Dec 18, 2023 | Breaking News, Community Relations, Entertainment
Unwoke wins the $5,000 grand prize and will headline a show in the Wolf Den on Saturday, June 15, 2024
UNCASVILLE, CT (December 18, 2023) –Unwoke from Montville, Connecticut was crowned 2023 Locals Live Champions after the finals on Wednesday, December 13th at Mohegan Sun’s Wolf Den. As part of the grand prize, Unwoke won $5,000 and will headline a show in the Wolf Den on Saturday, June 15, 2024. Modern Country band The Rakes from Litchfield County, CT took 2nd place and received a $1,000 cash prize.
Unwoke, The Rakes, and third-place solo act KENNII from East Haven, CT, were named finalists after an exciting four week-contest hosted by Mohegan Sun and Hall Communications. Twelve bands were originally selected to perform live in the Wolf Den and competed in groups throughout November. Unwoke, The Rakes, and KENNII advanced to the finals after winning their respective first-round battles.
On Wednesday night, the finals attracted an enthusiastic crowd. Attendees were urged to dance to their preferred bands to earn points for crowd participation. The judges’ final decision was based on the audience’s reaction, stage presence, musical presentation, and originality.
“It’s an incredible honor to be acknowledged as the 2023 Locals Live champion,” said Sean Higgins, singer/songwriter of Unwoke. “The Wolf Den atmosphere was second to none from an energy standpoint. That’s as close to Madison Square Garden as it gets for us ’local musicians’!
Unwoke is a three-piece Rock band based out of Montville, CT. The band formed in 2019, featuring Sean Higgins as the lead song writer, guitarist, and vocalist, and Dave Apanashk handling the bass and vocals. Joe Sardo is the man behind the drums.
Most would consider the trio a cross between Metal and Hard Rock. Some songs have a Metallica/Iron Maiden type of sound while others less Metal. The group specializes in Classic Rock covers for familiarity with their own original music mixed in.
The panel of guest judges at the Locals Live finals were Carl Strube, President of Critique Records, Simone Oliva, of “Tip the Van”, and independent Country singer, songwriter, and Locals Live 2022 champion Nick Bosse.
A gallery of Unwoke’s winning performance can be found here.
ABOUT THE WOLF DEN
Located in the center of the action, in Casino of the Earth, the always popular Wolf Den offers full beverage service, a state-of-the-art sound system, intimate seating and top performances by entertainers like Ludacris, The Marshall Tucker Band, Warrant, Sister Hazel, Chubby Checker, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Queensrÿche and Run-DMC – and it’s all free!
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN
Owned by Mohegan, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic Southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to two unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, a golf course, over 70 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on X and Instagram @mohegansun, view us on YouTube and find us on Snapchat at username MoheganSun
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Dec 11, 2023 | Breaking News, Community Relations, General News
Unwoke, KENNII and The Rakes compete for a $5,000 grand prize and a headlining show at the Wolf Den
UNCASVILLE, CT (December 11, 2023) – The final round of the 2023 Locals Live competition, hosted Mohegan Sun and Hall Communications, is here, and the winners of the previous three Locals Live rounds will compete for more than just bragging rights! A $5,000 grand prize and a headlining show on the main stage in the renowned Wolf Den are on the line as a champion will be crowned on Wednesday, December 13th. Major entertainers such as Thomas Rhett, LL Cool J, Gary Hoey, and North Stonington native Nick Bosse, the winner of last year’s Locals Live competition, have rocked the Wolf Den stage at Mohegan Sun.
Guest judges Carl Strube of Critque Records, Simone Oliva, of “Tip the Van”, and Locals Live 2022 winner Nick Bosse will play a pivotal role in deciding the official Locals Live 2023 champion. Prior to the competition, guests can enjoy a special performance by Nick Bosse. Bosse and The Northern Roots will be back on the Wolf Den stage Friday, December 15th for a free show kicking off at 8:00pm.
