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Bally’s theater gets makeover

Same theater. New name.

In a nod to a growing relationship, the former Palace Theater at Bally’s Atlantic City has now become the Legends in Concert Theater.

The name is just the first part of the partnership with the folks responsible for Legends in Concert. The show and Bally’s signed a multi-year deal to work together.

The theater got a makeover with all new seats, more comfortable booths and cocktail tables. Several memorabilia walls from its nearly 30-year long history will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

Bally’s will also begin celebrating Legends in Concert’s new long-term home by extending the entertainment onto the casino floor with the debut of a ‘Dealer-tainer’ themed gaming pit, including wardrobes furnished from the show’s extensive costume department. Other Bally’s personnel, including theater staff, front desk employees and food service wait staff will periodically appear in costume as well.

“We’ve elevated Bally’s as an entertainment and nightlife destination with worldclass boxing and Blue Martini, and now to have a show of the Legends caliber integrated throughout speaks volumes about where we’re headed,” said Don Marrandino, Eastern Division president for Caesars Entertainment. “2011 was a big year for Legends and Bally’s, and with this newfound partnership, 2012 guarantees to be even bigger.”

The 2012 edition of the stage show spectacular, which features live recreations of yesterday’s and today’s hottest superstars, is backed by a live orchestra and dancers.

The award-winning show will present five

IF YOU GO Legends in Concert plays the Legends in Concert Theater at Bally’s Atlantic City, Boardwalk and Park Place. Show times are 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays; 7:30 p.m. Sundays; 7:30 and 10 p.m. Saturdays, and a special matinee at 3 p.m. each Wednesday. Tickets are $32.50 and can be purchased at www.ballysac.com, the theater box office, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling (800) 736-1420.

‘Legends in Concert’ cast members Dan Meisner, aka Jake Blues, and Russ Peterson, aka Elwood Blues, take their favorite superstars to the newly named theater in Bally’s. PHOTO PROVIDED different lineups during each year, including many new acts. The current performers pay tribute to Tina Turner, The Blues Brothers, Liza Minnelli, Ray Charles and Elvis Presley through May 17.

A new set for the production and summer lineup kicks off May 25, featuring tributes to Whitney Houston, Adele, Justin Timberlake, Bobby Darin, Marilyn Mon-

roe and Elvis. This performance goes to July 11. A third show launches July 12, with a cast of characters who play Jimmy Buffett, Cher, Barry White, Houston, Adele and Elvis. That show runs through Sept. 2.

“We are honored to be invited to bring our show back to Atlantic City and begin our 21st season in the market, with an array of unique commitments from Bally’s to

improve and extend our fans’ experience,” said Brian Brigner, chief operating officer for On Stage Entertainment, producers of the show. “There is no better venue for our production in Atlantic City than the intimate and renovated Legends in Concert Theater and we look forward to this extension of our longtime relationship with Caesars Entertainment.”

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What’s in store

Ocean colors are a good bet for spring. Set your sights on bebe’s turquoise sequin sparkle dress, perfect for clubbing, at The Pier Shops at Caesars. PHOTO PROVIDED

Think of a pink dress as spring’s little black dress. Accessorize accordingly. PHOTO PROVIDED

Find fashion’s hottest spring trends in A.C.

By WILLIAM SOKOLIC Courier-Post Staff

Yellow, pink and red are the hot colors in fashions found in Atlantic City’s shops this spring.

Color blocking — different colors combined to support and compliment each other — is a spring trend, said Vanessa Lachey, fashion authority for Tanger Outlets, which owns The Walk.

“Use blocks of bold colors to showcase your best assets,” Lachey said.

Even a store like White House Black Market, which specializes in those two colors, has introduced reds this year, said Diane Spiers, a spokesperson for The Quarter at Tropicana.

The parade of brightness is not limited to women, said Cindy Christy, general manager of Brooks Brothers in the Quarter at Tropicana. For men, bright colored polos and colored shorts are in, she said.

The idea is to match shirt and shorts with a lot of bright primary colors, like yellows and reds.

“It seems to be what men are looking for. Also, the madras pattern is coming back,” Christy said. In the Tommy Bahama line, the clothing offers a more casual look that tends to use more solids, more colors.

But it’s not all about heat. There’s cool green, teal and turquoise.

Turquoise inspires thoughts of soothing, tropical waters, said Vicki Weiss, marketing director for The Pier Shops at Caesars. She suggests setting your sights on bebe’s turquoise sequin sparkle dress, perfect for clubbing.

A short-sleeved rolled mini dress in green, teal or coral expects to draw raves at Scoop NYC in the Pier Shops. And the Missoni Monterey V-neck caftan is a great look for a day at the beach.

