Memorial Day Sparks Moment of Remembrance and Honor

Thousands of American flags covered the lawns Monday afternoon as hundreds of people gathered at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City honor past and present military members. 

Hosted by the Catholic War Veterans, Post 1947 and Auxiliary, the Memorial Day Ceremony was a poignant remembrance and recognition to all those military who sacrifice their lives each and every day.

“I’ve attended five different services today, and each and every one of them, the attendance was spectacular, I think that’s very important and I’m very please that so many of our fellow citizens are joining us today.  This is a day that we pay tribute to our fellow citizens that made the ultimate sacrifice so that the rest of us can be here today. This is the day that we also speak and thank and pray for their family members and loved ones for having making that sacrifice along with their service man or woman and have a hole in their heart for the rest of their lives for their loss for our nation,” said Congresswoman Shelley Berkley.

We are paying honor and tribute to all of these young men and women with so much of their lives ahead of them that went to war and didn’t return with the others. No matter where they’re buried we owe them a great debt of gratitude for our freedoms and the very democracy that we have so much pride in.”

Following the opening invocation by Deacon Stephen Casmus, Chaplain, CWV Post 1947, the Civil Air Patrol Squadrons gave the presentation of colors.

 Chairs filled the chapel at the cemetery and overflowed to both sides of the open patio. People stood outside the doors and lined against the walls as key note speakers gave words of remembrance and gratitude.

Among the key speakers were Senator Harry Reid, Senator Dean Heller, Congresswoman Shelley Berkley, Congressman Joe Heck and Boulder City Mayor Roger Tobler.

“The graves around us, at Arlington and at cemeteries around the world serve to remind us that freedom isn’t free, it has a cost. And I can’t talk about that cost without also asking you to remember our gold star families, who stood strong through adversity, whose resilience, dedication and commitment to their growing hero continues to shine as a beacon through the darkness for the rest of us. We will never truly know the depths of their pain but we should all share in their grief,” said Congressman Heck.

During the course of the hour-long ceremony, each speaker stood up to share personal military stories of friends and family members.

With each new speech that was given more tears came to the eyes of veterans, and loved ones in attendance. Following the speeches each sets of veterans were honored and those who were present, stood up for a brief moment to be recognized. 

Las Vegas resident, Tiffany Ferguson, who had family that served in the military, said she was surprised that one of the most touching sights of the day’s ceremony was seeing the age difference in those showing respect.

“It’s not just the older generations that still come out, it’s a lot of younger generations out supporting,” said Ferguson.

A musical performance of American the Beautiful, Military Medley and This is My Country was performed by the Nevada Opera Theater Chorus and Myron Heaton Chorale and upon closing the ceremony, Phil Esser sang God Bless America.

“Physically I am very broken, but mentally I am so proud that my son was the most knowledgeable and patriotic he was and he died doing what he loved,” said Farideh Ghane, whose son, Alexander Ghane, a graduate of Sierra Vista High School and a Navy Seal, was killed at age 19 during a training practice in 2008.

As the ceremony ended, the crowd parted from the chapel room and went outside to watch as Commander Jimmy Clay led the Joint Firing Honor Guard in a 21-gun salute. The rifle salute was immediately followed by the Buglers Across America playing Echo Taps and the Boulder City Veterans’ Pilot Group performing a missing man formation fly over.

After the ceremony, families and friends of fallen military members wandered the gravesites at the cemetery, paying respect to all those who lost their lives

“The ceremony was very very nice, and very touching,” said Helena Lukac. “My son was a Marine. Every time I see somebody in a Marine uniform I just want to hold him and just to have a look at their faces, I think ‘maybe that’s him, maybe he’s coming, maybe that’s him’ so it’s really – it’s just us still. Through this struggle we really understood, that’s freedom really isn’t free.” Lukac's son John, a Durango High School graduate, was one of nine Marines killed in 2004 when a suicide car bomber attacked their convoy in Iraq.

Roaming from one grave to the next, some visitors took a moment to sit with mourners at gravesites to hear stories of their loved ones and thank them for the sacrifices their families made.

 “I appreciated this so much. What happened here today, it was one family and one unity and I wish that everybody lived like that everyday,” said Henderson resident, Peter Crooymans, who served in the military in Holland and was taken prisoner in Germany for one year. “I’m very happy that I was here today. I saw one big family.”

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Eat Your Heart Out

Tonight’s gourmet event was the Las Vegas Epicurean Affair, held at eh Palazzo Pools. In essence, the event was a perfect combination of social mingling with a tantalizing gourmet coupling.

Put on by the Nevada Restaurant Association, this event includes savory cuisine and cocktails from the city’s top restaurants and chefs prepared their signature creations for a night of pure indulgence.

About 29 beverage hosts and 29 restaurants featured their cuisine and cocktail creations and running from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., attendees were granted plenty of time to make their way to each stop.

