At the Casinos: Merle, Colt Ford, 'YAYE' and a zydeco pool party

By

Merle Haggard is shown at a 2006 performance at the Mobile Saenger Theatre. (Press-Register file photo)

It's tough to compete with fireworks, and maybe that's why the upcoming weekend is light on headline entertainment at the region's casinos.

But that's not to say that Biloxi is turning the lights out. IP Casino, Resort & Spa is going country, with legend Merle Haggard performing on Thursday, July 2, followed by upstart Colt Ford on Friday, July 3. On July 4, the Golden Nugget's series of summer pool parties presents Rockin' Dopsie & the Zydeco Twisters.

The summer cirque show "YAYE" continues at Beau Rivage in Biloxi through Aug. 9, presenting an exotic mix of acts including aerialists, clowns, hand-balancers and daredevils. Performances are at 7 p.m. Saturday through Thursday, with additional 3 p.m. matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. There are no Friday performances. Tickets are $12.95, $16.95 and $24.95 plus tax and fees, available at the Beau Rivage ticket office and through Ticketmaster. A family four-pack is available for $40; advance reservations are required to claim the offer, and patrons should use the offer code "YAYE" when ordering.

RELATED: 'YAYE' review -- summer show pairs light mood, intense action

Looking ahead, upcoming casino headliners include Judas Priest, Sinbad, Dick Fox's Golden Boys and a concert by "Dukes of Hazzard" stars Tom Wopat and John Schneider.

Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, Biloxi:

  • YAYE circus show, runs through Aug. 10, $12.95 and up.
  • Bret Michaels, July 31, $44.95 and up.
  • Peter Frampton & Cheap Trick, Aug. 14, $59.95 and up.
  • Yes & Toto, Aug. 21, $69.95 and up.
  • Larry the Cable Guy, Sept. 11, $39.95 and up.
  • Trace Adkins, Sept. 18, $39.95 and up.
  • Vince Gill, Sept. 25, $59.95 and up.

Available through Ticketmaster; visit www.beaurivage.com for details. 875 Beach Blvd., Biloxi; ticket office 228-386-7777 or 1-888-566-7469.

Golden Nugget Biloxi:

  • Summer Pool Party with Rockin' Dopsie & the Zydeco Twisters, 8 p.m. July 4, $20/$25.
  • Tanya Tucker, July 25, $25 and up.
  • Summer Pool Party with The Molly Ringwalds, Aug. 1, $20/$25.

All shows 21 and older unless noted otherwise. Available through Ticketmaster. 151 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, MS 39530. Visit www.goldennugget.com/biloxi or call 800-777-7568 or 228-435-5400.

Hard Rock Biloxi:

  • Judas Priest, July 11, $59.99 and up.
  • Air Supply, July 24, $19.99 and up.
  • The Chee Weez, Aug. 1, $9.99 and up.
  • Brandon Bennett's "Remembrance of the King" (Elvis tribute), Aug. 21, 8 p.m.
  • The Australian Bee Gees, Aug. 28, $9.99 and up.
  • Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone, Oct. 9, $9.99 and up.

Most Hard Rock Live shows 21 and older. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster. 777 Beach Blvd. in Biloxi. For information, visit www.hardrockbiloxi.com or call 228-374-7625.

Harrah's New Orleans:

  • "Risq: A Burlesque Revue" by Bella Blue, "The best in New Orleans burlesque in addition to national and international burlesque headliners," Saturdays at 10 p.m., no cover.

Most shows are 21 and up. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster. 228 Poydras St. in New Orleans. For information, visit www.caesars.com/harrahs-new-orleans or call  800-427-7247.

IP Casino, Resort & Spa:

  • Merle Haggard, July 2, $50 and up.
  • Colt Ford, July 3, $20 and up.
  • Sinbad, July 10, $35 and up.
  • Dick Fox's Golden Boys, July 17, $40 and up.
  • Liza Minnelli in concert, July 24, $50 and up.
  • Peter Cetera, July 31, $45 and up.
  • Rodney Atkins, Aug. 1, $30 and up.
  • The Commodores, Aug. 7, $45 and up.
  • Ronnie Milsap, Aug. 15, $25 and up.
  • Melissa Etheridge, Aug. 21, $65 and up.
  • Boyz II Men, Aug. 29, $40 and up.
  • Hank Williams Jr., Sept. 4, $70 and up.
  • Clint Black, Sept. 12, $35 and up.
  • "Rock the Yacht 2015" with Little River Band, Ambrosia, Player, Stephen Bishop and Robbie Dupree, Sept. 18, $40 and up.
  • Billy Idol, Sept. 26, $55 and up.

All shows 21 and older unless noted otherwise. Available through Ticketmaster and at the casino box office. 850 Bayview Ave, Biloxi. Visit www.ipbiloxi.com or call 888-WIN-AT-IP.

Island View Casino:

  • Return of the Dukes! Tom Wopat and John Schneider in concert, July 18, $30.
  • Craig Morgan, Aug. 14, $30.
  • Johnny Rivers, Sept. 19, $30.

Tickets available through www.ticketmaster.com. 3300 W. Beach Blvd. in Gulfport. Visit www.islandviewcasino.com or call 877-774-8439.

Wind Creek Casino (Atmore, Ala.):

  • Big & Rich with special guest Cowboy Troy, July 25, $20-$50.

All shows 21 and older unless noted otherwise. Available through Ticketmaster and at the casino. 303 Poarch Road in Atmore, just off Exit 57 on I-65. 1-866-WIND-360, www.windcreekatmore.com.

For Ticketmaster events, tickets can be charged by phone at 800-745-3000 or ordered online at www.ticketmaster.com. Full-service Ticketmaster outlets in the Mobile area include the Mobile Civic Center box office; Northside Check Exchange, 2102 St. Stephens Road; Gold Mine, 602 U.S. 98 in Daphne; Publix, 25771 Perdido Beach Blvd. in Orange Beach; and the Mississippi Coast Coliseum Box office in Biloxi. Outlets in the New Orleans area include the Smoothie King Center box office.

Additionally, many Walmart and Walmart Neighborhood Market stores now offer Ticketmaster sales. To search for participating stores and other outlets, click here.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.