Nugget Serving Easter Feasts for Every Bunny!

Reno/Sparks, Nev. -- Easter brunch lovers will find just about every kind of delectable dish from astonishing appetizers to decadent desserts and every thing in between, all served in classic John Ascuaga’s Nugget style. Adding to the festivities on Sunday, April 24 will be live music in the Easter buffets at the Rose Ballroom and Restaurante Orozko along with appearances by the Easter Bunny himself.

“Easter is a family-oriented holiday and for lots of folks, dining at the Easter brunch at the Nugget is a tradition that they observe year after year,” said Dave Brody, VP of Food and Beverage at the Nugget. “We try to add new menu items every year while still serving the traditional favorites that have come to be so closely associated with the holiday.”
   
This year, Easter Sunday Brunch will be served in three locations. the Rose Ballroom (reservations accepted), the Rotisserie Buffet, and Restaurante Orozko. The Nugget’s Trader Dick’s and Rosie’s restaurants will also feature Easter dining specials.

Rotisserie Buffet: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Adults. $21.95, Children. $11.95
Rose Ballroom: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Adults. $21.95, Children: $11.95
Restaurante Orozko. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Adults: $29.95, Children: $15.95
The Children’s price is for age five to 11. Children under five eat free.

The carving station in the Rotisserie and Rose Ballroom will feature the Nugget’s famous rock-salt roasted Prime Rib, Baked Ham, and Leg of Lamb with Mint Jelly.

Hot dishes include Classic Eggs Benedict, Grilled Salmon with Citrus Hollandaise, Biscuits with Country Gravy, Seafood Newburg, and Beef Tips Bourguignon with Buttered Noodles. Made-to-order omelets with a variety of fillings will also be served.

Cold selections include Smoked Fish Platter; Peel & Eat Shrimp; Imported and Domestic Cheeses; Caesar, Ambrosia, Roasted Vegetable and Oriental Seafood salads; and sliced Seasonal Fruit and Berries.

Diners will want to leave room for elegant desserts such as Cherries Jubilee, Bananas Foster Flambé, or Mousses, Fruit Tartlets, and more. Waffles lovers can have it their way, fresh-baked and topped with a selection of delicious toppings.

Restaurante Orozko’s Easter Brunch menu offers starters like Oysters on the Half Shell and Scottish Smoked Salmon. Entrees include Top Sirloin Steak with Wild Mushrooms; Chicken Breast Corden Ble. an.  Mushroom Ravioli with Porcini Cream Sauce. Tempting desserts like Home-made Bread Pudding with Brandy Sauce; Creme Brulee with Pear Essence and Tiramisu round out the perfect meal for a special day.

For complete menus, prices and restaurant hours, please visit janugget.com. For reservations in the Rose Ballroom, Orozko, and Trader Dick’s call 356-3300 or 800-648-1177.

Blues-Based Foghat Rocks Nugget Showroom

Sparks/Reno, NV -- The Celebrity Showroom in John Ascuaga’s Nugget proudly presents Foghat, the British blues band that has been rocking the world for four decades, in a live performance on Saturday, April 30 at 9 p.m.
   
Foghat was formed in the late 1960s by fellow Brits Roger Earl and “Lonesome Dave” Peverett. Signed to Bearsville Records in 1971, the band recorded their first self-titled LP “Foghat” and began touring relentlessly for the next 14 years. Their hard work was rewarded with seven Gold records, one Platinum record "Fool For The City" (1975), and one Double-Platinum record "Foghat Live" (1977).

The "Fool For The City" album contained Foghat’s trademark Top 40 hit song "Slow Ride" and cemented their place as one of the world’s top rock acts. They continued to hit the charts in the 1970’s with singles such as "Fool For The City," "Drivin’ Whee,l" "I Just Wanna Make Love To You," "I’ll Be Standing By," "Stone Blue," "Third Time Lucky" and "Somebody’s Been Sleeping In My Bed"… many of which are still classic rock radio staples.

