Courier-Post Gaming Section November 29th, 2012 Edition

GAMING

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DESTINATIONS & DIVERSIONS

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Gordie Brown is back Celeb impersonator changes up his act

Celebrity impersonator Gordie Brown brings new material to his stint at the Golden Nugget in Atlantic City. He performed an extended run in July. PHOTO PROVIDED

Gordie Brown last did an extended run at the Golden Nugget back in July. Less than six months and he’s back. While he brings new material, he also brings a new purpose. “I’m coming back to bring relief in terms of laughs for some of the victims of this horrendous storm,� he said, referring to Hurricane Sandy.

If you expect to see the same show Brown did in July, you’re out of luck. “The act always changes from show to show. That’s because I can’t remember everything,� he said in a phone interview.

Seriously, Brown goes down different roads, experiences new finds. For one thing, the comic-impressionist-singer is rehearsing a new opening. “I’m always writing new stuff,� he said.

The Canadian native has a repertoire of more than 65 impressions. He does a lot of musical parodies of pop singers and groups such as Hootie & the Blowfish, Axl Rose, Maroon 5, Elvis and the impersonation that started it all for

PA RT I E S L I V E E N T E RTA I N M E N T

IF YOU GO Gordie Brown performs Dec. 5 through Dec. 16 except Monday and Tuesday in the Showroom at the Golden Nugget, Huron Boulevard and Brigantine Avenue. Show times are 8 p.m., except for Dec. 9 and 16 which are at 2 p.m. Tickets are $22.55 to $33.85 and can be purchased at the Golden Nugget box office, (866) 746-5336 or https://shop.prestigeticketing.com/ goldennuggetac/store.jsp

Brown, Michael Jackson.

Brown credits the Canadian newspaper where he worked as a political cartoonist for his jump to comedy in 1983. “The newspaper entered me into a talent contest for media. I lipsynced to ‘Billie Jean.’ I even did the moonwalk,� he said.

For his current show, Brown added material from Coldplay, Green Day and Will Smith. “It’s fun when you can work with music on the show,� he said.

Because it’s the holiday season, Brown will bring in seasonal material. He’s taking a song from Michael Bolton’s Christmas album, only with an overly exaggerated dramatic twist. “I sell the heck out of ‘Frosty the Snowman,’ � he said. “I haven’t gotten feedback from Michael, but

friends say he would love his bit in the show.�

And Brown gives his own special rendering of Tracy Chapman doing a depressing take on “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer,� with Rudy as an alcoholic, hence the red nose.

The Atlantic City visit coincides with Brown’s two-week vacation from his Las Vegas act. “I had such a great time in Atlantic City, I expect I’ll be doing this every six months,� he said.

Nicolas Cage caught a show in Las Vegas last month during a break in the actor’s movie shoot in Arizona. Naturally, Brown did his well-honed impression of Cage. “I heard you do me better than I do myself,� Cage said before the show.

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VISIT GOLDENNUGGET.COM OR CALL 866.746.5336

‘tis the season

DWIGHT YOAKAM

To purchase a Golden Nugget Gift Card, visit goldennugget.com or any retail outlet on property including Spa & Salon.

VISIT TICKETMASTER.COM OR CALL 800.736.1420

Plus help us spread the holiday cheer for the less fortunate in our community. Golden Nugget will be collecting new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots this holiday season. Toy drop-offs will be located at the Front Desk, Michael Patrick’s and Style & Trend from November 5 – December 10, 2012.

TICKETS GO ON SALE 12/1 @ 10AM.

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GOLDEN NUGGET ATLANTIC CITY HOTEL . CASINO . MARINA Huron Ave. & Brigantine Blvd. Atlantic City, NJ 08401 | 800.777.1177 Management reserves all rights. Must be 21 years of age or older and have a valid ID. CP-0010494033

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BEST COMPS IN PHILLY PL AY A N Y TA BL E G A ME TO E A RN FOOD, HOTEL ROOMS AND ENTERTAINMENT YOU R TA BL E IS RE A DY: $ 5 TO $10,0 0 0 BE T S DA ILY REDEEM COMPS AT ONE OF OUR THREE NEW RESTAURANTS MORE TABLE GAMES = MORE FUN Management reserves the right to change or cancel this promotion at any time without notice. Must be 21 or older to enter or gamble (18 or older for pari-mutuel wagering) in any Pennsylvania casino or to participate in any Harrah’s promotion. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® ©2012, Caesars License Company, LLC.

G A MBLING PROBLEM ? CA LL 1- 8 0 0 -G A MBLER.

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Hall & Oates go all in for charity

Proceeds from Borgata event benefit Red Cross

On Saturday, Daryl Hall and John Oates will deliver a greatest-hits show before a sold-out crowd at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. “Maneater.” Check. “She’s Gone.” Yep. “Rich Girl,” “Kiss On My List.” Definitely, based on recent set lists.

However, unlike the dozens of other shows performed this year, this gig won’t pay the Philadelphia-area duo .

