IF YOU GO

Wanda Sykes appears June 15 and 16 inThe Music Box at Borgata Hotel Casino &Spa, One Borgata Way. Show time is 9 p.m.each night. Tickets are $55 and $59.50 andcan be purchased by calling (866) 900-4849, visiting www.theborgata.com orstop by Borgata’s box office.

WILD ABOUTWANDANow that she’s a mother, domestic life

takes up a larger percentage of WandaSykes’ stand-up act.

“It’s about what’s going on in my life.It’s a snapshot of the lay of the land,” saidthe comedienne and actress who also hasdone her bit on “Sesame Street.”

“I did the word of the day with Elmo.The word was ‘journal.’ ”

Sykes, who performs at Borgata June15and16, still incorporatespolitics, butnotas often as she once did.

“As amom, family life and kids take upmost of my time.’’

Plus, there’s not much in the news shewants to discuss: “I don’t like electionyears. It gets everyone all in a fuss. Peopleare more sensitive, because so much is onthe line. It’s harder to get good politicalmaterial. I get sick of it, too.”

Though she’s done several comedy spe-cials, Sykes does not rehashmaterial fromthese shows for her stand-up perfor-mance.Sykes, oneofEntertainmentWeek-ly’s 25 Funniest People in America, keepsthe material fresh, saying “85 percent” ofher act is new.

Sykes loved comedy from an early age.“Imadeeveryonearoundme laugh. So thisis something I always wanted in the backof mind. I wrote some jokes and got onstage. And I realized this is what I am sup-posed to be doing.”

Sykes cites Moms Mabley, Bill Cosby,Carol Burnett, Whoopi Goldberg, RichardPryor and George Carlin as her comedicinspirations.

Like these comics, Sykes has branchedout to film, television and animation. Shelent her voice to animated features “Overthe Hedge,” “The Barnyard” and “Rio.”

Next month, she can be heard in “Ice Age:Continental Drift” as Granny the Sloth.

In 2010, she starred on her own late-night talk show, “The Wanda Sykes Show”and co-starred in “TheNewAdventures ofOld Christine” and also has a recurringrole in “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” playingherself.

But she’s still true to her first love.“I like stand-up because you just walk

in the theater grab amic and go on stage.”She doesn’t know whether she will re-

turn to “Curb” this year. Then again, thebeauty of the show is its spontaneity.

“I’ve never seen a script or storyline.They just tell me what’s going on in ascene,” she said.

Things YouMay Not Know About Wan-da Sykes

nWandaSykeswent to collegebecauseherparentssaidshehadtogo.Aftergradu-ation, she landed a job with the NationalSecurity Agency as a procurement spe-cialist.

“I bought spy stuff,” she said.So many of her co-workers had side

jobs, like selling Mary Kay or working instocks.

“My side job was as a comic.”n Like a lot of comics, Sykes describes

herself as shy, especially in one-on-one sit-uations. “But when I talk to strangers, I’mOK.”

n She still keeps in touch with some ofher high school friends. “They’re not sur-prised at my success. They’re more sur-prised I went for it and I took a chance.”

Wanda Sykes cites Moms Mabley, Bill Cosby, Carol Burnett, Whoopi Goldberg, RichardPryor and George Carlin as her comedic inspirations. PHOTO PROVIDED

Veteran funnylady takes stageat The Music Box

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CP-0010477393

Surfing conjures up images of sun-tannedpeopleshooting thewaves inSouth-ern California or Hawaii or Australia. YetAtlantic City has its own reputation as oneof the more coveted surf locales on theEastern seaboard.

“You don’t think of this area, but Atlan-tic City has some of the best waves,” saidDean Randazzo, who grew up in Margateand Somers Point, and surfed profession-ally for more than 20 years.

Indeed, the history of surfing on theEast Coast started in Atlantic City in 1912,said another longtime local surfer, TomForkin.

Hawaii’sDukeKahanamoku, the fatherof modern surfing and an Olympic swim-ming medalist, introduced what had oncebeentheprivatesportofHawaiiankings toAtlanticCitywhenhegaveaseriesofexhi-bitions after the1912 OlympicGames. Thefirst East Coast pro surfing contest was inAtlantic City in 1969.

Last fall, Surfing America held itsprime series surfing competition here.“We’ll bring more events like this to townthroughcollaborationwith theAssociationof Surfing Professionals,” said Forkin,who opens the Inlet Surf Shop in HistoricGardner’s Basin this Saturday, with Ran-dazzo a partner.

The favorable surfing conditions in At-lantic City are due in part to the lay of theland, Forkin said.

“Theangles jutout into theoceana littlefurther thanother towns.There’smoreva-riety of swells. Couple that with the pres-ence of jetties, piers and the inlet,” he said.

For example, States Avenue, consid-ered one of the premier surfing beaches,lies between Steel Pier and Garden Pier.

