Fetish And Fantasy Halloween Ball Struts Into The Las Vegas Hard Rock Hotel

The following post was contributed by WHV contributor Julie Kasperson. She can be contacted through her Facebook Site.

As I perused the huge line snaking through the Hard Rock Hotel, I wondered if my companion and I would make it into the Fetish and Fantasy Halloween Ball. Security was everywhere, directing party goers to move here and there, not to block doorways, yelling instructions at everyone. Everyone seemed to be in a festive, happy mood. It’s the first Halloween party I’ve attended in a long while where everyone was in costume. It’s a requirement of the Ball—you must attend in costume or be turned away. This event was sold out and judging by the thousands in attendance, this was one of THE parties to be at for Halloween.

The action took place in two rooms: one big ballroom where there was a dance floor, tables, vendors selling jewelry, lingerie, artwork, and other sexy items, and a stage where various acts of B&D (bondage & dominance) and S&M (sadism/masochism) were taking place, in full view of the public. The newly remodeled Joint was also open for partiers. A lot of the performances of the night took place here, such as Men of Playgirl (exotic male dance troupe); Laseronics (laser light show), and Perish (a group of performers utilizing fire and power tools—it’s a little difficult to explain unless you’ve seen it!) Well-known DJ’s also took over the stage at the Joint such as Donald Glaude and Scooter & LaVelle, getting the crowd moving.

All kinds of costumes were worn by the crowd: everything from the most kinky and flesh-baring to cute and sexy, funny, and even group efforts such as Wrestlemania (Hulk Hogan look-alike) and Star Wars. Many of the costumed attendees paraded down the hallways between the two party rooms, preening and posing for photos.

Maybe because I’ve lived in L.A. most of my life and have seen a lot of strange things I didn’t find this party to be as “wildly exotic” as the ads have touted it to be. Also, since the Gaming Control Board has been monitoring behavior at clubs recently, and even shutting down Privé Nightclub at Planet Hollywood, naughtiness and outrageous behavior was kept on a short leash, as it were. It was very enjoyable and a great night for people-watching. One of the best parties in town for Halloween, I do believe. Lewd and lascivious? Nah. Well, maybe just a teeny bit…

Some photos by Julie Kasperson from the
Fetish and Fantasy Ball

Cupid Girl



Acrobats Perform



Perish Performs

Dan Aykroyd and His Dad On Coast To Coast AM Tonight

I'm listening to Coast To Coast AM radio tonight and it is another riveting show. The quality and choice of topics have really improved on C2C recently. Peter Aykroyd ( Dan's Dad ) is promoting his new book A History of Ghosts, with an introduction written by Dan, who has become quite an influential and knowledgeable paranormal ( and UFO ) researcher in his own right. ( Once a conehead, always a conehead ?!) I have added this book to my Amazon wish list, so remember me for the coming Holiday Season --- or Christmas --- or Hanukkah :-)

Dan wrote the screenplay for Ghostbusters and he was definitely influenced by his father grandfather --- the book author and Canadian filmmaker --- who in turn was influenced by his own fathergrandfather (Dan's grandfather great grandfather), who was a Spiritualist and regularly held seances when they were popular back in mid-19th to 20th century. During the C2C interview Dan said that Ghostbusters is in the same tradition as the recently released low budget movie Paranormal Activity and of course, the classic movie Ghost with the late Patrick Swayze. Movies like these are just great for viewing this Halloween season...

Now it is not surprising that this C2C show airs tonight, a few days before Halloween. You may ask yourself,"What does all this have to do with Las Vegas?" Well, really very little other than Coast To Coast's origins in Vegas with Art Bell, and Dan Aykroyd's crazy local TV ads ( where he recreates his Saturday Night Live persona of the fast talking TV kitchen gadget pitchman - remember the Bassomatic skit from SNL? ) for Lee's Discount Liquors here in Vegas, promoting his "pure spirit" Crystal Head Vodka. And did I mention that The Blues Brothers featuring Dan Aykroyd and Jim Belushi will be performing at the Las Vegas House of Blues on October 31st (Halloween) ? Seems like all roads lead to Vegas, eventually...







The following is Dan's video, now seriously hawking his pure - water sourced, no additives added, Newfoundland government still produced, diamond filtered Bassomatic ( just kidding ) vodka which was introduced around Halloween a year ago. I have not tried this "pure spirit" vodka yet, but may investigate drinking a few ounces at bedtime as a possible cure for my chronic insomnia. Just stare into the crystal skull's eye sockets, you are getting very, very sleepy ...

Summary Of Last Night's Show From Coast To Coast Web Site

Looking at the Coast To Coast website, I stand corrected on at least one point: there are four ( not three ) generations of Aykroyds who were interested in the paranormal.