To help bring relief to Atlantic City and other areas ravaged by Hurricane Sandy, the duo’s performance fee, and all proceeds from the event and an event T-shirt will go to the American Red Cross.

“We are grateful to be working with Daryl Hall and John Oates as well as Live Nation, with the collective goal focused toward helping those affected by Hurricane Sandy,” said

CP-0010494048

IF YOU GO Hall & Oates perform a benefit concert Saturday in the Event Center at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, One Borgata Blvd. Show time is 8 p.m.

Tickets are sold out, but in case of last-minute availability, they can be purchased at (866) 9004849, www.theborgata.com or Borgata’s Box Office.

Borgata Senior Vice President of Operations Joe Lupo.

For Philadelphia-area native Hall, Sandy hit close to home. “This really means a lot to me. These are my people that got hurt. This is my neighborhood,” he said.

Said Geoff Gordon, regional president of Live Nation Philadelphia, “We want to show our dedication to our friends and family whose lives and livelihoods were affected, and show that Atlantic City is still open for business.”

Going for laughs Borgata Comedy Club brings variety to each show

The three comedians have totally different personas.

Chris Monty, straightlaced in a jacket and tie, does observational humor, much of it New Yorkbased. No surprise there, as he grew up on Long Island and lives in Queens.

Butch Bradley is your typical laid-back Jersey Shore guy. He interacts with the audience like they’re all old friends who hung out on the boardwalk as teens.

Uncle Floyd, a radio and TV personality from Paterson, fires off zingers like Rodney Dangerfield.

What they all have in common, besides being funny, is that they just completed an almost weeklong gig at Borgata’s Comedy Club.

On Tuesday night last week, the trio drew more than 200 to the Music Box. They are the working class of comedy, plying comedy clubs and serving as opening acts, landing an occasional spot on television.

Monty opened with a joke about the old adage: You can’t take it with you.

“What if you got to heaven and find out you could take it with you and you don’t have the money to enter heaven?”

Laughter.

The comedy club runs about 280 nights a year, said Randy Butler, who

IF YOU GO Borgata Comedy Club presents Brian McKim, Joey Carroll and Tony V tonight and Sunday in the Music Box at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, One Borgata Way. From Monday through Dec. 9, catch Helen Hong, Melvin George and Alan Havey.

Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased at (866) 9004849, www.theborgata.com or Borgata’s Box Office.

books the acts for his company, the Medford-based Mother Leeds Entertainment. “We work an average of five nights per week year-round.”

Next week, the three comics work seven nights.

Bradley was decidedly un-PC when he joked about the hurricane: “Sandy hit Camden and made $198 million in improvements.”

More laughter.

In his act, Uncle Floyd asked his son what he was going to be when he get out of college. “He said ‘39 or 40.’”

“I went to see a psychic.

I knocked on the door. She said, ‘who is it.’ So I left.”

More laughter.

Working a casino atmosphere, even one designed like a comedy club, calls for a different approach, said Monty, who grew up watching “The Uncle Floyd Show” — an iconic show that ran from 1974 to 1998 on various stations in North Jersey and New York.

“A nightclub is more edgy. We get an older crowd at the casino that doesn’t get as edgy,” he said.

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GAMING DESTINATIONS & DIVERSIONS

DJ Jazzy Jeff full of surprises

If you think of DJ Jazzy Jeff only from his days of partnering with Will Smith, you’re in for a surprise if you catch his act at Dusk Saturday .

“You never can tell what I’ll play,” he said from Delaware, where he makes his home. “I always throw a curve ball. My job is to make people have a great time through music, whether it’s classic rock, old school, pop, hip-hop or folk song.”

You might even hear a game show theme. Or his own remix of the Temptation’s “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” with its smooth jazz feel.

Born Jeffrey Townes in Philadelphia, DJ Jazzy Jeff says all music speaks a universal language. “It’s a great tool to have a good time all over the globe.”

Still, he never envisioned that being a DJ and fronting a turntable would become such a phenomenon, with David Guetta and Tiesto as prime examples. “I never thought that 20 years ago,” he said. “I’m really surprised at the global impact.”

As a youngster, Townes was fascinated by DJs hired to play at block parties in his Philadelphia neighborhood.

“I thought it was amazing watching a guy play records and control hundreds of people with the tunes he played. I was more IF YOU GO intrigued with that then the parDJ Jazzy Jeff appears Satty. I was 9 years old and wanted urday at Dusk in Caesars to be that guy.”

Atlantic City, 2100 Pacific Ave. When he got older, Townes Show time is midnight. Adbought records from his older mission is free for women brother and brought this coland $5 for men before midlection of 45s to a party down the night. Visit www.duskac.com block. “I was the guy who played to sign up for the guest list. tunes. It grew to a three block radius, then a ten block radius.”

Then all over West Philadelphia.

He enjoyed the attention and the girls and the prestige. Townes took his moniker at age 12.

“My first choice was Mix Master Jeff. But it cost too much to get all those letters on a shirt. So I came up with Jazzy Jeff. In the middle of all this, the hip-hop explosion happened and it was all the more relevant to me.”

