What's Happening, Vegas?

Fetish And Fantasy Halloween Ball Struts Into The Las Vegas Hard Rock Hotel

2009-11-05T13:52:00.000-08:00

The following post was contributed by WHV contributor Julie Kasperson. She can be contacted through her Facebook Site.

As I perused the huge line snaking through the Hard Rock Hotel, I wondered if my companion and I would make it into the Fetish and Fantasy Halloween Ball. Security was everywhere, directing party goers to move here and there, not to block doorways, yelling instructions at everyone. Everyone seemed to be in a festive, happy mood. It’s the first Halloween party I’ve attended in a long while where everyone was in costume. It’s a requirement of the Ball—you must attend in costume or be turned away. This event was sold out and judging by the thousands in attendance, this was one of THE parties to be at for Halloween.

The action took place in two rooms: one big ballroom where there was a dance floor, tables, vendors selling jewelry, lingerie, artwork, and other sexy items, and a stage where various acts of B&D (bondage & dominance) and S&M (sadism/masochism) were taking place, in full view of the public. The newly remodeled Joint was also open for partiers. A lot of the performances of the night took place here, such as Men of Playgirl (exotic male dance troupe); Laseronics (laser light show), and Perish (a group of performers utilizing fire and power tools—it’s a little difficult to explain unless you’ve seen it!) Well-known DJ’s also took over the stage at the Joint such as Donald Glaude and Scooter & LaVelle, getting the crowd moving.

All kinds of costumes were worn by the crowd: everything from the most kinky and flesh-baring to cute and sexy, funny, and even group efforts such as Wrestlemania (Hulk Hogan look-alike) and Star Wars. Many of the costumed attendees paraded down the hallways between the two party rooms, preening and posing for photos.

Maybe because I’ve lived in L.A. most of my life and have seen a lot of strange things I didn’t find this party to be as “wildly exotic” as the ads have touted it to be. Also, since the Gaming Control Board has been monitoring behavior at clubs recently, and even shutting down Privé Nightclub at Planet Hollywood, naughtiness and outrageous behavior was kept on a short leash, as it were. It was very enjoyable and a great night for people-watching. One of the best parties in town for Halloween, I do believe. Lewd and lascivious? Nah. Well, maybe just a teeny bit…

Some photos by Julie Kasperson from the
Fetish and Fantasy Ball

Cupid Girl

Acrobats Perform

Perish Performs

Dan Aykroyd and His Dad On Coast To Coast AM Tonight

2009-10-28T22:15:00.000-07:00

I'm listening to Coast To Coast AM radio tonight and it is another riveting show. The quality and choice of topics have really improved on C2C recently. Peter Aykroyd ( Dan's Dad ) is promoting his new book A History of Ghosts, with an introduction written by Dan, who has become quite an influential and knowledgeable paranormal ( and UFO ) researcher in his own right. ( Once a conehead, always a conehead ?!) I have added this book to my Amazon wish list, so remember me for the coming Holiday Season --- or Christmas --- or Hanukkah :-)

Dan wrote the screenplay for Ghostbusters and he was definitely influenced by his ~~father~~ grandfather --- the book author and Canadian filmmaker --- who in turn was influenced by his own ~~father~~grandfather (Dan's ~~grandfather~~ great grandfather), who was a Spiritualist and regularly held seances when they were popular back in mid-19th to 20th century. During the C2C interview Dan said that Ghostbusters is in the same tradition as the recently released low budget movie Paranormal Activity and of course, the classic movie Ghost with the late Patrick Swayze. Movies like these are just great for viewing this Halloween season...

Now it is not surprising that this C2C show airs tonight, a few days before Halloween. You may ask yourself,"What does all this have to do with Las Vegas?" Well, really very little other than Coast To Coast's origins in Vegas with Art Bell, and Dan Aykroyd's crazy local TV ads ( where he recreates his Saturday Night Live persona of the fast talking TV kitchen gadget pitchman - remember the Bassomatic skit from SNL? ) for Lee's Discount Liquors here in Vegas, promoting his "pure spirit" Crystal Head Vodka. And did I mention that The Blues Brothers featuring Dan Aykroyd and Jim Belushi will be performing at the Las Vegas House of Blues on October 31st (Halloween) ? Seems like all roads lead to Vegas, eventually...

The following is Dan's video, now seriously hawking his pure - water sourced, no additives added, Newfoundland government still produced, diamond filtered ~~Bassomatic~~ ( just kidding ) vodka which was introduced around Halloween a year ago. I have not tried this "pure spirit" vodka yet, but may investigate drinking a few ounces at bedtime as a possible cure for my chronic insomnia. Just stare into the crystal skull's eye sockets, you are getting very, very sleepy ...

Summary Of Last Night's Show From Coast To Coast Web Site

Looking at the Coast To Coast website, I stand corrected on at least one point: there are four ( not three ) generations of Aykroyds who were interested in the paranormal.

Spirits and the Paranormal C2C Show Summary
October 28, 2009

Celebrated actor and businessman Dan Aykroyd was joined by his father Peter Aykroyd (first hour only) the author of A History of Ghosts, to discuss their family's interest in the paranormal, which has spanned four generations. Peter's grandfather Samuel was a spiritualist in Kingston, Ontario. As part of a group known as "Dr. Aykroyd's Circle," they met regularly with a trance medium named Walter Ashhurst, who communicated with deceased spirits. Peter said he joined in on some of these seances, when he was a young boy. Of the various types of phenomena, "materialization" has impressed Peter the most, and he cited the case of when a medieval monk reportedly appeared before one group during a seance.

Dan talked about "precipitated spirit paintings," works of art said to appear on canvases without the use of human hands. He grew up seeing American Psychical Research journals around the house, and some of the paranormal knowledge he was steeped in later helped to inspire his hit film Ghostbusters, which took a lighter look at the subject matter. "One of my favorite things to do is to drive in the middle of the night, 'planet crawl' as it were, across America or Canada and listen to Coast to Coast. It's just one of the treats of being alive," Dan Aykroyd shared.

Dan discussed unusual psychic phenomena such as apports, describing an incident in China in which a container ship had a black void that sucked equipment away-- some of this equipment later emerged 2,000 miles away, he said. He also talked about his interest in UFOs, and cited a recent case in Ottawa in which a ball of lights was seen making right and left turns before crashing into the water.

DJ Roger Sanchez Spins At Wet Republic - MGM Grand Las Vegas

2009-10-14T03:03:00.000-07:00

Wet Republic Pool Partiers
Photo Credit - Julie Kasperson

The following post was contributed by WHV contributor Julie Kasperson. She can be contacted through her Facebook Site.

It was a perfect day for the last promoted event at Wet Republic, MGM Grand’s ultra pool. While other parts of the U.S. are already getting the season’s first snowfall, the lucky people either living or vacationing in Las Vegas were able to enjoy the sounds of Grammy award-winning, internationally renowned DJ Roger Sanchez spinning tribal house music.

Wet Republic features two spectacular saltwater pools, eight individual pools and spas, exclusive VIP Bungalows, hip party cabanas, spacious daybeds, and oversized deluxe chaise lounges. Attractive wait staff dressed in designer Ed Hardy swimsuit attire doted on patrons in cabanas and those at poolside. Pretty party pool people frolicked in the water and poolside while “The S Man” - DJ Roger Sanchez - worked the crowd into a frenzy. More happy house music fans danced across the 4,100 square foot sundeck, drinks in hand, turning the pool into one big outdoor dance party.

