Atlantic City Gaming

Comedian Poundstone relies on audience to steer her stage act

lcaldwell — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:24:24 +0000

Paula Poundstone got her first taste of comedy success in kindergarten when a teacher named Mrs. Bumps wrote a note home.
The note read: “I have enjoyed many of Paula’s humorous comments about our activities.”
While such praise didn’t follow her through school in Sudbury, Mass., Mrs. Bomb’s remarks left a lasting impression and helped lead Poundstone to a career in comedy and a date at the Golden Nugget March 3.
Poundstone has jokes in her memory bank, but her routine relies more on audience participation — an approach that evolved during open-mic nights in the Boston area when she panicked over remembering her bit.
“I wrote five minutes of material. I would work and work at memorizing it. Then I would go on, and see something that distracted me and would forget everything. So I would talk to the crowd, but thought it was a deficit,” said Poundstone.
She discovered it was just the opposite: The people in the room were the heart of the show.
Appearing on stage these days with a stool, a microphone and a can of Diet Pepsi, Poundstone does not come with a script. But she has a plan that includes talking about raising a house full of kids and animals, politics, the sorry state of network news and the challenges of public education.
Early on, she launches into the time-honored tradition of asking someone where they are from or what they do.
“I have a Rolodex of material in my head based on who I’m talking to,” said Poundstone, whose first one-hour HBO special “Cats, Cops, and Stuff” earned a Cable ACE for best standup comedy special. She was the first woman to earn that honor.
“I think of it as having dinner with friends I have not seen in a while. I let the conversation steer me,” said the comic, who was the first woman to perform at the White House Correspondents dinner.
“My manager thinks I have a sixth sense of who to pick, but nothing could be further from the truth,” she said. “I am just looking for a story.”
In addition to her other exploits, Poundstone is a longtime regular on the NPR comedy quiz show “Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me,” where she matches wits with pundits. Hosted by Peter Segal, the show tapes weekly before a live audience in Chicago or on location.
“I never heard of it when they called and asked if I would do it. They sent me a tape, and my nanny said go for it,” said the comedian.
If she weren’t a comedian, Poundstone really doesn’t know what she’d do. “I thought I would be a restaurant manager because I was a gifted table busser,” she said. Or maybe a writer. It took Paula eight years to write her first book, “There’s Nothing In This Book That I Meant To Say,” part memoir and part monologue. And she’s working on a second one.
“But it’s painfully slow. The truth is, the process takes me an incredibly long time. I fit it into the cracks and my life doesn’t have many cracks,” said Poundstone.
If You Go
Paula Poundstone performs March 3 at the Golden Nugget, Huron Avenue and Brigantine Boulevard. Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are $28.50 and $38.50, and can be purchased at (866) 746-5336 or www.goldennugget.com/atlanticcity/

Savor the flavors of Restaurant Week

lcaldwell — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:21:59 +0000

$33.12 buys 3-course dinner from March 4-10
During Restaurant Week, $33.12 at Dos Caminos buys an appetizer, entree and dessert.
A lot of food for a little money.
And therein lies the success of the annual gathering of dining aficionados from March 4 to 10. More than 75 restaurants, from casual to fine dining, have signed up for the fourth edition of Restaurant Week.
Dos Caminos, at Harrah’s Resort, is one of several restaurants from BR Guest Hospitality participating in its first Restaurant Week here.
“We’ve supported this in New York for years,” said Alex Gaudelet, BR chief operations officer. The company also has Atlantic Grill at Caesars, Bill’s Bar & Burger and Sammy D’s in Harrah’s. “For us, it allows for better exposure from the local clientele who use it as an opportunity to discover restaurants.”
Restaurant Week has become more successful as the city becomes better known as a food destination. “The dining options are incredible with all the celebrity chefs who have opened and are opening in the city,” said Larry Sieg, senior director of marketing for the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority.
The week lets people dine at restaurants their budgets might not always allow.
“Maybe they always wanted to eat there, but couldn’t afford it,” Sieg said. “We see this as a great opportunity to do something to help drive visitor traffic in an off-season, especially mid-week.”
If You Go
Restaurant Week runs from March 4 to 10 throughout Atlantic County. Prix-fixe lunch when offered is $15.12. Prix-fixe dinner is $33.12. For a list of restaurants and menus visit www.acrestaurantweek.com.

