It’s happening at Atlantic City Hotels and Casinos

Nothing this year made me so full of anticipation as the rumors of the legendary Stevie Wonder planning a long awaited (12 years to be precise) tour of the US, and nobody heard me squeal so profusely when I discovered those rumors were in actual fact - FACT!

For the millions of you who shared my delight, his tour which began in August has been a revelation. It was no wonder then that tickets were being sold at an alarming rate and I was somewhat (extremely) disappointed when I missed out. The good news is, ladies and gentleman, its not too late to be the bearer of a ‘golden ticket’. Sir Stevie Wonder has extended his tour and for those who missed out the first time round, tickets are now available to see our beloved icon in locations such as the Borgata Center in Atlantic City. As of October the 25th, Stevie will be giving us some live events throughout the east.

My ticket for the Borgata Center is in a safe place until the 27th of October arrives - the big day. After weeks of frustration, all my wishes came true with the announcement of the added dates. I am in no doubt that these tickets will soon be sold out too, so if your thinking about it, don’t! better not waste the time, just act on it. Come and join me boogieing on down to the likes of “Superstition”, “Higher Ground” and some of his later works; “So What the Fuss” and “Shelter in the Rain”.

So what made Stevie decide to tour after 12 years? Delighted as I was, I thought it was a little out of the blue. It has been reported that his inspiration came from the recent death of his mother, Lula Mae Hardaway. She is also the muse of his upcoming album “The Gospel Inspired by Lula”, to be released in January next year, coinciding with her birthday.

Stevie’s last studio album was titled “A Time to Love”. Emerging in 2005 and reaching number 5 in the Billboard 200, it was and still is a perfect blend of anthems and laid-back R&B/Soul. In a time when a lot of R&B is about drugs, money, or infidelity, Wonder’s lyrics offer us the innocence and simplicity of early Motown. A refreshing change I might add. After playing the album on repeat, for what seems like an eternity, I am more than a little excited to hear and see them live on stage.

I can’t comprehend for what might have been if I never bought my ticket for the Borgata. To me and to many others who have walked the globe since Stevie’s existence, the acceptance that this guy is a genius is just the beginning. I still find myself full of admiration for a man who is fully blind, but brimming with life and musical ambition. Everything that he’s recorded bares the tone of his jubilant positivity. He has taught us so much on issues of racial, social and spiritual context.

Stevie Wonder shares a love of music like I do and when I listen to him I feel on top of the world. No exaggeration. I can’t wait to see him later this month…Can you?

Catch him live at the Borgata Center, Atlantic City, 26th-27th October.

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Atlantic City, located in New Jersey, is famous for its boardwalk, casino gambling rooms, lovely beaches, shopping centers, retail shops, and breath-taking views of the Atlantic Ocean. For these things, it is no wonder why people cannot stop visiting and pampering themselves at resorts to enjoy the pleasure this city provides. It home to three large malls for tourists, with various types of convenient transportation and the second best destination of professional gamblers.

Atlantic City is one of the most visited cities in the entire U.S. for entertainment and business purposes. Although the global recession has greatly affected the economy of Atlantic City in some ways, the place is still kicking and thriving. Although 11 of the city’s finest casinos have been experiencing an economic failure which includes Donald Trump’s Taj Mahal Casino & Resort and the Tropicana Casino & Resort, the country’s number two gambling destination is rising not due to bankruptcy but for continuous competitive business production.
Yes, you can still find all the extraordinary gambling venues. You can still indulge in luxury hotel rooms, soak in the sunset-view spas, have a taste of exclusive restaurants and the non-stop entertaining theater shows. People are obviously visible walking around the stylish walls and on brilliant floors of the casinos. Employees are busy taking care of luggage and stuff of their customers. Elite women and tuxedo dressed men are edging on hot seats of the casino.  Atlantic City has many delightful surprises to give its visitors.

One of the vice presidents of an extravagant hotel-casino said that there are more visitors and newcomers arriving each day. The number of tickets had enormously increased for viewing  some treasured music of great legends and that’s another reason why there are more shows produced throughout the city which shows that tourism is on the rise in Atlantic city.

Summer is the most popular get-away time for gamblers plus new players and site seers, however many of them visit throughout the entire year as well. During summer, live music shows appeal to many people. Who would ignore American Idols and worldly known pop stars like Kris Allen, Jimmy Buffet, Madonna, and more that are entertaining just a few feet away from your seat? Of course, you will have to run and get the VIP seat area. This is an ideal long weekend getaway destination that will amaze any individual. With so much to do and see it is a place you will keep you returning when you want to escape, relax and have fun.

