Michael Starr, CEO
Little Creek Casino Resort
91 West State Route 108
Shelton, WA 98584
My daughter bought two tickets to Joe Walsh's concert for my husband as his Father's Day gift. My husband and I looked forward to the concert, which was held on August 24, 2012 at the Little Creek Casino in Shelton, Washington.
Before we pulled in the casino's multi-level parking garage, we asked a man whom I thought was a casino employee if the garage was full. He said the lower level was full, but he did not know if the upper levels were. I proceeded to drive into the garage. Many other cars also entered the garage. Unfortunately, all levels were full with the exception of a few spaces reserved for the handicapped.
To exit, we had to go all the way to the top floor, turn our truck around in a narrow open area that was surrounded only by a wire cord and then descend all levels. All the other vehicles had to turn around in a similar manner. I thought turning our truck around on the top floor was dangerous and frightening. I was grateful that my husband turned the truck around for me. I do not believe I would have been able to make the turn by myself.
The event was poorly organized. The casino could have saved its guests a lot of time and aggravation by simply having a garage attendant inform people that the garage was completely full.
My husband parked our truck in the parking lot farthest from the casino. We had to walk a considerable distance to get to the auditorium. Outside the entrance stood a pair of transparent heaters with flames in their centers. I got excited. Pulling out my camera, I asked a security guard if he would take a photo of my husband and me standing beside the flames. Although a security guard agreed to take our photo, a volunteer rudely told me that I could not bring my camera into the auditorium. He demanded that my husband walk back to our truck and lock my camera inside it. It took at least 20 minutes for my husband to do so. I waited for him outside because I didn't want to walk around a dark, crowded auditorium by myself. My husband missed about half of the concert. I felt terrible about it.
Please note that nothing on our tickets indicated that cameras would not be permitted in the auditorium. Other venues, such as the Tacoma Dome, allow guests to bring cameras. If the casino has a no cameras rule, the guests should be told before the concert begins. Not afterward.
After we entered the auditorium, I noticed that a man standing in an aisle about 10 feet away from me was using a large camera to take photos of the concert. Many other guests were using flash photography in the auditorium. The security guards did not do anything to stop them. This infuriated me. When I stepped outside to get a breath of fresh air, I noticed that three young women were taking photos of themselves near the flaming heaters. The volunteers and security guards did not tell those women that they had to lock their camera in their car. I felt that the casino was unfairly discriminating against me because the no cameras rule was not enforced universally.
I've always liked Joe Walsh, but I was so upset that I could not enjoy the concert. I could only recognize three of the songs the band played: (1) Life in the Fast Lane, (2) Rocky Mountain Way and (3) All Night Long. Overall, the Joe Walsh concert was a disappointment.
My husband and I were so angry about the way the volunteer forced us to miss half of the concert that we left immediately after the concert ended. We refused to buy any food or drinks or gamble because we didn't want to give any of our money to the casino.
This was the first time my husband and I have ever attended a concert at the Little Creek Casino. I'm not planning to attend any more concerts there. I don't have anything against Native Americans -- I just don't like the way the Little Creek Casino treats its guests.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Aerosmith Live at the Tacoma Dome
On August 8, 2012, Kristina and I were among the thousands of fans who flocked to the Tacoma Dome to see Aerosmith's Global Warming tour. We were especially excited about welcoming the band's front man Steven Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry to our city.
Aerosmith is one of America's best-selling rock bands. More than 150 million Aerosmith albums have been sold worldwide. The band has more gold and platinum albums than any other American group.
Aerosmith's opened its show with an energetic rendition of "Draw the Line." This was followed by more of their classic songs, including "Love in an Elevator," "Same Old Song and Dance," "Livin' on the Edge" and "Last Child."
Lead singer Steven Tyler was born Steven Victor Tallarico on March 26, 1948 in Yonkers, New York. His father was a music teacher. Steven learned to play the drums as a child, but chose to concentrate on singing. In the late 60's, his family moved to Boston.
Aerosmith is also known as "The Bad Boys from Boston" because the band was established there in 1970. Original band members included guitarist Joe Perry and bassist Tom Hamilton, singer Steven Tyler, drummer Joey Kramer, and guitarist Ray Tabano. In 1971, Brad Whitford replaced Ray Tabano. The band chose its name because drummer Joey Kramer used to write "Aerosmith" all over his notebooks when he was in school.
In 1972, Aerosmith signed with Columbia Records. "Dream On," a single from their first album, became a minor hit. Other albums soon followed. Their third album, "Toys in the Attic," was released in 1975 and is among their most successful albums. Their classic songs, "Sweet Emotion" and "Walk This Way," are from this period.
