Thursday, July 12, 2012

My Trip in Pictures: #HowIDoAC Fourth of July Edition - See what you missed!




This should have been a Wordless Wednesday, but between a nightmare commute home that included 4 trains and just over 2 hours of travel time on the MTA (no air conditioning and an hour long wait on the platform for what should have been my second train) AND a server glitch, this post will end up going live on Thursday I'm sure!

Last week I did something I haven't done in AGES, take time OFF. I went on a Press Junket to Atlantic City and had so much FUN that I extended my trip a few extra days! I know they say what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, but what happens in Atlantic City *MUST* be shared!

I shared a few teasers about the new 3D Laser Light and Sound Show, Duality (if you missed those posts, you can check them out HERE, HERE and HERE), and now after having actually experienced the show, I can tell you, you really have to check it out!

The trip started off with a VIP check in at Golden Nugget Atlantic City, (if you haven't been to Atlantic City in awhile, don't go looking for Trump Marina, it's now the Golden Nugget!), after check in there was some time spent pool side with bloggers, family and friends!

Here are some photos of the hotel:

Photo Provided by @ Golden Nugget Casino All Rights Reserved Used with Permission

Above: View of Golden Nugget when you are heading towards the property!

Photo Provided by @ Golden Nugget Casino All Rights Reserved Used with Permission


Above: View of the pool at Golden Nugget Atlantic City

Photo Provided by @ Golden Nugget Casino All Rights Reserved Used with Permission


Above: Golden Nugget Atlantic City Spa

Photo Provided by @ Golden Nugget Casino All Rights Reserved Used with Permission


Above: View of the Wine and Wifi Lounge (Complimentary Water and Soda, and great prices on wine by the glass) - Whether you are visiting the Golden Nugget for business or pleasure, the Wine and Wifi Lounge is a great place to check your emails and get some work done! Service was amazingly attentive and never obtrusive!

Here are some shots of me at the Golden Nugget:



Above: Ascending Butterfly enjoying dinner at Michael Patrick's Brasserie at The Golden Nugget Atlantic City



Above: This is my view of the Golden Nugget sign from the vantage point of my pool chair!

After a quick change it was time to preview the behind the scenes of Duality, Moment Factory's Amazing 3D Laser Light and Sound show that is Atlantic City's newest attraction! The behind the scenes demo was followed by a VIP reception, here are some photos:



Above: Elizabeth Cartmell, Chief Executive Officer of the newly formed Atlantic City Alliance



Above: Elizabeth Cartmell and Motion Factory discussing Duality

Photo Provided by @ Sherry Aiken All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission.


Above: Can you believe that this is the 'brains' behind such an amazing show?

Photo Provided by @ Sherry Aiken All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission.


Above: Left: Mama Butterfly Center: Ascending Butterfly Right: Sherry of @ SuperExhausted Blog - a major thank you to Sherry for this and many other photos she shared that are used in this post. You can find Sherry at Super Exhausted Blog which I linked to above and you should also check out her business site http://www.babypop.com/

Photo Provided by @ Sherry Aiken All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission.


Above: Left: Ascending Butterfly and Right: Mama Butterfly hamming it up during the VIP Press Reception for Duality

Photo Provided by @ Sherry Aiken All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission.


Above: YUMMO, who can resist cupcakes?

After the reception, it was time for Fourth of July Fireworks on the Boardwalk. As a New Yorker Fourth of July Fireworks have always been magical for me, but I have to admit, watching the fireworks on the boardwalk, right near the Ocean was both exciting and totally peaceful, it was just what the doctor ordered!

Here are some shots:



Above: I got a few dud shots before I captured this one!

Photo Provided by @ Sherry Aiken All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission.


Above: Sharing a shot that Sherry captured as well!



Above: Left: Miss Atlantic City, Center: Ascending Butterfly Right: Mama Butterfly. I sat next to Miss Atlantic City during the fireworks and her boyfriend was sweet enough to take a picture, here is a picture of me sitting with Miss Atlantic City! How cool is that?

The fireworks were followed by an amazing concert by Kevin Rudolf which included his song "Let it Rock" and songs from his new album.



Above: Kevin Rudolf concert during Fourth of July Fireworks Show on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey.



Above: Kevin Rudolf concert, needless to say as 'The Official #TwitterPartyDJ' I enjoyed sitting front row center!

After the concert, we got to see Duality! It's hard even with pictures to describe the experience. It's kind of like a parade where you really feel the performance, the excitement and enthusiasm of the crowd, the lights, the sound, it's an amazing show. It's part of what is helping to make Atlantic City a more family friendly place to be!

Photo Provided by @ Sherry Aiken All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission.


Above: Duality, a 3D Laser Light and Sound Show at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Photo Provided by @ Sherry Aiken All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission.


Above: I was actually so busy filming it, I forgot to take still shots, but Sherry to the rescue, her still shots actually capture me filming it! Bottom left with hands up filming is ME!

Photo Provided by @ Sherry Aiken All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission.