This beautiful and sunny October Sunday was the last promoted event to be held at Wet Republic. While pool season is officially over in Las Vegas, Wet Republic will still continue to be open on weekends through early November.

Some photos by Julie Kasperson from the
Wet Republic

DJ Roger Sanchez

Bikini Girl In Lounger

Bikini Girls By The Pool

Moscow Bikini Girl

Vegas service provider - Las Vegas Locksmith

2009-10-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

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Trendy Tuesday Martini Mixer Gets Stylish at Fashion Show Mall

2009-10-01T21:51:00.000-07:00

Picture Courtesy Las Vegas Tourism Bureau

The following post was contributed by WHV contributor Julie Kasperson. She can be contacted through her Facebook Site.

The most recent Trendy Tuesday Martini Mixer presented by SinCityQSocials was held on and around the runway at the Fashion Show Mall on September 29th. SinCityQSocials is the premier social network for GLBT professionals and friends in Las Vegas, with over 6,000 local members. They have become Vegas’ largest gay membership organization in less than two years and last year were named “Best Social Group” in Las Vegas by City Life Magazine (April 2008) and Q Vegas Magazine (December 2008).

While over 200 members and friends mixed and mingled, male and female models struck poses atop platforms near the runway. Free samples of vodka and other assorted goodies were handed out by smiling, charming reps from New Zealand-based premium vodka company 42 Below. Mouth-watering appetizers were available as well.

The Show in the Sky dancers from the Rio got the runway show off to a colorful, energetic start. As a DJ blasted music from the Marc Ecko clothing store, attractive models strutted their stuff while wearing Marc Ecko designs. As I looked up to other levels of the mall, I could see mall patrons stopping in their tracks, looking over the railing, and moving and grooving to the beats.

Terry Hernandez, one of the founders of SinCityQSocials.com, got up on the runway for a few minutes to talk about the newest membership program being offered to attendees. He also thanked the sponsors of the event and encouraged everyone to get involved in upcoming mixers and events.

Celebrity impersonator Larry Edwards shook up the runway with his performance tribute to Tina Turner. Frank Marino also made an appearance to promote his new show at the Imperial Palace called “Divas Las Vegas.” Marino held court as the star of “An Evening at La Cage” for 25 years, where most remember his celebrity tribute to Joan Rivers. One of his stars, Sammy Gonzalez, fired up the audience wearing a bright red sequined outfit as Liza Minnelli.

This particular event was to benefit the NGRA (Nevada Gay Rodeo Association). SinCityQSocials produces over 200 signature events each year for its members.

Some pictures by Julie Kasperson from the
Trendy Tuesday Martini Mixer

Runway Model

Sammy Gonzalez as Lisa Minelli

Larry Edwards as Tina Turner

Joshua, Julie, and Jim

October Schedule Of Events At Monte Lago Village

2009-10-01T12:23:00.000-07:00

I just got the October schedule for the Monte Lago Village at Lake Las Vegas, and feel obligated to repeat it here. They need more traffic from locals. Since the weather is getting cooler, I love to "wander the village":

walk around the village, people watch, and occasionally spend some money! :-)

Fall is here! The Village at Lake Las Vegas is buzzing with events all month long to entertain the whole family! Come enjoy the beautiful weather lakeside every weekend for great events:

Saturday, Oct. 3 - Endless Summer Cruise at the Lake Car Show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. featuring up to 100 of the area’s top hot rods and muscle cars. In addition to the car show, guests can partake in raffles for great prizes, giveaways, games and a live auction.

Saturday, Oct. 10 & Sunday, Oct. 11 - Enjoy an evening of art, wine and jazz! Wander through The Village enjoying amazing Fall Arts Festival from local artists on both Saturday (10 a.m.- 10 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Vino di Lago will take place on Saturday, Oct. 10 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and is the perfect evening when paired with “Jazz on the Lake.”

Saturday, Oct. 24 - Bring out your furry friends for Dogtoberfest and celebrate “Vegas Dog” magazine’s 10 year anniversary! From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., you and your pup can enjoy live music, great food, costume contests and much more.

Saturday, Oct. 31 - Celebrate Halloween with The Village and Action Sports United with “Tricks & Treats” starting at 5 p.m. BMX athletes will perform the “tricks” while the shops and restaurants throughout The Village give out the “treats.” In addition, guests can enjoy the spooky haunted house, piñatas full of candy, games, raffles, a pumpkin patch and prizes.

Click here for a full calendar of events at Monte Lago Village.

Going ‘Gossy’ at the Palms

2009-09-24T05:14:00.000-07:00

The following post was contributed by WHV contributor Julie Kasperson. She can be contacted through her Facebook Site.

The Palms Hotel and Casino has yet another pleasing distraction added to its roster: Matt Goss. He opened September 4th at the Lounge at the Palms, a smaller venue holding between 100-200 people. I have always enjoyed spending time at the Palms and love the fact that it caters to both the celebrity jet-set with Moon, Rain, Ghostbar, and Playboy nightclubs, and also tempts the locals with gaming and state-of-the-art movie complex, Brenden Theatres.

The Palms has turned The Lounge into The Gossy Room, replete with cocktail waitresses dressed as either old-fashioned usherettes or stewardesses from an era gone by. As you wait for the show to begin, Sinatra croons over the PA system. Goss has called his show “just this side of civilized” and the atmosphere and music emphasize his point.

Goss and his ten piece band rock the joint in a classy, sexy fashion. He moves from Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” to the Nina Simon classic “Feeling Good” with easy grace. His own compositions are also included in the show; some are featured on his new CD “GOSSY” which was released in September 2009. He reminded me of an older, British version of Justin Timberlake: handsome, able to play a multitude of instruments like piano and guitar, with a sexy, supple singing voice comfortable belting out rockers or crooning falsetto when it’s called for.

His band was tight and moved confidently through different musical styles. During one song they changed the beat into a rap/reggae workout, and Goss threw in some Marvin Gaye “Sexual Healing” lyrics. Oh yes, and for the men there’s eye candy too: the Dirty Virgins. They are the four back-up dancers that grace the stage in eye-popping black lingerie during a good portion of Goss’s performance and venture out into the audience a few times during the show.

It’s not surprising that the Dirty Virgins are part of Goss’s show: his producer and manager is Robin Antin, creator of the Pussycat Dolls. She has succeeded in showcasing a singer/songwriter who is a virtual unknown in the U.S. Goss had success in the ‘80’s with his twin brother Luke in a pop group called Bros. Now it’s up to the Vegas scene whether this blue-eyed Brit is rewarded with a long run here or not.

Downside: it was difficult to understand Goss’s banter at times because of his British accent. Also, the mix in the room needs to be adjusted so that more of Goss’s stellar vocals shine through instead of mostly his band. He has a powerful voice and it needs to be heard. Congratulations to the Palms for creating a residency for this very talented Englishman.

Fourth Of July At Monte Lago Village Resort

2009-06-29T16:50:00.000-07:00

Celebrate 4th Of July At The Village At Lake Las Vegas

Celebrate the 4th of July at The Village! Fun for the whole family- The Village will be alive with a DJ, face painting, games and fun contests for children including a coloring contest and cupcake eating contest. A performance by the JV All-Starz will start at 4 p.m and fireworks will go off at 9 p.m. The Village at Lake Las Vegas is the perfect place to celebrate this holiday!

Other Lake Happenings In July

Vino di Lago will take place on Saturday, July 18 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and is the perfect evening when paired with the “Jazz on the Lake” concert featuring local artist Boy Katindig. Wine Enthusiasts can experience wines from vineyards across the country without worrying about the drive home with the many packages offered at MonteLago Village Resort. This month’s wine tasting will feature five beer tasting stations.

