Posts tagged ‘rio’

Drinking with the Dems on Election Night in Las Vegas

November 5th, 2008

obama_shirts

Avoiding Election Day results in this age of information overload and constant connectivity isn’t an easy task. My plan was this: Avoid polling results until I got to the Nevada Democratic Party Election Night bash at the Rio All-Suites Hotel. I wanted to be surprised, I wanted to get caught up in the moment, I didn’t want to emotionally rise and fall throughout the hours leading up to the eventual declaration and concession.

I did pretty well. At about 5 p.m., an hour after polls closed on the East Coast, a friend started to tell me how many electoral votes were called for Sen. Barack Obama. I shut her up quickly. When I got home, I avoided radio and internet, going straight into the kitchen to make dinner and absorbing no more information beyond a 20-year-old comic book. Before leaving for the Rio, I logged onto Twitter to announce my destination. And that’s when I caught the page full of tweets relaying the news that Ohio had been called for Obama. That could have been the end right there.

Driving in my car on surprisingly quiet streets, Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) was being interviewed on NPR. This is a man who helped lead the Civil Rights Movement, who marched right along with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who was beaten by a white mob in his youth. Listening to him talk brought the first of a number of tears last night to my eyes.

obama_tieI submitted a request for credentials to the party at the Rio’s Pavilion meeting rooms, but ended up not needing any. This celebration was open to the public, and boy, did the public turn out. Say what you will about party politics, but one thing I’ve noticed in attendance at both Obama rallies and this Election Night party is that the Democratic base is the definition of diverse: All colors, ages, creeds, sizes, shapes and abilities were represented in the Brasilia Ballroom. This is what America looks like.

A giant screen projected a live broadcast from MSNBC, while smaller, flat screen monitors scattered throughout the massive ballroom displayed live reports from Fox News, CNN and the like. One section of the room was specifically designated for the hearing, mobility and sight impaired, complete with sign language interpreters and handicap accommodations. Cash bars were well distributed throughout the room, and a decent appetizer buffet set behind the press riser fed a hungry line all night.

There were important local and state races all around, including two U.S. Congressional seats, a number of State Assembly seats and a County Commission opening. But it was obvious why the party was flooded with people – obvious by their T-shirts, buttons, signs, accessories and banners: Last night was all about Barack Obama. Every time the giant screen displayed another winning state called for Obama, the crowd cheered. Actually, the crowd may have just cheered every time someone bought a drink. It was hard to tell. The sheer jubilance in the room was energizing.

But that feeling of anticipation I’d hoped for was all but impossible to attain. I arrived just a little after 7 p.m., and already Obama had 207 votes to Sen. John McCain’s 130 or so. And polls had still not closed on the West Coast. At about 7:30, I remarked to a friend that this thing would be over by 10 p.m. I should have put money on that.

Somewhere about 8:30, a Democratic Party official climbed behind the podium on the stage beneath the giant screen to make an announcement: The room was at capacity – those who were present needed to stay there, and no more folks were being let into the Brasilia Ballroom. Already an overflow room across the hall was being used. And then, as the speaker was talking mundanely about which restrooms for guests to use, it happened.

The room erupted. Screams and shouts and claps and cries and tears and hugs. That could mean only one thing, of course. And sure enough, as I peered through the throng of bodies between me and the nearby television, I saw the numbers on screen: Obama suddenly had somewhere in the neighborhood of 287 votes. The West Coast must have reported. It happened so quickly, so suddenly, it almost didn’t feel real. (more…)

Neon Outlook: Halloween 2008 in Las Vegas, Part Two

October 28th, 2008

Jello wrestling
Jell-O wrestling at McFadden’s has nothing to do with Halloween. We just wanted to use the picture. Good costume idea, though, huh?

It seems like mere seconds after we posted our round-up preview of concerts, parties and events that may be worth checking out this Halloween, a whole new batch of Vegas-tastic on-goings appeared. So we’ll forgo the niceties and dive right in. You only have three days left, so make your plans now.

Revolution Lounge at the Mirage: “Pretty in Pink Halloween” featuring resident DJ Minor spinning mash-ups, hip-hop and Top 40. A pretty-in-pink-themed costume contest will find the top five pink ladies walking away with P.I.N.K. vodka gift boxes worth a total of $5000 in cash and prizes. Doors at 10 p.m., complimentary P.I.N.K. vodka for the ladies until midnight. $20 cover for men, $10 for visiting ladies and free for local women.

