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 First Riff Of Every Show: The Secret Weapon Every Musician Should Be Using!

 

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Today’s blog hits with a little backstage spark. When my friend, Rock Legend Les Warner fired over his gig flyer last night, I didn’t just glance at it — I jumped on it. I blasted out a feature post on my blog, dropped it on Facebook, and let that thing ride straight into the feeds.

And while I was doing all that, it smacked me right in the face just how crucial these flyers really are. They’re not just pretty graphics — they’re the fast‑acting adrenaline shot that gets butts in seats and fans through the door. A sharp flyer is the quickest way to turn a gig announcement into a packed room and a loud night.

It's all about giving the fans the essentials in one quick look. 

You want to cover the big three: who’s playing, when it’s happening, and where to show up. So, start with the band or artist name—make it bold and easy to spot. Then drop in the date and time, nice and clear. Finally, pop in the venue details and maybe a ticket link or a QR code if you’ve got it. Keep it simple, punchy, and let that flyer do the talking!

{My Take}

These flyers (Like the one up top) aren’t just promo pieces — they’re the opening riff to every great night of live music. They spark the buzz; they rally the crowd and set the tone long before the first note hits the air!

Keep ’em bold, keep ’em blazing, and keep ’em rolling out like fresh riffs off a hot sizzling amp!

Gary England

Rustic Lounge

Les Warner

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

Primm’s Second Chance: Can Terrible’s Make Primm Nevada Great Again?

Is Terrible’s really going to save Primm, Nevada? All signs point to yes — and not just with talk, but with a full‑scale plan to modernize, renovate, and revive the long‑fading border town. After years of closures, stalled operations, and declining tourism, Terrible’s has stepped in as the new operator of Primm’s hotel‑casinos and related properties, partnering directly with the Primm family to stop the July 4 shutdown and rebuild the town’s entertainment identity.

Terrible’s and the Primm family say their first mission is simple: keep the lights on. That means stabilizing operations at Primm Valley Casino Resort, Oasis Apartments, The Lotto Store, and other properties that were days away from closure. With Affinity Gaming out and new licensing underway, Terrible’s is working with the Nevada Gaming Control Board to ensure continuity for employees, residents, and travelers. More than 300 jobs are expected to be saved as part of this transition.

But the bigger picture is where the real revival begins. Terrible’s plans include renovating aging properties, upgrading traveler amenities, expanding food and beverage offerings, and reimagining Primm as a true destination rather than just a pit stop on I‑15. Both families emphasize that Primm’s best days aren’t behind it — they’re betting on new investment, refreshed attractions, and a long‑term strategy to bring back tourism, truck traffic, and weekend entertainment.

In short, Terrible’s isn’t just trying to save Primm — they’re trying to rebuild its identity. If they follow through on the renovations, marketing, and modernization they’re promising, Primm could once again become the lively mini‑Vegas gateway it used to be.

{My Take}

In the end, Terrible’s isn’t just inheriting Primm, they’re betting big on its comeback. If they follow through with the renovations, the refreshed attractions, and the promise to bring real energy back to the state line, Primm could finally shake off its ghost‑town reputation and step back into the spotlight. For the first time in a long time, there’s a real sense that something is happening out there in the desert, and this time, it might actually stick! 

The times that I've visited Primm, I loved it! Good food, good entertainment, loose slots, great gaming, fun for all! 

 Looking forward to seeing if Terrible's can "Make Primm Nevada Great Again"!

Gary England

Wonderboogie Turns The Orleans Hotel Casino Showroom Into A Dance‑Floor Disco Inferno Last Night!

Friday Night, May 29th, 2026

By the time I hit the Orleans Hotel & Casino on Friday night around 8 o' clock (about an hour before showtime), the energy was already in full swing. A Wonderboogie show isn’t something you just ease into; you do the hustle if you want a seat. The chairs go quick, space on the dance floor goes quicker, and once the band hits the stage, the crowd stays on their feet for the rest of the night!