Take Advantage Of These MonteLago Village Resort Offerings

This month MonteLago Village Resort has amazing packages for overnight stays! Enjoy the 4th of July weekend with packages starting as low as $99!

The MonteLago Village Resort biking packages are the perfect getaway for biking enthusiasts! Guests can enjoy a night at the Resort and then a ride with an experienced biking tour guide. Packages include transportation from the Resort and back; high-quality, full-suspension bicycle equipped with disc brakes, helmet, gloves, hip pack and tools; healthy snacks; and unlimited bottled water. Lake Mead/ Hoover Dam Bike Package includes an overnight stay and half-day ride for two through Lake Mead National Recreation Area and then a 45-minute tour of Hoover Dam. Packages start at $349 per-night. Bootleg Canyon Mountain Bike Package includes an overnight stay and half-day mountain bike tour for two through Bootleg Canyon. Packages start at $294 per-night.

The National Park Service has set up fee-free days at more than 100 National Parks this summer for select dates. Visit Lake Mead National Recreation Area for FREE on July 18 & 19 and August 15 & 16. Book your room at MonteLago Village Resort and you are only several miles from the Entrance Gate at Lake Mead. Close to Hoover Dam and the Valley of Fire!

For lodging reservations and pricing, please call 888-600-2688 or visit www.montelagovillage.com.

Panoramic Images From Las Vegas

2009-05-18T00:57:00.000-07:00

Las Vegas in Las Vegas

The above panoramic 360 degree view of Las Vegas Boulevard( use mouse to zoom and scan ) by Thomas Humeau. Photos taken from the bridge that crosses the boulevard between the Ballys hotel and the Bellagio hotel. Caesars Palace, Paris and the Flamingo are also visible.

Cheap Auto Insurance Las Vegas

2009-04-21T11:29:00.000-07:00

As Vegas grows and vehicular traffic on our freeways and surface streets increases, it is more important than ever to insure yourself against auto accidents and even the possible loss of your vehicle due to theft. The police have recently stepped up enforcement of mandatory seat belt laws and "driving while distracted" laws -- like driving while cell phone texting! However, did you know that Nevada has always strictly enforced the laws requiring drivers to have minimum motor vehicle insurance? You can be heavily fined for not having car insurance and may even lose your license; and you really will have problems if you cause an accident while not carrying proper car insurance!

According to Nevada Auto Insurance Law, if you are a car owner at fault in an accident, you are personally responsible for any damage or personal injury you may cause to a third party. Nevada Auto Insurance Law requires that every car owner in Nevada should buy an auto insurance policy which provides bodily injury liability coverage of at least $15000 for one person, of at least $30000 for two or more persons and property damage liability coverage of at least $10000. This is the minimum liability coverage that every car user in Nevada should have. ( But, you are free to choose higher liability coverage for extra protection. )

So, where do you go to get the mandatory and optional Nevada insurance for your vehicle? Why not take advantage of comparing the costs online to get the best deal? By looking up what the major auto insurance carriers are offering, and comparing quotes from different carriers, you have taken a really good first step towards minimizing your auto expenses by finding the cheapest Vegas car insurance. I personally have had the best luck finding cheap insurance in Las Vegas by visiting the site autoinsurance-4u.com. Even if you currently have auto insurance, visit autoinsurance-4u.com to compare rates, and possibly save a bundle of cash! The small amount of time it takes to fill out a quote form, could save you lots of money in the months to come!

Local Las Vegas Host George Knapp Is Back Tonight On C2C

2009-04-19T22:25:00.000-07:00

Local Las Vegas investigative reporter and journalist George Knapp is hosting Coast To Coast AM tonight. As usual, he is talking about Area 51, the famous or infamous base 90 miles north of Vegas that did not exist officially until recently. He also talked about other diverse topics like UFO conspiracy theories, reincarnation, and the legalization of marijuana. The first person to call in to the program expressed his opinion that George should be hosting C2C more often, and George always says his "plate is full with his day job" as a reporter for KLAS Channel 8 TV in Las Vegas. Or maybe he is speaking contractually only, because I could really see George grabbing a weekend spot and doing more hosting during the week, and I sense that he always seems to really enjoy his part time gig, which I think now is only the occasional Saturday or Sunday night, normally once or twice a month.

George made a reference to a recent LA Times article about Area 51 which has some old time prior test site workers ( some of which have been previously interviewed by George ) who came forth to speak about de-classified activities and projects at Area 51. All the participants talked about their projects and did not mention captured flying saucers or aliens. George mentioned that just because they did not mention UFOs does not mean they did or do not exist at Area 51. Good point. For a good introduction to the UFO conspiracy and some details about the players see the Wikipedia article.

Geoge's Intro

George must have the longest show introduction when he is host, longer than any other radio talk show host I know. Here it is from memory ( just kidding, I had to transcribe it! ):

Good evening, everyone. You're in the right place at the right time. This is Coast To Coast AM and like the old ad slogan says "there is no substitute". Tonight we are coming at you blasting out of the Mojave desert like a Sirocco, blazing across the land into your town, into your home, slamming into your radio like a super charged nano particle of dark energy ... "

And then I heard what sounded like a static electrical discharge and my radio went completely dead silent at that exact point !!! So I am listening to George on the Internet now... :-)

KLAS-TV Gets Peabody Award

George Knapp Presents "The Hunt For The Skinwalker" DVD At The 2009 International UFO Conference

Times Are Tough In Vegas

2009-04-16T10:10:00.000-07:00

Today I read that several malls in Las Vegas are filling for Chapter 11 reorganization. I have not mall - walked for a while, but I imagine there is plenty of room at the malls to walk and I would not have to worry about the crowds slowing my walking gate. So, the government sends a very mixed message when it says "spend more" and "pay more taxes". I am still trying to reconcile these mixed messages. Now I am happy just to ignore them. Helps to be on strong meds, if only I could afford them! :-)

Whew! I was afraid that Nevada's two billion dollar shortfall would be covered by the low rollers. But it looks like the state's mining industry may come to the rescue. If so, I will not have to worry anymore about paying a consumption tax when I turn in my chips at the casino cage. :-) Although those casinos who are on the brink of failure can not reduce their profit margins forever. Hotel rates, show prices, restaurant prices, etc., continue to drop, but just to maintain the status quo of visitors. They can't get more visitors short of giving money away. Well, come to think of it, I'm all for that. Gamblers need a bailout, too! :-)

It is a shame that most of the Nevada stimulus package is going to extend the unemployment benefits. What happens when new jobs are not created as promised, and the unemployment runs out. Money lost forever --- when a better plan would be to help create new small businesses ( Uh, tax breaks would be a good first step ) which would do more to create new jobs than any government program could.

ABC News --- Foreclosure at the Mall: General Growth Files for Chapter 11

Special Discounts For Vegas Locals

To make up for current lost revenues from tourism, a new website offers special discounts for locals. Discounts on hotel rooms, restaurant meals, spas, and clubs are offered: sponsored by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce.

Coast To Coast AM Last Night - Area 51 Revisited

2009-03-23T06:25:00.000-07:00

Last night was a kind of reunion, recap, and a re-telling ( and filling in ) of some details of the now legendary Bob Lazar story. It was fascinating to review the details from 20 years ago. Bob Lazar and Area 51 remains a Las Vegas based story, which borders on the incredible and fantastic.