Resorts, whatever the season, are still flooded by thousands of tourists, and you will find that the Hawaiian and Polynesian services are out of this world. One difference though is that the entertainment has changed in casino rooms. It is now held in a lovely area, which is known as the Boardwalk Hall.

There are several entertaining shows and offers, that are expected to come out this 2010. Bon Jovi is possibly going to come back for tour of his new released CD last November 2008. More new live entertainment shows will be produced for your pleasure. Planned new modernized facilities are already under construction with many new up and coming sites to see. In short, people are very much looking forward to the newly revived delights of Atlantic City. Book a getaway to see for yourself!

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If you love good music, smooth phrasing and out of this world jazz, don’t miss the opportunity to see Tony Bennett live at Harrah’s in Atlantic City. Bennett’s been called everything from “the last of the greats” to “the best singer in the business.” Frank Sinatra, by the way, made that last remark about Tony.

The tickets are selling out fast and for good reason. Bennett doesn’t do that many concerts and the opportunity may not be available in the area for a very long time, if ever again. You may have seen Tony’s recent appearance on American Idol. Many people that never heard his warm, husky voice before got a small sampling as he helped mentor the contestants. His warm friendly manner made him popular with not only the contestants but also all of America.

This icon of music has been popular since the 1950’s. His jazzy style and phrasing brings new life to old songs and a comfortable familiarity to new ones. Most people that hear Bennett sing once are hooked on his mellow tones and upbeat vocalizations. While you immediately identify Tony Bennett with his signature song, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” but will immediately recognize Bennett’s other hits as he makes each song spring to life on the stage.

“Because of You ” was Bennett’s first record and it made its way to the top of the charts September 1951. He followed the hit another chart topper “Cold, Cold Heart.” Other great hits included “Rags to Riches, ” Strangers in Paradise,” “In the Middle of an Island,” “I Wanna Be Around,” “The Good Life, ” “Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me), ” “If I Ruled the World” and “The Beat of My Heart.”

If you’ve never heard Tony Bennett, you might be living on an island with no television or radio, but you wouldn’t be reading this would you? Take a minute to go to Tony Bennett’s website and listen to some fantastic music. It won’t take long before you understand why the tickets are so hot and difficult to get. The man’s not only a musical genius, his voice just makes you smile. It weaves a hypnotic spell you can’t resist, because you don’t want to resist it. For those few minutes, there are no barking dogs, not overdue bills, no problems with family, just you and Tony and the music.

From the inception of the Grammy for best traditional pop vocal performance in 1992 until 2007, Tony Bennett won 10 out of the 16 years. The music industry recognizes that his type of unique talent doesn’t have to follow the trend for the industry. It’s pure, genuine and comes from the heart. There’s no copycat style for the favorite musical flavor of the day, Bennett is Bennett and no one else. Of course, there’s no one out there that can offer the audience the same mellow flavor of tone like Tony Bennett either.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see an American music icon. If you wait to long, you’ll miss the chance of a lifetime to see a concert you’ll talk about for years to come. It doesn’t matter what age you are; Bennett has a sound everyone loves. But you had better hurry because tickets are selling out for his Harrah’s Atlantic City performances Friday and Saturday, November 6th and 7th.

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When you are headed to Atlantic City, you will find that you are in a great place for some fun in the sun, and when you are ready to start a party or to join one, you cannot beat the beach bars. The beach bars in Atlantic City are known for their lively environments and the great times that they offer to tourists and locals like, and when you are interested in having a great time, there are definitely a few that you need to check out.

For instance, when you don’t want to do anything fancy, why not consider the Atlantic City Hilton Beach Bar? This bar has a terrifically kitschy feel, and it is definitely stripped down. It might make you think of a bare shack on the beach, but there are some great things to check out. You can get some great wings, sausage and tacos here and you’ll find that if you are interested in a slightly older crowd, this is the way to go.

On the other hand, if you are in the mood for a place where you definitely won’t feel cramped, consider the beach bar at Trump Plaza. This place regularly has live bands in to perform and the crowd is pretty diverse and fun. You can get some great sandwiches and tacos, and when you are in the mood for something different, there’s the raw bar. You can take advantage of the luxury service that you can get from your own private cabana, and you can enjoy the luxury of being in one of the Sexiest Beach Bars, as decided by the Travel Channel.

