In A City Full of Entertainment: The Ikons Of Rock Continues to Shine Bright At The Strat Las Vegas!

 Since returning to National News Media management, one of my primary responsibilities has been keeping my eyes and ears on the music and entertainment scene here in my hometown of Las Vegas, while also spotlighting the many positive things happening throughout our city. Today, one Strip production stands out in my mind above many others. It's a show that not only entertains audiences' night after night but also serves as a perfect example of what it takes to thrive in one of the most competitive entertainment markets on the planet. Here's the story behind this amazing show.

Let's face it, this is Las Vegas. The Entertainment Capital of the World is packed with superstar residencies, blockbuster productions, sold-out concerts, comedy shows, sporting events, and enough bright lights to be seen from outer space. Every single night, visitors and Vegas locals alike have countless options competing for their attention. So how does a venue rise above the noise and convince people to choose its show over the hundreds of others happening across the city? The answer is simple. It has to offer more than just another performance. It has to deliver an experience that people can't stop talking about.

The venues that consistently win the battle for ticket sales are the ones that create something unique. Whether it's jaw-dropping production, audience interaction, larger-than-life performances, or unforgettable moments that leave fans buzzing long after the final encore, the goal is to give people something they can't find anywhere else. Value also plays a huge role. Not everyone wants to spend a fortune on a night out, and smart venues understand that. Affordable ticket prices, easy parking, comfortable seating, friendly staff, and a welcoming atmosphere can be just as important as what's happening on stage.

Word-of-mouth remains one of the most powerful forces in entertainment. A great show review, enthusiastic social media posts, viral videos, and fans telling their friends, "You've got to see this!" can generate the kind of buzz that money simply can't buy. The most successful venues also know how to create personal connections. Fans remember performers who take the time to sign autographs, pose for photos, shake hands, and show genuine appreciation. Those moments transform casual attendees into loyal supporters who return again and again.

Just as importantly, successful venues recognize that tourists are only half the audience. Vegas locals are the backbone of the city's entertainment community. While visitors may see a show once during their vacation, local residents have the potential to become long-term supporters, attending multiple events throughout the year and spreading the word throughout the community. By offering local discounts, special promotions, and consistently presenting quality entertainment, venues build a loyal following that helps keep seats filled year-round.

{My Take}

In a city overflowing with world-class entertainment choices, being good simply isn't enough. To truly stand out in Las Vegas, a venue must deliver excitement, value, personality, exceptional customer service, and an atmosphere that makes every guest feel like they're part of something special. The shows that thrive in this town aren't just performances. They're events. They're experiences. They're memories in the making. And in a city where every marquee is fighting for attention, those are the moments that keep tourists booking tickets and Vegas locals coming back for more! 🎸🎤🔥

With all of that said, one show that truly stands out in Las Vegas is the Ikons of Rock at the STRAT. Delivering powerhouse performances, nonstop energy, and the kind of excitement that keeps audiences talking long after the final curtain call, this is a show that's earned its place among the city's must-see attractions. Check out their social media, and you'll quickly see what all the buzz is about. Better yet, grab a ticket and experience it for yourself. For more information and tickets, follow the links below. 🎸🤘🔥

Gary England

Ikons Of Rock

Ikons Of Rock Tickets

My Shout-Out To Rahway's Wrecking Machine: Locked Loaded And Ready To Bring Total Chaos To The Las Vegas Dive Bar On November 13!

 

First off, I owe a massive debt of gratitude to my rock brothers in the Rahway Band family — the whole wrecking crew — for the killer words and the early‑morning shout‑out about my blog!

When Rahway fires off a nod, it’s not just a mention… It’s a nuclear explosion. Their support hits like a power chord to the chest, and getting love from a band that lives and breathes pure hard‑rock voltage means everything to me! Thank You Much!

My history with the band. 

I first witnessed Rahway’s full‑scale, weapons‑grade badassery in May of 2024 inside Count’s Vamp’d Las Vegas, and brother, that night didn’t just rock… it blew out the power in half of Las Vegas!

Count's Vamp’d wasn’t just a rock venue; it was a pressure cooker seconds from blowing its lid!

Rahway rolled in alongside The Garden Of Eden, and The Bullet Boys band; the whole place lit up like a neon‑soaked battlefield. Three bands. One stage, with zero survivors!

Rahway didn’t “take” the stage — they stormed it like a chrome‑armored shock unit. Their guitars came in swinging with drop‑tuned, asphalt‑grinding riffs that felt like a demolition crew tearing through the Strip at 3 AM. Distortion didn’t just bloom; it erupted in radioactive colors, splashing the room in molten reds, electric blues, and toxic greens. The drums hit with sledgehammer brutality; each strike a seismic event that rattled every soul in the building. And the vocals? A feral, flame‑tipped roar that sliced through the mix like a chainsaw dipped in jet fuel.

Garden Of Eden brought the fire. Bullet Boys brought the legacy. And Rahway brought the massive shockwave that night! The kind of nuclear blast that makes the lights flicker, the bartenders freeze, and the crowd surge like a tidal wave of fists, sweat, and adrenaline! It wasn’t a concert that night, it was a hard‑rock supernova ripping open the night sky and dumping pure chaos onto the Las Vegas floor!

Let’s just say it was a night carved into the concrete. Three killer bands. One legendary room. And Rahway proving they’re not just bad, they’re a full‑blown hard‑rock superweapon of mass destruction!

My Thoughts

And that right there is my way of firing off a full‑blast, chrome‑melting shout‑out to this amazing band! The high‑octane, stage‑wrecking, sonic war‑machine known across the rock world as the Rahway Band.