Unfortunately, I slept through the last hour of listener call ins, and am now wishing that sleep learning works :-), since the radio continued playing in my earphone as usual. But, the solution is, of course, to join Streamlink, so that I can replay and download this exceptional show hosted by local investigative reporter George Knapp.

Talk of the movement of the captured saucer reverse engineering etc. projects from near Papoose Lake to a new northern base closer to the Tonopah Test Range was news to me, along with some details of Bob Lazar's private life that lead to his loosing his security clearance. Not sure how much of this story I believe, but I think Bob Lazar's story would make a cool major motion picture, and hopefully Gene Huff's screenplay will be made into a movie someday. I had also wished that Bob Lazar, who was in the process of moving, had called in to maybe add his personal perspective.

The following is from the Coast To Coast AM free newsletter. Sign up for the CoastZone Newsletter here.

Discovering Area 51

Aviator John Lear and screenwriter Gene Huff joined George Knapp to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Area 51 mystery. The duo discussed their role, alongside Bob Lazar, in bringing the Area 51 story to the forefront of the paranormal world. "It sounds a lot more convenient than it was. It was a lot of synchronicities, a lot of sheer coincidences that made things turn out the way they did," Huff said about the series of events that brought them together two decades ago.

They reminisced about their initial visits to the outskirts of Area 51, sharing a number of details surrounding the events. Huff revealed that their first expedition to the area was primarily motivated by Lazar's desire to impress his wife and that "we were excess baggage. I was just happy to be in on it and I'm sure John was too." Lear recounted watching a flying disc on his telescope that night and laughed about the series of events which prevented Huff from having the same view. "As I stepped back, I hooked my foot around the tripod, and moved the telescope. And, of course, Gene's never forgiven me," Lear joked.

Having known Bob Lazar before he became infamous for his involvement in Area 51, the pair speculated on a number of theories that have surrounded his story over the last twenty years. Regarding skeptics' claims that Lazar was unqualified for the job at Area 51, Lear theorized that perhaps stellar credentials weren't necessarily the primary factor behind his employment, rather "it was who they could probably discredit the easiest, if he said anything about it." Huff was skeptical of the idea that Lazar was a disinformation agent working for the government, saying "he would be the worst guy in the world to make up a lie and try and perpetuate a lie. He's too busy being productive doing other things."

Quote of the Night

"There's nobody on this planet that's made less money from Ufology than me and John Lear. Everyone in the world has sold videos and books and we haven't made a cent." --Gene Huff, on the explosion of interest and commercialization of Area 51 after their discovery of the installation.

Las Vegas Is Forward Thinking And Optimistic

2009-03-02T08:54:00.000-08:00

Despite the economic downturn, Vegas retains a certain optimistic attitude for the future --- the glass is half full even though many pockets are mostly empty; whether or not the good times are coming back soon seems irrelevant.

During the Great Depression, Hollywood was able to survive and prosper because it sold a commodity that allowed people to escape from their problems for a short time at a cost that was relatively cheap -- movies were a good escape and they were reasonably priced. In the same way, Vegas has recently had to create attractive deals and adjust the prices of rooms, shows, and food to attract more visitors --- many of whom visit here to temporarily escape their troubles and possibly even solve their economic woes with a big win. Good luck on the latter prospect, but it just adds to the argument that hope springs eternal. Vegas may not be recession proof after all, but the casinos are doing everything possible to make a Vegas vacation more affordable.

The top keyword searches for this blog are forward thinking and optimistic: readers want to know when the pools are open ( answer: some heated pools are open now ! ), Vegas as a Spring Break destination, and what is going on here July 4th, the next big holiday vacation time on the calendar.

Vegas is optimistic. Steve Wynn opens the Encore and sets a trend for lowering hotel room prices to avoid layoffs. The Alliante Station opens and the locals seem to fill it like air fills a vacuum. The "M" Resort opened last night and I could not believe the crowds of people ( they can't all be NASCAR fans? ) attending the grand opening.

A recent visit to the South Point casino has demonstrated to me what the average Vegas visitor is really looking for. Their well earned catchphrase is "affordable luxury". Slot machines that are certified "looser" than most. Good food reasonably priced. Rooms that are clean, nice and also reasonably priced. Easy access to the Strip and Downtown attractions. Popular shows at a middle class price, if you'll excuse me a moment of class distinction :-) And even a movie theater ( that's why I go there in addition to the excellent Chinese food ) and even bowling! A little bit of "downtown" on the south end of the strip.

There are always going to be places where people can go if money is no object. But if Vegas is going to survive this current downturn, it will have to cater to all types of visitors: locals and visitors; working class and the well-healed.

"Glass Half Empty" News:

Vegas Strip suffering casino slump

"Glass Half Full" News:

Roll of the Dice on Las Vegas’s Shabby Downtown - New York Times

LVCVA: Las Vegas Provides Successful Business Environment

"There has been a lot of recent media attention on the meetings and business industry because of events planned by some financial corporations that have received federal aid. However, it is unfair to punish an entire industry that generates billions of dollars in economic stimulus and jobs for the American public."

"Glass Is Completely Smashed" News:

Both Hope And Skepticism That Plan Will Provide Local Mortgage Relief

2009-02-19T10:10:00.000-08:00

Las Vegas Locals Hope for Mortgage Relief - Vegas Channel 8 Eyewitness News

Some Skeptical About Foreclosure Bill - FOX 5 News Las Vegas

Las Vegas Downturn Reflected In My Ugly Mood?

2009-01-31T13:32:00.000-08:00

I'm sorry that I have not been very active on this blog lately.

It's funny, because all my life I have been idealistic and optimistic. But lately, it is getting really hard to maintain a positive outlook.

Every time I think I will post something, I feel like like somebody who is unhappy because they pray to find a light for their cigarettes, and then their house catches fire. Be careful for what you wish, it might not be what you really want or need.

So, the economy is really bad for the average Joe, and the new president who preached hope to get elected now talks in such pessimistic, dark, despairing and fearful terms whenever he addresses the American people. I thought about 1/3 of economic recovery is consumer optimism: the mood of the people, their faith in the future and the economy, so what gives here? I don't like this path we are going down right now. The so called recovery package is a joke, mostly payoffs to political contributers and very little real stimulation. OOPs, sorry, I promised I would never get political on this blog...

Anyway, during normal, happy February times I would be posting about wonderful things like the Super Bowl ( "Big Game" to those who celebrate it in Vegas ), romantic candle light dinners for Valentine's Day, and even the UFO conference in Laughlin!

I think this local Channel 8 TV news article about Vegas and the "Big Game" sums up "What's Happening, Vegas".

Everything goes in cycles, but most economists say we have not hit nor will we soon hit the nadir of the current downturn; so, I apologize for my current pessimism that borders on realism. Maybe we will all come out better and stronger on the other side of this messy down slope --- you know, "tempered", just like steel in a hot furnace. I just wish that somebody would lower the heat just a little, my ass hurts...

A long, long time ago...
I can still remember
How that music used to make me smile.
And I knew if I had my chance
That I could make those people dance
And, maybe, they�d be happy for a while.

But February made me shiver
With every paper I�d deliver.
Bad news on the doorstep;
I couldn�t take one more step...

Pahrump Nevada And All That Jazz

2009-01-11T09:04:00.000-08:00

Tom Saitta on trumpet - photo credit: MARK WAITE / PVT / Pahrump Valley Times
Last night my wife and I had dinner at the Nuggget Hotel Casino in Pahrump, Nevada, about 65 miles from our home in Henderson. We travel to Pahrump several times a month on business: my wife does paramedical physical examinations for insurance companies and Pahrump is part of her territory. The Nugget is usually where we wind down before the trip back "over the hump".

