How Much Skin Should We Place in the Digital Game?

Sort of like when you read about the newest “fad” diet that claims you can eat watermelon for two weeks straight and lose 20 lbs., some marketers claim that going on a fully digital diet is the only way to create awareness and convert sales nowadays. But, is that the right way to go? Common sense tells us health and weight loss is a combination of eating right, exercising and other extenuating factors… so doesn’t it make just as much sense for a healthy marketing plan to contain a mixture of tactics to get truly noticeable and sustainable traction? 

We’ve put together a few studies that show the importance of maintaing a mixture of mediums when considering your advertising and marketing plans: 

• Does Digital-Only Work? 
• Print vs. Digital Media: The Death of Print? 
• Cross-Media study shows print advertising has highest ROI

So – next time someone tries to prescribe a “fix-all” in advertising, whether it be all digital, print, TV, think about it for just a minute longer. Advertising is within in the “Promotional” realm of the Marketing Mix (Product, Price, Place, Promotion), and that “Promotion” requires casting a wide net. Don’t make the mistake of alienating potential customers by neglecting the media on which they spend the majority of their time.

Station Casinos announces September 2014 headliners

SUNSET STATION

Nashville Unplugged
Featuring Ben Carver
Venue: Club Madrid
Genre: Country
Date:  Friday, September 5, 2014 at 8 p.m.
Ticket Prices: $10 cover at the door. Boarding Pass card members receive a $5 entry discount 

Artist Info: Singer/songwriter Aaron Benward, who has written numerous ACM and CMA-nominated songs, as well as the recent hit “Who I Am,” which was featured on ABC’s hit television show “Nashville,” and special guest host Travis Howard, whose credits include Miranda Lambert’s “Famous In a Small Town,” “Bring Me Down” and “Heart Like Mine,” present “Nashville Unplugged: The Story Behind the Song.” In addition to these two talented musicians, they host well-known songwriters to create a fun and unique experience, akin to Nashville’s Bluebird Café. 

Since his arrival in 2003, Ben Caver has become one of Nashville’s favorite young singer/songwriters, with his distinct vocal style and fresh approach to crafting songs. An Alabama native, Caver began writing songs in high school and soon moved to Nashville, where he attended Belmont University and began rubbing elbows with some of the city’s top writers and performers. Caver has performed and written for many artists including Jay Demarcus of Rascal Flatts.

Must be 21 years or older

Deana Carter
Venue: Club Madrid
Genre: Country
Date:  Saturday, September 6, 2014 at 7 p.m.
Ticket Prices: $15, $25 and $35 plus tax and applicable fees

Artist Info: Drenched in sun-kissed natural beauty both inside and out, Deana Carter didn’t take a seemingly easy route to stardom, but instead chose to defy the conventional expectations of the typical Nashville artist blueprint and make her own mark. And she did, undeniably taking the industry and fans by storm with her wildly successful multi-platinum international debut Did I Shave My Legs For This? more than a decade ago. Anchored by the hit “Strawberry Wine,” Carter showcased her own blend of country and retro-rock sprinkled with the folksy singer/songwriter qualities that have garnered Deana Carter well-deserved respect and wild acclaim. The daughter of famed studio guitarist and producer Fred Carter, Jr., Carter’s latest album Southern Way of Life was released in 2013 and features the hit single “Do Or Die.”

An accomplished songwriter in the pop, rock and country markets, Carter co-wrote Kenny Chesney’s “You & Tequila,” which received several CMA and Grammy nominations, including “Song of the Year.”