Rag & Bone’s layered color block dresses are available at Scoop NYC. The layered style and watery hues give off an oceanic vibe, perfect for the Jersey Shore, Weiss said.

“Pink is real in. Green, too. That goes for women and also men’s wear,” said

A road trip through American music

Ruth Wyand covers 150 years of song on Sunday

By WILLIAM SOKOLIC Courier-Post Staff

In the years just prior to the Civil War, Stephen Foster wrote a song that spoke of the plight of the less fortunate, “Hard Times Come Again No More.”

More than 150 years later, the song still resonates. Bob Dylan, James Taylor and Bruce Springsteen (who performed it on his 2009 “Working on a Dream” tour) are among the contemporary artists who’ve covered it.

Such longevity speaks to why Atlantic City native Ruth Wyand included the song among those she covers in her expansive multi-media “American Music Highway Show.”

The show, playing Sunday at Dante Hall Theater of the Arts, crosses 150 years of American music from the Civil War to the present. Wyand performs compositions of W.C. Handy, Billie Holiday, Hank Williams, Jimi Hendrix and Bob Dylan, among others. In addition to her singing, the concert features musician portraits, performance photos and other artifacts.

The singer-guitarist also injects humorous anecdotes and other stories of the composers who have made up America’s musical and cultural history.

“These songwriters set the pace for our musical heritage. It marked the beginning of country, blues, jazz, rock ’n’ roll. These are the people who started these genres,” Wyand said from her

Jane Kirwan, retail store manager for Signatures, a new Tropicana-owned store. Signatures offers a wide variety of clothing for men and women from Columbia Sportswear, Calvin Klein and Michael Kors as well as a full line of Tommy Bahama apparel.

New women’s casual wear features dresses with soft knits, sleeveless dresses, with sweaters over the top, Kirwin said.

Tangerine, which flatters most skin tones, is popular and is Pantone’s color of the year. Tiffany & Co. offers its Lyn Clutch in tangerine.

Accessories share the clothing trends by featuring bold handbags and statement shoes. Again yellow and pink are the in colors. Throw in a pop of yellow to update any look. And on a less casual look, pink dresses replace black as the thing to wear, Lachey said.

Even Tiffany & Co. introduces handbags and accessories in a brilliant color palette. Inspired by the world’s legendary getaways — orange sunsets on the Riviera to pristine white sails on the Mediterranean — the collection is “perfectly tailored for a day or weekend jaunt,” said Tiffany McCauley, group director for Philadelphia, Tiffany & Co.

home in Kill Devil Hills, N.C. The genesis of Wyand’s musical history tour harkens back to a show she did in North Carolina. Audience members questioned her about the origins of the selections. That audience included someone from the Kuwaiti embassy, who asked if Wyand would put together a show around the musical history of the U.S. In 2010, she went to Kuwait and performed the show before embassy workers and Kuwaitis as a part of the State Department’s Cultural Exchange Program.

Born and raised in Atlantic City, Wyand has toured throughout the U.S., U.K., New Zealand, Kuwait, Bermuda, Mexico and France as a solo guitarist and singer. With family still in the area, she returns to the Atlantic City area every six to eight weeks.

This event is co-sponsored by the Tun Tavern in Atlantic City. Save your ticket for a Meet & Greet with Wyand and enjoy half-price appetizers, $2 pints of hand-crafted beers, $1 off all wine by the glass and $1 off cocktails.

IF YOU GO Ruth Wyand performs her ‘American Music Highway Show’ on Sunday at Dante Hall Theater of the Arts, Mississippi and Arctic avenues. Show time is 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at www.ticketleap.com or (609) 347-2167.

For those with culinary curiosity ...

Phillips starts spring cooking series Saturday

By WILLIAM SOKOLIC Courier-Post Staff

At Phillips Seafood Atlantic City, those with a culinary curiosity can join Executive Chef Paul Drew for “Cook, Crack & Eat,” a series of seafood classes designed to help unlock the secrets of the trade.

Guests enjoy an afternoon of learning, laughing and lingering over a hands-on demonstration.

The first of three spring classes begins Saturday with a focus on tapas-style food.

May 12 features Clam Bake for Two, and June 9 is Summertime Entertainment.

Classes run two-and-a-half hours and have an upper limit of around 25 people.

“We do it in the front of the restaurant.

I like it to be cozy and fun,” Drew said.

Drew demonstrates each item. Then the same food is brought out from the kitchen so everyone can have a taste.

There is the occasional hands-on participation, but Drew prefers to play it safe and show guests how to make it while giving out a recipe for each dish.

