Country Music’s Leading Lady Cancels West Coast Show Dates

SPARKS, Nev. – John Ascuaga’s Nugget regrets to announce that the Loretta Lynn concert scheduled for May 6, 2011, is cancelled. Lynn cancelled her west coast tour dates for medical reasons. Nugget officials hope to rebook the concert in 2012. Ticketholders will receive a full refund, please call 800-843-2427 or 775-356-3300 for details.

Eddie Money Rocks Street Vibrations Spring Rally

Sparks/Reno, NV -- Street Vibrations Spring Rally marks its return to Victorian Square in Sparks, June 3-5 with live entertainment, Live Fast Motorcycle aerial jumps, bike games, competition ride-in shows, poker runs and walks, over 80 vendors, VIP parties for participants and more. Eddie Money headlines the event in the Celebrity Showroom at John Ascuaga’s Nugget on June 3rd.

Street Vibrations Spring Rally is free to the public. Motorcycle participants pay a $40 registration fee ($30 before May 10) that includes VIP parking in prime locations, event t-shirt, ride pin and hog tags, entries in ride-in shows and bike competitions, VIP parties and entries in poker walks and runs. Vendors, bike games and bike competitions are scheduled to start, end or take place on Victorian Square.

“We are thrilled to have Street Vibrations Spring Rally at the Nugget’s front doors on Victorian Square,” said Stephen Ascuaga, COO, John Ascuaga’s Nugget. “Sparks is the perfect venue for this fun event.”

The Nugget also presents music legend Eddie Money in the Celebrity Showroom on Friday, June 3 at 9 p.m. Money burst onto the scene in 1977. His debut album was a double platinum smash, featuring hits like “Baby Hold On” and “Two Tickets to Paradise.” Money followed that success with a stream of Top 40 hits like “Think I’m in Love” and “Shakin.” In 1986, he released Can’t Hold Back, which featured a Grammy-Nominated duet with Ronnie Spector, “Take Me Home Tonight.” The song reached number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album went platinum and also featured the hit “I Wanna Go Back.”

Money continues to delight new and old fans across the country. He retains his signature style and performs with the same passion today as he did more than 30 years ago. Money’s “blue collar rock” continues to move audiences today. Money’s songs have appeared in dozens of movies and television shows, and have recently been included in hit video games like “Grand Theft Auto” and “Guitar Hero.”

John Ascuaga’s Nugget is offering Street Vibrations Spring Rally room deals in the West Tower starting at $199 for a 2-night package that includes event registration, VIP covered parking, two free cocktails and one $10 match play per stay. Package price is plus taxes and resort fee. Visit janugget.com or call 800-648-1177 for hotel packages and Eddie Money tickets ($42). For more information on Street Vibrations Spring Rally, visit road-shows.com

Treat Mom to the Best Brunch of the Bunch!

Sparks/Reno, NV -- Honoring moms and all they do for us, John Ascuaga’s Nugget presents its most spectacular day of dining ever this Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 8. Live music will be performed in Restaurante Orozko and the Rose Ballroom, where the Northern Nevada Affiliate of Susan G. Komen will be handing out free pink carnations from Sparks Florist to all moms and mothers in attendance.

Mother’s Day Brunch will be served in the following Nugget restaurants (prices and hours noted)

• The Rose Ballroom from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. $21.95 per adult, $11.95 per child (ages 5-11). Reservations may be made by calling 775-356-3300.

• The Rotisserie Buffet, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. $21.95 per adult, and $11.95 per child (ages 5-11).

• Restaurante Orozko, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. $29.95 per adult, $15.95 per child (ages 5-11).

Among its wide array of upscale dining choices, Brunch in Orozko includes appetizers like Jumbo Prawn Cocktail, Assorted Sushi Rolls, and Fresh Oysters on the Half Shell. Entree choices feature Beef Filet Eggs Benedict, Broiled Pork Chops, “Fruits of the Sea” (Lobster, Shrimp, Scallops) and Grilled Ono with Tropical Salsa. Diners can create their own omelets and build their own waffles and choose from desserts like Pistachio Cones, Trio Chocolate Mousse, Cream Puff Swans, Amoretti Kisses, and Raspberry Mousse Torte.