Click on the pic to enlarge

First, let me tell you a little about this amazing Band!

Wonderboogie burst onto the Las Vegas scene with the mission to keep disco alive and kicking under the neon lights of Las Vegas, Nevada. Formed by a group of seasoned musicians who share a love for funk, soul, and glitter‑soaked grooves, the band quickly became a staple at casinos and local venues where the dance floor never sleeps. To me, their shows are pure time travel, with shimmering lights, sequined outfits, and a nonstop setlist of disco classics that pull everyone into the rhythm and onto the dance floor. When Wonderboogie hits the stage, it’s not just a concert; it’s a full‑scale Disco Party, where the crowd becomes part of the spectacle, moving in sync to Boogie Shoes, Celebration, Funky Town, Car Wash, Shake Your Booty, We Are Family, Stayin' Alive, and of course, You Should Be Dancing, among many other disco tunes. 

When the lights dim and the first beat drops, Wonderboogie transforms the room into a glittering time capsule of rhythm and joy. Their shows are more than performances; they’re celebrations of dance, memory, and pure disco magic. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a first‑time dancer, expect to leave the floor smiling, shimmering, and already planning your next night under the mirror ball with Wonderboogie as your host!

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Front and center on lead vocals is Jiffy Papageorgio, the band’s undeniable spark plug. Jiffy is Wonderboogie’s front‑line Firestarter! A pure disco tenor with a bright, ringing upper register and a natural command of call‑and‑response that pulls the whole room into his orbit. His phrasing leans classic ’70s soul; he hits every line with sharp, modern pop precision. He’s the guy who can shout “Funky Town!” and instantly make the crowd feel like they’ve stepped straight back into a time machine set for 1978.

Rolo McFlurry (Lead Guitar) is Wonderboogie’s play it out loud, showman, the groove architect who paints the air with wah‑wah fire and razor‑tight rhythm chops. His tone is glossy, syrup‑smooth, and built for the dance floor, every riff snaps like a neon whip. When he leans into a disco‑strut chord progression, the whole room feels it in their hips and legs. Rolo doesn’t just play guitar; he conducts the boogie!

Franklin "Boom Boom" Washington (On Bass) is the heartbeat of the band, a high‑end technician with a velvet touch and a funk engine that never stops. His bass lines walk, glide, and pop with that unmistakable ’70s swagger, warm, round, and locked so deep in the pocket it practically has its own zip code! When Boom Boom drops into a groove, the crowd doesn’t just hear it; they feel it vibrating through the dance floor beneath their feet!

Roscoe "DaMoonman" Jenkins (On Drums) is the pulse of the party, a disco drummer with metronome precision and a showman’s flair. His hi‑hat work is crisp, his kick is relentless, and his fills explode like glitter cannons. He drives every song with that classic four‑on‑the‑floor thump that turns a room full of people into a synchronized wave of movement and of expression! When DaMoonman is in the pocket, the night becomes one giant Disco heartbeat to dance to!

My not-so-secret band review: I Love This Band!

Wonderboogie isn’t just another Vegas band; they’re a full‑throttle disco experience that turns every showroom or venue into a glitter‑lit celebration. Their musicianship is tight, their energy is contagious, and their commitment to keeping the spirit of the ’70s alive is the real deal. I gave them an excellent Five-Star review as I always do for many reasons! Their harmonies were sharp, their grooves were deep, and the crowd never stopped moving. If you’re looking for a night where the music hits your soul, the dance floor pulls you in, and the mirror ball feels like it’s spinning just for you, then Wonderboogie is the show you don’t want to miss! 

Do yourself a favor, grab your favorite dance partner, slip on your bell-bottoms and your boogie shoes, and go see Wonderboogie live! 

You can thank me later!