As DJ Jazzy Jeff, he evolved into one of the most sought-after turntable artists in the region. It was at one of his gigs that he met fellow Philadelphian Will Smith.

“There was a natural chemistry. He and I did parties together. We did a routine at parties which got so much attention, we recorded it.”

The recording “Girls Ain’t Nothing But Trouble” got into the hands of a local record promoter. At the time, Smith was planning to attend MIT and Townes worked a 9 to 5 job at an ice cream parlor in University City.

“There was not a lot of DJs or hip-hop groups who looked at this as a career. I worked in an ice cream parlor to pay money to buy turntables. I’d be a DJ for free. I found something I really love to do and I do it,” said Townes, who has multiple Grammy and American Music awards and nominations.

These days, DJ Jazzy Jeff is on the road more than ever. And through his company A Touch of Jazz, he’s worked with artists such as Jill Scott and Musiq. He just finished an album with Ayah, a Toronto performer, set for release next summer.

“I’m also working on a record with my son, Amiracle. I have always been honest and told him the good parts and the bad parts of the business.”

No one forced Amiracle into the family business. “His love of music comes naturally. I am more happy about that than anything else.”

CP-0010494045

Chef Luke Palladino is working on new dishes, such as whole wheat pappardelle with rabbit ragu. PHOTO PROVIDED

Chef Palladino is always experimenting

It’s Luke Palladino’s job as a chef to experiment.

What can you do with rabbit? Rabbit stew is an old stand-by. But if you’re Luke Palladino, you create whole wheat pappardelle with rabbit ragu served with seared potatoes or rabbit cacciatore, instead of chicken.

“Some people experiment with eating rabbit and will love it,” said Palladino, who sometimes serves rabbit as dinner specials at his self-named restaurant at Harrah’s Resort. In general, there is more willingness to try something new, he said.

“You can call ahead two days and request rabbit,” Palladino said.

He says his job is to find uses for everything. “We are flavor extractors. We find a way to make it better,” he said.

Mostly, the rabbit served is a domestic kind.

“In America, you won’t find many varieties. Hare is too gamey and not easily available. Even in Italy, it’s rare.”

Palladino also experi-

IF YOU GO

Luke Palladino is located at Harrah’s Resort, 777 Harrah’s Blvd. The restaurant is open evenings except Wednesday and Thursday. For information and menus, visit www.harrahsresort.com or call (609) 441-5576.

ments with more conventional ingredients. He’s using pumpkin for more than pie. Deep frying or roasted as a ravioli filling, he said.

“I roast different variety of squash, too,” he said.

An example is butternut squash tortelli, with brown butter sauce, crumbled amaretti cookies and parmigiano, or a kabocha pumpkin crostata.

Another is free form crostada, with roasted squash, cinnamon, nutmeg and all spice or a pumpkin pie puree spread with a ricotta mixture and made with local apple cider.

“Apple cider adds more flavor. It’s reduced in the pan,” Palladino said.

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ON SALE

DWIGHT YOAKAM Jan 26. at Golden Nugget. Tickets, $55 to $65. GANNETT FILE

BACKSTREET BOYS Dec. 30 at House of Blues. Tickets, $59 to $95. GANNETT FILE ERIC BENET Jan. 19 at Harrah's. Tickets, $35 to $45. USA TODAY/GANNETT FILE

EVENTS CALENDAR

LIVE 10 PM, Golden Nugget >> A live band rocks the room.

46 BAR 9 PM, Golden Nugget >> A DJ and dancers provide the entertainment.

AFTER HOURS FOUNDATION ROOM 10 PM, Showboat >> DJs and more until 4 a.m.

Sunday, Dec. 9

Thursday, Nov. 29

MOSCOW BALLET'S GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER 9 PM, Harrah's >> The famed holiday classic takes the stage in The Concert Venue. $26-$56 GYPSY BAR 10 PM Borgata >> Steal the Sky plays in this eclectic setting noted for its tequila selections.

21 SPORTS BAR@DUSK Caesars >> DJ provides music in this lounge off the casino floor.

RUSH 8 PM, Golden Nugget >> Dane Anthony rocks the lounge.

LIVE 8 PM, Golden Nugget >> B Street does Springsteen

Friday, Nov. 30

JOHN PINETTE 8 PM, Borgata >> Funny guy plays rescheduled date in The Music Box. Sold out.

THE MOODY BLUES 9 PM, Caesars >> Ethereal British veterans rock the Circus Maximus Theater. $65-$115 MOSCOW BALLET'S GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER 9 PM, Harrah's Resort >> The legendary Christmas tale plays the Concert Venue. $26-$56 LEGENDS IN CONCERT 8 PM, Bally's >> The best tribute artists return for the holiday show. $16.25$32.50 21 SPORTS BAR@DUSK Caesars >> DJ provides music in this lounge off the casino floor.

DUSK Caesars >> Global Fridays GYPSY BAR 7 PM Borgata >> Amish Outlaws and Generation Next share the music stage.