 These guys aren’t just a band; they’re a technicolor hard‑rock juggernaut, a gasoline‑drenched riff factory, a bada$$ engine tuned for maximum destruction with zero apologies. 

If you want to feel the fire, taste the grit, and ride the shockwave yourself, check the links below and dive headfirst into the chaos. 

Rahway is the real deal, loud, lethal, and built to blow the doors off anything with a stage and a power outlet to hook up to!

See y'all at the Dive Bar on November 13th!

Gary England

Rahway Band Links:

Official Website

Where to catch the band

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

YouTube

TikTok

The Lone Ranger Ghostwriter Takes Off His Mask: Is Ghostwriting Really Worth It In The End?

Is Ghostwriting Really Worth It In The End?

 In my almost six decades in the media, it wasn’t just being a writer or ghostwriting for other writers; it was a lifelong learning experience. I’ve been fortunate enough to learn the music and entertainment side of the business from some of the best minds worldwide. I stayed invisible for most of that career — a shadow with a typewriter — until 2008, when I punched the time clock for the very last time. From then until today, I’ve been drifting through the rough, unpredictable freelance waters of Las Vegas, still wearing the ghostwriter’s Lone Ranger mask. To about ninety‑nine percent of the people around me, I’m just the old guy who writes about Vegas music, snaps a few photos, and tries not to make too many waves in the local scene. But there’s more to this old guy than meets the eye!

Last month, I decided to try and go clean, calling a ton of the people from my past experiences. Many have already gone to the music scene in the sky, many businesses don’t keep records from back then, and many of the folks I worked with or worked for don’t exist anymore. Guess I’m stuck with all of my learned knowledge and have no place to use it. Or is there?

After I decided to go clean, I took it a step further — I started building a job résumé, something that could put me back in the grind and let me use this head full of knowledge where it works best: right here in the music scene I dig so much.

Turns out me shooting my mouth off about ways to advertise and promote music events — my suggestions about the music biz, and my blog musicentertainmentsports.blogspot.com — has caught a few people’s eyes. The stuff I write about, the ideas I throw out there, the advice I give… it works. And suddenly people are asking: Who is this guy? This guy says the music scene needs fixing, and he’s bold enough to claim he’s the one who can fix it. Is he crazy?

No. I’m the guy with six decades in the biz — the guy who’s been there, done that, and still has the scars and the stories to prove it. A few recent events in my life have changed this old guy, and if you don’t take me seriously, maybe you’ll listen when I finally take the Lone Ranger mask off. I know some will take this post as me shooting my mouth off — ha! — but like I said, a few people have figured the old guy out. And a few have started asking questions about who this old guy really is.

But that’s not the question. The real question is: When is somebody — or someone with a little pull — in the local entertainment scene going to call my “All In” bet that I just might be the old guy who can fix what’s broken around here?

Gary England

Why Does It Appear That The WNBA Has So Much Animosity Compared To Other Professional Sports?

 

WNBA Dot Com

Why does the WNBA appear more hostile than other leagues?

The idea that the WNBA is overflowing with animosity has become one of the league’s hottest talking points, but the truth is far more fan‑friendly: the league isn’t angrier — it’s louder, tighter, and more visible than almost any other pro sport. And that’s exactly why fans love it (or hate it)!

In a league with fewer teams, rivalries don’t fade into the background — they hit center stage. 

Every matchup feels personal, every rematch feels like a sequel, and every hard foul becomes part of a season‑long storyline. There’s no hiding in the WNBA. The talent pool is elite and concentrated, so when two stars collide, fans feel it across the entire league. What might be a footnote in the NBA becomes a full‑blown headline in the WNBA simply because the spotlight is brighter and the stage is smaller!

That spotlight gets even hotter thanks to modern sports media. The WNBA is still fighting for mainstream attention, and nothing grabs eyeballs faster than a little competitive fire!

 A stare‑down goes viral. A postgame quote becomes a trending topic. A rivalry becomes the heartbeat of the season. Media outlets amplify these moments not because the league is hostile, but because fans respond to passion, personality, and drama — the same ingredients that make every great sports league thrive!

Add in the league’s ongoing push for respect, better pay, and improved conditions, and you get a player culture that’s intense, outspoken, and fiercely united. WNBA athletes aren’t just competing; they’re advocating. That edge isn’t animosity — it’s pride!

 It’s urgency. It’s the energy of players who know they’re building something bigger than themselves. Fans feel that authenticity, and it’s part of what makes the league so compelling!

Social Media

Social media only amplifies the fun. WNBA players are among the most online and interactive athletes in sports. They clap back, joke around, defend teammates, and engage directly with fans. It’s not hostility — it’s accessibility. It’s personality. It’s the kind of real‑time connection fans crave, and it makes every storyline feel alive.

And let’s not forget: the league is still young. The WNBA is in the middle of defining its identity. Rivalries between veterans and rising stars, college fanbases carrying over into the pros, and teams meeting repeatedly in high‑stakes games all add fuel to the fire. But that fire is what makes sports fun. It’s what makes fans pick sides, buy tickets, and tune into the games!

The perception of animosity also comes from long‑standing biases in how women athletes are judged. The same trash talk, swagger, and physical play celebrated in men’s sports is often scrutinized in women’s leagues. Confidence gets mislabeled as arrogance. Toughness gets mistaken for hostility. But fans know better — they see the WNBA for what it is: competitive, passionate, and unapologetically intense.

In reality, the WNBA isn’t more hostile than other leagues. It’s simply more visible, more vocal, and more connected to its fans. What looks like animosity is really the perfect mix of rivalry, personality, media spotlight, and competitive fire — the exact recipe that makes sports worth watching!

