Jun 3, 2011

Missing Persons with Warren Cuccurullo & Dale Bozzio Free Concert on June 4th

“Nina Blackwood’s Absolutely 80s” music festival continues this weekend with a free concert by Missing Persons with Warren Cuccurullo & Dale Bozzio on Saturday, June 4th at 9 p.m. on the 3rd Street Stage. Also featured throughout the week is the stage extravaganza The Nancy Rayguns, an original production show, “VJ Invasion: Launch Date 8.1.81,” Las Vegas based premiere cover band Venus Rising, Blackwood’s countdown of her 100 greatest songs of the 80s on Viva Vision and a chance to travel Back to the Future with a rare 80s icon, a DeLorean DMC-12.

Missing Persons with Warren Cuccurullo & Dale Bozzio
Missing Persons is a New Wave and electronic pop rock band founded in 1980 in Los Angeles by guitarist Warren Cuccurullo, vocalist Dale Bozzio, and drummer Terry Bozzio. Dale’s quirky voice and heavy makeup made the band a favorite on MTV in the early 1980s. Dale and Terry Bozzio met and married while working with Frank Zappa, and Cuccurullo encountered the pair while contributing to the Zappa album Joe’s Garage. In 1980 the band made its first record, a 4-song EP entitled Missing Persons, in Zappa’s brand-new Utility Muffin Research Kitchen studios. The band toured, promoted the EP, appeared in the movie Lunch Wagon, and became a must-see band among the Los Angeles live music crowd. “Mental Hopscotch” was a #1 record on local radio station KROQ, and the self-promoted EP sold 7,000 copies. Two years of hard work led up to a signing with Capitol Records in 1982. With label support, the re-released EP sold another 250,000 units, and the new album Spring Session M (an anagram of “Missing Persons”) went gold. The singles “Mental Hopscotch”, “Destination Unknown,” “Words,” “Walking in L.A.,” and “Windows” met with great success. The visual effects used in the music video for “Words” were unusual for the time, making it popular on the relatively new cable TV channel MTV. Dale’s solo album Riot In English was released on Jan. 1, 1988 on Prince’s Paisley Park Records. The lead single “Simon Simon” was a Top 40 dance hit and was also a crossover hit in Europe. Dale Bozzio has re-formed Missing Persons with guitarist Warren Cuccurullo for an incredible reunion tour in anticipation of the 30th Anniversary of Spring Session M, the band’s groundbreaking, certified-Gold album originally released in 1982.”

About “Nina Blackwood’s Absolutely 80s”
Fremont Street Experience’s “Nina Blackwood’s Absolutely 80s” highlights the music and culture of the 1980s with free headliner concerts, a stage extravaganza and an original production show. Blackwood, an original MTV VJ, is synonymous with ‘80s music, helping to set the musical tastes and trends still celebrated today. She continues to highlight the era that changed music forever with her radio shows on Sirius XM channel “80s on 8” and on syndicated radio shows “Nina Blackwood’s Absolutely 80s” and “Nina Blackwood’s New Wave Nation.” Blackwood is also revealing her personal 100 greatest songs of the ‘80s over the course of the 100-day celebration with one selection revealed every night on Viva Vision.

Free Headliner Concerts
Blackwood guest hosts a series of free headliner concerts throughout the summer that includes ‘80s artists: Terri Nunn & Berlin on May 28; Missing Persons with Warren Cuccurullo & Dale Bozzio on June 4; ABC on June 18; Colin Hay of Men at Work on July 2; Wang Chung with Naked Eyes on July 23; Loverboy on Aug. 6; Tony Hadley of Spandau Ballet with Men Without Hats on Aug. 20 and Howard Jones on Sept. 3. All concerts start at 9 p.m.

The Nancy Rayguns
The Nancy Rayguns are more than just a cover band; they are a complete show with stage sets, music videos, comedy and of course, the VAL-2600, 1985’s most powerful interactive supercomputer. Their mission is to rid the world of bogus music and to help the audience relive the 1980s with the best jams of that era. The band, which consists of Kim Gone Wild, Iceman, Dig Dug, Howard Joneson and The Noid, will bring audiences back to the days of leg warmers and scrunchies with spot-on renditions of such classic hits like “Hungry Like the Wolf,” “Kids in America,” “My Sharona,” “Safety Dance,” “Lucky Star,” “Electric Avenue,” “Its Tricky” and many more. The Nancy Rayguns will perform Tuesdays through Fridays with three 45-minute sets starting at 9, 10 and 11 p.m. on the 3rd Street Stage.

