Cache Creek Casino Resort

90s sensation Boyz II Men return to the Club 88 stage

2010-11-05T10:11:00.001-07:00

BROOKS, Calif. – It’s a tale that sounds straight out of the script pages of a feature film. In the waning years of the 1980s, a burgeoning singing group sneaks backstage during a performance by New Edition spin-off group Bell Biv DeVoe. The boys perform an a cappella rendition of New Edition's "Can You Stand the Rain" for New Edition/BBD member Michael Bivins. He’s so impressed by the group that he signs them to a production deal with his own Biv Ten Records company – and the rest is history.

For those interested in “the rest of the story” the group being described is the sensational Boyz II Men, the four-time Grammy Award-winning R&B singers, who return to Cache Creek Casino Resort’s Club 88 on Jan. 15 at 8 p.m. to perform from their roster of well-known hits.

Based on sales, Boyz II Men is the most successful R&B male vocal group of all time, recording five #1 R&B hits between 1992 and 1997 and selling more than 60 million records. Three of their #1 hits, "End of the Road," "I'll Make Love to You," and "One Sweet Day" with Mariah Carey set and broke records for the longest period of time a single remained at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 – the last of them still holding that record. Although their song "On Bended Knee" did not break any records, it was still an immensely popular song that reached #1 and made Boyz II Men the third artists behind Elvis and The Beatles to replace themselves at the number one spot of the Billboard Hot 100.

Tickets are available for $65, $55, and $45 through Tickets.com on the web: www.Tickets.com, by phone: (800) 225-2277 or at: www.CacheCreek.com and Cache Creek Casino Resort guest services.

Interview with San Jose Sharks GM Doug Wilson

2010-08-02T11:08:00.001-07:00

You recently were able to broker deals with both Pavelski and Marleau. Many thought that the organization would only be able to hold on to one or the other. How did you manage to make that work and how important are these deals moving forward?

“We have always tried to make San Jose a place that players want to come and play but at the same time, much of the credit goes to Patty and Pavs. I think they recognized what we have going here as a team and as an organization. History has shown that had these players gone to free agency, the marketplace would have been very friendly and kind to them. I can't say enough how much we truly appreciate them making this statement. This is where they want to be, and they believe in where we're going.

“Under a salary cap system, you can’t always keep everyone so with these players agreeing to deals that are not only fair to them but stay within the ‘team’ system we have built, it provides us a much better chance to keep the core of our team intact.”

How do you feel about the results of the recent draft?

“First off, I think we have the best scouting department in the game. These guys work their tails off year-round, watching players all over the world and it all comes down to those two days at the draft. We entered the draft this year with only four selections but by the end of it, we left with eight players. We think many of these kids have a real chance to be NHL players so we’re pretty happy with it. It’s always challenging when you’re drafting 18-year old kids and trying to project where they will be in three to four years but I have a lot of faith in the work our scouts do.”

What are you looking for out of this year's training camp? Which players should fans be watching as future stars or big contributors?

“Although our season ended a little too early last season, we still feel that our team and players took a huge step forward last season. And none of that will matter if we don’t build on that success this season. As always, our training camp will be competitive from Day 1. There are a few roster spots available and those will be earned on merit, not just handed to anyone.

“We are also excited about some of the young players that are coming through our system and may be ready to make an impact at the NHL level. Last year, we saw a good example of that with players like Logan Couture, Jamie McGinn, Jason Demers, Thomas Griess, Benn Ferriero, Frazer McLaren and John McCarthy helping the team at the NHL level. Those players are in the mix but you also have another layer of players fighting for those spots, like Alex Stalock, Cam MacIntyre, Tommy Wingels, Nick Petrecki, James Marcou, to name just a few. It should be an exciting camp.

“We also, for the first time in 10 seasons, will have a new goalie in camp in Antero Niittymaki. We think his style will fit well with our team and we like his history of playing big in big games, like playing for Finland at the 2006 Winter Olympics.”

What is your philosophy or set of goals for the team this season?

“Again, we want to build on the team’s successes from last season. We want to be able to go into any building play any style of hockey we need to in order to win games.”

How important is it for a team like the Sharks to open the season in Europe? How important is it for the NHL as a whole to schedule games in countries such as Sweden?

“Our trip to Sweden will be exciting for the organization. Hockey is the greatest game in the world and it truly is a global game. Many of the players in the NHL come from Europe so it’s important for the NHL to not only increase its global footprint but also to allow the great fans in Europe the opportunity to see their native players compete at the game’s highest level. We are really looking forward to it.”

Describe Sharks fans for me.

“Anyone who has ever been to a game at HP Pavilion knows that we have the greatest fans in the country. Within the past year, our building was selected as the having the “Ultimate Seat” of any sport franchise in the country by ESPN and NHL players voted HP Pavilion the toughest opponent building to play in. There can be no bigger tribute to our fans than that and it is because of the passion, noise and energy that they bring every single night. Our fans know and respect the game and our players. We’re very lucky to get to play for people who care so much about the franchise.”

Cache Creek shares fans with 'Raider Nation'

2010-08-02T11:07:00.001-07:00

The Oakland Raiders began play in 1960 as the eighth charter member of the American Football League (AFL), where they won one championship and three division titles before joining the NFL in 1970 as part of the AFL–NFL merger. Since joining the NFL, the Raiders have won twelve division titles, three Super Bowls (XI, XV, XVIII), and have appeared in two other Super Bowls. Nineteen Raiders have been selected for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, including Owner Al Davis. Jerry Rice, who wore the Silver and Black from 2001-04 and played in Super Bowl XXXVII, is the latest.

Raider fans, affectionately dubbed “The Raider Nation” are arguably one of the most fervent, energetic and notable groups of fans in the entire NFL. Many of Cache Creek’s players are also fans of the team and have enjoyed the privilege of receiving tickets to home games as part of our rewards program for the last several years. The program will continue this fall. We’ll purchase 250 pairs of tickets for three home games to pass on to our guests. Qualified players can expect to see a postcard with more details as the season draws closer.

“The Raider tickets are offered as a thank you to some of our best players,” said Kent Donithan, Cache Creek’s VP of Casino Marketing. “They are one of the most sought after player rewards and go quickly when we offer them every year.”
Due to recent trades and acquisitions there will be a few new faces to watch on the field. “With some of the young players and the changes they’re making, this will be an exciting season,” said David Humm, former Raiders player and co-host of the Raider pre and post game radio show. “This season will have a completely different look and feel for fans. It’s as talented a pool of players as we’ve had in a long time.” And Humm would know, having played seven seasons with the Raiders in addition to stints with the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Colts in the 70s and 80s as quarterback, and earning two Super Bowl rings with the Raiders (Super bowls XI and XVIII).

“When you look at this year’s team, we’re strong at quarterback,” said Humm. “We have a quarterback with solid experience in Jason Campbell, and solid back-ups with Bruce Gradkowski and Charlie Frye. We’re also strong at running back, with Darren McFadden and Michael Bush being backed up by Michael Bennett. This offense is really going to click.” Other players to watch, says Humm, are the solid draft pick Lemarr Houston and John Henderson on defense, as well as receivers Chaz Schilens and Darius Heyward-Bey, who are backing up Louis Murphy. Rolando McClain, Kamerion Wimbley and Quentin Groves round out the team as stand-outs at linebacker. “All in all we’ve got some solid players, and we’re moving in the right direction with this group.”

The Raiders regular season begins Sept. 12 at 10 a.m. on the road against the Tennessee Titans, with the Raider Nation fired up from pre-season play already in progress. “There are no other fans like Raider fans,” says Humm. “They have a loyalty to the team, an emotion, and a passion you just don’t see with other teams.”
David Humm can be heard on the Oakland Raiders radio broadcast on 105.3 KITS FM and simulcast on KFRC-AM 1550.

‘Essential’ funk group Con Funk Shun comes to Cache Creek

2010-07-12T09:59:00.000-07:00

BROOKS, Calif. – A show by the funky group Con Funk Shun is always packed with electrifying choreography, glistening six-part vocal harmonies, and a dash of humor. Even after 35-years in the music industry, these veterans never fail to wow their audiences. With their library of dance party hits and romantic ballads, the 70s and 80s superstars who got their start in Vallejo will return to Northern California with a stop at Cache Creek Casino Resort’s Club 88 stage on Sept. 4 at 8 p.m.

Through their memorable melodies, inventive horn arrangements and guitar woven grooves, Con Funk Shun has at times been identified as the group absolutely essential to the evolution of funk. They charted four consecutive Gold and one Platinum album, and their 20 hit singles included eight Top Ten R&B Hits and one #1 R&B smash between 1977-1986. This is a resume any band would be proud of.
With finesse and consistency, they legitimized those who followed them, and countless rap and hip-hop samples exposed them to a new generation. In response to this new exposure, albums like the” Best of Con Funk Shun" have been re-released multiple times. It’s this type of fan enthusiasm that encouraged the band to return to the stage.

Their recognizable stable of hits includes "Sho Feels Good To Me," "Confunkshunizeya," "Ffun," "Shake And Dance With Me," “Chase Me," "Got To Be Enough," "Bad Lady," "Too Tight," "Baby I'm Hooked (Right into Your Love)," "Ms. Got-The-Body,” "Electric Lady," "I'm Leaving Baby," "Burnin' Love," and "Throw It Up, Throw It Up." Guests of the show will be sure to hear some of these chart topping hits on the Club 88 stage just as they sounded when they originally climbed the charts.

“My sound has stayed essential because the guys and I still actively tour,” says Con Funk Shun’s Michael Cooper. “My musical inspiration comes from my audience, my family and from life. My sound has fueled a generation and that same generation fuels my sound.”

Tickets are available now through Tickets.com on the web: www.Tickets.com or by phone: (800) 225-2277 or at: www.CacheCreek.com or Cache Creek Casino Resort at the guest services desk for $45, $35, and $25.