If you are in the mood to be really close to the beach, you can’t get much closer than the Bikini Beach Bar at Bally’s. This bar is known for its live band and for its proximity to the water and you will find that though the food here is your basic bar food, it is plentiful and pretty tasty. Look for the Old Bay fries and the shrimp, and make sure that you stay long enough for the cocktails. There are many different theme nights that you can take advantage of when you are looking at the Bikini Beach Bar at Bally’s, so keep a look out for things like Latin Mondays and ’80s Wednesdays. There’s even a fun in the sun fashion show on Friday, so bring your best!

Take a moment to think about everything that you have heard about Atlantic City. The bar scene is among the most amazing in the world and when you are ready to have a good time, this is definitely the beach that you want to hit. Check out more local attractions and figure out which water holes are going to entertain you!

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Atlantic City offers some of the best shopping in the region. Before you lose all of your money at the luxurious Tropicana resort be sure to head on over to The Quarter at the Tropicana, The Pier Shops at Caesars, and what locals refer to as “The Walk.”

The Quarter is an elegant indoor shopping mall that is in the Tropicana Casino. Its garden courtyard resembles something you would see in Mexico. The Quarter has something for everyone - including your animals. Jake’s Dog House is a down to earth pet store that has everything you and your pet could want. Aside from the basis stores such as Banana Republic the Quarter features local favorites such as “The Trop” and the “Farmer’s Almanac.” While waiting for your gambling friends to finish up donate pass by “Steel’s Fudge.” Don’t forget to check out the restaurants as well, they offer tasty cuisine at a reasonable price.

The Pier Shops at Caesars is an upscale indoor shopping center that caters to everyone. Even if you cannot afford a $500 purse, items worth checking out. It is connected via a sky bridge from the main casino and offers something for everyone. They have water and light shows that run on the hour and offer a multitude of entertainment for the whole family. They feature the typical stores such as Brookstone and The Body Shop. For those who made it big at the casinos the mall has designer stores including Gucci and Luis Vuitton. The Pier features a wide variety of upscale dining facilities for eating in or to-go. Do not miss the third floor of the Pier as it offers a unique beach view.

Atlantic City’s Outlets offers a mix between upscale and casual shopping. There are a plethora of stores to browse and shop at. You’ll find everything at The Walk including suitcases, diamonds, vitamins, and cell phones. The Walk features fashion and accessories by Ashley Stewart, Brooks Brothers, Calvin Klein, Eddie Bauer, Kenneth Cole, Lane Bryant, Perry Ellis, and Ralph Lauren. You will find many factory outlet stores including Guess, PacSun, Old Navy, H&M, Bass, GAP, Ecko, and DKNY. Among the dining facilities include Cavo Crepe Café, Longhorn Steakhouse, The Melting Pot, and Ruth Chris Steakhouse. The guys can watch the game and drink a few beers at the 40/40 Club while their loved ones shop.

Atlantic City is full of great shops and attractions. There is something for the entire family no matter where you are staying. Be sure to check out the Atlantic City Boardwalk for exciting entertainment and nightlife.

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With the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean as the backdrop, just about everything you do is somehow better, but even more so if it’s free. If, like many people, you’re worried you won’t be able to vacation somewhere as exciting as Atlantic City (AC) this year, relax and start packing your suitcase because here are five completely free and totally fun things to do in one of the greatest spots in all of the U.S.

1. Learn about Atlantic City’s History: Located on Garden Pier on Boardwalk at New Jersey Avenue, the Atlantic City Historical Museum showcases the widely diverse history of AC offering both free admission and parking to visitors. Before heading to the beach you can learn about Atlantic City’s culture through the permanent exhibit titled “Atlantic City, Playground of the Nation” which features vintage postcards and photographs, artifacts from the area, and also memorabilia from the famed Miss America pageants held in the city.

2. See a Free Outdoor Concert: Throughout the summer months concerts are held at Kennedy Plaza on the Boardwalk courtesy of the AC Free Public Library. Also free are summer concerts at Bally’s Casino in the Dennis Courtyard as well as multiple entertainers located all along the Boardwalk.

3. Experience Korean War History in Atlantic City: See the New Jersey Korean War Memorial on Brighton Park which is free to the public and offers a definite feeling of the area’s deep rooted history. The war memorial is open daily and gives visitors a chance to experience the important legacy left by our veterans.