{My Take}

That spark you see in the WNBA isn’t animosity — it’s passion. It’s pride. It’s the fire of a league growing fast and refusing to apologize for its intensity! 

And that’s exactly why fans keep showing up. The WNBA is bold, competitive, and full of personality, and if you’re just tuning in, you’re catching it at the perfect time. Settle in, pick a favorite player, enjoy the rivalries, and ride the wave — because this league is only getting better every day!

I Love the WNBA!

Go Aces!

Gary England

WNBA.Com

Tony Romo Versus The Media Machine: The Media’s Rush To Paint a Villain!

 

Tony Romo’s getting dragged through the media mud like a frontman caught stumbling offstage after one too many, and honestly, it looks to me like the press is trying to crucify Tony before he even gets his day in court. The guy hasn’t been convicted of anything yet, but the headlines are already tuned to maximum outrage, like they’re dying to crank the amp and blow out the speakers.

This feels like another round of “let’s nail this good‑guy pro athlete to the wall” just to make the repeat-offender celebrities — the ones who get popped for DWIs over and over — look even worse by comparison. It’s cheap heat, man. Easy clicks. Manufactured drama.

Come on — lighten up on this good dude. Romo’s spent years being one of the most straight‑shooting, fan‑friendly athletes in the game. Everyone’s due one screw‑up in life, right? Even rock stars miss a note, even legends fall off the stage once in a while. Doesn’t mean you burn the whole tour down.

Right now, all we know is he refused the test, they pulled a warrant, and the results haven’t been released. That’s it. Everything else is noise — distortion — feedback from people who want a villain before the facts even drop.

Let the man breathe. Let the process play out. Then judge the performance.

{My Take}

Tony Romo’s record was cleaner than a freshly polished Stratocaster before this whole Milwaukee mess. The guy spent two decades in the spotlight — NFL star, CBS booth ace, family man — and never once got tangled in legal barbed wire. This 2026 stop is the first time his name has ever been dragged into the courthouse echo chamber, and the press is treating it like he’s the second coming of rock‑and‑roll chaos. I stand by Tony!

Gary England

Support The Las Vegas Music Scene: Best Of Las Vegas Voting Opens August 17th 2026

 

To Vote: VoteBOLV.com

The Best of Las Vegas nominations slammed shut at midnight on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 — like the final crash of a cymbal echoing across the valley. Now the spotlight swings to the main event.

Voting fires up on August 17, 2026, 9:55 AM Pacific time, and the city gets nearly a full month to make some noise, running straight through September 10, 2026, at 11:59 PM Pacific. This is the moment when every fan, every friend, every late‑night lounge regular gets to step up and help decide who truly owns the Vegas stage.

If you want your voice heard — and you should — head to VoteBOLV.com and cast your votes. Every click is a cheer from the crowd; every ballot is a raised lighter in the dark.

The 2026 Best of Las Vegas winners will take their victory lap in the annual Best of Vegas issue of the Las Vegas Weekly later this summer. That’s where the champions get immortalized — printed, celebrated, and remembered.

Vote hard. Vote loud. And vote big for our Local Las Vegas Music Scene — the singers, musicians, bands, venues, shredders, drummers, dreamers, the shows, and die‑hard performers who keep this city’s pulse beating long after the Strip goes quiet!

{My Take}

So, crank up the amps, Vegas — this is your moment to push our hometown heroes into the spotlight. Hit VoteBOLV.com, smash that ballot like a power chord, and make sure the bands, singers, venues, and music‑makers who keep this city alive get the love they deserve!

Raise your voice. Raise your vote. Let’s show the world how loud the Local Las Vegas Music Scene can roar!

Gary England

When Baseball Went Bananas: The Banana Ball Takeover

Banana Ball didn’t just arrive on the sports scene — it literally detonated like a rock‑and‑roll pyro blast behind home plate. Born in 2018 as a wild experiment from the Savannah Bananas — a scrappy summer‑league team founded in 2016 — the game grew from a near‑bankrupt idea into a full‑blown touring spectacle that now packs MLB stadiums coast to coast. 

Founder Jesse Cole, the yellow‑tux showman who sold his house to keep the team alive, built Banana Ball on one core belief: baseball should move fast, hit hard, and entertain like a stadium tour. Two‑hour time limits, points for innings, walk‑off dances, sprint‑style ball‑four chaos — it’s baseball re‑wired for adrenaline junkies and sports fans who want action, not downtime.

The popularity boom came from pure spectacle: choreographed player dances, the Party Animals rival squad, TikTok‑melting walk‑ups, and a fan‑first philosophy that treats every game like a rock show. Media outlets from ESPN to Sports Illustrated jumped on the story, and suddenly Banana Ball was selling out 17 MLB parks, NFL stadiums, and launching its own championship league. Jesse Cole himself is a walking fun fact — he proposed in a yellow tux, lives by “Fans First,” and channels equal parts P.T. Barnum and sports‑mad ringmaster. 

Click on pic to enlarge

To catch the madness live, check out these links for more info about the madness of the bananas. 

The Bananas on Facebook

Jesse Cole

The Bananas Ticket Exchange

The Bananas on Instagram

The Bananas on YouTube

Watching Banana Ball is pure fun — a neon‑bright, high‑octane blast of athleticism from finely tuned players who perform with the swagger of rock stars and the precision of elite competitors. As the Bananas like to say: “If it’s not fun, why do it?”