“VJ Invasion: Launch Date 8.1.81”
Fremont Street Experience’s “VJ Invasion: Launch Date 8.1.81” is an homage to the video music generation that began Aug. 1, 1981 with the birth of MTV. This original production is a 35-minute show full of high energy singing and dancing featuring classic hits from the 80s such as “Video Killed the Radio Star,” “We Got the Beat,” “Tainted Love,” “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” “Walk Like an Egyptian,” “Whip It,” “Sweet Dreams” and many more. Visitors can enjoy this blast from the past Thursdays through Tuesdays with three shows a night at 8, 9 and 10 p.m. on 1st Street Stage with the first performance starting on Sunday, May 29.

Venus Rising
Venus Rising is a well-known Las Vegas-based premiere cover band with a huge song list that covers everything from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, to current top 40 music. Venus Rising features Miss Heather Riggi on lead vocals, Eden Stollman on guitars, Mark Sidener on drums and David Mark Miller on keyboards and bass. Heather puts on quite the stage show, her dynamic singing and performing is not to be missed. Eden has played with Vixen and Bob Seger, Mark is highly regarded as a veteran of the Vegas music scene and David is a well-known TV composer. Venus Rising has opened for Jefferson Airplane/Starship, The Fifth Dimension, Rare Earth, The Grass Roots and Canned Heat. For complete band bio and information visit their website at venusrisinglv.com.
Venus Rising will be playing the 3rd Street Stage at 9:10 p.m., 10:10 p.m. and 11:10 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays throughout Nina Blackwood’s Absolutely 80s (except headliner Saturdays on June 4, June 18, July 23 and Aug. 20).

Fremont Street Experience’s three stages will be active every night as the 100-day flashback to the 80s takes over downtown through Labor Day Weekend.

The nightly lineup of Viva Vision shows will include custom productions remembering the decade of the ‘80s. Also featured on Viva Vision during “Nina Blackwood’s Absolutely 80s” will be “KISS Over Vegas” highlighting 1983 hit “Lick it Up,” “George Thorogood & the Destroyer’s Bad to the Bone” and a 1980’s chart toppers Queen with “A Tribute to Queen.”

For complete information on the headliner concerts and nightly entertainment, visit www.vegasexperience.com to plan an awesome experience that will take you back to the ‘80s. You can also become a Facebook fan of Fremont Street Experience to get the latest insight and buzz about “Nina Blackwood’s Absolutely 80s.”

About Fremont Street Experience
Fremont Street Experience is a five-block entertainment complex located in historic downtown Las Vegas. Fremont Street Experience features Viva Vision, the world’s largest video screen which is 1,500 feet long, 90 feet wide and suspended 90 feet above the urban pedestrian mall. Viva Vision features nightly spectacular light and sounds shows with 12.5 million LED lights and a 550,000-watt sound system. Fremont Street Experience is a one-of-a-kind venue which includes free nightly concerts and entertainment on two stages. With direct pedestrian access to 10 casinos, more than 60 restaurants and specialty retail kiosks, Fremont Street Experience attracts over 17 million annual visitors. Fremont Street Experience can be found online at www.vegasexperience.com .

May 22, 2011

Fremont Street Experience Hosts “Nina Blackwood’s Absolutely 80s” Summer

100 Days of Free Entertainment Kicks Off Memorial Day Weekend and Runs Through Labor Day Weekend

The music and culture of the 1980s will take over downtown Las Vegas this summer as Fremont Street Experience hosts “Nina Blackwood’s Absolutely 80s” concert series and festival. The 100-day flashback to the ‘80s kicks off Memorial Day Weekend and runs through Labor Day Weekend.

Original MTV VJ Nina Blackwood will be guest host to a series of free headliner concerts at Fremont Street Experience. “Nina Blackwood’s Absolutely 80s” welcomes the following featured ‘80s artists: Terri Nunn & Berlin on May 28; Dale Bozzio & Missing Persons on June 4; ABC on June 18; Colin Hay of Men at Work on July 2; Wang Chung with Naked Eyes on July 23; Loverboy on August 6; Tony Hadley of Spandau Ballet with Men Without Hats on August 20 and Howard Jones on September 3.

Blackwood will also be featured nightly on Viva Vision with a 100-day countdown celebrating her personal list of greatest songs of the ‘80s.

Blackwood is synonymous with ‘80s music, helping to set the musical tastes and trends still celebrated today. She continues to highlight the era that changed music forever with her radio shows on Sirius XM channel “80s on 8” and on syndicated radio shows “Nina Blackwood’s Absolutely 80s” and “Nina Blackwood’s New Wave Nation.”

“I am super excited and honored to be part of this summer’s Fremont Street Experience,” Blackwood said. “It’ll be a lot of fun with great music from our ‘80s favorites. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone. Oh yes, since it’s happening in Vegas, leg-warmers are optional.”

