On June 29 Harrah’s Carnaval Court will host a contest like no other; a contest where “airness” is one of the principle criteria by which competitors are judged and enthusiasts such as “Air to The Thrown” and “Bjorn Turoque” are legendary. It’s the U.S. Air Guitar Championships and for the first time in the event’s history, Las Vegas is one of 24 stops in the nationwide search for the country’s most gifted air guitarist. Air guitar has struck an invisible cord with pop culture around the world. Since its inception in 2003, the U.S. Air Guitar Championships have grown from a two-city competition to an international sensation with a cult following that can be attributed to the DVD “Air Guitar Nation.” The winner of Carnaval Court’s open-air and instrument-free talent search will advance to the national U.S. Air Guitar finals on Aug. 8, 2008 in San Francisco and win $400 toward his or her travel expenses. Strumming hopefuls will perform two one-minute rounds. In round one competitors play a medley of their choice and vie for a spot in round two. In round two all contestants will play a section of a song chosen by event organizers. Routines consistently include over-the-top costuming, choreography and characters. Following each round a panel of three judges will score individual performances on a scale of 4.0 to 6.0, similar to figure skating. All rock star hopefuls will be judged in three categories: technical merit, stage presence, and of course, “airness,” which is defined in the official rules as “the extent to which a performance transcends the imitation of a real guitar and becomes an art in and of itself.” Participants and fans must be 21 years or older. The winner of the national finals in San Francisco will advance to an international competition held Oulu, Finland. The competition will start at 9 p.m.
BUT WAIT! THERE’S MORE! Las Vegas legend Jackie Gaughan joins the Las Vegas 51s baseball team at Cashman Field 7 p.m. June 20 to throw the first pitch of its game vs. the visiting Tacoma Rainiers. Gaughan will be the honorary hurler to kick off this Friday night home game. The El Cortez is offering one free wine, well or beer drink to individuals presenting a ticket stub from the evening’s game at any of the downtown property’s bars. Individuals must be 21 and older and the promotion is only valid on June 20.Gaughan was a co-owner of Las Vegas’ first AAA baseball team; the city has had a team since 1983. During his lifetime, legendary casino pioneer Gaughan owned or had holdings in the Flamingo, Showboat Casino, Union Plaza Hotel & Casino, Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas Club Hotel & Casino, Gold Spike Hotel & Casino, Western Casino and the El Cortez Hotel & Casino. Most days, Gaughan can be spotted playing at an El Cortez poker table or busy greeting players at the property he continues to call home. Steve Wynn credits Gaughan with having helped him get his start at the Golden Nugget. Gaughan bought the El Cortez in 1961. Recently, the Nevada Gaming Control Board approved the sale of Gaughan’s shares of the El Cortez, the last property he had a stake in, to be sold to the Epstein family, Mike Nolan, Joe Woody and Lonny Zarowitz.