This is an all-ages show; those under 21 must be accompanied by an adult

Nashville Unplugged
Featuring Tim James
Venue: Club Madrid
Genre: Country
Date:  Friday, September 12, 2014 at 8 p.m.
Ticket Prices: $10 cover at the door. Boarding Pass card members receive a $5 entry discount 

Artist Info: Singer/songwriter Aaron Benward, who has written numerous ACM and CMA-nominated songs, as well as the recent hit “Who I Am,” which was featured on ABC’s hit television show “Nashville,” and special guest host Travis Howard, whose credits include Miranda Lambert’s “Famous In a Small Town,” “Bring Me Down” and “Heart Like Mine,” present “Nashville Unplugged: The Story Behind the Song.” In addition to these two talented musicians, they host well-known songwriters to create a fun and unique experience, akin to Nashville’s Bluebird Café.

Michigan native Tim James has established himself as one of country music’s most sought-after songwriters, with a song catalog of hit songs by many acclaimed artists, including Toby Keith, George Strait and Billy Ray Cyrus, among others. His single “My List,” which was recorded by Toby Keith, climbed to the top of the country music charts. Other hits include Jeff Bates’ “Good People,” Trace Adkins’ All I Ask For Anymore,” Lee Brice’s “Love Like Crazy” and George Strait’s “He’s Mine.”

Must be 21 years or older

Nashville Unplugged

Featuring Arlos Smith
Venue: Club Madrid
Genre: Country
Date:  Friday, September 19, 2014 at 8 p.m.
Ticket Prices: $10 cover at the door. Boarding Pass card members receive a $5 entry discount 

Artist Info: Singer/songwriter Aaron Benward, who has written numerous ACM and CMA-nominated songs, as well as the recent hit “Who I Am,” which was featured on ABC’s hit television show “Nashville,” and special guest host Travis Howard, whose credits include Miranda Lambert’s “Famous In a Small Town,” “Bring Me Down” and “Heart Like Mine,” present “Nashville Unplugged: The Story Behind the Song.” In addition to these two talented musicians, they host well-known songwriters to create a fun and unique experience, akin to Nashville’s Bluebird Café. 

With a collection of hit songs to his name including, Rascal Flatts’ “Mayberry,” which climbed to number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, Arlos Smith has established himself as one of the most successful songwriters in the country music industry today. Smith has written songs for artists including, Rascal Flatts, Trent Tomlinson, James Otto, Michael Peterson, David Kersh and Neal McCoy, among others. Other song credits include, John Michael Montgomery’s “Home to You,” which climbed to number two on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts and Steve Holy’s “Men Buy the Drinks (Girls Call the Shots).”

Must be 21 years or older

Nashville Unplugged
Featuring Dennis Matkosky
Venue: Club Madrid
Genre: Country
Date:  Friday, September 26, 2014 at 8 p.m.
Ticket Prices: $10 cover at the door. Boarding Pass card members receive a $5 entry discount 

Artist Info: Singer/songwriter Aaron Benward, who has written numerous ACM and CMA-nominated songs, as well as the recent hit “Who I Am,” which was featured on ABC’s hit television show “Nashville,” and special guest host Travis Howard, whose credits include Miranda Lambert’s “Famous In a Small Town,” “Bring Me Down” and “Heart Like Mine,” present “Nashville Unplugged: The Story Behind the Song.” In addition to these two talented musicians, they host well-known songwriters to create a fun and unique experience, akin to Nashville’s Bluebird Café.

A Grammy Award-winning songwriter, Dennis Matkosky’s production and songwriting credits are included in more than 50 million records sold. He has worked with a long list of artists, including Clay Aiken, Boz Scaggs, LeAnn Rimes, Keith Urban and Chicago, among others. His first professionally written song, “Mirror, Mirror,” was recorded by Diana Ross and broke into the top five on both the pop and R&B charts. His success continued with the single “Maniac,” which was featured in the film “Flashdance” and was nominated for an Academy Award, Golden Globe and two Grammy Awards. Other song credits include Keith Urban’s “You’ll Think of Me,” and Clay Aiken’s “I Will Carry You.” Matkosky’s songs have also been featured in films such as “Flashdance,” “Fright Night” and “Days of Thunder.”

