What's Happening, Vegas?

Old-School Vegas Meets New School Vibe: Frankie Moreno

2012-01-23T03:56:00.000-08:00

Frankie Moreno and Julie

by Julie Kasperson

Frankie Moreno has been a fixture on and off The Strip for about 10 years now. I saw him several years ago at one of the bars at the Stratosphere. He also played at Golden Nugget and at other venues.

Starting at the age of two, Santa Cruz-born Moreno had his first encounter with music, watching his father and uncle rehearse for a popular band they were in. These rehearsals at home sparked an interest in the young Frankie to learn and imitate what he saw. He could play anything he heard by memory, and by the time he was seven he was playing professionally. At age 11 he was on featured on “Star Search” and was exposed to a national audience.

With his two younger brothers, Tony and Ricky, he traveled the world and wrote music. He collaborated with world-renowned violinist Joshua Bell on an album that went to #1 in two categories on the Billboard charts.

Moreno and his 10-piece band, which features brother Tony on bass, recently began a 2-year run at the Stratosphere Theater at the Stratosphere Hotel & Casino. The show is as unique as he is. Which means you can hear him play the classic Beatles tune “Eleanor Rigby” one moment, standards like “Night and Day” and “Mack the Knife,” then launch right into one of his original tunes like “Black Mascara.”

He can be self-deprecating, silly, and fun. All the band members, including a horn and string section, are right on the mark. He can croon an original tune like “I’m Sorry” in a completely heartfelt manner, then shake his hips and bang the piano to another tune a few minutes later. His show is one of the reasons I love living in Las Vegas. It’s laid-back, funny, old-school, but rocks out as well. The musicianship is excellent.

At one point during the show, Frankie took a bottle of Crown Royal, with brother Tony joining him with a stack of huge shot glasses, and proceeded to roam the showroom with his mic, asking patrons if they would like to have a double-shot. I of course agreed to participate with a hearty “yes”! Where else but in Vegas can you drink shots with the talented, handsome singer of a razor-sharp band, while they are performing amazing material? Showmanship is alive and well at the Stratosphere.

Moreno and his band perform Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Ticket prices are $29.99, or $19.99 for locals.

Frankie Moreno Band

All photo credits: Julie Kasperson,

-VegasJules ( Julie Kasperson ) can be contacted through her facebook page.

Old-School Hip-Hop Featured As De La Soul Takes the Mic at Insert Coin(s)

2012-01-22T04:50:00.000-08:00

De La Soul Screen Ad

by Julie Kasperson

One of my photographer friends, Ambrose, tipped me off to the fact that De La Soul, a very popular hip-hop group from the late-eighties and early nineties, was going to be performing at a local downtown club called Insert Coin(s). These three rappers from Long Island have been blending bizarre humor and social commentary for over 20 years.

Kelvin Mercer, David Jude Jolicoeur, and Vincent Mason have performed under different nick names within De La Soul since they formed the group in Long Island, NY, in 1989. Their debut album, 3 Feet High and Rising, is considered a hip-hop masterpiece, and spawned the hit “Me Myself and I.” Other hits include “The Magic Number” and “Ring Ring Ring (Ha Ha Hey).”

While rap and hip-hop are not my favorite genres of music, I do enjoy the “old-school” sounds and raps from artists such as Curtis Blow, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, and MC Lyte. Rap and hip-hop from the ‘80’s and ‘90’s was not about poppin’ bottles, designer labels and “hoes”; it had humor and a social conscience.

When De La Soul wasn’t performing on the club’s small stage, DJ88 kept the crowd happy with old-school rap and hip-hop and even blended in some Snoop Dogg and DMX. Insert Coin(s) was a great venue for this appearance; it’s a small, popular videolounge gamebar on East Fremont that features all the old video game machines we grew up with when video gaming was in its infancy. If you pay for bottle service you are able to enjoy playing the video game console of your choice, from the comfort of your leather couch, complete with HDTV.

Rap and hip-hop acts are for the most part not looked upon very favorably in the Las Vegas community, especially by Metro Police. But as I enjoyed the show, I was impressed by the fact that even though the crowd was young, they were very well behaved, just enjoying the beats and the rhymes. It was a dose of nostalgia for me.

Photos (click photos for larger image)

Kelvin Mercer AKA Pos, DJ88, -- and David Jude Jolicoeur

David Jude Jolicoeur AKA Trugoy

All photo credits: Julie Kasperson,

-VegasJules ( Julie Kasperson ) can be contacted through her facebook page.