{My Take}

After 58 years of writing about every sport under the sun — pro leagues, minor leagues, dusty backfields, neon‑lit arenas, you name it — I thought I’d seen every curveball the sports world could throw. But one night, sitting in my living room with the TV humming in the background, I stumbled onto a game that didn’t just catch my eye… it grabbed me by the collar. Banana Ball wasn’t baseball as I knew it — it was baseball with a jet engine strapped to its back, a rock‑concert heartbeat, and athletes who move like they’re powered by lightning. I’ve covered champions, dynasties, heartbreakers, miracle seasons — but nothing hits quite like this!

Jesse Cole truly is doing everything right—with his bright yellow tux and larger-than-life enthusiasm, he’s become a role model for kids and adults alike. It’s not just about the game; it’s about creating joy and community, and he’s absolutely someone you can look up to for that! I hope to catch a game, or two the next time that the bananas are in Vegas!

So here it is, straight from a Vegas‑based lifer of the sports beat:

Banana Ball rules!

I Love The Bananas!

~Gary England~

#NationalNewsMedia #WorldwideEntertainmentNetwork #Baseball #sports #professional

The Scene That Eats Its Own: Where Losers Come To Be Found And Winners Come And Get Lost!

Yesterday an old friend — one of the ink‑stained lifers I came up with in the newspaper trenches — dropped a surprise in my inbox. He said that I needed to see this! A clip from one of my first big assignments after I rolled into Las Vegas back in ’99. I was still ghosting back then, hiding behind other people’s bylines, so I can only legally spill a sliver of what that article said. But man… what a memory.

I got thrown straight into the fire the minute my boots hit the neon. No warm‑up act, no easing into the Vegas madness. One of the biggest names in showbiz — can’t say who because, well, ghost‑writer rules — sat across from me and kicked off the interview by saying he’d read my sports and entertainment stuff. Said my style would shake things up. Then he leaned back, gave me that showbiz half‑smirk, and dropped a line that’s been rattling around my skull for almost three decades:

“Vegas is where losers come to be found, and winners come and get lost.”

I didn’t know it then, but that quote would hit me harder 27 years later than it did that afternoon.

From ’99 to around 2020, my journalistic life felt pretty normal — or at least as normal as a writer’s life in Sin City can be. But the deeper I got into the scene, the more the ground started shifting under my feet. By last year (2025), it felt like I’d stepped straight into the Twilight Zone. Not what I signed up for, not by a long shot.

The higher‑up talent doesn’t need to hear this, and the folks still clawing their way up the food chain toward the spotlights sure as hell don’t want to hear it. But I’ve spent decades building up Las Vegas with my words — painting it as this friendly, electric, all‑for‑one carnival of neon dreams. A place where everyone was pulling the same rope, sweating for the same spotlight.

What the hell was I thinking?

The world’s gone sideways, and of course Vegas would too. This city doesn’t dodge the crazy — it amplifies it, turns it up to eleven, and blasts it through a busted speaker at 3 a.m. on Fremont.

For years I tried to convince myself — and everyone reading me — that Vegas was a warm, glitter‑dusted community. That the scene was a brotherhood, a sisterhood, a neon‑lit family. But the higher‑ups already know better, and the up‑and‑comers don’t want the truth messing with their climb.

Vegas isn’t a team sport. Vegas is a survival gig!

Gary England

A Five‑Star Afternoon And Night With Family Food Fun & Laughs At Dave & Buster’s Downtown Summerlin NV

I write articles and blogs about music, entertainment & sports. What better than to write about an awesome restaurant & hangout that has all three! Plus, some of the best-tasting stadium food out there!

Dave & Buster’s in Downtown Summerlin is one of those places that just makes you smile the second you walk in. Bright lights, great energy, and the kind of atmosphere where families, friends, and birthday crews (Like ours) all blend together for a night of pure fun. The Mrs. and I started things off with the flatbread pizza, and wow—this pizza pie was a total winner. Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor from the first bite to the last. Meanwhile, our birthday girl and her grandma shared a plate of boneless honey BBQ wings with fries, and both of them gave it the big thumbs‑up. When two generations agree on the same dish, you know it’s good.

After dinner, we headed straight for the games, and that’s where the night really took off. Skee‑ball, basketball hoops, racing games, themed adventures—you name it, they’ve got it. There’s more than enough to keep everyone busy, from the littlest players to the grown‑ups who still love a good arcade challenge. The vibe was fun, the décor cool, and our server, Dee, made the whole experience even better with his super-fast service and great menu knowledge.

The food, staff, the games, and the entertainment fun factor: Five stars all the way!

Dave & Buster’s, you made our night, can’t wait to come back for round two!

You Blew Me Away!

Gary England

Dave & Buster's Facebook

Dave & Buster's Official Website

#NationalNewsMedia #WorldwideEntertainmentNetwork #USAT #LasVegasReviewJournal #LasVegasSun #LasVegasWeekly

The Talent That Forgot Its Own Light: For The Artists Who Almost Walked Away!

 In the past few years, I’ve watched a handful of promising musicians hit the scene like lions, loud, fearless, ready to take over the world, only to slip out the back door of the industry without a sound. After talking with these insanely talented people, it wasn’t their skill that was missing. It was the way they saw their skill… and maybe the way they saw themselves.

This morning I woke up early after dreaming about one of them, and it hit me: sometimes the spark doesn’t die, the person holding it just forgets how bright it really is!

So here goes. You — yes, you — are the inspiration for my blog today.

Do you know you can be your own biggest headliner or your own worst heckler? This town doesn’t wait for anyone, you either step into the spotlight or you let the noise swallow you whole! Telling yourself you’ll never make it is like pulling your own plug mid‑set. That’s not humility, that’s sabotage.

