Earl Turner plans a patriotic tribute at Suncoast

He’s slated to take the stage for his "Together We Stand" performance at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Suncoast Showroom, 9090 Alta Drive.

Terry Jenkins, corporate director of entertainment for Coast Casinos, said Turner has a loyal following in Summerlin.

"He’s one of those people that has that special ‘it’ factor that you can’t teach people," he said.

This new show will be a special tribute to honor veterans and Americans, celebrating survivorship. Don’t bother bringing Kleenex, as this performance promises to evoke a positive, uplifting experience. It’s a celebration. Expect Turner’s high-energy touch for everything from patriotic songs to gospel music.

Turner has a lot to celebrate. Twelve years ago, he emerged from being a lounge act at venues such as the now-defunct Dunes and the Desert Inn, as well as Luxor and Caesars Palace, to be a headliner at the Rio. It was the big time for the veteran performer.

"I thought, ‘You finally did it,’ " he said.

But his life wasn’t all wine and roses. In September 2001, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. It was in the early stages, so it didn’t require surgery. He underwent radiation therapy with seed implants instead.

"I had the procedure on Monday and was back on stage Wednesday," he said. "I had to keep moving. That’s what survivors do when there’s a tragedy, you want everything to stop so you can collect yourself but survivors, they keep moving."

The following week, terrorists struck on 9/11 . The whole country collected itself, surviving the blow it had taken. The show will pay tribute to that time in American history as well.

Fast forward five years, and Turner again had the world by the tail. He had signed a contract with Harrah’s New Orleans, and the property transformed its Mansion Ballroom into The Earl Turner Theatre. He performed there for two years, packing in the crowds.

"Then Hurricane Kat rina happened and ended my run there," he said.

The devastation forced the casino to close Turner’s show. He packed up his family and returned to Las Vegas, a place he has called home for 21 years. It was back to being on the road and playing limited engagements. One thing that never changed was the vitality he brings to the stage.

"He’s totally genuine on stage," said singer Clint Holmes of his friend. "He’s energized and vibrant up there."

Turner had grown up around music. His grandfather was L.C. "Speedy" Huggins, a noted jazz artist and dancer.

"As a kid, I’d watch him leave at 7 or 8 in the evening, looking sharp, looking immaculate, and I’d think, ‘I don’t know what he does, but that’s what I want to do,’ " he said. "It wasn’t until I was about 13 or 14 when I realized the depth of his fame."

Turner’s first paying gig was at 13. By 19, he was traveling the country with a band, playing nightclubs.

"When you’re that age, you feel like you’ll live forever," he said. "You’re just having a good time."

Turner has traveled the U.S. as a front man with various bands. His solo career includes a Top 40 dance hit in Europe in the 1980s, "Love Caught You By Surprise."

He’s still having a good time, as evidenced by his upbeat performances. It’s not just music, he said, it’s entertainment.

For more information about Turner, visit earlturner.com.

Tickets for "Together We Stand" start at $15.95, plus tax and convenience fees, and can be purchased by calling 636-7075 or visiting suncoastcasino.com, or save on convenience fees by purchasing the tickets in person at Coast Casinos.

Contact Summerlin/Summerlin South View reporter Jan Hogan at jhogan@viewnews.com or 387-2949.