Everyone keeps telling me that Revel will improve on the already-impressive entertainment scene in Atlantic City.
And if the bands that I hear are coming to Revel actually get announced, those people are correct.
Sources tell me that the Black Keys, the Ohio-based rock band led by Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney will be the first band to take the stage at Revel after the megaresort opens April 2.
Since debuting in 2002, the Black Keys have progressively built a large fanbase, elevating itself from garage band that played underground clubs to a large festival favorite to Grammy winner. They won three Grammys in 2011, including Best Rock Performance, Best Alternative Music Album and Best Recording Package.
Even bigger will be the debut of Coldplay, which is rumored to play not one - but two - shows at the new 5,000-plus-seat theater, which may end up being the smallest venue Coldplay hits in the country on their current world tour. One of the biggest bands on the planet, the seven-time Grammy-winning British band is touring in support of its latest album, "Mylo Xyloto."
Two other major bands are also expected to be announced, including Journey with singer Arnel Pineda, and Maroon 5, which has received a renaissance of sorts thanks to lead singer Adam Levine's presence on the No. 1 show in America, "The Voice."
Revel would not confirm any of the dates, but that sounds like a strong beginning for the upstart resort.
Celebrity sightings
Tony Orlando, a legendary performer known for his songs "Candida" and "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree," was in town last weekend. He was honored at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa with the Seven Seals Award from the Department of Defense, which is the highest level Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve award given to civilians. The state of New Jersey recognized Orlando, who travels around America and overseas to Iraq and Afghanistan to entertain troops. Brigadier Gen. James J. Grant, New Jersey Armed National Guard Chief of the Joint Staff, presented the award with Don Tretola, Department of Defense State Vice Chair.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Albert Young was at the Chelsea last weekend to help launch the Athletes for Vets program and to also celebrate his birthday. The nonprofit organization offers individuals an opportunity to pay tribute to U.S. military service men and women through service, scholarship and awareness. He had some company, particularly at C5, where they partied in VIP booths, danced all night and drank everything from Moet Rose to Grey Goose. The weekend was hosted by Dereck Faulkner, former Philadelphia eagles wide receiver, and other participants included former Minnesota Vikings running back Sean James and New York Jets running back Shonn Greene.
Pat "Deep Dish" Bertoletti continued his reign as king cake eating champion at Showboat Casino-Hotel's Fat Tuesday event. Devouring 10½ king cakes, winning $2,000 in the process. He took on some serious professional competitive eaters, including Sonya "The Black Widow" Thomas, who came in second with 8¾ cakes.
America's Next Top Dog?
Showboat, the only casino in town that allows a maximum of two dogs up to 50 pounds per room to stay at the hotel, presents its first "America's Next Top Dog Model" competition 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 3. Six canine contestants will participate for the coveted crown and become the face of Showboat's Pet Stay program.
The event, which is free to the public, will take place in the Harlem Ballroom, and dogs will be judged in three categories, including an obstacle course, talent and costume. Jakes Dog House will be on hand supplying a special Doggie Buffet for the contestants.
Each finalist received a two-night stay at Showboat, complimentary breakfast at the Mansion, $100 food credit at Scarduzio's Steak, Sushi, Lounge and more. The winner will receive five overnight stays in a Pet Stay room, $250 fodo and beverage credit, two tickets to any HOB show and a year subscription to Fido Friendly Magazine. Plus, the dog will become the official "spokes-dog."
Maxwell Awards this weekend
One of the biggest sports events of the year returns Friday, March 2, as the Maxwell Football Club Awards will be held at Harrah's Resort.
The 75th annual event will feature a who's-who of sports figures, but the main honoree is Stanford University Quarterback Andrew Luck, who is expected to be the No. 1 pick in this year's NFL draft.
The Maxwell Football Club is the oldest football club of its kind and has honored everyone from Roger Staubach to Peyton Manning. Aside from the main award, other award-winners expected to attend include Green Bay Packers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy, legend Archie Manning, ESPN's Mike Tirico and more.