TOGA BAR 10 PM Caesars >> DJ Aiden Scott spins the music. The Toga Dancers provide the visuals. mur.mur 10 PM Borgata >> Eli Escobar provides the tunes.

EDEN LOUNGE 9:15 PM, Harrah’s >> David Christopher Band rocks the room.

THE POOL 10 PM, Harrah’s >> Aqua Friday with DJ KOKO and Johnny B. XHIBITION BAR 11:30 PM Harrah’s >> DJ Freezie spins the music.

PARTY PIT AT THE HOUSE OF BLUES 9 PM >> DJ Sonatra alternates with Crazy in Stereo to provide music and mirth.

MIA 10 PM, Caesars >> DJ Lu’AP provides the music.

MOUNTAIN BAR 9 PM, Wild Wild West, Bally's >> DJ Kyle Sweeney spins the records. Vixens entertain from 10 PM RUSH 6 PM Golden Nugget >> Doug Jennings performs first followed at 10 PM by Big City in this intimate lounge.

LIVE 10 PM, Golden Nugget >> House DJ performs in this lounge.

46 BAR 9 PM, Golden Nugget >> A DJ and dancers provide the entertainment.

Saturday, Dec. 1

BOBBY BROWN 9 PM, House of Blues >> R&B singer back on tour in the Music Hall. $30-$50 DARYL HALL AND JOHN OATES 8 PM, Borgata >> Philadelphia blue eyed soul duo sing their hits in The Event Center. Sold-out.

JOHN PINETTE 9 PM, Borgata >> Funny guy plays rescheduled date in The Music Box. Sold-out.

BRIAN SETZER ORCHESTRA 9 PM, Caesars >> King of modern rockabilly rocks the joint. $57.50$87.50 MOSCOW BALLET'S GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER 2 PM, Harrah's >> The famed holiday classic takes the stage in The Concert Venue. $26-$56 RON WHITE 8 PM, Harrah’s Resort >> Grammynominated comic who was part of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour. $45-$85 LEGENDS IN CONCERT 8 PM, Bally's >> The best tribute artists return for the holiday show. $16.25$32.50 GYPSY BAR 7 PM, Borgata >> Two bands share the stage. mur.mur 10 PM, Borgata >> DJ Ob-One spins the music.

MIXX 10 PM, Borgata >> DJ M.O.S. and DJ Kiss provide the music.

EDEN LOUNGE 9:15 PM Harrah’s >> A rock band livens up the lounge.

THE POOL 9 PM, Harrah’s >> Epic Saturday with DJ entertainment. Starts at $20 LOBBY BAR 10 PM Bally’s >> Mellow entertainment for a Saturday night.

MIA 10 PM, Caesars >> DJ Lu’AP provides the music.

A capella group Straight No Chaser performs holiday hits and songs off an upcoming album on Dec. 14 and 15 at Caesars. Tickets are $35 to $55. ANDREW ZAEH/ZAEH, LLC DUSK 10 PM, Caesars >> Sat-One serves up the music.

XHIBITION BAR 10 PM, Harrah’s >> A pair of DJs share entertainment duties till 5 AM. PARTY PIT AT THE HOUSE OF BLUES 8 PM >> DJ Aiden Scott spins the music alternating with a live band and dancers.

MOUNTAIN BAR 9 PM, Wild Wild West, Bally's >> DJ Cool Jon Sprang spins the records. Vixens entertain from 10 PM BLUE MARTINI 9 PM Bally’s >> DJ Prefer entertains for the evening.

TOGA BAR 10 PM, Caesars >> A DJ plays the music with the Toga Dancers providing the visuals.

RUSH 6 PM, Golden Nugget >> Two bands perform in this intimate lounge.

LIVE 10 PM, Golden Nugget >> A live band rocks the room.

46 BAR 9 PM, Golden Nugget >> A DJ and dancers provide the entertainment.

AFTER HOURS FOUNDATION ROOM 10 PM, Showboat >> DJs and more till 4 a.m.

Sunday, Dec. 2

MOSCOW BALLET'S GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER 2 and 9 PM, Harrah's >> The famed holiday classic takes the stage in The Concert Venue. $26-$56 LEGENDS IN CONCERT 8 PM, Bally's >> The best tribute artists return for another stand. $16.25$32.50 EDEN LOUNGE 9 PM Harrah’s >> The Dane Anthony Band rocks.

MIXX SUNDAYS 10 PM Borgata >> Mayhem Sunday with Paul Castro in this bi-level lounge.

GYPSY BAR 10 PM, Borgata >> John McNutt performs.

21 SPORTS BAR@DUSK Caesars >> Music in this new lounge off the casino floor.

Monday, Dec. 3

mur.mur 10 PM Borgata >> Adrian Lux provides the music and entertainment.

Tuesday, Dec. 4

21 BAR@DUSK Caesars >> Music in this new lounge.

DUSK 10 PM, Caesars >> Sat-One provides the music.

Wednesday, Dec. 5

GORDIE BROWN LIVE 8 PM, Golden Nugget >> Impressionist, singer and entertainer returns to the Golden Nugget Showroom for a mini-extended stay. $22.55-$33.85 THE POOL 10 PM, Harrah’s >> Wet `N’ Wild Wednesday featuring DJ Vito G and guests.

