CasiNotes: 'American Idol' judge to perform in own show at Borgata
THROUGH THE years, Atlantic City has played host to a slew of "American Idol" insta-stars. Tonight and tomorrow, however, the town welcomes its first "A.I." judge as sophomore talent-evaluator Kara DioGuardi makes what is being billed as her public singing debut at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa.
THROUGH THE years, Atlantic City has played host to a slew of "American Idol" insta-stars. Tonight and tomorrow, however, the town welcomes its first "A.I." judge as sophomore talent-evaluator
Kara DioGuardi
makes what is being billed as her public singing debut at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa.
Although we hear that tickets have not moved all that well, DioGuardi has turned down all interview requests from local print media (perhaps because the show's producers don't want her being deluged with questions about such topics as who will replace "Idol" judge Simon Cowell next year, or his increasingly bizarre, on-air relationship with program emcee Ryan Seacrest).
But DioGuardi - a songwriter who has penned such tunes as Pink's "Sober," "Walk Away" (Kelly Clarkson) and "Rich Girl" (Gwen Stefani) - did offer this slight glimpse into her Borgata plans in a statement published on People.com:
"I will be performing many of the hit songs I have written, and telling the audience the story behind them and the personal stories that created them."
By the way, the "American Idol" vote isn't the only polling DioGuardi is involved with these days. Her father, Joseph, a former U.S. congressman from New York, is challenging current Democratic U.S. Sen. (and Hillary Clinton replacement) Kirsten Gillibrand.
Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa, One Borgata Way, 9 tonight, 8 p.m. tomorrow, $55 and $45, 866-900-4849, www.theborgata.com.
Simon & Garfunkel
at Taj Mahal
They may not be "homeward bound," but Simon & Garfunkel are definitely Boardwalk-bound.
Tickets go on sale 10 a.m. tomorrow for the venerable folk-pop duo's May 21 concert at the 5,200-seat Arena at Trump Taj Mahal. Admission is $325, $225 and $175.
The show is something of a coup for the property and its entertainment chief, Steve Gietka: The Taj not only got the AyCee exclusive for the legendary act, but the team's upcoming spring "Old Friends" tour is primarily a Canadian affair, with a few Midwestern U.S. dates and a New Orleans festival appearance included. The only other East Coast gig is a May 20 show at Mohegan Sun casino in Uncasville, Conn.
To order tickets, call 800-736-1420, or go to www.ticketmaster.com.
Incidentally, Simon & Garfunkel won't be the only legendary pop attraction in Atlantic City on May 21. Previously announced is Diana Ross' performance at Caesars.
Going big-time
This year's Atlantic City Food and Wine Festival will have a national profile, thanks to a sponsorship agreement Harrah's Entertainment has signed with cable's Food Network and Conde Nast Traveler magazine.
The rechristened Food Network Atlantic City Food and Wine Festival is set for July 29-Aug. 1. Events will take place at all four Harrah's Entertainment properties: Harrah's, Bally's Caesars and Showboat.
Among the channel's stars scheduled to hit AyCee are Guy Fieri, Sandra Lee, Sunny Anderson, Pat & Gina Neely, Ted Allen, Claire Robinson, Melissa d'Arabian, Anne Burrell and Alex Guarnaschelli.
Of particularly local appeal will be Fieri's "Cheesesteak Battle," in which the "Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives" headliner presides over a regional "best cheesesteak" grease-off, and the Robinson-hosted "Jersey Tomato Brunch."
In all, there will be more than 40 events during the four-day culinary orgy. Tickets, starting at $30 (prices vary according to the program), are available at Ticketmaster, 800-736-1420, or www.acfoodandwine.com.
Party with the stars I
Tonight from 7 to 10, former Flyers hero Dave "The Hammer" Schultz, Channel 6 sports guy Jeff Skversky and other local celebs will be at Game On! at the Pier Shops at Caesars for the second annual Katie's Krusaders fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House.
The festivities include raffle drawings, Chinese and silent auctions and a putting contest.
Party with the stars II
Tomorrow night, Dusk, the hot-'n'-happenin' danceteria inside Caesars, is hosting the official after-party for the casino's Caesars Tennis Classic, a series of exhibition matches.
Those so inclined can rip it up into the wee hours with Venus Williams (who is hosting the bash), Ivan Lendl, Andy Roddick, Mats Wilander, Marat Safin, and Pete Sampras. The revelry is scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. A cover charge will be in effect.
Harrah's deals
in poker queen
Annie Duke, arguably the world's top female poker player, has signed a three-event deal with Harrah's Resort Atlantic City.
Duke will meet and greet fans May 21-22, during Harrah's World Series Of Poker Satellite tournament. She'll return in September and December. The WSOP event features 16 separate contests with buy-ins ranging from $230 to the $2,150 Deep Stack Main Event. For more, go to www.harrahsresort.com or call 609-441-5741.
Chuck Darrow has covered Atlantic City and casinos for more than 20 years. Read his blog http://go.philly.com/casinotes.
E-mail him at darrowc@phillynews.com.
And listen to his Atlantic City report Saturdays at 1:25 a.m. with Steve Trevelise on WIP (610-AM).