As a complete foodie, two hours dedicated to pretty much nothing but eating delectable cuisine was truly a perfect evening.

Upon entering the casino, hundreds of attendees lined the wall inside the casino floors making their way to the event. Joining the crowd, up the elevator to the fourth floor I couldn’t wait for what was in store. As the doors opened and I walked down the hallway the hum of music, the clinking of wine glasses and the chatter of Vegas foodies making their way around the pool decks grew louder, the closer I got.

Ardent lighting hung around the pools and fountains on the outside patio while attendees mingled and ate to their hearts content. DJ booths were set up at various spots around the pool decks providing an upbeat party atmosphere for people to mix to.

Four separate areas of the pool venue were framed with a seemingly endless border of linen lined table clothes and continuous platters of food and drinks.

For the next two hours I walked from one table to the next trying the all the various cuisine that was offered. From sushi, pasta and sliders to cookies, cupcakes and chocolate gnocchi there was plenty of a food variety to choose from. The best part about it, no choosing was necessary. You were encouraged to make your way around the four decks and try one of everything, and for the most part I did try almost everything, with occasional stops for seconds at specific tables.

At the end of the night, my taste buds were happy, my stomach was full and I was very happy I attended the event. It was very laid back and enjoyable and if nothing else…. Two hours of eating and mingling by the pools is always a recipe for a good evening out.

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An Electronic Weekend in Vegas

The Love Festival is raising the bar this year and ready to out-do last year’s record-breaking festival turnout by creating the biggest dance music hotspot for Memorial Day weekend.

This three-day-long festival features the sounds from some of the world’s top DJ’s all at one venue. This year, the festival will be drawing the masses to the Palms Casino and Resort for poolside DJ sets at Palms Pool and Bungalows and indoor nightclub entertainment at Rain.

This year, Go Ventures, one of the largest event production & promotion companies in the US, and Palms Casino and Resort is hosting the return of The Love Festival Las Vegas

Launched in 1992, The Love Festival continues to exceed previous years’ standards as the largest and longest running electronic music festival around, touring through cities including Honolulu, San Francisco, San Diego, Denver, Phoenix and of course, Las Vegas.

Among the 20+ DJs expected to perform at the Festival, is Grammy-nominated artist, Berlin’s Medal of Honor recipient and internationally acclaimed DJ/producer Paul van Dyk.

“Whenever I played in Vegas I have to say I’ve had a really good time. The crowd that’s there is obviously there for partying as much as for actually having a good time and listening to good electronic music so that’s something that works very well with what I do. It’s always exciting,” said Van Dyk.

With his new album, Evolution, ready for release this summer, PvD, as his fans have nicknamed him, has been ranked the world’s number one DJ two different times, by DJ Magazine’s ‘Top 100 DJs” poll.  

“In regards to Evolution, all I can say is that people that know me say that it’s my most personal album, my most intense album and also the best music I’ve ever done. So them saying that already sort of makes me really happy cause they would never actually just tell me something or lie to me so, you know, that makes me feel good obviously,” said Van Dyk. “Most of it will actually be played in Vegas. The biggest chunk of the album is obviously ready. It has a lot of different aspects of electronic music. I always said, electronic music; it’s not just house, its not just techno its not just trance or whatever it all comes from the same source love of electronic music and so this is on the album so is also obviously what is being played on the set and it all basically comes together as one big chunk of energy and electronic power into it.”

Club attendees can be guaranteed that during Van Dyk’s set Sunday evening, killer sounds won’t be the only form of entertainment in the club, as Van Dyk has made it a point to incorporate over the top visual dynamics into his performance as well.

Among his other many accomplishments, his 2003 album, Reflections received a Gammy nomination for best dance/electronic album. Earning recognition isn’t restricted to his on stage performances however; PvD’s off stage work with charity organizations such as ‘Ruckenwind’ a self-started charity for helping poor children in Berlin, won him Berlin’s Medal of Honor.

“Along with the album, there goes a lot of visual elements of what Evolution is all about. I went together with a lot of people that are the best of their arts in terms of space, and light and visual design and so we are bringing all that to Vegas so it’s going to be really interesting and really exciting.

“It’s a very special concept of how LEDs and screens are triggered and put as an example in a very special light design. I’ve worked together with the people that did undoubtedly the best live show of the last two years and I’m talking about Muse. Everybody agrees they’ve done the most phenomenal production on their tour and I talked to these people and they were really up for actually like doing something for me,” said Van Dyk. “I don’t want to stand in front a big LED screen and then you see different kinds of bubbles floating by, so that’s really what it’s about.”

Included in Sunday night’s lineup of DJs, alongside Van Dyk is DJ Reza, Marcus Schossow, TV Rock, LA Riots, Justin Martin and more.

