AFAN's 27th Annual Black & White Party Was The Place To Be!

by Julie Kasperson

If you wanted a fun atmosphere, happy people, great food and drink samples, and a variety of entertainment, this annual event filled the bill. In the 10 years I have lived in Las Vegas, I have attended at least one other Black & White Party, which was held at the Palms Pool in 2005. In my estimation, the staff and volunteers outdid themselves this year and produced the best B&W Party ever.

The Black & White Party had very humble beginnings, starting off in an apartment where people were encouraged to bring cans of food to stock Aid for AIDS of Nevada's pantry. It has grown to an event that attracts upwards of 2,000 attendees, and has been held at The Palms, The Cosmopolitan, and The Hard Rock Hotel. This year The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel hosted this huge party.

Hosts of the event were Jaymes & James, two performers with Las Vegas Chippendales (and popular competitors on the reality show "The Amazing Race") Chris Saldaña, TV anchor and host of Channel 8 News, and Lauren Michaels, radio personality from KLUC 98.5's Chet Buchanan and the Morning Zoo, Entertainment included a performance by the singer/comedienne/entertainer Véronic and her bevy of beautiful dancers. She has a new show playing at Bally's, which was teased to the enthusiastic crowd. Performers from "The 'D' Word" musical from LVH, and Britney Spears impersonator Derrick Barry were also there to dazzle and engage the audience. In a smaller room where most of the food and beverage samples were handed out, DJ's Mr. J & MAU spun Top 40 pop, hip-hop, and house, while dancers from Nevada Ballet Theatre joined other go-go dancers and showed their moves to an appreciative crowd.

There were also many food and beverage partners: Aliante Casino + Hotel, Avion Tequila, Chambord, Corona, Frangelico, Jamba Juice, and Trader Joe's were just some of the participating partners. Representatives from the Southern Nevada Health District handed out free condoms and pamphlets on their services. AFAN sold raffle tickets that quickly sold out. Prizes included gift cards, exercise classes, and comped dinners at some very hot restaurants in town, Unfortunately, I didn't win any of the prizes. Maybe next year. Good food, drink, entertainment, and sexy people clothed in black & white? You know I'll be there!

---

All photo credits: Julie Kasperson,

© 2013 Julie Kasperson - All rights reserved.

-VegasJules ( Julie Kasperson ) can be contacted through her facebook page.

---

Photos From The B&W Party

(Click photos to enlarge, all photos © Julie Kasperson)

Related Story:

Aid for AIDS of Nevada - Las Vegas Sun News

Trippy Rock At House Of Blues With The Flaming Lips

The Flaming Lips In Full Effect

by Julie Kasperson

I had not heard much of the Flaming Lips' music. I knew they had been around the music scene a long time (forming in 1983 in Oklahoma City, OK, in fact). I'm glad I had no expectations as I waited patiently for their show to begin at the House of Blues in Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino. A friend invited me to the show, which was part of a Bud Light Music First 50-50-1 promotion. Fifty bands in fifty states, all playing on the same night.

HOTT MT opened the show. They were a quirky little band from Southern California with a lot of spunk and drive. I watched the roadies scurry around after the opening act, wondering what kind of show we were in for. Miles of translucent cable wound around the Lips' lead singer Wayne Coyne's mic, and snaked all over the front of the stage. Wayne came out for a sound check and was warmly greeted by the audience. His shiny blue outfit reminded me of a Beatles' St, Pepper uniform or a '70's disco band leader. His sparkly, sequined makeup reminded me of the '60's flower power, hippie generation.

Wayne Coyne Greets The Audience

The music was intoxicating, trance-like, and accompanied by a rear screen-projected set of visuals. During some songs confetti cannons shot loads of shredded paper into the audience, turning the room into a snowstorm of confetti. All the musicians were first-rate, especially Wayne the lead vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist Steven Drozd, who alternated between keyboards and guitar. The lighting, the vocals,and instrumentals all made for a mesmerizing evening.

Confetti Swirls As The Music Plays

I talked to a fan after the performance, and he said the band created all the stage effects without a stage designer. Everything was designed and built by the band. He said sometimes, like during this performance, they go all-out and get very creative with the visuals. I'm glad they did. It was my favorite concert of the year, and one of the best events I have ever witnessed at the House of Blues Las Vegas.

---

All photo credits: Julie Kasperson,

© 2013 Julie Kasperson - All rights reserved.

-VegasJules ( Julie Kasperson ) can be contacted through her facebook page.

---

Fourth of July 2013 in Las Vegas: EarlyVegas.com Announces the Best Things to Do in Las Vegas for 4th of July Weekend

EarlyVegas presents all the best Las Vegas 4th of July 2013 fireworks and events.The most exciting city in the world will be hosting many events for Independence Day on 4th of July 2013 for celebrations that will last all weekend.

---

SEE ALSO: About.com's 4th of July Fireworks in Las Vegas Fireworks Shows Across the Valley on Independence Day.

---

Vegas Electric Daisy Carnival gears for crowds - FOX5 Vegas - KVVU

FOX5 Vegas - KVVU

Vegas Electric Daisy Carnival gears for crowds - FOX5 Vegas - KVVU

---

Electric Daisy Carnival Wrap-up -- $ucccess? How many arrests? Who died? What happened??

Las Vegas Thrill Rides | VEGAS.com

"Vegas is a thrill seeker's paradise with scream-inducing, heart-racing roller coasters, race cars and rides that are sure to get your adrenaline pumping. For more Las Vegas attractions, check out our comprehensive list." --- Vegas.com

Las Vegas Thrill Rides | VEGAS.com

Memorial Day weekend, Vegas-style -- clubs, pool parties, bands, and a water park

Memorial Day weekend, Vegas-style -- clubs, pool parties, bands, and a water park