The cooking is done on a Forman Grill with a propane burner.

“I want to show that food can come off any piece of equipment. It’s about the passion of cooking, not the equipment. People put twists on recipes. They try different ingredients. That’s how chefs become creative,” said Drew, a British import who came to America in the 1980s.

SPRING SCHEDULE

TAPAS, Saturday Tapas is about appetizers and smaller, bite-size items. Chef Drew demonstrates how to prepare tuna and olive crostini; herbed goat cheese and prosciutto; shrimp-filled zucchini; and mussels with ham, peppers and tomato, just to name some of the exotic recipes.

CLAM BAKE FOR TWO, May 12 Learn how to shop, select and whip up one-pot meals featuring whole Maine lobsters, snow crab legs, shrimp, clams, mussels, potatoes and corn on the cob.

Drew teaches how to steam and grill clams, and how to poach lobsters ahead of time rather than just steaming them.

Enjoy a glass of wine and a clam bake.

SUMMERTIME ENTERTAINING, June 9 Watch how to make chilled fruit gazpacho soup, party hoagie dip, filet of beef sliders, tuna burgers and grilled Peruvian shrimp. This class includes entrees, dressings, rubs, hors d’oeuvres and more.

IF YOU GO ‘Cook, Crack & Eat’ is Saturday, May 12 and June 9 in front of Phillips Seafood, The Pier Shops at Caesars, One Atlantic Ocean. Classes begin at 11:30 a.m. The cost for one class is $65 per person, which includes the chef demo, wine, lunch and a swag bag. Sign up for the series for $175 and save. To register, call (609) 348-2273.

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‘X’ bar marks the spot Like other casinos, Harrah’s Resort presents visitors with an array of entertainment options. The Concert Venue parades headliner acts. Eden Lounge features live bands. The Pool After Dark brings out celebrity DJs. And there’s Xhibition Bar, which fills a void on the casino floor, relying on DJs to create a party atmosphere. But Xhibition Bar has also enjoyed the overflow from some of the Pool’s events, said Howard Weiss, regional director of nightlife operations, strategy & development for the Eastern Division, Caesars Entertainment.

And because of its location on the casino floor, the bar allows smoking and gambling.

The lounge is being touted as a place to stop before and after The Pool, or before or after dinner.

“It has that lounge feel. You can play slots, listen to a DJ,” Weiss said. “We think we’re one of the top center casino bars in the market. We try and make it feel different.

It’s a more relaxed experience. You can have a drink or two and still have bottle service. We have a cocktail menu and specialty drinks, such as Xhibition Bar mojitos.”

The club focuses on a smaller version of bottle service, where groups of people can enjoy a bottle of wine, champagne, even beer, sometimes available in smaller bottles than usual.

Such service is a step up from ordering by the drink at the bar.

“You don’t have to worry about going to the bar for a drink. You have your own server. And you save some money for large groups,” Weiss said.

Smoking is key in this 24-hour bar. “It differentiates ourselves from other bars.”

As for the entertainment, Xhibition Bar is more of an ultra lounge with mash-up club music, Weiss said.

“We interchange a lot of the DJs,” he said.

There’s a stringent audition process to determine the right DJs. Weiss looks at press kits, interviews candidates and considers style of music and room size.

“If a room holds 3,000, the DJ has to get the crowd amped up. It’s easier in a small room like Xhibition Bar.”

Clutch doesn’t strive for rock god status. These guys are happy to make a living playing music with their friends and to evolve as a band. PHOTO PROVIDED

Can’t put the brakes on Clutch The Holy Grail for rock bands is to play sold-out stadiums and evolve into millionaire rock gods.

Count Clutch out of that game. So says drummer Jean-Paul Gaster, one of four schoolboy friends who created the Maryland-based rock group.

“Here I am 20 years later making a living playing with my friends. We don’t take ourselves too seriously. We appreciate every person who comes to see us,” Gaster said in a phone interview in advance of their Saturday show at the House of Blues. Hellyeah is also on the bill.

Clutch formed in 1990 with Gaster, Neil Fallon on vocals, rhythm guitar and keyboards; Tim Sult on lead guitar and backing vocals; and Dan Maines on bass and backing vocals.

To date, Clutch has released nine studio albums, and several rarities and live albums. The guys now own their own label, Weathermaker, which is re-releasing some of their earlier material.

Each Clutch album is marked by a distinct and cohesive sound. The musi-

IF YOU GO Clutch performs Saturday at the House of Blues, 801 Boardwalk. Show time is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 to $35 and can be purchased at the House of Blues box office, Ticketmaster locations, Ticketmaster.com or (800) 736-1420.

cal style of the band has migrated from heavy metal and hardcore punk to hard rock. The band has also integrated funk influences into their rock sound, as well as blues in recent years.