With the untimely passing of founder Lonesome Dave in February 2000, Foghat faced the tough decision to continue. A new line-up consisting of Earl (drums), Tony Stevens (bass), Bryan Bassett (lead guitar) and Charlie Huhn (rhythm guitar and vocals) toured from 2000 to 2005, when Craig Macgregor rejoined to help launch Foghat’s hard-rocking tradition into the future.

In the last few years, Foghat has been reaching a new generation of fans through video games like Guitar Hero and use of Foghat songs in movies and television.

Foghat has never stopped touring and recording. In 2010 the band released its 21st album called “Last Train Home.” The blues brotherhood of Earl, Bassett, Macgregor and Huhn just love to play and after every show they go out to meet their fans. They still epitomize that classic blues-rock slide guitar sound and that is what Foghat is all about – the music!

Tickets for Foghat are $32 and are available by calling (800) 648-1177, 356-3300 or by visiting janugget.com. “Steppin’ Out” dinner and show packages are also available. DO THE NUGGET TONIGHT!

It’s a Blast with The Blasters at the Nugget

Sparks/Reno, NV -- The Blasters bring their powerhouse music to the Celebrity Showroom of John Ascuaga’s Nugget on Saturday, April 16 at 9 p.m.
   
The band was formed in Downey, Calif., by brothers Dave and Phil Alvin, who were joined by fellow-Downeyites, Bill Bateman on drums and John Bazz on bass. The Blasters sound was deeply influenced by blues artists like T-Bone Walker, Marcus Johnson, and Big Joe Turner, often called “The Boss of the Blues.”

The Blasters found enthusiastic audiences for their hard-edged roots rock in the L.A. club scene during the early 80’s when punk music was exploding. During this time, The Blasters often shared the bill with the legendary L.A. punk band X.

But on-stage and on records alike, The Blasters offered something new, a melding of rockabilly, rhythm and blues, country, Cajun and Tex-Mex with a high-octane, guitar-powered delivery.

The band’s first album called American Music, released in 1980, included favorites like “Marie, Marie” and the title track which became the group’s own anthem.  The Blasters, the band’s follow-up included veteran pianist Gene Taylor, baritone saxophonist Steve Berlin and mentor Allen on tenor sax.

The Blasters recorded the last album with its original lineup in 1985. The next year, Dave Alvin left the group to pursue a successful solo career but has returned to jam with the band several times over the years.

Under the leadership of Phil Alvin, guitar and vocals, The Blasters now includes John Bazz on bass, Keith Wyatt on guitar and Jerry Angel on drums -- the same players who performed on the latest Blasters’ studio album, 4-11-44.

Catch The Blasters live (“...because that’s where the real music is” – Phil Alvin) at John Ascuaga’s Nugget on Saturday, April 16. Tickets are $20, available by calling (800) 648-1177, 356-3300 or visiting janugget.com. “Steppin’ Out” dinner/show packages are also available.

Orozko Lounge Celebrates Weekends with Tequila Fridays

Sparks/Reno, NV ---Orozko Lounge in John Ascuaga’s Nugget offers the world’s super-premium tequila brands along with delicious tapas, every Friday night from 5 to 8 p.m. – a great way to toast the work week’s end. Half-price shots of select premium tequila will be featured each week in addition to 2-for-1 flavored Magaritas.

Tequila tasters can sample from among famous makers such as Tres Generaciones Anejo, Reposado and Plata; Patron Silver and Anejo Gold; Corralejo Anejo and Reposado, Cabo Wabo Blanco; Herradura Anejo and Reposado; Partida Silver and many others. Tequila Fridays beverage menu also features flavored Margaritas: strawberry, peach, mango, Midori, raspberry, blueberry and pomegranate.

