By Ann Marie Trietley:
“I’m on the list. Just checking in!”
I don’t get to say these words very often. Especially not from within the glass enclosure of Seneca Niagara Casino’s VIP check-in. Damn, I should play it a bit more cool, I think, as I joyously take my giant swag bag. But having a poker face was never my thing.
Being invited to the press-saturated opening of STIR – the casino’s brand spankin’ new nightclub – by publicity manager Tony Astran has put no small amount of sass in my step. I’m prepared for a night of 1980’s-level glamour and excess.
Unfortunately, my editor couldn’t accompany me….something about a “cleanse” consisting of warm water and beans. Even though I’m an inquisitive journalist, sometimes questions are better left unasked. I’m doing this one solo.
“Where’s the coat check? The bathroom? And where the heck is STIR?”
Finally, I notice a gargantuan 20-by-40 foot HD video wall, which overlooks rows of slot machines like the Great and Powerful Oz. The bright, twinkling lights pull me like a fishing lure. With dilated pupils, I go towards the light.
The most beautiful blue hue saturates the scene. Blue cocktails in martini glasses contain acai berry vodka and a Popsicle infusion. Chocolate covered strawberries and glasses of champagne are lined up at the bar – it is Valentine’s Eve, after all. The booths are red and glittery, the bar stools gold and sparkly. Radiant “bevertainers” carry trays of scrumptious hors d’oeuvres on graceful fingertips.
I am ready to cause a stir at STIR.
Making my revolutions around the room, I mingle with the best of them while munching on cucumber canapes. I strike up a conversation with some media types from The Buffalo News and BackstageAxxess.com. We are at the forefront of the scene, right in front of a towering stage with subterranean bass beats thumping and growing in intensity.
Suddenly, they all wander away. Do I smell? I contemplate hitting the casino’s Crabtree & Evelyn store for some soap. Then I turn around and realize it’s because three hotties from Vegas are gyrating on stage in sexy, classy attire. They are rocking the most ferocious sequined tuxedo jackets and shorts/underwear. I love it, and stand riveted until “Oops…I Did It Again” has faded away.
Sparking up a Seneca Menthol, I’m feeling as decadent as Tina Turner on Christmas Eve. I decide to hit the “ice luge” – a glorious ice sculpture, with two bartenders shaking martinis that they pour down the middle of the sculpture into my awaiting glass. I toss in an olive, and remember James Bond’s “shaken not stirred” statement. Now, gorgeous blonde triplets are on stage playing violins to an instrumental Katy Perry cover. This place is totally Vegas, an adult candy store, with mesmerizing surprises around every turn!
Now, if only I could wake up in Vegas… Visiting STIR is definitely the local equivalent of a Vegas club. I’ve had my fair share of flannel-clad singer/songwriters at the city’s venues, and there ain’t nothing wrong with that. But if you’re in the mood for Eastern European triplets or ice sculptures, well… you’ll know how to shake things up a bit.
I fall asleep while listening to Katy Perry’s “Waking Up in Vegas” song. My life is quite entertaining.
STIR will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. seven days of the week, allowing for everyone to fit some party time into their schedule. A full list of booked acts is available at www.senecaniagaracasino.com/stir.