Burlesque Nightclub to open at Revel

William H. Sokolic — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:19:41 +0000

As part of its entertainment mix, Revel will go burlesque.
Ivan Kane’s Royal Jelly Burlesque Nightclub will open April 2 for the resort’s soft launch. The night spot takes its cues from Kane’s renowned Forty Deuce clubs in Hollywood and Las Vegas.
As a show business veteran and entrepreneur who set the standard for modern burlesque, Kane will stage a nightly experience with dancers performing choreographed routines before a live band. The troupe can range from five to 15 dancers.
“‘Nightlife as art’ is the principle that drives Ivan Kane’s Royal Jelly Burlesque Nightclub,” Kane said in a release. “The burlesque acts are extremely technical and highly produced with the best classically trained dancers and musicians from Hollywood, Las Vegas and New York.”
Designers put together a nightclub in the round. Flying catwalks drop from the sky and animate the space. Dancing begins at 10 p.m. with burlesque shows throughout the night. At 2 a.m. the tempo shifts to afterhours rock ’n’ roll burlesque.
As an added bonus, the dancers will share some of their secrets in burlesque lessons on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
Kane’s burlesque clubs attract a who’s who of entertainment, including Carmen Electra, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, Paris Hilton, Sting, David Bowie and Mick Jagger, just to drop a few names.

Restaurant Week preview focuses on final course

lcaldwell — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:17:51 +0000

Harrah’s executive pastry chef Deborah Pellegrino will provide a selection of delectable desserts for “A Taste of Atlantic City Restaurant Week” from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Atlantic City Country Club.
Pellegrino, a graduate of the Academy of Culinary Arts in at Atlantic Cape Community College, will showcase some of the cakes at Harrah’s newest restaurant, Sammy D’s.
“It’s a really great time, like a mini-restaurant gala, with the best of the best of what people put out in Restaurant Week,” said Pellegrino.
The limited-ticket event will offer a preview of some of the restaurants participating in Restaurant Week March 4 to 10.
Proceeds benefit Community FoodBank of New Jersey/Southern Branch; the Court Appointed Special Advocates office; Alcove of Atlantic County; and the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority Foundation.
For more, visit www.acrestaurantweek.com.
If You Go
A Taste of Atlantic City Restaurant Week takes place Tuesday at the Atlantic City Country Club, Shore Road and Leo Fraser Drive in Northfield. Time is 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Cost is $35 and tickets are available at www.acrestaurantweek.com. If any remain, they can be purchased at the door.

Get fresh ideas at Home & Garden Show

William H. Sokolic — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:11:23 +0000

Meet the Kitchen Cousins at A.C. Convention Center
HGTV’s Kitchen Cousins will make an appearance at the 12th annual New Jersey Home & Garden Show this weekend at the Atlantic City Convention Center.
The cousins in real life, Anthony Carrino and John Colaneri, will appear on Saturday and Sunday and will offer tips on how to turn mediocre kitchens into masterpieces. Carrino and Colaneri help run thier family’s business, Jersey City-based Brunelleschi Construction. They appear 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday.
The rest of the home and garden show will feature remodeling and building, landscaping, kitchen and bath upgrades, sunrooms and patios, pools and spas. The weekend will also include interior design, artwork, furnishings and green living.
“We have everything from the front door to the back yard,” said show manager Megan Walker. “We always have the same staple of exhibitors, but we also have the latest and greatest in home improvement.”
One of this year’s trends is solar energy. “Quite a few exhibitors are showcasing solar products,” Walker said.
If You Go
The New Jersey Home & Garden Show runs Friday to Sunday at the Atlantic City Convention Center, One Convention Blvd. Show times are 2 to 7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $6.50 for adults 17-plus; $5 for seniors; and free for ages 16 and under. Buy them on site or through www.showtechnology.com. For details, visit www.newjerseyhomeandgardenshow.com.

See cool classic cars

William H. Sokolic — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:09:00 +0000

