There's a new place to party at the Showboat Casino-Hotel as the Back Stage recently debuted on the casino floor near the Boardwalk entrance in the House of Blues-themed gaming area.
Featuring live music, a DJ, dancers and even sexy dealers, the Back Stage offers casino-goers a place to retreat and non-gamblers a place to party.
"As we thought about the continued evolution of the House of Blues brand here at Showboat - we ramped up the concert schedule this summer and have some awesome programming in the Foundation Room - we thought the casino was the perfect place to expand and enhance the experience with Back Stage," says D'Ann Glenn, vice president of marketing for Showboat and regional vice president of entertainment for Harrah's Entertainment. "Since opening, the response has been fantastic.
Back Stage features a rotating cast of rock bands from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturday, including Garden State Radio and Bli$$ this weekend, as well as resident DJ Aiden Scott, who begins spinning at 8 p.m. The X Dancers dance on raised, illuminated platforms from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.
"And then we have all female dealers that provide exceptional service, but they also serve as entertainment," Glenn says.
Wearing black bustiers in costumes that resemble the dancers, the sexy dealer team can be seen dancing, high-fiving customers and adding to the overall experience.
There are 15 tables in the Back Stage area that offer blackjack, roulette and three-card poker. There are also slot machines and video poker.
The Spirit Bar is also part of the Back Stage experience. Offering its "Mardi Gras 24/7 Happy Hour," clubgoers will find $3 beer and shot specials and flair bartending between band breaks.
New furniture was set up in front of the stage to create a club vibe, and bottle service is available that is less expensive than most dance clubs. Other investments included a new stage, new lighting, dance platforms and curtains to make the space feel more intimate.
"With the live band right there and the DJ and the dancers, there's lots of energy that helps stimulate a lot of excitement," Glenn says. "The next evolution of Back Stage is that after the bands finish their sets in the Concert Hall at the House of Blues, we are encouraging them to come down to Back Stage and play blackjack, hang out and have fun."
Harrah's Entertainment
employees party at
Absecon Lighthouse
Harrah's Entertainment employees enjoyed a two-day barbecue celebration at the Absecon Lighthouse recently for an employee celebration to kick off summer.
Harrah's chose to have the party at the lighthouse to aid the financially struggling Atlantic City landmark.
"This is a terrific example of a local company being involved with a local non-profit," says Harrah's Entertainment Vice President of Public Affairs Alyce Parker.
The lighthouse, located at 31 S. Rhode Island Ave., is open to the public 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays to Mondays.
Celebrity sightings
Molly Sims, best known for her role on the former NBC series "Las Vegas," showcased her jewely collection, "Grayce by Molly Sims," during a trunk show at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa's FIXATION Shoes & Accessories, located inside The Water Club. Sims, a model, actress and designer, answered questions about her jewelry, gave fashion tips and even signed autographs and posed for pictures with fans. Sims was seen enjoying a private cabana poolside at The Water Club, and she also dined with a group of friends at Izakaya, before heading to SUNBAR in The Water Club.
Resorts Atlantic City hosted four Dallas Cowboys this weekend. Running back Felix Jones, Pro Bowl nose tackle Jay Ratliff and cornerback Terence Newman were joined by former Pro Bowl tight end Jay Novacek. Ratliff was seen partying at Boogie Nights. The Cowboys were in town for a charity basketball game against the New York Giants in Toms River. The Cowboys stayed at Resorts for two nights.
Finally, Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino celebrated his birthday in Atlantic City with appearances at Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino's Beach Bar and Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort's Casbah. Sorrentino showed off his abs, posed for photos and signed autographs for fans.
Lobster feast
The Atlantic City Country Club will host its much-anticipated Chef Ed Dagger's Lobster Feast Spectacular 5 p.m. Thursday, July 15. The Northfield country club, owned by Harrah's Entertainment, will feature all-you-can-eat grilled whole Maine lobsters, barbecue chicken, Jersey corn on the cob, Jersey tomatoes and mozzarella, and other vegetables and salads. There will also be fresh-baked apple, blueberry and cherry pies accompanied with homemade ice cream.
The $69.95 price also includes wine and draft beer. Call 609-641-7575.
25 Hours extends
happy hour
Resorts' 25 Hours casino bar recently extended its happy hour from 3 to 9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.
Patrons can indulge in $2 domestic beers, $3 imported beers, $4 glasses of Barefoot wine and $5 cocktails.
KOOL 98.3-FM broadcasts live from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursdays, and Serene Blu, which is located inside the casino, is offering 10-minute neck and shoulder massages for $10 inside the bar.
Special cocktails include Watermelon Punch, the Jolly Rancher Martini and the Oasis Punch.
25 Hours is located near the Rendezvous Tower lobby.
Chelsea Prime extends Thirty Thursdays
Chelsea Prime, one of the best steakhouses in Atlantic City, extended its Thirsty Thursdays promotion that offers half-price bottles of wine.
The steakhouse, located inside The Chelsea, will continue to offer the promotion through the end of the year. The restaurant's bottles are organized by price, region, taste profile and varietal.
Call 609-428-4545 for reservastions and more information.