Spirits and the Paranormal C2C Show Summary
October 28, 2009

Celebrated actor and businessman Dan Aykroyd was joined by his father Peter Aykroyd (first hour only) the author of A History of Ghosts, to discuss their family's interest in the paranormal, which has spanned four generations. Peter's grandfather Samuel was a spiritualist in Kingston, Ontario. As part of a group known as "Dr. Aykroyd's Circle," they met regularly with a trance medium named Walter Ashhurst, who communicated with deceased spirits. Peter said he joined in on some of these seances, when he was a young boy. Of the various types of phenomena, "materialization" has impressed Peter the most, and he cited the case of when a medieval monk reportedly appeared before one group during a seance.

Dan talked about "precipitated spirit paintings," works of art said to appear on canvases without the use of human hands. He grew up seeing American Psychical Research journals around the house, and some of the paranormal knowledge he was steeped in later helped to inspire his hit film Ghostbusters, which took a lighter look at the subject matter. "One of my favorite things to do is to drive in the middle of the night, 'planet crawl' as it were, across America or Canada and listen to Coast to Coast. It's just one of the treats of being alive," Dan Aykroyd shared.

Dan discussed unusual psychic phenomena such as apports, describing an incident in China in which a container ship had a black void that sucked equipment away-- some of this equipment later emerged 2,000 miles away, he said. He also talked about his interest in UFOs, and cited a recent case in Ottawa in which a ball of lights was seen making right and left turns before crashing into the water.

DJ Roger Sanchez Spins At Wet Republic - MGM Grand Las Vegas

Wet Republic Pool Partiers
Photo Credit - Julie Kasperson

The following post was contributed by WHV contributor Julie Kasperson. She can be contacted through her Facebook Site.

It was a perfect day for the last promoted event at Wet Republic, MGM Grand’s ultra pool. While other parts of the U.S. are already getting the season’s first snowfall, the lucky people either living or vacationing in Las Vegas were able to enjoy the sounds of Grammy award-winning, internationally renowned DJ Roger Sanchez spinning tribal house music.

Wet Republic features two spectacular saltwater pools, eight individual pools and spas, exclusive VIP Bungalows, hip party cabanas, spacious daybeds, and oversized deluxe chaise lounges. Attractive wait staff dressed in designer Ed Hardy swimsuit attire doted on patrons in cabanas and those at poolside. Pretty party pool people frolicked in the water and poolside while “The S Man” - DJ Roger Sanchez - worked the crowd into a frenzy. More happy house music fans danced across the 4,100 square foot sundeck, drinks in hand, turning the pool into one big outdoor dance party.

This beautiful and sunny October Sunday was the last promoted event to be held at Wet Republic. While pool season is officially over in Las Vegas, Wet Republic will still continue to be open on weekends through early November.

Some photos by Julie Kasperson from the
Wet Republic

DJ Roger Sanchez


Bikini Girl In Lounger


Bikini Girls By The Pool


Moscow Bikini Girl

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Trendy Tuesday Martini Mixer Gets Stylish at Fashion Show Mall

Picture Courtesy Las Vegas Tourism Bureau

The following post was contributed by WHV contributor Julie Kasperson. She can be contacted through her Facebook Site.

The most recent Trendy Tuesday Martini Mixer presented by SinCityQSocials was held on and around the runway at the Fashion Show Mall on September 29th. SinCityQSocials is the premier social network for GLBT professionals and friends in Las Vegas, with over 6,000 local members. They have become Vegas’ largest gay membership organization in less than two years and last year were named “Best Social Group” in Las Vegas by City Life Magazine (April 2008) and Q Vegas Magazine (December 2008).

While over 200 members and friends mixed and mingled, male and female models struck poses atop platforms near the runway. Free samples of vodka and other assorted goodies were handed out by smiling, charming reps from New Zealand-based premium vodka company 42 Below. Mouth-watering appetizers were available as well.

The Show in the Sky dancers from the Rio got the runway show off to a colorful, energetic start. As a DJ blasted music from the Marc Ecko clothing store, attractive models strutted their stuff while wearing Marc Ecko designs. As I looked up to other levels of the mall, I could see mall patrons stopping in their tracks, looking over the railing, and moving and grooving to the beats.

Terry Hernandez, one of the founders of SinCityQSocials.com, got up on the runway for a few minutes to talk about the newest membership program being offered to attendees. He also thanked the sponsors of the event and encouraged everyone to get involved in upcoming mixers and events.

