Smokey Robinson still belting out Motown classics

Smokey Robinson's endorsement of Las Vegas quartet Human Nature isn't entirely a one-way street.

If you see the Australian harmony group at the Imperial Palace, it might renew a thirst to hear how the Motown classics sounded the first time around. And Robinson was a guest star on the quartet's recent PBS special, reminiscing about the creation of Motown classics and reminding viewers he's still out there singing them himself.

The part-time Las Vegas resident doesn't have a long commute for today's show at the Eastside Cannery. "I don't do much going out and party functions," he told the Review-Journal a while back. "But I do find that Las Vegas is very peaceful, at least for me. ... Los Angeles is like hustle and bustle."

In 2009, Robinson found more younger collaborators, Joss Stone and India.Arae, for a new studio album, "Time Flies When You're Having Fun."

"As far as my work goes, performing is probably my favorite part, because that's when I get a chance to go out and be with the fans and have a good time," he told the R-J. "I never do a show for people. I always do a show with people. It gives me a high, you know?"

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