See Southern Music Storyteller JJ Grey and Mofro in the Celebrity Showroom at John Ascuaga’s Nugget

Sparks/Reno, Nev. – Florida born and bred, JJ Grey's music mixes raw rural blues with tough, swampy Southern rock, generating a sound that has a loose, natural feel while maintaining a potent edge, and his songs draw deep on his heritage as well as his clear-eyed perspective on the world around him. Grey grew up in a small town 40 miles south of Jacksonville, FL, and when he was young he developed a passion for surfing. While Grey enjoyed several years wandering the world's beaches as a surf bum, his love of music brought him back home and he began honing his skills as a guitarist and writing songs. While working a day job fixing air conditioners, Grey met Daryl Hance, a co-worker who played guitar. Grey wanted to start a band and he teamed up with Hance to form JJ Grey & Mofro, who earned a loyal following in the South for their gritty swamp rock. The band has produced numerous albums and developed a loyal fan base while performing shows around the world. They’re touring on the heels of latest Alligator Records effort, “Orange Blossoms.”
JJ Grey and Mofro performs Thursday, July 1, in the Celebrity Showroom at 8 p.m. Tickets are just $22. Tickets 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!”

11th Annual Star Spangled Sparks on Victorian Square Offers July 4th Fun for the Whole Family

Sparks/Reno, Nev. –The region’s preeminent holiday celebration and fireworks display – Star Spangled Sparks – takes place on Sunday, July 4, on Victorian Square in downtown Sparks. This 11th annual celebration of family and freedom is highlighted by a 20-minute state-of-the-art pyrotechnic display, framed by the Nugget’s picturesque hotel towers, making the fiery light exhibition the longest and most spectacular show in the region.

From a kids’ area which features an array of rides and activities, to a “make-you-move” live entertainment lineup and a variety of food and drink vendors, there is truly something for everyone. Traditional live music by local favorite Steppen Stonz will keep the mood festive, while clowns, magicians and face painters entertain the crowd. Park and ride shuttle service for visitors will be available from The Legends at Sparks Marina. It is suggested that visitors arrive early, not only to enjoy all of the activities, but to secure a viewing location in what many consider the foremost outdoor special events venue in the area. Low-back chairs, small blankets and a light jacket or sweater always make the evening more enjoyable.

In tribute to the men and women of the military, members of the Nevada Air National Guard will fly a C-130 Hercules aircraft over the event. A massive flying machine capable of airlifting military personnel and a wide range of oversized cargo, including helicopters and armored vehicles, the C-130 is an awe-inspiring site to see as it flies low over the event.

Following the flyover, the National Anthem will be performed by recent high school graduate Kelsey Karrasch, past winner of both the Sparks and Reno Idol contests. The fireworks will begin at approximately 9:45 p.m. The show is once again presented by Lantis Fireworks & Lasers, with inspiringly choreographed music simulcast locally on KKOH 780 AM. The display is fired off from both the Nugget towers and the Union Pacific rail yard.

The activities start on Victorian Square at 4 p.m., immediately following the day-long Sparks Chamber of Commerce festivities at the Sparks Marina. The Victorian Square event concludes after the fireworks.

The 11th Annual Star Spangled Sparks on Victorian Square is presented by John Ascuaga’s Nugget, City of Sparks, Union Pacific Railroad, Morrey Distributing Co., Model Dairy, Rail City Casino, Swire Coca-Cola, Western Village, KOLO TV, Clear Channel Outdoor, KKOH Radio, Wells Fargo Bank, Wells Fargo Insurance Services of Nevada, Edward Jones/John Hancock, Northern Nevada Toyota Dealers, Camelot Party Rentals, Tholl Fencing and Hot August Nights.

A special opportunity exists this year to become a “Friend of the Fireworks,” a designation which includes access to an exclusive VIP fireworks viewing and hospitality area along with media recognition by the Nugget. Contact Shelli Fine, Nugget Special Events Manager, for details.

Star Spangled Sparks 2010
Shuttle, Entertainment and Kids’ Area Information

Park and Ride Shuttle Service
Complimentary shuttles will provide round-trip transportation from The Legends at Sparks Marina to Victorian Square during the event. Shuttles will run continuously from 4 p.m. through the conclusion of the fireworks.

Kids’ Area
Children will delight in the face painters, clowns and magicians roaming the square, as well as an array of rides and activities. The kids’ area will be located on Victorian Plaza, adjacent to Century Theatres, and will include an obstacle course, a bounce house, a slide, and a mechanical swing. Ride tickets will be available for purchase just outside the kids’ area.

Entertainment
Live music from the main stage (located toward the West End of the street) will keep the crowd dancing into the evening. Local favorite Steppen Stonz plays from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. with their signature mix of popular favorites.
Immediately preceding the fireworks display, recent Galena High graduate Kelsey Karrasch will perform the National Anthem, also from the main stage.

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.

