Alberta’s entertainment destination: River Cree Resort & Casino features exciting lineup
If you think you need to hop on a plane to see Vegas-calibre performances, think again. River Cree Resort and Casino is Alberta’s biggest entertainment hub, and its lineup has more in common with a luxury hotel than any other venue in the province – with a roster of performers that has included Diana Ross, ZZ Top, Alabama, Chris Tucker, Salt-N-Peppa and Jay Leno, among many other famous names. Yet it’s right at the corner of Whitemud Drive and Winterburn Road, just five minutes west of West Edmonton Mall.
The facility, completed just a year and a half ago, held its first show on New Year’s Eve, 2015. Since then, it has been hosting around 60 shows a year—many sold out.
“It’s been very exciting,” says River Cree Resort COO, Vik Mahajan. “We have a reputation of being one of the best entertainment destinations in Alberta and having the most affordable ticket prices. We are going to continue to bring in the best acts to River Cree.”
The entertainment facilities at this all-encompassing casino resort offer incredible production quality and enticing comfort: a 2,400-capacity space with a state-ofthe-art sound system, drink service, plush extra-wide seating and a VIP balcony with private washrooms and table service. Add to that a Marriot hotel onsite, the largest casino in Western Canada and three incredible dining options: Kitchen Buffet Bistro, an excellent buffet-style eatery; Sage, a world-class steakhouse at an unbeatable price; and Tap 25, the MVP of sports lounges.
Read on for a selection of what’s on deck this summer and fall. All tickets are available to purchase on Ticketmaster (ticketmaster.ca).
MICHAEL JACKSON HISTORY SHOW, JULY 29, 2017.
This spectacular musical tribute and full-scale stage production honours the King of Pop with riveting performances of “Thriller,” “Billie Jean,” “Smooth Criminal,” “Bad,” “Beat It”, “ABC” and many more. South African impersonator Dantanio Goodman nails his impersonation.
BRYAN FERRY, AUGUST 9.
From his earliest recordings with Roxy Music at the beginning of the 1970s, British artist Bryan Ferry has taken his place as one of the most iconic and innovative artists in the history of pop. The singer-songwriter continues to evolve and stun audiences with a voice that’s been described as “seductive crooner.”
RODNEY CARRINGTON, AUGUST 11.
This drawling countryand-western-singing comedian will have you laughing out loud and crooning along, with goofy numbers like “Beer for my Horses” and “Put Your Clothes Back On.”
MELISSA ETHERIDGE, AUGUST 16.
The artist who brought us “Come to My Window” and “Bring Me Some Water” stormed onto the American rock scene in 1988 with the release of her critically acclaimed self-titled debut album, and she’s been blowing away audiences ever since.
THE POINTER SISTERS, AUGUST 18.
These legends of R&B are still at it and better than ever. Come see the high-energy performance and defy yourself not to sing along to “I’m So Excited” and “Jump.”
ROB SCHNEIDER, AUGUST 25.
Hot off the recent season of his popular Netflix series Real Rob, this Emmy-nominated actor gives an uproarious stand-up performance.
LEWIS BLACK & KATHLEEN MADIGAN, THE 49TH PARALLEL TOUR, SEPT 8.
Two legendary names – Lewis Black, the “king of rant,” and Kathleen Madigan, one of comedy’s hardest-working and prolific touring comedians – come together for one hilarious evening.
PAM TILLIS AND LORRIE MORGAN, THE GRITS AND GLAMOUR TOUR, SEPT 15.
Veteran recording artists and performers, these country ladies grace the stage with rootsy style and panache.
STEVE EARLE & THE DUKES, SEPTEMBER 29.
The iconic folk-countryrock artist brings his signature sound to Edmonton, playing all the hits, plus new songs from his recorded-in-Texas collection, So You Wannabe an Outlaw.
WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY, OCTOBER 14.
Ninety minutes of hilarious improvised comedy and song, and many of the games made famous on the TV show Whose Line is it Anyway. Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis and Joel Murray leave audiences gasping with witty scenes they invent before your eyes.