Locals Live Final Round Lineup:
Unwoke
Unwoke is a three-piece Rock band based out of Montville, CT. The band formed in 2019, featuring Sean Higgins as the lead song writer, guitarist, and vocalist, and Dave Apanashk handling the bass and vocals. Joe Sardo is the man behind the drums.
Most would consider the trio a cross between Metal and Hard Rock. Some songs have a Metallica/Iron Maiden type of sound while others less Metal. The group specializes in Classic Rock covers for familiarity with their own original music mixed in.
KENNII
KENNII, also known as Kenny Araujo, is a 26-year-old R&B singer/songwriter from East Haven, CT. He started writing and singing in 2013 and has been chasing his dream ever since. KENNII was featured on NBC’s The Voice Season 5 where he auditioned for the four original judges. He unfortunately didn’t make it onto a team, but that didn’t stop him! KENNII went on to get a music manager out in New York City, leading to performances at the Miss Connecticut Pageant and News 8’s Good Morning Connecticut!
KENNI just released a single called “I Know” featuring Grammy nominated songwriter John Concepcion for his new album called “Infinity”, set to release on December 15, 2023.
The Rakes
The Rakes are a modern Country band that seamlessly weaves the tapestry of Country music’s rich history with a contemporary twist. Formed in 2015, this talented ensemble breathes new life into both classic and modern Country hits.
Hailing from Litchfield County, CT, The Rakes features Marc Poliquin on lead vocals, Frank Salerno on lead guitar, Chris Allan on rhythm guitar, Bob Sherman on bass, Scott Sullivan on drums, and Roberto Nicolia on keyboards. The Rakes cover a spectrum of Country legends, from the timeless tales of Johnny Cash to the iconic sounds of George Strait, and Brooks and Dunn. Their magic lies in reinventing hits from modern artists like Zach Bryan, Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, and many more. Each song is infused with a fresh perspective that resonates with fans across generations.
Admission to attend Locals Live is free, and all guests must be 21+ to enter the Wolf Den. Drink specials include $4 Michelob Ultras. Guests may line up no sooner than three hours before the show. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. One guest can hold four spots in line, but seats will only be given to those present at the time of seating. All guests must be 21 or older to enter the Wolf Den.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN
Owned by Mohegan, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic Southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to two unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, a golf course, over 70 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on X and Instagram @mohegansun, view us on YouTube and find us on Snapchat at username MoheganSun
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Dec 11, 2023 | Breaking News, Entertainment
Celebrating 45 Years as the #1 Male Revue with First World Tour Since 2019
UNCASVILLE, CT (December 11, 2023) –– Global warming alert! Winter may be coming but the men of Chippendales are about to heat up stages (and audiences) around the globe with their heart-thumping choreography including Mohegan Sun’s Cabaret Theatre on Sunday, April 14th at 9:00pm during the “Welcome to the Chippendales Tour.”
Tickets for this 21+ event go on sale Friday, December 15th at 10:00am via Ticketmaster.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the Mohegan Sun Box Office starting on Saturday, December 16th, subject to availability.
Direct from Las Vegas, the men of Chippendales are ready to party, please and tease and turn up the heat in venues around the world, with more than 400 performances already scheduled from Las Vegas to cities across the USA, Canada and Europe in 2024. Prepare yourselves for a sexy, high-energy show with new numbers, music, choreography, aerial acts, acrobatics and of course, the most stunning men in the world!
A pop culture phenomenon for over four decades, Chippendales continues to lead the way as the premiere male revue in the world and, with this new tour, they have regrouped and retooled their award-winning production to relaunch what is sure to be one the most provocative and in demand live show tickets of 2024.
Winner of the prestigious Best of Las Vegas “Best Male Revue” and “Best Bachelorette Destination” awards for eleven consecutive years, the show’s flagship production in Las Vegas at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino has been titillating audiences for 22 years with more than 8,500 performances and, the men are ready to take the world by storm – again – with their first tour since the COVID pandemic.