‘Guitar prodigy’ Jonny Lang had a young start

2010-06-29T12:41:00.000-07:00

BROOKS, Calif. – Blues man Jonny Lang started playing guitar at the age of twelve after his father took him to see the Bad Medicine Blues Band, one of the few blues bands that could be found in his home town of Fargo, North Dakota. Inspired, Lang started taking lessons from Ted Larsen, the band's guitar player. Most stories would end right there. After a few months of lessons many pre-teens would move on to other hobbies or lose interest. One of two might start their own band as a teen, playing birthday parties and family functions. Lang took another path altogether -- after several months of playing, he was dubbed a guitar prodigy and eventually joined the very same band that inspired his love for the blues and hit the road.

Things began to heat up as the group moved to Minneapolis and independently released the album Smokin' when Lang was only fourteen-years-old. At the tender age of 15, he released another album, the critically acclaimed multi-platinum Lie to Me. Things continued to get better as his next release, Wander this World, earned him a Grammy nomination. A few years and albums later, Lang's newest album, the gospel-influenced Turn Around, won him his first Grammy Award in 2006. He will perform selections from these albums in front of a Club 88 crowd at Cache Creek on Saturday, Sept. 11 at 8 p.m.

The career of this guitar virtuoso has been meteoric to say the least. While kids his age were still playing high school gigs and performing in garages, he was touring with music industry giants like the Rolling Stones and Aerosmith, trading licks for more than ten years with mentors like B. B. King and Buddy Guy, played for a White House audience including President and Mrs. Clinton, and even made a cameo appearance in the film Blues Brothers 2000 as a janitor.

He’s also shared the stage with other greats such as Blues Traveler, Jeff Beck, and Sting. Eric Clapton asked Lang to play at the Crossroads Guitar Festival. Currently, he’s promoting his collaborative work on Cyndi Lauper’s new album, Memphis Blues. Through it all, he has continued to mature and improve his craft, silencing critics who dismissed him as too young with displays of his God given talent. U.S. News and World Report perhaps summed Lang up best when they lauded him for having “the voice of a grizzled blues veteran … and guitar skills to match.” There can be no better compliment for a blues man who has yet to reach the age of 30 and still has a long successful career still ahead of him.

Tickets are available now through Tickets.com on the web: www.Tickets.com or by phone: (800) 225-2277 or at: www.CacheCreek.com or Cache Creek Casino Resort at the guest services desk for $59 and $45.

Kenny Loggins flies from ‘the danger zone’ onto Cache Creek Casino Resort stage

2010-06-02T13:58:00.001-07:00

BROOKS, Calif. – Best known for his driving themes to several 80s blockbuster films such as “Caddyshack,” “Footloose,” and “Top Gun,” rocker Kenny Loggins has entertained audiences for decades as a songwriter, solo artist, and collaborator with many of the industry’s most talented performers. Known by audiences of all ages, he will perform from his stable of hits at Cache Creek Casino Resort’s Club 88 on Aug. 21 at 8 p.m.

Loggins has been many things to many people over the course of his career – “a moving target” as he’s put it. In his time, he’s been a guitar-slinger with a psychedelic rock band, a hot young songwriter with a publishing deal, half of a legendary country-rock duo, a massively successful and accomplished solo artist, a sonic pioneer in the smooth jazz genre, a reigning soundtrack superstar, a rocker, as well as an enduring recording artist and live performer whose most recent works have spoken deeply to both young and adult audiences. At the heart of it all, there remains a brilliant singer-songwriter and guitarist with a lifelong passion for exploring the endless power of the song to communicate.

By any standard, Loggins’ commercial impact has been extraordinary – twelve of his albums have gone platinum and beyond. In a world of one hit wonders and fifteen minute sensations, Loggins has enjoyed hit songs in four straight decades – a remarkable testament to his exceptional craftsmanship and stamina. Through it all, he’s earned the faith of those who’ve followed him along the way.

Loggins first achieved solo stardom with million-selling albums such as Celebrate Me Home, Nightwatch (which included the hit "Whenever I Call You Friend" with Stevie Nicks), Keep the Fire (“This Is It,”) and 1982’s High Adventure (“Don’t Fight It” with Steve Perry and “Heart To Heart”). Loggins’ reputation as one of music’s outstanding vocalists became well established, and in 1980 he won the Best Male Pop Vocal Grammy for “This Is It.” As a songwriter Loggins was also known for inspired collaborations such as co-writing the 1979 Grammy-winning Song of The Year “What a Fool Believes” with his long-time friend Michael McDonald of the Doobie Brothers.

In the 80s, Loggins became even more famous than ever as the king of movie theme songs, thanks to massive smashes like "I'm Alright" (from Caddyshack), "Footloose" (from Footloose), "Danger Zone" (from Top Gun), and "Nobody's Fool" (from Caddyshack II). Loggins also continued to record albums that were introspective and deeply personal, including 1985’s Vox Humana, 1988’s Back to Avalon, 1991’s Leap of Faith, The Unimaginable Life (1997) and 2003’s It’s About Time. During this same period, Loggins continued to take on new challenges, like recording a Christmas album (1998’s December) and two successful and acclaimed CDs for children: 1994’s radiant Return to Pooh Corner and its worthy follow-up, More Songs from Pooh Corner.

Tickets are available for $75, $65, and $55 through Tickets.com on the web: www.Tickets.com, by phone: (800) 225-2277 or at: www.CacheCreek.com and Cache Creek Casino Resort guest services.

Contact: Cean Burgeson, Communications Manager: (530) 796-5333; cburgeson@cachecreek.com

SNL alum Rob Schneider set to take the stage at Cache Creek

2010-05-13T10:54:00.000-07:00

BROOKS, Calif. – Anyone who’s a fan of comedy knows Rob Schneider. Most of us were introduced to him as a member of one of the classic casts of SNL, where he first teamed up with Adam Sandler. This relationship led to hilarious cameos in a number of Sandler projects in addition to features which Schneider carried on his own such as the “Duece Bigelow” films and off the wall premised projects such as “The Animal” and “The Hot Chick.”

Schneider is well known for his longtime relationship with Adam Sandler and Sandler’s production company, Happy Madison, which led him to star in several projects, including “Bedtime Stories,” “You Don’t Mess With The Zohan,” “The Benchwarmers,” “50 First Dates,” “The Longest Yard,” “Eight Crazy Nights,” “Little Nicky” and “Mr. Deeds.” Also for Happy Madison, Schneider co-wrote and starred in “Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo,” “Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo,” “The Hot Chick” and “The Animal.” Other film credits include “Shark Bait,” “The Waterboy” and “Big Daddy.”

Born in San Francisco, Schneider grew up in the nearby suburb of Pacifica, the son of a secular Jewish Father and Catholic mother. Schneider's maternal grandmother was a Filipina who met and married Schneider's maternal grandfather, a Caucasian American army private, while he was stationed in the Philippines. Schneider graduated from Terra Nova High School in 1982, where he began writing jokes as a teenager, appearing at local venues.

After opening for comedians such as Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld, he made his major network television debut in 1987 on “The David Letterman Show.” A few years later, Lorne Michaels saw Schneider’s appearance on HBO’s “13th Annual Young Comedians Special” and hired him to be a regular on “Saturday Night Live.” During his four seasons at “SNL,” Schneider was nominated for three Emmys and a Peabody Award.
Schneider never stopped working since leaving SNL. Fans can next seen him in the soon to be released film “Grown Ups,” a comedy about five old friends (played by comedy superstars Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, Schneider and Adam Sandler) reuniting 30 years after their high school graduation. He also made his directorial debut last year in the prison comedy “Big Stan,” which was filmed at a closed women’s penitentiary in Stockton. Although he lives in Los Angeles, Schneider is still a Northern California native at heart who looks forward to performing for his fans at Cache Creek.

Tickets are available now through Tickets.com on the web: www.Tickets.com or by phone: (800) 225-2277 or at: www.CacheCreek.com or Cache Creek Casino Resort at the guest services desk for $35 reserved.

‘Shake your booty’ at Cache Creek with KC & The Sunshine Band

2010-05-11T13:17:00.000-07:00

BROOKS, Calif. – With sales of over 75 million records, nine Grammy nominations, three Grammy Awards and The American Music Award, KC & the Sunshine Band are one of the seminal forces in pop. Still going strong since their inception in the early 70s, the group pioneered an original funk style that continues to delight old fans and attract new ones well into the millennium. Some of those long time fans and new ones alike can enjoy the group’s funky stylings when they appear at Cache Creek Casino Resort’s Club 88 on June 19 at 8 p.m.

Hits like "Get Down Tonight," "That's the Way (I Like It)" and "Shake Your Booty" established KC as a mover and shaker in the music business. Along with the Beatles, KC is the only artist to have four number one singles in the span of a year: "Boogie Shoes," "Get Down Tonight," "That's the Way I Like It," and "Rock Your Baby." Their songs continue to show up in television and movies, as well as several stations along the radio dial nation-wide. Just about everyone recognizes one of their signature hit songs.

Tickets are available now through Tickets.com on the web: www.Tickets.com or by phone: (800) 225-2277 or at: www.CacheCreek.com or Cache Creek Casino Resort at the guest services desk for $69, $59, and $49.
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Boz Scaggs still smooth as ‘Silk’

2010-04-16T11:54:00.001-07:00

BROOKS, Calif. – Boz Scaggs gained fame in the 70s with several Top 20 Hits in the US along with the hit album "Silk Degrees," which was recorded with the famous session group which later became the band “Toto.” The album spawned three hit singles: "Lowdown", "Lido Shuffle", and "What Can I Say", as well as the critically acclaimed "We're all Alone."