The Mother’s Day Brunch menu in the Rose Ballroom and the Rotisserie Buffet features six stations. The Appetizer Station starts the temptation with no fewer than thirteen items including Peel and Eat Shrimp, Mediterranean Penne Pasta, Smoked Fish Platter, and Fresh Strawberries and Cream.

One of everyone’s favorite flavors is “Build Your Own” and that’s just what customers will be able to do at the next stop, the Omelet and Waffle station. Diners can have either one – or both -- their way, cooked to order, with a wide selection savory fillings and tasty toppings.

Entrees are always a special part of any Mother’s Day Brunch at the Nugget and this year’s choices are no exception. Brunch-time favorites like Classic Eggs Benedict with velvety Hollandaise Sauce share the spotlight with culinary creations like Grilled Salmon and Citrus Salsa, Seared Beef Tips Hunter Style, and that down-home favorite, Home-made Biscuits with Country Gravy.

The Carving Station offers just-cut goodness in the form of our famous rock-salt roasted Prime Rib served with Aus Jus and Horseradish, a thick slice of Honey-baked Ham, or Roast Turkey.

The grand finale of Mother’s Day Brunch at the Nugget is dessert. Or rather desserts. Here’s just a sinful sampling: Chocolate Decadence, Bailey’s Cheesecake, Cappuccino Mousse in White Chocolate Cups, Éclairs, Lemon Mousse Cones, Tiramisu in Chocolate Cups, Cherries Jubilee, Bananas Foster, Apple, Berry and Cherry Tarts, Blueberry Cobbler...and yes, more!

For additional dining choices, The Steakhouse Grill and Trader Dick’s will also be offering special Mother’s Day dinner menus. Rosie’s Cafe will also be serving a fixed price menu for just $8.95 per person, $6.95 for children which includes a choice of both appetizer and entree, and dessert.

To see the complete menus for each restaurant on Mother’s Day, and restaurant hours, please visit at visit janugget.com. Reservations are available for brunch in the Rose Ballroom and for dinner in Orozko, The Steakhouse Grill, and Trader Dick’s by calling 775-356-3300 or 800-648-1177. Ask about Room and Brunch packages!

Upcoming Entertainment at John Ascuaga’s Nugget

 

The Blasters, Apr 16, Celebrity Showroom, $20, 9 p.m.

 

Keyser Soze, Apr 23, Celebrity Showroom, $15, 9 p.m.

 

Foghat, Apr 30, Celebrity Showroom, $32, 9 p.m.

Loretta Lynn, May 6, Celebrity Showroom, $79, 8 p.m.

The B-52s, May 14, Rose Ballroom, $50 & $55, 9 p.m.

 Nugget Country Crossroads

- Ricky Skaggs, May 27, Celebrity Showroom, $45, 9 p.m.

- Neal McCoy, May 28, Celebrity Showroom, $35, 9 p.m.
- LeAnn Rimes, May 29, Rose Ballroom, $65 & $69, 9 p.m.

 Eddie Money, Jun 3, Celebrity Showroom, $42, 9 p.m.

The Dirty Heads, Jun 24, Celebrity Showroom, $25, 9 p.m.

Bruce Cockburn, Jun 25, Celebrity Showroom, $20, 9 p.m.

Starship with Mickey Thomas, July 2, Celebrity Showroom, $32, 9 p.m. 

 

Dana Carvey, July 14, 15 & 16, Celebrity Showroom, $60, Thu 8 pm, Fri/Sat 9 pm

Asleep at the Wheel, July 29, Celebrity Showroom, $32, 9 pm

The Oak Ridge Boys, Sept. 15, 16 & 17, Celebrity Showroom, $55, 8 pm

Leon Russell, Oct. 1, Celebrity Showroom, $35, 9 p.m.

Steven Wright, Oct 15, Celebrity Showroom, $50, 9 p.m.

 

For tickets, call 800-648-1177, 775-356-3300 or purchase online at janugget.com





 

LeAnn Rimes Headlines Nugget’s “Country Crossroads” Festival

Reno/ Sparks, NV -- Multi-platinum recording artist LeAnn Rimes heads an all-country line-up featuring Ricky Skaggs and Neal McCoy during “Country Crossroads,” a three-day celebration of music and more music on Memorial Day weekend (May 27-29) at John Ascuaga’s Nugget in Sparks.


