Took a short ride to Hooters Casino Hotel the other evening, to watch a group of musicians called “Purple Reign,” the ultimate Prince Tribute Show, do their thing. This writer remembers when I first saw the group playing in a small room at the old Boardwalk Casino on the Las Vegas Strip (which was eventually torn down). Now, I must be honest here, I’ve never been a fan of Prince or his particular form of music. But I must put aside personal likes and dislikes in the case of reviewing a show.
“Purple Reign” does a fantastic job of getting fans of Prince all worked up and going nuts when they hear such songs as, “When Doves Cry” or the hit, “Purple Rain.” This year marks the 25th anniversary of the classic ‘80s movie
From those humble evenings in the small UNLV clubs in 1997, and the lounge at the Boardwalk, to the stage of “The Late Show” starring David Letterman, is a giant leap. “Purple Reign” has been given international acclaim and recognition as the world’s number one Prince Tribute Show. After appearing on “The Late Show” in 2008, they were selected by CBS to ring in the New Year by re-airing the original performance on Jan. 1, 2009.
Fans of Prince can expect to see the likeness of “The Kid,” Apollonia, and Morris Day and The Time, during the 90-minute show. Led by Jason Tenner (as Prince) the group consists of D’Andre, guitar and musical director; Damon B., keyboards; Sally G, bass; LC, drums; Adrienne Diamond, dancer; Levant Marcus, (as Morris E. Day), and Thomas Austin (Jerome Benton). This is a ”kick ass band,” and a wonderful presentation for those who enjoy this particular form of music. Ticket price is $24.99, and for more information call Hooters at (702) 739-9000.
The Western pioneer-themed Mystic Falls Park, located inside Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall, will once again transform into a popular winter wonderland for the holidays—November 24 through January 2. To enhance the true holiday experience, Sam’s Town has also partnered with Nellis Air Force Base for its “Cell Phones for Soldiers” program.
On November 24 at 4:30 p.m., Boyd Gaming Executive Chairman, Mr. Bill Boyd, and Sam’s Town Vice President and General Manager, John Sou, will be joined by a representative from the Armed Forces for the official lighting ceremony to kick off the more than five weeks of wintry delight.
Coinciding with the date of the lighting ceremony on November 24, Sam’s Town will accept donations of used mobile phones for the Cell Phones for Soldiers program. Each phone donated to the program equates to an hour of talk time for soldiers abroad. Teenagers Robbie and Brittany Bergquist from Norwell, Mass., with $21 of their own money, founded Cell Phones for Soldiers. Since then, the registered 501c3 non-profit organization has raised almost $2 million in donations and distributed more than 500,000 prepaid calling cards to soldiers serving overseas.
Guests who donate used phones at the B Connected Club at Sam’s Town between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. on November 24 will receive a coupon for a free hot chocolate, courtesy of Java in the Park, a beverage perfect to enjoy while perusing the holiday themed displays.
The winter display, a classic began many years ago, consists of many elements: a majestic wolf howling at the moon, and two fishing polar bears coming to life in their snowy surroundings. Like in the Western snowy mountains, snow floats from the sky capping the waterfall and mountain range. All the while, light images and shooting water dance to traditional holiday music including “Frosty the Snowman,” “Let It Snow” and “The Nutcracker,” placing guests in the middle of a magical winter wonderland experience in the heart of the Boulder Strip.
The free 15-minute winter show will take place at 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. nightly.
For further information on Mystic Falls Winter Wonderland, visit www.samstownlv.com. For further information on the Cell Phones for Soldiers program, visit www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com.
THIS AND THAT QUICKLY:
A good friend left us this week. Breck Wall, who for many years produced the World Famous “Bottoms Up Revue,” in just about every hotel and casino on the Las Vegas Strip and downtown passed away on Monday. But, he was more than just a producer and a funny guy, Wall was a friend to just about everyone. He had a lifetime partner who preceded him, but the two guys were like butter to bread: they were friends first and respected each other to the very end. Breck loved to have huge parties, and anyone who was anyone, would show up and celebrate something (he would create an idea for a party out of the air) in his home and huge backyard. We didn’t see him much over the past few years, as he was dealing with a terrible illness that eventually took him from us. He is now at peace, which he long ago earned. I have deliberately not discussed his connections with Jack Ruby and those stories. That has been written to death. Farewell good friend and have peaceful journey.
The Corner Gallery in Boulder City has its Christmas tree up and awaiting decorations. Christina Frausto, who operates the gallery, has invited everyone to particapate in decorating the tree with their personal and hand created ornaments. Frausto will also have some very small canvases, with wiring, for anyone to take home and create something unique for the tree. The canvasses can be purchased for $3. When you’re happy with your creation, bring it back to the gallery and it’ll be hung on the tree.
On December 12, the gallery will hold a “Holiday Sing-A-Long,” with Michael Miele, a local singer, leading the songs. Hot mulled cider will be served. For further information call Christina at (702) 501-9219.
Well, gang, that’s about it for this week. I hope you have a wonderful Turkey Day, I know I will, as I spend it with my daughter, Lisa and her husband, Randy, and my grandkids, Mathew, Monika and David, and my great granddaughter, Imani. I’m outa here!