A childhood friend of Steve Miller, Scaggs appeared on the Steve Miller Band's first two albums, Children of the Future and Sailor, which received good reviews from music critics. Scaggs went solo after the success of those efforts, and continued to record and tour throughout the 80s and 90s, charting with songs such as "Breakdown Dead Ahead," "JoJo," "Look What You've Done To Me," "Miss Sun" and "Heart Of Mine." He continues to tour today, including a stop at Cache Creek Casino Resort’s Club 88 on June 12 at 8 p.m.

Tickets are available now through Tickets.com on the web: www.Tickets.com or by phone: (800) 225-2277 or at: www.CacheCreek.com or Cache Creek Casino Resort at the guest services desk for $75, $65, and $55.

Scottish R&B? Must be Average White Band

2010-04-16T11:52:00.001-07:00

BROOKS, Calif. – Scottish Funk and R&B group Average White Band is widely regarded as one of the best soul and funk bands in the history of music. Though perhaps best known for their timeless instrumental mega-hit “Pick Up the Pieces,” the band's strength actually lies in their consistently accomplished song-writing, stretching across several gold selling albums and multi-Grammy nominations.

In fact, more than a few of their singles charted well, including “Cut The Cake” and “Let's Go Round Again.” Several other popular album tracks like “Schoolboy Crush” and “Stop The Rain” even went on to become much sampled and turn tabled “rare” grooves. Other notable singles by the group include “Cloudy”, “A Love Of Your Own” and “Nothing You Can Do,” by many considered some of the finest soul album tracks ever recorded.

Somewhat incongruously, given their Scottish roots, the six piece band took the influences of their R&B heroes – people like Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Donny Hathaway and others – and developed their own “authentic” sound which has been eagerly enjoyed by audiences in the US and abroad. The current line-up of the band (this time with noted US recruits augmenting founder members Alan Gorrie and Onnie McIntyre) continue to record and tour around the world to ongoing critical and audience acclaim. Northern California fans will be able to catch them on May 30 at Cache Creek Casino Resort’s Club 88 at 8 p.m.

Tickets are available now through Tickets.com on the web: www.Tickets.com or by phone: (800) 225-2277 or at: www.CacheCreek.com or Cache Creek Casino Resort at the guest services desk for $39, $29, and $19.

Hawaii comes to Cache Creek

2010-04-06T13:06:00.000-07:00

BROOKS, Calif. – Music lovers who are tired of the same old rock, hip hop, R&B or country concerts can enjoy an evening of Hawaiian surf, rock, funk, jazz and slack key guitar with Kalapana & Willie K., who have played sold out shows in their native Hawaii, the Philippines, and several Asian countries as well as here on the mainland, including an upcoming tour date at Cache Creek's Club 88 on May 22 at 8 p.m.

The music of Hawaii includes an array of traditional and popular styles, ranging from native Hawaiian folk music to modern rock and hip hop. Styles such as the slack-key guitar are well-known worldwide and Hawaiian-tinged music is a frequent and well recognized part of many Hollywood soundtracks and television programs. Hawaiians also made a major contribution to country music with the introduction of the steel guitar. The flair and flavor that are trademarks of traditional Hawaiian folk music is a major part of the state's heritage and identity, and is cherished by audiences the world over.

Kalapana’s special guest, guitar virtuoso Willie K. has played with and opened for such musical giants as B.B. King, Santana, Al DiMeola, Willie Nelson, Prince, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Elvin Bishop, Bonnie Rait, Jackson Browne, Mick Fleetwood, George Benson and Jimmy Buffett. For fans of the tranquil sounds of island music this is a fantastic opportunity to see a great Hawaiian group perform in an intimate setting.

Tickets are available now through Tickets.com on the web: www.Tickets.com or by phone: (800) 225-2277 or at: www.CacheCreek.com or Cache Creek Casino Resort at the guest services desk for $65, $49, and $39.

Jefferson Starship lands at Cache Creek

2010-03-11T15:10:00.001-08:00

BROOKS, Calif. – the celebrated rock group Jefferson Starship sprung from a lineage of their legendary forefathers Jefferson Airplane and prevail as one of the most critically acclaimed touring acts today. The current incarnation of Jefferson Starship (appearing at Cache Creek Casino Resort’s Club 88 on May 1 at 8 p.m.) features a stellar cast of old and new players, including songwriter/guitarist/vocalist Paul Kantner, vocalist David Freiberg both of whom founded the original Jefferson Starship and were crucial in developing the renowned "San Francisco Sound" that changed the course of pop music forever.

It all started in 1965 when Kantner formed Jefferson Airplane, a mainstay at the San Francisco nightclub The Matrix. Airplane became the first San Francisco rock group to sign a recording contract with a major label with their first album in 1966 “Jefferson Airplane Takes Off.” Vocalist Grace Slick joined the Airplane in 1967, bringing with her the hits "Somebody to Love" and "White Rabbit," anthems that announced the "Summer of Love" and permanently altered the perspective of an entire generation.

Both songs hit the Top 10 that year, making Jefferson Airplane the most successful rock band in America. Born of the decade marked by civil rights activism, the war in Vietnam and the
Counter-culture Mecca of San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury, the group defined the psychedelic nation with their appearances at the Monterey Pop, Woodstock and Altamont music festivals. Airplane disbanded in 1972, leaving in its wake a canon of work that includes "It's No Secret," "My Best Friend," "Comin' Back To Me," "Plastic Fantasic Lover," "We Can Be Together," "Today," "Wooden Ships" (with David Crosby and Steven Stills) and "Volunteers."

The follow up group, Jefferson Starship, was formed by Kantner in 1974. Joined by Balin, Slick, lead guitarist Craig Chaquico, bassist Pete Sears and drummer John Barbata, this original incarnation of the band reigned as one of the most artistically and commercially successful
rock groups for a decade. The band's initial release, “Dragonfly,” spawned the rock radio staples "Ride the Tiger" and "Caroline." The band's breakthrough album came a year later with “Red
Octopus,” which featured the hit single "Miracles" and catapulted the group to the top of Billboard's album chart four separate times in 1975. The band's subsequent record releases generated the hits "With Your Love," "St. Charles," "Count on Me," "Runaway" and "Jane."

Since reforming in 1992, Jefferson Starship has performed over 1,000 concerts in 21 countries. They not only perform all the timeless hits of the original Jefferson Starship, but also the entire repertoire of Jefferson Airplane. In 2010 the band celebrates its 40th Anniversary with a special tour and a stop at Cache Creek Casino Resort’s Club 88 on May 1 at 8 p.m.

Tickets are available now through Tickets.com on the web: www.Tickets.com or by phone: (800) 225-2277 or at: www.CacheCreek.com or Cache Creek Casino Resort at the guest services desk for $55, $45, and $35.
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Almond Festival a Capay Valley ‘culinary tour’

2010-03-03T13:13:00.000-08:00

BROOKS, Calif. – One memorable sign of spring’s arrival is the brilliant, colorful display of almond blossoms which dot the landscape across the Capay Valley each year, lining the highways and country roads that wind through the region’s fertile green hills. The Capay Valley Almond Festival has celebrated this special time of year by entertaining visitors to the Valley for over 90 years.

This year the festival takes place on Sunday, March 14. The Capay Valley towns of Esparto, Capay, Brooks, Guinda, Madison and Rumsey all take part in the celebration, which is once again being sponsored in part by Cache Creek Casino Resort and the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation.

Napa Valley may have their wine tours, but festival organizers encourage lovers of good food to take a culinary tour of the Capay Valley by visiting all of the participating locations and sampling a unique food or wine at each stop along the way. Tour takers can make their way down Highway 16 along the tour route and enjoy favorites like barbequed ribs, steak, tri-tip sandwiches, barbequed oysters, local organic produce and baked goods like the valley’s famous Almond Roca, or participate in wine tasting and tours at Capay Valley Vineyards. The Esparto Regional Chamber is also providing visitors with an Almond Blossom Trail Map for those who want to take a scenic tour of the valley and view all the varieties of colorful blossoms (available at www.blossomtrail.org).

Once culinary tourists have filled their stomachs they can enjoy free activities for the kids, a classic car show, and plenty of vendor booths filled with locally crafted items and fresh valley-grown produce. The day long festival kicks off on Sunday morning with a community pancake breakfast at Esparto High School. Later, there’s a parade reigned over by the newly crowned Almond Queen. Other attractions include a petting zoo in Guinda and interesting sights such as the old engine demonstration. Rock, R&B, Blues, Country or Jazz music greets guests in several of the locations.

For more information on any of the Almond Festival events surf to the Esparto Regional Chamber website at: www.espartoregionalchamber.com or call: (530) 787-3242.

Contacts: Cean Burgeson, Communications Manager: (530) 796-5333; cburgeson@cachecreek.com

Gladys Knight takes the ‘midnight train’ to Cache Creek

2010-02-17T15:21:00.001-08:00

BROOKS, Calif. – Gladys Knight, whose name is forever synonymous with “the Pips,” is an icon of the golden Motown era of the 1960s, charting several hit singles, including "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" (1967), "The Nitty Gritty" (1969),"Friendship Train" (1969), "If I Were Your Woman" (1970), "I Don't Want To Do Wrong" (1971), the Grammy winner "Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)" (1972), and "Daddy Could Swear (I Declare)" (1973). Now singing on her own, Knight can be seen performing for her fans at Cache Creek Casino Resort’s Club 88 on March 13 at 8 p.m.

The success of Gladys Knight and the Pips continued even after they left Motown in 1973 with hits such as the Grammy-winning "Midnight Train to Georgia", "I've Got to Use My Imagination", and "Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me." This famous union eventually ended however, and Knight toured and recorded as a solo artist after the Pips retired in 1988. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.