But when you start talking to yourself like a Vegas headliner warming up backstage, confident, electric, unstoppable, everything changes. Your attitude becomes your amplifier. Your belief becomes your backstage pass. Suddenly, those big goals don’t look so impossible; they look like the next marquee with your name blazing across it.

So, the real move now is simple: how loud are you willing to turn yourself up?

After a few conversations with friends in the profession (Psychologists) and some very interesting research, I compiled a list of dos and don'ts to help you achieve your goals as a professional in the music world.

The DOs — How to promote yourself AND stay mentally bulletproof.

• Own your story — Your background, your grind, your scars, your wins. That’s your brand. People follow authenticity, not perfection.

• Show your work — Rehearsals, training clips, behind‑the‑scenes moments. Let people see the climb, not just the highlight reel.

• Stay consistent — Post regularly, train regularly, show up regularly. Consistency beats raw talent when talent goes quiet.

• Build real connections — Coaches, producers, promoters, photographers, fans. Shake hands, send messages, and show gratitude.

• Celebrate small wins — Every milestone matters. Momentum is built one victory at a time.

• Protect your mindset — Affirmations, routines, rest, boundaries. Confidence is a skill, not an accident.

• Stay coachable — Feedback is fuel. The greats stay students forever.

• Collaborate strategically — Work with people who elevate your craft and expand your reach.

• Act like a pro now — Be early, be prepared, be respectful. Word travels fast in every industry.

• Visualize the big stage — Musicians use mental rehearsal. If you can see it, you can chase it.

• The DON’Ts — What derails your rise faster than a bad set or a bad night onstage.

  • Don’t compare yourself — Comparison kills confidence. Focus on your lane, your pace, your growth.

  • Don’t fake success — People can smell manufactured hype. Authenticity builds trust; fakery destroys it.

  • Don’t trash talk competitors — It makes you look insecure, not confident. Let your performance do the talking.

  • Don’t disappear — Silence kills momentum. Even a small update keeps your audience connected.

  • Don’t chase validation — Likes aren’t proof of talent. Your work ethic is.

  • Don’t let negativity rent space — Self‑doubt is normal, but don’t let it run the show.

  • Don’t burn bridges — The industry is smaller than you think. Everyone talks.

  • Don’t ignore your health — Physical and mental burnout kills more careers than lack of talent.

• 
  

• Don’t rely on luck — Hustle, strategy, and consistency beat “hoping to get discovered.”

• Don’t forget the long game — Fame is a moment. Legacy is a lifetime.

• {My Take}

• So, if you’re reading this, whether you’re on the rise, on the ropes, or somewhere in between, let this be your reminder. Talent doesn’t vanish. Dreams don’t expire. Sometimes, all that fades is the way you look at yourself. And if no one else has told you lately, hear it from me: you’re still in the fight, you’re still worth the noise, and your story isn’t done. Not by a long shot! I'm here to help you get your story out to the world!

• Gary England

Second Runs Second Chances: How Rewrites Multiply The Reach For A Journalist Or A Writer And What They're Writing About

 Since stepping out of the ghostwriter shadows and finally signing my own name (2019),

I’ve been introduced to a little industry magic trick called the "rewrite."

A rewrite happens when another publisher likes your story enough to run it, but not exactly as you wrote it the original time. They may want you to switch up the language, trim or expand the piece, swap in a few new photos, or reshape it to fit their format.

The beauty of it? The writer gets paid again for the same original work, and the people who are written about—musicians, athletes, friends grinding in their lanes- get double or triple the exposure they would’ve gotten from the first run alone.

At the end of the day, rewrites aren’t just a publishing trick—they’re a reminder that nothing in life is locked in its first draft. Stories evolve, writers evolve, and people evolve. I’ve learned that giving a piece a second run can open doors, boost visibility, and breathe new life into something you thought was finished. Maybe that’s the real lesson here: every one of us has a rewrite in us. Tighten a few lines, cut what no longer fits, add what makes you stronger, and step back into the world with a cleaner, sharper version of yourself.

Gary England

“Two Giants One Spotlight: UFC And MVP MMA Clash For Combat Sports Supremacy: Who Wins?

 Saturday May 16th, 2026

MVP MMA 1 exploded onto the combat‑sports landscape last Saturday night with a card built entirely on spectacle, star power, and heavyweight paychecks. Ronda Rousey set the tone for the entire MVP MMA 1 card, submitting Gina Carano in just 17 seconds and walking away with a staggering $2.2 million, while Carano earned $1.05 million in her return. Nate Diaz and Mike Perry delivered the blood‑and‑beer‑energy brawl everyone expected, ending in a doctor stoppage TKO in the 2nd round. Diaz took home a $500,000 purse, with Perry taking home $400,000 and the win! Francis Ngannou closed his match with a thunderous knockout of Philipe Lins, adding another viral clip to his legacy and pocketing $1.5 million for the night. It was a statement event—loud, lucrative, and impossible to ignore.

The question now is whether MVP MMA can coexist with the UFC, and the answer—for the moment—is yes. MVP isn’t trying to replace the UFC’s weekly grind; it’s positioning itself as the “Super Bowl” of MMA, a place where megastars fight for mega money in fewer, flashier events. The UFC, meanwhile, remains the sport’s backbone, with the deepest roster, the most consistent matchmaking, and a global infrastructure no one else can touch. UFC’s biggest weakness continues to be fighter pay, especially when MVP is handing out seven‑figure checks like candy. MVP’s weakness is sustainability—giant purses require giant audiences, and that model only works as long as the star power holds.

