A special joint Business After Hours, “A Taste of Foxwoods,” was sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Chamber of Commerce. This foodie fest featured some of the most amazing eateries, including: Al Dente, California Pizza Kitchen, Cedar’s Restaurant, Craftsteak, David Burke Prime, El Pollo Loco, Gelato Café, Golden Dragon, Hard Rock Café, Junior’s, Munson’s Chocolates, Panera, Paragon, The Scorpion Bar, Shrine, Stadium Sports Bar & Grill and Alta Strada.
The culinary adventure began as participants strolled into various restaurants in the Foxwoods Resort Casino and in the MGM Grand at Foxwoods and enjoyed many delectable tastes. The Chambers came together to pull off a wonderful night and everyone experienced the amazing food and reveled in the opportunity to network. The 17 different restaurants that participated, with some of Connecticut’s most celebrated chefs, made this an exceptional Business After Hours.
Foxwoods’ Fox Theater opened its curtains to some of the most legendary performers of the past several decades. Stars Tina Turner, Madonna, Justin Timberlake, Jay Leno and even the beloved Michael Jackson came to town July 10th and have pleased crowds with their biggest hits and characteristic antics ever since.
Maybe I should explain this improbable combination of talent. Legends in Concert is an “internationally acclaimed pioneer of live celebrity impersonator shows and possesses the greatest collection of celebrity impersonators ever assembled.” Legends has seven venues nationwide and is booked to perform with two different casts at Foxwoods until September 6th.
As I mentioned, currently performing nightly are musicians “Tina Turner,” “Madonna,” “Justin Timberlake,” and “Michael Jackson.” Comedian “Jay Leno” opened the show and served as host, transitioning between performers with racy jokes and political humor rolling off of his prominent chin. “Tina” shimmied across the stage, tapping her toes and shaking her lean gams to her biggest hits including “What’s Love Got to do With It?” and “Proud Mary.” Her performance began slowly, but in true Tina fashion, by the time she was “Rollin’ on The River,” the sexy confidence that epitomizes Tina’s career was in full effect.
Up next was “Justin Timberlake,” a near dead-ringer aesthetically if not vocally, though I think JT’s true fans would concur that it is not his singing, but his dance moves and pretty boy looks that elevate him to legendary status anyways.
Even before the lights shined on her, Madonna fans were chanting her name. She opened with “Like a Prayer,” and won the crowd over by bringing a male fan on stage to serenade with “Like a Virgin,” caressing his chest, propping herself in his lap, and leaving red kiss marks on his balding forehead. It was a welcome throwback to see a pre-muscle-crazed version of Madge performing her biggest early career hits.
Finally, closing out the show was “Michael Jackson,” looking a bit healthier, but with a chiseled face structure strangely accurate to the late Jackson’s. The entire cast of dancers and musicians came out in ghoulish attire to perform the “Thriller” dance, and “MJ” moonwalked and elbow-popped his way into the crowds’ heart to “Billy Jean,” and “Black or White.” A few moments were paid in tribute to his career, with impersonator Michael thanking real Michael for giving him a career and for inspiring all future musicians.
From August 4th to September 6th, a new cast of impersonators will take to the Foxwoods stage including “Garth Brooks,” “Gwen Stefani,” “Bette Midler” and “Elton John,” with surprise appearances by one of the biggest Legends stars, “Elvis Presley.” The Legends show was a highly entertaining evening and I plan to visit the Fox Theater again when the “celebrities” switch out. For only $25 a ticket, you can’t beat it! Top rate entertainment!
On Wednesday, June 10th, the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT hosted a very special reception welcoming new presidents at the Officer’s Club at the US Coast Guard Academy. Fellow executives from the community eagerly welcomed A.J. “Skip” Jordan, site vice president, Millstone Power Station, Michael Speller, president, Foxwoods Resort Casino, and Stephen White, president, Mystic Seaport. Each of the new presidents had the chance to speak and express their visions that they are bringing to the table. While they all have different visions, they share the same feeling towards the community and strengthening relationships.
With Millstone being a big part of the community already, Skip’s vision is “to be a good corporate citizen and neighbor.”
Michael helped with the opening of Foxwoods in 1992, and now, as the president, he wants “to continue enhancing our business relationships that have been forged through the activities of the Eastern CT Chamber of Commerce over the last seventeen years.”
Stephen was once a teacher and would like “to increase [the] connection with CT schools so that more children can experience the Seaport.” The Seaport is filled with history and learning opportunities that he feels the children are not experiencing.
Businesses partnerships and education will strengthen this community and bring everyone together. Welcome!
David Burke Prime, one of Foxwoods newest restaurants, run by acclaimed celebrity chef David Burke, is a modern interpretation of the classic American Steakhouse and continues to redefine modern American cuisine with its culinary creativity. This 13,000 square foot steakhouse offers seating for 280 and a 28 seat bar. There is also a private dining area that will accommodate parties of up to 100 people. It’s visually stunning décor and eclectic mix of wrought iron and cow-hide seating offers a unique setting for casual – upscale dining. The centerpiece of the restaurant is no doubt the three-story, 35-foot wine tower that is a showcase for over 5,000 bottles of premium wines from around the world, which also offers a very exclusive enclave for private dining.
Situated on the lower level of the Grand Pequot Tower at Foxwoods Resort Casino, signature menu items include appetizers such as Pretzel Crusted Crab Cake with Mango and Poppy Seed Honey, Surf & Turf Dumplings with Lobster and Lemon and Steak Tartare with “Quail Egg Salad.” The raw bar will offer “The Pequot Tower” which includes a variety of lobster, shrimp, clams, oysters and a jumbo crab leg. A selection of dry-aged and David Burke Prime Steaks are available along with David Burke Prime Signature Sauces as garnishes.
Hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday Brunch is served from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
For reservations please call 1-800-FOXWOODS or make your reservation online at www.foxwoods.com.
Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation’s annual Feast of Green Corn and Dance is a time to celebrate the riches of the land and to reap the rewards of a season of hard work. At sunrise, on the first day of this event, a blessing was held on the grounds of the Eastern Woodland Village exhibit. The Village is a living exhibit consisting of several structures typical of a summer campsite.
Children, parents and Tribal leaders adorned in Regalia gathered around campfires during the dark hours of the morning before sunrise on August 24th. Tribal children held baskets of corn and danced in a circle.
“This is the first year that we’re blessing these grounds of the Village, as well as, the Reservation,” said MPTN Councilwoman Marjorie Colebut-Jackson, Schemitzun Chairwoman. “Just as our ancestors built weetus to house guests from different villages, we worked to prepare our home for your arrival to our four-day celebration of Schemitzun. It is a time to tell stories, to reconnect with old friends, to share good food, crafts, sports and to dance.”
All in attendance joined hands and formed a circle around the fires as Councilwoman Marjorie Colebut-Jackson gave the blessing. She thanked all family, friends and guests including the media for their hard work throughout the year. Marjorie expressed the importance of “keeping the culture going.” “This year, young men are drumming with and competing along side adults.”
“Our youth are stepping up to the plate. Adults are stepping back to let the young drummers and young warriors move forward in their place. The youth know things are changing and they want to lead.” This was obvious when viewing the sunrise participants – all smiles!
