Entertainment
MGM National Harbor Sets Unforgettable Impression With Monumental East Coast Debut
Published
10 years agoon
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Willie DavidNATIONAL HARBOR, Md., (FNN NEWS) By MGM National Harbor — MGM National Harbor made its historic debut in the Capital Region during a series of official grand opening festivities on Thursday, December 8. Delivering incredible views of Washington, D.C.’s iconic monuments and unrivaled room, spa, entertainment, shopping and dining offerings, the $1.4 billion resort introduced an experience unlike anything on the East Coast.
As the sun set over the Potomac River, 5,000 guests flooded the resort to enjoy an elegant evening of surprises. Sarah Jessica Parker looked stunning as she proudly showed guests her first standalone shoe boutique, SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker, personally fitting guests with her now coveted collection of shoes and SJPLBD little black dresses.
A host of prominent food & beverage personalities joined attendees and mingled with guests throughout the evening. Acclaimed Michelin-starred Chef José Andrés revealed his unique seafood concept Fish, which draws inspiration from the nearby Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Guests sampled lobster jambalaya with shrimp, lobster, chicken, andouille sausage and holy trinity; gin & tonic oysters, lemon-soy sea urchin, spicy big eye tuna tartar with tempura shiso leaf and sesame; and whole-grilled red snapper. From Maryland blue crabs to Rappahannock oysters, Fish delivers an ode to local traditions.
Five-time James Beard award-winning Chef Marcus Samuelsson reveled in the opening of MARCUS, serving classic American dishes with Samuelsson’s special twist. Chef Samuelsson turned up the heat with a funky jazz band as guests enjoyed his spin on American classics such as Gravlax with green harissa crème fraiche, pickled mustard seed and crisp injera; the Obama Short Rib Slider with China afro funk and sweet potato purée; and St. Hill Shrimp N Grits with Carolina shrimp, shoebox ham and creamy grits. He also debuted his first in-room dining program for MGM National Harbor’s 308 rooms and suites.
Bravo’s Top Chef alumni and brothers Bryan and Michael Voltaggio showcased their first project together, Voltaggio Brothers Steak House. With an in-depth wine program that pairs perfectly with hearth-fired dry-aged ribeyes, the restaurant made guests feel right at home. Fabulous samples included oysters with frozen mignonette, parmesan anchovy hush puppies, loaded baked potato with osetra caviar and American Wagyu ribeye with aerated white cheddar.
In attendance to celebrate the grand opening were Speaker John Boehner; American Gaming Association President Geoff Freeman; former RNC Chairman Michael Steele; Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake; property architect Eddie Abeyta of HKS Hospitality group; Michael Marshall and Paula Moya of Marshall Moya Design, who dreamed up the incredible vision of National Market; and event planner/designer Ed Libby, who envisioned the stunning Conservatory. Artists from the property’s Heritage Collection – Alice Aycock, Margaret Boozer, Chul Hyun, Ron Beverly, Martha Jackson Jarvis, Liao Yibai and Katherine Mann – watched as guests interacted with their works throughout the resort’s public spaces. CNN host Wolf Blitzer; TV personality Omarosa; and 21 contestants from Miss World 2016, including the reigning Miss World Mireia Lalaguna (Spain), also were on-site to ring in the momentous occasion.
Guests were treated to a little slice of Las Vegas with acts by some of the city’s top performers. Cirque du Soleil took over The Theater at MGM National Harbor with surprise performances from its award-winning shows O, KÀ and Zumanity. The world-famous Jabbawockeez dazzled guests with a special pop-up performance on the casino floor. Following a high-energy employee parade led by the Redskins’ cheerleaders and marching band, fan favorites Blue Man Group pumped up the crowd.
On the outdoor terrace overlooking National Market, a fierce 5,500-pound lion ice sculpture was carved by world champions Angelito Baban & Jess Parrish, accompanied by sounds from rising artist, DJ Cee.
At the party’s conclusion, doors opened promptly at 10:30 p.m. and 5,000 eager visitors flooded MGM National Harbor to see the spectacular resort for the first time. Guests were able to experience the property’s 24-hour amenities, including MARCUS, The Conservatory and the casino floor.
Earlier that day, media and guests joined executives from MGM Resorts International, key state and local officials and partners of the property for a press conference in The Theater at MGM National Harbor.
MGM Resorts’ executives in attendance included Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International; Bill Hornbuckle, President of MGM Resorts; Anton Nikodemus, COO of MGM Resorts Regional Operations; Lorenzo Creighton, President of MGM National Harbor and Bill Boasberg, General Manager of MGM National Harbor. Maryland Governor Larry Hogan welcomed guests and shared his excitement alongside Maryland Senate President Mike Miller and Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III.
Today, the rest of the property will open for business, including all restaurants, spa, salon and select retailers. The first guests will check into the hotel Saturday, December 10 and the inaugural concert will be held Thursday, December 15 with openers Boyz II Men.
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Entertainment
Blue Man Group Orlando Launches $25 Kids Ticket Offer at ICON Park Through Dec. 31
Published
1 week agoon
July 6, 2026ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Families can enjoy Blue Man Group Orlando for less this summer and fall thanks to a new ticket promotion that allows children to attend performances for $25 with the purchase of a full-priced adult ticket.