Las Vegas - Downtown Does It Right On NYE

2012-01-08T15:55:00.000-08:00

by Julie Kasperson

I did New Year’s Eve on The Strip, when I first moved here in 2003. It was an experience, but not something I’d go out of my way to repeat. My neighbors kept saying how scary and out-of-control the crowds get there; what I experienced was just huge crowds of people, roaming freely up and down The Strip, unimpeded by auto traffic. I had a good time, but I froze out there in the cold! It wasn’t as weird and crazy as I thought it would be; coming from L.A., I’m used to weird and unusual.

This year, I booked a room at Fitzgeralds in the Downtown area in September. I got a great rate on the room, even though I had to book two nights. From my previous experience working at Fitzgeralds in Marketing over five years ago, I knew that being on the Fremont Street Experience for New Year’s Eve was going to be special. And it was!

They called it “Tribute Palooza 4” which meant all the bands playing under the canopy that covers Fremont Street were all tribute bands: those that pay tribute and emulate Van Halen, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Red Hot Chili Peppers, etc. All the bands sounded great. Dennis, my companion for the evening, showed up from work after 9 p.m., and we strolled Fremont Street Experience for the remainder of the evening.

I prefer celebrating NYE at Fremont Street Experience over The Strip. My reasons? Easier access, friendlier people, better crowd control. You park at one of the hotels Downtown or in one of the lots. The FSE is fenced-in for the night, so you either pay $30 for a wristband and access, or in my case, I was a guest at one of the hotels and got wristbands. Everyone has to be 21-and-up. Loads of good music, fun people, and walk-up bars everywhere. What’s not to like?

Fremont Street East got into the party mode as well. I had to get another wristband for that area, but it was just for security purposes, and I didn’t have to pay a fee to roam. I watched a friend play keyboards in his band, Rhyme N Rhythm, featuring a talented female bassist Coco Jenkins, while The Vanguard, Insert Coin(s), Beauty Bar, and other venues hosted packed crowds. A lot of the food trucks came out for the occasion too.

Nearer to midnight, my friend and I came back down Fremont to the stage right next to the Fitz. Mayor Carolyn Goodman and her former-Mayor husband Oscar were officially ringing in the New Year with all of us. Oscar had his usual huge martini glass full of Bombay Sapphire gin in hand. There was a cool retrospective of 2011 playing across the huge canopy screen, and then the virtual fireworks started, along with real fireworks that exploded up and down the FSE in synch with the music.

Dennis and I enjoyed a free shrimp cocktail at the Golden Gate, which is famous for their inexpensive shrimp cocktail. We talked to a couple that were there dancing their way down Fremont, celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary. We saw street performers dressed as the band KISS taking photos with happy tourists. We got our ears blown out by all the raucous music emanating from all the stages, including our favorite heavy metal/comedy band, Steel Panther.

I appreciated all the great customer service I received over the weekend. The Fitz was a great host; those people must have to put up with a lot to deal with NYE party revelers. But they did it all with smiles on their faces. And I had one on mine as I left on New Year’s Day. You see, I took a little cash from El Cortez and Fitzgeralds in the form of winnings from slots. A good time, a winning time, and I’ll be back next year!

Photos (click photos for larger image)

Rhyme N Rhythm band

Steel Panther band

Carolyn and Oscar Goodman

Virtual And Real Fireworks On Fremont Street Experience
(cell phone pic)

All photo credits: Julie Kasperson,

-VegasJules ( Julie Kasperson ) can be contacted through her facebook page.

New Year's Eve fireworks, fun energizes 300,000 in Las Vegas - News - ReviewJournal.com

2012-01-01T13:33:00.000-08:00

"What do you get when 300,000 people squeeze together in one spot to drink copiously?

New Year's Eve on the Strip, of course.

Woohoo! ..."

