February 25, 2008

Annual Laughlin Blues & Brews Festival
Better Than Ever at the Colorado Belle and Edgewater

Laughlin, Nev. – An extraordinary lineup of blues artists will set the stage for the most successful music festival ever held along the Colorado River when Blues & Brews returns to the Colorado Belle and Edgewater in Laughlin, Nevada March 21-23, 2008. One lucky guest will ride home from the festival a winner on a new Harley Davidson motorcycle AND have the opportunity to win their share of $10,000 in cash.

“This year’s Blues & Brews Festival is guaranteed to be our best ever, with the incredible Harley Davidson giveaway, impressive cash rewards, and a great entertainment line-up,” said Senior Vice President and General Manager Jeff Pfeiffer. ACCESS Players Club members will receive a free entry to win daily. Additional entries for the March 23 giveaways can be earned through slot, Blackjack and Poker play.

Free, non-stop entertainment is available all weekend long in Colorado Belle’s Center Circle, as blues bands rotate throughout the day on the outdoor stage. Featured musicians include John Earl & the BoogieMan Band, Lady “J” Huston,
Brad Wilson, Michael Burks and Chris Hiatt. Inside, the dynamic sound of the Ken Kirby Band can be heard in Laughlin’s only micro-brewery, the Boiler Room, on Saturday night. Next door, the Edgewater kicks the music off on Thursday when Chris Hiatt performs a bluesy rock tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan in Kokopelli’s Showroom. Then on Friday and Saturday night Lady “J” Huston takes the stage to rock the house.

Blues & Brews attendees will also have an opportunity to get autographs and take photos with the ladies of Hawaiian Tropic on Saturday afternoon, before the sizzling model search begins on Saturday night. The competition has become a festival favorite and is free to the public; however, guests must be 21 or older.

The outdoor event includes delicious barbeque-style food and refreshing micro-brews. An assortment of retail vendors along the outdoor entertainment area will allow guests to bring home a souvenir from the Blues & Brews event.

The resorts are offering special Blues & Brews room packages, starting at $122 plus tax for two nights hotel accommodations, two $10 dining vouchers and two souvenir t-shirts. Three night packages are also available. Reservations may be made by calling 1-800-677-4837.

“The Blues & Brews Festival provides locals and visitors with an unforgettable experience each year,” says Pfeiffer. “From great entertainment and dining to incredible giveaways, the event offers something for everyone.”

ABOUT THE BANDS
John Earl & the BoogieMan Band was formed in 1989 and has since shared the stage with well-known musicians such as The Blues Brothers, Santana and Foreigner. They were the first Las Vegas band to play “The Joint” inside the Hard Rock Casino and the first to perform at Mandalay Bay’s House of Blues. Their original musical score is the soundtrack to the animated film seen nightly at “The Fremont Street Experience,” and they’ve performed at popular hotels and restaurants all over the world.

Chris Hiatt’s incredible tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan has taken the musician all around the world, most recently to Scandinavia in 2007, where Hiatt completed his 11th sold-out tour. His tribute show is eerily close to the original, complete with Vaughan’s signature black flat-brimmed hat and has become a favorite in Laughlin.

Blues powerhouse Michael Burks was born with blues in his blood, as both his father and grandfather were passionate musicians. After years of performing, Michael released his self-produced debut album in 1997, grabbing the attention of critics and fans, as well as a W.C. Handy Blues Award nomination for Best New Artist in 2000.

The obvious talent and skill portrayed in Brad Wilson’s music has resulted in multiple awards for Best Songwriter and Best Blues Group/Artist, as well as the release of ten records. His sound is often been referred to as liquid metal.

Lady “J” Huston grew up in St. Louis, MO. where she performed as a modern dancer with her mother, before working with vocalist Johnnie Johnson. She joined the legendary Albert “Blues Boy” King band when she was 18, and toured with them for several years. As a multi-talented entertainer and musician, Lady “J” Huston has performed with stars such as Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, B.B. King and Etta James.