Wednesday, August 28, 2013

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

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

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.



Monday, June 24, 2013

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.

Saturday, June 22, 2013

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??

Wednesday, June 05, 2013

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

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

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

Memorial Day weekend in Vegas: Time to hit the pools! | Las Vegas Blogs

Memorial Day weekend in Vegas: Time to hit the pools! | Las Vegas Blogs

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Top 10 water attractions in Las Vegas | Las Vegas Blogs

Top 10 water attractions in Las Vegas | Las Vegas Blogs

Monday, May 06, 2013

Clubbing In Las Vegas - Business Insider

Clubbing In Las Vegas - Business Insider

Friday, May 03, 2013

Jeremy Kintigh: Cinco de Mayo: Vegas

Jeremy Kintigh: Cinco de Mayo: Vegas


RELATED:
LAS VEGAS CELEBRATES SUMMER WITH ULTIMATE CINCO DE MAYO BASH

Wednesday, May 01, 2013

Best Pools in Las Vegas - Articles | Travel Leisure

Great photo essay on Las Vegas' best pools.

Best Pools in Las Vegas - Articles | Travel Leisure

Saturday, April 27, 2013

A new Las Vegas party pool dives in - Bagatelle Beach at the Tropicana - USA Today

Bagatelle Beach at the Tropicana is due to launch May 4

A new Las Vegas party pool dives in

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Las Vegas: You can take the plunge at another pool - latimes.com

There was a time, long ago, when this local could use any Las Vegas pool (to do laps) without showing a room key or an ID. Sweet freedom! Alas, the hotel pools are now charging 10, 20 or more bucks for the hotel residents to use their own pool. Now some hotel pools are opening up to charge people staying at other Vegas hotels to usetheir pools. This is called PROGRE$$ ...
Las Vegas: You can take the plunge at another pool - latimes.com

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Las Vegas Strip Gambling Revenue Spikes More Than 30% LVS WYNN MGM - Investors.com

Las Vegas Strip Gambling Revenue Spikes More Than 30% LVS WYNN MGM - Investors.com

Friday, April 05, 2013

On the Scene - At Pool Party at Viva Las Vegas



Welcoming in the Vegas pool party season ! (photo from The Satorialist)
On the Scene…..Pool Party at Viva Las Vegas, Las Vegas


RELATED:
Vegas adult and topless pools continue to make a splash

Tuesday, April 02, 2013

Fast cars, big bulldozers – and an A-bomb - USA Today

Las Vegas attractions go way beyond gaming, shows and night clubs. Drive a hot car at 120 mph, pay to operate construction machinery, play a Titanic passenger. USA TODAY's Kitty Bean Yancey samples some offbeat offerings...
READ MORE:
Fast cars, big bulldozers – and an A-bomb

Friday, March 15, 2013

Downtown Las Vegas Revival - Forbes

Downtown Las Vegas Revival - Forbes

Thursday, March 07, 2013

Vegas' Resort Fees Killed Our HotelTonight Booking Buzz || HotelChatter


Interesting trip report about Resort Fees at Caesars.

Vegas' Resort Fees Killed Our HotelTonight Booking Buzz || HotelChatter


Related story:


Las Vegas resorts are putting the money on resort fees | Washington Times Communities

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Las Vegas for Kids: 10 Family Friendly Destinations - AOL Travel News

Las Vegas for Kids: 10 Family Friendly Destinations - AOL Travel News

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Las Vegas reports surge in visitors | News | Breaking Travel News

Las Vegas reports surge in visitors | News | Breaking Travel News