Gary England

#NationalNewsMedia #WorldwideEntertainmentNetwork #USAT #MusicEntertainmentSports

Wonderboogie Website

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Nerds Gone Wild: The Spazmatics Las Vegas Blow The Roof Off Santa Fe Station's Chrome Showroom LV!

The Spazmatics Las Vegas turned the Santa Fe Station’s Chrome Showroom into a full‑blown 1980s time machine last night, and the crowd never stopped moving. These self‑proclaimed nerds—who perform with the swagger of full‑tilt rock stars—hit the stage in front of a standing‑room‑only crowd and instantly had the dance floor packed. From the first synth stab to the final guitar riff, the energy never dipped for a second.

What makes a Spazmatics Las Vegas show so addictive is the collision of precision musicianship and unapologetic geek‑theatrics. They’re tight, polished, and wildly entertaining, delivering every song with the kind of punch that reminds you why these hits became anthems in the first place. But they also lean into the nerd persona so hard that you can’t help but love them for it.

So, what exactly did I witness and listen to last night? Was the packed Chrome Showroom listening to one of the premier live bands in the world working last night, or were we watching a group of talented nerds simply having the time of their lives onstage?

Honestly, that’s the magic of The Spazmatics Las Vegas. They’re both!

{My Take}

In the end, the Spazmatics Las Vegas didn’t just play a show—they detonated a neon‑soaked, nostalgia‑fueled party that had the entire Chrome Showroom dancing like it was prom night in 1985. Whether they’re elite musicians disguised as lovable nerds or lovable nerds who just happen to be elite musicians is a mystery best solved in person. One thing’s certain: if you want a night packed with laughs, energy, and wall‑to‑wall hits, this world‑class band is waiting to blow your mind all over again.

I give these nerds, I mean rock star musicians, five (5) big stars!

Go see these talented nerds, rock star musicians!

GE 

#NationalNewsMedia #WorldwideEntertainmentNetwork 

Spazmatics Tour Dates

Spazmatics Las Vegas Facebook

Santa Fe Station Facebook

Santa Fe Station Chrome Showroom 

Wonderland In The Desert: How Las Vegas Does December And Christmas

 Las Vegas transforms into a dazzling holiday wonderland each December, offering locals and visitors endless ways to celebrate Christmas, from glittering light displays to festive concerts and charitable traditions. Here’s my guide to enjoying the season from now through December 25th.

 Iconic Light Displays

• Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway: Drive through more than six million twinkling lights or join the PJ5K pajama run for a charitable twist. One of my Christmas faves!

• Ethel M Cactus Garden Lights (Henderson): A desert holiday classic, featuring over a million lights strung across the cactus garden, running nightly through January 3.

• Magical Forest at Opportunity Village: A 2.5-acre holiday theme park with decorated trees, carnival rides, mini golf, and nightly entertainment.

 Holiday Shows & Entertainment

• Barry Manilow’s “A Very Barry Christmas”: A seasonal headliner at Westgate International Theater, blending Vegas showmanship with holiday cheer.

• “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at The Orleans: A family-friendly stage adaptation of the beloved classic, perfect for kids and nostalgic adults.

• Enchant Christmas at Las Vegas Ballpark: A massive immersive light maze, ice skating trail, and live entertainment.

 Family-Friendly Attractions

• Mystic Falls Park Winter Wonderland (Sam’s Town): Indoor snowfalls, holiday laser light shows, and animatronic displays. This is an annual tradition for my family!

• Fontainebleau Winter Wonderland: A new addition to the Strip, offering themed décor, skating, and festive cocktails.

• Electric City Light Show: A high-tech spectacle of synchronized lights and music.

Spiritual & Community Celebrations

• Christmas Eve Services: Churches across Las Vegas host candlelight services on December 24, offering a reflective pause amid the city’s glitz.

• Hanukkah Celebrations (Dec 14–22): Citywide menorah lightings and cultural events highlight Las Vegas’s diverse holiday spirit.

