Banff Mountain Film Festival Returns to John Ascuaga’s Nugget

Reno/Sparks, Nev. – Celebrate all things adventurous at the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour on Wednesday, April 7 in the Rose Ballroom at John Ascuaga’s Nugget.

The festival returns to the Nugget this year with exciting films about all things outdoors. Different films and filmmakers will be featured on multiple massive screens with big sound, providing quality viewing from every vantage point in the room. Banff films bring the spirit of adventure to life on the screen through a wide variety of stories including skiing & snowboarding, mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking, mountaineering and more. The diverse topics and stunning site locations shown through these films will offer an unforgettable experience for outdoor enthusiasts.

Several outstanding prizes will be raffled. All proceeds benefit the Nevada Land Conservancy, Nevada’s only local non-profit land trust.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $22 at the door. VIP seating is available for $43. The show begins at 7 p.m. For tickets or more information, call (800) 648-1177 or (775) 356-3300 or visit www.janugget.com. For additional details, contact Nevada Land Conservancy at (775) 851-5180. “Do The Nugget Tonight!”

Experience the Broadway Magic of “Cabaret” at John Ascuaga's Nugget

There was a cabaret, and there was a master of ceremonies ... and there was a city called Berlin, in a country called Germany ... and it was the end of the world … At the cabaret … life is a holiday. See the incredible Broadway production of Cabaret, during a magical 12-night run, May 19-30, in the Celebrity Showroom at John Ascuaga’s Nugget.
“Welcome to the Cabaret” sings the Emcee of the Kit Kat Club through painted lips, as the people of Berlin 1929 join him. Whatever your troubles, you will forget them at the cabaret. Sally Bowles, a little middle-class lass from Chelsea, London, is working as a singer at Berlin’s Kit-Kat Club and trying her best to live the thrillingly decadent life which the city is supposed to offer. Into her orbit comes Cliff Bradshaw, a young American writer, and Sally soon moves in to join him in his room in the boarding house run by Fraulein Schneider. Their fellow lodgers include the cheerful prostitute, Fraulein Kost, and the gentle, graying fruiterer Herr Schultz. As the clouds gather, Sally, now pregnant by Cliff, is still determined to show the world what a good time she is having and she will not or cannot hear the noises of Nazism around her. But the others can. As the cabaret artists dance to escape the terror of what's going on in the world - and to offer refuge to those who seek to be amused - the dance numbers move the plot from lighthearted entertainment to darker reality, all the while overshadowed by the eerie master of ceremonies.
Songs include “It Couldn’t Please Me More,” “Wilkommen,” “Cabaret,” “Don’t Tell Mama” and “Two Ladies.”
The original Broadway production, directed by Harold Prince and choreographed by Ron Field, opened on November 20, 1966 at the Broadhurst Theatre, eventually transferring first to the Imperial and then the Broadway before finally completing its 1,165-performance run. The first Broadway revival, again directed by Prince and choreographed by Field, opened on October 22, 1987 at the Imperial Theatre, eventually transferring to the Minskoff to complete its 261-performance run. Joel Grey received star billing as the Emcee, with Alyson Reed as Sally, Gregg Edelman as Cliff, Regina Resnik as Fräulein Schneider, and Werner Klemperer as Herr Schultz.
Best known is the 1972 film; Cabaret was produced as an American musical film directed by Bob Fosse and starring Liza Minnelli in her career role as Sally, Michael York as Cliff and Joel Grey returning to his role as Emcee. Cabaret was nominated for 10 Academy Awards in 1973, and nearly performed a clean sweep, winning eight, including Best Director (Bob Fosse), Best Actress (Liza Minnelli), Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Joel Grey), and winning for Cinematography, Editing, Music, Art Direction (Rolf Zehetbauer, Hans Jürgen Kiebach, Herbert Strabel) and Sound (losing Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay to The Godfather). It won 7 BAFTA awards, including Best Film, Best Direction and Best Actress, and the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy).
Produced by Windwood Productions; credits include national tours of Bye Bye Birdie, Altar Boyz, Little Women, Urban Cowboy The Musical, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, The Unsinkable Molly Brown, Barry Manilow’s Copacabana, Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged).
Come to the cabaret …
Cabaret plays 12 magical nights, May 19-30, in the Celebrity Showroom at 8 p.m. Tickets are just $49 and are available by calling (800) 648-1177 or (775) 356-3300 or by visiting janugget.com. Dinner and show packages are available. “Do The Nugget Tonight!”