Must be 21 years or older

GREEN VALLEY RANCH RESORT

The Piano Men
A Tribute to Elton John and Billy Joel
Venue: Grand Events Center
Genre: Tribute
Date:  Saturday, September 6, 2014 at 8 p.m.
Ticket Prices: $15 plus tax and applicable fees for general admission

Artist Info: A tribute to Sir Elton John and Billy Joel, Piano Men is a night of hit songs, energetic performances, outrageous costumes and true Rock ‘n Roll at its finest. Tribute artists Jeffrey Allen and Matthew Banks and Jeffrey Allen capture John and Joel in their high energy, interactive show.

This is an all-ages show; those under 21 must be accompanied by an adult

SANTA FE STATION

Danielle Bradbery
Venue: Revolver Saloon
Genre: Country
Date:  Thursday, September 18, 2014 at 8 p.m.
Ticket Prices: Free

Artist Info: Eighteen-year-old Danielle Bradbery charmed her way into the national spotlight with her sweet, soulful sound and quintessential personality, winning season four of “The Voice” and seeing multiple performances reach number one on the iTunes Country Singles chart. Danielle’s self-titled debut album on Big Machine Records features the Top 15 lead single “The Heart of Dixie,” and current offering “Young In America.” She has appeared on the CW’s Hart of Dixie, KATIE and ABC’s The View in addition to “My Day” being featured in NBC’s Sochi Winter Olympics campaign.

Must be 21 years or older

BOULDER STATION

Boulder Blues
Featuring Wayne Baker Brooks
Venue: The Railhead
Genre: Blues
Date: Thursday, September 18, 2014 at 7 p.m.
Ticket Prices: $5 cover at the door

Artist Info:  The son of blues great Lonnie Brooks, Wayne Baker Brooks may have been born into Chicago blues royalty, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t paid his dues along the way. He joined his father’s band as a roadie in 1988 and started playing guitar in the band in 1990. In 1997, he formed the Wayne Baker Brooks Band and in 1998, in addition to appearing in the film “Blues Brothers 2000,” he co-wrote the book “Blues for Dummies” with his father and Cub Koda. In 2004, Brooks released his solo debut album Mystery on his newly-formed label Blues Island. Brooks has also appeared in the films “Barbershop” and “Barbershop 2.”

Must be 21 years or older

TEXAS STATION

Yesterday – The Beatles Tribute
Venue: Dallas Events Center
Genre: Tribute
Date: Friday, September 19, 2014 at 8 p.m.
Ticket Prices: $15 plus tax and applicable fees

Artist Info: Performing all eras of Beatles music in their original key, wearing drainpipe trousers and playing authentic instruments, Yesterday – The Beatles Tribute has performed on five continents and established themselves as one of the world’s preeminent Beatles tribute artists. Based in Las Vegas, Yesterday recreates, note-for-note, the music of the “Fab Four.”

This is an all-ages show; those under 21 must be accompanied by an adult

FIESTA RANCHO

Psychic Lisalee
Venue: Club Tequila
Genre: Psychic
Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2014 at 7 p.m.
Ticket Prices: $20 cover at the door

Artist Info: Lisalee is a lifelong psychic that has been in professional practice and also lived in Las Vegas for more than 25 years. She is known locally, nationally and internationally as a psychic with clientele that includes more than 1,500 people including celebrities and politicians. When Lisalee was a child, she always had a psychic connection with her mother, who also had psychic abilities. Some of Lisalee’s real-life adventures are truly remarkable, including delaying an airplane she boarded, which had previously unknown mechanical failures.

Must be 21 years or older

Tickets can be purchased at any Station Casinos Reward Center and The Fiestas, by logging onto www.sclv.com/concerts or through Ticketmaster at 1.800.745.3000 or www.ticketmaster.com.