MORE:
New Year's Eve fireworks, fun energizes 300,000 in Las Vegas - News - ReviewJournal.com

Las Vegas Review-Journal Photos of the Year 2011 - Multimedia - ReviewJournal.com

2011-12-25T16:20:00.000-08:00

2011 Menorah Lighting On Fremont Street

Las Vegas Review-Journal Photos of the Year 2011 - Multimedia - ReviewJournal.com

New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas: Stars galore, ‘America’s Party’ fireworks - Las Vegas Sun

2011-12-15T16:09:00.000-08:00

Fireworks and New Year’s Eve on The Strip on Dec. 31, 2010
Photo Credit: Tom Donoghue Photography

"It’s taken a year of planning, and -- thanks to vocals from Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez and ZZ Top -- this year’s “America’s Party” on New Year’s Eve will be an all-time spectacular with more than 56,400 pyrotechnic effects making it one of the biggest fireworks displays in the country. City and Clark County officials are estimating that 315,000 visitors will be here to watch the sky over the Strip light up at midnight. Hometown singer Ne-Yo is included on the 8-minute, 36-second music soundtrack to accompany the Fireworks by Grucci display shot from the rooftops of eight casino hotels. ..."

FULL STORY:
New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas: Stars galore, ‘America’s Party’ fireworks - Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2011 | 11:15 a.m. - Las Vegas Sun

Holiday guide To Las Vegas - Las Vegas Sun

2011-12-10T15:21:00.000-08:00

Bellagio’s 2011 Holiday Display
Photo Credit: Tom Donoghue Photography

Holiday guide to Las Vegas - Las Vegas Sun

Las Vegas NV Blog: Vegas New Year's Cashes In on Star Power

2011-12-07T08:31:00.000-08:00

Two score years ago I might hit the bright lights of the Strip for NYE, but now I go for an early ( hopefully comped ) dinner with my wife at a local's casino; drive home before my one drink limit hits my head and the real drunks hit the highway; and watch the fireworks from a quiet hill in Henderson. Aging boomers watching the boom booms from beyond the strip, that's we. Ah, wait until you are my age :) Oh, and we can now also check out the Vegas festivities on TV ( since Fremont Street and The Strip in Vegas are now nationally covered as the second most popular party spots next to NYC's Time Square ) from the comfort of our empty-nest cocoon. Happy New Year's 2012, y'all !! Please be safe on the road, y'all know the drill, don't ever drive drunk.

Las Vegas NV Blog: Vegas New Year's Cashes In on Star Power: LAS VEGAS (MainStreet) -- Second only to New York City, Las Vegas has emerged as the party destination...

Las Vegas shows signs of rebounding and still has a bright future - Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011 | 2 a.m. - Las Vegas Sun

2011-12-04T08:35:00.000-08:00

Las Vegas shows signs of rebounding and still has a bright future - Las Vegas Sun

TAKE THE OATH, PROTECT THE MOMENT : PitchEngine : Get the Word Out™

2011-11-01T13:47:00.000-07:00

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) wants to let you know about a sweepstakes for a free trip to fabulous Las Vegas, NV. Entering is as easy as scoring free drinks at the casino – all you need to do is promise not to over share your craziest adventures on the Strip! Head to the “Know the Code, Protect the Moment” microsite to take the oath for your chance to win… but remember, “What Happens Here, Stays Here!”

TAKE THE OATH, PROTECT THE MOMENT : PitchEngine : Get the Word Out™

Vegas Valley Book Festival unites readers, writers - Living - ReviewJournal.com

2011-10-30T13:12:00.000-07:00

Vegas Valley Book Festival unites readers, writers - Living - ReviewJournal.com

Festival unites readers, writers --- and zombies ! :)

For a full schedule of the Vegas Valley book festival events visit their website.

Video Of Vegas In 1962 - You've Come A Long Way, Baby !

2011-10-17T18:07:00.000-07:00

Las Vegas 1962 from Jeff Altman on Vimeo.

Former Las Vegas Mayor Appears on "CSI"

2011-10-13T12:06:00.000-07:00

Former Las Vegas Mayor Appears on "CSI"

Travelocity Customers Name Favorite Las Vegas Hotels - MarketWatch

2011-10-12T01:40:00.000-07:00

Travelocity Customers Name Favorite Las Vegas Hotels - MarketWatch

Fashion’s Night Out at The Forum Shops 09/08/11

2011-09-13T00:35:00.000-07:00

(Click individual photos in slide show to get a larger image.)

by Julie Kasperson

My roommate, who works at Caesars Palace Forum Shops as a concierge, tipped me off to the fact that Caesars was participating in the third annual Fashion’s Night Out, which is a one-night global celebration of fashion and style. If I could have attended all the events, I would have. Crystals at City Center, the Palazzo, Fashion Show Mall, and even the Galleria Mall in Henderson all had events and giveaways to lure fashionistas and shoppers alike.