The surf shop—theonly one inAtlanticCity, Forkin said — will offer clothing,skateboards, sunglasses, wetsuits andDean Randazzo-designed surfboards,among other related items. A portion ofsales go to charities aiding in cancer re-search and treatments, Forkin said. It’s anod to Randazzo, who developed Hodg-kin’s Disease in 2001.

The shop also makes a nice companionpiece to the Atlantic City Surf School &Club that Forkin operates in Atlantic City.

“Before,wewould send students to oth-er shops. We don’t have to anymore,” saidForkin, a former lawyer who teaches so-cial studies in Atlantic City when he isn’ttending to the shop and school.

The surf school offers a program foreveryone’sneeds,whetherbeginner, inter-mediate or advanced. Classes encompassall age groups and lifestyles. Take week-endclasses or learn toZenSurf, a crossbe-tween Tai Chi, yoga and surfing.

While locals appreciate what AtlanticCity has to offer on the surfing front, it’soften lost on tourists, said Randazzo, whowent into surfboard design out of frustra-tion when manufacturers couldn’t meethis specifications.

But that is changing. The newRevel re-sort embraces the beach and everything itrepresents, Forkin said. The casino hotelapproached the school about offering les-sons to guests.

In addition, surfing and its cousin,stand-up paddle boarding, work well withthenewtourismmissiontogobeyondgam-ing, Forkin said.

“They can market surfing,” he said.“The biggest asset is the beach. It’s whypeople came here in the first place. Thesurf school and surf shop highlight that.”

What began as occasional week-longsurf camp a decade ago, became a full-time venture last year, Forkin said. The

school has three locations:NewJerseyAv-enue, Raleigh Avenue and Revel’s beach.

Jetties andpiers fromNewJerseyAve-nue past Revel to Massachusetts Avenue,as well as the approach of Absecon Inlet,helpcreate largerswells suitable for inter-mediate and experts, Forkin said.

Raleigh Beach, in the Chelsea section,creates softer waves. “They break in wa-ternotquiteasdeepasnear the inlet, so it’s

safer for kids,” said Forkin, who served inthe beach patrol up through his first yearas a law student at Villanova.

Surfing is the kind of activity that peo-plearenever toold to learn,Randazzosaid.

“Now matter how bad you are, you’restill having the best time of your life in thewater. You leave the land, you leave all theproblems behind,” he said.

SURF’S UP

Tom Forkin (with a Randazzo board) and his businesspartner Dean Randazzo will open the Inlet Surf Shopin Historic Gardner’s Basin Saturday. PHOTO PROVIDED

Who knew Atlantic Citywas the Big Kahuna ofEast Coast boarding?ByWILLIAM SOKOLICCourier-Post Staff

IF YOU GOThe Inlet Surf Shop is located at800 N. New Hampshire Ave. Formore information , visitwww.acsurfschool.com or call(732) 575-3845.

cou r i e rpos ton l i ne . com2S COURIER-POST, Thursday, June 7, 2012

GAMING DESTINATIONS & DIVERSIONS

Dropby theXhibitionBar on the casinofloor at Harrah’s Resort Saturday night,and say hello to Vida Ventura. She’ll be theone behind the turntables, dishing out themusic as one of two DJs working thecrowd.

ForVentura, gigs like theseareadreamcome true.

When shewas young, VidaVentura sawthe light, and the light was actually insound.

“I always wore headphones. I alwaysmixed tapes for friends. I knew I couldn’tlive without being involved with music,surrounded by it,” said the Miami native.

When her roommate purchased profes-sional audio equipment, Ventura learnedthe mechanics necessary to DJ.

“Sheencouragedme.OnceI figuredoutthe ropes, I couldn’t put it down. It becamean obsession.”

Ventura turned professional six yearsago. Was it difficult? “It’s more fun than itis challenging. I’m still learning,” she said.

Yet Ventura kept her options open. Sheearned a bachelor’s degree in social sci-ence and worked as a social worker foreight years in Miami.

ShemovedtoNewYorkeightyearsago,andcontinuedasa socialworkerwhile stilldoing the DJ thing. “I felt like a superherowith both jobs. Then Imade the decision togo full time,” she said.

In a typical month, Ventura works twoweekends in Atlantic City, mostly at Har-rah’s Resort.

She also works in New York, and on oc-casion performs in Miami, Philadelphia,Vermont, even in L.A. and Germany. And

she DJs at corporate events, fashionshows and movie premieres.

Beingawomandoesn’tmake it harderto get jobs, she said. “There’smore inter-est in females. The difficult part is gain-ing respect from the crowd. They as-sume a female is not as good as a male,”she said.

Ventura prefers electronic dancemu-sic but plays all kinds, if requested, evenold school from the 1950s and 1960s.