Black Mountain Recreation Aquatic Complex Goes to the Dogs With Doggie Paddle & Play Day

The City of Henderson’s Black Mountain Aquatic Complex, 599 Greenway Rd., goes to the dogs on Saturday, September 13 with Doggie Paddle & Play Day. Admission is $10 per dog if registered in advance or $15 per dog at the door. Human friends attend for free but may not enter the water. Register at cityofhenderson.com (activity code 336203) or at any Henderson recreation center or indoor pool. 



Dogs are assigned swim times based on weight. Dogs weighing 40 lbs. or less swim 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.; dogs weighing 41-79 lbs. swim 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. or 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; and dogs weighing 80 lbs. or more swim 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. This year marks the addition of a second swim time for dogs weighing 41-79 lbs., which is the most popular weight category and attracts the highest number of canine swimmers. 

Black Mountain Aquatic Complex has a graduated entry so dogs can walk in and out of the water as they please. Dogs must be both dog and people friendly. Owners must supply proof of pet licensing and vaccinations and must clean up after their pets. 

Doggie Paddle & Play Day is the final event of the year for Black Mountain Aquatic Complex. Following the event, the pool will be drained, cleaned and prepared for the winter. 

For additional information and complete event rules, call 702-267-2980 or visit cityofhenderson.com. 

The Osmonds Bring Fifty Years of Hits to The Suncoast Showroom October 4-5

Veteran performers The Osmonds – brothers Merrill, Jay and Jimmy – will return to Las Vegas at the Suncoast Showroom October 4-5

The brothers got their start as a barbershop group in 1958, performing around their hometown of Ogden, Utah, before moving to California and working at Disneyland. It was there that Andy Williams heard The Osmond Brothers and invited them to perform on his show. That single appearance led the young “one-take Osmonds” to seven seasons as regulars on “The Andy Williams Show.” 

The Osmond Brothers dropped “Brothers” from their name and signed with MGM Records in 1971. Hits like “One Bad Apple,” “Yo-Yo,” “Down by the Lazy River” and “Love Me For a Reason” transformed the group into world-famous teen idols, thrilling millions with their close harmonies, clean-cut image and energetic pop rock sound.

Known for their versatility and for shaping musical styles to fit their talents, the Osmonds gained further exposure with the 1976 premiere of “The Donny and Marie Show.” With the Osmond brothers as executive producers, the show exposed the incredible talents of the family members, and in 1979, the show transformed into “The Osmond Family Show.”

The Osmonds transitioned their sound from pop to country music in the early 1980’s, producing the hits “I Think About Your Lovin’” and “It’s Like Fallin’ In Love (Over and Over Again).”  Billboard magazine honored them with the “1982 Breakthrough Award” and acknowledged them as the “Number One New Singles Group of the Year.”

In 2003, the Osmond family was honored for their achievements in the entertainment industry with a star on the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame. They celebrated fifty years in show business in 2007 with a European tour and a PBS special, taped at Suncoast sister property, The Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

Showtime each evening is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available starting from $29.95, plus tax and convenience fees. Tickets can be purchased at any Boyd Gaming Box Office, by calling 702.284.7777, or by visiting www.suncoastcasino.com.

DOWNTOWN SUMMERLIN® ANNOUNCES UPCOMING JOB FAIR

DOWNTOWN LAS VEGAS EVENTS CENTER HOSTS THE GREAT VEGAS GRIDIRON GRILL-OFF BBQ AND TAILGATE FESTIVAL

The new Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLV) will host the Great Vegas Gridiron Grill-Off BBQ and Tailgate Festival Sept. 6 – 7 from noon – 6 p.m. The tasty competition invites guest to sample award-winning BBQ, get up close and personal with the grilling teams and meet “The Godfather of BBQ,” Johnny Trigg.

Making its fifth Sin City appearance, the Grill-Off is part of an outdoor lifestyle series of events at the Downtown Las Vegas Event Center, located across from the D Las Vegas.