Thursday, Dec. 6

GORDIE BROWN LIVE 8 PM, Golden Nugget >> Impressionist, singer and entertainer returns to the Golden Nugget Showroom for a mini-extended stay. $22.55-$33.85 GYPSY BAR 10 PM Borgata >> Steal the Sky rocks the room.

21 SPORTS BAR@DUSK Caesars >> DJ provides music.

RUSH 8 PM, Golden Nugget >> Dane Anthony rocks.

LIVE 8 PM, Golden Nugget >> B Street does Springsteen.

Friday, Dec. 7

KENNY "BABYFACE" EDMONDS 9 PM, Harrah's

>> R&B singer performs in The Concert Venue. $49-$89 GORDIE BROWN LIVE 8 PM, Golden Nugget >> Impressionist, singer and entertainer returns to the Golden Nugget Showroom for a mini-extended stay. $22.55-$33.85 LEGENDS IN CONCERT 8 PM, Bally's >> The best tribute artists return for the holiday show in Legends in Concert Theater. $16.25-$32.50 21 SPORTS BAR@DUSK Caesars >> DJ provides music.

DUSK Caesars >> Global Fridays GYPSY BAR 7 PM Borgata >> Trippin' Carla and The Rockets share the stage.

TOGA BAR 10 PM Caesars >> DJ Aiden Scott spins the music. The Toga Dancers provide the visuals. mur.mur 10 PM Borgata >> Eli Escobar provides the tunes.

EDEN LOUNGE 9:15 PM, Harrah’s >> Live music rocks the room.

THE POOL 10 PM, Harrah’s >> Aqua Friday with DJ music.

XHIBITION BAR 11:30 PM Harrah’s >> DJ spins the music.

PARTY PIT AT THE HOUSE OF BLUES 9 PM >> DJ Sonatra alternates with live band to provide music and mirth.

MIA 10 PM, Caesars >> DJ Lu’AP provides the music.

MOUNTAIN BAR 9 PM, Wild Wild West, Bally's >> DJ Kyle Sweeney spins the records. Vixens entertain from 10 PM RUSH 6 PM Golden Nugget >> Two performers play music.

LIVE 10 PM, Golden Nugget >> House DJ performs.

46 BAR 9 PM, Golden Nugget >> A DJ and dancers provide the entertainment.

Saturday, Dec. 8

LEGENDS IN CONCERT 8 PM, Bally's >> The best tribute artists return for the holiday show. $16.25$32.50 GORDIE BROWN LIVE 2 and 8 PM, Golden Nugget >> Impressionist, singer and entertainer returns to the Golden Nugget Showroom for a mini extended stay. $22.55-$33.85 GYPSY BAR 7 PM, Borgata >> 52 Pick Up and The Zoo entertain in the tequila lounge. mur.mur 10 PM, Borgata >> Music by Mel DeBarge with Doug Grayson.

MIXX 10 PM, Borgata >> DJ Riz provides the music.

EDEN LOUNGE 9:15 PM Harrah’s >> A rock band livens up the lounge.

THE POOL 9 PM, Harrah’s >> Epic Saturday with DJ entertainment. Starts at $20 LOBBY BAR 10 PM Bally’s >> Mellow entertainment for a Saturday night.

MIA 10 PM, Caesars >> DJ Lu’AP provides the music.

DUSK 10 PM, Caesars >> Dennis Rodman guests, with Sat-One serving up the music.

XHIBITION BAR 10 PM, Harrah’s >> A pair of DJs share entertainment duties till 5 AM. PARTY PIT AT THE HOUSE OF BLUES 8 PM >> DJ Aiden Scott spins the music alternating with a live band and dancers.

MOUNTAIN BAR 9 PM, Wild Wild West, Bally's >> DJ Cool Jon Sprang spins the records. Vixens entertain from 10 PM BLUE MARTINI 9 PM Bally’s >> DJ Prefer entertains for the evening.

TOGA BAR 10 PM, Caesars >> A DJ plays the music with the Toga Dancers providing the visuals.

RUSH 6 PM, Golden Nugget >> Two bands perform in this intimate lounge.

MOSCOW BALLET'S GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER 9 PM, Harrah's Resort >> The legendary Christmas tale plays the Concert Venue. $26-$56 GORDIE BROWN LIVE 2 PM, Golden Nugget >> Impressionist, singer and entertainer returns to the Golden Nugget Showroom for a mini-extended stay. $22.55-$33.85 HELEN HONG, MELVIN GEORGE, ALAN HAVEY 9 PM, Borgata >> Borgata Comedy Club's latest trio of funny people play the Music Box. $20 LEGENDS IN CONCERT 8 PM, Bally's >> The best tribute artists return for another stand. $16.25$32.50 EDEN LOUNGE 9 PM Harrah’s >> Generation Next rocks the room.

MIXX SUNDAYS 10 PM Borgata >> Mayhem Sunday with Paul Castro in this bi-level lounge.