The Love Festival is for music lover 21 years of age or older and runs Friday thru Sunday. Daytime pool events are 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. at the Palms Pool sand Bungalows and nighttime events are from 10 p.m. – 4 a.m. inside Rain.  

For more information on the event and to purchase tickets visit http://www.thelovefestival.com/ to learn more about Paul van Dyk visit http://www.paulvandyk.com/

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Italian DJ Provides Vegas Fan with Some Satisfaction

His beats are known around the world, his 2002 rise to fame came with his chart topping hit single Satisfaction and now he’s back in a Vegas DJ booth and ready to release another hit CD.

Starting out in the days of vinyl spinning, Producer/DJ Benny Benassi started his career in a provincial club in northern Italy, where the club’s resident DJ taught him the ropes.

In an almost over night fashion, Benassi went from working Italian DJ to world-wide club sensation.

“I DJ’d for a decade round clubs in Italy. When “Satisfaction” broke, suddenly I found myself with an international career.”

This Grammy Award winning Italian DJ brought his electro house music to Vegas for a one-night performance at Marquee inside the Cosmopolitan on Friday, May 21.

“I love Marquee. It’s always an exciting gig for me,” said Benassi.

With a new album, Electroman, set to be released on June 7, Benassi says that in some ways, his new album is what he and his cousin Alle Benassi always wanted to do; “apply the big Benassi bass to different styles of vocals and melody from U.K. pop rock to U.S. hip-hop.”

“I think our sound has evolved and there are some really strong melodies and crossover tracks,” said Benassi.

Benassi will be promoting his new album in multiple ways including a U.S. tour.

“There’ll be club shows and festivals. Nothing special, but I will be playing a lot of stuff from the album,” said Benassi.

Benassi wouldn’t reveal if any of his new tracks would be featured prior to his Friday night’s set but from the hints he left with fans and his final over all performance, there is no doubt that his song Satisfaction has been joined with his new tunes in the effort to provide club goers some electro house music to party the night away to.

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Memorial Attracts the Law From Across Nevada

Sounds of bagpipes played in the distance as friends, family and fellow members of Law Enforcement slowly gathered on the lawn. Candles bordered a long black tablecloth draped table where 28 photos rested.

It was a night of respect, a night of honor and mainly a night of remembrance. The annual Southern Nevada Law Enforcement Memorial was held at Police Memorial Park and over two hundred attendees gathered to pay their respects to the 28 pictured officers and their families and friends.

Each year law enforcement officers from across Nevada gather at the memorial during this time of year to honor fellow officers who have died in the line of duty. The memorial is held each calendar week of each year during which May 15 occurs marking the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Day.

“This is the Southern Nevada Law Memorial. Out of respect, law enforcement agencies from across the state come and visit the memorial with us in the ceremony.  Even though we are southern and northern, we are one large law enforcement community,” said Captain Kirk Primas, who has been on the Metro Police force for almost 27 years.  

Attendees were welcomed to the ceremony and the memorial began as a march of honor took place, led by a multi-agency Honor Guard and the families of the fallen officers. 

“I get asked on a regular basis why we do this. I think people think we do this for us for the police officers but we do this for the families that’s why we do this for the families,” said Captain Kirk Primas, who has been on the Metro Police force for almost 27 years.

For the next few minutes, the crowd was silent, as the Honor Guard presented the colors of each branch of law enforcement, a memorial wreath was set and the Rev. Doctor Vincent ONeill gave a solemn invocation.

“It’s a constant reminder what these officers gave to the community, the ultimate sacrifice, they lost their lives and their families have suffered just a great of a loss. It’s a motivator actually for all of us that work today, that there are people that sacrificed for everybody in this community through good and bad times,” said Primas.

As a melancholy silence grew over the atmosphere, Palo Verde High School’s Vocal Infinity Choir quietly sang America the Beautiful and the names and agency of the fallen officers was read aloud.  As each officer’s name was announced, family took the moment to present a white rose in the memorial bouquet that sat at the front of the crowd.

“This is a time for me to show my respect for the fallen officers, for my friends that are on the force, just a small time of respect,” said attendee Greg Pushard, 48.

While no law enforcement members have been added to the memorial wall this year, the memorial serves as a remembrance to those who have given their lives in the line of duty, years prior. From the first memorial honoree, Officer Ernest James May in 1933 to the most recent, Officer Daniel J. Leach in late 2009, 28 officers were honored Thursday evening at the memorial.

“I didn’t know any of them named, but you don’t have to. You just have to come here and honor them and honor the alive ones,” said Pushard.

The memorial concluded with a 21-gun salute, a three plane fly-by overhead and a final song of Hold Me Rock Me. As the Vocal Infinity sang their last tribute song for the occasion, hugs were shared between loved ones in the crowd and tears began to fall.