The band expects to be back in the studio this summer.

“We took some time off from touring in the last few months, which is rare for us. We carved out some time to record and write new songs. We’ll do the same in June. We have a nice catalogue of material, and we’ll record in August.”

The release will be in the first part of next year.

The band is proud of the musical heritage in Maryland and Washington D.C.

“This area has a rich history and spans several genres,” he said.

Key among them is Bad Brains, probably one of the best rock bands that ever existed, Gaster said. The Obsessed, Fugazi and funk bands from D.C. were bands that the nascent Clutch saw in their formative years.

“We spent a lot of time on the road and played instruments. We listened to a tremendous amount of music. It was never something where we sat down and said we should be more bluesy or punk. It happened naturally,” Gaster said.

Gaster gravitated to the drums because he wasn’t good at anything else, he said.

“I wasn’t a good student. I wasn’t very social or good at sports. But rock ’n’ roll spoke to me,” he said. He learned drums at 16 listening to Jimi Hendrix and Black Sabbath.

“I saw Bad Brains in 1989 and it changed my life. To play with that kind of energy, that’s what kicked it off for me.”

THE RESIDENCY

SATURDAY, APRIL 28

Doors Open at 9pm For bottle service, cabana & table reservations, call 609.441.5585

ThePoolAfterDark.com

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ON SALE

GO-GO’s May 12 at Golden Nugget. Tickets, $42.50-$79.10.

CAPITOL/GANNETT

CAKE BOSS BUDDY VALASTRO April 28 at Golden Nugget. Tickets, $39.50-$62.10 NEW JERSEY PRESS MEDIA FILE

JERRY SEINFELD July 14 at Borgata. Tickets, $95-$155, go on sale 10 a.m. April 21.

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE

EVENTS CALENDAR

Sunday, April 22

SHUT UP, SIT DOWN & EAT 9 PM, Borgata >> A Comedy Club special event features Tina Giorgi, Joe Moffa, Chris Monty and Eric Tartaglione in The Music Box. $25 LEGENDS IN CONCERT 8 PM, Bally's >> The best tribute artists return. $32.50 EDEN LOUNGE 9 PM Harrah’s >> Shorty Long and the Jersey Horns rock the room.

GYPSY BAR 8:30 PM Borgata >> Lost in Paris perform in this eclectic setting with all manner of tequila.

RUSH LOUNGE 8 PM, Golden Nugget >> Doug Jennings performs in this intimate lounge.

Thursday, April 12 LEGENDS IN CONCERT 8 PM, Bally's >> The best tribute artists return for another stand in The Palace Theater. $32.50 GYPSY BAR 10 PM Borgata >> Please Please Me plays in this eclectic setting noted for its tequila selections.

XHIBITION BAR 10 PM Harrah’s >> DJ Ed Smooth provides the musical entertainment EDEN LOUNGE 9 PM Harrah’s >> Real Diamond, a Neil Diamond Tribute band, rocks the house.

21 BAR@DUSK Caesars >> Live music in this new lounge off the casino floor.

RUSH LOUNGE 8 PM, Golden Nugget >> Drew Stevyens performs in this intimate lounge.

LIVE BAR 8:30 PM, Golden Nugget >> Karma entertains in the lounge.

LUKE PALLADINO’S 8 PM Harrah’s >> Love and Branca play.

Wednesday, April 25

LEGENDS IN CONCERT 3 and 8 PM, Bally's >> The best tribute artists return. $32.50 GYPSY BAR 9 PM Borgata >> Big Bang Duo entertain in an eclectic setting known for its variety of tequilas.

XHIBITION BAR 10 PM, Harrah’s >> DJ Kay Jay provides the entertainment.

EDEN LOUNGE 9 PM Harrah’s >> Rock Star Karaoke with Big Ragu SINDUSTRY WEDNESDAY 10 PM Harrah’s >> The Pool After Dark features featuring DJ Vito G with DJ Ms. Thang RUSH LOUNGE 8 PM, Golden Nugget >> Lisa Bouchelle plays in this intimate lounge.

Friday, April 13

ALL AMERICAN REJECTS 9 PM, Borgata >> Rockers rock The Music Box $29.50 LEGENDS IN CONCERT 8 PM, Bally's >> The best tribute artists return for another stand in The Palace Theater. $32.50 21 BAR@DUSK Caesars >> Live music in this new lounge off the casino floor.

