As the third state (out of five) in the US to perform same-sex marriages, Connecticut has embraced the LGBT community rather more passionately than most of the country-and that embrace extends to the gaming industry as well. Recently, Mohegan Sun initiated a monthly LGBT party called Fleur @ Ultra 88 nightclub, complete with celebrity hosts, dance divas, and international deejays-and as the summer season accelerates, Fleur @ Ultra 88 looks ready to celebrate LGBT Pride all summer long.
Happening on the second Sunday of every month, Fleur @ Ultra 88 opened in April, featuring the sounds of DJ Escape-and since then, performers and celebrity guests have included DJ/Producer John Rizzo, DJ Lady Tita, Nick Mitchell (aka Norman Gentle) of American Idol, Josh Flagg and Madison Hildebrand from Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing, as well as Boston Pride’s Celebrity Marshal, Alexis Arquette. The upcoming July edition of Mohegan SunDayz, happening on Sunday, July 11th, features singer/songwriter, Amber, the sultry vixen behind such tracks as “Sexual,” “Love One Another,” and “Above the Clouds,” as well as Real Housewives of New York City star Kelly Killoren Bensimon.
Mohegan SunDayz, happening on the second Sunday every month @ Fleur @ Ultra 88
For those who have yet to succumb to the charms of Uncasville, Connecticut, the home of Mohegan Sun, it’s important to relinquish most preconceived notions about the gaming industry. Instead, think national parks; think glass-towered urbanity. Then, mix and shake. Owned by the Mohegan Tribe, Mohegan Sun is beautifully situated on 240 waterfront acres along the Thames (unlike London’s river, this one is pronounced “thaymz”) River in southeastern Connecticut. As you drive in from New London (serviced by Amtrak), through the picturesque river valley, past stately hillside homes and Connecticut College and the US Coast Guard Academy, you’re reminded of New England’s genteel heritage. And then, as you round the river bend, Mohegan Sun’s signature glass tower cuts through the pristine natural setting in a juxtaposition not unlike I.M. Pei’s pyramid in front of the Louvre. Highly reflective with clean lines, the glass tower houses the resort’s 34-story, luxury hotel (as well as its 20,000 square-foot Elemis spa)-and if you’re thinking of spending the night, request a water view room.
Mohegan Sun has a long history of attracting top-notch entertainers, particularly those loved by the LGBT community-and in the months ahead, Rihanna is scheduled to play the 10,000-seat Arena, as are Shakira, Linda Eder, Michael Buble, Paula Poundstone, and others, including-grab your disco balls-the Village People.
Mohegan Sun wants you fierce and proud
If you’re thinking about making a night of it and getting away from the city-and why not, given that Mohegan Sun is within easy driving distance of Providence, New Haven, Boston, and New York-you might think about making dinner reservations at Bar Americain. One of two restaurants within the Mohegan Sun complex with celebrity chefs (the other being Todd English’s Tuscany), Bar Americain is Bobby Flay’s Connecticut outpost of his popular midtown Manhattan eatery. Opened in November 2009, the second Bar Americain, also designed by Rockwell Group, blends elements of a French brasserie with Hollywood glamour to create an urbane and clubby setting for cuisine that highlights the bounty of New England and its Native American antecedents.
Once you’ve overdosed on Mr. Flay’s signature soufflé (blackberry, served with a pitcher of blackberries and a bowl of lemon cream-swoon…), head upstairs to Fleur @ Ultra 88 nightclub-and work off those calories on the 400 square-foot dance floor which is served by an immensely powerful 30,000 watt Avalon series sound system. Fleur @ Ultra 88 attracts a healthy dose of the more wildly creative local set-so be prepared and be ferocious. The Mohegan Tribe wants you fierce and proud.
DETAILS:
Sunday, 11 July 2010, 9 pm – 12:30 pm Mohegan Sun, Fleur @ Ultra 88 nightclub, Uncasville, CT Special Guest: singer/songwriter Amber Doors open at 9 p.m. with a $10 cover charge.
For VIP table reservations, or more information, please call (860) 862-7042. For information on Mohegan Sun’s Dayz & Nightz package, starting at $134 and including a one-night stay, admission for two to Fleur, a $40 bar credit at Fleur, all offered exclusively on Mohegan SunDayz, call 888.777.7922 and mention package code PTEXL.
LINKS: Mohegan Sun
