Celebrities discovering the Coast, and each other
BILOXI – At 10:15 Saturday night, fans filled Hard Rock Biloxi hoping for a glimpse of Cindy Crawford, Rande Gerber and Kid Rock. Over at Beau Rivage, LL Cool J was on stage and at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum, CPR Fest starring Daughtry was wrapping up and the crowd was heading to the IP Casino afterparty.
It was obvious last weekend celebrities have rediscovered the Coast – and more stars are on the way. They are bypassing New Orleans, it seems, as few concerts are scheduled there this summer.
Before Hurricane Katrina shut down the casinos for months, performers such as the late James Brown and Ray Charles flew in to perform at the casinos.
Last week “we had a good bit of private jets in here,” said Jeremiah Gerald, air service development manager at the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport. Leslie Gainey, general manager at Atlantic Aviation, confirmed all the big celebrities arrived by private jet at the airport’s general aviation facility.
The stars go from the airport to the casinos, often asking to see what Hurricane Katrina did to the Coast. Rande Gerber, who owns restaurants and bars around the world, said once he saw the devastation he decided, “I’m going to do something here.” Rise Lounge at Hard Rock Casino Biloxi is his smallest venue, but he said, “This is my little contribution” to the Coast’s recovery.
Katrina changed the celebrity casino connection on the Coast. In addition to entertainers, chefs Luke Palladino at the Isle of Capri and Todd English at Beau Rivage started a buzz by opening signature restaurants. Chef Emeril Lagasse raised the bar when he opened a restaurant at Island View Casino. His friend, singer Jimmy Buffett, kicked it up still another notch when he announced he and Harrah’s Entertainment are bringing Margaritaville Casino to Biloxi.
“We’re building to an epicurean destination,” said Rich Westfall, community development director at Isle of Capri. “I think you’ll probably see more of that.” He thinks dining on the Coast is as good as ever, and sees it getting better. “Wolfgang Puck isn’t here yet,” he quipped.
Lagasse said he is hearing more celebrities may become affiliated with local casinos.
While casinos compete to book the biggest names, the stars hang out together at the casinos. Mary Cracchiolo, public relations director at Beau Rivage, said “Full House” and “ER” actor John Stamos sat in with the Beach Boys when they played the Beau. Rumors have placed Bruce Willis at a local blackjack table and ’80s pop star Cyndi Lauper having fun on the Coast.
Source: Sun Herald