Working without her longtime backup singers, Knight went on to record two duets with her friend Johnny Mathis in the 1980s, "When a Child Is Born" and "The Lord's Prayer," which have become yearly Christmas staples on radio and in record stores. They also charted with the #1 R&B hits "Save the Overtime (For Me)" (1983) and another Grammy winner--"Love Overboard" (1987).

Gladys has joined forces with other artists as well, including Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, and Elton John on the 1986 AIDS benefit single, "That's What Friends Are For" which won a Grammy for Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal. In 1989, Knight recorded the title track for the James Bond movie License to Kill, a top 10 hit both in the UK and Germany. Now a legend in the music industry after four decades, she continues to tour and record, playing to sold out crowds across the U.S.

Tickets are available now through Tickets.com on the web: www.Tickets.com or by phone: (800) 225-2277 or at: www.CacheCreek.com or Cache Creek Casino Resort at the guest services desk for $89, $79, and $65.

Buddy Guy inspired some of music’s greats

2010-02-17T15:18:00.000-08:00

Will perform at Cache Creek April 24

BROOKS, Calif. – Any discussion of blues and rock guitarist Buddy Guy invariably involves a recitation of his colossal musical resume and hard-earned accolades. He's a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, a chief guitar influence to rock titans like Hendrix, Clapton, Beck, and Vaughan and a pioneer of Chicago's fabled West Side sound -- and a living link to that city's halcyon days of electric blues.

Buddy has received five Grammy Awards, 23 W.C. Handy Blues Awards (the most any artist has received), the Billboard Magazine Century Award for distinguished artistic achievement, and the Presidential National Medal of Arts. Guy’s credentials and following are well established, and his musical relevance continues to this day. Fans can see him perform at Cache Creek on Saturday, April 24 at 8 p.m.
Just this past year, Buddy appeared on the big screen nationwide with a show-stopping performance in Martin Scorsese's Rolling Stones concert film, “Shine a Light” and at the age of 72, he appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone for the first time as part of the magazine's "100 Greatest Guitar Songs" package.

During his long and successful career, Guy, the purveyor of a stinging, attacking electric guitar style and wild, impassioned vocals, has captured the minds of a growing number of rock musicians. "He was for me what Elvis was probably like for other people," Eric Clapton recalled Guy's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2005. "My course was set, and he was my pilot."

There were no fewer than 20 releases under Guy's name during the 1970s and '80s and his 1991 comeback smash “Damn Right, I've Got the Blues” 1993's Feels Like Rain, and 1994's Slipping' In” all earned Grammy Awards. His last album, “Bring 'Me In,” found Guy trading licks with the likes of Carlos Santana and John Mayer (a huge Buddy Guy fan, who has done much to spotlight the older artist in recent years) on a set of songs featuring covers of classic soul songs.

"I just try to get the best players and hope I can pop the top off this can and show that the blues are back," he says. "I learn from them, bring them in and see what they can do. And these guys got me feeling like when I was 22 years old and went into the studio with Muddy Waters."

Buddy Guy says he's excited about the new ground he’s broken and about continuing to find new challenges to set for himself. "If you get too old to learn, you might as well go out of this world backwards," he says. "It's like being a prizefighter. If you lay down, you never have a chance to win. But if you keep punching, you might hit 'em with the one that lies 'em down.

Tickets are available now through Tickets.com on the web: www.Tickets.com or by phone: (800) 225-2277 or at: www.CacheCreek.com or Cache Creek Casino Resort at the guest services desk for $65, $55, and $45.

Bell Biv DeVoe pioneered 90s R&B sound

2010-01-18T13:44:00.000-08:00

Group will perform at Cache Creek April 3

BROOKS, Calif. – Fans of 1990s R&B will fondly remember Bell Biv DeVoe. a splinter group of New Edition that consisted of three of that band’s previous members: Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, and Ronnie DeVoe. The group’s debut album, “Poison” has been described as the first to successfully combine hip-hop with R&B and pop music. Released in 1990, its title track became a #1 hit on the R&B chart, and was followed by singles "Do Me!", "B.B.D. (I Thought It Was Me)?", "When Will I See You Smile Again", and "She’s Dope!" The album “Poison” went on to sell over three million copies with a subsequent remix released the next year which was eventually certified gold.

In all, Bell Biv Devoe sold in excess of 4 million albums, prompting performances on the 1990 American Music Awards and other prestigious musical ceremonies. BBD’s second album, “Hootie Mack,” was released in 1993 and spawned the memorable singles "Gangsta," "Above The Rim," "Something In Your Eyes" and "Show Me the Way." Their music kept with the times and changed to a more hardcore rap style of R&B with the 1996 release of their third album “Home Again.”

Still actively involved in the R&B and hip-hop scene, they performed with Ne-Yo at the 2009 BET Awards and dropped two new tracks on iTunes last year, "Welcome to My Heart" and "You.” Much to the delight of their Northern California fans, the members of BBD are back on tour with a stop at Cache Creek’s Club 88 on April 3 at 8 p.m. to sing their classic hits as well as some of their new songs.

Tickets are available now through Tickets.com on the web: www.Tickets.com or by phone: (800) 225-2277 or at: www.CacheCreek.com or Cache Creek Casino Resort at the guest services desk for $75, $59, and $49.

‘The Hoff’ coming to Cache Creek

2010-01-08T15:17:00.000-08:00

David Hasselhoff launching his new tour in Brooks

BROOKS, Calif. – After the amazing response to his rendition of “Feeling Good” on “America’s Got Talent,” David Hasselhoff is bringing his live musical talents (which have sold out shows across Europe for years) to America with a “Retro Rockin’ with The Hoff” Valentine’s Day performance at Cache Creek’s Club 88. It will be a sexy evening of romantic songs delivered as only The Hoff can in a performance you’ll never forget. Don’t miss the American debut of David’s new world tour at Cache Creek. It’ll be Hofftastic!

Tickets are available now through Tickets.com on the web: www.Tickets.com or by phone: (800) 225-2277 or at: www.CacheCreek.com or Cache Creek Casino Resort at the guest services desk for $65, $55, and $45.

Rock Hall of Famer Stephen Stills set to play Cache Creek

2010-01-08T15:15:00.000-08:00

BROOKS, Calif. – Stephen Stills is one of the most influential and enduring figures in rock and roll, and the only artist ever to be inducted twice in the same night into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – for both The Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills & Nash. Stills' work spans four iconic groups (Manassas and Crosby Stills Nash &Young in addition to the two already mentioned) two era-defining anthems – "For What It's Worth" and "Love The One You're With" – and a rich canon of solo material. Fans of the artist can hear him perform some of these rock classics on Feb. 13 at Cache Creek Casino Resort’s Club 88 at 8 p.m.

Stills launched his illustrious solo career with 1970's “Stephen Stills,” of which allmusic.com's Bruce Eder wrote, "listening to this album three decades on, it's still a jaw-dropping experience.” Featuring all-star musical friends Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Rita Coolidge and others, the disc delivered the stone-cold Stills classic "Love The One You're With," one of the most important solo hits from any CSN&Y member. Solo highlights also include 1971's “Stephen Stills 2,” adding the classics "Change Partners," "Marianne" and "Know You Got to Run" to Stills' catalogue. Billboard Magazine wrote, "His spectacular vocal style coupled with outstanding lyrics and music make this a must for every pop music fan."

In 1975 Stills introduced "As I Come of Age," a poetic mid-tempo groove boasting harmonies from David Crosby and Graham Nash and Ringo Starr on drums, and '78's “Thoroughfare Gap” added another fan favorite with its title track. 1991's exquisitely spare “Stills Alone” prompted allmusic.com to write, "Stills has put out a spectacular solo effort in the true sense of the word."

Ranked #28 on Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time, Stills also has a trio of album masterpieces on their compendium of The 500 Greatest Albums Of All Time: “Buffalo Springfield Again,” “Crosby, Stills & Nash” and “Déjà Vu.” Still recording and touring as a solo artist 40 years later, Stephen Stills has become a Rock icon and his timeless music is remembered and enjoyed by a legion of fans spanning four decades.

Tickets are available now through Tickets.com on the web: www.Tickets.com or by phone: (800) 225-2277 or at: www.CacheCreek.com or Cache Creek Casino Resort at the guest services desk for $75, $59, and $49.

Yocha Dehe Golf Club recognized for environmental excellence

2010-01-06T13:35:00.001-08:00

BROOKS, Calif. – The Yocha Dehe Golf Club has achieved designation as a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, an Audubon International program. Kyle Jones, Course Superintendent, has led the effort to obtain sanctuary status on this course and is being recognized for Environmental Stewardship by Audubon International. Yocha Dehe Golf Club is the 51st course in California and the 796thin the world to receive the honor.

"Yocha Dehe Golf Club has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program. They are to be commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property," said Jim Sluiter, Staff Ecologist for the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Programs.

"To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas," explained Sluiter. These categories include: Environmental Planning, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management.

“This has truly been a team effort. All of us at Cache Creek Casino Resort, in one way or another strive towards the goal of sustainability. I want to thank everyone that has helped throughout this certification process and look forward to many opportunities ahead in educating and promoting a healthier eco system,” said Jones.

The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, endorsed by the United States Golf Association, provides information and guidance to help golf courses preserve and enhance wildlife habitat and protect natural resources. Golf courses from the United States, Africa, Australia, Canada, Central America, Europe, and Southeast Asia have also achieved certification in the program.

For more information on golf and the environment, visit www.golfandenvironment.org. In addition to golf courses, Audubon International also provides programs for businesses, schools, communities, and new developments. For additional information contact Audubon International, (518) 767-9051; acsp@auduboninternational.org; or visit their website at www.auduboninternational.org.

