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| October 1, 2007 | NEWEST - PRIOR WEEK - ARCHIVES |
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| "It's The Norm" - Las Vegas Entertainment Events | |
"THUNDERBALL"
How many of you readers out there watched the NASCAR Craftsmen Truck race from Las Vegas last Saturday? If you did, then you saw the Supreme Supreme Mary Wilson sing our National Anthem. What a magnificent presentation by a wonderful lady. Everyone, including this writer, was in awe of Ms. Wilson's performance, and the crowd of more than 50,000, cheered like I haven't heard them in a long time. Oh, yes, the race was great too. Attended a new sporting event at the Las Vegas National Golf Club (on East Desert Inn) the other evening. Wasn't quite sure what we (media types) were going to see, but the invitation included food and beverages: that's all we usually need. Anyhow, the new event is called "Thunderball" and once you see what we saw, the title fits perfectly.
It's a new way of presenting a sporting event, while entertaining it focuses on the world of professional Power-Driving. Now Power-Driving has been around for a few years but is sorta (well to be honest badly promoted) unknown, except for those who participate and golf nuts who have watched. "Thunderball" is the brainchild of Colin McDougall; an experienced sports-marketing executive who saw an opportunity with Power-Driving to create a more audience-related game, using the most compelling part of golf (the drive off the tee). What McDougall has done (or is doing) is bring the best power hitters in the game of golf to a forum, where they can showcase their talent of driving a ball off the tee. That forum will consist of a 16-man elimination tournament where only the longest hitter will survive. Two of the best Power-Drivers in the world have committed to compete in the tournament on Oct. 5-6 at the National Golf Club. David Mobley, 2004 Champion and 2002 Champion, Carl Wolter both signed on for the inaugural event. "The best hitters in the world, firing from a rock and roll concert stage off into the Vegas night sky, it simply doesn't get any better," Wolter said. |
And, gang, that's what we watched the other evening: two guys hitting the hell out of those little white balls: Mike "Monster" Dobbyn, who honestly could be an NFL line backer (he is that big) and Danny Luirette, who really is a funny dude. With Rock'n Roll music blaring in the background, these two hitters slammed those balls further than I have ever seen a ball fly. They were having fun this particular evening as they joked between themselves and with the crowd. Luirette mentioned that in a good year, a Power-Driver may earn $50,000 to 60,000, which barely covers expenses. Of course, like in the PGA, they have their sponsors too. So, gang, should you ever want to see those little white balls shake on the tee (if they have any brains they would shake), then you must come out and watch these guys slam them more than 450 yards (easily). There will be seating for more than 2,000 with the doors opening at 7 p.m. and eliminations getting underway at 8 p.m. There will be plenty of excitement, including a group of local ladies leading in the cheers. That's this Friday and Saturday. For more information check out the web site: www.thunderball.net. THIS AND THAT QUICKLY: Took in the opening of a new Tiger Restaurant group, San-Toki Korean BBQ & Shabu Bar, the other night. It's a very unique concept, in that you sit at a table that has a hot grill set in the middle. The waitress, this particular evening, suggested certain things for us - thank God. She then took the cover off the grill, turned it on and pretty soon we were in charge of cooking our own food. Neat! It's located at 4480 Paradise Road, across from the Hard Rock Hotel and is open from 5 p.m. to 4 a.m. daily. Call (702) 732-TOKI for reservations or info...
Well, gang, that's about it for this week. I'll see ya at the "Thunderball" thing this Friday. I'm out of here!
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Paige O'Hara, who is currently performing in "Menopause the Musical" at the Las Vegas Hilton, but is most remembered as the voice of Belle in the Oscar-winning animated Disney film "Beauty and the Beast," will premiere her works of art (she paints gang) on November 15, at the new Gallery Las Vegas, 5115 S. Decatur Blvd. More on this lady as the date nears...
Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo will perform at Buffalo Bill's Star of the Desert Arena in Primm, on Saturday, Oct. 13 at 8 p.m...
Three legendary game show hosts, Bob Eubanks, Chuck Woolery and Jamie Farr (look them up on Google) have come together to bring some of the most recognizable games together on one stage at the Las Vegas Hilton, beginning Monday, Oct. 8. More on this later...