Vegas Retro Revamp

Despite a still-down economy and reports that major developments might be slowed because of it, some Las Vegas business owners are taking a retro approach to attract a variety of patrons.

The Eastside Casino & Hotel has converted a ballroom into the 1,000-capacity Casablanca Event Center, which hosted LeAnn Rimes Jan. 29.

The Commodores, Jenni Rivera, Ronnie Milsap and Eddie Money / John Waits are already on the books through mid-May.

The Casablanca also has new sound and lighting equipment, floor seating and a temporary stage available for each event, according to the paper.

Longtime Vegas entertainer and TV host Tony Sacca also opened his Las Vegas Rocks Café in December, a celebrity-themed restaurant with the 100-capacity Marquee Room for live entertainment.

Veteran comic Norm Crosby debuted the new showroom Jan. 30 headlining a benefit for the Las Vegas Walk Of Stars, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

And Sinatra-styled singer Matt Goss, recently featured at the Palms Hotel & Casino, takes his show to Caesars Palace’s Cleopatra’s Lounge starting March 12.