At 6:00 PM I stopped chomping on my taco salad to hear what sounded like Frank Sinatra singing from their Stage Bar lounge. It turned out to be Tom Saitta singing with keyboard and sax accompaniment. The sax player was the octogenerian Autie Goodman formerly of The Four Freshmen. Tom also demonstrated that he is an accomplished trumpet player ( see photo above). We left the restaurant and while my wife threw away some of our precious nickels, I sat with the assembling group in the lounge ( there were chairs lined in a seating area for those who did not want to sit in the lounge area and one "reserved" table ) and was thoroughly entranced by the performance. I like jazz and I like music from the 40's. Kind of reminds me of when I was 4 years old listening to the big vacuum tube radio console in our living room, but that's another story.

Tom introduced his group, which interestingly included a sound engineer who was recording the sets for a future CD, and a great keyboard artist ( including the bass and rhythm machine ) Dennis Mellen, who played with the U.S. Air Force Band for 11 years. Tom plugged the Nugget Hotel Casino as a up and coming place, where he planned to play on a regular basis with his ensemble band and guest performers. He also plugged his new project Tommasino's Fine Italian Dining restaurant, which will obviously have a restaurant ( but no cover charge, no casino gaming, and no smoking allowed ) a bar or cocktail service, and a live jazz lounge and dance area. Bringing your own food and buying some wine to go with it is not discouraged! Like the old jazz supper clubs which is before my time but sounds like a really cool idea.

As I was getting ready to leave ( I wish I could have stayed longer, but my wife was anxious to get home to process her blood samples ) I saw Heidi Harris of KDWN AM Las Vegas talk radio fame arrive, apparently a good friend of Tom's, and Tom announced that the radio personality and former lounge singer would later contribute a song or two. Darn it, I'm sorry I missed all that. But I am looking forward to returning to the Nugget and seeing how their expansion project which includes a larger casino and new movie theatres is coming along. And to visit Tom's restaurant when it is finally completed. Geepers, Pahrump may become a tourist destination yet!

Art Bell Returns Again To Coast To Coast AM And Says The Economy Is The Scariest Subject

2008-12-28T05:56:00.000-08:00

Art's wife and child Wednesday enjoying a rare Pahrump snowfall

Update: Art will host New Year's 2009 Prediction Shows

Annual Predictions Shows 2009 - w/Art Bell

Art Bell hosts Part I of his Annual Predictions Show on Tuesday December 30th and Part II on New Years Eve, with callers invited to share one event they see coming in 2009. Art will also review callers' predictions made for 2008.

Art's Latest ( Last ) Show

At first Art seemed a little tired and slow on the draw at the beginning ( well he is over 64 years old ! ) but really rose to the occasion as the night progressed to pull off one of the most memorable C2C shows of all time. He signed off by saying he will be back before the end of the month, presumably filling in for George. I will look forward to any future shows he hosts. Long live Art Bell!

I get a free newsletter called CoastZone, which anybody can sign up for on Coast To Coast AM. The following is taken from the newsletter:

Economy & Financial Fraud:

Art Bell was joined by financial advisor Catherine Austin Fitts for a discussion on fraud and the economy. Financial fraud is tied into the black budget-- "the local narcotics trade is financing Tony Soprano, who's financing James Bond," she quipped. Offering her analysis of the recent fraud case involving Bernie Madoff siphoning off $50 billion, she suggested that he couldn't have done it without some kind of institutional support.

The shakeout from the bubble economy is going to continue, Fitts warned, with the Dow possibly dropping as low as 4500 during 2009. Pension funds will take huge losses, and municipalities will be handed the bill, she continued. There are pockets of people around the country who are successfully adapting, said Fitts, who advocated investing in local banks and farmers, as well as precious metals.

First hour guest, trends analyst Gerald Celente added his dire economic outlook into the mix. By February, there will be major bankruptcies in the retail sector, leading into a global depression, he said.

QuoteOf The Night

"This economic stuff...This one is as frightening as anything Coast's ever talked about. It's as frightening as any ghost story, the best you've ever heard. It's as frightening, if not more so, than just about anything scary we've ever talked about on this program. And if it's not yet personally affected you, get ready because it's going to. Our economy is like a living thing, that's had a stroke. It's as though we've all had a stroke. Some of us don't know it yet...but eventually it's going to cause us at the very least, a grievous illness, grievous pain." --Art Bell

A History Of Art Bells Retirements & Comebacks From Wikipedia

Bell has retired and returned to Coast to Coast AM several times.

Retirement: His first retirement, highly unexpected, was announced on October 13, 1998. Bell: I told you that there was an event, a threatening terrible event occurred to my family, which I could not tell you about. Because of that event, and a succession of other events, what you're listening to right now is my final broadcast on the air. Coast To Coast AM is broadcast on more than 400 stations and is the country's most listened to overnight radio show, heard by some 15 million listeners. (That from "The Seattle Times" 10-13-98.) Hilly Rose filled in after Bell's departure.

Return: He returned on October 28, 1998, leading many to believe it was merely a publicity stunt. Bell asserted that the brief departure was brought on by threats made against his family. On May 29, 1999, Art Bell explained that this retirement was due to an allegation made by hosts of WWCR shortwave radio that Bell had paid to cover up a criminal indictment. (Announcement date from "The Washington Post" 5-29-99, where Bell's show was said to be on 460 stations.)

The actual facts of the matter became public knowledge with Art Bell's second retirement in 2000, when it was revealed that an actual criminal indictment was filed against a person who had assaulted a member of Bell's family. Due to the nature of the crime, Bell had wanted to keep the matter private. The hosts at WWCR shortwave radio had accused Bell of the crime. (Bell took legal action against the hosts and stations, which was settled in 2000.

Retirement: On April 1, 2000, Bell once again announced to his audience his retirement, which would occur on April 26, 2000 (that from "The Washington Post" 4-1-00), but he offered no details other than expressing intentions to "resolve a family crisis." On April 11, 2000, Mike Siegel was introduced as the new host of Coast To Coast AM. On April 27, 2000, Siegel took over the program which at the this time had an estimated 22 million listeners. (That from "The Seattle Times" 4-12-00.) It was later explained he had left to deal with the aftermath of a sexual assault against his son. Brian Lepley, a substitute teacher, was convicted of sexual assault and attempted transmission of HIV and was sentenced to 10 to 25 years.

Return: On January 24, 2001, it was announced (in Vancouver, Washington's "The Columbian" newspaper), Art Bell would return to Coast To Coast AM on February 5, 2001. Bell noted that since his departure the show had lost a number of affiliates, commercial content had risen to an unbearable level, and Siegel had taken the program in a "different direction" of which Bell disapproved. He retained some authority over the program as its creator and thus felt his return was necessary.

Retirement: On October 23, 2002, Bell announced he would be retiring because recurring back pain (the result of a fall from a telephone pole during his youth) forced yet another departure, and Bell was permanently replaced by George Noory as weekday host of Coast to Coast AM on January 1, 2003. It was also said that Barbara Simpson would host weekends and that Bell planned to be an occasional guest host for Noory. (Most information from "The Seattle Times" 10-26-02.)