A wide choice of mixed drinks rounds out the selection, including The Basque Flag, the Mexican Hurricane, and Tara’s Triple Platinum Margarita, a limoncello version of Long Island Ice Tea.

Orozko Lounge’s “Over the Top Tapas” menu changes weekly, with offerings like Ahi Poke with Won Ton Chips, Artichoke and Goat Cheese Fritters, Lime Infused Pork with Grilled Sea Scallop, and Oven Roasted Beet Carpaccio salad with Maytag Bleu Cheese.

Those who like to share their love of tequila can sample any of Orozko’s Amigo Specialities, like Beto’s Blue Diablo, 44 ounces of pure pleasure in a Nugget souvenir glass (with two straws!) or the Orozko-Rita. Both drinks feature 1800 brand tequila.

See what else Orozko has going on every Wednesday through Saturday...

Wednesdays   
Every Wednesday night from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. is Nugget Jazz Night featuring nationally-known jazz recording artists in the Orozko Lounge. There is no cover charge for these events. Schedule is available at janugget.com.

Thursdays
Every Thursday night from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. is Wine Tasting Thursdays featuring top wines from all over the world specially paired with delicious tapas created by our world-class culinary team. It’s only $20 per person for this gourmet wine and food experience.

Saturdays
Saturday night is The Ultimate Martini Bar at the Orozko Lounge from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. Orozko's famous signature and ultra premium martinis are only $5 each.

For more information on Restaurante Orozko, visit janugget.com, call 800-648-1177 or 775-356-3300.

Fiesta Favorites Return To Rotisserie Buffet April 7

Sparks/Reno, NV -- Savory and spicy Mexican favorites return for a three-month engagement in the Rotisserie Buffet at John Ascuaga’s Nugget starting Thursday, April 7.

Every Thursday through June, both lunch and dinner buffets will feature an array of Mexican specialties, as the Rotisserie becomes veritable fiesta of food that aficionados will not want to miss.

Dinner selections include authentic dishes like Chile Rellenos, Pork Adobado stuffed With Chorizo; Acapulco Chicken; Carne Asada; Beef Tamales; and Chicken Fajitas. Seafood with a south-of-the-border twist includes Tampico Shrimp, Snapper Vera Cruz, and Seafood Ceviche (also available on the lunch menu).

“Our Mexican buffet menu at the Rotisserie will have more choices than ever before,” said Dave Brody, the Nugget’s VP of food and beverage. “The selection is incredible for both lunch and dinner and the food is prepared with the highest quality ingredients and with a flair that our Nugget chefs are known for.”

The menu for lunch offers favorites such as Beef and Chicken Fajitas, Pork Carnitas, Arroz Con Pollo, Fideo, Corn Fiesta Salad and Taco Salad with Shredded Chicken. Both lunch and dinner buffets include the Build Your Own Salad Bar and wide selection of tempting desserts. John’s famous Prime Rib is carved nightly.

The Mexican dinner buffet is served every Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. priced at $16.95 per person for adults and $9.95 for children aged 5 to 11. The Mexican lunch buffet is $11.50 per adult and $7.95 for children. Children under 5 dine free. The Rotisserie Buffet is open for lunch/brunch and dinner Thursday through Sunday and also features these specialty nights each week:  Prime Rib & Seafood Night Friday; Best in the West BBQ Night Saturday and Italian Night on Sunday. For more information on all the specialty buffets in the Rotisserie, visit janugget.com, call 800-648-1177 or 775-356-3300.

Bo Bice's Songs Reflect American Values

Sparks/Reno, NV – Bo Bice, who first burst on the national country music scene with his strong showing on American Idol, will perform his repertoire of songs reflecting his love of family, faith, and country with a show on Saturday, April 9 at 9 p.m. in the Celebrity Showroom of John Ascuaga’s Nugget.

An Alabama native, Bice moved with his family to England when he was 14 after his step-father, an executive with Coca-Cola, was transferred there. His mother, a gospel singer, infused in him a love of music at an early age. While attending high school in England, he started his first band, Spinning Jenny.

