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

Of course Kid Rock coming Hard Rock Biloxi is probably the biggest draw there are also some other great events going on this weekend. This is 07-07-07 weekend!!

Friday

If you find yourself looking at a friend or significant other and saying, “You know what I love? Local theater!,” then Fortune has flung you skyward tonight. “Shakespeare in Hollywood” plays tonight at 7:30 in the Martha M. Tatum Theater as part of the University of Southern Mississippi’s Southern Arena Theater. Details: (601) 266-4994.

Or, if your taste runs more to the uniquely American (we think) sport of barrel racing, you can gorge yourself today and tonight. The 4-H Southeast District horse show happens at 10 a.m. today at the James Lynn Cartlidge Forrest County Multi Purpose Center, 962 Sullivan Road, Hattiesburg. There will be everything from halter classes and Western pleasure to barrel racing to team roping and calf roping. The best part? It’s free! Details: (601) 583-7500.

If it’s local music you crave, then you have a proverbial smorgasbord of options right here in town. Blue Mountain is at the Thirsty Hippo. Who’s Bad is at Mugshot’s. Tree Logic plays Walnut Circle Grill. Davis Coen will rock brownstone’s. Run Dan Run is at Bennie’s Boom Boom Room. Russell Welch and Friends is at the Martini Spot. Jay Stevens plays B & E’s Wine Bar, and Wes and Brandon will rock the Keg and Barrel.

Saturday

The big news Saturday is that Kid Rock is illuminating our state at the long-awaited Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Biloxi. Tickets, which start at $100, are sold out. We would never suggest getting tickets from a scalper, but hey, desperate times call for desperate measures. Doors open at 7 p.m., and Mr. Rock takes the stage at 8. Details: www.hardrockbiloxi.com.

But there is no need to drive all the way to Biloxi to enjoy some music. Locally, Tommy ‘T-Bone’ Pruitt plays Walnut Circle Grill. Buffalo Nickel is at brownstone’s. Alcus Hudson is at the Keg and Barrell. Escape plays Fat O’Harry’s, and Lazy K is at Mugshot’s.

If you caught “Shakespeare” Friday night but your appetite for local theater is just insatiable, then “Fallen Angels,” a comedy about two women awaiting the arrival of a man they have both previously had an affair with, plays tonight at 7:30 in the Gilbert F. Hartwig Theater at the University of Southern Mississippi. Details: (601) 266-4994.

And the 4-H Southeast District Horse Show continues Saturday; the gates open at 8 a.m.

3 Doors Down Provides A “Better Life” For Katrina Victims

The band 3 Doors Down is giving Hurricane Katrina victims hope through its charity, the Better Life Foundation.

The Gulf Coast natives have raised 800-thousand dollars through their charity.

They purchased a fire truck and three police cars for the city of Waveland. The fire chief says without that contribution, they don’t know what they would’ve done at the time.

The multi-platinum selling group performed the first concert since Hurricane Katrina at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum. This week it is playing another opening event as the inaugural performers at the new Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Resort Biloxi.

Originally, when it was formed in 2004, the Better Life Foundation’s mission had been to help underprivileged children. The group says since the Hurricane, it has focused its efforts on hurricane relief.