Entertainment in the desert

So we had a blast on Saturday and Sunday night.

Saturday we went to see Neil Sedaka at the Rancho Mirage. For those of you who don't think you know Neil Sedaka, I am pretty sure you know at least one of his songs. A singer songwriter from the late 50s, early 60s and 70s, who has written over 500 tracks for himself and other artists. His records have sold tens of millions of copies, and he has won numerous awards.

Songs you may know are Oh Carol (written for his then girlfriend Carole King), Laughter in the Rain, Solitaire, Ring Ring (why don't you give me a call), Happy Birthday Sweet 16, Stupid Cupid, and that awesome Peter Kay miming classic - Is this the Way to Amarillo...!

We knew at least half of his songs (me from listening to them on cassette at home as a child - dad was a fan) and his voice was still super, particularly bearing in mind he has been in the business 55 years. We were the youngest in the audience as far as we could see, but we really enjoyed it. They literally don't make them like that anymore. I can't imagine any of the artists today having a career that lasts 55 years!

I have to say as well, that he was such a sweet, gracious lovely man, that you felt really pleased he has had so much success over the years...

Waiting for Neil to arrive...

Sunday was a slight change in tempo, as we went to Toucans Tiki Lounge for two different drag shows (ahem). They were everything you would expect from professional drag shows. Great costumes, brilliant performers and something for everyone in terms of song choices and miming prowess. 
Slightly off putting was that a lot of the act was based around tipping. So rather than do their turn on the stage, much of the act was base around going into the audience to pick dollars off people - I thought that made some of the acts less enjoyable, as you couldn't always see them from where you sat.

Mary Poppins eat your heart out...

It also meant that the girls who did a lot of dancing on the stage didn't fare as well as those who did their whole act floor walking. This seemed a bit unfair to me.

Lady Kaka

I got goosed by one of the ladies at one point which was a little suprising to say the least, but I went with it and the boys at my table seemed to think it was hysterical!

 The funniest act for me was Lady Kaka, Lady Gaga's grandma, whose level of toilet humour through song was unsurpassed and made my eye make up stream down my face...Literally hilarious...

Two very different, but equally enjoyable evenings in the desert - they know how to enjoy themselves out here...

Lady with much better eyelashes and legs than me (with Andre 3000 alike in the background)

Someone trying to rival my K'Adele act out here...