Matt Goss, a local entertainer based at Caesars, hosted at the reflecting pool and presented awards to three local Las Vegas designers, sponsored by the Art Institute of Las Vegas. Best New Designer Grand Prize of a $500 shopping spree and scholarship to the Art Institute was awarded to Jimi Urquiaga, with first runner-up award going to designer Franki Ortiz and second runner-up was Mikayla Marrujo.

Most of my time was spent photographing the eye-catching male and female models as they showcased fashions from Forum Shops’ stores on an hourly basis. Shoes, handbags, and jewelry were featured as well during the informal accessory shows.

Roman handmaidens gave out brochures that outlined which shops were participating in the event. There were lots of freebies to be had, including hors d’oeuvres, champagne and chocolates that were offered to patrons as they shopped. Some clothing items, lingerie, and handbags were only offered for sale or at special prices during FNO.

When the models weren’t strutting the runway at the reflecting pool, they stood atop platforms placed throughout the Forum Shops. One lingerie model drew a crowd when she posed in front of grainy black and white film footage, in the display window of Agent Provocateur, a luxury lingerie store.

FNO was created to celebrate fashion, restore confidence, and boost the industry’s economy. Las Vegas may not be a center of design and production, but it definitely is a major player as far as retail is concerned. Jimi, Franki, and Mikayla prove that there are creative minds at work here as well.

All photo credits: Julie Kasperson,

-VegasJules ( Julie Kasperson ) can be contacted through her facebook page.

Please vote for one of Julie's photos in the Downtown Las Vegas Photo Competition in the Las Vegas Review Journal! Thank you!

View Photo Album Directly

Fashion’s Night Out at The Forum Shops

Vegas Rocks! Magazine Awards 2011

2011-09-03T19:21:00.000-07:00

(Click individual photos in slide show to get larger image.)

by Julie Kasperson

I had the opportunity recently to attend my first Las Vegas red carpet event. These kind of events happen all the time in L.A., and in Vegas the red carpet signifies a nightclub happening, a movie premiere, or an awards show.

Sally Steele is the publisher/owner/CEO/Editor-In-Chief of Vegas Rocks! Magazine, a local magazine which has been publishing for seven years. This is the second year that she has put on an awards show. Steele performed in rock ‘n roll bands in the ‘80’s, and started hanging out with and photographing top rock bands like Aerosmith and KISS in the late ‘70’s. Her magazine is the only local independent publication to consistently report on the rock ‘n roll scene here in Vegas. She is a big supporter of local talent, as well as a reporter of the activities of more internationally-known bands and artists.

The theme of this year’s show was “Rock ‘n Roll Guitar Heroes United!” In attendance were Steve Stevens, winner of “Rock Guitar Legend” with his wife, Josie. Stevens is best known for being Billy Idol’s guitarist and playing on such hits as “Rebel Yell” and “Eyes Without a Face” among others. John 5 won “Best Rock Guitarist” and after witnessing his performance onstage, I can see why. He has worked with such artists as Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie, Meat Loaf, Scorpions, and more.

Sebastian Bach of the rock band “Skid Row” was present to perform during the show and present as well. He proved to be an amusing and talented addition to the show. Wayne Static of metal band “Static X” accepted the “Best Metal Frontman/Performer” award. Carmine Appice was given the “Drum Legend Icon” award. I remember him when he performed with Rod Stewart. Vince Neil of Motley Crue was presented with the “Lifetime Achievement in Rock ‘n Roll” award.

I was one of about 4 women “shooters” or photographers to cover the red carpet arrivals, show, and after-show backstage gathering. I loved being there for all of it: the LucyVegas models escorting the bands down the red carpet; seeing and getting to talk to legends like my favorite Steve Stevens backstage; capturing moments onstage that as an audience member I would have never gotten to do.

Especially sweet for me was when my friends from local metal band Redeemer got to walk the red carpet. I have known the band for over a year, and have followed them, photographed them, and got excited for them when they were nominated for “Best Vegas Hard Rock Band.” They didn’t win, but it was great to be there and cheer them on.

There were a lot of photographers there that do events like this every day. It’s not a big deal to them, just another night in Vegas. To me, well, it was an opportunity to see some local bands perform, watch some rock legends strut their stuff, and to wear my first press pass, proudly. Excited? Yes, I was. A night I won’t soon forget. I’ve been going to rock concerts since I was 15 years old, and an opportunity like this, to go beyond the “velvet rope,” to go backstage, to photograph rock idols in performance, was for me, quite amazing.

