After my last trip out to Las Vegas, I felt compelled to share my on-going love for the infamous, “Sin City”. Vegas is also known as, “The City of Lost Wages”, to the newly impoverished that you see thumbing their way home on the side of the road. In spite of the wear on your “paper” and “plastic”, Vegas has a knack for calling you back.

Let me share with you some Vegas hot spots that are favorites among many African-American locals and visitors. They may become your favorites, too.

Every Thursday night, you can party with a mature crowd (30’s and up) at The Ice House Lounge, 650 S. Main Street in downtown Las Vegas. The sounds of Power 88 will resonate on the dance floor of this two-story, 12,800 square foot restaurant and lounge. Power 88 Radio Station, a popular African-American station, broadcasts over the Vegas airwaves.  The “DJ” plays R&B, Soul, Hip-Hop, Old School Funk, Steppers’ Cuts, and more.  Doors open: 10:00PM ‘til 3:00AM. $5.00/Ladies - $10.00/Gentlemen. Call: 702-315-2570.

Club Tequila is located inside The Fiesta Hotel and Casino, 2400 N. Rancho Drive, Las Vegas (across from the Texas Station). Party with V108 as DJ Smooth C plays a variety of R&B, Old School, and other hot sounds to get the crowd up on their feet on Saturday nights. $10.00 admission. Doors open at 9:00PM. Dress code is enforced!

A great must-see, away from The Strip, is the incredible Green Valley Ranch Hotel and Casino, located at 2300 Paseo Verde Parkway in Henderson, NV.  Every Wednesday night, at the Whiskey Bar, enjoy the lilting rhythms of "Reggae Night", 6:00PM to 8:30PM. Free admission and parking.  If you need to catch a cab from The Strip, it costs about $20.00.  There is a shuttle to the Green Valley Ranch that picks up from The Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino. Shuttle times start around 11:00AM, Monday through Thursday. Times vary Friday through Sunday. For shuttle schedule: 702-617-7745.

Check out the Feast Around The World International Buffet at the Green Valley Ranch. It’s truly a feast fit for a king. Breakfast: 8:00AM to 11:30AM Lunch: 12:00PM to 3:00PM Dinner: 4:00PM to 10:00PM. Savor the traditional Cantonese cuisine at the China Spice Restaurant. Enjoy a lighter fare at Sushi Sake, a 50 seat, reasonably priced Japanese restaurant.

One of Vegas’ best-kept secrets is the incomparable buffet at the Main Street Station Hotel and Casino. You have to try the fall off the bone, melt in your mouth ribs and t-bones on Tuesday nights, "T-Bone Tuesday".  Thursday is Filet Mignon and Scampi. This buffet also had some delicious collard greens, candied sweets and a multitude of delicious mouth watering temptations.  Main Street Station is located across the street from the California Hotel and Casino in downtown Vegas, a couple blocks from the Fremont area (Golden Nugget, Lady Luck).

Do not miss the spectacular Laser Light Show, which takes place on Fremont Street between the Four Queens, Golden Nugget and Lady Luck. Free every night. Check any of the area hotels or shops for the show times. Usually every 15 minutes after dark.

My Personal Pick:

Favorite Hotel Lounge Act:

The Tropicana Hotel and Casino’s very own T. Fox is an African-American male singer – dancer - performer extraordinaire. I remember my first time in Vegas and a guest of The Tropicana Hotel. I was making my way past The Island Lounge to my room, with luggage in tow, when along comes this tall, dark, and sexy man holding a “mike”, singing his heart out. He literally escorted me to the end of the lounge walkway. What a great way to be greeted on your first night in Vegas.

T. Fox still welcomes many guests of The Tropicana with open arms. He is a cavalcade of talent all rolled into one. His song stylings are extremely crowd-pleasing. The man is energy personified. I’ve enjoyed his 70’s style disco acts complete with “jheri curls” and conga lines to his renditions of Nat King Cole classics during the holidays. By the way, I had the privilege of hearing Mother Fox belt out a few tunes. I know where “T” gets his talent. I first had the pleasure of seeing his act in October 1996 and never once have I been disappointed.

T. Fox appears nightly, 8:00PM to Midnight. No performance on Monday and Tuesday.