A free, open-to-the-public press conference will be held 11:30 a.m. Friday in the Concert Venue.
For the dinner, tickets are $300 or $3,500 for a table of 12, and can be purchased at www.maxwellfootballclub.org or call 215-643-3833.
Dance for a cause
The Alcove Center for Grieving Children and Families and KOOL 98.3-FM are partnering 6:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, March 2, for "The Alcove A GoGo," a retro dance party at the Club Harlem Ballroom at Showboat.
The event will be broadcast live, and the event will also feature local radio personalities, menu tastings from Scarduzio's, the Foundation Room, Luke Palladino's, Doc's Place, Formica Bros. Caf�, and the Mays Landing Golf & Country Club.
There will also be an auction of autographed memorabilia, and partygoers are encouraged to dress in their finest '60s garb.
Tickets, priced at $75, include one free beverage and are priced at $75, four for $240 and 10 for $500. Call 609-484-1133. Proceeds benefit The Alcove.
Old Homestead
honored by Zagat
The Old Homestead Steak House, which I think is one of the best steakhouses in the city, was named Atlantic City's "Top Restaurant" by Zagat's 2012 America's Top Restaurants Guide. Congrats to Executive Chef Romeo DiBona, his staff, the servers and the Sherry brothers.
New attractions open at Trop
You now have two new reasons to go to the Tropicana.
For starters, the Talk of the Walk opened a location inside The Quarter recently. Owned and operated by the Lovitz family for three generations, Talk of the Walk opened its doors on the Atlantic City Boardwalk in 1951 and has been offering fine women's fashion ever since.
Also, the Family Fun Station recently debuted in the North Tower of the Tropicana to offer families and alternative to the adult choices at the Trop. The Family Fun Station is an arcade filled with videogames, pinball, skeeball and other games.
"We're excited to offer our guests these new entertainment and shopping options to furtsays Tony Rodio, president and chief executive officer, in a press release. "Talk of the Walk and the Family Fun Station are just the beginning of the exciting new offerings Tropicana has in the works. Look for more announcements coming soon."
Sheraton earns high environmental rating
The Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center achieved a 3 Green Key rating through the Green Key Eco-Rating Program, a rating earned by hotels that take significant steps to protect the environment, such as strong environmental programs, management practices, training programs and engineering solutions.
According to Sheraton representatives, the Atlantic City location has proactively sought out new ways to implement green initiatives, including single-stream recycling as well as new menu items featuring locally grown, Jersey Fresh selections produced by sustainable farming growers.
Sheraton and Starwood Hotels across the country also do other things, such as: installation of separate recycling trash bins in guestrooms; electronic thermostats in each guestroom to conserve energy; recycling of building materials; kitchen fryer oil sent for recycling; rain sensor irrigation systems; LED lighting in exit signs and elevator call buttons; and more.
For three years Sheraton Atlantic City participated in Earth Hour, a global initiative in which towns and cities across the world turn off their lights for one hour.
"As the health of our planet and energy consumption continues to emerge as one of the great challenges for modern society, it has become clear that the way we view our business needs to change," says Jeffrey Albrecht, general manager of Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel, in a statement. "We have taken the lead in our community embracing initiatives that are environmentally responsible, while improving the way we run our daily operations."
At The Shore Art Show report
I want to thank everyone who came and enjoyed another success At The Shore Art Show & Wine Tasting that was held at the beautiful Atlantic City Country Club in Northfield.
The benefit by the Greater Atlantic City Concierge Association and the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority raised enough money to provide up to six scholarships for hospitality education. They will awarded to students majoring in hospitality management at Richard Stockton College, Atlantic Cape Community College and Fairleigh Dickinson University on May 12 at the ACCVA Foundation's annual Host Awards at Baordwalk Hall.
