Juan Gabriel returns to Vegas with his ‘El Divo de Juarez’ tour

Juan Gabriel was a big enough star to launch Las Vegas as a Mexican Independence Day party mecca, and he is big enough now to play here on a different weekend.

In 1990, The Mirage built an outdoor stage and faux Mexican village to host Gabriel for the holiday that now brings a host of Latin stars each fall.

But this time, Mandalay Bay catches one of the arena dates in “El Divo de Juarez” tour that includes Madison Square Garden and two nights in Chicago’s Allstate Arena.

The 64-year-old singer-producer has been recording since 1971 and is said to have written and recorded more than 1,000 songs. Sunday’s audience probably won’t hear one-tenth of them, but won’t be likely to complain about the chance to see the legend who last played Caesars Palace in 2006.

Contact reporter Mike Weatherford at mweatherford@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0288.