DUSK Caesars >> Global Fridays.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE AT THE POOL AFTER DARK 10 PM, Harrah’s >> Fist Pump Award Celebration Party featuring Earwaxxx & DJ Johnny B. The evening includes a live performance by HARDNOX. Admission starts at $10.

GYPSY BAR 7 PM Borgata >> Screaming Broccoli and Joe Bachman & The Crew rock the house throughout the night.

TOGA BAR 10 PM Caesars >> DJ Ed Smooth plays the music with the Toga Dancers. mur.mur 10 PM Borgata >> Eli Escobar OKs the music for a club that may keep you up all night.

FRIDAY NIGHT SUPPER CLUB 6-9 PM Foundation Room, House of Blues >> Choose from four seatings, a four-course dinner, wine and admission to a live music show at 10 p.m. $50.

EDEN LOUNGE 8:15 PM Harrah’s >> Jeremiah Hunter opens the night with The Loop coming on at midnight.

XHIBITION BAR 10 PM Harrah’s >> Music provided till 5 AM by DJ Vida Ventura and DJ Hannah Red LOBBY BAR 10 PM Bally’s >> Girls Next Door entertain.

HOUSE OF BLUES PARTY PIT 10 PM >> 3 AM rocks with DJ B. Lee on deck from 9 p.m. with dancers as an added attraction.

MOUNTAIN BAR 9 PM, Wild Wild West, Bally's >> DJ Nicky D spins the records. Shorty the Sheriff and Vixens entertain from 10 PM BLUE MARTINI 9 PM Bally’s >> 2Twenty2 rocks the house with DJ Sonatra joining in at 10 p.m.

RUSH LOUNGE 6 PM, Golden Nugget >> Jim Shaw opens up the entertainment followed at 10 p.m. by Please Please Me LIVE BAR 10 PM, Golden Nugget >> The Rockets rock the house.

MIA 10 PM, Caesars >> DJ Lu'AP spins the music.

Saturday, April 14

CAGE FURY FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP 7 PM, Borgata >> Mixed martial arts matches return. $55-$225 LIVE FROM DARYL’S HOUSE 9 PM, Borgata >> Daryl Hall returns to The Music Box with special guests Sharon Jones and Allen Stone. $65 to $75.

BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY 8 PM, Golden Nugget >> Jazz, big band, swing and Dixieland performed by a seven-piece group. $30.46-$41.76 LEGENDS IN CONCERT 7:30, 10 PM, Bally's >> The best tribute artists return for another stand in The Palace Theater. $32.50 CLUTCH AND HELLYEAH, House of Blues >> Two rock bands knock the socks off at the Music Hall.

EPIC SATURDAY AT THE POOL AFTER DARK 10 PM, Harrah’s >> featuring DJ Konflikt and Neil Beats. Admission starts at $20.

DUSK Caesars >> Hip bar features DJs from around the country.

21 BAR@DUSK Caesars >> Live music in this new lounge off the casino floor with DJ Be-Easy until 5 AM. GYPSY BAR 7 PM Borgata >> Garden State Radio performs early, followed by The Benderz.

Thursday, April 26

Mark Friday the 13th by checking out All American Rejects at Borgata. PHOTO PROVIDED MIXX 10 PM Borgata >> Paul Van Dyk provides the music in this bi-level lounge that provides an intimate experience with plush seating and private table service areas. $40 mur.mur 10 PM Borgata >> Samantha Ronson provides the records with Doug Grayson.

PARTY PIT AT THE HOUSE OF BLUES 10 PM >> Total Whiteout rocks with DJ Aiden Scott on deck from 9 p.m. with dancers as an added attraction.

TOGA BAR 10 PM, Caesars >> DJ Patrice McBride spins the music with the Toga Dancers providing the visuals.

AFTER HOURS FOUNDATION ROOM 2 AM, Showboat >> DJ Encore Birthday Bash with DJ Eddie Edge at 10 p.m. Fashion show with Darnell Hicks & Cool Nerds, hosted by Briella Calafiore from Jerseylicious.

SINDUSTRY WEDNESDAY 10 PM Harrah’s >> The Pool After Dark features featuring DJ Vito G and DJ Jason E. RUSH LOUNGE 8 PM, Golden Nugget >> Lisa & Judi play in this intimate lounge.

Sunday, April 15

JOSH TURNER 9 PM, Harrah’s >> Young country singer comes to town. $30-$40 ALISON KRAUSS AND UNION STATION 9 PM, Caesars >> Country and bluegrass in the Circus Maximus Theater $55-$95.