21 SPORTS BAR@DUSK Caesars >> Music in this new lounge.

Monday, Dec. 10

THE BABES OF BORGATA 2013 CALENDAR LAUNCH PARTY, 10 PM, Borgata >> DJs Ruckus and PS1 provide the soundtrack as the 13 babes introduce themselves in mur.mur MARK WALTON, JACK FONTANA, TINA GIORGI 9 PM, Borgata >> Borgata Comedy Club's latest trio of funny people play the Music Box. $20.

Tuesday, Dec. 11

MARK WALTON, JACK FONTANA, TINA GIORGI 9 PM, Borgata >> Borgata Comedy Club's latest trio of funny people play the Music Box. $20.

21 BAR@DUSK Caesars >> Music in this new lounge.

DUSK 10 PM, Caesars >> Sat-One provides the music.

Wednesday, Dec. 12

GORDIE BROWN LIVE 8 PM, Golden Nugget >> Impressionist, singer and entertainer returns to the Golden Nugget Showroom for a mini-extended stay. $22.55-$33.85 MARK WALTON, JACK FONTANA, TINA GIORGI 9 PM, Borgata >> Borgata Comedy Club's latest trio of funny people play the Music Box. $20.

THE POOL 10 PM, Harrah’s >> Wet `N’ Wild Wednesday featuring Beatclan Takeover DJ Hollywood & the Beatclan’s finest DJs.

Thursday, Dec. 13

GORDIE BROWN LIVE 8 PM, Golden Nugget >> Impressionist, singer and entertainer returns to the Golden Nugget Showroom for a mini-extended stay. $22.55-$33.85 MARK WALTON, JACK FONTANA, TINA GIORGI 9 PM, Borgata >> Borgata Comedy Club's latest trio of funny people play the Music Box. $20.

21 SPORTS BAR@DUSK Caesars >> DJ provides music.

RUSH 8 PM, Golden Nugget >> Dane Anthony rocks the lounge.

LIVE 8 PM, Golden Nugget >> B Street does Springsteen.

Friday, Dec. 14

STRAIGHT NO CHASER 9 PM, Caesars >> A capella group does holiday and other tunes in the Circus Maximus Theater, including numbers from an upcoming album. $35-$55 GORDIE BROWN LIVE 8 PM, Golden Nugget >> Impressionist, singer and entertainer returns to the Golden Nugget Showroom for a mini-extended stay. $22.55-$33.85 MARK WALTON, JACK FONTANA, TINA GIORGI 9 PM, Borgata >> Borgata Comedy Club's latest trio of funny people play the Music Box. $20.

LEGENDS IN CONCERT 8 PM, Bally's >> The best tribute artists return for the holiday show. $16.25$32.50 21 SPORTS BAR@DUSK Caesars >> DJ provides music in this lounge.

DUSK Caesars >> Global Fridays GYPSY BAR 7 PM Borgata >> Karma and Lost in Paris share the music stage.

TOGA BAR 10 PM Caesars >> DJ Chris Rivera spins the music. The Toga Dancers provide the visuals.

THE POOL 10 PM, Harrah’s >> Aqua Friday features Chingy performing live along with DJ Hollywood and the Beatclan's top DJs PARTY PIT AT THE HOUSE OF BLUES 9 PM >> DJ Sonatra alternates with Laura Lee and Tripp Fabulous and dancers to provide music and mirth.

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HARRAH’S RESORT ATLANTIC CITY

2012 WORLD SERIES OF POKER CIRCUIT NOVEMBER 29 – DECEMBER 10, 2012

ROOM RATES STARTING AT $29 FOR ALL WSOP PARTICIPANTS

Room rates are limited and based on availability. Trademarks used herein are owned by Caesars License Company, LLC and its affiliated companies. Must be 21 or older to gamble, enter and remain in a New Jersey casino or participate in any Harrah’s Resort promotion.

Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. ©2012, Caesars License Company, LLC. CP-0010494042

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COURIERPOSTONLINE.COM/GAMING Vive Day Spa is hosting a Spa Escape event in which prices are significantly dropped for four services, including a Pure Relaxation Massage. The massage is $60 from Dec. 9 to 17, discounted from $115.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Escape to Vive Day Spa Services at large discount from Dec. 9 to 16

Each June and September, Vive Day Spa & Salon at Showboat holds a Spa Escape Event and cuts the cost of certain services by more than half. From Dec. 9 to 16, the spa will offer a bonus Escape Event to help those stressed out by Hurricane Sandy and its aftermath.

“This event was started to entice guests that typically are not spa-goers to test the waters. The savings are extraordinary and the health and relaxation benefits speak for them-

selves,” said Gina Rosenberger, operator of Vive Day Spa & Salon. “Due to Hurricane Sandy, Vive Day Spa & Salon felt we needed to offer a Bonus Spa Escape Event.”

Vive offers four services for the Spa Escape Event: Pure Relaxation Massage, European Facial, Seasonal Body Scrub and a Mini Pedicure & Manicure combo. Each is a 50-minute service for $60. Normal prices range from $75 for the combo, $115 for the massage and facial and

IF YOU GO

$140 for the seasonal body scrub.