Return: Bell again on September 23, 2003, announced (in Vancouver, Washington's "The Columbian" newspaper) would return as a weekend host on September 27, 2003, having missed the microphone, this time replacing Barbara Simpson and Ian Punnett as host of the Saturday and Sunday evening broadcasts. In June 2005, he scaled this schedule back a bit (a "semiretirement"), deciding to host only the last two Sundays of every month. Bell went back to hosting every weekend show as his schedule permitted after his wife Ramona’s death a few months later.

Retirement: on July 1, 2007, Bell announced his retirement again, stating that he wished to spend more time with his wife and daughter. He made it explicitly clear that, unlike the circumstances surrounding previous retirements, this one was an entirely positive and joyful decision and that he would not disappear completely--he would occasionally substitute for other hosts and host "special" shows. According to George Noory, Bell is on board to do 15 shows per year. Art Bell confirmed this fact in a post on the Fantastic Forum fan site.

It just prooves to me that when you love what you do there is no such thing as retirement!

Art's Daughter Asia Rayne Bell

New Years Eve 2009 Las Vegas NYE Club Scene

2008-12-11T11:29:00.000-08:00

Tao at the Venetian

12/31/2008 9:00 PM - 1/1/2009 5:00 AM
Quite possible the sexiest party spot in all of Las Vegas Tao has it all. Tao is a 42000 square foot complex spanning three levels with 3 different DJs. Not only is there an amazing restaurant downstairs, but there is an exotic Tao Beach above the nightclub.
MORE...

LAX Nightclub at the Luxor

12/31/2008 8:00 PM - 1/1/2009 4:00 AM $200.00 per ticket
New Years Eve 2009 At LAX Nightclub Las Vegas is proud to invite back The Kardashians as they ring in the New Year. Celebrate New Years Eve in Sin Cities Sexiest Atmosphere.
MORE...

Pure Nightclub/ Pussycat Dolls Lounge at Caesars Palace

12/31/2008 9:00 PM - 1/1/2009 4:00 AM $200.00 per Ticket
Pure Nightclub presents Ashlee Simpson & Pete Wentz as they host New Years Eve .A spot in the Pussycat Dolls Lounge will get you a sexy burlesque show featuring the Pussycat Dolls. Both party’s start at 10pm, dress to impress because it’s likely that you’ll be rubbing elbows with some of the hottest celebrities in town.
MORE...

Rain at the Desert in the Palms

10:00 PM - 4:00 AM. Tickets start at $125.00
New Years Eve Spectacular Featuring Paul Oakenfold. Located on the ground floor of the Palms newest tower, Wednesday, December 31, 2008
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Ghost Bar at the Palms

12/31/2008 10:00 PM - 1/1/2009 4:00 AM $225 per ticket
High above the strip you can really take everything in at the Ghost Bar. Located on the 55th floor of the Palms Casino, the view on the Las Vegas Strip is like no other. The ghost bar is sultry, chic and a smaller nightclub, so don’t wait to make your reservations.
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Moon Nightclub at the Palms

Dec.31 from 11am to 2am $225.00
PLAYBOY CLUB featuring Kid Rock:Pick up tickets at the STUFF store next to Rain Nightclub (Includes: Includes complimentary Champagne toast, hats and noisemakers. Custom created video countdown to play simultaneous in all venues. No access to Moon Nightclub until after 1:00 a.m. )
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MOON Nightclub New Years Eve- No access to Playboy Club

Dec.31, 2008 from 11am to 2am $200.00
until after 1:00 a.m. Must pick up tickets on at the Stuff Store next door to Rain nightclub (Includes: Admission). Moon is located in the Palms fantasy tower just above the Playboy Club. The striking lounge and illuminated dance floor offers club goers a very unique experience. The dance floor changes colors and designs, there is also a retractable roof so you can dance under the stars and be close to them too.

LAVO at the Palazzo

12/31/09 9:00PM – 1/1/2009 4:00AM
New Years Eve 2009 with Fergie at Lavo Nightclub, Enjoy The Sexiest Crowd On The Strip and one of Vegas’s newest attractions brought to you by the creators of Tao, Lavo will not disappoint you. With an intimate setting surrounded by some of Tao’s signature bathing beauties, you can be sure that the evening will entertain all of your senses.
MORE ...

Privé at Planet Hollywood

12/31/2008 10:30 PM - 1/1/2009 4:00 AM $200.00
Located on the mezzanine level at the already sexy Planet Hollywood casino is Privé expect some surprise visits from celebrities such as Nas, Busta Rhymes and Flo Rida or A-list guests like Mariah Carey and Justin Timberlake.Spend New Year’s Eve 2009 at Prive Las Vegas.
MORE...

Las Vegas Nightlife New Years Eve Events!

NYE Vegas According To Club Zone!

Las Vegas events on New Year's Eve - LA Times Article.

John Pinette Knows Vegas Buffets Plus Around The World In 80 Buffets

2008-12-07T20:50:00.000-08:00

Visit the all you can eat buffet and then laugh your ass off ( watching this video :-)

Just Some Thoughts About Possible Future Posts On WHV

2008-11-29T00:16:00.000-08:00

Just a short springy slinky note ( more like rambling thought ... ) about ideas for future postings, here -- not as serious as international terrorism, but maybe we all need a diversion from all the bad news of the world, to release the tension and help us all unwind:

A possible contributed or re-posted blog about Vegas weddings is in the works

Since they just re-opened the ski and snowboarding area on Mount Charleston, an update might be appropriate now

I will be going to tonight's Kingston Trio concert at the South Point Casino. I'm debating on whether to write about it. It kind of bothers me that 2/3 of the Kingston Trio are not the ones I remember from their early hits, but I am sure we will enjoy the concert anyway

We had the best Thanksgiving Dinner at Tenuta Restaurant at Casino Monte Lago, might want to post another blog entry about the Casino and Lake Las Vegas in general

I've never done a movie review, but I just saw the movie "Australia" and I think it is one of the best movies I have ever seen, seriously, go see it. I wish Hollywood would make movies like this one.

Art Bell returns live on Sunday night on Coast To Coast AM and you just know that I will post something about that!

I'm starting work on setting up mercurialmike.com for blogging about other than Las Vegas topics. Still waiting for some more inspiration!

Betty James is dead at the age of ninety. She co-founded the company that made the "slinky" toy. Just thought I'd mention that. No particular reason :-)

Please Contribute To The Chabad Of Mumbai Relief Fund

2008-11-28T06:33:00.000-08:00

Photo provided by Chabad.org, Rabbi Gavriel Noach Holtzberg, left, and his wife Rivkah

Click image above to donate to the Chabad Of Mumbai Relief Fund. Does not matter if you are Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, agnostic or atheist, please help if you can...

I know that this is completely off-topic and a radical departure from this usually light blog, but it is really hard for me to post anything with levity tonight when such heaviness is hanging over the world.

Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg, the beloved directors of Chabad-Lubavitch of Mumbai, were killed during one of the worst terrorist attacks to strike India in recent memory.

Their child survived the attack, witnessing the slaughter of his parents; when the Mother was slaughtered while holding the child, she fell over, covering the child who subsequently crawled away and was rescued by an Indian ~~nanny~~cook at the Chabad center. The child is exactly two years old tomorrow (Saturday). Ironically, the child's name is Moses ( Moshe ).

Click here to contribute.

US Jewish, meditation groups' members die in India.

India's 911: Synchronicity and Coincidence in Mumbai

The Times Of India: Five US citizens killed in Mumbai attacks

Oddz "n" Endz And Random Thoughts By A Vegas Local

2008-11-26T05:35:00.000-08:00

Postcard From "The Edge"

This will be a short post about a few random observations: some thankful, some not, on this day before Thanksgiving --- proving once again that advice, ( both good & bad) is cheap...