With a purse of $10,000, the Gridiron Grill-Off Champion’s prize is one the largest on the competition circuit. Sponsored by the Kansas City Barbeque Society, competitors placing in the top ten overall, as well as the top twenty places in all four categories will win a cash prize. The categories include Chicken, Ribs, Brisket and Pork Butt.

“The Gridiron Grill-Off will bring the world’s best barbecue teams to Las Vegas,” said Ron Cates, event organizer. “Even though there is big money up for grabs, it’s really about more than that; it’s about respect among their peers. Those that compete in this contest know the winner will be recognized as the number one barbecue team on the planet.”

“The Downtown Las Vegas Event Center is thrilled and proud to host this premier event,” said Megan Conklin, Director of Operations for DLV. “We welcome the professional barbecue teams and believe the festival will add a tremendous amount of excitement to the downtown area and is something Las Vegas and Fremont Street will embrace for years to come.”

Entry is $20 per person per day and includes stage entertainment, grilling demonstrations, fun and games provided by event partners and all-you-can-eat barbecue in tasting portions. In addition to the festivities, “The Godfather of BBQ,” Johnny Trigg, will make a guest appearance to meet and mingle with the crowd. Those interested in attending can purchase tickets here.

CALLING ALL ENTREPRENEURS TO DOWNTOWN HENDERSON

The City of Henderson Economic Development and Arrivetime.com will host the first ever Water Street Rall-E on September 3. The monthly meetings will be held from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month at Berwick’s, the new urban lounge in the Water Street District. The event is free and light refreshments will be served.

The “E” is for entrepreneurs and rally is the appropriate term for a gathering of people in order to excite and inspire. “The monthly Rall-E meetings will create a way to bring people together who are passionate about starting and building their businesses,” said Barbra Coffee, Director of Economic Development and Redevelopment.  “The goal is to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas, experiences, and knowledge so that entrepreneurs can further their own business objectives.” 

Robert Kayian, CEO and Founder of Arrivetime.com, will kick things off as the featured presenter and host for the first Water Street Rall-E!  Kayian, a long-time Valley resident and serial entrepreneur, will share his entrepreneurial journey and offer attendees a glimpse of his next big adventure with Arrivetime.com.

“Entrepreneurs thrive in an environment where they can connect and collaborate,” said Kayian.  “We are thrilled to join Henderson and the Water Street District in their efforts to encourage entrepreneurs to come to this community in order to do just that.” 

Entrepreneurial development is one aspect of the city’s overall economic development strategy.  “It is important for the city to support its own entrepreneurial community so that they can launch and grow their businesses right here at home,” said Coffee. It is what economic developers call economic gardening – growing businesses and creating jobs from within. 

For more information on this and other programs of the City of Henderson Division of Economic Development and Redevelopment, please call 702-267-1650, email cohecon@cityofhenderson.com, or visitHendersonMeansBusiness.com.

Rio Spa & Salon Hosts 5th Annual Locks of Love Cut-A-Thon Wednesday, Aug. 27

Rio Spa & Salon will host its 5^th annual cut-a-thon to benefit Locks of Love on Wednesday, August 27, 2014.

Tresses donated during this annual charitable drive will be turned into wigs and hairpieces for children undergoing chemotherapy,  suffering from alopecia areata or recuperating from scalp burns.

Generous guests who donate at least 10-inches of hair will receive a complimentary blunt cut and a 30 percent discount on any additional styling or coloring treatments offered at the salon.

Rio Spa & Salon (at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino)
3700 W. Flamingo Rd.
Las Vegas, NV 89103

Guidelines allow permed or color-treated hair; however, bleached and highlighted tresses are not usable. Donors may also bring in ponytails that have been previously cut at other locations.

2014 Downtown Brew Festival Returns to Clark County Amphitheater with Elevated Culinary and Craft Beer Infusions Saturday, Sept. 20

Motley Brews’ third annual Downtown Brew Festival (DBF) returns to Clark County Amphitheater on Saturday, Sept. 20 from 6 to 10 p.m. with an all-new food focus featuring beer-inspired culinary creations from prominent Las Vegas chefs, paired with local entertainment in a backyard setting.