As such, she considers herself anopen-format DJ, playing to the client.

TheDJ has a lotmore control over themusic in clubs, she said.

“We have a quick transition if it’s ahip-hop vs. electronic crowd,” said Ven-tura, who notes a difference betweenearly and late crowds at the XhibitionBar.

“Early crowds tend to be more casinogamblers who strolled in. Later ones arehigh-intensity partygoers there for theparty specifically.”

While she uses a laptop formusic, likemost DJs, Ventura relies a lot on a turn-table. ”It elicits a better response fromthecrowd. It’sweirdand indefinable.Butif you observe a DJ with records, you’remore apt to enjoy it.”

The DJ also hasmore control andma-nipulation over the song. Scratch and re-wind techniques sound better with aturntable, she said.

“The sound in the Xhibition Bar isphenomenal for the size of the bar.

Xhibition Barmarks the spot

Vida Ventura prefers electronic dance music but plays all types including old school fromthe 1950s and 1960s. PHOTO PROVIDED

DJ Vida is acrowd pleaserByWILLIAM SOKOLICCourier-Post Staff

IF YOU GOIn addition to Saturday night’s perfor-mance, catch DJ Vida Ventura at theXhibition Bar on the casino floor at Har-rah’s Resort on June 15 and 16 and July 13and 14. Harrah’s is at 777 Harrah’s Blvd.

How many amusement parks in NewJersey can boast a visit from the “firstchildren?” Steel Pier can, since Sashaand Malia Obama joined a record crowdof75,000whocamefor theridesoverMe-morial Day weekend.

Steel Pier has embarked on what isdubbed the most ambitious pier renova-tion in theworld. The three-year project,assisted by the Casino Reinvestment De-velopment Authority, begins with an ini-tial $21 million in improvements, whichincluded new rides, food and beverageoutlets and an amphitheater, which willfeature thrill shows all summer long.

“Visitors to the pier will see a com-pletemakeover,” saidAnthonyCatanoso,president of Steel Pier Associates, LLC,which owns and operates the pier. “Ourgoal is to attract more families and be apart of showcasing non-gaming attrac-tions in Atlantic City.”

Opened in1898, the original Steel Pierwas known as the “Showplace of the Na-tion” during its heyday when visitorswere entertained by the world’s top per-formers and featured novelty acts suchas the diving horse and the bike ridingbear.

“Weare in themidst of re-creating theexcitement that once surrounded the

Steel Pier,” Catanoso said. “There are somany people who share a love of the pierand unique memories. We are rebuildingwith that inmind,addingmodern improve-mentswithanodtoour incrediblehistory.”

For 2013, look for a bigger arcade andfood area,with restaurants and nightclubsopening on the bridge connecting the Pierto Trump Taj Mahal. Look for two newrides — the adult-oriented Star Flyer andthe Yo Yo coaster ride, at the end of thepier.

The company has begun soliciting Co-ca-Cola and other corporations as spon-sors of the revamped pier. In 2014, a 200-foot-tallFerriswheelwillbecomeacenter-piece of the amusement park. Initial stepswill be taken to enclose the pier.

Come 2015, the focus will be on re-cre-ating the famedMarineBallroom, home tomany an entertainer, along with its viewsover the sea.

Opened in 1898, the original Steel Pier was known as the ‘Showplace of the Nation’during its heyday when visitors were entertained by the world's top performers.FILE PHOTO

Pier reviewChanges to the historicSteel Pier amusementpark, new for summerByWILLIAM SOKOLICCourier-Post Staff

IFYOU GOSteel Pier is at 1000 Boardwalk. The Pierwill be open at noon on weekends untilJune 15, and then will be open daily fromnoon. For more information, visit

www.steelpier.com or call (609) 345-4893

cou r i e rpos ton l i ne . com4S COURIER-POST, Thursday, June 7, 2012

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Man for allseasonsFrankie Valliperforms thisweekend at theMusic Box at theBorgata, and willbe back in October.Tickets for all shows,$55-$65. GANNO

PROVIDED

THURSDAY, JUNE 7LEGENDS IN CONCERT 8 PM, Bally's >> The besttribute artists return for another stand in Legendsin Concert Theater. $32.50GYPSY BAR 10 PM Borgata >> Modern Blissperforms in this eclectic setting noted for its tequi-la selections.SAMMY'S BEACH BAR 2 PM, Bally's >> Lefty Lucykicks off the music for the afternoon. DJ B Leetakes over at 7 alternating with Rockstar Karaokewith RPMXHIBITION BAR 10 PM Harrah’s >> DJ Ed Smoothprovides the musical entertainmentEDEN LOUNGE 9 PM Harrah’s >> B Street Banddoes a Springsteen tribute.PARTY PIT AT THE HOUSE OF BLUES 8 PM, Show-boat >> DJ Patrice McBride starts the evening off,with Shake Shake Shake coming on at 9 PM21BAR@DUSK Caesars >> Live music in this newlounge off the casino floor.RUSH LOUNGE 8 PM, Golden Nugget >> Livemusic performed in this intimate lounge.LIVE BAR 8:30 PM, Golden Nugget >> A live bandrocks the room.

