Dustin Dry has been crawling nightclubs his entire adult life, and he’s always been fascinated by the architecture and creative possibilities that extend beyond the clubbing experience.
Dry’s father, nightlife pioneer Victor Dry, founded the underground venue Dry’s After Dark on what was then Barbary Coast, now known as Cromwell, more than 25 years ago. From the start, the venue was unique, operating as a restaurant in the evening and a club at night.
Now, Dustin Dry is further innovating the Strip basement location with Dry’s Comedy Club, which runs from September 12-14.
Opening headliner is Mario Hodge and featured comedian is DeLai, with two shows on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 7pm and 10pm.
“Comedy is becoming really popular in Las Vegas and we have this great space, so I felt like it was a good time to try this franchise and expand what we can offer,” Dry said in a recent interview. “I saw an opportunity at Dry’s, and when I look at other clubs around Las Vegas, I see a lot of potential for other types of entertainment.”
The series is set to run for six weeks and will be headlined by top club pros Esau McGraw, Brett Riley, Kevin Tate, Rob Love and Chelsea Perry, with Dry partnering with veteran comedy producers B. Taylor and Eddie Abram to book the venues.
“We want to welcome tourists and visitors,” Dry said. “We think it’s a unique experience, and hopefully we can continue.”
Boyz II Men, Babyface, and you
Boyz II Men welcomed old friend Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds near the start of their Saturday show at the Cosmopolitan of Chelsea. The song of choice was “Water Runs Dry.” The crowd went wild, but Babyface kept his cool behind his sunglasses-adorned, rhinestone-adorned six-string guitar.
The Boys’ current lineup, Waniya Morris, Shawn Stockman and Nate Morris, performed the hits as expected during their opening weekend at Chelsea, bringing the crowd to their feet with “End of the Road,” “One Sweet Day,” “On Bend Knee” and “I’ll Make Love to You.”
But karaoke-style renditions added spice to the setlist, which included Lenny Kravitz’s “Are You Gonna Go My Way” and Kravitz’s cover of the Guess Who’s “American Woman,” Bruno Mars’ “Locked Out of Heaven,” Journey’s “Open Arms” and The Beatles’ “Come Together” giving the night a “Motown-Philly” vibe.
Waniya Morris thanked the fans for “being with us for 32 years.” Wow, they say on the calendar, but they’re still performing with the enthusiasm of teenagers. Guest Robin Thicke was equally stylish, performing “Blurred Lines.” The show returns next weekend, and it’s worth a trip down to the Strip.
Pinky ring scene
Mars brought the heat late Saturday at Bellagio nightspot The Pinky Ring, where the Diamonds, Rubies and Emeralds house band (yes, the band names rotate) were celebrating their 100th show at the venue, which opened on February 10.
Former Cirque du Soleil executive Eric Grille was spotted with current Cirque du Soleil executive Matt Nickel. Grille left the company in January and is hinting at new horizons. We’re ready to hear it.
Gavin Maloof also appears.
Also known as TPR, the radio station features live music every night, with Diamond (or Emerald or Ruby) rocking out until around 1am.
Score!
A man who resembles 49ers GM John Lynch was at the Delilah at the Wynn Las Vegas on Thursday to watch Steph Payne perform.
Centerfold pink slip
Late-night adult revue A Touch of Burlesque abruptly ended its run at Centerfalls Cabaret on Paradise Road, opposite the Virgin Hotel, after club owner Steve Pike contacted GM Leanne Peck on Saturday night to cancel the show.
The dance show “Exxcite” has five more performances, and variety show “Murray’s Misfits” premieres Oct. 13. The club has given up on trying to make money from live entertainment and is reverting to an all-topless format.
What works in Las Vegas
Wiseguys Comedy Club (the club) is fronted by the great comedian Keith Stubbs. The Town Center club is celebrating its first anniversary next month. The Arts District club is celebrating its third anniversary next month. The Westgate Cabaret club (when is it opening, guys?) is opening next month.
On that topic of comedy…
There has been no word from GM Harry Basil and Laugh Factory Las Vegas recently. The idea of reviving the club remains and will be explored by company founder Jamie Masada. It is currently scheduled to reopen in October.
Cool Hang Alert
Killers sideman and accomplished guitarist and keyboardist Ted Sabre and his band headline the Fat Cat Jazz and Blues Club at the Downtown Grand on Tuesday at 9 p.m. Admission is $5, a small allowance; for details, see reddwarflv.com. It’s easy to spot Sabre onstage with the Killers, as he’s left-handed.
John Katsilometes’ column appears daily in Section A. His “PodKats!” podcast can be found at reviewjournal.com/podcasts. Contact him at jkatsilometes@reviewjournal.com. Follow us! Johnny Katz @JohnnyKats1 on X and @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.