The Osmond Brothers Bring Five Decades of Family Entertainment to John Ascuaga’s Nugget

Sparks/Reno, Nev. – With deep-seated roots in the last half-decade of popular culture, and a family name synonymous with enduring music business success, the Osmond Brothers are a staple in the entertainment world. See brothers Wayne, Merrill, Jay and Jimmy – the Osmond Brothers - in the Celebrity Showroom April 1-3 at John Ascuaga’s Nugget.
Following the breakout success of the Jackson 5 in 1970, it was practically inevitable that a pre-existing band of brothers, who had already enjoyed almost a decade in the national spotlight, would follow them to teen idol superstardom. With dynamic youngest brother Donny as a focal point (much like Michael was for the Jacksons), the Osmonds did exactly that, enjoying a run of massive popularity during 1971-1972. While their success as a unit began to wane and had flickered out by the end of 1974, the Osmonds spun off a long-lasting show business career for Donny (as well as sister Marie), and the other members of the group have enjoyed success as country artists.
Beginning in the early '80s, the four eldest members of the Osmonds - Alan, Merrill, Wayne, and Jay - performed together as a country act under the name the Osmond Brothers and achieved respectable commercial success. In 1996, Alan retired from performing, and Jimmy Osmond took his place. They continued to release albums available through their website and The Osmond Family Theatre in Branson, MO.
The Osmond Brothers perform three nights, April 1-3, in the Celebrity Showroom at 8 p.m. Tickets are just $29 and are available by calling (800) 648-1177 or (775) 356-3300 or by visiting janugget.com. Dinner and show packages are available. “Do The Nugget Tonight!”

Carry-On a Tradition or Start One, Celebrate Easter at John Ascuaga’s Nugget with Special Holiday Menus

Sparks/Reno, Nev. – Spend Easter with your family and friends at John Ascuaga’s Nugget, where you can enjoy special holiday dining offerings throughout the day. Easter menus will be featured on Sunday, April 4 in the Rose Ballroom, at the Rotisserie Buffet, Restaurante Orozko, and Rosie’s Cafe.

An Easter Sunday Brunch Buffet will be offered in the Rose Ballroom and Rotisserie Buffet both from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Begin with an array of choices from the Appetizer Station, including sliced seasonal Fruits and Berries, Peel & Eat Shrimp, Smoked Fish Platter and a variety of salads. The Entrée Station will include Eggs Benedict, Hickory Smoked Bacon, Cinnamon Custard French Toast, Nugget Fried Chicken and Deep Fried Breaded Prawns. Build your own omelet or taste the Nugget’s famous Salt-Roasted Prime Rib at the Carving Station. Desserts include an assortment of treats such as Cherries Jubilee, Banana Foster Flambé, pies, cakes, mousses and a soft ice cream station. The price is $23.95 for adults and $12.50 for children ages 5-11.

A Champagne Brunch will be served in Restaurante Orozko from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Start out with choices from the Appetizer Station or the Fresh Fruit and Breakfast Pastry Station. Entrees include Filet Mignon Benedict, Sauté Scampi with Citrus Butter, Seafood Quiche Crepes, and Classic Pork Schnitzel with Brown Butter. For dessert, try our homemade Bread Pudding with Brandy Sauce, Classic Spanish Flan, Bailey’s Cheesecake and more. The price is $34.95 for adults and $16.95 for children ages 12 and under.

An Easter menu will be served in Rosie’s Café from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. in addition to the regular menu. Appetizers will be a choice of Spring Savory Printaniere Vegetable Soup or Fresh Field Greens with a Choice of Dressing. The entrée choices are Seafood Thermidor, Stuffed Salmon with Seafood Baked or Baked Virginia Ham. The price for this menu is $12.95.

John Ascuaga’s Nugget is a premier casino resort owned and operated by the Ascuaga family in Sparks, Nevada. For more information or to make reservations, call (800) 648-1177 or (775) 356-3300, or visit janugget.com.

Celebrating 55 Years in Business on March 17 at John Ascuaga's Nugget

Sparks/Reno, Nev. – Celebrating 55 years in Sparks – and looking forward to the future. Join the Ascuaga family, along with local dignitaries, as they commemorate more than a half-century in business on Wednesday, March 17 at 2 p.m. at the Casino Cabaret at John Ascuaga’s Nugget.

Family owned and operated since 1955, John Ascuaga’s Nugget’s twin hotel towers illuminate the Reno-Sparks skyline with 1,600 rooms, eight award-winning restaurants, 110,000 square feet of meeting space, business center, concierge, covered and valet parking, salon/spa, year-round atrium pool, 1,200 slot machines, Bingo, live poker, table games, world class entertainment, airport shuttle service and attentive staff representing dozens of languages. Close to world-class skiing and golf, located along Interstate 80, recent $25 million updates include complete remodels of the East Tower, Executive Convention area and Rotisserie Buffet. From its humble beginnings as a small restaurant, the Nugget and its namesake, John Ascuaga, have grown into Northern Nevada icons during the past 55 years.