LeAnn Rimes has sold more than 37 million albums, won two Grammy® Awards, three Academy of Country Music Awards and 12 Billboard Music Awards. Rimes is the youngest recipient of a Grammy® Award, and was also the first country recording artist to win in the “Best New Artist” category. Rimes has placed 42 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, 13 of which are Top-10 hits, and has scored numerous hit singles, including “Can’t Fight the Moonlight” which went #1 in 11 countries, and “How Do I Live,” which is the second longest charting song ever on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

2011 marks the 52nd year since Ricky Skaggs struck his first chords on a mandolin, and this fourteen-time Grammy Award winner continues to be a leader in the recent roots revival in music. With 12 consecutive Grammy-nominated classics behind him, all from his own Skaggs Family Records label, beginning with Bluegrass Rules! (1998) to his first-ever solo record Ricky Skaggs Solo: Songs My Dad Loved (2009) and 2010’s Mosaic (2010), the diverse and masterful tones created by the gifted Skaggs come from a life dedicated to playing music that is both fed by the soul and felt by the heart.

No doubt about it, in the 20 years since he released his first single, Neal McCoy – the one-of-a-kind country singer and consummate live performer – has enjoyed every minute of his long, successful career including hits like “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye” and “For A Change. “ Whether he's delivering a stirring version of "America the Beautiful" in front of 65,000 fans in Texas Stadium, performing for the troops, or recording a Top-10 comeback single on his own record label, Neal McCoy can be expected to deliver the unexpected.

• Ricky Skaggs performs Friday, May 27, 9 p.m. in the Celebrity Showroom. Tickets are $45.

• Neal McCoy performs Saturday, May 28, 9 p.m. in the Celebrity Showroom. Tickets are $35.

• LeAnn Rimes performs Saturday, May 29, 9 p.m. in the Rose Ballroom. Tickets are $65 & $69.

The Nugget is also offering a weekend pass for only $129 which includes tickets to each show, prime seating, commemorative lanyard and ticket fees – a savings of $29! Three-night room packages are available and include tickets to each concert, and three nights’ stay in the west hotel tower for just $259 per person, double occupancy.

In addition to the featured shows in the Celebrity Showroom, Country Crossroads will also showcase free concerts by Chuck Mead, the John Dawson Band, and Rustler’s Heat in the Casino Cabaret. Live Country Music will play and DJs will spin country music nightly in Trader Dick’s Lounge. Fans can take free line dancing lessons or participate in country karaoke contests both Saturday and Sunday nights.

For tickets, call 800-648-1177, 356-3300 or visit janugget.com. “Steppin’ Out” dinner and show packages are also available.

Rose Ballroom becomes “Love Shack” with B-52s

Reno/Sparks, NV -- After thirty years and sales of over twenty million albums, any mystery about the ongoing appeal of The B-52s is immediately solved when you hear them live cranking up "Rock Lobster," "Planet Claire," "Love Shack" or “Roam.” These and other unforgettable dance-rock tunes start a party every time!


Catch The B-52s, the “World’s Greatest Party Band” in concert at 9 p.m. on Saturday, May 14 in the Rose Ballroom of John Ascuaga’s Nugget.

Formed on an October night in 1976 at a Chinese restaurant on Athens, Georgia, the band named themselves after Southern slang for exaggerated 'bouffant" hairdos. Cindy Wilson, Kate Pierson, Fred Schneider, Keith Strickland, and Ricky Wilson began weekend road trips to New York City for gigs at the famous CBGB's and a handful of other venues. Before long, their thrift store aesthetic and genre-defying songs were the talk of the post-punk underground. A record deal soon followed and their self-titled debut sold more than 500,000 copies on the strength of their first singles, "Rock Lobster," and "52 Girls."

With the release of their second studio effort, Wild Planet (1980), The B-52s and co-producer Rhett Davies proved their success was no fluke with hits "Private Idaho," "Give Me Back My Man" and "Strobe Light."

At the time of their greatest achievements, however, they suffered their greatest tragedy — the death of guitarist Ricky Wilson from AIDS. "He really had a vision…," said sister Cindy Wilson. "He was one of the strongest elements of The B-52s from the beginning." Ricky Wilson's passing in 1985 came just after the sessions for Bouncing Off The Satellites (1986). The album, dedicated to Wilson, had taken nearly three years to complete but was worth the wait, serving up the fan favorites "Summer of Love" and "Wig."