“I thought it was as moving and as appropriate a memorial service as I have ever attended. It was moving, the speeches were lovely it gave us an opportunity to pay tribute not only to the fallen law enforcement officers but to their families, and to thank them for their tremendous sacrifice and to thank those that are currently serving in law enforcement for the sacrifices they make for the rest of us putting themselves in harms way every day,” said Congresswoman Shelley Berkley, who was in attendance for the entire memorial service.

As the crowd prepared to depart, Metro Police Assistant Sheriff Ray Flynn closed the memorial with one final thought before thanking the crowd for attending; “as you drive home tonight, remember it’s not how they died that we remember them, it’s how they lived their lives.”

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Battle of the Bands Winner Cruzes into Billboard

With their Chevy Cruze’s all loaded up and ready to go, six bands drove into Las Vegas for the opportunity to compete for a moment on stage at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards at MGM Grand.

The initial pool of 18 artists in the competition was selected by Billboard who tracked each band’s online fan engagement; from those 18 the final six remained.

“We wanted to bring the Billboard Music Awards back to Vegas, celebrate every part of music, and we thought what a great forum to use to really bring some undiscovered artists to the table,” said CEO of Prometheus Global Media, Richard Beckman. “We took the top scoring artists from our Billboard Pro platform, created six regions of the country, we put three bands up in each of the regions, a quarter of a million of our readers voted in a two week period of time and the winning six bands we stuck them in these fabulous Chevrolet Cruzers and they drove to Vegas.”

The six bands to perform in the head-to-head battle of the bands were all un-signed and un-recognized bands, each from a different region. Hotels (northwest), AJ Rafael (west), Lightning Love (midwest), Otenki (southwest), Side By Side (southeast), and Gentlemen Hall (northeast) were the six bands all vying for a performance slot on Sunday’s award show.

“I can feel what these kids are going through, I really can. You know Sugar Ray received a lot of lucky breaks to make it happen and hopefully one of these bands will receive one of those breaks tonight,” said Emcee/ lead judge of the event, and Sugar Ray’s lead singer, Mark McGrath.

As one of the hosts of the event, Chevy donated six Chevy Cruzes to the bands, in which, they would document their road trip to Vegas.  Video clips from the bands road trips were uploaded to Billboard’s website where fans racked up page views for their favorite performer. The total page views, in combination with judges results from Wednesday’s Battle of the Bands would ultimately determine which band would be sharing the stage with top musical performers at the awards show on Sunday.

“I really want Billboard to mean music for all levels of music, it’s not just about the big stars, and tonight is a big part of that,” said Billboard Editorial Director Bill Werde. “I’m just really excited, when you are at a place like Billboard and you get to play even a small role in helping talent reach that next level, that’s pretty exciting that’s what it’s all about.”

Crowds flocked under the neon lit ceiling of the Fremont Street Experience Wednesday night, where the bands gathered on stage to battle it out in the musical showdown.

“Tonight shows that no matter how many people slapped us in the face or disrespected us or made us feel like we weren’t good enough, we are, and they can’t take that away from us,” said Joelle Kittrell, of Side By Side.

Over the course of about two hours, each band performed two of their songs in front of a cheering crowd and four judges, led by Sugar Ray’s Mark McGrath.  

“I think it’s great. When I was these kids’ age, being in a new band and trying to get some exposure, a chance like this, a battle of the bands, going toe to toe with some great other musicians for a chance to play live at the Billboard Music Awards Sunday, televised in front of millions of people; my mind is boggling. So to be able to be a part of that to be able to at least be part of the judging contingency, it’s a real honor for me, said McGrath. “I was backstage and the kids today, they’re just a lot cooler than we were. It seemed from the bands eye, that it’s just another gig for them, I don’t know if that’s the best poker face ever…. I’m nervous, they’re not even nervous, and I’m just sitting here judging the thing.”

Each band’s performance was unique and demonstrated their performance and music style. The competition was fierce and the judges’ decision was close, but after the last band’s performance, a decision was made.

With fans each screaming the names of their favorite band, McGrath took the stage, trophy in hand and announced Gentlemen Hall as the winner of the 2011 Billboard and Chevy Battle of the Bands.

“This is pretty much the best day of my life. I know how special these songs are and for everybody to love it as much as we do is so humbling I just cant…I’m on cloud nine; it’s a weird place right now, ” said Seth Hachen of Gentlemen Hall. “Sunday is going to be surreal it’s probably going to be more of a dream than reality. It’s going to be a dream come true.”

The six winning Boston rockers took the stage to claim their trophy and celebratory moment with looks of pure excitement and utter shock spread on their faces.

“It’s amazing I can’t wait to go back home to Boston where everybody’s been supporting us and everybody’s been rooting for us the whole way through, and you know, bring back the bring trophy,” Said Gentlemen Hall’s Gavin McDevitt.

With the competition being over the band gathered together for a moment of admiring their trophy, taking photos with executives from Billboard Music, family and friends and planning what they would do next.