For more than two decades, every major promotion that tried to challenge the UFC eventually fell short. Pride Fighting Championships was once the most electric MMA show on the planet, but financial scandal and UFC expansion crushed it. Strikeforce came closest to being a true rival, boasting stars like Rousey, Cormier, and Diaz, yet it was ultimately bought and absorbed by the UFC. EliteXC burned bright and fast, collapsing after its TV deal imploded. Affliction Entertainment tried the “super‑event” model with massive fighter paydays, but the money dried up after just two shows. World Extreme Cagefighting produced legends but was folded into the UFC as part of its consolidation strategy. Even Bellator MMA, the longest‑running challenger was eventually sold to the PFL after years of trying to compete with the UFC’s global machine. All of them swung at the giant—and all of them eventually fell.

So, what does this mean for MVP MMA? It means they’re stepping into a fight history says they shouldn’t win, but they’re doing it with bigger stars, bigger checks, and bigger cultural momentum than any challenger before them. And if Saturday night proved anything, it’s that MVP MMA isn’t afraid of the moment. They’re giving the UFC the best fight it’s had in years—and the fans are winning because of it!

Who else is winning?

After Saturday night, I now have a new inspiration in my life. Gina Carano! After almost a 17-year hiatus away from the sport. And losing 100 lbs. for the match. She stepped back in the ring Saturday night against one of the most dangerous fighters in the entire world, Rowdy Ronda Rousey! 

That takes something really special!

Gary England

The Free Facebook Upgrade That Every Musician And Entertainer Should Turn On Today!

 After 58-plus years in the media trenches, music, entertainment, sports, journalism, ghostwriting- the whole beautiful circus- there’s a side of me most folks have never really seen. My ghost persona. The part that’s picked up the real tricks of the trade, the backstage shortcuts, the survival skills, and the little industry hacks that keep you sharp, safe, and one step ahead. 

And every now and then, I like to pull back the curtain and hand one of those tricks to the next generation. To the people in the biz, that works their butt's off upping their media game! (social media, music platforms, etc.)

So, here’s one: no big secret that everyone in the music and entertainment world should know about and use. It’s powerful, it’s practical, and best of all… It’s free!

Using your Facebook correctly!

Signing up for or switching your regular Facebook account is simple and easy: 

Starting with a standard Facebook profile, go to your profile menu and switch your standard account to Professional Mode; this unlocks creator‑level tools without charging you a dime. Once activated, you get access to analytics, audience insights, post-performance data, monetization eligibility tracking, and a more polished public-facing profile. For people in the music and entertainment business, this is a quiet superpower! It turns your Facebook presence into a mini‑marketing machine. You can track which posts drive the most engagement, see what cities your fans are in, promote shows more effectively, build a professional brand image, and position yourself like a working artist instead of just another personal profile. In a city like Las Vegas, where visibility equals opportunity, a professional account helps musicians look legit, stay organized, and grow their audience with real data rather than guesswork.

Here is a Rock Star example of how this works. I call it my "What's Hot and What's Not" Information!

Click On Pic For Larger View

What's hot on my social media (Facebook) this past week is Mr. Danny "The Count" Koker!

Here's what my Pro-Account on Facebook told me:

In a little over a week. Danny is a very popular person (Rock Star) around Las Vegas, and on my Facebook Page! With over 20,600 views. So, what does this info tell me? When I get the chance, shoot more pictures of Danny and his band :-)

And by the way, you might want to check this out!

Event Page On Facebook

{My Take}

A Facebook Professional Account quietly hands you the kind of leverage most artists spend years chasing. It gives you real‑time audience insights, lets you study what content actually moves people, sharpens your branding, boosts your visibility, and opens the door to monetization tools as your following grows. It turns every post, photo, reel, and show announcement into data you can use — not guesses you hope land. For anyone in the music and entertainment world, that’s gold. It means smarter promotion, stronger fan engagement, and a cleaner, more credible public presence that works for you 24/7. And the best part is still the headline: it’s free, and every serious creative should be using it.

Gary England

Honoring Las Vegas Kings Head Coach Chris Wallace — A Leader, A Mentor, And A True Friend

 Today, my blog is about one very remarkable human being, Chris Wallace.

Leader in our community, a role model to our youth, a mentor of many, and a figure held in high regard.

And the head coach of our Las Vegas Kings Arena football team.

Today, the King's family celebrates not just a coach, but a remarkable human being. Head Coach Chris Wallace has become the steady force behind the Kings. A mentor who teaches far more than football. His tireless dedication to guiding young men, both on and off the field, has shaped lives, strengthened character, and built a culture rooted in respect, discipline, and heart.

Coach Wallace’s love for his community is unmistakable. Whether he’s coaching, mentoring, volunteering, or simply showing up for people who need him, he leads with humility and purpose. His players look up to him. His staff trusts him. And those who know him — truly know him — understand how rare it is to find someone who gives so much of himself without ever asking for anything in return.

So today, we honor the man behind the whistle.

Happy Birthday, Coach Chris Wallace. You’re an incredible leader, an inspiration to everyone around you, and an awesome person that I’m proud to call a friend.

{My Take}

"Chris Wallace Makes Me A Better Man." Thank You, Chris!

~Gary England~

FlexWork Sports SlideOut Academy Delivered A Super Bowl‑Level Youth Football Experience For Southern Nevada’s Next Generation of Football Players!

 HENDERSON, Nevada — Saturday, March 14th, 2026

Saturday afternoon at Liberty High School felt like the heartbeat of youth football in Southern Nevada as FlexWork Sports SlideOut Academy hosted its 2026 youth football camp — a high‑energy, high‑impact event that brought together over 330 boys and girls ages 6 to 16 for an unforgettable day of development, mentorship, and pure love for the game.