In September 2023, Chippendales kicked off its first tour date in five years at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City with celebrity guest host, Vinny Guadagnino from the hit MTV shows “Jersey Shore” and “Jersey Shore Family Vacation.” The weekend of shows garnered sold out crowds, cementing one of the largest box office grosses for a male revue – over $312,00 in tickets sales with over 5,000 audience members in attendance. The cast followed up with another powerhouse show at the prestigious Thunder Valley Resort in California, one of the premier venues in the country.
Chippendales has secured its place in pop-culture history and continues to entertain audiences not only on stage but, on screen as well. The recent HULU series “Welcome to Chippendales” a fictional telling of the history of the iconic brand garnered five Primetime Emmy nominations and critical acclaim. Though the show has evolved since its beginning in 1979 in Los Angeles, women (and men) are still seduced by the show’s boy-next-door meets bad-boy charm.
Chippendales features heart-thumping choreography and multiple opportunities for audience members to get on stage, during an all-out party providing the perfect backdrop for a Girls Night Out. Whether looking to celebrate a bachelorette party, a big birthday bash or just have a wild night out, Chippendales is the number one spot to let loose and have fun.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN ARENA
Mohegan Sun Arena finished 2021 with its first “#1 Indoor Arena” ranking for its capacity in the world according to Pollstar and VenuesNow, ranked among the top 10 venues in the U.S. regardless of size based on ticket sales, and was named “2021 Innovator of the Year” by Celebrity Access for its ViacomCBS residency. In recent years, the “Most Beloved Venue in America” has also been the “#1 Casino Venue in the World,” “#1 Social Media Venue in the World” and a seven – time national award – winner for “Arena of the Year.” For more information on concerts and other great events, visit Mohegan Sun. For information on this week’s schedule, call the Entertainment and Special Events hotline at 1.888.226.7711.
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Nov 21, 2023 | Entertainment, Food & Beverage, General News, Special Events
End 2023 on a high note with four days of exhilarating nightlife, live entertainment and more beginning Thursday, December 28th
UNCASVILLE, CT (November 21, 2023) – To celebrate the end of 2023 and what’s to come in 2024, Mohegan Sun welcomes the return of Endless Midnight, featuring round-the-clock excitement on property from Thursday, December 28, 2023, through Monday, January 1, 2024. Over the course of four days, guests can experience live entertainment in Mohegan Sun Arena, the Wolf Den and Comix Roadhouse, plus exhilarating nightlife in Vista Lounge at Wombi Rock, Avalon Nightclub, The Lansdowne Irish Pub & Music House and GAME ON. The party doesn’t stop there! Guests can countdown to 2024 at various special events across property, including the New Year’s Eve Dinner Gala, New Year’s Eve Party on the Concourse, Party into the New Year, and the Great Gatsby Roaming Event.
Entertainment
Mohegan Sun Arena is ending the year on a high note! Starting Thursday, December 28th, Cirque Dreams Celebration is set to bring three nights of festive entertainment to Mohegan Sun Arena. Cirque Dreams Celebration features an ensemble of aerial circus acts, sleight-of-hand jugglers, fun-loving skippers, breath-catching acrobatics, and much more. This world-renowned cast of performers will be accompanied by an original music score, including new twists on seasonal favorites such as “Deck the Halls,” “Winter Wonderland,” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” Singers, dancers, penguins, toy soldiers, and reindeer invoke the dreams behind a child’s eye on the most magical of nights. Amidst a backdrop of new sets, scenery, and storylines, this family-friendly production is sure to put a twinkle in your eye! All three shows begin at 7:00pm. Tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster and the Mohegan Sun Box Office, subject to availability.