All photo credits: Julie Kasperson,

-VegasJules ( Julie Kasperson ) can be contacted through her facebook page.

View Photo Album Directly

Vegas Rocks! Magazine Awards 2011

Plaza hotel-casino reopens with new look - Business - ReviewJournal.com

2011-09-01T20:03:00.000-07:00

Plaza hotel-casino reopens with new look - Business - ReviewJournal.com

Seven Top Las Vegas Filming Locations | vtravelled Blog

2011-07-11T07:33:00.000-07:00

Given that big-spending blow-outs, lavish opulence, excitement and spectacle are what Las Vegas does best...

MORE:Seven Top Las Vegas Filming Locations | vtravelled Blog

Pool party trend paying off big for Las Vegas resorts - VEGAS INC

2011-07-05T16:59:00.000-07:00

Vegas,Inc. Magazine's latest issue ( July 4, 2011 ) covers the Vegas pool scene.

When the Hard Rock launched its pool party ‘Rehab’ in 2004, it was a stroke of marketing genius. Seven years later, that resort—and its myriad competitors—are keeping the party going...

MORE:Pool party trend paying off big for Las Vegas resorts - VEGAS INC

Las Vegas Revs Up for Big Holiday Weekend - Channel 8 News Now

2011-07-02T14:54:00.000-07:00

While Americans will be celebrating our nation's independence this weekend, the holiday is also igniting a huge shot in the arm for Las Vegas...

MORE:Las Vegas Revs Up for Big Holiday Weekend

Downtown Las Vegas Sees a Resurgence - Channel 8 News Now

2011-06-29T08:08:00.000-07:00

Downtown Las Vegas Sees a Resurgence

Eight casinos plan fireworks for Fourth of July - Las Vegas Sun

2011-06-28T11:46:00.000-07:00

People watch fireworks over Caesars Palace from a pedestrian bridge on the Las Vegas Strip on Sunday, July 4, 2010
Photo Credit: Steve Marcus - Las Vegas Sun

Two Las Vegas Strip properties will host fireworks displays for the Fourth of July, but one will be hosting its a day early...

MORE:Eight casinos plan fireworks for Fourth of July - Las Vegas Sun

Police: Security at weekend rave comparable to New Year's Eve - Las Vegas Sun

2011-06-22T02:37:00.000-07:00

Still not sure that Vegas' hosting of Electric Daisy Carnival music festival will be without a hitch, but they said the same thing about Woodstock :)

Metro Police hope to weed out problem attendees early at the Electric Daisy Carnival music festival making its Las Vegas debut this weekend...

The Rebirth of Downtown Las Vegas

2011-06-17T08:12:00.000-07:00

My personal opinion about downtown Las Vegas is that there are not enough attractions to make me want to travel there, parking is always a problem, and walking down the wrong street at night can still be potentially deadly. I may be wrong, but like I said I don't go there often enough. Even when I occasionally go to the Regional Justice Center ( don't let your imagination carry you away, purely for private legal matters ! :) I usually park at an unnamed casino ( for free ) within walking distance...

I am more of a suburbanite type person because of habit, age, and income. The redevelopment and "gentrification" of Vegas' downtown area may eventually lead to a real "community feeling" down there. A nice infusion of people with money to spend, starting with the Zappos move, may also attract more tourism --- but somewhat to the detriment of those already living on the margins there. What best improves and revitalizes a community is not good vibes or good intentions, but people with jobs and money to spend. That's why small business people build shops, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs ( oh, and also, museums, theaters, art galleries, and music halls :) No different than any other major urban setting. The problems associated with an urban setting ( crime, poverty, etc. ) will still remain, and possibly be made worse by cutbacks in the police budget, like what is currently happening in North Las Vegas.

But for now, I celebrate this great move forward...

(Your opinions and comments are invited)

The Rebirth of Downtown Las Vegas

RELATED:Downtown Las Vegas Sees a Resurgence

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Developer Has Plans For ‘Star Wars’ Museum On Strip

2011-06-12T09:13:00.000-07:00

A Las Vegas developer, Order 66 Entertainment LLC, has plans to bring George Lucas' movie franchise to the Strip. Will 'The Force' be with them? ...