“We’ll be celebrating with friends and family,” said Hachen. “Launch our single, tour, travel around the world, play more music, write more, I mean I don’t know, it’s just going to be a wild ride I think.”

The band of six all met while living in the dorms at Boston's Berklee College of Music, where they were labeled “the Gentlemen down the Hall” in the many disciplinary complaints filed by their resident director for loud jam sessions and late-night parties. Channeling their energy into their music, they formed their synth pop / rock band and in a year’s time have been named MTV’s Best Breakout Boston Artist and the Boston Phoenix's Best New Act of 2010.

Gentlemen Hall will be performing live at the Billboard Music Awards on Sunday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, sharing the same stage as musical acts; Rihanna, the Black Eyed Peas, Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum and Taio Cruz, among many others.

With a couple of days to prepare, McDevitt says the band most likely will perform their song Blush on Sunday at the award show.

“We’ll probably play Blush, but it’s gonna be one of the two we played so if we don’t play Blush we’ll play All Our Love, so it’s one of those two,” said McDevitt.

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Not Your Average Grandma

Laughs, sarcasm and politically incorrect statements were all in abundance during Saturday night’s humor ridden show at Big Al’s Comedy Club inside the Orleans.

“I’m really happy with this club it’s beautiful,” said Grandma Lee.

The 200-seat theater was nearly full of audience members ready for an evening of comedic entertainment.

“The venue here, it’s fantastic; it’s really great to see them put together a comedy club of this stature. There’s a lot of production value,” said comedian Mark Minguey.

Before headliner Grandma Lee took the stage, multiple opening acts got the crowd prepared for the non-stop laughs that were soon to come. Included in the opening act lineup were stand up routines by MC, Corey Sweeney and comedians Anthony Padilla, Carly McMenoman and Minguey.

After four back-to-back routines with opening comedic acts, 76-year-old Grandma Lee took the stage. Before the crowd even had a chance to quiet their applause, her biting wit sent the audience into a frenzy of laughter.

After losing her husband to cancer in 1995, Lee began attending comedy workshops to deal with his passing. Since then, she has been taking comedy’s center stage around the country and at age 75, she was a finalist on America’s Got Talent contest.

One of her jokes on Saturday night reflected on her sunny outlook on life:

“I always try going through life with a positive attitude, look on the bright side of shit. Went with my neighbor a while back to visit her grandmother, her grandmother had just had her leg amputated. And they’re sittin’ around all sad. I looked at that grandmother and I said, you know what, I bet you $5 you can get half price on a pedicure!”

Incorporated into her routine, Grandma Lee told stories of her late husband, kids and friends. Punch line after punch line she sent the crowd into bursts of laughter covering topics such as what it’s like to be a senior, the hilarious things grandkids say, kids today, the news and how to save yourself from awkward foot-in-mouth moments.

Her routine was over 30 minutes long and was full of spunk in a colorful way that catches audience members by surprise at the sight of seeing sweet grandma sitting up on stage swearing, throwing out insults and saying whatever is on her mind.

“Grandma Lee is epic, and she’s still going, she’s still got it and you can’t help but admire that,” said Minguey. 

Grandma Lee took a moment to tell of her favorite part about the lifestyle of a comic and revealed that “it’s great. My favorite part is going to different places and this is my favorite place, Vegas.” 

Being her favorite place, Grandma Lee made it a point to incorporate Las Vegas into her routine with multiple jokes, including one about her first visit to Vegas.

“First time I came to Vegas was in the early 80’s. I came out with my ex-husband. He forgot his glasses. The whole damn time we were here he was playin’ the change machines. Went home with a whole damn bag of quarters, said he broke even.”

After her comedy routines were complete, Grandma Lee closed her show with a poem she wrote, which she said she showcased in Winder, Georgia, two days after the 9/11 incident. Since then she has closed each of her shows by reciting it.

After the performance and the final applauds came to a mute, the comedians greeted audience members by the door, selling their merchandise. Grandma Lee had a table of her routines on her CD called “I’m Just Sayin’”, bobble heads, buttons, pens and magnets.

“Half of the money of all my sales goes to my favorite charity St. Judes, so it’s a worthy cause,” said Grandma Lee.

Grandma Lee will be headlining at Big Al’s Comedy Club through July 2nd. Showtimes are Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 702-365-7075 or by visiting www.orleanscasino.com.

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A True Nevadan

I have lived in Nevada my whole life, as a result I have grown up with certain characteristics of life-styles around me. One thing about growing p in Nevada is you will forget where you were raised, mainly because culture shock, and your response to other people’s reaction will always remind you that you are a Nevadan at heart.

There are two different times you are reminded that you are a Nevadan, those times are: 1. When you visit other states and 2. When you watch people visit Nevada for the first time.