As the sun sets on Las Vegas’ iconic backdrop, the Downtown Brew Festival will become a friendly backyard celebration beneath the stars and a nonstop evening of live entertainment with performances by A Crowd of Small Adventures, Josh Royse and Daniel Park. This year, Las Vegas’ premier fall festival is expanding on the craft beer and backyard motif as local celebrity chefs add a new ingredient to the festival’s overall atmosphere with elevated culinary menus 

“Las Vegas’ craft beer industry has really expanded and we are thrilled to be able to provide an opportunity for the community to immerse itself into the lifestyle,” said Brian Chapin, founder of Motley Brews. “There is more to this whole movement than an abundance of craft brews and this year we are going to showcase how the different beers can redefine the culinary experience.” 

Chefs from a number of culinary hotspots, including Comme Ça, DW Bistro and Forte will heighten the craft beer experience with dishes created specifically to emphasize the flavors and aromas of the featured brews. Chefs will be serving one-of-kind dishes ranging from Crispy Pig Skins with Chile Lime Sea Salt to Smoked Kumamoto Oysters.

Adding to the innovative culinary menu, VIP Pavilion guests will be treated to several courses created by Chef Sonia El-Nawal. The former Food Network “Chopped” finalist serves as executive chef for The Perch, which will open at Downtown Container Park in late September, and The Market, an urban grocery scheduled to open at 611 Fremont Street in October. El-Nawal is a veteran chef with experience in such restaurants as Jean-Georges, JoJo, Nobu in New York City and the Hotel Condesa DF in Mexico City, and brings a wealth of beer knowledge from her time spent living in Brussels. 

“We’re celebrating Downtown and the strides the city is making, and we couldn’t be more excited to have someone like Chef Sonia, who draws from years of international experience to create an incredible culinary scene at this year’s festival,” remarked Chapin.

The grassy surroundings of the amphitheater will be lined with more than 50 stations representing more than 150 unique beers, from local, regional, and international breweries. Both Victory Brewing Company, Southern Pennsylvania’s premiere and nationally-celebrated craft brewery, which will soon be making its Las Vegas debut, and  Stone Brewing Co. will make their first appearance at the festival.

Tickets are currently on sale and available for General Admission for $35; Early Entry for $45; and VIP for $75 until Tuesday, Sept. 16. A portion of ticket proceeds will benefit The Neon Museum and Nevada Craft Brewers Association (NCBA). For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit the Downtown Brew Festival website.

Primm Valley Casino Resorts Celebrates Labor Day with Second Annual Fireworks Show

Primm Valley Casino Resorts will be painting the night sky in an array of color with fireworks in honor of Labor Day. The second annual display will start at dusk on Sunday, Aug. 31.

Guest are encouraged to arrive early to secure a viewing location and to enjoy the fun. Operating between 12:15 – 7:45 p.m., the famous Desperado roller coaster will be shooting riders through the casino and high above the desert landscape at speeds up to 90 mph. For the less adventurous, other family-friendly rides and attractions will be open.

Before the display begins, firework seekers are invited to stop for dinner at Ramon Ayala’s Cocina and Cantina in Buffalo Bill’s for traditional Mexican cuisine, or indulge in a mouth-watering steak or prime rib from GP’s Steakhouse. Other dining options will also be open. 

The best viewing location is located in the Star of the Desert Arena parking lot behind Buffalo Bill’s. The fireworks shows are put on through a partnership with Pyrotecnico. The partnership has put on previous displays that have lasted an astounding 18 minutes.

For more information on Primm Valley Casino Resorts’ attractions call 1.800.FUNSTOP (1.800.386.7867) or visit www.primmvalleyresorts.com.