Rok Vegas at New York-New York: Carmen Electra hosts Rok’s first Halloween bash with her fiancee, former Korn guitarist Rob Patterson spinning a special DJ set.

Adventuredome at Circus Circus: Fright Dome closing night, 7 p.m. to midnight, featuring 23 rides and attractions, Lady Diable and her Xtreme Sideshow, Scare Zones, a stunt show and acclaimed haunted houses.


New York-New York: “Screamers – The Haunted Bridge” turns the hotel and casino’s Brooklyn Bridge replica into a terrifying haunted house. Admission is $20 per person, $15 for hotel guests and open to all ages (children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult). Open from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.

PT’s/Sierra Gold: Second Annual Wicked Costume Contest at 7 p.m., all 36 locations, featuring Bud, Bud Light and Bacardi specials. One winner from each bar will receive $100 cash.

SushiSamba at the Palazzo: “Spooky KaBOOki” Halloween celebration featuring DJ Dracula, free Japanese candy, cocktail and desert specials, and a costume contest with a grand prize trip for two to Miami and dinner at SushiSamba.

McFadden’s at the Rio: Drink with the Devil with free admission for guests in costume, drink specials and a $1000 cash prize for overall best costume, plus bar tabs for “sexiest,” “scariest,” “most Irish” and “dirtiest Devil” winning costumes. $10 for women and $20 for men gets an open bar from 10 p.m. to midnight.

Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay: Haunted Reef from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Open to all ages – children under 12 in costume receive free admission. Guests 17 or older donating at the United Blood Services booth from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. receive complimentary entry as well.

Tao at the Venetian: Third annual Taolloween party hosted by Tera Patrick at 10 p.m. Music by DJs Reach and Hideo.

Neon Outlook: Halloween in Vegas

October 14th, 2008

apocalyptica
Apocalyptica shouts … at itself.

If there is one night of the year in Las Vegas that rivals New Year’s Eve for “Most Ridiculous Number of Events Happening at Once,” it’s Halloween. 2008 is no different. It’s only Oct. 14, and already we’ve been inundated with information on dozens of events being held this Oct. 31. From raves and parties to concerts and costume contests, there simply has to be something out there for you if you find yourself in Sin City this All Hallows Eve. Here’s a round-up of our picks — thus far — in no particular order:

House of Blues: Apocalyptica at 7 p.m. $20-22, all ages.

Jillian’s: Cobra Starship, The Sickest Kids, Hit the Lights and Sing It Loud at 6 p.m. $15-28, all ages.


Jillian’s (Hi Life): Super Martian Robots, Van Nuys and Exit Ghost at 10 p.m. $10, 18-over.

Double Down Saloon: The Dirty Panties, Betting on Tomorrow, The Quitters and Million Kids at 10 p.m. Free, 21-over.

Flamingo Hotel & Casino, Sunset Ballrooms: “Devils Night XI,” featuring 20,000 square feet of dance space, Halloween sets, video screens, massive sound and lights and three separate areas. Mainstage: DJ Irene, Charles Feelgood, The Autobots, Robert Oleysyck, Donovan & Duff and Jayrod vs. CJ Allen. Indie Electro Stage: Le Castle Vania, Computer Club, Mezzy, Teen Wolf, James Demon and Kinekt. D’N’B Area: Gigantor (Evol Intent), Infiltrata & MC Dre, Prime Mover vs. Chuck B, King, Feight with The Specialist and Risky Business. Admission is $38.50 and is open to guests 18 and over (must be 21 to drink). Tickets available at Groovetickets.com.

Voodoo Lounge: “Spellbound Soiree” featuring DJ L-1 spinning hip-hop and house on the patio, V51 performing Top 40 hits live inside and a costume contest with $5,000 in cash prizes. Doors at 7 p.m. $20 ladies, $30 gentlemen, 21-over.

Christian Audigier The Nightclub: Tila Tequila birthday costume party featuring DJ CyberKid. 21-over.

Studio 54: “Nightmare on 54th Street” featuring DJ Jose 2 Hype and a costume contest with more than $12,000 in cash prizes. 21-over.

LAX: Halloween Fright Fest featuring Jonathan Davis of Korn. 21-over.