FRIDAY, JUNE 8STING 8 PM, Borgata >> Veteran British rockerdoes his catalogue in The Event Center. $96-$196FRANKIE VALLI 9 PM, Borgata >> Ageless JerseyBoy and lead singer for the Four Seasons rocks thehits in The Music Box. $55-$65HOB COMEDY JAMWITH CHARLIE MURPHY 9PM, House of Blues >> Some very funny stuff inThe Music Hall. $29-$49LEGENDS IN CONCERT 8 PM, Bally's >> The besttribute artists return for another stand in Legendsin Concert Theater. $32.50FOUNDATION ROOM 10 PM, Showboat >> HOBComedy Jam After Party featuring Charlie Murphyand Friends and DJ Kid Capri21BAR@DUSK Caesars >> Live music in this newlounge off the casino floor.DUSK Caesars >> Global Fri-days.SAMMY'S BEACH BAR3 PM, Bally's >> DJ

Story.

TUESDAY, JUNE12LEGENDS IN CONCERT 8 PM, Bally's >> The besttribute artists return for another stand in Legendsin Concert Theater. $32.50DUSK TUESDAYS Caesars >> An adult playgroundawaits. DJ Tony Tone provides the music.21BAR@DUSK Caesars >> Music in this newlounge off the casino floor.RUSH LOUNGE 8 PM, Golden Nugget >> Patty &Bugzy perform in this intimate lounge.SAMMY'S BEACH BAR 9 PM, Bally's >> DJ Dia-mond is sandwiched between other DJs.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE13LEGENDS IN CONCERT 3 and 8 PM, Bally's >> Thebest tribute artists return for another stand inLegends in Concert Theater. $32.50KORNWITH SPECIAL GUEST SLUGGO AND JDEVIL 8 PM, House of Blues >> Hard rockers showthey still have it as they play the Music Hall. $39.50-$49.50SAMMY'S BEACH BAR 8 PM, Bally's >> DKGBrocks the beach with DJ Micah between sets.RUSH LOUNGE 8 PM, Golden Nugget >> DrewStevyns entertains in an intimate setting.21BAR@DUSK Caesars >> Live music in this newlounge off the casino floor.

THURSDAY, JUNE14LEGENDS IN CONCERT 8 PM, Bally's >> The besttribute artists return for another stand in Legendsin Concert Theater. $32.50GYPSY BAR 10 PM Borgata >> The Benjaminsperform in this eclectic setting noted for its tequilaselections.SAMMY'S BEACH BAR 2 PM, Bally's >> Lefty Lucykicks off the music for the afternoon. DJ B Leetakes over at 7 alternating with Rockstar Karaokewith Emily’s Toybox.XHIBITION BAR 10 PM Harrah’s >> DJ Ed Smoothprovides the musical entertainmentEDEN LOUNGE 9 PM Harrah’s >> 7 Bridges with anEagles tribute.PARTY PIT AT THE HOUSE OF BLUES 8 PM, Show-boat >> DJ Patrice McBride starts the evening off,with Shake Shake Shake coming on at 9 PM21BAR@DUSK Caesars >> Live music in this newlounge off the casino floor.RUSH LOUNGE 8 PM, Golden Nugget >> Karmaperforms in this intimate lounge.LIVE BAR 8:30 PM, Golden Nugget >> Screamrocks the room.

FRIDAY, JUNE15LEGENDS IN CONCERT 8 PM, Bally's >> The besttribute artists return for another stand in Legendsin Concert Theater. $32.5021BAR@DUSK Caesars >> Live music in this newlounge off the casino floor.DUSK Caesars >> Global Fridays.SAMMY'S BEACH BAR 3 PM, Bally's >> SplitDecision plays live alternating with DJ Q Ball. DJSonatra provides tunes at 5 PM.EDEN LOUNGE 8:15 PM Harrah’s >> Don’t Call MeFrancis rock on early and Jumper takes over atmidnight.XHIBITION BAR 11:30 PM Harrah’s >> DJ VidaVentura does the music.PARTY PIT AT THE HOUSE OF BLUES 9 PM >> DJSonatra kicks off the evening of music, with BurntSienna providing live rock at 10 PM, with dancersas an added attraction.LIVE BAR 10 PM, Golden Nugget >> No Pressurekicks off the weekend.THE DECK 7 PM, Golden Nugget >> Big Bang Babyrocks the room