New table games and slots high limit rooms open

2009-12-18T16:01:00.001-08:00

Despite the challenging economy Cache Creek Casino Resort continues to upgrade their gaming offerings to better serve their guests. The resort will open a new high limit table games room on Friday, Dec. 18 featuring three Baccarat tables with a $10,000 maximum betting limit, two single-deck Blackjack games with 3 to 2 payouts and $2,000 maximum limits, two double-deck Blackjack games with a maximum limit of $5,000, and three Blackjack shoe games with $10,000 maximum betting limits.
Earlier in the month a brand new high limit slot room was opened at the resort, featuring additional slot games and denominations.

“We are continuing to make changes to our gaming operations in response to our guest’s needs and feedback,” said Cean Burgeson, a spokesperson for Cache Creek. “The buzz we’re hearing about our new high limit slot room has been great so far and we anticipate the same from the opening of our new high limit table games room. Blackjack games with 3 to 2 payouts are getting harder to find these days so our players who enjoy table games will be excited about these new options. They’ll also like the range of betting limits we continue to provide and the number of tables we have to accommodate everyone.”

An Interview with Ronnie Montrose

2009-12-01T09:16:00.000-08:00

This link will take you to an interview with Ronnie Montrose, who recently performed at Cache Creek's Clubb 88.

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid15032417001?bctid=52626055001

Comedian, actor Sinbad to perform at Cache Creek

2009-11-09T12:14:00.000-08:00

BROOKS, Calif. – Comedian and actor Sinbad will tell you that he doesn't tells jokes – "I don't know any," he admits – instead, he stalks the stage, telling real-life stories. His comedy has been described as large, physical, and impetuous, and mirrors the everyday lives of the audiences who flock to see his shows. It’s this type of relational comedy that Sinbad will be performing on Jan. 29 at Cache Creek’s intimate Club 88 for what will most likely be a sold out crowd.

Fans of Sinbad may remember his stint on TV’s Star Search, which helped to launch his popular success and led to stand up appearances and acting gigs. He made his big screen debut in the 1991 gridiron comedy "Necessary Roughness," with other motion picture credits including "Houseguest," "First Kid" and Jingle All The Way" as well as a cameo in "Coneheads." He was also the voice of the canine Riley in "Homeward Bound II."

On television, he starred in the title role of the "Cherokee Kid" on HBO, and was the star and executive producer of his own acclaimed Fox TV sitcom, "The Sinbad Show" and "Sinbad's Summer Jam Weekend II" airing also on HBO. "Sinbad's Summer Jam" won the prestigious NAACP Image Award consecutively for two years in the "Most Outstanding Variety Series/Special" category.

Sinbad, who has built a loyal following with sold-out comedy shows and has gone from being one of America's best-loved and funniest comedians to national stardom on television and movies, is also a recipient of the Harvard University's 1997 "Artist of the Year" award and the 1994 "Candle" award from Morehouse College honoring his excellence in Arts and Entertainment. Loved by audiences nation-wide, this experienced performer is sure to provide plenty of laughs for his fans during his one night stand at Cache Creek.

Tickets are available now through Tickets.com on the web: www.Tickets.com or by phone: (800) 225-2277 or at: www.CacheCreek.com or Cache Creek Casino Resort at the guest services desk for $59, $49, and $39.

80’s R&B star will make audiences ‘Sweat’ in January

2009-11-04T16:40:00.000-08:00

Singer Keith Sweat set to take the stage at Cache Creek

BROOKS, Calif. – Harlem born R&B singer Keith Sweat worked his way from an ordinary 9-to-5 job at the New York Stock Exchange to super stardom in the late 80s. Working during the day and singing in nightclubs at night, he was discovered in 1987 and released his debut album “Make It Last Forever,” which went on to sell four million copies.

The biggest hit from this album, "I Want Her," hit #1 on the R&B charts and #5 on the Pop charts and the title track from the album went on to hit #2 on the R&B charts. Sweat continued to chart fairly well with his sophomore album, “I'll Give All My Love to You,” which hit #3 on the Billboard 200 chart, and “Keep It Comin’,” which debuted in the Top 20 of the album chart. Sweat released subsequent albums “Get Up On It,” and his self-titled fifth album, “Keith Sweat” which hit #5 on the Billboard 200. From that album, the single "Twisted" hit #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and "Nobody" also hit at #3.

In the years that followed, Sweat managed and produced several other artists in addition to touring nation-wide. Fans of his distinct R&B style will have the chance to hear Sweat perform when he makes a stop at Cache Creek Casino Resort’s intimate Club 88 on Saturday, January 16th at 8 p.m.

Tickets are available for $75, $65, and $55 through Tickets.com on the web: www.Tickets.com, by phone: (800) 225-2277 or at: www.CacheCreek.com and Cache Creek Casino Resort guest services.

Bret Michaels appearance at Cache Creek should be ‘Nothin’ but a Good Time’

2009-10-28T13:25:00.000-07:00

BROOKS, Calif. – Bret Michaels is, if nothing else, a true survivor. He’s survived a life-long battle as an insulin dependent diabetic, a well publicized near fatal car crash in 1994, and the countless musical trends and fads of the last two decades. He’s also survived the onslaught of drama emanating from the ladies who vie for his companionship on the hit VH1 show “Rock of Love,” and a set piece that fell on his head during the Tony ceremonies in June, forcing him to cancel an appearance at Cache Creek Casino Resort. Folks who didn’t get their chance to see Michaels because of that missed appearance can catch him on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. at Cache Creek’s Club 88. Despite these recent adversities, the charismatic singer vows to “keep rockin’ til I can’t rock anymore.”

“As soon as I ever start to just go through the motions I’ll quit,” confesses the 45-year-old singer, songwriter, producer, director and actor. But there’s little chance he’ll even slow down let alone quit anytime soon. In fact, after more than 20 years in the business, this award winning, multi-platinum superstar’s career continues to move at warp speed.

s front man for the legendary rock band Poison, Michaels sold 25 million records and scored an amazing 15 chartbusting Top-40 singles including “Talk Dirty to Me,” “Something to Believe In,” “Nothin’ But a Good Time” and the timeless number one smash “Every Rose Has its Thorn.” And in the new millennium, Poison’s music has been featured in such big screen features as “Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” “Grandma’s Boy” and “Deuce Bigelow European Gigolo.” Poison continues to be one of the industry’s top grossing concert attractions, and their 2006 “20 Years of Rock” CD was a bona fide Top 20 gold smash.

As an actor, Michaels has made regular appearances on such hit television shows as “Yes Dear,” “Martial Law,” and “The Chris Isaak Show.” He has also co-hosted “Access Hollywood” and been a judge on the wildly popular “Nashville Star” program. But most reality TV fans know him best as the front man for VH1’s top rated show of all time “Rock of Love,” and its third season incarnation titled “Rock of Love Bus.”
Despite his TV fame, Michaels continues to tour, releasing two post-Poison albums: “Songs of Life” in 2003 followed by his rootsy, Americana flavored sophomore record “Freedom of Sound” in 2005. Not to worry, though. Fans of Poison will still hear the most popular hits from his time with that band when he makes a “bus stop” at Cache Creek in June.

Be sure to pick up your tickets as soon as you can as this show sold out last summer. Tickets are available for $79 and $65 through Tickets.com on the web: www.Tickets.com, by phone: (800) 225-2277 or at: www.CacheCreek.com and Cache Creek Casino Resort guest services.

Contact: Cean Burgeson, Communications Manager: (530) 796-5333; cburgeson@cachecreek.com

70s rockers Montrose bring their tour to Cache Creek

2009-10-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

BROOKS, Calif. – The band Montrose was formed back in the 70s by Ronnie Montrose and Sammy Hagar and has become synonymous with the hits “Rock Candy,” “Bad Motor Scooter,” and “Rock the Nation.” Their sound, energy, and attitude have been often imitated or emulated, and they have even been credited as a hard rock forerunner to bands such as Van Halen.

Sammy Hagar has since moved on, and the band has been fronted since 2000 by Keith St. John, a man Montrose says is “the only guy who could ever fill his shoes.” The list of talented performers who have jammed with this band reads like a rock n roll hall of fame listing. Montrose has been joined by drummers and bass players from several legendary bands over the years including KISS, Alice Cooper, Megadeth, Y&T, Mr. Big, Badlands, Styx, and Pat Benatar. Gene Simmons of KISS has even said the band used to listen to the entire first Montrose record for inspiration before they went out on stage.

Fans of this hard rocking band can see them on Nov. 27 at 8 p.m. at Cache Creek Casino Resort’s Club 88. Tickets are available now through Tickets.com on the web: www.Tickets.com or by phone: (800) 225-2277 or at: www.CacheCreek.com or Cache Creek Casino Resort at the guest services desk for $25.

TV show turned stage show ‘Whose Live Anyway’ comes to Cache Creek

2009-10-12T13:16:00.000-07:00

BROOKS, Calif. – “Whose Live Anyway,” a live improvisational stage show inspired by the British and American hit television program “Whose Line is it Anyway,” first appeared in 1999 when it sold out two shows in under three hours to very enthusiastic crowds in Vancouver. Following its initial success, “Whose Line” Executive Producer and star Ryan Stiles expanded the number of appearances of the show to include several major cities in the Western USA and Canada where it has remained a consistent sell out. Fans of the TV series and Ryan Stiles can catch the show on Nov. 7 at Cache Creek Casino Resort at 8 p.m.

“Whose Live Anyway” consists of 90 minutes of hilarious improvised comedy and song all based on audience suggestions. Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Chip Esten and Jeff B. Davis leave their audiences gasping with witty scenes they invent “on the spot.” Like other improvisational stage shows such as the popular and celebrated Second City, everyone is amazed at how quickly they craft these comedic vignettes and are similarly astounded at the incredible improvised song lyrics Chip Esten and Jeff Davis produce and perform.

Audience participation is the key to the show. Guests are not only asked for suggestions, but are brought up to join in the fun with the cast onstage. “Whose Live Anyway” performs some of the games made famous on the Emmy Nominated TV show with the addition of a few new ones. It’s a night of comedy for fans of the program or new fans alike.