4. More Free Culture and History in Atlantic City: Visit the tranquil Civil Rights Garden, located on Pacific Avenue and Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard, and see its gorgeous flowers, the meandering pathways, and the awe inspiring eleven granite columns with inscriptions detailing the events that occurred during that time.

5. Enjoy the Wonders of the Beach and the Atlantic Ocean: There are no pricey beach badges or any type of fees needed to enjoy the beauty of Atlantic City’s beaches and any number of fun activities taking place there all year round.

Besides the usual swimming, sunbathing, and volleyball games, surfing is also permitted at three different beaches, either New Hampshire Avenue’s Crystal Beach, the Delaware Avenue Beach, or the Downtown Beach at Raleigh Avenue. None of the surfing beaches are staffed with lifeguards, and if you want to kayak or windsurf over at Jackson Avenue Beach, also without a lifeguard, be sure to bring your own equipment as there are no rentals.

As if all of that isn’t enough, fishing is permitted along the jetties near the Oriental and Main Avenue Boardwalks and you won’t even need to buy a license for salt-water fishing here. Just remember that no fishing is allowed near bathing beaches during the hours of 10am to 6pm when the lifeguards are on duty.

With all of the free things to do in Atlantic City you’re sure to need more than just one day to see and do everything the area has to offer. But luckily, since none of these fun activities require any money, maybe you’ll be able to stay an extra few days and really experience the city in all its glory.

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Anyone with even a passing interest in the music of the 1970’s will surely know the name of the band The Doobie Brothers. Without a doubt, The Doobie Brothers were among the most influential bands of the entire Me Decade. Part of the reason for this was their unique sound that was far from derivative of the other bands of the era. It is this uniqueness of their sound that has allowed The Doobie Brothers to still draw an audience decades after their original formation. And, yes, they are still on the road touring and they will be soon arriving in Atlantic City to appear live, on stage at the world famous Tropicana Hotel and Casino.

To say The Doobie Brothers were a popular act in the 1970’s would be a dramatic understatement. The band has sold upwards of 22 millions albums making them one of the most successful acts in rock history. What is most interesting about the band is that its original sound was far removed from the type of music the band would later become known for. Initially, in the late 1960’s, the band was popular amidst the biker crowd and played a much harder version of rock. However, when the debut album of the band first appeared in the very early 1970’s, the sound was much lighter and even maintained a somewhat country sounding beat. However, this sound was not met with a rabid response among fans and The Doobie Brothers would modify their sound in subsequent album releases.

By 1973, the band released a number of huge hit singles and this would elevate The Doobie Brothers to superband status. They would maintain this status for the bulk of the 1970’s. Unfortunately, various line up changes led to the band’s dissolution in the early 1980’s. Thankfully, a number of original members have reformed the band and The Doobie Brothers have once again returned to touring. Those in the Atlantic City area will now have a chance to see the band in all their glory. And, yes, there is a lot of fun and amazement to be had watching a Doobie Brothers’ concert.

While the albums produced by The Doobie Brothers are certainly excellent, this band’s music can be much better appreciated in a live venue. This is true of many bands of the 1970’s since the concept of “live in the studio” was popularized during the era. This is why there is such an enormous difference between listening to The Doobie Brothers’ studio albums and their live albums. Really, there is no comparison between the two and anyone that has listened to the live sound will surely want to see the band in a live concert appearance. The Tropicana in Atlantic City, NJ is offering such an opportunity and it should definitely be taken advantage of. The Doobies will be performing their top hits and this event will be a great adventure for both those that have seen the band in the past and those fans that may be experiencing their sounds for the first time.

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Atlantic City residents and visitors are very happy to hear about AirTrans Airways plans to offer nonstop flights to  Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. To celebrate the inaugural flight, AirTran hosted a big event at the airport with entertainment provided by the legendary, six Grammy winning, Earth, Wind and Fire. Their hit “Let’s Groove” was received with great pleasure by the audience.

John Kirby, the senior director of strategic planning for the airliner said they the company was extremely pleased to add the world class destination of Atlanta to their network of routes. He stated that AirTran’s high quality and low priced service will increase tourism and bring folks to the sandy beaches of Atlantic City and to the casinos and resorts. Also he was pleased to be able to offer South Jersey residents entry into the expansive network of routes with flights to over 40 destinations through Atlanta, Georgia while they enjoyed Satellite radio and Gogo internet service on board the airliners.