Over at the Wolf Den, guests can experience three nights of free, live entertainment. On Friday, December 29th, Raise Your Hands: Bon Jovi Tribute, the premier tribute to the music & spirit of Bon Jovi, will kick off at 8:00pm and features both hits and deep catalog tracks. Karina Rykman brings her “Joyride Tour 2023” to the Wolf Den on Saturday, December 30th at 8:00pm, featuring her original take on Psychedelic Indie Rock. On Sunday, December 31st, widely popular ‘80s tribute band, RUBIX KUBE, wraps up 2023 with two shows at 8:00pm and 11:00pm! All guests must be 21 years of age or older to attend shows in the Wolf Den.
Comix Roadhouse will play host to five rounds of live entertainment, all on Sunday, December 31st! At 4:00pm, enjoy Spinnato’s Comedy Magic, featuring the perfect combination of sarcasm, magic and audience participation. Standup comedian and Impractical Jokers writer, Mike Finoia, will hit the Comix Roadhouse Comedy Club stage at 6:00pm and 8:00pm. On the Roadhouse side, American Honey is set to bring modern Country, Rock and Pop from the 90’s and beyond at 9:15pm. Comix Roadhouse will officially kiss 2023 goodbye with the Lipstick, Lashes and Lies: A Variety Drag Show featuring comedic sets, live singers, celebrity impersonations, dancing and more at 10:00pm. For ticket information, visit comixroadhouse.com.
New Year’s Eve Special Events
On Sunday, December 31st, guests can let a magical adventure sweep them away with an enchanting sit-down dinner at the New Year’s Eve Dinner Gala in the Uncas Ballroom. A cocktail reception will take place from 6:00pm – 7:00pm with dinner immediately following from 7:00pm – 9:00pm. Music will be provided by Middle Eastern Music Ensemble. Guests must be 21 years of age or older and dressed in proper attire to attend. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster and the Mohegan Sun Box Office, subject to availability.
At 10:30pm, the Uncas Ballroom transforms for the ultimate NYE countdown at Party into the New Year. This extravagant New Year’s celebration gets underway with dancing and music by DJ Tom Macari and will also feature an open bar, a champagne toast at Midnight and a breakfast buffet to ring in 2024. Guests must be 21 years of age or older and dressed in proper attire to attend. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster and the Mohegan Sun Box Office, subject to availability.
Starting at 9:00pm, guests can countdown to 2024 with family and friends at The Shops at Mohegan Sun during the New Year’s Eve Party on the Concourse, hosted by Alexa Farrell from News 12 CT. The Shops Concourse will come alive when DJae Melee blasts the beats and DFX Entertainment perform their high-energy acts as guests countdown to Midnight, capping off with an incredible pyrotechnic display! Hats, horns and tiaras will be available at Summer and Winter Coat Checks, Sky Valet and other entrances starting at 5:00pm (limited quantities available while supplies last). This event is free to attend and open to guests of all ages!
novelle’s lavish NYE Celebration, the Great Gatsby Roaming Event, will feature live music all night long by DJ Flip, interactive roaming entertainers, a celebratory champagne toast at Midnight and full access to the Viennese Hour dessert bar and passed appetizers. Specially priced bottles of champagne will also be available for bottle service. Tickets to the Great Gatsby Roaming Event are available via Ticketmaster and the Mohegan Sun Box Office, subject to availability.
Nightlife
Vista Lounge at Wombi Rock, Avalon Nightclub, The Lansdowne Irish Pub & Music House and GAME ON are all set to bring exhilarating nightlife on Sunday, December 31st. At Vista Lounge at Wombi Rock with DJ Cream, guests are invited to come dressed to impress for a special night under the stars starting at 9:00pm. VIP reservations are available, guests can call 860.862.4009 for additional information. Guests can also dance the night away at Avalon Nightclub with DJ Chizzle, with the party starting at 9:00pm. For VIP reservations at Avalon Nightclub, guests can call 860.862.CLUB or email [email protected]. The Lansdowne Irish Pub & Music House is celebrating New Year’s Eve with live music by The Pogs, party favors and more starting at 10:00pm. For VIP table reservations at The Lansdowne Irish Pub & Music House, guests can email [email protected]. GAME ON will also feature a live DJ set for guests from 7:00pm – close.
