There are a plethora of Canadian solo recording artists who flourish in the United States.
Shania Twain, Alanis Morissette, Celine Dion and Justin Bieber are just some of the singers from the Great White North who have enjoyed incredible success in the U.S.
But somehow something often gets lost in translation at the Canadian border when it comes to rock bands. Canuck icons the Tragically Hip sold out arenas throughout Canada during their 33-year career but played clubs and small theaters south of the border.
Blue Rodeo and Our Lady Peace are other bands that thrived in their native Canada but had only a modicum of success in America.
Some bands, such as Rush and Nickelback crossed over from Canada to America but the Guess Who was the first Canadian rock band to have widespread success in the United States. Unlike several other Canadian acts of the time, the group did not move to the U.S. to achieve fame or downplay their Canadian identity.
But the odds are that the Guess Who would have been a footnote in rock history if it weren't for Burton Cummings
The Guess Who formed in 1958 but the Canadian rock band didn't become an entity of note until Cummings joined the band in 1965.
The then 18-year old singer-songwriter changed the trajectory of the band, which went on to enjoy extraordinary success. The Winnipeg based band had 14 Top 40 singles that landed on the U.S. Billboard pop charts and 30 in Canada.
"American Woman," "These Eyes" and "No Time" were huge hits in North America and around the world.
The Guess Who had no problem going from heavy guitar-driven songs to ballads to gritty, rootsy songs.
"I think that we came up with such different stuff because each of us listened to very different music," Cummings said while calling from Los Angeles. "Our background worked for us."
It worked for a decade.
The Guess Who broke up in 1975 but Cummings — who is on his 60th anniversary tour — continues performing their material along with his solo work.
Expect the familiar, such as "Undun" and "No Sugar Tonight" when Cummings performs Friday at Ocean Resort Casino.
"The hits have given me a great life," Cummings said. "So why not play the hits?"
He is an icon in Canada. The Burton Cummings Theater stands in his hometown of Winnipeg and he was named an officer of the Order of Canada.
"That's like being knighted," he said. "That's an incredible honor. I enjoy all of the acknowledgements, but the best thing is that I can still go out and play the songs. When I step out on the stage, that's when the fun begins."
Sevendust, which is on its "In Dust We Trust" tour, will perform Saturday at the Tropicana.
The Atlanta-based hard rock band broke during the late 1990s, and was unfortunately lumped in with nu-metal acts.
However, the group is a cut above since its hard rock is soulful and meaningful.
Vocalist Lajon Witherspoon is an engaging frontman. The band is touring behind its latest album, "Truth Killer," which features some electronic elements, which enhances Sevendust's sound.
The television personality known as "The mad scientist of the kitchen," will entertain and edify Saturday at Caesars.
Alton Brown, who made a name for himself with The Food Network's "Good Eats" will offer his take on the culinary world.
What separates Brown from many of his peers is that he is outspoken, unpredictable and often amusing. Expect Brown to engage and inspire the audience.