Atlantic City International Airport’s executive director, Bart Mueller said that it is a great day for the residents of Atlantic City and its visitors to have AirTran Airways come to their airport with its outstanding service and great low fares.

AirTran offers four non-stop flights between Atlanta and Atlantic City daily. Flight 962 departs from Atlanta at 10:30 a.m. and arrives in Atlantic City at 12:18 p.m. The second offering from Atlanta is flight 964 that departs at 4:55 p.m. and arrives in Atlantic City at 6:43 p.m. Flight 963 leaves Atlantic City at 12:53 p.m. and arrives in Atlanta at 2:48 p.m. The last flight between the two cities is flight 965 that departs Atlantic City at 7:22 p.m. and lands in Atlanta at 9:15 p.m.

AirTran will have a special introductory fare of just $69. In order to receive this special offer, travelers must book by the last day of June for travel through July 31st. AirTran offers some of the lowest fares in the United States as is ranked at number one for being the lowest cost carrier in the Airline Quality Rating study for the past two years. AirTran’s low fares are greatly appreciated by today’s regular travelers who are trying to spend as little money as possible in these dire economic times.

The casino and resort owners in Atlantic City are very happy to hear of the new non-stop flights offered to and from Atlanta. The Governor of New Jersey, Jon Corzine said that this new service connects Atlantic City with fifty cities nationwide and he says he is quite confident that the city’s casinos and resorts will benefit. The crippling recession has taken a toll on these establishments as gamblers are much more reluctant to part with their money. There are eleven casinos in Atlantic City that are in bankruptcy.

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Week of Dec. 6

Melissa Manchester, Atlantic City Hilton, The Grand Theater, 7 p.m. Dec. 6 and 9. 9 p.m. Dec. 7. 8 p.m. Nov. 8. $35.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Boardwalk Hall, 8 p.m. Dec. 7. $40.50, $60.50.

The Moscow Ballet, Borgata, Event Center, 5 p.m. Dec. 8. $25.

Kenny Rogers Christmas Show, Trump Taj Mahal, Taj Arena, 9 p.m. Dec. 7. 8 p.m. Dec. 8. $25, $40, $60.

Dierks Bentley, Showboat, House of Blues, 7 p.m. Dec. 8. $37, $44.50.

Week of Dec. 13

The Fab Faux, Showboat, House of Blues, 7 p.m. Dec. 15. $40.50, $53.

Pointer Sisters, Trump Plaza, Imperial Ballroom, 9 p.m. Dec. 15. $50.50.

John Mellencamp with Los Lobos, Borgata, Event Center, 8 p.m. Dec. 14. $75, $95, $115, $125. 8 p.m. Dec. 15.

Raul Malo, Borgata, The Music Box, 9 p.m. Dec. 14. $35.

Week of Dec. 27

Holiday Wonders, Caesars (CIRCUS MAXIMUO THEATER) Date: December 28-30, 2007

The Australian Bee Gees, Trump Marina, The Shell, 9 p.m. Dec. 28 to 30. 10:30 p.m. Dec. 31. $31.58.

Fergie, Borgata, Event Center, 8 p.m. Dec. 29. $75.

Sasha & John Digweed, Borgata, MIXX, 10 p.m. Dec. 29. $30.

Eric Clapton Retrospective with Craig Thatcher Band, Showboat, House of Blues (Club Harlem Ballroom), 8 p.m. Dec. 29. $11.

Rufus Wainwright, Showboat, House of Blues, 8 p.m. Dec. 29. Tickets TBA.

Brad Garrett, Harrah’s, The Concert Venue, 9 p.m. Dec. 30 and 31. $35, $40, $50, $70.

The Roots, Showboat, House of Blues, 8 p.m. Dec. 30. $37.

Gladys Knight, Tropicana, Showroom, 8 p.m. Dec. 30. 10:30 p.m. Dec. 31. Tickets TBA.

Elvis Costello & The Imposters, Showboat, House of Blues, 10 p.m. Dec. 31. Tickets TBA.

Patti Labelle, Caesars, Circus Maximus Theater, 11 p.m. Dec. 31. $85, $100.

The Samples, Showboat, House of Blues (Club Harlem Ballroom), 9 p.m. Dec. 31. $25.

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