Now in its 12th summer, FakeFest at Golden Nugget has become known as one of the best compilations of tribute bands anywhere.
Probably in the same way a casino revue show casting legends of the past can still fill showroom seats nearly 30 years after it debuted, and retro nightclubs with ’70s and ’80s themes have been outdrawing many of their contemporary counterparts, FakeFest remains a super-popular, three-day summertime musical event 12 years after it started.
It began as a sort of shot-in-the-dark idea a Trump Marina casino exec came up with when he noticed a growing trend of quality tribute bands replicating well the sounds so many baby boomers were weaned on. Hopes were that the original FakeFest would do at least well enough to cover costs while offering a new wrinkle in the regular routine at The Deck — the popular outdoor party venue overlooking Farley State Marina.
But it went well beyond that, at least where staying power applied, so Golden Nugget kept FakeFest in place after acquiring ownership of Trump Marina last year. Many seem to see the festival as a way to celebrate the music they grew up on, and grew to love, without spending a fortune.
The majority of the eight bands that appear each year are veterans of FakeFests past, but the lineup is never exactly the same from summer to summer. And while getting the sounds as close to the originals is the goal with all the groups, some make replicating their looks more of a priority than others. This year’s festival (July 13-15) features bands replicating the music of Van Halen and KISS (Friday), Billy Joel, Foreigner and Green Day (Saturday), and Heart, Led Zeppelin and the Red Hot Chili Peppers (Sunday). For a complete lineup, see the Golden Nugget ad inside this issue.
“It’s always a fantastic time,” says Black Dog (Led Zeppelin) guitarist Danny Toto. “We’re glad to be a part of it again. We’re all Jersey boys so it’s like a homecoming for us. We touch on every era and every [Zeppelin] album, including live versions, and use all the same instruments like the double neck [guitar that Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page helped popularize], the bow, the theremin, tamborines, harmonicas and drum solos played with hands — they all make appearances on stage from time to time.”
Around since 2000, Black Dog also includes Rob Malave (vocals), Jeff Mott (bass, keyboards, mandolin) and Ted “Mino” Gori (drums/percussion).
“If you let it, this music will take you on a journey, it will run the gamut of emotions, it will rock you like no other … and it’ll make you want to dance,” says Toto.
FakeFest will also feature daily beer and drink specials throughout the weekend, including signature shake-and-take party cocktails, chilled shots, Orange Skittle martinis, honey lemonades, and 100-ounce imported and domestic beer towers that are ideal for groups.
CLICK HERE: For several video clips from past FakeFests in Atlantic City
H2O Pool and Bar at Golden Nugget
If lounging in luxury is more your speed, Golden Nugget recently debuted its rooftop H2O Pool and Bar. A year-round destination, H20 has eight private cabanas for rent ($175 including $25 food credit Monday through Thursday, or $300 including $50 food credit Friday through Sunday) each with personal plasma televisions, refrigerators, comfortable couches, poolside drink service and three fire pits to help you stay warm during the evening hours. There are also 12 daybeds for rent at $20 apiece (Monday through Thursday) or $40 Friday through Sunday.
“H2O adds a fun, vibrant energy to our newly renovated property,” says Tom Pohlman, executive vice president and general manager of the A.C. Golden Nugget. The large pool is heated and open daily (weather permitting), and four all-season Jacuzzis are available 8am-11pm Sunday through Thursday, and until 2am Friday and Saturday. The bar is open 11am-11pm Sunday through Thursday and until 2am Friday and Saturday, and occasionally features festive DJ entertainment or live bands. Food is also offered daily. For advanced reservations or more information, call 866-746-5336. — RS
Fakefest is happening Friday through Sunday, July 8-10, at The Deck at Golden Nugget (at A.C.’s Farley State Marina). As has been the trend from year to year, all the bands playing Fakefest — and paying tribute to the classic rockers of yesteryear — are top-shelf.
For more than 10 years, Trump Marina has been putting on an annual weekend rock festival with a line-up of music that rivals the best rock festivals in music history. And this weekend, rock fans can hear the music of such greats as the Who, Kiss, Foreigner, Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel.
Those who long for the days when you could fill your car's tank for under 10 bucks, the kids you now label as freaks were you, and every song on the radio had coherent lyrics will be basking in their...
Once in a while the marketing minds whose job it is to kindle the public's interest will come up with concepts that far exceed any expectations for success. Such is the case with FakeFest, which sta...
Last Saturday may have been the first full official day of summer, but man did it ever feel like the seashore season was already going full blast at The Deck at Trump Marina. Patrons started filling ...
Imagine attending a music festival where you could see some of the greatest bands of all time performing at the peak of their popularity -- for free. That would be difficult since many of the classic...
Seeing a superstar rock band in concert at its peak of popularity isn't easy. Many of the classic rock bands have disbanded or changed personnel (some of whom have died). Others tour infrequently or hit their stride decades ago. Yet, love for those bands borders on devotion, and passionate fans clamor to see any semblance of their favorite musical group. Some even mimic their favorites by forming tribute bands. Fakefest is a dream come true for such fans. This weekend's three days of music, which takes place on the Deck at Trump Marina, features eight bands that pay tribute to their musical idols. If the stellar lineup makes you think you died and went to heaven, you may be right since you might actually have to go there in order to see some of these artists. Performers like Freddy Mercury of Queen, John Bonham of Led Zeppelin and Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones are long gone, but going to Fakefest is like visiting rock 'n' roll heaven. "We thought bringing the greatest music of all time ... would be great," says Todd Moyer, senior vice president of marketing. "Obviously, our first choice would have been to book all those bands,...
“The club is built vertically, which, from all my years of experience and all the nightclubs I’ve viewed globally, I’ve never seen such a vertical build. "
Every Friday and Saturday night, BB’s Beer and Burgers hosts a rotating list of four blues artists who have toured and/or recorded with many of the biggest names in the business. On Sunday from 6-9pm, jazz artists perform at Ono Chinese Bistro, which also offers some of the most stunning views around.
“This is an aggressive beer,” he says. “You probably won’t like it. It is quite doubtful that you have the taste or sophistication to appreciate an American strong ale of this quality and depth.”
Realtors preach the virtues of location as the top selling point for prospective buyers, and the same quality could cross over to business success. Place a business in a desirable location and you’ll get patrons, but keeping them coming back means offering a quality product and fresh incentives.
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