Traveling the world is a huge element of my ultimate career goal, with this underlying goal driving every decision I make, I can say that to date I have visited seven states, and one of them was a mere trip to Disneyworld when I was 4-years-old. Needless to say, I have some significant traveling ahead of me to even make a dent in the amount of traveling I hope to accomplish. Even in my limited amount of travels, there are some things I learned, realized and been looked at rather strangely for.

A Nevadans Response to Anywhere Else & Lessons Learned:

- This whole concept that there is a ‘last call’ in different states is completely foreign to me.

- Steam coming from the middle of the roads is the most entertaining thing to witness.

- The lack of slot machine sound effects is an almost eerie silence.

- If you make any joking references to table games in conversation people will immediately know you are from Nevada.

- If you live in Las Vegas you will always be asked 4 questions when traveling: 1. Do you live on The Strip? 2. Are you a dancer? (If you are female) or Do you know/ go see strippers? (If you are male)  3. WOW, what is that like!?  4. Do you party a lot?

- Fire escapes are probably the coolest thing I am always excited to see.

- If you go to college in Vegas and you mention that in conversation 8/10 times you will get the response “there’s a college in Vegas?!”

- If you try to make any ‘bets’ with people for things they will look at you like you are a rebellious criminal.

- There will always be some crack made about brothels and prostitutes in a conversation as if it is an insult to you.

- If you can shuffle a deck of cards and make a bridge you “know what you’re doing.”

I realize I probably look like I’m from another planet to some by my response to things such as steam and fire escapes but all is forgiven when you mention you are from Nevada.

When others come to Nevada for the first time however, it is incomprehensible how anyone could have gone so long without seeing certain sights.

A Tourists Response to Nevada & Helpful Tips:

- Tourists always want their photo taken next to a slot machine.

- To some, a stretch Hummer or SUV limo is astounding.

- The concept of 24/7 is quickly taken advantage of, even if it’s just running to get an ice cream at 4 a.m. – it’s done just so you can say you did it.

- If you are visiting for the first time and partying – don’t try to drink non-stop until ‘last call’ we don’t even know what those words mean, and you will pass out before you are cut off.

- You aren’t getting the VIP hook-ups when you get into a club for free or with out standing in line… pretty much anyone can get into these places.

- Ladies will save money on food, entertainment and drinks when they come to Vegas – Guys, you will loose money.

- When you get lost, using phrases like “it was the tall building”, “it had a lot of lights” and “It’s the really cool casino on the strip” won’t help anyone with finding your hotel for you.

- Tourists are always surprised when they don’t have to pay for parking and get free refills.

- Most Nevadan locals don’t gamble or party, we only do that now, because you’re our friends and are in town.

- Yes, there probably is a brothel someplace relatively nearby.

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San Gennaro Feast Attracts the Crowds

Once the aromas of fresh pizzas, kabobs and Italian sausage fill the air, heat is no longer an issue. Over the course of five days, hundreds of locals and tourists pack into the parking lot, which hosts the annual San Gennaro Feast.

“We are here every year. The best part about this event is all the different people it brings out,” said Patricia Kennedy, NY.

San Gennaro never made headlines during his lifetime, but now, this name of the once bishop of Benevento, Italy and Patron Saint of Naples, is known around the world in the annual tradition of feast and entertainment.

This religious holiday – turned- anticipated food festival kicked off at the Silverton Casino and Lodge on Wednesday and will continue to bring out the crowds for food and fun through Sunday.

“This is our first year here, and so far it’s pretty cool, I like it. The sausage and marinara, it was really good,” said Troy Gravatt, 19.

Food isn’t the only appealing attraction at the feast, in addition to the spotlight stealing homemade foods that are served up each day, other attractions include, an over the top, full-size carnival with rides and games, dozens of retail vendors and a kids petting zoo.

“There’s so much here to do, it’s really nice,” said vendor owner Scott Zhang, Sacramento, CA. “We come here every year and set up, we like it a lot. Weekends are really busy, which is nice. Every year my wife and I come to Vegas and it’s nice we can do a week of the fair here and then we can stay a little longer and vacation. It’s very nice, we really enjoy it. Our favorite part of the festival is the location, we love the casino it is here at.”

For locals, Bryan Dillehay, his wife Ashley and his daughter Eden, this year marks the start of new event to look forward to each year.

“This is our first year coming to this because of our work schedules, but we’ve definitely been pigging out on all the food,” said Ashley Dillehay, Las Vegas. “Even if it’s only for a couple hours, we will definitely be back next year. I know we’ll be craving this food again by this time next year.”

Tickets to the event are $9 for adults and $8 for seniors at the gate. Children shorter than 54 inches tall are admitted free.

Event specials include free carnival rides for mothers on Saturday and free carnival rides for fathers on Sunday.