From the opening whistle, the field buzzed with movement as campers rotated through eleven 11‑minute stations, each designed to sharpen a different part of their athletic foundation. Speed bursts, footwork ladders, cone agility, mobility circuits, endurance challenges, and eye‑hand coordination drills kept every athlete engaged and pushing their limits. The afternoon also featured passing and route‑running stations, giving young players a chance to build timing, confidence, and technique in real football scenarios.

A Super Bowl Experience

Professional Coaching

Leadership

The Professional Setting

What made this camp truly special was the level of coaching on the field. Three of the NFL’s most dynamic playmakers —

• Amon‑Ra St. Brown (Detroit Lions)

• Deebo Samuel (Washington Commanders)

• Garrett Wilson (New York Jets)

— spent the afternoon teaching, motivating, and connecting with the kids. Their presence turned routine drills into once‑in‑a‑lifetime moments, and their hands‑on coaching gave young athletes a glimpse into the mindset and work ethic of true professionals.

Adding to the star‑studded lineup, Las Vegas Kings head coach Chris Wallace, Mike Gelato, Kenneth Jones, Dimitrius Vargas, and TreA'vonii Page, were on the turf all afternoon, guiding players through stations, offering encouragement, and bringing that signature arena‑football intensity. Their involvement grounded the event in the local community and showed young athletes that the path to greatness can start right here in Southern Nevada.

By the time the final station wrapped and the last huddle broke, one thing was clear: every participant walked off the field with something meaningful. For some, it was a new skill. For others, a spark of confidence. For many, it was a deeper love for football — or the realization that they belong in sports.

Events like this don’t just build athletes; they build futures. And on this Saturday afternoon in Henderson, Nevada, more than 330 young boys and girls took a step toward theirs.

{My Take}

What an experience! An A-plus sports event, an A-plus football camp!

A Super Bowl‑Level Thank You

A special thank‑you goes out to Luther Jones, FlexWork Sports, SlideOut Academy, Panini, and every professional player and coach, volunteer, parent, and partner who poured their time and energy into this event. Their commitment transformed a Saturday afternoon into a Super Bowl‑style experience for more than 330 young athletes — the kind of day they’ll remember long after the cleats come off.

Gary England

Check out the links below for information about future events.

FlexWork Sports Official Website

FlexWork Sports

SlideOut Academy

Panini

Las Vegas Kings Arena Football

Rock Roll And Red Zone: The Las Vegas Rockers Are Bringing A New Beat To Vegas Sports !

 While looking through the daily sports and entertainment news, AP and UPI lines. I happened on the Las Vegas Rockers, an expansion team this year, making their debut in the International Arena League (IAL).

 I've written a ton of sports and music in my career. But to mix music and football together, what a cool idea, so I decided to read on and research the Rockers and write them up, and to send it on to the Worldwide Sports Network, and to publish it here on my blog.

Arena football has always been the rebel cousin of the gridiron family — faster, louder, closer, and unapologetically fan‑first. In 2026, no team embodies that spirit more than the Las Vegas Rockers, the newest high‑octane franchise electrifying the International Arena League (IAL). With a home base at the Orleans Arena, a growing fan movement, and a league built for speed and spectacle, the Rockers are positioning themselves as one of the most exciting sports stories in Las Vegas!

The Rockers aren’t just another expansion team — they’re a brand engineered for the city they represent. Their identity blends rock‑and‑roll swagger with arena‑football grit, creating a game‑day experience that feels part concert, part sporting event, and all Vegas. Turn up the volume!!

The team’s 2026 schedule at the Orleans Arena features matchups against international and domestic opponents, including the Pennsylvania Benjamins, Stuttgart Stallions, Arizona Juggernauts, Cincinnati Slingers, and Utah Great 8’s.

From the moment fans walk in, the Rockers deliver a sensory overload: booming music, high‑energy intros, and a field so close you can feel the hits. It’s football without the filters — I've been around arena football for over 10 years now, and professional sports since 1968. All I can say is that Vegas fans are going to love the Rockers!

The Rockers are part of the International Arena League, a growing global organization redefining what arena football can be. The IAL blends American indoor football traditions with an international footprint, modern production values, and a commitment to fan engagement.

The league’s mission is simple: fast games, fierce competition, and a fan experience that rivals major entertainment productions. With teams across multiple countries and a 2026 season that promises expanded visibility, the IAL is positioning itself as the next major player in alternative professional football.

Fans can expect:

• High‑scoring games thanks to the smaller field and rapid‑fire pace

• International matchups that bring new styles and strategies

• Enhanced fan access, including meet‑and‑greets, behind‑the‑scenes content, and interactive events

• A league built for digital audiences, with streaming‑friendly game formats and global reach.

The team has already announced partnerships, fan events, and meet‑and‑greets at the Orleans Arena, building a community around the franchise before the first kickoff. 

(Home schedule up top 2nd picture)

Game days feel like a hybrid of:

• A rock concert

• A sports showdown

• A Vegas‑style entertainment production

It’s the kind of immersive experience that fits perfectly into a city where entertainment is King!

{My Take}

In a city built on energy and spectacle, the Rockers are ready to make every snap feel like a headline moment, turning each game into the kind of high‑voltage experience Vegas audiences live for. And as the International Arena League continues to grow its global footprint, Las Vegas looks poised to become one of its brightest, loudest stages — a place where the sport’s future can shine just as boldly as the lights on the Strip!

Gary England

Las Vegas Rockers

International Arena League

For Tickets

Orleans Arena

From Weekenders To High‑Earners: The New Face Of Las Vegas Tourism

 Las Vegas is definitely changing! So are the people visiting Las Vegas.