Mourning the loss of Ricky, the band didn’t work as a group for three years. When they reunited, it became “a really healing thing to get together and be creative again,” Kate said. The band began crafting vocal melodies, lyrics and arrangements for a new album. Cosmic Thing (1989), co-produced by Don Was and Nile Rodgers, proved to be the group’s greatest commercial achievement, propelling it to international stardom.

Cosmic Thing hit #1 on the Billboard chart, sold five million copies and yielded their first-ever Top Ten hits — "Love Shack" and "Roam" and a Top 40 hit with "Deadbeat Club." The B-52s advanced their reputation as the greatest party band on the planet to a whole new generation of music fans, playing to sold-out audiences worldwide on a tour that included an Earth Day gig before nearly 750,000 people in New York’s Central Park.

In 2008 The B-52s released their first new album in 16 years, the aptly titled Funplex. With its primal guitar hooks, driving drums and The B-52s' unmistakable vocal style, Newsweek declared, “Like a sonic shot of vitamin B12, the dance-floor beats, fuzzy guitar riffs and happy, shiny lyrics keep the energy going.”

As The B-52s continue to take their party-music revolution into the 21st century they show no signs of slowing down, serving up their own unique blend of music and showmanship to millions of fans around the world.

See The B-52s in concert on Saturday, May 14 at 9 p.m. in the Rose Ballroom at John Ascuaga’s Nugget. Tickets are $50 and $55 and available by calling 800-648-1177, 356-3300 or by visiting janugget.com. “Steppin’ Out” dinner and show packages are also available.

Country Music’s Leading Lady Headlines at the Nugget

Reno/Sparks, NV --  Loretta Lynn, the “Coal Miner’s Daughter” whose American dream took her from the poverty of Butcher Hollow, Kentucky to country music superstardom, performs on Friday May 6, at 8 p.m. in the Celebrity Showroom of John Ascuaga’s Nugget in Sparks.

Lynn began singing seriously in 1961. During one televised talent contest hosted by Buck Owens, she was spotted by Norm Burley who was so impressed he started Zero Records just to record her.

Before long, Loretta and her husband Doo hit the road cross-country, stopping every time they spotted a country radio station to push her first Zero release, “I’m a Honky Tonk Girl.” By the time they reached Nashville, the record was a minor hit and Loretta found work cutting demos.  One of these, “Biggest Fool of All,” caught the ear of Decca Records producer Owen Bradley, producer at the time for Patsy Cline, Bill Anderson, and Webb Pierce.

Working with Bradley in Nashville, Lynn quickly fell under the musical spell of new friend Patsy Cline. Patsy’s distinctive style, marked by dramatic slides, growls and crescendos, was more modern and “pop” sounding, this style was reflected in Loretta’s first top ten hit “Success” in 1962.

Out of these influences, Lynn fashioned her own distinctive style, first perfected in the songs of other writers. In “Wine, Women, and Song,” “Happy Birthday,” and “Blue Kentucky Girl,” each a Top Ten hit in 1964.

Such hits were early hints of Loretta’s undeniably strong female point of view—a perspective unique at the time both to country music specifically and to pop music generally and a trend in her music that became further pronounced as she began to write more of her own songs.

The immense popularity of her songs, including straight-shooting hits like “Your Squaw Is on the Warpath,” “Women of the World (Leave My World Alone),” and “You’re Looking at Country,” culminated in 1972 when Lynn won her second Best Female Vocalist award from the Country Music Association—and when she became the first woman to win the CMA’s most prestigious award, Entertainer of the Year.

Through the next decade, Loretta scored more and more hits—and became more and more famous beyond her country base. In 1976, her autobiography (written with journalist George Vescey) became a New York Times Bestseller; in 1980 the book was made into a hit film starring Sissy Spacek and Tommy Lee Jones. By the time of her last major hit—”I Lie,” in 1982—Lynn could count 52 Top 10 hits and 16 #1’s.

Loretta Lynn spent the ‘90s largely away from the spotlight, caring for her ailing husband Doo and, after he died in 1996, grieving his loss. The music scene has changed considerably in her absence but it’s also a scene she helped create.

See the legendary Loretta Lynn in concert at the Nugget. Tickets are $79, available by calling 800-648-1177, 356-3300 or by visiting janugget.com. “Steppin’ Out” dinner and show packages are also available.