RONNIE WOOD 9 PM, Golden Nugget >> Longtime Rolling Stones guitarist and Hall of Famer rocks the Grand, $56.50-$169.50 BADFISH 8 PM, House of Blues >> Rock band pays tribute to Sublime at the Music Hall. $18 to $25 SHUT UP, SIT DOWN & EAT 9 PM, Borgata >> A Comedy Club special event features Tina Giorgi, Joe Moffa, Chris Monty and Eric Tartaglione in The Music Box. $25.

BARNUM BASH 7 PM, Boardwalk Hall >> Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey brings a contemporary circus. $20-$80 HOUSE OF BLUES PARTY PIT 10 PM >> Split Decision rocks with DJ B. Lee on deck from 9 p.m. with dancers as an added attraction.

LEGENDS IN CONCERT 8 PM, Bally's >> The best tribute artists return for another stand in The Palace Theater. $32.50 EDEN LOUNGE 9 PM Harrah’s >> Shorty Long and the Jersey Horns rock the room.

GYPSY BAR 8:30 PM Borgata >> Lifespeed performs in this eclectic setting with all manner of tequila.

MIXX SUNDAYS 10 PM Borgata >> DJ Scene with Paul Castro provide music in this bi-level lounge with plush seating and private table service areas.

RUSH LOUNGE 8 PM, Golden Nugget >> Doug Jennings performs in this intimate lounge.

21 BAR@DUSK Caesars >> Live music in this new lounge off the casino floor.

Monday, April 16

mur.mur 10 PM Borgata >> DJ Ruckus spins the music with PS-1, $20 RUSH LOUNGE 8 PM, Golden Nugget >> Beth Tinnon performs in this intimate lounge.

21 BAR@DUSK Caesars >> Live music in this new lounge off the casino floor.

EDEN LOUNGE 7 PM Harrah’s >> Quizzo entertains.

Tuesday, April 17

LEGENDS IN CONCERT 8 PM, Bally's >> The best tribute artists return. $32.50 EDEN LOUNGE 9 PM Harrah’s >> Funkybone rocks the room.

Wednesday, April 18

LEGENDS IN CONCERT 3 and 8 PM, Bally's >> The best tribute artists return for another stand in The Palace Theater. $32.50 GYPSY BAR 9 PM Borgata >> Eric & Coop entertain in an eclectic setting known for its variety of tequilas.

XHIBITION BAR 10 PM, Harrah’s >> DJ Kay Jay provides the entertainment.

BLUE MARTINI 10 PM, Bally's >> Latin Night with DJ Diablo and DJ Sorpresa EDEN LOUNGE 9 PM Harrah’s >> Rock Star Karaoke with Big Ragu.

Thursday, April 19

LEGENDS IN CONCERT 8 PM, Bally's >> The best tribute artists return for another stand in The Palace Theater. $32.50 BARNUM BASH 7 PM, Boardwalk Hall >> Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey brings a contemporary circus. $20-$80 GYPSY BAR 10 PM Borgata >> Please Please Me plays in this eclectic setting noted for its tequila selections.

Friday, April 20

Saturday, April 21

AVALANCHE TOUR FEATURING SHINEDOWN 6 PM, House of Blues >> Rockers deliver in the Music Hall. $35-$50 MERLE HAGGARD 9 PM, Harrah’s >> Country legend shows he still can cut it. $45-$65 SMOKEY ROBINSON 9 PM, Caesars >> Legendary Motown singer-songwriter plays his extensive catalog in the Circus Maximus Theater. $55 to $85 SHUT UP, SIT DOWN & EAT 9 PM, Borgata >> A Comedy Club special event features Tina Giorgi, Joe Moffa, Chris Monty and Eric Tartaglione in The Music Box. $25 BARNUM BASH 1 and 5 PM, Boardwalk Hall >> Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey brings a contemporary circus. $20-$80 EPIC SATURDAY AT THE POOL AFTER DARK 10 PM, Harrah’s >> featuring DJ Vito G and James Strzz. Hosted by Dennis Haskins, aka "Mr. Belding." Admission starts at $20.

AFTER HOURS FOUNDATION ROOM 2 AM, Showboat >> DJ Patrice McBride entertains till 2 a.m. That's when the Epiphany Promotions Party kicks in with DJ Vito G and "School's Out." Hosted

by Mr. Belding.

LEGENDS IN CONCERT 8 PM, Bally's >> The best tribute artists return for another stand in Legends in Concert Theater. $32.50 GYPSY BAR 10 PM Borgata >> Please Please Me plays in this eclectic setting noted for its tequila selections.

XHIBITION BAR 10 PM Harrah’s >> DJ Ed Smooth provides the musical entertainment EDEN LOUNGE 9 PM Harrah’s >> Little Deuce Coupe: A Beach Boys Tribute rocks the house.