If you wake up early in the morning either out of necessity or because you have insomnia like me, none of the local Vegas morning talk radio shows are as entertaining ( or "stimulating" ) as KFI Los Angeles' Bill Handel In The Morning ( live Monday-Friday from 5-9AM on KFI AM 570 ). So get yourself a good car antenna, get satellite radio, or listen on the Internet!
In Henderson, where I live, it is OK to not have reservations ( if you intend to eat out, and G-d bless you if you are cooking your own meal -- please invite me over next year! ) for Thanksgiving tomorrow because when the economy goes bad, the rich stop eating out. There will be plenty of so-called "upscale" or "high end" restaurants that serve Thanksgiving meals that will not require reservations. And "black Friday" will have a new meaning, it will mean "bleak" as opposed to "out of the red".

If you are a senior citizen, or even if you can cleverly disguise yourself as one :-) South Point Casino offers $3 movie tickets with a player's card from Monday thru Thursday before 6PM. Go see "Quantum Of Solace" --- it's a really fun movie even if you aren't a James Bond fan.

If you are dumb enough to enjoy gambling ( like me, but I really limit myself ) and you want to join a player's club, join the one at Casino Monte Lago at the Lake Las Vegas Resort, because they have the coolest "free" gifts.

If you live near Henderson and are not one of those Summerlin snobs ( just kidding ! ) the best back East Jewish style deli is Weiss Restaurant Deli Bakery --- avoid it during the lunch hour if you don't want to wait to be seated.

Gas prices will not stay low forever, so enjoy the less than $2 gas for now. Celebrate by jumping in your car and drive aimlessly in any direction so you can enjoy filling up your tank again at these historically low prices! And call this the good old days. Live long enough to tell your grandchildren how we f--ked up their lives with all this national debt. And how we finally sold this beautiful country to the Red Chinese government. And my advice is to invest in paper and ink companies, because they will not be able to print money fast enough!

Sorry, but I had to get all that off my chest. My shrink says it is not good to hold in all those "feelings".

Now, back to your normal programming...

Happy Thanksgiving from the staff & management of "What's Happening, Vegas?" !

"Who's The Turkey, Now?"

The Association Concert At The Suncoast Casino Las Vegas

2008-11-24T10:53:00.000-08:00

The Latest Incarnation (Photo: Coast Casinos )

Last night my wife and I attended The Association's last concert of a three day booking at the Suncoast Casino. The showroom at the Suncoast Casino is unique in that it is laid out with tables and booths reminiscent of the old Vegas showrooms:

'The Suncoast Hotel and Casino Showroom is home to a wide array of Las Vegas shows. "Entertainment as it used to be" is the theme of this beautiful 500-seat showroom, a throwback to the showrooms of splendor that made Las Vegas famous. Table seating is provided for a variety of acts including top-name Vegas headliners. A permanent dance floor and a bar completely surrounding the facility add to the room's uniqueness. The most advanced lighting and sound techniques are utilized throughout the showroom.'

I have most all their CDs and some old vinyl LPs. I admit I was excited to see the latest incarnation of the band that I have not seen live since a concert at Albright College ( Reading, Pennsylvania ) circa 1967 when I was 18 or 19 years old. And then I remember that I missed a concert of theirs, had tickets but could not go, in the mid eighties at the Sands Hotel and Casino in the showroom where the Rat Pack once performed.

Last night at the end of the concert, as the last phrases of their final song "Windy" was being played and the song ended, and then the room lights came up abruptly ( darn it, no encore! )and then Russ announced that there would be autograph signing at the theatre entrance, I experienced a slight dizzy spell as I stood up too fast. I was pretty much fatigued ( maybe due to some medical symptoms or medication side effects from my CHF --- or maybe more likely from my emotional response to hearing my favorite "sunshine pop" groups of all time ... ) which did not allow me to stand and wait in an autograph line after the concert; and so regrettably I did not get to chat with the "surviving" members of The Association. I had to get my bearings, and my wife helped me to a place to sit down outside the showroom.

But let me say that for a much too short time during the concert I was transported back 40 years to my younger "daze" :-) What was so amazing about the current incarnation of The Association was the extreme energy and unique individual personality that the current group displayed during their seemingly non stop performance, and the instant rapport they had with the audience regardless of age; due mostly to Russ Guigere's stage antics and engagingly humorous banter. The audience responded, whether they were long time fans, younger and just acquainted with some songs through radio play, or maybe some who never even heard of the band ( is that really possible? ). Everybody responded to the familiar tunes and even all the less known or unfamiliar ones.

Highlights of the show were many, including "Enter The Young" which we learned was sung by The Association as the lead-off ( first band to perform ) at 1967's Monterey Pop Festival, along with "Along Comes Mary" --- for those of us who who remember the sixties and really were there! ( see video of original group at the Monterey Pop Festival in June, 1967, below ):

Another highlight of the show was "Never My Love" which is ( we learned ) the song with the second most US airplay in the 20th century ( and probably very many weddings). ( See the video below for a much more recent :-) concert performance of "Never My Love"):

And then if that was not enough, along came Larry Ramos singing his unbelievable second rendition of "Never My Love" in Hawaiian; he talked of his love for his wife ( of 43 years, I'm not sure ? ) and how it was his favorite song --- in a way that was so warm and so heartfelt. Now another amazing thing was Russ Giguere's boundless energy on stage -- if they have an elixir that allowed him to do those high kicks and dance around the stage and hit those high notes, I think they should bottle it like Geritol or Human Growth Factor :-) And when Jim Yester sang the groups signature song "Along Comes Mary" it sounded amazingly like the original. Jim's talents have hardly diminished over the years, and he is still very active in his own creations and creativity, particularly in his campaign against drug use following the personally painful loss of fellow band member and friend Brian Cole. But it seems lately that The Association has continued their reputation as the most "traveling" band of all time, filling the entire calendar with tour dates all over the world, which was the inspiration for their semi-hit "Six Man Band". They toured so much back in the sixties ( and several more decades ), that when they were overseas ( I think in the Philippines ) on tour, somebody requested during a concert that they play their latest hit "No Fair At All" and the band was unaware that it had become a hit there, they were so busy touring. And finally I have to mention that the band's early career cover and vocal rendition by Jim of Bob Dylan's "One Too Many A Mornings" completely blew my mind away... And did I also mention "Cherish"? ( How could I ever forget "Cherish" ? ).

The medley of sixties tunes from other groups that the band now admired, but jokingly said they were competing against back then, was a high point of the concert --- showing the band's ability to pay tribute to other bands; the most noteworthy example being The Mamas And The Pappas, singing a memorable version of "California Dreaming", and noting the relatively recent passing of band member Denny Doherty ( who died on January 19, 2007 ). It turns out that being in the Southern California music scene in the mid sixties, everybody in the famous and not so famous bands of the time, including The Beach Boys, really admired each other (in a competitive way ), knew each other, and sometimes borrowed freely from each others musical creations. What a vibe the planet was feeling, and particularly the West Coast of the USA was feeling in 1967! But there is so much about the Association as a vocal group that makes them originals in their own right, which earned them a well deserved induction into the Vocal Group Hall Of Fame in 2003.