• Charity Events: Many attractions, like Glittering Lights and Opportunity Village, directly support local nonprofits, making your holiday fun also a way to give back.

Seasonal Indulgences

• Holiday Cocktails & Dining: Resorts and restaurants roll out themed menus—think peppermint martinis, gingerbread desserts, and prix fixe Christmas dinners.

• Festive Shopping: The Strip’s malls and Downtown Container Park offer holiday markets, perfect for last-minute gifts.

As far as 1 of "My Favorite Picks" for Christmas Cheer:

One of the most spectacular ways to celebrate Christmas in Las Vegas is to visit the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, “All Aboard the Holiday Bells and Whistles.” Running through January 3, 2026, it’s a must-see centerpiece of the season. Children of all ages (Including moms and dads) love it!

Las Vegas proves that Christmas can be both dazzling and heartfelt. From the grandeur of the Bellagio Conservatory’s Christmas wonderland to the community warmth of Opportunity Village’s Magical Forest, the city offers experiences that blend spectacle with tradition. Whether you’re sipping a peppermint martini on the Strip, driving through millions of lights at the Speedway, or pausing for candlelight services on Christmas Eve, the season here is about connection, joy, and wonder. In true Vegas style, Christmas shines brighter, lasts longer, and leaves memories that sparkle well beyond December 25th. 

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas month of December!

GE

The Spazmatics Las Vegas Prove Why It's Hip To Be Square Inside The Chrome Showroom Santa Fe Station Friday Night!

 Friday July 11th, 2025

"What an awesome way to start off the weekend, but with The Spazmatics LV, these guys are the only Rockstars that I know of that can be called musical nerds. And they're the best in the music biz at doing it"!

"They make 80s new wave, pop rock music fun to listen to and to hit the dance floor with. And their antics onstage are hilarious to say the least. A show that blends music with comedy at its best."

~Gary England~ Vegas-Insider

{The Band}

Click On Pic To ENLARGE

Click On Pic To ENLARGE

The Spazmatics lit up the Chrome Showroom inside the Santa Fe Station Hotel & Casino on Friday night, delivering an electrifying, nostalgia-fueled 1980s tribute that had the crowd dancing nonstop for their entire two-hour performance. With their signature skinny ties, Brill‑creamed hair, and horn‑rimmed glasses, the band brought infectious energy to hits spanning synth-pop and new wave, perfectly capturing the era’s stylish quirks and high-octane fun. The Spazmatics kept the party going with tunes that included Power Of Love, Tainted Love, Hit Me With Your Best Shot, I Love Rock n' Roll, Working For The Weekend, Jessie's Girl, and Party Like It's 1999 among many others.

With their signature geek-chic style and crowd-pleasing covers, they had the audience dancing, singing, and laughing all night long. It was a fun-filled, amazing night of music and high jinks that proved once again why the Spazmatics Las Vegas are one of the most entertaining live music acts around!

Go See These Nerds .. They're Rock Stars!

{The Venue}

The Chrome Showroom is a music lover's (And photographers) paradise. The lighting and sound are awesome! The staff is very friendly, the bartenders know how to mix your favorite drink, and the cocktail girls are there when you're ready to order, fast and friendly too. 

An A+ Experience All Around.

The Music & Venue - 5 Stars For The Night!

GE

 

Wonderboogie Brings the Funk to Roxy's Lounge Sam's Town Casino Las Vegas

 {Sam's Town Casino} July 5th, 2025

"It was like stepping into a time machine Saturday night inside Roxy’s Lounge, as it became a portal to the 1970s disco era (My high school days), with Wonderboogie acting as our psychedelic, magical musical disco tour guide". 

~Gary England~  Vegas Insider

Wonderboogie lit up Roxy’s Lounge all night long last night with their high-energy disco-infused show packed with funky beats, upbeat tempos, disco grooves, deep soul, and non-stop rock rhythm dance vibes. The band brought the heat from the first note, keeping the crowd on their feet with tight grooves, powerhouse vocals, and infectious stage presence. Locals and out-of-towners alike filled the room, turning the lounge into a full-blown party. It wasn’t just a performance—it was a throwback dance floor revival that reminded everyone why disco still lives today!