Ryan Stiles - Ryan is a brilliant improvisor whose TV appearances include both the British and North American version of “Whose Line Is It Anyway.” He starred on “The Drew Carey Show” and can currently be seen on “Two and a Half Men.”

Greg Proops - Not only is Greg intelligently witty, he's a style piglet, a very groovy stand up comic, and improvisor from San Francisco. Greg was the first North American on the British “Whose Line Is It Anyway.”

Chip Esten - Chip is best known for his work on “Whose Line Is It Anyway” where in addition to performing very funny improv material; he can be seen making up a song in any style, right off the top of his head.

Jeff Davis - Jeff shares the singing duties with Chip in “Whose Live Anyway.” He is a gifted performer who is likewise very inventive when it comes to composing and singing a song in a wide range of styles based entirely on audience suggestions.

Tickets are available now through Tickets.com on the web: www.Tickets.com or by phone: (800) 225-2277 or at: www.CacheCreek.com or Cache Creek Casino Resort at the guest services desk for $59, $49, and $39.

R&B favorite Brian McKnight returns to Cache Creek

2009-10-05T12:14:00.001-07:00

BROOKS, Calif. – R&B artist Brian McKnight is a singer, songwriter, arranger, producer and one of the most prominent singers of his age group. He is also a multi-instrumentalist who plays the piano, guitar, and trumpet, and he’s lent these musical talents to 11 albums with seven of them turning platinum (some two or three times over). In an industry of constantly revolving players, McKnight has established quite a record and proven himself to be anything but a fluke through his many successes in the business, collaborating over the years with an array of different performers across all genres, including Justin Timberlake, Mariah Carey, Puffy, Christina Aguilera, Rascal Flats, Nelly, Vanessa Williams, Willie Nelson, and Kenny G.

Embracing an effortless eloquence and cocoa butter smooth persona, the music of Brian McKnight has defined the true meaning of the American “soul-man” since 1991. Like his spiritual Motown godfathers, this upstate New York native has a velvety voice and silky style that captures the vibe of vintage soul without being old fashioned.

The longevity of his career and his timeless appeal is a true testament to his talent. Selling 20 million albums since his self-titled debut; he still performs live and continues to deliver the goods, including a stop at Cache Creek Casino Resort’s Club 88 on Oct. 31 at 8 p.m. If his last sold-out appearance is any indication, fans of this multi-faceted entertainer may want to get their tickets quickly if they want to catch McKnight live this time around.

Tickets are available for $85/$69/$59 through Tickets.com on the web: www.Tickets.com, phone: (800) 225-2277 or at www.CacheCreek.com and Cache Creek Casino Resort guest services.

Contact: Cean Burgeson, Communications Manager: (530) 796-5333; cburgeson@cachecreek.com

San Francisco Plumber Turns on a Faucet Full of Winnings

2009-10-05T11:15:00.001-07:00

Winner Hits a Gusher—a $619,538.24 Wheel of Fortune® MegaJackpot® at Cache Creek Casino Resort

(Brooks, Calif. – October 4, 2009) – San Franciscan Mark Biggins took his wife Omozole to Cache Creek Saturday because she wanted to “get out of the house.” That simple desire paid off big time for the lucky couple when Mark won a $619,538.24 MegaJackpot® on a Wheel of Fortune® dollar slot machine.

The 44 year-old plumber said he chose to play Wheel of Fortune® because his mother likes to play it. He went up to the “first one I saw when I walked in” to the casino.

The winner said he’ll use his winning to pay his bills and expand his plumbing business.

“We are thrilled to have another MegaJackpot® here at Cache Creek Casino Resort,” said Cean Burgeson, Communication Manager at Cache Creek. “We offer our hearty congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Biggins and wish them the best.”

Cache Creek, located 40 miles northwest of Sacramento and 80 miles from the Bay Area, is Northern California’s only casino resort. Operating 2,400 slot machines and 142 table games throughout its spacious 100,000-square-foot casino, Cache Creek also features nine beautiful restaurants, a state-of-the-art entertainment center, a resort golf course, and a 200-room luxury hotel and spa. For more information, go to www.cachecreek.com.

All IGT MegaJackpots® are paid in annual installments upon verification, except MegaJackpots Instant Winners Jackpots®, which are paid in their entirety upon verification. For current jackpot totals on all California MegaJackpots® progressives, log on to www.megajackpots.com.

"Wheel of Fortune" is a registered trademark of Califon Productions, Inc. "Wheel of Fortune" © 2008 Califon Productions, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Contacts: Cristina Dayton (916) 204-6715 or Stephen Kulieke (916) 717-8614for IGT.

Disney and Broadway favorite returns to Cache Creek

2009-09-25T12:15:00.001-07:00

BROOKS, Calif. – Filipina singer Leah Salonga has had a long history in show business. At age 7 she made her professional debut in Repertory Philippines’ production of “The King and I.” At age 10 she began her recording career, eventually receiving a gold record for her first album, “Small Voice.” At age 13 she won three Aliw Awards – an award for Filipino live entertainers – for Best Child Entertainer during the years 1981, 1982, and 1893.

As an adult Salonga played the role of Kim in the critically acclaimed production of “Miss Saigon” with performances in London, where she won the Laurence Olivier Award. From London she went to Broadway where she garnered the Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and Theatre World Awards.
On Friday, Oct. 16 at 9 p.m. and Saturday Oct. 17 at 8 p.m., this award winning singer, actress, and performer will bring her talents to Cache Creek Casino Resort’s Club 88 stage.

Her other notable theater performances include “Les Miserables,” “Grease!,” “Into the Woods,” “My Fair Lady,” “The Fantasticks,” “Annie,” “Paper Moon,” “The Goodbye Girl,” “The Rose Tattoo,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” and “Cat On a Hot Tin Roof,” performing in Manila, London, Singapore, and New York City.

She also recorded the singing voice of Jasmine for the Walt Disney animated hit, “Aladdin.” Among her special appearances was one and at the 65th Annual Academy Awards where she sang “A Whole New World,” the title song from that feature, which won an Oscar.

Throughout her career, she has remained true to her roots. “Through whatever I’ve done,” she says, “the image of the Filipino was made a little more positive, and that somehow, the Filipino was given the chance to smile and be proud. Hopefully, the world’s awareness of the Filipino artist remains.”

Tickets are available for $99/$89/$75/$65 through Tickets.com on the web: www.Tickets.com, phone: (800) 225-2277 or at www.CacheCreek.com and Cache Creek Casino Resort guest services.

Contact: Cean Burgeson, Communications Manager: (530) 796-5333; cburgeson@cachecreek.com

Cache Creek embracing the sweet island sounds of Na Leo

2009-09-23T10:50:00.000-07:00

BROOKS, Calif. – Cool breezes, fresh island air, and warm sun come to mind when listening to the unique sounds of the music from our neighbor state to the west – Hawaii. One practitioner of this unique brand of musical entertainment is Na Leo Pilimehana, which in Hawaiian means “the voices blending together in warmth.” This three woman singing group, coming to Cache Creek Casino Resort on Oct. 24 at 8 p.m., is the most popular, most award-winning and biggest selling female Hawaiian group in the world. Known as Na Leo for short, the trio consists of childhood friends, Nalani Choy, Lehua Kalima Heine and Angela Morales.

Angela and Nalani met in the first grade and six years later both met Lehua in the seventh grade. They found that all three shared a love of music and became members of the concert glee club. Their first hit came as high school seniors when they entered Hawaii's youth talent contest, "Brown Bags to Stardom" in 1984 with their original song, "Local Boys." The tune, "an ode to the bronzed and buffed," as local writer David Choo says, blasted onto the charts and ruled at #1 for months. Stoked by the favorable response, they put out their first hit album, also entitled "Local Boys," which included three other original compositions. The next year, the hit single "Local Boys" won the prestigious Hoku Music Award (Hawaii’s version of the Grammys) and became the best selling single in Hawaii's history -- a record that still stands today.

Despite the mega success of that first album, the trio didn't make a dime. Discouraged about music as a way to make a living, they decided to get on with other things, like college, jobs and marriage. That all changed about eight years later when a producer dangled the idea of making another album. The girls missed performing together, so in 1993, they released "Friends," another Hoku-award winner and a huge hit -- so much of a hit that Attorney General Janet Reno had to weigh in when the Hawaii Department of Education tried to ban students from playing the tune at their proms and graduations because it made reference to "God."

Since 1982, they've released 18 CDs, won 22 Hoku Awards, been in the top 20 Adult Contemporary charts nationally, and made music that's become an important part of the lives of their many fans. In 2005, Na Leo celebrated their landmark 20th anniversary with their first DVD release, titled “I Miss You My Hawaii” and a new studio album produced by legendary record producer Keith Olsen entitled “Feel the Spirit.” Their latest project "Where I Live, There Are Rainbows," is enjoying successful sales.

Tickets are available for $69/$59/$49 through Tickets.com on the web: www.Tickets.com, phone: (800) 225-2277 or at www.CacheCreek.com and Cache Creek Casino Resort guest services.

Contact: Cean Burgeson, Communications Manager: (530) 796-5333; cburgeson@cachecreek.com

Promotions at Cache Creek

2009-09-16T15:37:00.000-07:00

The Good Life can be yours in September

During the month of September you can live “The Good Life” at Cache Creek during The Good Life Giveaways. In some cultures, the number 9 symbolizes long life and longevity, and means “long life forever.” That’s why September is a particularly lucky month this year when the stars align and the number 9 occurs three times, on 9-9-09!