Some trivia we learned during the inter-song babble ( which like the "empty cup", I enjoyed as much as the "punch" ) is that Jim Yester's brother Jerry was a member of the Loving Spoonful ( replacing Zal Yanovsky way back then ) and that Larry Ramos was once a skinny banjo playing member of the New Christy Minstrels prior to joining The Association. Larry lead the singing of the New Christy Minstrels' standard "Green Green" ( written by Minstrel members Barry McGuire and Randy Sparks and Peaked at # 14 in 1963 ) another great tune that Russ explained ( for the "younger" members of the audience ) was an example of the almost forgotten music genre called "folk rock". Ha, ha!! And, of course, the one "second generation" member of the back line is the keyboard artist Jordan Cole ( his father Brian Cole is an original band member who tragically died in Los Angeles, California of a heroin overdose in 1972 at the age of 29 ). Jordan was very apt at creating all the great keyboard solos ( which the rest of the group acknowledged and highlighted by turning their heads stage left towards him and practically pointing at him whenever he played "solo" ). Jordan also recreated all the sounds of the flute/reorder, horns and bells and whistle sounds typical in many Association tunes. Del Ramos ( Larry's brother ) is also in the back line and played the bass guitar as well or better than any professional bass player can, intentionally not really very animated, choosing not to steal the spotlight from the front line, but seemingly just taking his place in the band in a very professional manner as an accomplished bass player and great vocalist.

I laughed when Larry Ramos asked the audience to sing along and then invited us all to tour with the band, and quickly added "in Hawaii". So now, the subliminal message I got was I want to go to Hawaii sometime before I die. Maybe next year! (Editor's note: Mike is too ambiguous here. He does not intend to die next year. Nor does he wish to die in Hawaii next year, although there are obviously worse places one could die;-) And maybe I can also see The Association when they perform their 50th Anniversary Concert Tour! ( The Association - Next Generation). But seriously, I will never forget the concert last night, my wife was actually brought to tears ( in a good way, she gets almost as emotional as I do :-) --- thanks, guys --- and thanks for a most memorable concert!

More recent band history from their wikipedia article:

"Currently, the band includes Russ Giguere, Larry Ramos, Jim Yester(who rejoined again in 2007 as Bob Werner departed after an eight year stint), Del Ramos, Bruce Pictor, and most interestingly, Jordan Cole (son of Brian) on keyboards who joined in 1999. The Association still tours, playing up to 70 dates a year, mostly on bills with other similar styled acts of that era, like the Grass Roots, the Buckinghams, Tommy James, Gary Puckett, etc.

On June 3rd, 2008 Pat Colecchio, the group's manager from 1966-1974 and again in the early 80s, passed away of a heart attack."

The Motown Sound In Vegas ? -- I Never Graduated From Old School

2008-11-21T01:17:00.000-08:00

The Four Tops - 1967

News of the death of Levi Stubbs, the lead singer of the original Four Tops, exactly 5 weeks ago was pushed back into my subconscious because of other overwhelming life concerns and issues, but when I finally had a chance to relax, the thought popped back up that this was a significant event. I had always been a fan of the Motown Sound groups of the 60's. In 1967 I walked the short distance from my dormitory at Case Institute Of Technology in Cleveland, Ohio ( now Case-Reserve University ) with my roommate and our respective dates to see the Four Tops at a small venue ( just a bar with a lounge basically, on Euclid Avenue whose name I can't recall. ). We were the only white people there, but it did not seem to matter ( even with the national racial tensions of the previous summer ) to anybody. When they sang "Bernadette" ( their current hit ) we all jumped out of our chairs and danced, and cheered.

Motown sounds softly emanating from a small portable radio on my dorm desk from a local Cleveland station was the constant background theme for all my study sessions that year in the Freshmen dorms. Mainly because the music was so soft and unobtrusive and melodic, unlike modern hip hop. I grew to appreciate what was called R&B ( rhythm and blues ) back then.

So looking around Vegas' offerings of resurrected soul groups of the 60's, the only current show I could find was at the Sahara:

"Sit back for an unforgettable evening of smooth harmonies as The Platters, Cornell Gunter's Coasters and the Marvelettes sing the top hits of the 50's and 60's in the Sahara's legendary Congo Room. Playing nightly at 7:30pm in the Congo Room. "

I haven't heard much about this show, but it is definitely on my list of must shows to see.

And in researching this "half essay" of a post, I came across this gem: I can't place it in time but it was a concert of the Temptations at the Stardust Hotel, which was imploded on March 13, 2007, so it is probably more than 2 years old. "My Girl" is still my very favorite Temps song ( "I've got sunshine on a cloudy day. When it's cold outside, I've got the month of May... ):

The Temps In Vegas

And If You Happen To Be In The LA Area

LA's Longest running 60's shindig held every 3rd Saturday at the Vine Bar in Hollywood. Bring a friend, make a friend! No cover from 9-10pm.

Event: The Bullet 60’s Soul Garage Club
Time: November 15, 2008 9:00PM
Location: The Vine Bar, 1235 Vine St., Hollywood, CA 90038

Also from 9pm-10pm we'll be playing videos from Martha and The Vandellas, Marvin Gaye, Mary Wells, Shirley Ellis, Smokey Robinson, The Marvelettes, The Ronettes, The Supremes, The Troggs, Four Tops, James Brown, Isley Brothers, Jr. Walker and The Allstars amd many more!

Eli "Paperboy" Reed And The True Loves

Growing up in Brookline, MA, Eli Reed had wide exposure to music. His father was a critic and lent his extensive record collection to his son, who soaked up as much as he could, gravitating toward the gospel, soul, blues, and R&B albums especially. Teaching himself piano, guitar, and harmonica, and busking in Harvard Square to practice his chops and performing skills, after finishing high school he found work in Clarksdale, MS, but upon moving there, and finding that the job had fallen through, Reed introduced himself to the music community there, playing frequently at local clubs and even ending up under the tutelage of drummer Sam Carr. It was in Mississippi that Reed also got his nickname, "Paperboy," thanks to the newsboy-styled hat he was wearing at the time, but after nine months there, at his parents' bequest he moved north to attend the University of Chicago. In Chicago Reed was able to meet soul singer Mitty Collier, who had had a hit in 1964 with the single "I Had a Talk with My Man" but had since turned to ministry. The young musician impressed her so much -- he auditioned on the piano in his dormitory -- that she asked him to be the Minister of Music at her church, a position he held until he returned to Boston after a year of school. Back home, Reed worked on assembling his band, called the True Loves, and in 2005 he self-released the record Sings "Walkin' and Talkin' (For My Baby)" and Other Smash Hits, a collection of covers and originals. The band began to gain recognition around town, particularly thanks to Reed's enthused and passionate singing, and a performance at 2007's SXSW attracted some label interest. Signed to Boston-based Q Division, Eli "Paperboy" Reed & the True Loves issued their second full-length, Roll with You (with all songs written or co-written by Reed), in the spring of 2008. ~ Marisa Brown, All Music Guide

Press play button above for R&B sample: "It's Easier" by Eli "Paperboy" Reed And The True Loves ! Now, this is the type of music that I wish would stage a comeback!

Press play button above for R&B sample: cover of the Delphonics' "Didn't I Blow Your Mind This Time" by "The Wrecking Crew" featuring Vegas based Tony Q on saxophone and Peter Lep on vocals.

Local Artists - R&B Bookmarks From Reverb Nation

"Early Clover has the kind of animated showmanship and comic persona that can fool most people into thinking he's one of the original Coasters, rather than a member of a spin-off group, Cornell Gunter's Coasters, playing at the Sahara." - Las Vegas Weekly Entertainment Roundup by Mike Weatherford, September 23, 2003