Bice returned to the U.S. in the fall of 1993, completed his education, and became a professional musician. His career began to take shape when he worked the Southern club circuit in a number of bands, including Blue Suede Nickel, Purge and Sugar Money.

Bice became well known in 2005 when he finished second to Carrie Underwood on American Idol. Bice performed an a cappella version of the song “In A Dream” among his final performances on the program. His first CD following his Idol appearance, The Real Thing, yielded the chart-topping single "Inside Your Heaven" and helped him achieve the first of his two Gold Records.

The album titled 3 was Bice's first experience with the Nashville music community, and all its songs were written or co-written by Bo, who co-produced the album with D. Scott Miller (who's worked on hits by Trace Adkins, Patty Loveless and Asleep at the Wheel, among others).

"I'm really digging the Nashville scene and where it's taken me musically," he said. "It's a little different than what I was doing on previous albums, but Nashville represents many of the things that are important to me now.”

When not on stage, writing songs, or recording in the studio, Bice spends time helping fellow motorcycle enthusiasts raise money for medical research or supporting members of the U.S. military through his live performances or by donating proceeds from his records. "I have a lot of respect for the troops and want to do all I can to create awareness of their needs, and support their families,” he said.

Tickets to see Bo Bice on April 9 are $20 and available by calling (800) 648-1177, 775-356-3300 or by visiting janugget.com. “Steppin’ Out” dinner and show packages are available. DO THE NUGGET TONIGHT!

Ukulele Lady Strums Up Tuneful Good Times at the Nugget

Sparks/Reno, NV -- The first lady of ukulele, Victoria Vox, performs her eclectic and upbeat music in the Celebrity Showroom of John Ascuaga’s Nugget on Saturday, March 19 at 8 p.m. Also on the bill is Boulder Acoustic Society. The concert is part of the 3rd Annual Reno-Tahoe UkeFest.

Victoria Vox has been warming the hearts of her audiences across the United States, Canada, Australia and Europe. Her songs are honest, moving, but also light-hearted. She earned a degree in songwriting from the Berkeley College of Music and has become known in the ukulele community for her refreshingly modern and rhythmic ukulele technique.

Of her album “Exact Change,” Vintage Guitar magazine said that “an undercurrent of toughness, a beautiful voice, great melodies and loads of charm make unique folk/pop music impossible to resist. The album’s a jewel, indie recording at its best.”

Her songs have been featured on NPR, television and in independent films. Vox is a First Place award winner for her French-language tune, “C’est Noyé” in the International Acoustic Music Awards. She has been included in Relix Magazine and Washington D.C.’s City’s Best lists of artists to watch and is a multi WAMA (Washington D.C. Area Music Award) winner for “Exact Change” and for her work as a Folk-Contemporary vocalist. Currently, Vox is a nominee in the Independent Music Awards for both Adult Contemporary Album of the Year and Album Design. Originally from Green Bay, Wisconsin, Vox now lives in Baltimore, Maryland and performs more than 125 shows a year.

Opening for Victoria Vox is Boulder Acoustic Society, a band of four young musicians who take audiences to the edge of American roots music. Americana, Gospel, and the Blues all combine with a muscular indie rock edge for music that is rooted deeply in the past but pointed straight at the future.

The energy these players bring to the music translates into an incredibly varied live performance. One tune may conjure up an apocalyptic hurricane while the next leads you directly through the eye of the storm. With a deep-rooted yet hard edged approach to American music, the Boulder Acoustic Society may just be the future of Americana, but they are certainly its heart and soul.

Don’t miss Victoria Vox and Boulder Acoustic Society in one show on Saturday, March 19 at 8 p.m. in the Celebrity Showroom of the Nugget. Tickets are $20 and are available by calling (800) 648-1177, 356-3300 or visiting janugget.com. “Steppin’ Out” Dinner and show packages are available. For information on the 3rd Annual Reno-Tahoe UkeFest visit playuke.info. DO THE NUGGET TONIGHT!