SATURDAY, JUNE16LEGENDS IN CONCERT 7:30, 10 PM, Bally's >> Thebest tribute artists return for another stand inLegends in Concert Theater. $32.50WANDA SYKES 9 PM, Borgata >> Hilarious come-dienne and guester on "Curb Your Enthusiasm"jokes in The Music Box, $55-$59.50EPIC SATURDAY AT THE POOL AFTER DARK 9PM, Harrah’s >> DJ Camilo and Milky Mike, hostedby LaLa AnthonySAMMY'S BEACH BAR 2 PM, Bally's >> ReservoirDoggs does the afternoon gig with DJ Xtina doingthe honors from 3 PM. Johnny Drama rocks from 7PM, while DJ Dnial taking over for XtinaAFTER HOURS FOUNDATION ROOM10 PM,Showboat >> "Show us your Tat" featuring MeganMassacre from NY Ink. DJs Letz-Massacre andPatrice McBride provide the music. On the OceanTerrace, DJ Yan and Joey the Hatt.WANDA SYKES 9 PM, Borgata >> Hilarious come-dienne and guest on "Curb Your Enthusiasm"jokes in The Music Box, $55-$59.50THE SMITHEREENS 9 PM, Golden Nugget >> PatDinizio and the rest of the North Jersey band playthe intimate Showroom. $30.46-$41.76

SATURDAY, JUNE 9STING 8 PM, Borgata >> Veteran British rockerdoes his catalogue from The Police and his solodays in The Event Center. $96-$196FRANKIE VALLI 9 PM, Borgata >> Ageless JerseyBoy and lead singer for the Four Seasons rocks thehits in The Music Box. $55-$652012 ULTIMATE ELVIS CONTEST 7 PM, Bally's >>the 5th annual preliminaries to determine the ElvisTribute Artist of the year. $16.25-$32.50EPIC SATURDAY AT THE POOL AFTER DARK 9PM, Harrah’s >> Vanilla Ice performs live. DJ Kon-flikt and DJ James Strzz add their own touch.SAMMY'S BEACH BAR 2 PM, Bally's >> SecretService kicks off the day of live music, with DJXtina alternating from 3 PM. The Next takes overat 7 PM, sharing the stage with DJ Patrice McBridefrom 8 PM till the wee hours.THE POOL DECK 10 PM, Harrah’s >> DJ Redlinespins the music till the early hours.DUSK Caesars >> New York City’s DJ Steve Powersreturns to Atlantic City21BAR@DUSK Caesars >> Live music in this newlounge off the casino floor with DJ Be-Easy until 5AM.GYPSY BAR 7 PM Borgata >> A pair of bands rockthe house in this eclectic setting.MIXX 10 PM Borgata >> D-Nice deejays with DJDL.murmur 10 PM Borgata >> Jesse Marco withDoug Grayson spin themusicEDEN LOUNGE 8:15 PM Harrah’s >> Cheers theBand entertains until midnight when Karma takesover till the wee hours.LOBBY BAR 10 PM Bally’s >> Beth Tinnon Duoprovides entertainment.BAYWALK 2 PM, Harrah’s >> Steel Source rocksthe afternoon away.XHIBITION BAR 10 PM Harrah’s DJ Hannah Radand DJ Vida Ventura divide musical duties till 5AM.PARTY PIT AT THE HOUSE OF BLUES 8 PM >> DJAiden Scott plays an eight hour shift with TotalWhiteout c oming on at 10 with live music.MOUNTAIN BAR 9 PM, Wild Wild West, Bally's >>DJ Cool Jon Sprang spins the records. Shorty theSheriff and Vixens entertain from10 PMBLUEMARTINI 9 PM Bally’s >> Big Bang Babyplays live with DJ Prefer spinning records betweensets.TOGA BAR 10 PM, Caesars >> DJ Ed Smooth spinsthe music with the Toga Dancers providing thevisuals.RUSH LOUNGE 6 PM, Golden Nugget >> A pair ofperformers play this intimate setting.LIVE BAR 10 PM, Golden Nugget >> Rock bandlivens up the lounge.THE DECK 2 PM, Golden Nugget >> Rocking musicmakes for good vibes afternoon and evening.AFTER HOURS FOUNDATION ROOM10 PM,Showboat >> DJ Paul DeSisto and Friends settle infor the long haul till 6 AM. On the Ocean Terrace,DJ Yan and Guest provide music.