Above: Another shot of me filming the Duality 3D Laser Light and Sound Show in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Photo Provided by @ Sherry Aiken All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission.


Above: Another shot of me filming the Duality 3D Laser Light and Sound Show in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Below: Check out the You Tube Video of the Atlantic City 4th of July celebration featuring the AC fireworks show, musical performance by Kevin Rudolf, and the debut of Moment Factory's 3-D Light Show "Duality" which airs hourly nightly on Boardwalk Hall.




To say I had an amazing time would be the understatement of the century! And I'd like to thank Ed Salvato (@edsalvato), The Atlantic City Alliance (@VisitAC), The Golden Nugget Atlantic City (@goldennuggetac) and all the fellow bloggers in attendance on this trip for helping to make my Fourth of July close to home 'staycation' vacation one of the most memorable ever!

And I know this is probably the most obscure factoid of my trip, but for those of you who truly appreciate a great Bloody Mary, in my humble opinion, Golden Nugget Atlantic City makes THE BEST Bloody Mary Cocktail I've ever tasted, served in a real glass, not a dixie cup, very nice touch! (I prefer mine with a two celery pieces in it and skewer of Olives! and they were made to order and delish!) And they also have great Gelato!

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FTC Disclosure: This post is brought to you with the support of the Atlantic City Alliance. Visit them on Facebook and Twitter for more information. I attended a Press Junket and had Press Access to the Duality 3D Sound and Light Show, Kevin Rudolf Concert and Fireworks Show.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Purex Let's Be Honest DOUBLE Giveaway! {Rafflecopter}




As you may remember in May I introduced a very fun campaign from Purex called Let's Be Honest (you can refresh your memory by reading the original post HERE), it's where Purex sheds some light on everyday absurdities with a series of new videos and the chance to win free Purex for a year! Hopefully you entered when I posted about it then, but if you haven't then HURRY there is still time!

The Purex for a year giveaway ends on July 20, 2012. To enter, you need to enter a 10 digit code from one of your Purex products.

I know some of you are thinking 'But Butterfly, I don't have a Purex Product, does that mean I can't enter?' -   You know I'm always looking out for my Butterflies, so I'm going to help you out! You can enter to win a coupon for a FREE bottle of Purex Triple Action Detergent! -See it's a DOUBLE Giveaway, free coupons for free detergent and the codes from the products can be used to enter a SECOND contest! WIN/WIN. There will be 2 lucky winners. US ONLY.






*If the rafflecopter doesn't load the first time, hitting refresh will usually help it along! :)


a Rafflecopter giveaway



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FTC Disclosure: This is not a compensated post, no monetary compensation has been exchanged. I am however, a Purex Blogger Brand Ambassador Insider and my participation in this long term campaign does come with additional perks and opportunities to sample various products for the purpose of facilitating honest reviews. Questions about our Disclosure? Please visit: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/p/disclosure-policy.html

Monday, July 9, 2012

Motivation Monday - Butterfly Summer Edition!




I have had a TON of butterfly sightings so far this summer! For me butterflies symbolize change, luck and sometimes a loved one who has passed away stopping by to say hello. Since I'm on the verge of a major change this year, I'm hoping all my recent sightings mean good luck is headed my way!

Wishing you a week filled with butterfly sightings and all the delights of summer!


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Sunday, July 8, 2012

Weekly Moment of Gratitude - Fourth of July Edition + 3 Giveaway Winners!!








What I am grateful for:


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Fourth of July -  Not only was this America's Independence day, but in a way, mine too! This week I took my FIRST vacation since my medical drama that started last year. It might not seem very significant in the grand scheme of things, but to me it's HUGE! 




Fireworks, Atlantic City, New Jersey, July 4, 2012



Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Fireworks - I have always loved Fireworks, and this Fourth of July I got to see Fireworks over the Ocean on the Boardwalk in the VIP Seating Area in Atlantic City, New Jersey. To say it was Amazeballs would be a total understatement. The only place I feel at peace is by the sea, and to watch the Fireworks show by the Ocean was a totally un-forgettable experience!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Duality -  The show I've been writing about all week, I finally got to see it and it's awesome! Please don't forget to check out Duality at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, it's an amazing 3D Light and Sound Show the whole family will love.

I promise a full recap of my Press Trip to Atlantic City for Fourth of July for this week's Wordless Wednesday, So if you want to see #HowIDoAC in pictures and video, then be sure to come back and check it out!


What are YOU most grateful for this week Butterfly?

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What are you grateful for today? I'd love for you to write in and share what you are grateful for this week. The more you say it, the more you speak it, and the more you live in gratitude, the more you will find reasons to be grateful for, and the more reasons that the universe will send you to be grateful for. So join me on this journey of gratitude and inspiration. And you can post here daily (even though my list will be posted weekly).