Grammy-Winning Performer Brings Island Sounds to the Nugget

Sparks/Reno, NV -- Multi-talented Hawaiian musical artist Daniel Ho will display his prowess as a performer on Friday, March 18 in the Celebrity Showroom at John Ascuaga’s Nugget. Ukulele phenom Kris Fuchigami opens the show, part of the 3rd Annual Reno-Tahoe UkeFest.

Ho is world-renowned for his mastery of the slack key guitar -- a style of playing that has become particularly identified with Hawaiian music -- and the ukulele. His 2010 release “Polani” was the first CD of ukulele music ever to win a Grammy nomination.

Ho founded the contemporary jazz group Kilauea in the early 1990s and was the group’s keyboardist. Kilauea recorded six albums, two of them making the Top 10 in Billboard magazine’s smooth jazz category.

In 1998, Ho formed the record label Daniel Ho Creations which has issued over 50 albums of acoustic and Hawaiian-themed music. Ho has won six Grammy Awards as both producer and artist in the category of “Best Hawaiian Music Album” (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 & 2010). Most recently, he teamed with vocalist Tia Carrere for the album “Huana Ke Aloha” which garnered this year’s Grammy in the same category.

Ho has performed throughout the U.S., Japan, and Europe. He has been featured with the Honolulu Symphony; toured as a keyboard player and guitarist for R& B vocalist Peabo Bryson; guest-lectured at Stanford University; and authored instructional books on ‘ukulele and slack key guitar.

Kris Fuchigami is a virtuoso who’s been making audiences sit up and take notice since he was fourteen. His love of the ukulele began when he found a battered Wal-Mart version that his older brother owned. His interest was fanned further by a middle-school teacher who mentioned the name of music legend Jake Shimabukuro to him. Hearing Jake play, Kris was enthralled by his mastery.

When asked why he started playing, Kris’s answer is two words: Jake Shimabukuro.

He dedicated himself to learning the uke. His speed and dexterity soon lead to his winning a prestigious musical scholarship in 2006 at age fifteen, only two years after he first picked up the instrument.

At age twenty-one, Kris has already released two CDs – the latest entitled “Untouchable” -- that showcase his lightning fast playing and a musicality beyond his years. Hear him play tunes like the bluesy-funky “Grandma’s Groove,” or his tender, lyrical version of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”and you’ll know why this young man with the flying fingers is something special.

Don’t miss Daniel Ho and Kris Fuchigami at John Ascuaga’s Nugget for one show Friday, March 18 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20, and are available by calling (800) 648-1177 or 356-3300 and by visiting januggget.com. For information on the 3rd Annual Reno-Tahoe UkeFest visit playuke.info. Do The Nugget Tonight!

It’s WAR at The Nugget, Saturday, March 12

Sparks/Reno, NV --  WAR, the Southern California funk band that scored such mega-hits as “Why Can’t We Be Friends,” “The Cisco Kid,” “Spill the Wine,” “Slippin’ Into Darkness,” and “Low Rider” brings its one-of-a-kind music to the Celebrity Showroom in John Ascuaga’s Nugget Casino Resort for one show Saturday, March 12,  at 8 p.m.

The 7-member band, fronted by founding member Lonnie Jordan, was one of the earliest groups in popular music to find global fame as a “cross-over” act.
WAR succeeded by fusing rock, funk, jazz rhythm and blues, reggae and Latin elements into an unmistakable sound all its own. And the multi-ethnic line-up of the ensemble enabled it to transcend and overcome racial and cultural barriers.

Since it began, WAR has been a group of many musical voices and styles coming together with the shared goal of making something different.  It’s in the band’s DNA to this day.