Early in his career, Steven Tyler's voice and appearance were often compared to Mick Jagger's. As time passed by, Steven's unique style emerged.
Despite the group's commercial success, Steven Tyler's alcoholism and drug addiction took its toll on the band. Joe Perry left in 1979. Brad Whitford left in 1981. Jimmy Crespo and Rick Dufay replaced them. Unfortunately, the band did not fare well without its acclaimed guitarists.
In 1984, Joe Perry and Brad Whitford rejoined the band. Aerosmith launched a comeback with Geffen Records. But the album they released in 1985 ("Done with Mirrors") fizzled. Steven Tyler completed drug rehabilitation in 1986. When the band released their "Permanent Vacation" album in 1987, Aerosmith became as popular as it was in the 1970's.
Aerosmith played "Rag Doll" from this period of their career during their performance at the Tacoma Dome.
Aerosmith's success continued through the 90's and into the new millennium. The band's 1993 video, "Crazy," featured Steven Tyler's daughter, Liv. In 1998, the band released "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing." This love ballad was written for the 1998 film Armageddon, starring Liv Tyler. "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" became Aerosmith's first and only number 1 single.
In 2011, Steven Tyler joined the cast of American Idol, judging contestants on the popular television program. He quit American Idol to participate in Aerosmith's Global Warming tour.
When Kandice and I visited Boston several years ago, I thought Bostonians were as proud of Steven Tyler and Aerosmith as Washingtonians are of Kurt Cobain and Nirvana.
When Steve Tyler performs today, it's hard to believe that he is 64 years old. He's so full of energy. He dances all over the stage. He jumps around so much that it's difficult to take his photo. It's easy to understand why some people might say he "moves like Jagger."
Toward the end of the concert Aerosmith played their classic songs -- "Rats in the Cellar," "Sweet Emotion," and "Walk This Way."
For their encore, Aerosmith played the minor hit from their first album, "Dream On." This was followed by "Train Kept a Rolling."
It's amazing that Aerosmith has been playing together for 42 years and can still pack a house as large as the Tacoma Dome.
Some information in this article was taken from Wikipedia and Biography.com.
Aerosmith is one of America's best-selling rock bands. More than 150 million Aerosmith albums have been sold worldwide. The band has more gold and platinum albums than any other American group.
Aerosmith's opened its show with an energetic rendition of "Draw the Line." This was followed by more of their classic songs, including "Love in an Elevator," "Same Old Song and Dance," "Livin' on the Edge" and "Last Child."
Lead singer Steven Tyler was born Steven Victor Tallarico on March 26, 1948 in Yonkers, New York. His father was a music teacher. Steven learned to play the drums as a child, but chose to concentrate on singing. In the late 60's, his family moved to Boston.
Aerosmith is also known as "The Bad Boys from Boston" because the band was established there in 1970. Original band members included guitarist Joe Perry and bassist Tom Hamilton, singer Steven Tyler, drummer Joey Kramer, and guitarist Ray Tabano. In 1971, Brad Whitford replaced Ray Tabano. The band chose its name because drummer Joey Kramer used to write "Aerosmith" all over his notebooks when he was in school.
In 1972, Aerosmith signed with Columbia Records. "Dream On," a single from their first album, became a minor hit. Other albums soon followed. Their third album, "Toys in the Attic," was released in 1975 and is among their most successful albums. Their classic songs, "Sweet Emotion" and "Walk This Way," are from this period.
Early in his career, Steven Tyler's voice and appearance were often compared to Mick Jagger's. As time passed by, Steven's unique style emerged.
Despite the group's commercial success, Steven Tyler's alcoholism and drug addiction took its toll on the band. Joe Perry left in 1979. Brad Whitford left in 1981. Jimmy Crespo and Rick Dufay replaced them. Unfortunately, the band did not fare well without its acclaimed guitarists.
In 1984, Joe Perry and Brad Whitford rejoined the band. Aerosmith launched a comeback with Geffen Records. But the album they released in 1985 ("Done with Mirrors") fizzled. Steven Tyler completed drug rehabilitation in 1986. When the band released their "Permanent Vacation" album in 1987, Aerosmith became as popular as it was in the 1970's.
Aerosmith played "Rag Doll" from this period of their career during their performance at the Tacoma Dome.
Aerosmith's success continued through the 90's and into the new millennium. The band's 1993 video, "Crazy," featured Steven Tyler's daughter, Liv. In 1998, the band released "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing." This love ballad was written for the 1998 film Armageddon, starring Liv Tyler. "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" became Aerosmith's first and only number 1 single.
In 2011, Steven Tyler joined the cast of American Idol, judging contestants on the popular television program. He quit American Idol to participate in Aerosmith's Global Warming tour.
