubs and restaurants throughout the destination will offer special New Year’s Eve celebrations and menus.

“From live television and theater to comedy clubs and performance artists, comedy is embedded in the fabric of New York City all year-round,” said NYC & Company CEO George Fertitta. “We are proud to again present Comedy Week to provide New Yorkers and visitors opportunities to experience some of the funniest performers in the world as they showcase their humor and entertain audiences across the five

LAS VEGAS – SPI Entertainment and Mills Entertainment are proud to announce the limited run of SPANK! The Fifty Shades Parody at the Crown Theater inside Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, beginning Thursday, Nov. 1. Part Second City, part Thunder from Down Under, SPANK! delivers big laughs, sexy fun and lots of surprises. Tickets go on sale Friday, Oct. 12 at 10 a.m.

SPANK! The Fifty Shades Parody is written and directed by Jim Milan, whose credits include “The Kids in the Hall,” “Larry King Standing Up,” “Marijuanalogues with Tommy Chong” and “Mythbusters Live.” The new show is a musical parody of “Fifty Shades of Grey,” the risqué novel which recently surpassed “Harry Potter” to become the fastest-selling paperback of all time. Michael Mills, producer of SPANK!, says audience members can expect “A laugh-filled evening that captures all the escapist fun and absurdity of the novel. The Fifty Shades characters are brought to life with sexy and fun musical numbers.”

“SPANK! is an original and ingenious take on what has become one of the most popular books in the world,” said Adam Steck, founder and CEO of SPI Entertainment.

“It’s unlike anything Vegas audiences have seen and we’re thrilled for its Las Vegas debut to be at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino.”

SPANK! The Fifty Shades Parody will be performed at Crown Theater inside Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino from Thursday, Nov. 1 – Saturday, Nov. 10. All shows begin at 10 p.m. Tickets are available for $39 and $49 plus tax and applicable fees and go on-sale Friday, October 12th at 10 a.m.

Tickets can be purchased at www.riolv.com, by phone at 702-777-7776 or at the Rio Box Office. Guests must be 18 years or older.

About SPI Entertainment

SPI Entertainment Inc. is a leading Production Company & Talent Agency with six successful resident award-winning shows in the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas, and more than 10 shows touring internationally.

About Mills Entertainment

Mills Entertainment is a leading producer and promoter of branded live entertainment. Mills collaborates with top brands and personalities to develop, market and produce live theatrical events throughout the U.S. and worldwide. Current projects include The Cake Boss: Bakin’ with the Boss Tour, An Evening with Cesar Milan: Dog Whisperer, Clifford the Big Red Dog Live!, Theresa Caputo Live and Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild Live. www.millsentertainment.com