In the studio, WAR often performed lengthy jams from which their hit singles were distilled.  But WAR has been a group of individuals who live for their solos. It’s a group of very talented musicians who work as a group to make the distinctive music that they – and audiences – love to hear. Since it began, WAR has sold more than 50 million records and garnered fans from every generation.

Bringing the sounds of this self-described “Afro-Cuban-rock-jazz-blues band” to millions of fans around the world and now to the Nugget stage are the members of WAR:  Lonnie Jordan, vocals and keyboards; Fernando Harkless on saxophone and flute; Marcos Reyes, percussion; Stuart Ziff on guitar; Sal Rodriquez on drums;  Francisco “Pancho” Tomaselli, on bass guitar; and Mitch Kashmar, harmonica and vocals.

Don’t miss WAR at John Ascuaga’s Nugget for one show Saturday, March 12 at 8 p.m.  Tickets are $35 and are available by calling (800) 648-1177 or 356-3300 and by visiting januggget.com. Dinner and show packages are available. Do The Nugget Tonight!

Celebrating 56 Years in Business on March 17 at John Ascuaga’s Nugget

Sparks/Reno, Nev. – Celebrating 56 years in Sparks – and looking forward to the future. Join the Ascuaga family as they commemorate more than a half-century in business on Thursday, March 17 at 6 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 56 years.

The party starts at 6 p.m. in the Casino Cabaret. 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. In addition, the Nugget will have a special gaming promotion from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., when 56 lucky players, eight per hour, will win $50 in free slot play. And local favorites Steppen Stonz will play dance music to keep the party going!

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 offered at the party. All bars will feature $3 Guinness and $3 Irish whiskey, plus the daily Nugget Happy Hour from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. features $1 Coors, Coors Light and Margaritas.

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.

Nugget Concert by Legendary Guitarist Supports Music Programs in WCSD

Reno, NV (March 3, 2011) – Pulling from his vast experience on stage and in the recording studio, guitar legend Craig Chaquico will take audiences on a musical journey Friday night at John Ascuaga’s Nugget during a special performance that will benefit music and arts programs in the Washoe County School District.

All proceeds from the concert will benefit the WCSD Fine Arts Department. Music and Arts Director Dave Branson says the money will help purchase instruments and art supplies for students in the District.

“Music and the arts programs are an important part of the WCSD’s curriculum. Through these programs, our children learn to think creatively and innovatively,” Branson said. “This annual benefit concert is important to the health of the fine arts programs in our schools. We want to ensure every single child has the opportunity to try their hand in music and art classes. This concert helps us do that. We are very excited to have Craig Chaquico in town to inspire our young artists and the community.”

The award-winning musician and composer was the lead guitarist with the multi-platinum selling rock band Jefferson Starship in the 1970s and ‘80s and became a solo artist in the early ‘90s.

Information about tickets is available online at www.janugget.com or by calling 356-3300. In addition to the benefit concert on Friday night, Chaquico will play again at the Nugget on Saturday evening.


John Ascuaga’s Nugget and Washoe Music Works Present: Craig Chaquico
A Concert to Benefit the WCSD Fine Arts Department

When: Friday, March 4 at 8 p.m.

Where: John Ascuaga’s Nugget in the Celebrity Showroom

Note: Reno High School music student Nick Sexton will make a special guest artist appearance for one song with Chaquico.

Media Opportunity: Students have been invited to attend Chaquico’s sound check at 3:45 p.m. on Friday afternoon if you would like to film prior to the event.


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About Washoe County School District: The Washoe County School District includes the Reno/Sparks metropolitan area, Incline Village, Gerlach, Empire and Wadsworth, Nevada. The District provides each of its 63,000 students with a superior education in a safe and challenging environment and is committed to graduate every child career and college ready.
For more information visit: www.washoecountyschools.org. Follow us on Twitter at WCSDTweet.

Washoe County School District
425 East Ninth Street
Reno, NV 89512