“Nina Blackwood’s Absolutely 80s” also presents throughout the summer an original production show titled “VJ Invasion: Launch Date 8.1.81” to commemorate the video music generation which began Aug. 1, 1981 with the birth of MTV. With three stages active nightly throughout the summer, Fremont Street Experience’s music festival will include tribute bands emulating ‘80s artists, plus cover bands playing ‘80s music.

“We think both visitors to Las Vegas and local residents are going to have a totally awesome time at our `Absolutely 80s’ summer,” said Jeff Victor, President of Fremont Street Experience. “The ‘80s brought a new generation of music into our living rooms and Nina Blackwood via MTV was at the forefront of that cultural new wave.”

The nightly lineup of Viva Vision shows will include custom productions remembering the decade of the ‘80s. Also featured on Viva Vision during “Nina Blackwood’s Absolutely 80s” will be “KISS Over Vegas” highlighting 1983 hit Lick it Up, “George Thorogood & the Destroyer’s Bad to the Bone” including aforementioned 1982 hit and a homage to 1980’s chart toppers Queen with “A Tribute to Queen”. Also throughout the summer, a 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 will be on display for photo opportunities.

This will be the third year of the summer concert series at Fremont Street Experience in Downtown Vegas where Las Vegas began.

In 2009, Fremont Street Experience presented its first summer-long festival. “Summer of ’69” celebrated the 40th anniversary of Woodstock and all the great music of 1969. Bands such as The Guess Who, Blood Sweat & Tears, Rare Earth, Big Brother & The Holding Company, The Grass Roots, Jefferson Starship, The 5th Dimension, Canned Heat and Three Dog Night performed concerts during the ‘09 concert series.

In 2010, Fremont Street Experience focused on the music and culture of the 1970s decade with “Summer of the ‘70s.” Artists and bands such as Gloria Gaynor, Sweet, Little River Band, Blue Oyster Cult and Jefferson Starship highlighted last summer.

Fremont Street Experience is one of the top attractions in Las Vegas, annually drawing over 16 million visitors to downtown Las Vegas. The five-block outdoor attraction connects 10 famous hotel-casinos – Binion’s, California, Fitzgeralds, Four Queens, Fremont, Golden Gate, Golden Nugget, Main Street Station, Plaza and Vegas Club.

“Downtown Vegas is casual and fun, and it’s the best value in Las Vegas,” Victor said. “All the concerts and stage shows are free, plus downtown hotels offer the best deals in room rates, food and drink specials.”

For complete information on the lineup of headliner concerts and nightly entertainment, visit www.vegasexperience.com to plan an awesome experience that will take you back to the ‘80s. You can also become a Facebook fan of Fremont Street Experience to get the latest insight and buzz about “Nina Blackwood’s Absolutely 80s.”

The Fremont Street Experience is a five-block entertainment complex located in historical downtown Las Vegas. In 1995, Fremont Street was closed to vehicular traffic and a giant screen was suspended 90-feet over the street to display spectacular light and sound shows on its 1,500 foot surface. The 12.5 million lights of the Viva Vision screen dazzle 365 nights a year and make the Fremont Street Experience a one-of-a-kind venue. With direct pedestrian access to 10 casinos, more than 60 restaurants, specialty retail and free nightly entertainment, the Fremont Street Experience attracts over 18 million annual visitors. The Fremont Street Experience can be found online at www.vegasexperience.com.

May 2, 2011

The 2010 Elvis Tribute Artist Contest

Second Annual Las Vegas Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest to be Held at Fremont Street Experience on May 6-7th

Last Year’s Las Vegas Preliminary Winner Took First Place in Memphis During Elvis Week

Once again, Elvis tribute artists will have their chance to shine as Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (EPE), Las Vegas’ famed Fremont Street Experience and the celebrated tribute artist production “Legends in Concert,” host the Las Vegas preliminary round of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. The Elvis competition will take place on Friday, May 6 and Saturday, May 7 from 8 p.m. to Midnight on the 3rd Street Stage. Enjoy special presentations on the canopy and a parade of Elvi starting each night’s competition.

VIP seating for both nights will be available directly in front of the stage for $20 but is limited and will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. Photo opportunities with “Elvis” will also be offered to fans on Friday from 3-4 p.m. at Binion’s Gambling Hall Million Dollar display and Saturday from 3-4 p.m. at Four Queens’ free pull machine located at the East entrance. Additionally, Bingo with Elvis will be held at Binion’s at 11 a.m. on both Friday and Saturday. Binion’s will host an Elvis After-party on Friday evening at Midnight immediately after the competition that will include Elvis karaoke, special guests from the competition and live Elvis ice sculpting. On Saturday night Elvis Karaoke will be featured at the Main Street stage immediately after the event.