SUNDAY, JUNE10LEGENDS IN CONCERT 8 PM, Bally's >> The besttribute artists return for another stand in Legendsin Concert Theater. $32.50EDEN LOUNGE 9 PM Harrah’s >> Dane Anthonyrocks the room.GYPSY BAR 8:30 PM Borgata >> Lucky You rocksin this eclectic setting with all manner of tequila.BAYWALK 2 PM, Harrah’s >> Scotty P Band rocksthe afternoon away.MIXX SUNDAYS 10 PM Borgata >> S.K.A.M. ArtistSundays with Fashen and Paul Castro in this bi-level lounge with plush seating and private tableservice areas.SAMMY'S BEACH BAR 2 PM, Bally's >> ShortyLong and the Jersey Horns provide live music whileDJ Alisha Monique spins records between sets.Industry night kicks in at 8 PMwith guest DJs.RUSH LOUNGE 8 PM, Golden Nugget >> DougJennings performs in this intimate lounge.THE DECK 2 PM, Golden Nugget >> The Excep-tions rock the afternoon away.PARTY PIT AT THE HOUSE OF BLUES 9 PM >>2twenty2 rocks the pit with DJ B. Lee from 8 p.m.21BAR@DUSK Caesars >> Live music

MONDAY, JUNE11mur.mur 10 PM Borgata >> Hardwell rocks thehouse. $20RUSH LOUNGE 8 PM, Golden Nugget >> BethTinnon sings in this intimate lounge.THE DECK 2 PM, Golden Nugget >> Slamm closesout the holiday.SAMMY'S BEACH BAR 9 PM, Bally's >> Latinnight21BAR@DUSK Caesars >> Live music in this newlounge off the casino floor.EDEN LOUNGE 8 PM Harrah’s >> Band Showcase,beginning with Under Pressure and followed bySomeone Say Something; The Love Haters; A True

Sonatra works the afternoon. Big Bang Babyprovides live music at 8 PM, alternating with DJAiden ScottFRIDAY NIGHT LIVE AT THE POOL AFTER DARK10 PM, Harrah’s >> featuring DJ Toro and DJ Bizz,with Milky MikeTHE POOL DECK 10 PM, Caesars >> DJ Eddie Edgespins the music till the early hoursGYPSY BAR 7 PM Borgata >> Two bands rock thehouse of tequila throughout the evening.TOGA BAR 10 PM Caesars >> DJ K plays the musicwith the Toga Dancers providing the visuals.MIXX 10 PM Borgata >> DJ Alesso shows whyBorgata loves house music in this bi-level loungeprovides an intimate experience with plush seatingand private table service areas. $25.murmur 10 PM Borgata >> Eli Escobar returnsto provide themusic.EDEN LOUNGE 8:15 PM Harrah’s >> SensationalSoul Cruisers rock on early and Reservoir Doggstakes over at midnight.XHIBITION BAR 11:30 PM Harrah’s >> DJ HannahRad does the music.PARTY PIT AT THE HOUSE OF BLUES 9 PM >>

DJ Sonatra kicks off the evening of music,with The Rockets providing live rock at 10PM, with dancers as an added attraction.MOUNTAIN BAR 9 PM, Wild Wild West,Bally's >> DJ Joey Marini spins the rec-ords. Shorty the Sheriff and Vixensentertain from10 PMBLUEMARTINI 11 PM Bally’s >> DJ KSpins provides entertainment for theevening.RUSH LOUNGE 6 PM, Golden Nugget >>

Entertainment throughout the night in anintimate setting.

LIVE BAR 10 PM, Golden Nugget >> Localrock band kicks off the weekend.THE DECK 7 PM, Golden Nugget >> TheRockets rock the room

DISCO BISCUITS July 6 at the House ofBlues Music Hall. Tickets, $27.50-$37.50.GANNETT FILE

CHICAGO Aug. 4 with the Doobie Brothersat The Event Center at Borgata. Tickets,$76-$96. GANNETT FILE

cou r i e rpos ton l i ne . com COURIER-POST, Thursday, June 7, 2012 5S

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ON SALE

EVENTSCALENDAR

Comedy is tough, and so is Charlie Murphy,who headlines the House of Blues ComedyJam at The Music Hall on Friday. Tickets,$29-$49.

CHEAP TRICK Aug. 31 at the Borgata’sMusic Box. Tickets, $59.50-$65. COURIER

POST FILE

cou r i e rpos ton l i ne . com6S COURIER-POST, Thursday, June 7, 2012

GAMING DESTINATIONS & DIVERSIONS

Last year, the folks at Dusk, the popu-lar late night watering hole in Caesars,took it outside with the Boardwalk BeerGarden. The exterior is a roped-off sec-tion of the famed boardwalk with tablesand chairs and sea air.

The beer garden also camewith an ad-jacent bar for those who prefer to partyinside.

It proved such a success, the Board-walk Beer Garden has returned for thesummer of 2012, bigger and better.

“We wanted to remain true to whatmade us successful in the first season yetevolve the experience in various ways.Aesthetically, we redesigned the inside ofthe bar with surfboards and neon signs togive it a more beach-like look and feel,”said Craig Slotkin, director of operationsand marketing at Dusk ManagementGroup, who says the Beer Garden offersAtlantic City’s best rotating selection of

craft beers.This summer, thebaradded10newfro-

zen cocktails, some twodozen summer-in-spired specialty cocktails and MardiGras-style “yard” drinks — those in verytall glasses — such as the Boardwalk ofShame.