Vive Day Spa is dedicated to helping guests achieve a healthy lifestyle.

With a menu inspired by the four elements, the spa focuses on customization to address personal goals for a memorable experience. Offerings include ritualistic spa treatments, full-service salon, wellness services, men’s and women’s locker rooms, sauna, steam room and showers.

Robes and slippers are provided.

Vive Day Spa & Salon is at Showboat Atlantic City, 801 Boardwalk. For appointments, call (609) 343-4112. For more details, visit www.vivedayspa.com.

Holidays are ‘Legend’-ary

Sara Hickey aspired to be more than a dancer and background singer for “Legends in Concert.” So the Denver native spent a year working on the singer she physically resembled most, adjusting her voice to meet hers.

She sent in tapes, auditioned, and finally landed the Carrie Underwood role.

She’ll go on as the pop singer in the holiday version of “Legends in Concert” at Atlantic City Bally’s through Dec. 31.

In the show, every performer does one Christmas

song and the cast all comes out at the end for the holiday finale “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” dressed as Santa’s helpers. The production features trees, lights and gifts. “It’s very f estive,” says Hickey.

As Underwood, Hickey opens the show and sings a medley of “Flat on the Floor,” “All-American Girl” and “Jesus, Take the Wheel” before doing “Cowboy Casanova” and “Do You Hear What I Hear.”

Because the show runs through the end of the year,

Hickey has been in Atlantic City since before Thanksgiving and will remain here through the holidays.

But she’s not bummed out. “I’m looking out at the ocean from my room,” said Hickey, who performed in “Legends” holiday show last year in Las Vegas at Harrah’s. “And the cast becomes each other’s family.”

In her travels, Hickey never met Underwood, but they share the same birthday. As for moving beyond Underwood, she said, “I’d like to develop more characters down the road.”

IF YOU GO

‘Legends in Concert’ plays through Dec. 31 in the Legends in Concert Theater in Bally’s Atlantic City, Boardwalk and Park Place. Show times are 8 p.m. Sundays through Fridays, with no performance on Mondays, 3 p.m. Wednesdays and 7:30 and 10 p.m. on Saturdays.

Tickets are $16.25 to $32.40 and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com, (800) 736-1420 or at Bally’s Box Office.

Sara Hickey takes a turn as Carrie Underwood for the holiday version of ‘Legends in Concert’ at Bally’s. She spent a year fine-tuning her impression of the pop singer. PHOTO PROVIDED

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The Dance Forum South dancers will spread holiday cheer Saturday and Sunday at Dante Hall. The troupe will perform to classic and contemporary Christmas tunes. PHOTO PROVIDED

HOLIDAY MAGIC

Celebrate ‘Magic, Music & Mistletoe’ at Dante Hall extravaganza

By William Sokolic Courier-Post Staff

When magician Joe Holiday hosts Holiday Magic, Music & Mistletoe Saturday and Sunday at Dante Hall Theater, it will be a homecoming of sorts. In elementary school, Holiday played basketball in the hall, which was then a gym for St. Michael’s School.

“St. Michael’s School and Dante Hall is where I spent a lot of my childhood growing up and it’s heartwarming to perform in that beautifully restored theater,” said the magician, who first got interested in illusions after seeing a magic show at age 13.

Holiday, of Absecon, will be joined by Galloway Township-based Dance Forum South dancers, and Broadway entertainer Ron Sharpe.

“It will be a well-rounded, old-school Christmas show,” said Holiday, who has traveled the world doing magic. “We’ll do a lot of fun and magic, all with a holiday theme.”

The magician declined to give away his act, but those who come to the show may be surprised to see a white Christmas, a rarity at the Jersey Shore.

Under the direction of Cora Lee Jack and choreographed by Sharon Festa, the troupe will perform five jazz, tap or ballet routines set to classic and contemporary Christmas tunes.

It’s rumored that Santa and Mrs. Claus might drop in for a visit during the shows and stick around for a meet-and-greet with the cast and an opportunity to take photos.

Holiday said learning magic and performing at a young age brought him out

Get schooled in gaming Learn how to be a dealer at Casino Career Institute

IF YOU GO » Holiday Magic, Music & Mistletoe with host Joe Holiday is performed Saturday and Sunday at Dante Hall Theater, 14 N. Mississippi Ave. Show time is 6 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and Stockton students and $7 for children under 12. Tickets are available at the door or by calling (609) 347-2162. For more, visit www.stockton.edu/dante. » For more on Joe Holiday, visit his website, www.joeholiday.com

‘Do AC’ campaign relaunches

By William Sokolic Courier-Post Staff

By William Sokolic Courier-Post Staff

Last May, Nick Alice traveled from his Sewell home to Atlantic City seeking his future. — one that lay in the business degree he earned at Michigan State, but in gaming.

Alice enrolled at Atlantic Cape Community College’s Casino Career Institute to learn blackjack, roulette and other games such as three-card poker.