The party starts at 2 p.m. in the Celebrity Showroom. Mr. Ascuaga will preside over a cake-cutting ceremony along with his daughter Michonne, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, and his son Stephen, Chief Operating Officer. The cake, along with refreshments, will be complimentary for guests. Entertainment by the Reed High School 16-Coice Honor Choir will highlight the activities. In addition, the Nugget will introduce a special new project, “Nugget Tales,” a collection of stories surrounding the Nugget’s 55 years! Preview this project online at nugget55.blogspot.com.

In addition, as the anniversary always coincides with St. Patrick’s Day, traditional specials will be available in Rosie’s Café’ and green beer will be poured at the bars.

John Ascuaga’s Nugget is a premier casino resort owned and operated by the Ascuaga family in Sparks, Nevada. For more information, call (800) 648-1177 or (775) 356-3300, or visit janugget.com.

Tahoe Ukulele Fest II at John Ascuaga's Nugget Features Shimabukuro, Hill

Sparks/Reno, Nev. – In the ukulele world, it’s sort of the equivalent of the Beatles and the Stones appearing in the same festival. Jake Shimabukuro and James Hill will both appear in twin, uke-superstar-concerts during the second-ever Tahoe Area Uke Fest, March 19-20, in the world-famous Celebrity Showroom at John Ascuaga’s Nugget.
Shimabukuro, a resident of Hawaii, is a worldwide phenomenon who has taken the ukulele to new heights in both performing and notoriety. Often referred to as the “Jimi Hendrix of ukulele,” and first seen by many through a viral YouTube hit video of his rendition of George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”, Shimabukuro has played on some of the biggest stages in the world for giant-sized audiences. His periodic gig as opener for Jimmy Buffet and the Coral Reefers has spread the music of the ukulele to millions, and he even performed for the Queen of England.
Hill is tabbed as one of the most innovative artists to have ever picked up the ukulele. He seamlessly melds multiple styles into his concerts and often makes up a few of his own along the way. He was introduced to the instrument at the age of nine, not in Hawaii, but three thousand miles to the east, in Langley, British Columbia, where ukulele instruction has been mandatory in many schools since the late 1970s. He was hooked from the beginning. While a still a teenager, Hill honed his skills as a key member of the world-renowned Langley Ukulele Ensemble under the direction of Peter Luongo. After touring with them for twelve years, he embarked on a solo career in 2002 and has been “pushing the instrument into uncharted territory” ever since with genre-bending adaptations of everything from “One Note Samba” to the theme from “Super Mario Brothers.” On stage he is energetic and captivating, mixing colorful anecdotes with a versatile repertoire that stretches from Schubert to the Beatles and beyond.
Both shows are part of the larger ukulele festival/convention, which includes concerts, instrument makers, workshops and vendors, taking place throughout the property March 19-21. More details are available at playuke.net.
James Hill performs Friday, March 19, in the Celebrity Showroom at 8 p.m. Tickets are just $15. Jake Shimabukuro performs Saturday, March 20, in the Celebrity Showroom at 8 p.m. Tickets are just $18. Tickets for both shows are available by calling (800) 648-1177 or (775) 356-3300 or by visiting janugget.com. Dinner and show packages are available. “Do The Nugget Tonight!”

Bluegrass Guitarist-Singer Del McCoury Plays at John Ascuaga’s Nugget

Sparks/Reno, Nev. – With lightning speed and boundless enthusiasm, life-long bluegrass craftsman Del McCoury delivers music that has experienced a resurgence in modern cultural popularity. See the Grammy Award-winning Del McCoury Band on Saturday, March 13, in the Celebrity Showroom at John Ascuaga’s Nugget.
McCoury has had a long career in bluegrass. Although originally hired as banjo player, he sang lead vocals and played rhythm guitar for Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys in the 1960s, with whom he first appeared on the Grand Ole Opry in 1963. McCoury briefly played with the Golden State Boys, before taking a series of day jobs in construction and logging, while continuing to work as an amateur musician in Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania. In the 1980s his sons began performing with him, and they relocated to Nashville, Tennessee as they began to attract attention. He became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in October 2003.
McCoury has influenced a great number of bands, including Phish, with whom he has shared the stage several times, and who have covered his songs. He has also performed with String Cheese Incident and Donna the Buffalo, and recorded with Steve Earle. McCoury has covered songs by artists as diverse as The Lovin' Spoonful, Tom Petty, and Richard Thompson. McCoury has appeared at festivals including Bonnaroo, High Sierra, and the Newport Folk Festival. His television appearances include "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" and "The Late Show with David Letterman." McCoury has a very enthusiastic fan base, known as the “Del-Heads.”
The Del McCoury Band performs one night only, Saturday, March 13, in the Celebrity Showroom at 8 p.m. Tickets are just $28 and are available by calling (800) 648-1177 or (775) 356-3300 or by visiting janugget.com. Dinner and show packages are available. “Do The Nugget Tonight!”