Celebrity impersonator Larry Edwards shook up the runway with his performance tribute to Tina Turner. Frank Marino also made an appearance to promote his new show at the Imperial Palace called “Divas Las Vegas.” Marino held court as the star of “An Evening at La Cage” for 25 years, where most remember his celebrity tribute to Joan Rivers. One of his stars, Sammy Gonzalez, fired up the audience wearing a bright red sequined outfit as Liza Minnelli.

This particular event was to benefit the NGRA (Nevada Gay Rodeo Association). SinCityQSocials produces over 200 signature events each year for its members.

Some pictures by Julie Kasperson from the
Trendy Tuesday Martini Mixer

Runway Model


Sammy Gonzalez as Lisa Minelli


Larry Edwards as Tina Turner


Joshua, Julie, and Jim

October Schedule Of Events At Monte Lago Village

I just got the October schedule for the Monte Lago Village at Lake Las Vegas, and feel obligated to repeat it here. They need more traffic from locals. Since the weather is getting cooler, I love to "wander the village":

walk around the village, people watch, and occasionally spend some money! :-)

Fall is here! The Village at Lake Las Vegas is buzzing with events all month long to entertain the whole family! Come enjoy the beautiful weather lakeside every weekend for great events:

• Saturday, Oct. 3 - Endless Summer Cruise at the Lake Car Show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. featuring up to 100 of the area’s top hot rods and muscle cars. In addition to the car show, guests can partake in raffles for great prizes, giveaways, games and a live auction.



• Saturday, Oct. 10 & Sunday, Oct. 11 - Enjoy an evening of art, wine and jazz! Wander through The Village enjoying amazing Fall Arts Festival from local artists on both Saturday (10 a.m.- 10 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Vino di Lago will take place on Saturday, Oct. 10 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and is the perfect evening when paired with “Jazz on the Lake.”



• Saturday, Oct. 24 - Bring out your furry friends for Dogtoberfest and celebrate “Vegas Dog” magazine’s 10 year anniversary! From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., you and your pup can enjoy live music, great food, costume contests and much more.



• Saturday, Oct. 31 - Celebrate Halloween with The Village and Action Sports United with “Tricks & Treats” starting at 5 p.m. BMX athletes will perform the “tricks” while the shops and restaurants throughout The Village give out the “treats.” In addition, guests can enjoy the spooky haunted house, piñatas full of candy, games, raffles, a pumpkin patch and prizes.

Click here for a full calendar of events at Monte Lago Village.

Going ‘Gossy’ at the Palms

The following post was contributed by WHV contributor Julie Kasperson. She can be contacted through her Facebook Site.

The Palms Hotel and Casino has yet another pleasing distraction added to its roster: Matt Goss. He opened September 4th at the Lounge at the Palms, a smaller venue holding between 100-200 people. I have always enjoyed spending time at the Palms and love the fact that it caters to both the celebrity jet-set with Moon, Rain, Ghostbar, and Playboy nightclubs, and also tempts the locals with gaming and state-of-the-art movie complex, Brenden Theatres.

The Palms has turned The Lounge into The Gossy Room, replete with cocktail waitresses dressed as either old-fashioned usherettes or stewardesses from an era gone by. As you wait for the show to begin, Sinatra croons over the PA system. Goss has called his show “just this side of civilized” and the atmosphere and music emphasize his point.

Goss and his ten piece band rock the joint in a classy, sexy fashion. He moves from Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” to the Nina Simon classic “Feeling Good” with easy grace. His own compositions are also included in the show; some are featured on his new CD “GOSSY” which was released in September 2009. He reminded me of an older, British version of Justin Timberlake: handsome, able to play a multitude of instruments like piano and guitar, with a sexy, supple singing voice comfortable belting out rockers or crooning falsetto when it’s called for.


His band was tight and moved confidently through different musical styles. During one song they changed the beat into a rap/reggae workout, and Goss threw in some Marvin Gaye “Sexual Healing” lyrics. Oh yes, and for the men there’s eye candy too: the Dirty Virgins. They are the four back-up dancers that grace the stage in eye-popping black lingerie during a good portion of Goss’s performance and venture out into the audience a few times during the show.

It’s not surprising that the Dirty Virgins are part of Goss’s show: his producer and manager is Robin Antin, creator of the Pussycat Dolls. She has succeeded in showcasing a singer/songwriter who is a virtual unknown in the U.S. Goss had success in the ‘80’s with his twin brother Luke in a pop group called Bros. Now it’s up to the Vegas scene whether this blue-eyed Brit is rewarded with a long run here or not.

Downside: it was difficult to understand Goss’s banter at times because of his British accent. Also, the mix in the room needs to be adjusted so that more of Goss’s stellar vocals shine through instead of mostly his band. He has a powerful voice and it needs to be heard. Congratulations to the Palms for creating a residency for this very talented Englishman.