The time period between the December holidays and the advent of winter is traditionally the slowest time of the year when it comes to the region’s main-stage casino entertainment. So it should come as no surprise that the pickings are generally slim – in terms of quality and quantity – for the next three months or so.
But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some noteworthy events on the books, including one that is somewhat historic because it appears the gig will be among the last local performances by an international superstar. Following are some of the more interesting engagements in the first quarter of 2025. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com, except where noted.
Dancing With the Stars Live 2025: Jan. 18, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
The latest live iteration of ABC’s phenomenally popular competition series doesn’t boast any real stars, as in TV, film or sports celebs, but the cast does feature a slew of familiar faces – and legs – from the network show, including those of Season 33 standout Stephen Nedoroscik, who will serve as the program’s co-host.
How Not to Be Famous: A Conversation with Richard Kind: Jan. 24, Parx
This should be a real treat for fans of the Trenton native, as Kind discusses his extensive career as one of the most in-demand character actors in the entertainment business. His wide-ranging credits include everything from voice work in various Pixar animated features and a Tony-nominated Broadway turn in “The Big Knife,” to recurring TV roles in “Spin City,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “Only Murders In the Building.” And it’s a pretty safe bet his best friend, George Clooney, will also be mentioned. Find tickets at axs.com.
A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett featuring the Coral Reefer Band: Jan. 24, Hard Rock
As tribute bands go, it doesn’t get any more legit than this one. The Coral Reefer Band is comprised of members from the late Buffett’s backing group. It’s near impossible to believe this show will be anything other than a heartfelt and satisfying testament to Buffett’s musical legacy.
Martin Lawrence: Jan. 25, Hard Rock
The TV and movie star brings his “Y’all Know What It Is!” tour to the Boardwalk. The audience can expect Lawrence’s stock-in-trade, observational comedy on such topics as racism and family dynamics.
Billy Gibbons: Feb. 8, Borgata
This booking is one of the most interesting classic-rock attractions of the winter: For the past half-century and more, Gibbons has been the guitarist and primary lead singer of rock-‘n’-boogie avatars ZZ Top. It’s probably not off base to assume his set will contain a heaping helping of Top hits, as well as solo material.
Nikki Glaser: Feb. 1, Hard Rock
Glaser has become a veritable comedy brand, thanks to an eponymous podcast, various TV projects – including the CW’s “Lovers and Liars,” for which she is host and executive producer – multiple stand-up specials, satellite radio stints and comedy tours. Her material is strictly of the “leave the kids at home” variety, but she definitely connects with her takes on such subjects as sexual fantasies, aging and death.
Tom Papa: Feb. 14 and 15, Borgata
Papa’s gentle observational comedy, much of which centers on his domestic life, is a much-needed antidote to the harshness that informs so much contemporary stand-up.
Sinatra Meets The Sopranos: Feb. 15, Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City
Two Italian-American pop culture touchstones will be celebrated with story and song here. “Sopranos” cast members Vincent Curatola (Johnny Sack), Jason Cerbone (Jackie Aprile Jr.) and Frederico Castelluccio (FurioGiunta) will tell tales from the landmark HBO series, while crooner Michael Martocci handles the musical end of things.                                             Â
Rod Stewart: Feb. 22, Hard Rock
This is by far the biggest booking of the winter and of major significance: If “Rod the Mod” is on the level, the Hard Rock show will be part of the nearly 80-year-old’s megastar final tour. As such, it’s arguably the one must-see show of the season.
Tony Hinchcliffe: March 1, Ocean Casino Resort
Hinchcliffe is hardly a stand-up comedy giant, but this booking stands out because he dominated the 24-hour news cycle and then some in October, after he made a series of controversial and disparaging remarks about Puerto Rico at a Donald Trump rally in New York City.
Smokey Robinson: March 8, Hard Rock
Anytime this national treasure comes to the area it’s a reason to celebrate.
Burton Cummings: March 14, Ocean
The singer-composer was responsible for such signatures from the Guess Who as “American Woman,” “These Eyes” and “Laughing.” He’ll surely perform these and others hits from his former band, as well as tracks from his acclaimed, recently released album, “A Few Good Moments.”
Colin Jost: March 14 and 15, Parx
Jost, of course, is one half of the “Weekend Update” team – with Michael Che – on “Saturday Night Live.” But his stand-up act tends to downplay topical one-liners in favor of a more story-oriented format focusing on a variety of first-person subjects. Find tickets at etix.com.
Rod Stewart