When Kandice and I visited Boston several years ago, I thought Bostonians were as proud of Steven Tyler and Aerosmith as Washingtonians are of Kurt Cobain and Nirvana.
When Steve Tyler performs today, it's hard to believe that he is 64 years old. He's so full of energy. He dances all over the stage. He jumps around so much that it's difficult to take his photo. It's easy to understand why some people might say he "moves like Jagger."
Toward the end of the concert Aerosmith played their classic songs -- "Rats in the Cellar," "Sweet Emotion," and "Walk This Way."
For their encore, Aerosmith played the minor hit from their first album, "Dream On." This was followed by "Train Kept a Rolling."
It's amazing that Aerosmith has been playing together for 42 years and can still pack a house as large as the Tacoma Dome.
Some information in this article was taken from Wikipedia and Biography.com.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Cheap Trick Opens Global Warming Tour at the Dome
On August 8, 2012, the Tacoma Dome treated its guests to a double delight -- Aerosmith and Cheap Trick live in concert.
As the opening act for Aerosmith's Global Warming tour, Cheap Trick opened the show with "Hello There." Unfortunately, the Dome's acoustics don't do justice to Cheap Trick's energetic music. The volume was so loud that it was difficult to determine which song the band was playing. I'd prefer to see Cheap Trick at a smaller, less crowded auditorium next time. Another guest explained to me that he thought the Dome's acoustics are better than the Key Arena's. He said blaring volume is just part of Cheap Trick's style.
Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Cheap Trick has been in the music industry for more than 35 years. The band includes all of its original members: Rick Nielsen, Robin Zander, Tom Petersson and Bun E. Carlos.
The last time I attended a Cheap Trick concert was in southern California in 1981. Both the band and I are considerably older. Their concert brought back happy memories.
I enjoyed Cheap Trick's performance of the old Fats Domino song, "Ain't That a Shame." It was great to hear "The Flame," "I Want You to Want Me," and "Dream Police" again. My favorite Cheap Trick song has always been "Surrender," which they performed at the conclusion of their concert.
This is Kristina and I outside of the Tacoma Dome. It's great to have a daughter who loves classic rock n roll music as much as I do.
As the opening act for Aerosmith's Global Warming tour, Cheap Trick opened the show with "Hello There." Unfortunately, the Dome's acoustics don't do justice to Cheap Trick's energetic music. The volume was so loud that it was difficult to determine which song the band was playing. I'd prefer to see Cheap Trick at a smaller, less crowded auditorium next time. Another guest explained to me that he thought the Dome's acoustics are better than the Key Arena's. He said blaring volume is just part of Cheap Trick's style.
Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Cheap Trick has been in the music industry for more than 35 years. The band includes all of its original members: Rick Nielsen, Robin Zander, Tom Petersson and Bun E. Carlos.
The last time I attended a Cheap Trick concert was in southern California in 1981. Both the band and I are considerably older. Their concert brought back happy memories.
I enjoyed Cheap Trick's performance of the old Fats Domino song, "Ain't That a Shame." It was great to hear "The Flame," "I Want You to Want Me," and "Dream Police" again. My favorite Cheap Trick song has always been "Surrender," which they performed at the conclusion of their concert.
This is Kristina and I outside of the Tacoma Dome. It's great to have a daughter who loves classic rock n roll music as much as I do.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Mummies Uncovered -- King Tut Visits Seattle
Seattle's Pacific Science Center is offering a rare and wonderful treat -- an exhibit dedicated to ancient Egypt's boy pharoah, King Tutankhamum. Organized by National Geographic and Arts and Exhibitions International, the exhibit is on display for the final time in North America. Washingtonians are lucky to have an opportunity to see King Tut's treasures before they are flown back to Egypt.
On November 4, 1922, King Tut's nearly intact tomb was discovered in Egypt's Valley of the Kings by British explorers, Howard Carter and George Herbert, 5th Earl of Carnarvon. King Tut became the most famous of ancient Egypt's pharoahs because his tomb and its artifacts were the best preserved. His mummy's mask is a popular symbol of ancient Egypt.
King Tut was born circa 1341 B.C. His father was Akhenaten. His mother's name was lost to antiquity, but she is now known as "the Younger Lady." DNA evidence suggests that Tut's parents were brother and sister. It was an Egyptian custom that the Pharoah married his sister to prevent their royal blood from mixing with the general population's. Tut may have suffered genetic defects because his parents were so closely related. As a prince, he was known as Tutankhaten, which meant "Living Image of Aten."
Tutankhaten became Pharoah in 1332 B.C. when he was nine or ten years old. He reigned during the late 18th Dynasty during a period known as the New Kingdom. He married one of his half-sisters, Ankhesenpaaten. He and his wife had two stillborn daughters, who were buried with Tut when he died.