Bid on or just admire these rides this weekend
Joey Vento, the late owner of South Philadelphia’s Geno’s Steaks, drove a custom-built 1989 Jaguar.
“It was magnificent,” said John Chiara, head of G. Potter King Inc., the Barrington company behind the Atlantic City Classic Car Show & Auction this weekend. “I think it will sell for $50,000.”
This year marks the 40th edition of the car show, which is held at the Atlantic City Convention Center and for one night at Trump Taj Mahal.
Last year, attendance rose from the prior year despite the economy. “Advance bookings this year are up 25 percent,” Chiara said.
More than 60,000 enthusiasts and collectors are expected to browse, buy and admire a collection of more than 1,000 cars.
“In the same sense you grew up loving something, people here often buy the first car they ever owned,” Chiara said.
Cars on the auction block include a 1957 Eldorado convertible that took three years to restore; a 1969 Datsun 1600 series roadster; a 1939 Ford convertible; and a rare 1958 Olds 88 station wagon with a supercharged engine in an era where engines were already big.
“I haven’t seen more than two in all the years I’ve been involved,” Chiara said.
As an added draw, the cast members of Discovery Channel’s “The Carfellas” will be on hand all three days.
The Diabetes Foundation will raffle off a 2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible Indy Pace Car, one of only 500 produced by GM. Only 2,000 raffle tickets will be sold at $100 each. The drawing will be held on Saturday at the Atlantic City Classic Car Show & Auction.
Piece of the Past Inc., the largest entertainment wholesaler in the world, will bring one-of-a-kind certified authentic historic and entertainment memorabilia to the show. All items will be offered at 10:30 a.m. Friday and Sunday, and 10 a.m. Saturday before the automobile show begins each day.
The classic car show has partnered with Worldwide Auctioneers for a Friday evening auction of cars priced $100,000 and up at the Trump Taj Mahal.
“This is for a different audience,” Chiara said. “These cars are difficult to get. It’s strictly for buyers who buy rare cars. They buy as an heirloom, not to drive it around.”
Among those for sale: a 1949 MGTY, one of no more than 50 produced.
“I do not think there are any more than four left in the world,” Chiara said. The car is supercharged with a convertible top, something not done by MG at the time.
Preview cars all day Friday at the casino’s Mark G. Etess Arena. A cocktail reception takes place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. followed by the auction. For details, visit www.worldwide-auctioneers.com/auctions/ac12.cfm

If You Go

G. Potter King presents the Atlantic City Classic Car Show & Auction Friday through Sunday at the Convention Center, One Miss America Way. Show hours are 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for children under 12 and are available at the door. For details and to view some of the cars, visit www.acclassiccars.com or call (856) 573-6969.

Rocker brings his hits to House of Blues

lcaldwell — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:06:17 +0000

Edgar Winter never saw himself as a rock star. He left that glory to his older brother, Johnny.
“He was the front man, the lead singer. I was content to stay in the background. I was interested in music in and of itself. The rhythm and harmony. I was not about being a star or famous,” Winter said in a phone interview from Beverly Hills in advance of his Saturday date at the House of Blues.
But sometimes fame has a different agenda.
“Johnny invited me to play on his first few albums for Columbia. He introduced me to Clive Davis and I got offered a record deal,” Winter said.
He released his debut album, “Entrance,” in 1970, followed by the 1971 release of “Edgar Winter’s White Trash,” and with 1972’s live album, “Roadwork.” “White Trash” consisted of musicians from Texas and Louisiana, near his native Beaumont, Texas.
In late 1972, he formed The Edgar Winter Group. The band’s initial release, “They Only Come Out at Night,” featured the monster hits “Frankenstein” and “Free Ride.”
And his career continued from there.
When fans come to the show at the House of Blues, they can expect to hear material from Winter’s entire catalogue, including “Tobacco Road” off “Entrance” to “Free Ride” and “Frankenstein” to “Save the Planet” to “Turn on Your Lovelight.”
The band includes guitarist Doug Rappoport, a 10-year veteran with Winter; bass player, Koko Powell, who played with Spencer Davis; and Jason Carpenter, a Berklee Music School grad, on drums.
“We’ll do a lot of jamming. We love to play and stretch out. I still love ‘Frankenstein’ and the musical freedom it embodies. ‘Tobacco Road’ is also about jamming. We hope it’s not too self-indulgent. But people love to rock ’n’ roll.”
Winter credits his brother for getting him into music. He and Johnny played ukuleles together as children, doing Everly Brothers songs. They performed on local TV talent shows. As they got older, the brothers graduated to guitars.
“It was apparent to me he was the guitarist, so I went with electric bass and piano. I played drums for a while. In high school, I got interested in the sax.”
There was no sibling rivalry. Each developed different musical views. “Johnny became interested in old Delta country blues like Muddy Waters. I gravitated more toward urban blues, more to R&B. I picked up the sax and became interested in jazz. I discovered Charlie Parker and John Coltrane.”
Johnny brought Edgar to play at Woodstock. “‘Tobacco Road’ was the first song I sang on an international stage level at Woodstock. I was not a member of his blues trio. He would bring me on as his little brother.”
Woodstock left a lasting impression on Winter. “Up to that point, I thought I was serious musician. I’ll never forget that moment, against the backdrop of the peace movement and civil rights. It was trans-figurative. It changed my whole thinking of music, of what it was and what it was all about and what it could do.”