Still, thebiggest change for this year isfood. Dusk has partnered with PhillipsSeafood to offer crab cake sandwiches,Buffalowings,wraps, salads, crispy gold-en shrimp, fish & chips and more.

The entertainment is another aspect tothe beer garden experience, Slotkin said.

During the day, acoustic duos andbands will play everything from JimmyBuffett to BobMarley. “At night, we haveDJsoutsidegiving thecenterof theAtlan-ticCityBoardwalk a lively, energetic, andfun atmosphere well into the night,” Slot-kin said.

The Boardwalk Beer Garden is one ofthree elements to Dusk.

“We like to consider Dusk, 21 Bar andthe Boardwalk Beer Garden as one entireentertainment complex within Caesars,eachoffering its ownuniqueexperience,”Slotkin said. “Theability tobeon the fifty-yard line of Atlantic City and offer threedifferent yet complementary venues isunlike anywhere else in Atlantic City.”

Get your beer hereBoardwalk BeerGarden biggerand better

IF YOU GOThe Boardwalk BeerGarden is at thecorner of ArkansasAvenue and theBoardwalk. It’s fromnoon to midnightSunday throughWednesday andnoon to 3 a.m.Thursday throughSaturday.

This season theBeer Garden haspartnered withPhillips Seafood sobeer drinkers canwash down crabcake sandwiches,Buffalo wings,wraps, salads,crispy goldenshrimp, fish &chips and more.THINKSTOCK

TheVikingCookingSchool atHarrah’sResort has become one of the more pop-ular non-casino attractions in town.

“Viking is a great amenity to add to allthe offerings at Harrah’s. We get a lot ofrepeat customers,” said JackWhelan, ex-ecutive chef for Harrah’s Resort.

The school, designed to educate regu-lar folks in various culinary skills, hasadded offerings to its summer menu ofclasses.

GirlsNightOut, among the trendierof-ferings throughout the year with classeson recipes from Tuscany, Paris and otherexotic locales, has gone summery withBahamaMama.

The selection focuses on foods fromthe Caribbean Islands, including tropicalcocktails, with island music as a back-drop.

“Itkindofworksyou intosummerfeel-ings,” Whelan said. And despite its name,Girls Night Out is not just for girls, hesaid. The guys can — and do — show up,too.

“A lot of grilling flavors blendwell thissummer. These menu components arevery light and very fast and easy to pre-pare,” Whelan said.

A new steakhouse theme class alsocovers summer barbecues. The class willaddress different cuts of meat, properseasoning and cooking preparation, Whe-lan said. Students will also prepare abaked sweet potato with compound but-

ter.“You can do it in the kitchen and out at

the barbecue grill,” he said.The chef instructors also suggest

beers to pair with the food.“HaveDadtaketheclassandbekingof

the barbecue,” Whelan said.Another class revolves around theme-

nu served on the Titanic to commemoratethe 100th anniversary of the ship’s tragicsinking.

“Wemimic the last dinner served,withasparagus, rack of lamb and chocolateéclairs, along with vintage cocktails,”Whelan said. “Classics never go out ofstyle.”

This summer will also feature celebri-ty instructors includingNadiaG, theCakeBoss Buddy Valastro, Sammy DeMarcoand Luke Palladino.

“Harrah’s will become a culinarymec-ca,” Whelan said.

Viking Cooking School chefs will lead classes on barbecued dishes and much more thissummer. PHOTO PROVIDED

VIKING ADDS TOMIX

IF YOU GOViking Cooking School is near the hotellobby at Harrah’s Resort, 777 Harrah’sBlvd. For details on these and othercourses, call (800) 242-7724 or visitwww.vikingrange.com/consumer/cookingschool/classes/calendar.jsp?id=cat13660022

JULY 26 - 29

Must be 21 or older to gamble, enter and remain in a New Jersey casino or participate in any Caesars Entertainment promotion. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. ©2012, Caesars License Company, LLC.

EVERYTHING YOU CRAVE IS ALL IN ONE PLACE!ENJOY 4 DAYS OF UNFORGETTABLE FLAVORS

& WORLD CLASS WINESCELEBRITY CHEFS & PERSONALITIES:

PAULA DEEN, ROBERT IRVINE, TYLER FLORENCE, NADIA G,ANNE BURRELL, BUDDY VALASTRO, FOOD ADVENTURER

ANDREW ZIMMERN, MICHAEL GREEN AND MORE!“ONE OF AMERICA’S TOP 50 FABULOUS FOOD FESTIVALS”

PARADE MAGAZINE

ATLANTIC CITY FOOD AND WINE FESTIVALJULY 26 – 29

ON SALE NOW AT ACFOODANDWINE.COM

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COURIER-POSTCOURIERPOSTONLINE.COM/GAMING

Thunder Over the Boardwalk needsyou. The annual air show that will drawhundreds of thousands to the beaches ofAtlantic City on Aug. 17 doesn’t run on itsown.