To celebrate, we're giving away $999 every hour throughout the month of September. Cache Club members can earn three drawing entries each day by swiping their card at the Cache Club. Additional entries are earned with the purchase of a Harvest Buffet meal, round of golf at Yocha Dehe Golf Club, hotel night stay, with each hand paid slot jackpot, or by playing table games and being dealt one of the 9-9-09 special hands:

• A pair of 9s on the Player's first two cards in Blackjack
• All suited Blackjacks
• A hand with 9 and Gong or better in Pai Gow Tiles
• Winning tie wagers with 9s in Baccarat and Min-Baccarat
• $10 or higher winning bet with 9 in Casino War
• Straights or better for winning Bad Beat Jackpot wagers in Three Card and Four Card Poker
• Pai Gow Poker hands with three 9s
• Any hand dealt Pocket 9s in the Poker Room
• All Poker Room promotional wins and Poker Tournament wins.

Cache Club members can drop their entries into the drawing drum located in front of the Cache Club to qualify to win $999 in cash every hour. Winners must be present to win, so cash prizes not claimed within one hour of the drawing will be rolled into the following drawing -- so the opportunity to win big if you stay and play are outstanding! Come to Cache Creek and experience The Good Life!

Cash Blitz Jackpots in October and November

Football fans -- it’s first and goal at our Cash Blitz Jackpots every half hour at Cache Creek during the months of October and November. The clock is ticking down and the action will be fast and furious. The Cash Blitz kicks off October 1st and runs through the end of November. That’s when Slot and Table Games players will be hit every 30 minutes from 4 p.m. until midnight with the Cash Blitz, awarding players with cash windfalls of $1,000 each.

All you need to do in order to join the team is become a Cache Club member, and then you’ll be eligible to score big during the Cash Blitz. ANY player in table games OR slots could go the distance and win some big cash! Cache Creek’s Cash Blitz Giveaway, where you could be a $1,000 winner twice an hour every day!

Double Point Fridays

Every Friday Cache Creek’s guests continue to earn double points when they play their favorite slot machines. These points show up automatically while playing with a Cache Club card inserted into any machine and are instantly added to each player’s account.

Featured Event: Taste of Capay – October 25

2009-09-16T15:35:00.000-07:00

The Taste of Capay is a special meal featuring food grown on various farms and ranches in and around the beautiful Capay Valley. Guests can enjoy local wines, live music, and bid on auctions to raise money for the non-profit organization Capay Valley Vision.

Capay Valley Vision, a community based organization established to help preserve and promote the Capay Valley, is the host of the sixth annual Taste of Capay benefit dinner and auction. The annual gathering takes place at Taber Ranch, a family-owned business set on an expansive working ranch in the valley.

Taste of Capay is catered by Cache Creek Casino Resort chefs using the best local ingredients. “We are thrilled to again have Cache Creek Casino generously donate their time and talents to the Taste of Capay,” said Capay Valley Vision Executive Director Sue Heitman. “The Taste of Capay is an event we all look forward to each year.”

The event began as a small group of neighbors coming together to showcase the bounty of the local area and has now developed into a grand production with a guest list of over 350. This is the third year Cache Creek Casino Resort and the Rumsey Band of Wintun Indians will cater the entire event with Executive Chef Stefan Cheng and Chef de Cuisine Ryan De Guzman.

“On behalf of the casino and the Tribe it is our honor to support such a wonderful event, “ said Marshall McKay, Chairman of the Rumsey Band of Wintun Indians. “The Taste of Capay is truly a showcase of all that our community has to offer.”

“Buy local, buy Fresh” is one of the mottos of Capay Valley Vision. Organic farms and fresh produce thrive in the valley and are in high demand from restaurants all over Northern California, including Sacramento and San Francisco. This is a great opportunity to sample some of this high quality organic fare. The event will be held from from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. on October 25th. Tickets are available for $55. For more information please visit www.capayvalleyvision.org or call (530) 787-3353.

Guests are safe and sound at Cache Creek

2009-09-16T15:28:00.001-07:00

Employee Focus: Director of Security Mark Longshore

Mark Longshore, Cache Creek’s Director of Security, is a California native with a long history of working in the casino security business. Sixteen years of that time he’s been with Cache Creek Casino Resort, starting as Assistant Director of Security in 1993 when the property was a humble bingo hall.

Today, he’s built up his department to provide security services in a number of different ways. “It’s a 24 hour a day business, so there’s always something going on,” says Longshore. “The entertainers who come in to perform here don’t travel with a lot of security, so we handle it for them. We also do all of the security for the casino and the hotel, as well as for the Tribe. We do executive security too. My job is not just focused on one thing, and that’s what I like.”

Cache Creek’s security staff also coordinates with other law enforcement agencies like the California Highway Patrol and Yolo County Sheriff’s Department during the performance of their duties. “We have a great working relationship with Yolo County’s Sheriff Department,” says Longshore. “We even do training with their department, and work closely with their CAP deputies (Capay Augmented Patrol).” These are Sheriff’s Deputies who are funded by Tribal money who are specifically assigned to patrol the area surrounding the casino and the Capay Valley.

In order to provide the wide variety of security services for the resort, Cache Creek Security staff takes part in constant, ongoing training, sometimes cross training with groups such as the FBI, Homeland Security and Secret Service. Longshore, who also holds a Criminal Justice degree with a minor in Psychology, participates in all of this training as well. “We train in a number of areas, including the laws of arrest, search and seizure, and firearms,” explains Longshore. This training is certified by the state and is used when security staff must detain suspects and make arrests. “We need to know about the law in order to do our job,” he says.

Security staff also takes part in executive protection training, arrest and control, defensive tactics, ground fighting, first responder, combat shooting, CPR/First Aid, and other training typical for a peace officer of the highest caliber. “We do a lot of law enforcement or military type training,” says Longshore. “It instills confidence and gives our officers the ability to act quickly and effectively to any real life situation that might arise.”

What all of this training and experience boils down to is a highly skilled force that is specifically designed to maintain the safety and security of patrons to the casino, its staff, and the members of the Tribe. “Our primary goal is to make sure that everyone who comes onto the property is in a safe and secure environment,” says Longshore.

SF Comedy competition launched a bevy of stand up’s greatest stars

2009-09-14T11:34:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release
Sept. 10, 2009

Annual San Francisco contest comes to Cache Creek in October

BROOKS, Calif. – Hundreds of comedians audition each year to compete in the Annual San Francisco International Stand Up Comedy Competition – but out of this group of talented comics, only thirty are chosen. More than just a run of the mill comedy contest, over the years many now famous performers have taken part in this renowned competition. In 1976, the first year it was held, Robin Williams came in second place.

And in the years since, many other talented comedians have emerged from the competition as well. 1977 Comedy Champ Dana Carvey went on to fame on Saturday Night Live and several feature films. Marsha Warfield won in 1979 and went on to star as everyone's favorite Night Court bailiff. Two first runners up — Ellen DeGeneres and Mark Curry — landed their own TV series. 1993 Crown Prince Patton Oswalt has appeared on a number of television programs as well as serving as a regular on King of Queens and the voice of Remy in the successful animated feature “Ratatoullie.”

Other entertainment industry notables followed. Carlos Alazraqui, 1993 winner, was the voice of several animated characters in addition to the Taco Bell Chihuahua and is now a regular on "Reno 911." Well known actor comedians Kevin Pollack, Sinbad, and Rob Schneider have all become successful stars on both the big and small screen.
Some non-winners also achieved fame. Roseann Barr, Janeane Garofalo, Steven Wright, Bobcat Goldthwait, Christopher Titus and DL Hughly all competed in the San Francisco International Stand Up Comedy Competition despite never making it to the finals.

Comedy fans interested in seeing tomorrow’s stand up stars before they make it big can catch all the action at Cache Creek Casino Resort’s Club 88 on Oct. 3 at 8 p.m., hosted by Northern California comedian Jack Gallagher. Tickets are available for $35, $25, and $19 through Tickets.com on the web: www.Tickets.com, by phone: (800) 225-2277 or at: www.CacheCreek.com and Cache Creek Casino Resort guest services.

Press contact: Cean Burgeson, Communications Manager: (530) 796-5333; cburgeson@cachecreek.com

Blackjack at Cache Creek is always a good bet

2009-09-14T11:31:00.000-07:00

By CEAN BURGESON
for Destination Cache Creek Magazine

One of the most popular casino table games is Blackjack. It’s an easy game to learn and play with several exciting variations, as Cache Creek’s Vice President of Table Games, Bill Harland, explains. “At Cache Creek, we offer a variety of Blackjack games to satisfy any player’s appetite, including six deck shoes, double deck and single deck games.”

Once you decide how many decks you prefer to play with, there are a few rules at Cache Creek’s Blackjack tables that you may want to know before you head out onto the gaming floor. For instance, on all Blackjack games, the Dealer must stand on cards totaling a hard 17 or greater but must hit a soft 17 (an Ace and 6).

There are also rules that players need to follow with respect to touching the cards at the Blackjack table, which vary depending on the number of decks being dealt. “The main difference between the games is that the cards are dealt face-up out of a six deck shoe,” says Harland. “And because they’re face-up, the player does not need to touch the cards. On the double and single deck games, the cards are held by the Dealer and dealt face-down. Because they’re face-down, the player is allowed to handle the cards.”

There are slight variations in the rules for each Blackjack game, too. “In six deck shoe games and double deck games, Blackjacks (an Ace and a ten or face card) are paid at 3 to 2 odds,” explains Harland. “For example, a $10 wager is paid out $15 for a Blackjack. On single deck games, the payouts are different. Blackjacks are paid at 6 to 5 odds, so a $10 wager pays $12.”

“Another feature on our six deck shoe games is an optional proposition wager called Lucky Ladies. The customer wagers that their first two cards equal a card count of twenty. Any Unsuited Twenty pays the customer 4 to 1, a Suited Twenty pays 9 to 1, a Matched Twenty (same card, same suit) pays 19 to 1, a Queen of Hearts Pair pays 125 to 1, and if the Queen of Hearts Pair is dealt when the Dealer has a Blackjack, the customer receives a 1,000 to 1 payoff.”