The road to Memphis goes through Vegas as proven by Justin Shandor, the winner of last year’s Las Vegas Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist contest at Fremont Street Experience who took first place in the national competition in Memphis during Elvis Week. Justin Shandor’s Las Vegas victory gave him a chance to compete against other finalists from around the world for the grand prize and title of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist 2010. Shandor will make a special appearance at this year’s competition as well.

“Last year’s event was great fun and I am proud to say that our Las Vegas preliminary winner won the entire contest in Memphis. Not surprising…Las Vegas knows Elvis,” lauded Jeff Victor, President of Fremont Street Experience. “We are pleased to be working with Legends in Concert again as we continue to pay homage to the legendary Elvis.”

Contestants in Las Vegas’ Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest will be judged on the best ‘representation of the Elvis legacy’ in talent, appearance, performance, stage presence, and overall tribute. Judges will consist of Vegas industry experts as well as individuals instrumental in Elvis’ life. The winner of the contest qualifies to compete in The 2011 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest presented by EPE in Memphis during Elvis Week, August 10-16. In addition, the winner of Las Vegas’ Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist contest preliminary round will take home a $2,500 cash prize and a Graceland getaway prize package.

“Working with EPE to discover new and gifted entertainers has been a great experience. It never ceases to amaze me how many talented people are out there. All they need is an opportunity to showcase their gift and that is what the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest does…gives a voice to those who would never have the chance to be heard,” said Brian Brigner, chief operating officer of On Stage.

On Stage Touring, a subsidiary of On Stage Entertainment and creators of the world’s longest-running celebrity tribute show, has been officially licensed by EPE to produce preliminary contests at “Legends in Concert” venues and other locations throughout the country, including Las Vegas, Nevada.

Legends will again furnish one of the Grand Prizes for the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest winner, the opportunity to sign a performance contract with Legends in Concert. Also provided will be a cash prize of $20,000, recognition by EPE, the title of Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist of 2011, and selection of other valuable prizes.

Launched in August of 2007, the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in Memphis is one of the highlights of Elvis Week activities, which last year attracted more than 70,000 fans from all over the world.

“The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest has quickly evolved into one of the highlights of Elvis Week and given Elvis Presley’s special association with Las Vegas this Fremont Street preliminary round will surely be a coveted title for the winner,” said Scott Williams, Vice President of EPE. “

For more information: www.legendsinconcert.com , www.elvisweek.com and www.vegasexperience.com .

Apr 28, 2011

Recently I went to Fremont Street to take some photos for you to see. There is always so much going on Downtown Las Vegas. It is a carnival atmosphere. People are so happy and milling around. There are celebrity impersonators posing with tourists for tips. People do tricks or dance, make and sell art, and time just slips away while you suck down your beverage in a football cup. There is always free, live bands playing on the two bandstands so you can dance the night away.

Of course, the show on the overhead screen is always a favorite. They change the show frequently so it never gets old.

Enjoy the photos. Remember, I’m having fun in Vegas so that you don’t have to! This should hold you over until you can return this summer.

Apr 26, 2011

The Jacks & Five

The Jacks & Fives – Free Stage Show Highlighting the Motown Sound

For the next two months Fremont Street Experience is the place to pay tribute to the Motown Sound with The Jacks & Fives stage show. With an array of dancers and incredible singers bringing the groundbreaking era’s hits to life, the Downtown Motown revue features the mega hits and meteoric rising stars that gave us music’s most distinctive sound. The show, which is already playing on the 1st Street stage, has three nightly shows at 8:10 p.m., 9:10 p.m. and 10:10 p.m. and runs until May 27th.

Who can forget the classic hits by Motown legends with melodies that are ingrained in our heads and our hearts. The Jacks & Fives set list is an array of classic songs that everyone adores and features Marvin Gaye’s Heard It Through The Grapevine, The Four Tops’ Sugar Pie Honey Bunch, Martha and the Vandellas’ Heatwave and Dancing In The Streets, The Temptations’ My Girl, an incredible Jackson 5 medley and so much more. Produced by Face Productions, the classic stylized Downtown Motown revue captures a great time in music history.

The Fremont Street Experience is a five-block entertainment complex located in historical downtown Las Vegas. In 1995, Fremont Street was closed to vehicular traffic and a giant screen was suspended 90-feet over the street to display spectacular light and sound shows on its 1,500 foot surface. The 12.5 million lights of the Viva Vision screen dazzle 365 nights a year and make the Fremont Street Experience a one-of-a-kind venue. With direct pedestrian access to 10 casinos, more than 60 restaurants, specialty retail and free nightly entertainment, the Fremont Street Experience attracts over 18 million annual visitors. The Fremont Street Experience can be found online at www.vegasexperience.com .