Gates open at 4 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. on weekends. For more information, visit www.sangennarofeast.com

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Vegas Celeb Guest Plans to Turn It Up

From big screen, to center stage to DJ booth, for 32-year-old Taryn Manning if it’s a form of art, she’s all over it.

Beginning her lifelong passion for music when she young, Manning originally set out on a career path of becoming a professional dancer, but after continuous time spent in the background of artistic acts, she decided center stage is where she wanted to be.

“I knew I was a really good actor and singer. When I was doing backup dancing gigs I was like, wait I can do what those singers are doing, I want to do that,” said Manning. “Me and my brother formed Boomkat and I learned how to play guitar and I was like, I want to be a rock star. Screw all this background dancing crap. It’s not that I feel better than anybody, it’s just, when you are in the background and you know you have a lot of talent, it just kind of drives you more and you want to be in the forefront.”

It was then, in 2003 that Manning and her brother Kellin combined their musical talents and passions and formed the band Boomkat, whose music made the top Billboard hit list and was featured in multiple blockbuster movies.

“Boomkat’s music a lot more experimental and less mainstream so it’s really my outlet to just play whatever the heck I want. It’s not meant for radio it’s very just, making music for the love of making music, where as with this record and all my new stuff coming out, it was really designed for the club and international and for people to have fun and smile,” said Manning

With the music industry giving them a run for their money, Kellin decided to take a break from the group for a while, Manning however, decided it was her time to keep up the pace and embark on a solo career.

“My bro wanted to take a break from everything, and I’ve just proceeded to keep moving forward cause I can’t really take that time and take that break. Boomkat, we had a really good run and I really enjoyed it and I just wanted to keep the train moving while my brother takes a break,” said Manning. “I ended up riding a really amazing solo endeavor, so I’m just going to take some time to push this out.”

Her new single, Turn It Up, is an electro-pop track hit iTunes May 11 and is being offered as a free download on her website until May 10.

“Turn it Up! is really just a fun kind of jam. It doesn’t have a lot of deep meanings, and that’s the whole point of it, it’s kind of just a good summertime jam,” said Manning. “I just think the world is so corrupt and dark right now I wanted to put out some material that was really light and kinda easy to wrap your head around and not think about and just dance and smile.”

Singing isn’t the only solo career Manning partook of in the arts industry. Since 2000, Manning has continued to pursue acting roles in major movies such as; 8 Mile, Crossroads, Hustle & Flow, A Lot Like Love and Cold Mountain as well as roles in television shows such as Melrose Place, Law & Order: SVU and Sons of Anarchy.

“I really enjoyed my role I did with Law and Order, that was really fun and exciting ‘cause it was just a guest star role, and I’ve done several in my career, I just loved the role and I put my heart and sole into it and I then I found out I was going to be put up for an Emmy. I haven’t gotten the official nomination, but I’m up for an Emmy, I’m so excited. I was really, really, really excited about that. I’ll probably find out in a couple weeks or so, so fingers are crossed,” said Manning.

With acting and music in her blood, her musical and artistic talents don’t stop there. In an effort to push her own music, Manning decided it was time to give it a shot in the DJ booth.

“I’m not some crazy amazing DJ, I’m not a full time DJ it’s not my 100% love so I don’t want to take anything away from other DJs who this is their life, I mean I DJ almost like I play guitar, it just showcase really my music, and I’ve lucked out and hired to do some incredible events because I’m good at it, so it’s all really fallen into place organically,” said Manning. “I wanted to get back into DJ-ing to kinda push my own songs. It just stems from wanting to showcase my own stuff and then it’s really fun to do.”

Showcasing her DJ skills in Vegas, Manning will be the headlining DJ at Blush at the Wynn this Saturday night.

“I’m really looking forward to my performance, I’m really excited to be performing at the Wynn at Blush I think it’s a beautiful hotel and just to see how everybody receives my set,” said Manning. “I’m bring out a group of friends and were going to have a blast together. It’s my single kick off slash summertime kick off for my friends. “

To download her new hit song Turn It Up, find upcoming tour dates and find out what Manning and Boomkat have in store visit TarynManning.com.

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9 1/2 Weeks and I'm Left Wondering......

Hollywood has already released their version of 9 ½ weeks, and to clarify, this 9 ½ weeks is nothing like that. This is 9 ½ weeks is how far I am into my project of continuous dance class variety.

While I may not be skilled in the art, I can say for a fact that I am significantly further along than when I first started this endeavor. Through the little exposure I have had with a variety of dances, I can see where years of practice can turn anyone into a skilled, graceful performer. As a nine-week-old dancer, there is one thing I can honestly say is my biggest question I pose to professional dancers; how the heck do you do it!?

Not the moves, not the memorizing of the choreography, not the routines, but how do you keep up the energy? It has been nine weeks of working, dancing, working and more dancing and let me tell you, I’m exhausted, and that’s even with occasional weekends off and a week-long pause.