Betting on each different Blackjack games varies. On shoe dealt games and double deck games, the players may double down on any two of the first cards dealt, but on single deck games the player is only allowed to double down on two cards totaling 10 or 11. Be sure to check the rules posted at each table or ask one of the dealers if you are unsure of the rules at a particular table.

No matter which variation of Blackjack you choose, there’s plenty of exciting action at Cache Creek’s tables. “We’ve got every type of game a Blackjack fan could want,” says Harland. “Come on out and give us a try.”

Los Lobos ‘La Bambas’ their way to Cache Creek

2009-09-02T13:42:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release Contact: Cean Burgeson(530) 796-5333

BROOKS, Calif. – Over the past 35 years, East L.A. band Los Lobos has assembled a body of work diverse enough to captivate fans world wide. Along the way, they’ve redefined how a rock band and rock music can sound. The band has notched a number one single, won three Grammys, and sold millions of records. They’ve also shared the stage with acts as varied as Dylan, The Clash, and U2. And their debut album, “How Will the Wolf Survive?” made Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Fans of the group will be able to catch them on Nov. 28 at 8 p.m. at Cache Creek Casino Resort.

Los Lobos’ journey started in 1973, when David Hidalgo (vocals, guitar, and pretty much anything with strings), Louie Perez (drums, vocals, guitar), Cesar Rosas (vocals, guitar), and Conrad Lozano (bass, vocals, guitarrón) were still roaming the halls of East L.A.’s Garfield High. After graduation they made their bones playing souped-up Mexican folk music in restaurants and at parties. By the early eighties, however, they’d tapped into L.A.’s burgeoning punk and college rock scenes, landing on bills with bands like the Circle Jerks, Public Image Ltd., and the Blasters, whose saxophonist, Steve Berlin, would eventually leave the group to join Los Lobos, cementing the line-up that still holds today.

In 1987, with the release of the Ritchie Valens bio-pic, “La Bamba,” Los Lobos achieved massive commercial success. Their version of Valens’ signature song climbed to the top of the Billboard singles chart, and suddenly five guys who saw themselves as “just another band from East L.A.” were superstars.

Many of their peers have since called it quits, but Los Lobos has continued to write and record and tour like a band that’s got 35 more years in them. As Rolling Stone writes, “With the exception of U2, no other band has stayed on top of its game as long as Los Lobos.”

Tickets are available now through Tickets.com on the web: www.Tickets.com or by phone: (800) 225-2277 or at: www.CacheCreek.com or Cache Creek Casino Resort at the guest services desk for $59, $49, and $39.
# # #

The Temptations ‘still fresh’ after 40 years

2009-09-02T13:39:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release
Aug. 31, 2009

BROOKS, Calif. – For more than forty years, the Temptations have prospered, propelling popular music with a series of smash hits and sold-out performances throughout the world. New and old fans alike can see this legendary act on Friday, Oct. 2nd at 9 p.m. in Cache Creek Casino Resort’s Club 88.
The history of the Temptations is the history of contemporary American pop. An essential component of the original Motown machine, the Temps began their musical life in Detroit in the early sixties. It wasn't until 1964, however, that the Smokey Robinson written-and-produced "The Way You Do the Things You Do" turned the guys into stars.

An avalanche of hits followed, such as "My Girl," "It's Growing," "Since I Lost My Baby," "Get Ready," "Too Proud to Beg," "Beauty Is Only Skin Deep," and "I Wish It Would Rain."

The classic lineup consisted of Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Paul Williams, Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin. Beyond the fabulous singing, the Temps became known for smooth stepping and flawless presentations. The “Temptation Walk” became a staple of American style, flair, flash and class. Millions of fans saw the Temptations as cultural heroes.

Other stellar singers Richard Street and Ali Ollie Woodson later joined the mix, adding their luster to the group's growing fame. Over the years, other singers have come and gone, but the music has remained the same. Regardless of the changes in personnel, the group has remained true to the Temptations tradition. They survived the whims of fashion, whether disco or techno, and stuck to their guns.
"Great singing," says the group’s Otis Williams, "will always prevail."

Their most recent album, “Awesome,” released in 2001, is The Temptations at their freshest, strongest, and most appealing. The current lineup consists of Otis Williams, Terry Weeks, G.C. Cameron, Ron Tyson and Joe Herndon.

"The more we change," says veteran Ron Tyson, "the more we stay true to ourselves. We're about singing straight-up soul. It's a style that will live on forever."

Tickets are available through Tickets.com on the web: www.Tickets.com, phone: (800) 225-2277 or at www.CacheCreek.com, and Cache Creek Casino Resort guest services for $69, $59, and $49.

Press contact: Cean Burgeson, Communications Manager: (530) 796-5333; cburgeson@cachecreek.com

Destination: Shopping

2009-09-01T15:01:00.001-07:00

By CEAN BURGESON
For Destination Cache Creek Magazine

“We’re always trying to find things that are new and exciting to offer our guests,” says Jennifer Wollstadt, Cache Creek Casino Resort’s Retail Operations Manager, who oversees the Gift Shop and the Mini Mart. An employee at Cache Creek for over five years, she’s worked here since before the most recent expansion opened in 2004. Before that time, she worked for a company providing retail expertise to several Las Vegas casinos, including the Rio and New York New York. An Illinois native, she has worked in the casino retail industry since graduating from college with a degree in biology. Her career took her other places, however, eventually leading her to Brooks, California.

At Cache Creek, she has been able to build the retail operation from the ground up. “Before we opened, we had a clear vision of providing a more ‘resort oriented’ line of merchandise for our guests,” says Wollstadt. “Our guests are interested in high end merchandise, fashion, and more unique items – so we have that.”

A great way for casino guests to utilize the gift shop is by using Cache Club points to purchase items. “About 80 percent of people use their points for purchases in the gift shop,” said Wollstadt. Gift cards are a popular purchase item also, and can be purchased using club points at the Gift Shop.

At the other retail outlet Wollstadt oversees, the casino Mini Mart, most of the purchases are convenience items like beer, sodas, snacks and sandwiches, and of course gasoline. Serving casino guests, employees, and Capay Valley locals, the store provides for the needs of a lot of regular customers. Her employees have even learned some of their personal preferences. “My staff knows certain people and will get the items that they like when they pull up to the pump so they are ready for them when they come in,” says Wollstadt. It’s this type of personal service that has made Cache Creek’s retail operations successful.

The future will add even more shopping opportunities for guests, explains Wollstadt. “The plan in the next expansion is for additional retail venues,” she says. “They would be individual stores, each with a unique positioning and each offering something different. One might be a sundries (or necessities) store, for instance. Another would likely be a fashion store, and another a high end gift shop. It will mean more merchandise and more variety.”

Wollstadt looks forward to being a part of the new retail operations during the next expansion, and doesn’t see herself leaving the employ of Cache Creek any time soon. “No, I’m not going anywhere else,” she says. “I love it here.”

Cardholder discounts in the Gift Shop

The Cache Creek Gift Shop is now offering discounts for Cache Club cardholders. Jade cardholders will receive 20 percent off, Ruby cardholders will receive 15 percent off, and Pearl cardholders will receive 10 percent off. Discounts apply for any payment type, but exclude tobacco, sundries, food, beverages, and paper goods. Good on regularly priced items only.

Entertainment Focus: Ben Slaght

2009-09-01T14:57:00.000-07:00

By CEAN BURGESON
For Destination Cache Creek Magazine

Lovers of great entertainment -- whether it’s comedy, music, or variety acts -- probably have heard about the great shows we put on every week at Cache Creek’s Club 88. The man in charge of keeping the Club 88 stage full of sparkling entertainers is Ben Slaght, a veteran with over 30 years of experience in the entertainment business, including work as a tour manager for several high profile entertainment artists including the Dixie Chicks, Michael Bolton, Foreigner’s Lead Singer Lou Gramm, Sara Evans, Jessica Andrews & Billy Gilman, The Black Crows, Pam Tillis, BR5 49, and the Desert Rose Band.

Destination Magazine sat down with Slaght to ask a few of questions about Cache Creek’s entertainment offerings.

DM: Tell us about your entertainment venue and the type of acts you feature
Slaght: Cache Creek’s Club 88 is an intimate state of the art entertainment venue featuring acts such as INXS, Bret Michaels, Billy Ray Cyrus, Kenny Loggins, The Pointer Sisters, Eddie Money, Boyz II Men, Night Ranger, Keith Sweat, Joan Rivers, Damon Wayans, D.L. Hughley, Morris Day & The Time, Dionne Warwick, Andrew Dice Clay, The Smothers Brothers, The Commodores, Four Tops, Spinners, Temptations, and Northern California’s most diverse group of international entertainers ranging from Filipino pop stars to Latin singers and Chinese acrobats.

DM: What factors do you consider when booking live entertainment?
Slaght: We have such a unique mix of customers in our casino and showroom that we work very hard to book acts which appeal to each and every demographic. We have Motown acts and classic 60s rockers for the baby boomers, 80’s icons for the generation X’ers, international acts for our Asian and Latino guests, as well as a wide range of stand-up comedians and other special variety acts and other types of shows which appeal to everyone.

DM: What role does entertainment play at Cache Creek?
Slaght: We know, as do most resorts our size, that entertainment is a great bonus to offer to our guests. Our entertainment venue is just one of the amenities that round out the total casino experience. We also draw people to the resort with our golf course, hotel, spa, and restaurants.

Our strategy is to identify acts which will appeal to our regular customers and also ones which bring in new guests to try us out. It’s really a balancing act between the two. Knowing our audience here in Northern California and who will potentially make the trip to see a particular performer is key to our successful track record of booking shows which appeal to our audiences.