RUSH LOUNGE 2 PM, Golden Nugget >> Grand Opening with Drew Stevyens Juicy plays at 6 PM and Karma at 10 PM LIVE BAR 8 PM, Golden Nugget >> Grand Opening with DJ Mike James. Don't Call Me Francis plays at 9 PM. LUKE PALLADINO’S 8 PM Harrah’s >> Love and Branca play.

Friday, April 27

MIKE MARINO 9 PM, Borgata >> Sitcom star returns with his stand-up routine in the Comedy Club presentation in The Music Box. $25 THIRD EYE BLIND 9 PM, Golden Nugget >> San Francisco rockers ride on with three best selling albums. $45.20-$62.15.

LEGENDS IN CONCERT 8 PM, Bally's >> The best tribute artists return. $32.50 FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE AT THE POOL AFTER DARK 10 PM, Harrah’s >> featuring DJ Toro and DJ Vito G provide the music. Admission starts at $10.

GYPSY BAR 7 PM Borgata >> The Loop and Split Decision rock the house throughout the night.

TOGA BAR 10 PM Caesars >> VJ Kontrol plays the music with the Toga Dancers providing the visuals. mur mur 10 PM Borgata >> Eli Escobar OKs the music for a club that may keep you up all night.

FRIDAY NIGHT SUPPER CLUB 6-9 PM Foundation Room, House of Blues >> Choose from four seatings, a four-course dinner, wine and admission to a live music show at 10 p.m. $50.

EDEN LOUNGE 8:15 PM Harrah’s >> Sensational Soul Cruisers open the night with Bobby Lynch Band coming on at midnight.

HOUSE OF BLUES PARTY PIT 10 PM >> The Next rocks with DJ B. Lee on deck from 9 p.m.

RUSH LOUNGE 6 PM, Golden Nugget >> Grand Opening with Evolution followed at 10 PM by Second To None LIVE BAR 8 PM, Golden Nugget >> Grand Opening with DJ Mike James. Star 69 rocks at 10 PM

Saturday, April 28

WHOOPI GOLDBERG 9 PM, Golden Nugget >> Whoopi brings her eclectic stand-up to The Grand. $66.67-$89.27 COUNTING CROWS 8 PM, Borgata >> Alt-rockers play "Mr. Jones" and other hits in The Event Center. Sold out.

CAKE BOSS BUDDY VALASTRO 2 PM, Golden Nugget >> Enjoy a day of cakes, stories and a live, interactive demonstration In The Grand. $39.50$62.10 EPIC SATURDAY AT THE POOL AFTER DARK 10 PM, Harrah’s >> 1/2 way to Halloween Party featuring DJ Pauly D, DJ Hollywood and DJ Konfliky.

Admission starts at $20.

6S COURIER-POST, Thursday, April 12, 2012

courierpostonline.com

‘Shut Up, Sit Down and Eat’ New Jersey native Mike Marino is at Borgata on April 27. Don’t worry, just because his family will be in the audience, doesn’t mean he’ll tone down his act. NEW JERSEY PRESS MEDIA FILE

‘Bad Boy’ comedian ready for big time When New Jersey native Mike Marino steps on stage at Borgata, five cameras will be recording for an upcoming comedy special and DVD. The approach is different from his typical stage act. The show will be longer, for one. And there will be no opening act. “I’ll be on stage 90 minutes,” he said in a phone interview from Los Angeles. “The audience will be part of the show on camera as well.

It’s more exciting. This is do or die, one shot. There are no do-overs.”

Marino will tell his classic jokes, like the Osama Bin Laden baseball bat joke, which drew millions to YouTube. “Jokes people want to hear, but also things people never heard,” he said.

He talks about growing up and the differences with kids today. He talks about the changes to his body as he ages.

“I’ve been touring as a comedian so long I have a lot of funny stuff. Like how going to the gym is not as fun as it used to be. I talk about health care and health. My views on the presidency,” he said.

His family will be in the audience. “I do not alter my act because of that, not for a minute. I get material from them. How can I say that my father is angry? What I say is true. Truth is funny.”

A company called Safe Cig sponsors the concert.

The company makes electronic cigarettes for those who want to quit smoking. Marino did a series of TV commercials for Safe Cig. “They’re funny with serious undertones,” he said.

The comic is no stranger to commercials. A graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Marino – known to fans as New Jersey’s “bad boy” — has appeared in more than 200 national TV ads.

IF YOU GO Mike Marino appears April 27 at The Music Box, at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, One Borgata Way. Show time is 9 p.m. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased through theborgata.com, (866) 900-4849 or Borgata’s Box Office.