“I wanted to be in the casino industry and I thought the best place to start was as a dealer and work my way up,” Alice said.

Such training prepares people to work in any jurisdiction, not just Atlantic City.

Graduates are qualified to work in casinos in Delaware, Pennsylvania and other locales, said Sherwood Taylor, director of workforce development at the community college.

“We recommend students have three games. Usually blackjack is a starting point. But we like them to have two other games as well.”

Craps requires 160 hours of training.

Roulette, blackjack, poker, baccarat and other card games require 80 hours.

Institute students have access to placement assistance. “We maintain a jobs board for students to review current postings researched by the CCI team. And we often have casino come on-site to do auditions for our graduates,” Taylor said.

What the institute can’t do is promise a job. “We are honest with students,” he said. “But by coming to CCI — a school affiliated with a college — you are taking an important step to setting yourself apart from other candidates.”

The Casino Career Institute has prepared more than 50,000 people and continues to offer training for those who wish to enter the profession. Pay often begins at $4.50 an hour, but like for waitstaff, the

of his shell.

“As a child, I was introverted. I was frightened to stand up and speak,” he said.

He still gets nervous before every performance. “If you stop getting nervous, something is missing. I always face a different audience and they all treat me differently. I hope they enjoy what I do. But once I step on stage and the light comes up, all that goes away,” said Holiday.

Has a trick ever failed on stage? Yes, Holiday said. As a teenager, an illusion went “horribly wrong,” he said. His younger sister served as an assistant.

“She was upset, but I kept my cool. She worried I was mad at her. However, at the end of the show I was able reset the props and do it again. It worked and everyone cheered. It was my first standing ovation.”

Nick Alice of Sewell trained to become a dealer at Atlantic Cape Community College’s Casino Career Institute. He now works at Harrah’s Philadelphia. PHOTO PROVIDED

MORE INFORMATION Gaming classes begin every two weeks at Atlantic Cape Community College’s Casino Career Institute. For more information, or to register, call (609) 343-4829 or visit www.atlantic.edu/cci.

money is in the tips, known as tokes in the industry.

Come spring, enrollment increases as students look for summer jobs.

For now, the institute is running a special called Half the Time at Half the Price, which offers table games professionals an opportunity to increase their marketability to employers by learning a new game in a short-term, low-cost program.

CCI table games alumni who graduated more than three years ago can refresh their skills as they return to the workforce with an Alumni Refresher Program.

Alumni who have graduated within the past three years can revive their skills with the Alumni Practice Program.

As for Alice, he obtained a job in August at Harrah’s Philadelphia dealing blackjack and roulette. “It’s everything I expected it to be. The games are not really that hard. Once you learn it, it’s all pretty easy.”

Hurricane Sandy left more than physical and emotional damage to people in New Jersey and New York. The superstorm left a fiscal mess as well, including interrupting a planned $6 million fall tourism marketing campaign to promote travel to Atlantic City.

Last week, the Atlantic City Alliance re-launched what is now termed a tourism recovery campaign.

The popular “Do Anything, Do Everything, Do AC” campaign begins again, but with a new television spot, a first-time national ad in the New York Times, and in-market and out-of-market events. The revised Do AC advertising creative focuses on “welcoming” visitors back for holiday shopping and hotel deals. A new citywide value-oriented promotion around restaurants, spas and hotel packages will be announced soon.

Due to the hurricane’s track, Atlantic City casinos suffered minimal damage and reopened for business after five days. However, the city experienced a lag in tourism and revenue due to the historic weather event.

“We are eager to welcome visitors back to Atlantic City. It is even more important to visit now and support your neighbors in the resort,” said Jeff Guaracino, chief strategy and communications officer for Atlantic City Alliance.

“There are more than 40,000 employees in the 12 casino properties, plus hospitality industry workers at businesses catering to the tourism industry whose livelihoods depend on tourism resuming.”

Atlantic City’s national image also took a hit due to sensational, out-of-context and — at times — erroneous news reports about the state of the famed boardwalk. The new campaign seeks to promote Atlantic City as open for business while being sensitive that nearby towns along New Jersey’s shoreline

Atlantic City’s Boardwalk is open for business — and strolling — despite some reports post-Sandy that suggested otherwise. WILLIAM SOKOLIC/COURIER-POST sustained serious damage.

According to new research data from a national poll conducted by New Jersey-based Russell Research for the Atlantic City Alliance, a stunning 41 percent of the U.S. public believes the Atlantic City Boardwalk was destroyed.

As part of the effort to welcome visitors back and to promote the Boardwalk, the Alliance is organizing a series of holiday events, including: » The Dec. 1 launch of a new $600,000 holiday lighting program and parade in conjunction with the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority. » A series of shopping events and free gift-wrapping on weekends at each of the casino resorts and at the Wave Parking Garage. » At 6 p.m. Saturday, the Alliance will debut a new, 3D light and sound show projected on to the facade of historic Boardwalk Hall called “Winter Sweet.” The free, 8-minute multi-media show will draw visitors nightly to the Boardwalk.

For details, visit www.doatlanticcity.com