Aleza Freeman

The first time I ever ditched high school (sorry, mom) was to go see the Grateful Dead at Sam Boyd Stadium. So it was definitely a trip to learn that Carlos Santana’s first visit to Las Vegas was as the opening act for the Dead in 1967. I wasn’t born until the 1970s. But if I had been alive in 1967, you can bet I would have found a way to be there!

Super Man: Santana strives to be supernatural, never superficial,
Lights Vegas Action

Legendary guitarist Carlos Santana has been to Las Vegas many times, but never as a tourist. He first visited in 1967 as the opening act for the Grateful Dead. His memories of the experience — as well as the venue — are, let’s just say, more than a little hazy.

“I was on acid,” he says, laughing. “I don’t remember.” … Read the full story

Meeting up with venom expert Donald Schultz inside a glass box filled with 65 venomous snakes during his Animal Planet promotion “Venom in Vegas.” He offered some rare insight into several deadly snakes:

Read more about the experience here.

CityCenter marks an “evolution” of the Las Vegas landscape, Lights Vegas Action

There are Vegas resorts. There are mega Vegas resorts. Then there’s CityCenter … Read full story.

Wayne’s World, Lights Vegas Action

There’s a kitschy poster of Las Vegas framed outside Wayne Newton’s dressing room at the Tropicana. At the center of the poster, surrounded by Vegas landmarks, is a portrait of a smiling Newton …  Read the full story

Vegas Classifieds, Lights Vegas Action

Vegas is a conglomeration of unique and exciting experiences, and a slew of unique jobs naturally goes along with the territory. Showgirls, Elvis impersonators, lounge singers. It’s all commonplace here … Read the full story | PDF

Taking one for the team with the help of magic duo Penn & Teller. I have sworn off flip flops for good:

Head out on the E.T. Highway, Lights Vegas Action

Boom, boom. The sonic boom collides with the eardrums like an explosion in the otherwise placid desert air.

“Welcome to Rachel,” says resident Ken Langley as he pulls out a fresh cigarette. “You never get used to them. But you stop jumping after awhile” … Read the full story | PDF

David Spade shows his cards, Lights Vegas Action, Sept. 13, 2009.

The interview begins 15 minutes late. Comedian David Spade has just finished rehearsing for the CBS sitcom, “Rules of Engagement,” and is heading home when he calls from his car. The voice and the laugh are recognizably his, though tinged with an audible air of exhaustion … Read the full story