Volunteers make it happen.A variety of positions are available. If

you are a fan, a veteran, or just have apassion for the show and want to donateyour time, email acjaycees@yahoo.com

or contact Elisa Monroe, director ofmember events for the Greater AtlanticCity Chamber of Commerce, at (609) 345-4524, ext. 12, or email emonroe@accham-ber.com.

Along with performances and demon-strations by the U.S. Air Force Thunder-birds and the U.S. ArmyGolden Knights,past demonstrations and flybys have in-cluded the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy,U.S. Marine Corps, Air National Guardand civilian acts. A full list of performersand a schedule of events will be released

as the show date nears.Thisyear,AtlanticCitywill againcele-

brate America’s military with the secondannual Atlantic City Salutes America’sArmedForcesBoardwalkParadeonAug.15 in conjunction with Thunder Over theBoardwalk. The parade will begin at 6:30p.m. at New Jersey Avenue and theBoardwalk and proceed to Albany Ave-nue, lasting about 90 minutes.

ThunderOver theBoardwalk is apart-nership among the Greater Atlantic CityChamber, the 177th Fighter Wing of the

New Jersey Air National Guard, SouthJersey Transportation Authority, FAAWilliam J. Hughes Tech Center, The At-lanticCity InternationalAirport;CaesarsEntertainment, David Schultz Airshows,the City of Atlantic City and the AtlanticCity Convention & Visitors Authority.

Caesars Entertainment is the host ho-tel sponsor for this year’s show and theAtlantic City International Airport is thehost airport. For more information onThunder Over the Boardwalk, visitwww.atlanticcityairshow.com.

The Thunder Over the Boardwalk air show thrills throngs of spectators every summer. Fans who want to get more involved can volunteer to help run the Aug. 17 event. PHOTO PROVIDED

LAND A FUN GIGThunder Over the Boardwalk show needs volunteersByWILLIAM SOKOLICCourier-Post Staff

Dotty Webb knows something aboutsales. After all, she spent more than 30years in radio sales in Philadelphia.

So when she saw the rundown buildingat Historic Gardner’s Basin, she saw asales opportunity that could keep her busyin her retirement years. Webb bought the140-year-old building, renovated it and in2005 opened upWeb FeetWatersports andBeach Boutique.

As the name implies, the boutique sellsall manner of beach gear, from bathingsuits to wetsuits, plus cover-ups, hats,beach tags and beach chairs. The storeeven stocks a collection of handmadeclothing from Nepal.

Web Feet is also ready for adventure-seeking shore visitors.

The store sells surfboards and skim-boards and life vests, and rents kayaks,surfboards and bikes.

In the market for a shore souvenir?Check out Web Feet’s upstairs consign-ment shop with shore-themed artwork,such as decoy ducks constructed fromteak wood.

“Tourists love it,” Webb said.Raised in Riverton, Webb’s attachment

to the shore began with visits to her par-ents’ summer home in Brigantine. Whenshe worked in sales, she bought a sailboatand brought clients down to sail in andaround the island town.

She hopes the new emphasis on non-gaming amenities in Atlantic City willboost business throughout Gardner’s Ba-sin, including her store. In the meantime,Webb is definitely enjoyinghernew line ofwork — especially the location.

“I love Gardner’s Basin,” she said.

Gear up for beach funWeb Feet offersshore apparel andrecreation suppliesin Gardner’s BasinByWILLIAM SOKOLICCourier-Post Staff

Dotty Webb rents bikes and surfboards, and stocks a wide range of beach supplies at Web Feet, her store in Gardner’s Basin.PHOTO PROVIDED

IF YOU GOWeb Feet is at 800 N. New Hampshire Ave.Hours are daily from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.and the store is open March to December.

For information, call (609) 572-1004 or visitwww.webfeetwatersports.com.

cou r i e rpos ton l i ne . com8S COURIER-POST, Thursday, June 7, 2012

WHEREPHILLYCOMES OUTTO PLAY

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T H R E E A L L - N E W R E S T A U R A N T S

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M O R E F U N W I T H T H E B E S T O D D S

A N D H I G H E S T L I M I T S

Management reserves the right to change or cancel this promotion at any time without notice. Must be 21 or older to enteror gamble (18 or older for pari-mutuel wagering) in any Pennsylvania casino or to participate in any Harrah’s promotion.Know When To Stop Before You Start.® ©2012, Caesars License Company, LLC.

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