I was invited out for the grand opening of the
JabbaWockeez MUS.I.C. at the
Monte Carlo in Las Vegas. Little did I know what all the 48 hours would have in store for me.
For those of you not familiar with the JabbaWockeez, they were the winners of the first season of MTV's
America's Best Dance Crew, and while they're no strangers to Vegas (as they had a show prior to this one at the MGM Grand Hollywood Theater), this was their debut at the Monte Carlo.
To cover the JabbaWockeez , FanBolt and a couple other lucky press members were given an all-access pass with the ability to hang with the group members and interview them as well as go back stage and check out their costume room.
The guys talked with us for about 30 minutes giving us a better understanding of not only their show and their show name but also giving us a chance to see their personalities and get to know them as individuals. Check out our interview
here.
Kevin "Keibee" Brewer talked with us a bit about the name for show being MUS.I.C. and how it centers on muses (Muses that you see) whether it be visual art or music. "It's whatever inspires you to do something." Kevin explained, "It's a spin-off of the word music because we love music and we love dance. This is the muse that we see, and we want to show you - hoping you will see."
"We really love to inspire people, and the fact that we're able to do that 5 nights a week - we feel blessed." Chris "Cristyle" Gatdula added.
We were also given the opportunity to visit the coolest bar (literally) that I've ever been to.
Minus 5 Ice Bar located at the front of the Monte Carlo provides visitors with an unforgettable experience where everything is made of ice - the walls, the bar, the seats, even the glasses you drink from!
I highly recommend stopping by the bar if you're in Vegas. It's such a unique and different experience, and while it's freezing cold (don't worry they give you heavy jackets!) the environment is just crazy enough that you'll realize - "You know what... I am in Vegas, where anything can happen!"
Friday morning we were given the opportunity to view several of the suites and even the penthouse in
Hotel 32 (which is the top floor of the Monte Carlo). The modern and luxurious accommodations proved that you didn't have to be a celebrity to feel like one. From amazing views, my dream shower (multiple faucets!), quiet hallways, a penthouse that was complete with 9 televisions, and an iPhone with it's own Hotel 32 app - it's clear to see why people want to stay here. Our tour guide informed us that usually it's the high rollers of the casino, Fortune 500 CEOs, atheletes, and celebrities that occupy the actually modestly priced rooms (Prices depend on events in the city - but the smallest suite starts at less than $500 a night and the penthouse (which is over 2,000 sq ft) starts at $2,000 a night). When we pressed for a celebrity name who had stayed there recently, our tour guide was reluctant but mentioned that Chris Tucker had stayed there recently.
After our tour, I grabbed lunch with some fellow press and then headed off to the spa. While the massage and hair services were great, I will warn visitors to be careful when looking at the menu of services. When they say they start at X amount, they do mean
start. Plan on spending more than what you see listed.
That night we grabbed dinner at Diablo's Cantina which was a fantastic blend of Mexican and a little bit of American thrown in. From there we proceeded on to the pre-party for the grand opening of JabbaWockeez MUS.I.C. and from there it was on to the show where I had front row seats!
The show had a little something to offer for everyone. The guys performed to songs from Michael Jackson to Queen to Vanilla Ice to OneRepublic. And as child of the 80's and 90's I couldn't help but appreciate the mix of music that I had grown up with. There also wasn't a shortage of humor as the guys interacted with the audience and even brought up Tabitha D'umo (
So You Think You Can Dance choreographer) onto stage which made the crowd go wild!
Overall the show is a party for your eyes and ears. You can't help but have a smile plastered across your face through out all the performances that make up the show. The JabbaWockeez move in ways that seem so effortless and yet humanly impossible - and all to the perfect beat of the music. It's quite something to see and impossible to truly describe.
After the show ended, I attended the after-party at Ignite Lounge. We were greeted with free drinks and sweets and the chance to mingle with other media outlets as well as the JabbaWockeez who still had plenty of energy after their show!
Want even more coverage? Check out our friend's post over at
Zap2it.Com!
Your Pop Culture Junkie,
Emma Loggins
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Additional Links:
Tickets for JabbaWockeez are priced at $49, $59 and $79, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are now on sale and are available at any Monte Carlo box office outlet. To charge by phone, call (877) 386-8224 or (702) 730-7160. Tickets also are available for purchase online at
montecarlo.com and
www.ticketmaster.com.
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Disclaimer: Travel expenses, lodging, and activities were provided courtesy of the Monte Carlo. 
48 Hours In Vegas: JabbaWockeez, Monte Carlo, And More!
