Eclipse is a new gathering spot at the Ramada Express located in the South Casino; however, it can be seen throughout the casino because of its dramatic overhead glow.

Eclipse is a complete departure from the resort's train theme and introduces a totally new concept of product to the Laughlin market. It features a contemporary atmosphere and is a party place.

Color kinetic technology is used to program the 124 two-foot square LED (light emitting diode) FX Color Tiles in the 20 x 28 foot oval-shaped ceiling, which is surrounded by copper banding. Dramatic shades of computer generated celestial color and light dance across the creamy white ceiling tiles in a continual visual light show.

Two 15-foot cone-shaped pillars internally illuminated from top to bottom define the north and south ends of Eclipse. Color kinetic technology creates the mood by changing the colors of the pillars from purple, red, and green to a rich golden sunset.

The north column is surrounded by two oval shaped copper bands, one suspended at 10 feet and one at 8 feet. Each copper band is filled with two foot square copper panels and lit with yellow neon.

Eclipse also features a large granite topped bar, plasma TV screens, pub tables, and popular reel and video machines. A variety of exotic specialty drinks are available for $6.50, or for $2 more take home the sleek contemporary Eclipse pilsner glass.

The Colorado Belle will host its 5th Annual Battle of the Bands with Cameron Broadcasting of Bullhead City, Ariz. on Saturday, April 16. The event will take place outdoors under a canopy in the "Center Circle" parking lot area west of the casino's main entrance.

Pedrini Music of Bullhead City, KNACK, KFLG and Lucky 98 FM radio stations will be Battle of the Bands sponsors. This year, the event will expand to cover more music formats, and over $5,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded to winners. First, second and third place winners will be selected in each of three categories-country, classic rock and adult contemporary music.

First place in each category will pay $1,000, get two hours recording time at a Las Vegas studio, receive $100 in Pedrini Music gift certificates, and one of the winning band's tunes will be aired once on one of the three sponsoring radio stations. Second place in each category will pay $500; third place band in each category will receive $250.

To enter the event, bands must submit a current cassette tape or CD and a current band photo or video to: Colorado Belle Battle of the Bands, c/o Cameron Broadcasting, 1531 Jill Way, Suite 5, Bullhead City, AZ 86442. Entries must be received by noon on March 28, 2005. All band members must be 21 or older and entry materials will not be returned.

TOP OF NEXT COLUMN

The 10th Annual Colorado Belle Employee Chili Cook-Off, salsa and booth decorating competitions will also be held on April 16, on the Riverwalk. This event includes free samplings of salsa and chili after the judging is complete.

"The Asiatic Sailors" during WWII is the topic of American Veterans Program speaker Jack Stecker on Tuesday, March 15 at 1 p.m. (Nevada time) in the Pavilion Theater at the Ramada Express.

The men of the Asiatic Fleet served against overwhelming odds from Dec. 8, 1941 to February 1943 at which time the Seventh Fleet was created from what was left of the Asiatic Fleet, now referred to as "MacArthur's Navy."

Stecker enlisted in the Navy in 1940 and served on small craft and destroyers from 1940 to 1948 when he went into the Naval Reserve. He now lives in Lomita, Calif.

Criminal Justice Instructor and Vietnam Vet, Eddie Zuleger will speak on Thursday, March 17 at 1 p.m. He will give a Power Point presentation of the action in Vietnam.

Zuleger, who lives in Litchfield Park, Ariz. and has worked as a criminal justice practitioner within Maricopa County for almost 32 years, entered the U.S. Army in September 1967, and from 1968 to 1969 served in the jungles of Vietnam. He was cited for heroism for his leadership actions under fire in the Republic of South Vietnam.

These programs are free to the public. For information, call 1-800-243-6846.

The Riverside's all new Hot Seat Poker Promotion has changed slightly. Previously they were giving away $50 every 15 minutes totaling nearly $5,000 a day. Now It has been changed to $25 every 15 minutes totaling nearly $2,500 a day.

There will be plenty of Irish fare at Harrah's on St. Patrick's Day, March 17. A taste of Ireland can be found at the Fresh Market Square Buffet for brunch and dinner along with the regular offerings.

The 24-hour Cabo Café will also offer St. Patrick's Day-themed dishes such as Fighting Irish Fish and Chips joined by a Killian's Red or Corned Beef and Cabbage. These meals can be topped off with a Bailey's Irish Cream cheesecake topped with Jameson's Irish Whiskey chantilly cream for $3.99 plus tax. The Cabo Café St. Patrick's Day and regular menus will be served from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

At Don Laughlin's Riverside, there will be a St. Patrick's Day Special in the Riverview Restaurant from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on March 17. The Corn Beef and Cabbage special is $8.99 and it's finished off with St. Patrick's Day cake with pistachio. In addition, Irish Coffee is only $2.50 all day long.

The Colorado Belle is offering a 3 day / 2-night party room package for April 8-9 starting from $99 plus tax for the Riverwalk Art Festival. The offer includes $10 in restaurant or gift shop certificates, a commemorative poster of an original watercolor painting created for the event by artist Mark Vranesh of Las Vegas, two Second Annual Riverwalk Art Festival t-shirts and a free night's stay next winter (valid Nov. 1-Jan. 26, 2006-subject to availability). To book, call 800-477-4837.

CONTINUE ON TO...:
>THIS WEEK'S LAS VEGAS NEWS
>LAST WEEK'S LAUGHLIN NEWS
>VEGAS VIEWS FULL ARCHIVES
>Return to "Heard Around Town"
>Return to Las Vegas Leisure Guide