Before each dance class begins, as I’m packing up a bag and getting ready to grab my car keys to head to the studio, exhaustion hits and for a moment I sit contemplating whether I want to go to dance or take the hour and sleep. Nine times out of ten I push through, get in the car, yawn my way into the studio and the minute the music starts I’m wide awake and happy I went, but boy is it a struggle. Is this just me and my crazy non-stop schedule, or do all dancers go through the temporary moment of laziness and exhaustion that they must plow through with full force to take on the next dance class?

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Lining Up to Samba

Side steps, forward steps, box steps and turns tonight consisted of two hours of dancing in heels to the various tunes of Samba and Party Line Dancing, and if I learned anything at all it’s that heels aren’t the smartest things to dance in.

The evening began with an hour lesson in Samba, a dance that requires some hop and bend in the knees and promises that if you have a sense of rhythm, you will catch on rather quickly.

As we learned the dance steps to this dance, the one thing I found my self struggling with was preventing myself from dancing away quickly to the tunes and staying in step with the slower counts, that and trying not to loose my footing and slide all over the floor. Apparently, not only are heels uncomfortable to dance in, they are also have absolutely no tread what so ever. 

 

Despite my struggles with traction and pace, Samba proved to be very fun and easy to get into.

The second dance for the night was a new one being offered at the studio; party line dance.  While slowly learning the steps to this line dance, the evening’s dance instructor, Angel, provided the group with the most helpful information I have ever been told when it comes to dance; don’t think about it.

If you’ve never heard of party line dancing, the best way I can explain it is, imagine the Cha Cha and a country line dance remixed together and combined with upbeat, fast paced Merengue-style of music. If it sounds confusing, that’s because, if you are anything like me and the first time I tried to keep up with the pace of the music the only thoughts going through my head were A. try not to slide all over the floor and B. don’t get tied in a knot and trip on your own feet. That is where the words of wisdom came in: don’t think about it. The minute I would stop thinking about the dance I was keeping up with the pace and perfectly in step, that is of course right until I’d start thinking again and be completely thrown off and immediately get lost.

All in all, tonight’s dance lessons were a success and I learned three important things to remember; first, don’t wear heels when dancing. Second, don’t think and thirdly, right when you think you know a dance by heart, you will be asked to turn away from the mirror and just like that, every single move will escape your mind.

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Osama bin Laden's Death Brings Celebration to the Streets

Nine years and seven months ago America united together in pain and sorrow at the 9/11 attacks.

As a horrified nation began to rally together, plans for justice and revenge stewed in the hearts of the country.

Initiated by President George W. Bush, the war on terror and fight for justice spread throughout the Middle East. Osama bin Laden, founder of the jihadist terrorist organization al-Qaeda, responsible for the 9/11 attacks was the target subject of the military efforts for over nine years.

May 1, celebration erupted over Internet social media sites, as word of bin Laden’s death made headlines.

In a dramatic announcement at the White House, President Barack Obama declared, “Justice has been done,” and so the country united once more, in remembrance and celebration.

The mastermind behind a country’s harvested fear was extinguished and fear was replaced with relief and enthusiasm.

Ground zero celebration of Osama bin Laden's death.

“The U.S. pledged it would hunt down and kill Osama Bin Laden for the crimes he committed and nearly a decade after the tragedy of September 11, justice has been served. This is a tremendous victory for America and a promise kept to the families of the 9-11 victims,” said Congresswoman Shelley Berkley.

For months, bin Laden’s suspected location was monitored. On Sunday, a small team of U.S. Navy Seals attacked in a helicopter raid on bin Laden's two-story compound in Abbottabad and killed Osama bin Laden during a firefight.

After bin Laden was killed in the raid his body was retrieved. U.S. officials said the body would be handled in accordance with Muslim traditions, which include strict rules on burial taking place within 24 hours after death. Unwilling to have the remains on Kingdom soil, U.S. military buried the body at sea.

“This is the most significant victory in our fight against al Qaeda and terrorism, but that fight is not over. We will continue to support our troops and the American civilians who are fighting every day to protect our homeland.

Within minutes of the news of bin Laden’s death, thousands gathered in the streets across the country, cheering, clapping and waving American flags.

Celebration outside the White House

“Nine-and-a-half years ago, Osama bin Laden masterminded the horrific attacks against the United States that killed nearly 3,000 people. As we remember those who were killed on that dark day in September and their families, we also reaffirm our resolve to defeat the terrorist forces that killed them and thousands of others across the globe. Because of courageous Americans in our military and intelligence community, their leader is now gone,” said Senator Harry Reid.

Click here to view video footage taken by Andrew Seaman, of the celebrations taking place at ground zero.

While this is seen as a victory for America and justice for 9/11, I would be very interested to hear your thoughts on the mass celebration as the result of an individuals death. Leave some comments, leave your opinions and post your thoughts.

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