Glen Campbell Plays Two Nights in the Celebrity Showroom at the Nugget

Reno/Sparks, Nev. — Few entertainers have had a career as long or an impact as strong as Glen Campbell. Catch the County Music Hall of Fame member, June 25-26, in the Celebrity Showroom at John Ascuaga's Nugget.
From television to movies, recording studio to stage, Campbell’s accomplishments are legendary. He worked his way up from a hard-scrabble youth to becoming the inspiration for two generations of musicians. Campbell's hits have included some of the most popular songs ever recorded - "Wichita Lineman," "Galveston," "Southern Nights," and "Rhinestone Cowboy" among them. In 1967, in an unprecedented achievement, two of his most famous songs won him Grammy Awards in both country ("Gentle on My Mind") and pop ("By the Time I Get to Phoenix").
One of twelve children born to sharecroppers in Billstown, Arkansas, Campbell showed his musical talent early, causing his father to encourage him by buying the boy a five-dollar Sears guitar. He began touring when a teenager and then moved to Los Angeles where he became the recording studios' most sought-after picker, playing on albums for everybody from Frank Sinatra to the Beach Boys (with whom he toured).
Campbell is still remembered for his CBS "Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour," in which he hosted guests as diverse as Lucille Ball and Eric Clapton with Cream. He also starred with John Wayne in the classic film "True Grit"; has been featured on A&E's "Biography"; and has released a series of gospel albums. A highlight of every Campbell show is his guitar version of "The William Tell Overture," a blazing display of picking prowess. He has also been known to play the bagpipes.
Glen Campbell plays June 25-26 in the Celebrity Showroom at 8 p.m. Tickets are $40, 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!”

Comedian Dave Attell Set For Laughs in the Celebrity Showroom at the Nugget

Reno/Sparks, Nev. — Named one of America’s 25 funniest people, comedian Dave Attell is an up-front, original funnyman with a long list of top-notch appearances. Catch Dave Attell, Saturday, June 12, in the intimate Celebrity Showroom at John Ascuaga's Nugget.
Born in Queens and raised on Long Island, Attell got into stand-up comedy in the late eighties after graduating from New York University with a degree in Film and Television. Attell used this prestigious degree to land an amazing job in the food service industry - as a waiter. At night he would hit the "open mic" circuit in Manhattan. After many years, Attell worked his way up through the club scene onto the road, touring across America as a national headliner and developing a huge following among fans and the industry alike.
Attell was named one of the “25 Funniest People in America” by Entertainment Weekly Magazine. His caustic wit, rapid-fire delivery and his choice of material that can best be described as "very adult" has earned him the reputation as a "comic's comic." But if you ask Attell, he’d say, "I’m just trying to get some laughs and sell some drinks."
In 2001, Attell used this love of booze and laughter to create and host the hit series, "Insomniac with Dave Attell" for Comedy Central. A travelogue show in which Attell goes from city to city looking for late-night fun, The New York Times called the show, "a doubly rare beast, a comedy without rancor and a travel show about the virtues of the American underdog." To Attell, the Insomniac show is more of a cross between "Girls Gone Wild” and “Cops”.
After four seasons of “Insomniac,” Attell taped several hour-long “Insomniac” specials overseas in Japan, Germany, England and Brazil. Once back in the states, he headed out on a thirty-five city theatre tour ending in Vegas, where he hosted a two-hour special for Comedy Central featuring Sean Rouse, Greg Geraldo and Dane Cook.
Attell has made numerous appearances on “The Late Show with David Letterman,” “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “Late Night with Conan O'Brien,” “The Howard Stern Show,” “Later with Carson Daly” and “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart”. He also appeared in Chris Rock’s cult film "Pootie Tang”. Other television credits include FOX's "Arrested Development," NBC's "Ed," HBO, Comedy Central’s "Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn" and his own half-hour stand-up special "Comedy Central Presents Dave Attell”.
Dave Attell plays one night only, Saturday, June 12, in the Celebrity Showroom at 8 p.m. Tickets are $40, 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!”

Play Camp Win-a-Lot at John Ascuaga’s Nugget!

Sparks/Reno, Nev. – John’s Club members will be happy campers when they play the Nugget’s new promotion starting June 2. By using their John’s Club card, they will have a chance to win cruises, free buffets, boatloads of cash, and Jeep Wranglers. See why Camp Win-A-Lot gives them s’more of what they play for! – Camp Win-a-Lot runs daily from June 2 to September 25, 2010 at John Ascuaga’s Nugget!

There are a variety of ways to participate:

Cruise Away Wednesdays!
• One of three Carnival Cruises for two to Mexico will be given away Wednesdays at 5, 7 and 9 p.m.
• One entry will be earned for every John’s Club dollar each week from Thursday at 12:01 a.m. to Wednesday at 8 p.m. Entries are discarded after last drawing every Wednesday.
• Drawings will be held electronically and posted on video screens throughout the casino and at the John’s Club Booth.
• $500 in cash may be accepted in lieu of the cruise.
• Winners must claim prize at John’s Club by 10 p.m. or it will be forfeited

Win a Buffet Thursdays!
• Members will receive a free Rotisserie Buffet by earning five John’s Club dollars every Thursday!
• Earning period is Thursdays 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• Buffet award will be automatically downloaded to your John’s Club Card. Players can redeem by presenting their card to the Rotisserie Buffet. Buffet credits expire in seven days.
• Limit two buffet awards per Thursday.

$5,000 Fridays!
• $500 in free play will be given away every half hour from 6:30 to 11 p.m.
• Drawings will be held electronically and posted on video screens throughout the casino and at the John’s Club booth. Prizes are in free play valid for five days.
• Players will earn one entry with every John’s Club dollar each week between Saturday at 12:01 a.m. and Friday at 10 p.m. Entries are discarded after the last drawing every Friday
• Winners must claim prize by Midnight or it will be forfeited.

Monthly $33,000 Jeep & Cash Giveaways!
• The Nugget will be giving away a new Jeep Wrangler & $10,000 in Cash Every Month!
• Drawings will be held June 12, July 17 & Aug 21 (The Ness Motorcycle drawing is Sept. 25)
Players will earn one entry with every John’s Club dollar starting June 2, 2010 or at 12:01 a.m. Sunday after each month’s drawing and ending at 8 p.m. on drawing days. Entries are discarded after the last drawing every month.

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.