Sounds like you need some A.C. this summer

Even in the heat of the summer, it seems that most concert promoters treat Atlantic City and other beachfront Jersey locales like a three-night town. And this year, more than in the recent past, talent bookers are targeting their mostly weekend attractions to a really grown-up (say, 30-plus) entertainment-seeker who wants an easy, safe bet.

So, you're not gonna find many hot new buzz bands here - not even at the most-contemporary-minded Borgata or the House of Blues at Showboat. What you will find are dozens of musical artists and groups (and the occasional comedian) who've been at this thing for several decades, and have scored hits galore.

Some are even honest-to-goodness legends who'll make you say: "Yeah, that show was worth the gas and tolls - and the money I blew at the slots."

So which Friday, Saturday and Sunday night attractions are gonna twist your ignition key and get you rolling east toward Jersey? Here come our picks for the most likely "gotta getaway" weekend motivators.

THIS WEEKEND: The hipsters' comic choice, Chris Rock, is telling it like it is at the Borgata tonight and tomorrow. (Can't wiggle in? He'll be back Aug. 15.) Deborah Gibson, the grown-up, Broadway-trained reincarnation of former teen idol Debbie Gibson, is doing her song and dance at Harrah's through next Thursday, and the following weekend, too.

MAY 23-25: Old-school crooners rule Friday with Paul Anka at the Borgata and Kenny Rogers at the Trump Plaza. Soul shakers take charge the next night, with homegirl Patti LaBelle at House of Blues and Natalie Cole opening her two-nighter at Resorts.

Sunday, rock-'n'-blues rules with Eric Clapton and Robert Randolph at the Borgata Event Center, and Eddie Money at House of Blues. Meanwhile, mellow folk-rock man Kenny Loggins celebrates you home, same night, at Bally's.

MAY 30-JUNE 1: King of the Casinos Wayne Newton is in for a Friday/Saturday stand at Harrah's. Lock the doors! Nobody goes home!

Sheryl Crow just wants to have fun Friday at the Borgata. Neo-soul singer/pianist Alicia Keys headlines at the Taj's Mark Etess Arena on Saturday, with "American Idol" winner Jordin Sparks in the warm-up slot, we hope. (She missed their Philly date due to vocal problems.)

JUNE 6-8: Another lure for the seniors, Engelbert Humperdinck, visits Trump Plaza Friday and Saturday. "That Ain't My Truck" honky-tonker Rhett Akins is at HOB Friday, while mellow country man Clint Black is at the Tropicana on Saturday.