Blog

Someone said, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” to me the other day - no, I’m not going to share the details! - and I realized that this phrase has become so ingrained to our American culture that it seems almost like some ancient proverb, some advice your dad may have passed onto you with “the talk” when you came of age. So, as often happens with me when my interest gets piqued, I started doing some research and what I found is surprising. (...)

Whenever I see a billboard highlighting the performers for that venue, I can’t help but think of old-time Las Vegas and Reno with Rat Pack stars’ names lit up in big, bold letters - Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr. - inviting you inside to see a show you know you’re going to enjoy. Picture the original Ocean’s Eleven stars, those icons standing confidently in front of the Sands Hotel’s sign, as straight and tall as the letters themselves. That’s Vegas and that’s the Rat Pack all summed up in one classic film. And guess what? Now they’re doing another remake, but with an all-female cast. (...)

Frank Sinatra did a number of pop covers in the 1960's, 1970's, and 1980's and some worked, while others didn’t quite resonate with the audience or fit his voice and style. I’ve written about the rather strange choice with Simon and Garfunkel’s “Mrs. Robinson” and today the subject is another potentially odd selection - “Both Sides, Now.” (...)

Summer is in full swing and that means plenty of hot weather, days by the water with lots of great food, and music, either outdoors or bathed in priceless air conditioning. The Rat Pack had many summer hits; it’s the season that revolves completely around love and relaxation. For me, music is the most important part of every summer recipe and I find myself drawn to a few staples that may have slipped your mind that I’d like to share. (...)