October 16, 2011
Mohegan Sun sets on Jennifer Lopez for 15th Anniversary Bash
JC Alvarez READ TIME: 2 MIN.
Perhaps it's the attraction of an easy win that has recently popularized gambling resorts and casinos to the weekend warrior seeking a diversion. Destinations like Atlantic City have recently tailored themselves to appeal to a gay clientele with exciting offerings like Prohibition in the shore town's Resorts Hotel. Chief among these thriving entertainment meccas is Connecticut's resort hotel Mohegan Sun which is celebrating its 15th Anniversary with super star Jennifer Lopez performing live in the Arena.
Mohegan Sun has had no trouble drawing top talent to its concert arena and comedy venues. Katy Perry and Ricky Martin both made stops along their recent summer tours and top-notch comic talent, the likes of Wanda Sykes, has featured sell-out crowds more than once in the Cabaret Theatre.
The practically insular nature of the hotel casino resort makes it an ideal weekend getaway. There is endless shopping, fine dining served up by celebrity chef Bobby Flay in Bar Americain, or Italian fair at Ballo. Then there's the limitless nightlife opportunities including Ultra 88 -- the Sun's mega dance space which will be fist pumping for the 15th Anniversary bash with a visit from the cast from MTV's "Jersey Shore."
15 Years and Still Winning
Among the highlights coordinated to coincide with Mohegan Sun's festivities during the Anniversary Weekend, a private event is being held to honor TV talk show royalty Regis Philbin in the Convention Center Friday, Oct 21. A cocktail hour will welcome guests to the dinner service in the Uncas Ballroom followed by a show at 9pm. Many are expected to turn out to toast this entertainment legend.
And it wouldn't be a proper quincea�era (that's the name for a Latin 15th birthday party) without a stellar event. So who is more appropriate than dance diva Jennifer Lopez? The "American Idol" sensation will perform on Saturday, Oct 22 in the Mohegan Sun Arena. Fans all across the country have been showing J.Lo the love as she promotes her latest dance-driven album "Love?" with a full-on stage spectacle designed to move your body.
Mohegan Sun landed this special engagement as part of their Anniversary Weekend and this may be the only opportunity the tri-state area has to catch Lopez performing live before the next season of "Idol" begins. Fireworks aside, there is still more to do and memories to be made at the Mohegan Sun's fall 15th Anniversary Weekend of activities beginning Friday, Oct 21 - Saturday, Oct 22 . You could also walk away with a fortune if you're feeling lucky.
Native New Yorker JC Alvarez is a pop-culture enthusiast and the nightlife chronicler of the club scene and its celebrity denizens from coast-to-coast. He is the on-air host of the nationally syndicated radio show "Out Loud & Live!" and is also on the panel of the local-access talk show "Talking About".
