It seems to me that one of the better jobs in a casino would be a drink server, especially on the slots floor. Almost everyone playing orders at least one drink, usually more if they're sitting there for any length of time. The servers are only paid minimum wage, or at least I think they are, and the rest of their income comes from tips, which should add up to quite a bit of cash. That's right -- CASH!
So wouldn't you think they would want to serve as many players as they could? Seems not, if my experience is any indication. Maybe it's only the servers at Station casinos, but they all seem to be taking part in a 100-yard dash through the casino as they almost run by, calling out, "Drinks, cocktails" but not waiting for an answer. You almost have to tackle them to get your order in. Anyway, just wanted to get that off my chest before I continue on with the column.
BLUES, BREWS & BBQ
One of my favorite events is coming up at the Cannery in North Las Vegas June 15-16. It's the fifth annual Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival at The Club indoor/outdoor festival grounds. Along with great blues music, the two-day event at the resort will serve up various styles of barbecue from local restaurants along with craft brewed beers and hard ciders. If you can't decide what drinks to try, the "Brews Sampler Pack" offers eight-ounce samples of up to 10 different types of beers and ciders. The price of the sampler pack is only $20. What more can you ask for?
If you're hungry, several local restaurants, including H&H Barbeque, Seven Seas Seafood, Smoken' Sams, Martino's BBQ & Buffalo Wings and Soul 2 Soul Bistro will be serving up some of Las Vegas' best BBQ. You'll also be able to feast on corn on the cob and ice cream.
And no, I haven't forgotten about the blues part of the festival. On June 15, enjoy the sounds of Bettye LaVette and Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials along with several other acts. Called "The Great Lady of Soul," Bettye LaVette is considered one of the greatest soul singers in American music history. Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials are a house-rocking blues band who have often been compared to Elmore James and Hound Dog Taylor.
On Saturday, June 16, it's Coco Montoya and Bernard Allison along with several local blues acts. Montoya is one of the top-drawing guitarists and vocalists on the blues-rock scene. Festival hours are Friday, June 15 from 4 p.m. to midnight and Saturday, June 16 from 4 p.m. to midnight. Admission is $5 at the door. Now that's a deal.
ALL PACKED FOR REHAB
Only in Las Vegas. The Hard Rock Retail Store is offering what they call the Rehab lunch box, brought to you by the masterminds that created the pool party, Rehab. This lunch box isn't the kind your kids use for school. Instead of peanut butter and jam sandwiches, it includes a season pass to the entire 2007 Rehab season which entitles a person and two guests to enter Rehab with no wait or cover charge. It also includes a Rx ribbed tank, Rx lip balm, Rx sunscreen, Rx wristband, RX condoms, RX mirror and a Rx luggage tag. And how much is it, you ask? Hey, a measly $1200. Are they nuts? For more information (I don't know what more there is unless you want to know the brand of the condoms) call 1-800-473-7625.
'ELVIS' IS LEAVING THE BUILDING
Bit of sad news if you're an Elvis fan. Steve Connolly, who has been performing his tribute to Elvis at Fitzgerald's downtown, is throwing in the towel June 12 after a four-year run. Hopefully he'll find another venue as he puts on a good show.
RIBBON OF LIFE
Wanna see a whole bunch of stars performing in one place? Then make sure you get tickets to the Golden Rainbow's 21st annual "Ribbon of Life" production show spectacular. The all-original, all-singing, all-dancing "Ribbon of Life" is staged June 23 and 24 in the Jubilee! Theater at Bally's. "Ribbon of Life" typically draws the city's top entertainers, and this year is no exception. Scheduled to appear are cast members of American Superstars, A New Day, Asian Pacific Performing Arts Alliance, Chippendales, Crazy Horse Paris, Fantasy, Folies Bergere, Jubilee!, Ka, Le Reve, Mamma Mia!, MGM Grand Productions, Missy Cochran Entertainment, O, Phantom the Las Vegas Spectacular, The Producers, Pussy Cat Dolls Lounge, Rat Pack, Rio Bevertainment, Sirens of TI, Spamalot, Studio 54, Tangerine, Tony Braxton Revealed and The World's Greatest Magic Show.
Show time is 1 p.m. each day. Tickets are $50, $75, $100, $200 and $250, and are available by calling (702) 384-2899. All proceeds benefit Golden Rainbow's mission to provide housing and direct financial assistance to southern Nevadans living with HIV/AIDS and to support prevention education.
GIVE BLOOD, GET STUFF
Okay, listen up as this is important, not like that drivel you've been reading so far. BODIES.The Exhibition and United Blood Services are hosting a Blood Drive this Saturday, June 9 at the Tropicana from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. And as a bonus, all donors will receive free tickets to BODIES.The Exhibition and Folies Bergere, plus a chance to win tickets to see the Las Vegas 51s.
According to UBS, over 300 pints of blood must be collected from donors each day to meet patient needs in Las Vegas alone. The national average for blood collection is 5%; Las Vegas' average is only 2.5%, so come on everyone, please donate. It's painless and you'll be doing a really good deed. You can make an appointment in advance or walk-in the day of the drive. For appointments, visit www.bloodhero.com and use sponsor code BODIES or call 702-228-8400 ext. 226. Individuals 17 years and older are eligible to donate. Donors must weigh at least 110 pounds. The typical donation process takes approximately one hour (that's 60 minutes where you won't be losing any money in the casino).
Good luck and I'll see you on the Strip. And don't forget to check out www.valleyblogs.com.
If you have a question or a Las Vegas experience you would like to share with my readers, please e-mail me at lennylv@cox.net. Please include your full name and the city or town where you live.