If You Go

Edgar Winter and his band perform Saturday at the House of Blues, 801 Boardwalk. Show time is 9 p.m. Tickets are $30 to $50 and can be purchased at the House of Blues box office, Ticketmaster locations, Ticketmaster.com or (800) 736-1420.

Lil’ Jon deejays at MIXX

lcaldwell — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:00:56 +0000

Rapper Lil’ Jon puts on his DJ shoes when he spins records at MIXX Saturday night. As past set lists indicate, he’ll likely play cuts from his last album, “Crunk Rock” featuring “Outta Your Mind,” “Shots” and “Ms. Chocolate.”
Born Jonathan Mortimer Day in Atlanta, Lil’ Jon was a member of the group Lil’ Jon & The East Side Boyz. Formed in 1997, the group released several albums through 2004, when Jon went solo.
Jon started taking more gigs as a DJ in the last 18 months, said Joe Lupo, Borgata’s senior vice president of operations. He stops by Borgata about four times a year.
“He brings in a lot of people. His appearance on ‘Celebrity Apprentice’ last year brought him out to mainstream and jump-started his popularity. We’re happy to have him here,” Lupo said.
If You Go

Lil’ Jon deejays Saturday night at MIXX in Borgata, One Borgata Way. Carlos Melange is a guest DJ. The festivities begin at 10 p.m. Cover charge is $20 for ladies and $25 for guys.

Borgata is hiring

lcaldwell — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:59:06 +0000

Borgata has the “Help Wanted” sign out on its website. That’s good news in this economic environment.
The hotel casino is seeking applicants for many areas including housekeeping, culinary and financial. The expected openings run the gamut of full- and part-time positions.
The resort employs around 6,000 workers, depending on the time of year, 20 percent of whom are part-time workers.
“It’s important to communicate the career opportunities at Borgata,” said Joe Lupo, senior vice president of operations at the casino hotel. “With new competition in Atlantic City and regionally, there will be some movement, not only at Borgata but at other properties.”
Part of the call is also related to the summer season, when staffs often bulk up to meet the demand.
“We want the appropriate time to get the word out,” Lupo said.

For job openings, visit www.borgatajob s.com.

All About the Money

lcaldwell — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:54:59 +0000

Eddie Money is a man on a mission. He quit drinking. He quit smoking.
“I’m in my early 60s and I want to sound as good as I did 40 years ago,” Money said in a phone interview. “I want to make sure I put on a great show.”
Money, whose hits include “Baby Hold On” and “Take Me Home Tonight,” will get his chance on Saturday night at the House of Blues in Showboat Atlantic City.
A few years ago, fans helped write the set list and it worked out well. He opens with “Two Tickets to Paradise.”
One of the other elements that endear him to fans is the meet-and-greet after the show. “It doesn’t bother me to take pictures,” he said. “I like to get up close and personal with fans. I want to find out if they like the set list.”
The post-show gathering is more than a chatfest. He sells autographed shirts to raise money for two of his favorite charities: The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund.
“Rock stars have a bad rep for overindulging. This is a feather in my cap,” he said.
Money, who gave up a law enforcement career to pursue music, performs between 140 and 160 dates a year. “I have a great band, and I don’t want someone else to pick them up, so I keep working,” said the gravelly voiced rocker who got his start when he met the late legendary promoter Bill Graham.
The band includes Tommy Girvin on lead guitar, Glenn Symmonds on drums, Lee Beverly on bass and Chris Grove at the keyboards.
He’s also working to pitch a reality show about his family, which includes his five children, called “Follow the Money.”
Money, who sold more than 23 million records and had some 15 songs in the top 100, has a new song called “One More Soldier Coming Home.” It’s a country song about a soldier who doesn’t make it back from the war. He’s trying to land a country superstar to record it.
The Brooklyn-raised singer used to visit Atlantic City with his mother to watch the Miss America pageant and still has plenty of friends in the area.
If You Go
Eddie Money and his band perform Saturday night at the House of Blues, 801 Boardwalk. Show time is 8:50 p.m. Tickets are $10.07 to $20.14 and can be purchased at the House of Blues box office, Ticketmaster locations, Ticketmaster.com or at (800) 736-1420.