Risqué de Paris: Halloween Bash presented by Superestrella 92.7, featuring DJ Dave Guzman spinning Latin hits and 2-for-1 Bud Light Lime all night. Doors at 10:30 p.m. $20 (free for local ladies), 21-over.

South Padre (Texas Station): “Heroes and Villians” Halloween party featuring DJ BKNY spinning Top 40 and a super-power themed costume contest from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. $5, 21-over, no masks, full face paint or weapons.

Neon Outlook: Live music in Las Vegas, September 2008

September 4th, 2008


War Stories performs at Revolution Lounge on Sept. 7.

In this edition of the Outlook, we’re looking ahead to shows coming up at McFadden’s Restaurant and Saloon inside the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, Revolution Lounge inside the Mirage Hotel & Casino, Rox Club (5285 Dean Martin Drive) and Jillian’s Las Vegas (450 Fremont St.).

Friday, Sept. 5

Jillian’s: Fletch, A Bird A Sparrow, Love It Or Leave It, Love You Long Time, Hang Em High and Nural at 6 p.m. $10, all ages.

Saturday, Sept. 6

Jillian’s: Rattlehead, Meltdown, 13 Miles, Blatant and The Blood Syndicate at 6 p.m. $10, all ages.
Jillian’s (Hi-Life Lounge): The Robots Guide to Living and North Swell at 10 p.m. $10, 18-over.

Sunday, Sept. 7

Revolution: War Stories and Searchlight at 10 p.m. 21-over.
Rox: Gorilla Productions Battle of the Bands featuring Nirosis, Degratia, Joshua Judges Ruth, The Offcolor, The Bronte Run, Elliot Szabo & The Group, The Krew and Par-A-Digm at 5 p.m. $10-12, 21-over.


Monday, Sept. 8

Jillian’s: Whitechapel, Through the Eyes Of The Dead, Impending Doom, A Different Breed of Killer and The Seventh Plague at 6 p.m. $13-15, all ages.

Wednesday, Sept. 10

McFadden’s: Shy Tree, The Quitters and Rufus Federation at 9 p.m. No cover, 21-over.
Jillian’s: The Rocket Summer, Phantom Planet, The Secret Handshake and The Morning Light at 6 p.m. $15, all ages.

Friday, Sept. 12

Jillian’s (Hi-Life Lounge): The Opera and Alta Revere at 10 p.m. $10, 18-over.

Saturday, Sept. 13

Jillian’s: As He Defeats, The Stript, Think, Val-Halla and When You Wake at 6 p.m. $10, all ages.

Sunday, Sept. 14

Revolution: The Dirty Hearts and Beatmo at 10 p.m. 21-over.

Wednesday, Sept. 17

McFadden’s: Vegas U2 at 9 p.m. No cover, 21-over.
Revolution: The Films at 10 p.m. 21-over.

Friday, Sept. 19

Jillian’s: Bamboo and special guests at 6 p.m. All ages.
Jillian’s (Hi-Life Lounge): The Yeller Bellies and Black Camero at 10 p.m. $10, 18-over.

Saturday, Sept. 20

Jillian’s (Hi-Life Lounge): Random Eye and Cherry Hill at 10 p.m. $10, all ages.
Rox: Gorilla Productions Battle of the Bands Finals featuring As Yet Unbroken, Mr. Mustache, This is My Curse, Slyther, The Second Chariot, Lidine, Valient Til Death, Ellemarr, Van Nuys, Civil Genocide, DarkSpade and Centaur Rodeo at 5 p.m. $10-12, 21-over.

Sunday, Sept. 21

Revolution: Audrye Sessions and What Laura Says at 10 p.m. 21-over.

Wednesday, Sept. 24

McFadden’s: Someday Broken, Lips Like Morphine, The Day After… at 9 p.m. No cover, 21-over.
Jillian’s (upstairs): National Product, 1997, Summit Grove and Almost Normal at 6 p.m. $10-12, all ages.

Friday, Sept. 26

Jillian’s (Hi-Life Lounge): Revolution A.D., Siamese Graffiti and Go Wank The Broom at 10 p.m. $10, 18-over.

Saturday, Sept. 27

Jillian’s: Lagwagon, MxPx, Only Crime and Tat at 6 p.m. $18, all ages.
Jillian’s (Hi-Life Lounge): Neon Trees at 10 p.m. $10, 18-over.

Sunday, Sept. 28

Revolution: The Modern Subject and The Idyllists at 10 p.m. 21-over.