Las Vegas Weekly

May 13, 2009 · 8:26 AM

Smokey Robinson’s entertainment surprise brings new headliners to the Strip

By Robin Leach

Smokey Robinson.

Photo: Station Casinos

Updated: 10:23 a.m.

Smokey Robinson has just announced that he will present Australia’s vocal group Human Nature in The Ultimate Celebration of Motown. Smokey has signed a one-year deal for the Down Under boys to headline at the remodeled 653-seat showroom at the Imperial Palace starting May 23.

The group features the distinctive, dynamic harmonies of members Toby Allen, Phil Burton, Andrew Tierney and Michael Tierney as they perform Motown’s greatest hits. “I was so impressed with the group when I saw them perform that I knew they would be a huge success,” the Motown legend said.

Human Nature has opened for such superstars as Celine Dion and Michael Jackson. Celine has said the members of Human Nature are “wonderful vocalists who really know how to entertain a crowd,” and Michael once raved, “Human Nature is amazing!”

“Human Nature has certainly proven that they have the talent to perform with some of the biggest names in the music business, and we are excited to bring them to a Las Vegas stage,” Imperial Palace President Don Marrandino said. “The Imperial Palace Showroom has been upgraded with a top-of-the-line sound system that will really highlight the guys’ incredible voices.”

Formed as a doo-wop band in 1989 in Sydney, Human Nature signed to Sony Music in 1994 and released their debut album Telling Everybody in 1995. They will release their first U.S. album this year.

Smokey Robinson Presents Australia’s Human Nature -- The Ultimate Celebration of Motown is produced by Adam Steck, CEO of SPI Entertainment, who also produces the hit shows Thunder From Down Under, comedy icon Louie Anderson and American Storm.

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Posted: 8:26 a.m.

Motown recording legend Smokey Robinson is set to announce a new Strip headliner show this morning that he will present at the Imperial Palace.

It’s the first new production in the hotel’s showroom in 26 years, and the theater underwent major renovations to welcome Smokey’s new venture.

All he would tell us in advance is that it’s one of his favorite groups who have racked up 23 platinum records and five No. 1 albums. Smokey says the group has toured with such top music business names as Michael Jackson and Celine Dion.

We’ll have the breaking news right here shortly after the 10 a.m. embargo today!

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

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