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4 comedians twist stand-up into cohesive story Plomedy. Defined as a fusion of the wit of stand-up and the intensity of a one-man play.

The concept emerged from the minds of four comics and a director as a way to present stand-up in a different way.

“We made up the word,” said director Tom Ingegno. They even call the company Plomedy Productions.

“A lot of shows feature four comics together,” he said. “They title it and they all do stand-up routines. We wanted to create something that told a story.”

Let’s introduce “Shut Up, Sit Down and Eat,” with a cast of Tina Giorgi, Joe Moffa, Chris Monty and Eric Tartaglione. It’s a very Italian, but very identifiable, title and show. And it spends three nights at Borgata from April 20 to 22.

“We kept sitting around a kitchen table tossing ideas based on each of the four comic acts. We came up with mostly an Italian theme,” Ingegno said. “The funny part is we had wine, but always ate when we met and got together.” he said. Hence the title.

The concept that stuck was to have the four in an office waiting around for a therapist who doesn’t show. Instead, the four talk to each other about their problems – providing group counseling, if you will.

“That’s where everything ensues,” Ingegno said. “It’s a night of hysterical dysfunction, Italian-style.”

At certain points, each of the four get up one at a time and walk to the front of the stage to speak to the audience about an issue not shared with the others. Call it a stand-up moment.

Then the comic returns to join the others in conversation.

Consider this as building a play around monologues, Giorgi said.

“The five of us wrote the script,” said the Newark native.

Once the concept was hashed out , it took a couple of months to write the script.

“We consider everything from the

You may remember Eric Tartaglione from ‘Last Comic Standing.’

Chris Monty has starred in numerous TV commercials. PHOTO PROVIDED

PHOTO PROVIDED

Joe Moffa had roles in the films ‘Carlito's Way’ and ‘Stardom.’

Tina Giorgi tried stand-up after a high school student suggested it.

PHOTO PROVIDED

PHOTO PROVIDED

title to the very last word to be a collaborative effort between the five of us,” Ingegno said. “Each of us contributed our individual strengths to the process and are extremely proud of the final theatrical result.”

While on the surface such a concept lends itself to improvisation, that won’t happen, Ingegno said. “Everything leads to everything else.”

The 90-plus minute play premiered in theaters in the last six months and the group tries to cater to each crowd. “We try to figure what works better. Much like stand-up, different audiences respond to different aspects,” said Giorgi, whose roots are

in stand-up.

In between Plomedy Productions’ bookings, the four comics still do their individual gigs in Atlantic City, Las Vegas and elsewhere.

IF YOU GO “Shut Up, Sit Down and Eat” is at The Music Box from April 20 to 22 at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, One Borgata Way. Show time is 9 p.m.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at (866) 900-4849, www.theborgata.com or the Borgata’s Box Office.

courierpostonline.com

COURIER-POST, Thursday, April 12, 2012 7S

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8S COURIER-POST, Thursday, April 12, 2012

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Caffeine BUZZ

Find gourmet truffles, European candies and everything cocoa-covered you can imagine at The Chocolate Box at Golden Nugget. PHOTO PROVIDED.

Golden Nugget adds chocolate, coffee shops Chocolate and coffee. Individually, they are the stuff of legend. Subjects of movies. Together, they make a perfect combination, many would say. One fits so serendipitously with the other.

Golden Nugget has introduced both chocolate and coffee in two new additions to retail row, just down the corridor from the front desk lobby and overlooking the casino floor.

The Chocolate Box, an import from Golden Nugget Las Vegas, features artisan chocolates by the piece, chocolate gifts and more. The store carries classic American chocolates, the finest offerings in Belgiumstyle delicacies and award-winning European candies.

Thrill the palate with gourmet truffles prepared by Chef Eric Girerd, of L'atelier du chocolat in New York.

Look for gelato and sugar-free selections.

Unlike the Las Vegas version, the Atlantic City Choc-

olate Box is known for its freshly made dessert crepes.

“We knew our guests were looking for sweets. We added crepes to the mix, which is a new addition since the other Chocolate Box does not have this treat,” said Tom Bingham, head of retail operations for Golden Nugget Atlantic City.

The Chocolate Box operates 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Bean & Bread As the name implies, Bean & Bread — unique to Golden Nugget Atlantic City — sells freshly-made sandwiches and signature coffees to go. Need they say more.

“Bean & Bread is the last missing piece to our food and beverage offerings,” Bingham said.

Bean & Bread is open 24 hours.

Bean & Bread sells signature coffee and freshly-made sandwiches around the clock. PHOTO PROVIDED.

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