According to a press release sent out on April 8, a new gaming room outside Bar Louie is being built to hold approximately 300 slot machines, plus a table games pit. A second area for table games will be installed near Johnny Rockets and the Timbers buffet. Close to 80 tables will be added to the casino with games including blackjack, roulette, craps and poker.
There’s still no definitive word on when the games will be operational, but all signs continue to point toward sometime this summer. Both Mohegan Sun and Mount Airy have been holding dealer schools to train dealers for the table games.
I’ve never played a hand of poker, blackjack or any other such game in a casino, but I’m intrigued by the idea that these games will be available right here in our backyard. Clearly it’ll draw a larger, more diverse crowd — especially more men in the always important 21-40 range — to the casinos, which currently tend to draw an older crowd for the slots. It will also mean even better business for the clubs within the casinos, which already tend to draw a younger crowd.
Speaking of the casino
Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs recently released the acts and dates for this year’s Hot Summer Fun concert series. The fun begins with Pat Benatar on June 27; tickets are $25-35. Bowzer is coming July 2 ($16-20), Huey Lewis & the News on July 16 ($25-35), Randy Travis on Aug. 20 ($16-20); Foreigner on Aug. 29 ($22-30). Tickets are on sale at the Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs box office, located in the valet lobby, or through Ticketmaster.
Supporting art
The NEPA Independent Arts Bazaar will be held on Saturday, May 22 from noon to 5 p.m. at Eleanor Rigby’s in Jermyn. Artists of all kinds are invited to purchase a vendor space for $25. The deadline to reserve a spot is May 19, so those interested should call or e-mail Amanda at 282-1606 or ohsweetjosephine@gmail.com.
The Bazaar will also feature live music and performances, plus food and beverages both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
Original efforts, please
With this week’s summer movie preview, I can’t help but wonder what’s going on in Hollywood. Jeff Boam previews 20 films in the story, and a whopping half of them are either remakes or sequels to previous movies. Granted, there are way more than 20 movies set to hit theaters this summer, but the 20 featured in these pages are among the most highly anticipated. Is Hollywood running out of ideas that it has to recycle old material? It sure looks that way.
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-rshemanski@timesshamrock.com
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