Janet Jackson isn’t due at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City until May 20, but some mementos of her illustrious career will arrive in advance.
On May 8, the music-themed casino-resort will debut an exhibition consisting of outfits she’s worn on red carpets, on tours and in music videos. More than just a temporary display for fans to ogle, the items comprise a small portion of the 800 pieces that will be available at auction beginning May 21.
The Hard Rock AC inventory — which can be viewed in the atrium lobby adjacent to Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena – includes costumes from the All For You, State Of the
World, Velvet Rope, Rock Witchu and Rhythm Nation tours, as well as outfits seen in the videos for the songs Scream and Made For You.
Also included in the collection is the ensemble Jackson wore when she performed at the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards ceremony.
All of the outfits bear the labels of such chi-chi fashionistas as Alexander McQueen, Gianni Versace and Christian Louboutin.
Those interested in the auction — conducted by New York City-based Julien’s Auctions – can either head up to the Manhattan Hard Rock Café, where the live bidding will take place, or join in the festivities online at www.juliensauctions.com.
Hard Rock’s sister property in Hollywood, Fla., where the superstar entertainer kicked off her current Together Again tour on April 14, also had a Jackson display, but with different memorabilia.
“This opportunity to honor the musical legend Janet Jackson at our Hard Rock properties in such a meaningful way is extremely exciting for us and all of our guests that will get to experience it,” said Keith Sheldon, President of Entertainment for Hard Rock International in a release announcing the gaming chain’s Jackson tie-in.
“Paying tribute to iconic performers, both on our stages and throughout our properties, is the beating heart of Hard Rock and tells a beautiful story of the artists’ history. Janet Jackson’s story is truly an extraordinary one that we’re thrilled to showcase.”
Unfortunately, those hoping to get up-close-and-personal with Jackson will likely be disappointed. According to Hard Rock AC President George Goldhoff, there are no official plans for her to check out the exhibit, which will be theatrically staged in a setting with special lighting.
However, he did suggest it will be a great opportunity for picture-taking.
For tickets to the May 20 concert, go to www.ticketmaster.com.
Ciao, ristorantes!
Two Atlantic City casino-based Italian restaurants have faded into history.
At Golden Nugget, Grotto, which had a unique location in an elevated space on the casino floor, served its last meal on April 17. While a new concept is expected to ultimately occupy the space (if it’s not converted into a slot-machine pit, that is), there’s no word on what it might be or when it will be introduced.
At the Nugget’s bayside neighbor, Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City, Martorano’s turned off the lights for good on April 15. But that doesn’t mean we still won’t be able to avail ourselves of the fare created by celebri-chef Steve Martorano.
Any day now, the larger-than-life South Philly native is set to open Martorano’s Prime, his take on a traditional casino steakhouse, at Rivers Casino Philadelphia (it could be open by the time you read this).
While Martorano’s Prime will feature dishes that weren’t available at his Harrah’s outpost, a number of favorites from there will be on the menu.
It is “a steak house with a vibe,” Martorano told the Philadelphia Inquirer. “It will have accents of Italian. So yes, you will get a meatball and salad that we’re famous for. You will get a Philly cheesesteak. You will get our Sunday gravy and linguine and clams and bucatini carbonara. You’ll get our veal chop Parmesan, but you’ll also get prime steaks.”
We recently ate at the Martorano’s Prime located inside Rivers Casino Pittsburgh. If the Philly outlet comes anywhere close to that one in terms of food, service and ambience, it should be quite the success.
Estafan musical at Tropicana
On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estafan checks into Tropicana Atlantic City for a three-night run beginning May 5.
The musical, which premiered on Broadway in 2015, tells the tuneful tale of how the husband-and-wife team — who met while living in Miami’s “Little Havana” neighborhood became one of the world’s biggest musical acts (and winners of a combined 26 Grammy Awards), thanks to such toe-tapping hits as Conga, Get On Your Feet, 1-2-3 and Rhythm Is Gonna Get You.
Show times are 9 p.m. May 5, 3 and 8 p.m. May 6 and 2 and 7 p.m. May 7. For tickets, go to www.ticketmaster.com.