Las Vegas is attracting a noticeably different crowd than it did just a few years ago. Today’s typical visitor is younger, more affluent, more likely to be single, and spending their money differently than past generations of Vegas travelers. The city’s own data shows a clear demographic and behavioral pivot — one that’s reshaping everything from casino strategy to nightlife programming.

Who the Average Visitor Is Now

Higher‑Income Travelers Dominate

• 75% of visitors in 2025 came from households earning over $100,000, a dramatic rise from pre‑pandemic years.

• High‑income travelers are also increasing even as overall visitor spending on basics (food, drinks, shopping) has dipped.

Younger and More Singles

• Surveys show younger visitors and more single travelers compared to recent years.

• Stays are getting shorter, but the demographic is more experience‑driven and nightlife‑oriented.

Slightly Fewer Visitors Overall

• Visitor volume has dipped in several recent months compared to the previous year, even as satisfaction remains high, and 80% say they plan to return.

Why the Shift Is Happening

 Post‑Pandemic Travel Priorities

Higher‑income travelers rebounded first and fastest after COVID‑19, and they’ve continued to dominate Vegas tourism. Their spending power aligns with the city’s push toward premium experiences.

The Rise of High‑End, Immersive Entertainment

From the Sphere to upscale nightlife and curated dining, Vegas has leaned into spectacle and luxury, naturally attracting wealthier and younger audiences who want “eventized” travel.

 Economic Pressures on Middle‑Income Travelers

With rising travel costs, many mid‑tier visitors are cutting back or shortening trips — reflected in lower everyday spending even among those who still come.

Lifestyle and Demographic Trends

Younger adults are traveling more frequently, often for shorter, high‑impact trips. Vegas fits that model perfectly: quick flights, social energy, and a constant churn of new attractions.

What This Means for Las Vegas

The city is evolving toward a visitor base that:

• Expects premium experiences

• Prioritizes nightlife, events, and unique attractions

• Spends selectively rather than broadly

• Returns often, but for shorter stays

For venues, bands, and entertainment creators in Las Vegas, this shift is a signal: the future belongs to high‑quality, high‑energy, visually immersive experiences that appeal to younger, affluent travelers looking for something they can’t get anywhere else.

{My Take}

Las Vegas has always evolved with its audience, and today’s visitor is proof that the city’s future belongs to travelers who want premium experiences, quick-hit adventures, and unforgettable moments. As the demographic shifts younger and wealthier, the Strip is reshaping itself in real time — and the venues, entertainers, and creators who adapt fastest will be the ones who define the next era of Vegas!

Gary England

Flex Work Sports Slide Out Academy Brings Big‑Time Football Energy To Henderson Nevada March 14, 2026

 

HENDERSON, Nev. — Presented by PANINI  

Youth football in Southern Nevada gets a major boost this spring as Flex Work Sports Slide Out Academy hosts its 2026 youth football camp on Saturday, March 14, bringing NFL talent, elite coaching, and members of our Las Vegas Kings together for an afternoon built to inspire the next generation of athletes.

The camp runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Liberty High School in Henderson, Nevada, and is open to boys and girls ages 6–16, offering young players a rare chance to learn from pros who’ve lived the grind, played under the lights, and know exactly what it takes to elevate their game.

Flex Work Sports has built a reputation for connecting young athletes with real‑deal football minds, and this year’s lineup continues that tradition. NFL players will be on hand to coach position groups, run drills, and share the kind of insight you can’t get from YouTube clips or highlight reels.

Adding to the star power, members of the Las Vegas Kings arena football team will join the coaching roster, bringing their trademark intensity and Vegas swagger to the turf.

Las Vegas Kings

For many kids, this will be their first chance to meet the players they cheer for on game nights — and to learn directly from the pros!

Pictured Above 

Star NFL Players Top Left to Right: 

Amon Ra St. Brown, Deebo Samuel, Garrett Wilson 

Bottom Left to Right: 

Rome Odunze, Josh Downs & Adonai Mitchell

Whether a young athlete is lacing up cleats for the first time or already dreaming of Friday‑night lights, Slide Out Academy’s coaching format meets them where they are at.

The afternoon includes:

• Position‑specific instruction for quarterbacks, receivers, running backs, linemen, and defensive backs

• Speed and agility training designed to build confidence and improve fundamentals

• Live reps and competitive drills that simulate real‑game situations

• Motivational talks from NFL veterans and Kings players about discipline, teamwork, and mental toughness

The camp’s mission is simple: give every kid a chance to grow, compete, and walk off the field better than they arrived.

Flex Work Sports has carved out a special place in the Southern Nevada sports community. Their Slide Out Academy events emphasize mentorship, character, and opportunity — values that resonate with families, coaches, and young athletes across the valley.

Hosting the camp at Liberty High School, one of the region’s most respected football programs, only adds to the atmosphere. Parents can expect a safe, organized, high‑energy environment where their kids are encouraged, challenged, and celebrated.

Event Details

• Event: Flex Work Sports Slide Out Academy Youth Football Camp

• Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026

• Time: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

• Location: Liberty High School Henderson, Nevada

• Ages: Boys & Girls 6–16

Flexwork Sports Official Website (Information)

Flexwork Sports Management Facebook

Photo Gallery

With NFL players, Las Vegas Kings athletes, and top‑tier coaches all coming together on one field, this camp is shaping up to be one of the standout youth football events of the year. For young athletes across the valley, March 14 isn’t just another Saturday — it’s a chance to train like a pro, meet their heroes, and take their game to the next level.

In the end, this camp isn’t just about drills — it’s about giving every young athlete a moment that could change their path. If your child loves the game or is ready to discover it, March 14 is their chance to step onto the field with real pros and feel what football is all about!

Gary England

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