Wonderboogie On Facebook

Wonderboogie's set list included: Boogie Shoes, You Should Be Dancing, Car Wash, Funky Town, Celebrate, Shake Your Booty, Love Train, Cupid Shuffle, and Disco Inferno, among many other Disco favorites. 

The lounge was packed, the dance floor was full, and the room's energy was over the top!

As the final notes echoed through Roxy’s Lounge last night, Wonderboogie gave everyone a night of pure energy, emotional nostalgia, and a ton of unforgettable disco-filled grooves. 

No need to "Freak Out" if you missed the party last night. 

You can catch Wonderboogie at these upcoming events. < Events Calendar >

I Know I Am!

Life's too short, You Should Be Dancing, Yeah!

GE

To Be Syndicated: #NationalNewsMedia #WorldwideEntertainmentNetwork #UniversalMedia

#garyengland.com #VegasInsider

Ghostly Secrets Of The Las Vegas Strip

 The Strip is all glitz on the surface, but there’s a lot more going on if you know where to look. 

Here’s a mix of Ghostly gems, quirky facts, and behind-the-scenes vibes that the Las Vegas Strip has to offer if you know where to look.

Hidden Bars & Speakeasies

• The Laundry Room – A secret bar inside Commonwealth (located in Downtown, but worth the short trip). Text for reservations only. Super intimate with craft cocktails.

• Ghost Donkey (Cosmopolitan) – A neon-lit mezcal bar hidden behind a door in the Block 16 food court.

• 1923 Prohibition Bar (Mandalay Bay) – Tucked away behind a bookcase near the Shops at Mandalay Place.

• The Barbershop Cuts & Cocktails is the ultimate blend of vintage grooming and high-energy nightlife. By day, it’s a classic barbershop offering top-notch cuts and straight-razor shaves, but after hours. That’s when the real magic happens.

Secret Menus & VIP Perks

• In-N-Out (LINQ Promenade) – Ask for the "Animal Style" or "Flying Dutchman" if you’re in the know.

• Nobu (Caesars Palace) – There’s a VIP entrance that most people don’t know about, and they’ll prepare an off-menu omakase if you ask the chef directly.

Casino Secrets

• No Clocks or Windows – Classic, but true. Keeps you disoriented and gambling longer.

• "Eye in the Sky" – The domes on ceilings? They’re surveillance, but they also have hidden cameras behind mirrored glass in ceilings and fixtures you’d never suspect.

• High Roller Rooms – Even most hotel guests never see these. They’re decked out like luxury suites with private staff, security, and sometimes even secret elevators.

Free & Secret Shows

• Secret Elvis – There's an off-the-books Elvis impersonator who roams the Strip doing private serenades (usually near the Venetian).

• MGM Grand’s KÀ Rehearsals – Occasionally open to the public during select mornings. Quietly announced on MGM's event boards or concierge desk.

Hotel Tricks

• Upgrade Hack – Slip the front desk a $20 “Vegas Sandwich” (cash between your ID and credit card) and politely ask if there are any complimentary upgrades.

• Hidden Floors – Some hotels (like the Bellagio) have unmarked private floors for high-rollers and celebs. Think entire penthouses no one talks about.

Off-the-Strip Views

• Secret Pizza (Cosmopolitan) – Not just for the pizza — the hallway leading to it is one of the coolest photo ops no one expects.

• VooDoo Lounge (Rio) – Killer view of the Strip, but barely anyone goes anymore. Great for night shots and no crowds.

Now that you're in on the secrets, just remember. 

What you do with this Vegas Insider info is up to you. But if anyone asks... you didn’t hear it from me!

Have Fun!

GE