The limited-time offer is available for online purchases through Dec. 31, 2026, making one of Orlando’s newest live entertainment attractions more affordable for families.
Special Kids Ticket Offer
Under the promotion, guests who purchase a full-priced adult ticket may purchase a children’s ticket for $25.
The offer is valid for performances:
- Monday through Thursday
- Fridays at 5 p.m.
The promotion is not valid for:
- Saturday performances
- Sunday performances
- Fridays at 8 p.m.
New Orlando Production at ICON Park
Blue Man Group opened its new resident production at ICON Park in May inside a custom-built theater located along Orlando’s International Drive entertainment district.
The production blends music, comedy, technology and audience participation, while featuring many of the signature moments fans expect from Blue Man Group alongside new material created exclusively for the Orlando production.
Global Entertainment Phenomenon
Since debuting in 1991 at New York’s Astor Place Theatre, Blue Man Group has entertained more than 50 million people worldwide through resident productions and international tours.
The show continues to expand with performances in Orlando, Las Vegas, touring productions across North America and an upcoming tour in Japan.
Blue Man Group is owned and operated by Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group.
Central Florida News
Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs Presents ‘HYPE HAIR’ Exhibit by Peppermint Sandy in Downtown Orlando
Published
1 month agoon
June 8, 2026ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs will present “HYPE HAIR,” a new exhibition by multidisciplinary artist Peppermint Sandy, in the Atrium Gallery at the Orange County Administration Center in downtown Orlando.
The exhibit will be on display from June 11 through June 25, 2026, showcasing Sandy’s wearable sculptures and mixed-media works that explore beauty, fashion, culture, and identity through the lens of Black hair and lived experiences.
Opening Reception Scheduled June 11
An opening reception will be held Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Orange County Administration Center.
- Doors open at 5 p.m.
- Program begins at 5:45 p.m.
- Admission is free
- Advance registration is requested
Exploring Beauty, Culture and Identity
Peppermint Sandy is a multidisciplinary artist whose work incorporates fabric, hair, textiles, and mixed media to examine cultural and societal perceptions of beauty, fashion, and personal identity.
“HYPE HAIR is a series of wearable sculptures inspired by not just my relationship with Black hair, but a dedication and love letter to all Black women and girls everywhere with our hair as well,” Sandy said. “From the beginning of time, Black hair is not only art, but a form of communication.”
The exhibition highlights the artistic, historical, and cultural significance of Black hair while celebrating self-expression and identity through contemporary art.
Exhibit Information
The exhibition will remain on display through June 25, 2026, in the Atrium Gallery at the Orange County Administration Center, located at 201 S. Rosalind Ave. in downtown Orlando.
The Administration Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., excluding holidays.
The exhibit is presented by Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs as part of its ongoing commitment to showcasing diverse artistic voices and cultural perspectives throughout Central Florida.
Entertainment
USF Credit Union Named Presenting Sponsor of ‘Rainbow To Your Door’ With $5,000 Challenge Match Grant
Published
2 months agoon
June 1, 2026ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The production team behind Rainbow To Your Door announced that USF Credit Union has joined the upcoming theatrical production as its Presenting Sponsor, accompanied by a $5,000 Challenge Match Grant aimed at encouraging community support and helping fully fund the project.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to arts, education, and community engagement across Central Florida. Organizers say the challenge grant will match community contributions dollar-for-dollar up to $5,000, helping expand public access and educational opportunities connected to the production.
Original Play Celebrates Florida’s Artistic Legacy
Rainbow To Your Door is an original stage production written by Los Angeles-based playwright Kenneth Brown. The play is inspired by the historic friendship and artistic exchange between acclaimed author and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston and artist Jules André Smith.
Set in 1938 at the historic Maitland Art Center, the production explores the challenges, triumphs, and purpose of artists navigating a rapidly changing world while preserving their creative voices.
“This partnership represents more than sponsorship. It is an investment in storytelling, culture, and preserving the legacy of artistic voices that helped shape Florida’s creative identity,” Brown said. “We are incredibly grateful to USF Credit Union for believing in this vision and helping us create meaningful community impact through the arts.”
Challenge Match Campaign Aims to Fully Fund Production
As part of the sponsorship, USF Credit Union will provide a $5,000 Challenge Match Grant to encourage community participation and charitable giving. Production organizers say that once the matching goal is reached, Rainbow To Your Door will be fully funded.
Donations generated through the campaign will support expanded accessibility initiatives, educational programming, community outreach, and audience engagement efforts associated with the production.
“USF Credit Union is proud to support initiatives that enrich the communities we serve,” said Rick Skaggs, CEO of USF Credit Union. “Rainbow To Your Door reflects the power of culture, education, and the arts to inspire meaningful conversations and strengthen community connections.”
Production Scheduled for October 2026
Media relations and promotional efforts for the production are being coordinated by Fierce Entertainment.
Rainbow To Your Door is scheduled for Oct. 10–11, 2026, at the Timucua Arts Foundation in Orlando.
Additional information regarding ticket sales, sponsorship opportunities, and the community challenge campaign will be announced in the coming weeks.
Media Contact:
Rob Henlon
Fierce Entertainment
rob@alwaysfierce.com
For sponsorship information and production updates, visit Rainbow To Your Door.