One of the most significant events of Tut's reign occurred during the third year of his reign. Tut's father had made the god, Aten, the supreme god. As Pharoah, Tut ended the worship of Aten, lifted the ban on the cult of Amun, and restored the traditional rights to Amun's priesthood. Thebes became Egypt's capital again. The city of Akhetaten was abandoned. At this time, the young Pharoah changed his name to
Tutankhamun, which meant "Living Image of Amun." His wife changed her name to Ankhesenamun.
King Tut died when he was about nineteen years old. Shortly before his death, he had broken his leg and his leg became infected. He also suffered from malaria. The relatively small size of his tomb suggests that his death was unexpected.
After his death, his body was mummified and buried with treasures, including a pair of golden sandals. Ancient Egyptians tried to erase Tut's reign from their history, partly because the boy king's reign was so short and partly because the god Aten was restored to supremacy.
My children were slightly disappointed because the mummy on display is only a replica of King Tut's mummy. They were expecting to see a real mummy. The history may also be difficult for younger children to understand. But if you are interested in the ancient world, you might enjoy the King Tut exhibit.
The exhibit will be on display daily from 9:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. until January 6, 2013.
The Pacific Science Center is located at 200 Second Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109.
Their phone number is (206) 443-2001.
Individual Ticket Prices For The General Public
Mon-Thurs Fri-Sun & Holidays
Adults (16-64) $27.50 $32.50
Seniors (65+) $24.50 $29.50
Youth (6-15) $16.50 $21.50
Child (3-5) $15.50 $20.50
Student (with ID) $24.50 $29.50
Add the IMAX movies Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs or Mysteries of Egypt for $4.00.
Add the Audio Guide narrated by Harrison Ford for $6.00.
Some of historical information in this article was taken from Wikipedia.
On November 4, 1922, King Tut's nearly intact tomb was discovered in Egypt's Valley of the Kings by British explorers, Howard Carter and George Herbert, 5th Earl of Carnarvon. King Tut became the most famous of ancient Egypt's pharoahs because his tomb and its artifacts were the best preserved. His mummy's mask is a popular symbol of ancient Egypt.
King Tut was born circa 1341 B.C. His father was Akhenaten. His mother's name was lost to antiquity, but she is now known as "the Younger Lady." DNA evidence suggests that Tut's parents were brother and sister. It was an Egyptian custom that the Pharoah married his sister to prevent their royal blood from mixing with the general population's. Tut may have suffered genetic defects because his parents were so closely related. As a prince, he was known as Tutankhaten, which meant "Living Image of Aten."
Tutankhaten became Pharoah in 1332 B.C. when he was nine or ten years old. He reigned during the late 18th Dynasty during a period known as the New Kingdom. He married one of his half-sisters, Ankhesenpaaten. He and his wife had two stillborn daughters, who were buried with Tut when he died.
One of the most significant events of Tut's reign occurred during the third year of his reign. Tut's father had made the god, Aten, the supreme god. As Pharoah, Tut ended the worship of Aten, lifted the ban on the cult of Amun, and restored the traditional rights to Amun's priesthood. Thebes became Egypt's capital again. The city of Akhetaten was abandoned. At this time, the young Pharoah changed his name to
Tutankhamun, which meant "Living Image of Amun." His wife changed her name to Ankhesenamun.
King Tut died when he was about nineteen years old. Shortly before his death, he had broken his leg and his leg became infected. He also suffered from malaria. The relatively small size of his tomb suggests that his death was unexpected.
After his death, his body was mummified and buried with treasures, including a pair of golden sandals. Ancient Egyptians tried to erase Tut's reign from their history, partly because the boy king's reign was so short and partly because the god Aten was restored to supremacy.
My children were slightly disappointed because the mummy on display is only a replica of King Tut's mummy. They were expecting to see a real mummy. The history may also be difficult for younger children to understand. But if you are interested in the ancient world, you might enjoy the King Tut exhibit.
The exhibit will be on display daily from 9:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. until January 6, 2013.
The Pacific Science Center is located at 200 Second Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109.
Their phone number is (206) 443-2001.
Individual Ticket Prices For The General Public
Mon-Thurs Fri-Sun & Holidays
Adults (16-64) $27.50 $32.50
Seniors (65+) $24.50 $29.50
Youth (6-15) $16.50 $21.50
Child (3-5) $15.50 $20.50
Student (with ID) $24.50 $29.50
Add the IMAX movies Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs or Mysteries of Egypt for $4.00.
Add the Audio Guide narrated by Harrison Ford for $6.00.
Some of historical information in this article was taken from Wikipedia.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)