Gaming Promotion
To celebrate end of 2023 and the first day of 2024, Momentum members will receive Triple Status Points by playing their favorite slots, table games or wagering in the Race Book from 6:00am – Midnight on Saturday, December 30, 2023 and Monday, January 1, 2024. This promotion accelerates status and Personal Achievement Awards, however Momentum Dollars will not be tripled. Status Points earned in the Poker Room do not qualify to be tripled.
Endless Midnight is an initiative that showcases the spirit of joy, community, and boundless entertainment at Mohegan destinations across North America, including Mohegan Sun, Mohegan Pennsylvania, Resorts Casino Hotel, ilani, Mohegan Casino Las Vegas and Fallsview Casino and Casino Niagara. For more information, visit mohegangaming.com/endless-midnight.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN
Owned by Mohegan, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic Southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to two unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, a golf course, over 70 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on X and Instagram @mohegansun and view us on YouTube.
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Nov 20, 2023 | Breaking News, Comedy, Entertainment
Live at The Cabaret Theatre May 10th and 11th
UNCASVILLE, CT (November 20, 2023) –– Star Comedian Anthony Rodia will perform two shows at The Cabaret Theatre at Mohegan Sun as a part of his Totally Relatable Tour on Friday, May 10th and Saturday, May 11th. Both shows kick off at 8:00pm.
Tickets to see the Westchester, New York native go on sale Wednesday, November 22nd at 10:00am via Ticketmaster.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the Mohegan Sun Box Office starting on Thursday, November 23rd, subject to availability.
Rodia came out of the womb making people laugh. In his 20’s he tried a few open mics, but ultimately took a different career path as a finance manager of a luxury car dealership. In 2019, Rodia returned to comedy and left his day job to become a full-time stand-up comic. He hit the ground running and performed 100 shows in just nine months, and within three years Anthony has gained a massive fan base online and around the country.
In a very short time, Anthony gained over 900,000 social media followers and his YouTube videos have amassed over 22 million views. Rodia’s comedy pulls from his real life and razor-sharp observations on marriage, parenthood, road rage, and everything else worthy of a social media rant.
With the onset of quarantine, Anthony made the most of a captive audience, delivering a staggering 86 weekly videos. “ROAD RAGE WEDNESDAY” became a fan favorite, but his Uncle Vinny and Zia Lucia characters transformed into a phenomenon. They are the crazy uncle and aunt you love but can’t be out in public with, who speak their minds (whether you asked for it or not).
In 2021, Anthony launched Rodia Wines, which include a Zia Lucia’s White Blend and Uncle Vinny’s Red Blend that both pair perfectly with any of your favorite Italian dishes. Rodia Wines will soon be available in local retail stores and is currently available online at https://rodiawines.myshopify.com/.
Rodia also hosts the weekly podcast, Little Bit of Laughs on Podcast One. Get to know the comedian behind your favorite viral videos and stand-up comedy alongside his co-host and radio legend Goumba Johnny. Join Anthony and Goumba as they get into hot topics, rants, pranks, and listener’s questions and stories.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN ARENA
Mohegan Sun Arena finished 2021 with its first “#1 Indoor Arena” ranking for its capacity in the world according to Pollstar and VenuesNow, ranked among the top 10 venues in the U.S. regardless of size based on ticket sales, and was named “2021 Innovator of the Year” by Celebrity Access for its ViacomCBS residency. In recent years, the “Most Beloved Venue in America” has also been the “#1 Casino Venue in the World,” “#1 Social Media Venue in the World” and a seven – time national award – winner for “Arena of the Year.” For more information on concerts and other great events, visit Mohegan Sun. For information on this week’s schedule, call the Entertainment and Special Events hotline at 1.888.226.7711.
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