Atlantic City Weekly

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ATLANTIC CITY'S TAGLINE "Always Turned On" is about to be energized with a party that lives up to the slogan. Borgata hosts the two-day, outdoor Maxim Fantasy Island party with music by Velvet Revolver, John Mayer, Hoobastank and other bands June 26 and June 27. The Maxim girls, led by Maxim cover girl Kim Smith, and Survivor winner Amber Brkich, are also scheduled to appear.

Nine acres of prime property next to Borgata are being transformed into two music stages, and four themed areas -- South Beach, Venice Beach, Stuffland and The Oasis -- to create a hedonistic carnivale atmosphere. The party runs from 4-10pm each day.

Normally, such exclusive parties are private affairs, roped off from the public at large, covered with tantalizing -- and envy-inducing -- TV reports on the E Channel and Entertainment Tonight. As the ultimate party playground is being constructed outside his casino, Larry Mullin, Borgata's executive vice president of marketing, is thrilled that Maxim settled on the Borgata. "We did [a private party] with Maxim at the Super Bowl in Houston. Their parties are legendary in Los Angeles, New York and Miami. They were looking to do something open to the public on a much bigger scale and came to see our property."

Stephen Colvin, President of Dennis Publishing, the publisher of Maxim, Stuff and Blender, says, "Fantasy Island will be one 48-hour-long adrenalin rush. Building on the traditional music festival experience, Fantasy Island will bring together Carnivale, sports, technology, fashion and of course music, to create what will be the most memorable weekend event of the year."

Already earmarked as the special event of the summer, the news that Velvet Revolver's first CD, Contraband, debuted at number one on Billboard's top 100 albums chart June 16 adds another jolt to the buzz, as does the recent addition of John Mayer to the music lineup. Fantasy Island producer Carolyn Clerkson says, "We've worked with Velvet Revolver before, so we know they put on a fantastic show. They've been selling out all over the place, and the release of the CD was just perfect timing for us." While the band doesn't particularly like the term "supergroup," Velvet Revolver features former Stone Temple Pilot Scott Weiland as lead singer, joined by Guns n' Roses alumnus bassist Duff McKagan, guitarist Slash and drummer Matt Sorum, and guitarist Dave Kushner, formerly of Dave Navarro's band.

Singer-songwriter John Mayer is currently on tour in support of his acclaimed release Heavier Things. Also scheduled to appear are Hoobastank, holding down Billboard's No. 6 spot with their CD The Reason, Fountains of Wayne (Welcome Interstate Managers), Silvertide, and The Darkness, the hot metal heads from Great Britain who launched their stateside career with the album Permission to Land last year.

Music is merely one of the enticements of this party. The gorgeous Maxim Girls will be available for up close scrutiny in a hot tub, and on the runway modeling summer fashions. You can also show off your athletic prowess in the outdoor games area, sway in a hammock or ride a camel.

Clerkson says, "Renting the camels was the first purchase order we made. I wanted something distinctive and fun. Borgata's Director of Special Events, Sally Nickel, is fantastic. She told me, 'I know where we can get the camels.'"

The Surf Shack will be the watering hole of choice -- a beach bar with everything from your favorite brew to a custom-designed signature cocktail. Food items will include barbecue from the world's largest smoker and grill.

Here is the breakdown on the four party areas:

South Beach Beautiful women on white sands with palm trees, cabanas, day beds and hammocks. Watch models on the runway sporting the latest fashions while sipping a mojito or piña colada, or enjoy the music of the Little Voodoo Stage. Lovely models will be working at the Mentadent P Reaction Spa. There will be a hot tub filled with Maxim girls.

The Oasis Under the Banner of the Bedouins, the Maharaja's Palace will feature merchants showcasing their wares. After an exotic shopping spree, you can take a camel ride, or relax on pillows while watching belly dancers perform.

Venice Beach This is the area for the sporting life with beach volleyball, street basketball, batting cages and a muscle beach. You can try and beat the AVP pro volleyball women, or take on the And1 basketball team. Or, you can just watch the action.

Stuffland An amusement park with carnival rides and games. You can ride a pirate ship, try the driving track, or place a wager at the Chrysler Pit Stop gaming tent.

Fantasy Island takes place Saturday, June 26 and Sunday, June 27. Tickets are $95, available from Ticketmaster. You must be 21 or over to attend. The casino has a limited number of room and ticket packages, available by calling 1-800-MY-BORGATA and asking for the Borgata Fantasy Island room and ticket package.

Borgata's Playground