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

It is OK to *Re-Tweet* the link to this post and You can find me on Twitter here (@Tracy_Iglesias) Twitter love: re*tweet by copying and pasting the following into your update field at Twitter:

OK to RT: @Tracy_Iglesias This Week's 'Moment of Gratitude' and Active Giveaways!  - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

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Giveaway Winners!


Thanks for your patience butterflies, here are the winners of our last 3 amazing giveaways! New giveaways coming at you SOON!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Road Trip with your Little Ones Britax Accessories Giveaway! Ends 06/26 - Win a Prize Pack Valued at over $150 - http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/2012/06/road-trip-with-your-little-ones-britax.html - WINNER IS: JOY M.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Ascending Butterfly's Wilson's Leather $200 Gift Card Giveaway http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/2012/05/win-200-gift-card-to-wilsons-leather.htmlWINNER IS: CINELLA R.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Blade Buddy Giveaway - http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/2012/06/blade-buddy-review-and-giveaway.htmlWINNER IS: SueBabe0704

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Gratitude Journal Reco:
For those of you who are interested in keeping a gratitude journal this year, here is my recommendation and where to purchase it:
















Make this Your Best Day ever, Bless and Be Blessed!

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FTC Disclosure: Journal Recommendation uses an Amazon Affiliate Link. Questions about our Disclosure? Please visit: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/p/disclosure-policy.html - Please note this is not a compensated post!

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

1-minute sneak peek video of "Duality," the new Atlantic City 3D Sound and Light show Experience!



The big day is near! Have you firmed up your Fourth of July plans yet? If the thought of yet another backyard Barbecue already has you bored to tears, consider adding some LIGHT to your holiday festivities this year!

On Sunday I wrote about Duality a new 3D Laser Light show that is set to debut in Atlantic City after the Fireworks, if you missed that post, check it out HERE.

The folks behind the show, Moment Factory and The Atlantic City Alliance, has shared a 1-minute sneak peak of the show, and I just had to share it with you!


DUALITY Teaser 2 - Atlantic City Sound and Light Show from Moment Factory on Vimeo.

You can learn more about the Duality Teaser by visiting: http://bit.ly/MRuoai

And please do remember to take a moment to say a prayer for our troops, my great-grandfather was a purple heart recipient (of course I'd much rather have HIM here than the medal!), and I will be lighting a candle just past midnight tonight so it will be July 4th. If you have a soldier in the family, please tell your soldier that I say Thank You!

Wishing all my butterflies, a very SAFE, healthy and happy Fourth of July, Happy Independence Day America!

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FTC Disclosure: This post is brought to you with the support of the Atlantic City Alliance. Visit them on Facebook and Twitter for more information. This post is not sponsored, but I am attending a Press Junket and will have Press Access to the Duality 3D Sound and Light Show.

Monday, July 2, 2012

Ghost The Musical on Broadway! One Ghost you don't want to miss!

Autographed Playbill and Ticket from Ghost The Musical


Sometimes New York City can test the patience of a Saint, and just when I think I should start plotting my escape to the West Coast, or maybe the Caribbean, I do something so very New York City and have so much fun and am so in the moment that I scrap my escape plans, and appreciate being a part of the fabric of the City that NEVER sleeps!

Last week was one of those moments! I got invited to see Ghost The Musical on Broadway with The Moms and I had absolutely no idea what to expect. Like many, I was a HUGE Patrick Swayze fan and honestly couldn't imagine seeing someone else play Sam. I also couldn't really imagine the story as a musical, or seeing it re-cast.

Ad for Ghost directly across the Theatre


About

The show that's thrilling London is now on Broadway. GHOST is a new musical adapted from the hit film by its Academy Award®-winning screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin and directed by Tony Award® winner Matthew Warchus (God of Carnage, The Norman Conquests). The original score is by multiple Grammy® Award winners Dave Stewart (Eurythmics) and Glen Ballard, and includes the iconic "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers.

Sam and Molly, Ghost the Musical on Broadway


Synopsis

English: GHOST is a timeless fantasy about the power of love. The story follows Sam and Molly, a young couple whose connection takes a shocking turn after Sam's untimely death. Trapped between two worlds as a ghost, Sam refuses to leave Molly when he learns she is in grave danger. Desperate to communicate with her, he turns to a storefront psychic, Oda Mae, who helps him protect Molly and avenge his death.

Spanish/EspanolGHOST es una fantasía atemporal sobre el poder del amor. La historia sigue a Sam y Molly, una joven pareja cuya relación da un giro impactante después de la muerte prematura de Sam. Atrapado entre dos mundos como un fantasma, Sam se niega a dejar de Molly cuando descubre que ella está en grave peligro. Desesperada para comunicarse con ella, él se convierte en un escaparate psíquico, Oda Mae, que le ayuda a proteger a Molly y vengar su muerte.

Cast



Sam Wheat (played by Patrick Swayze in the movie) is played by Richard Fleeshman who originated the role of Sam in both the West End and world premier Manchester productions of Ghost The Musical.





Molly Jensen (played by Demi Moore in the movie) is played by Caissie Levy who originated the role of Molly in both the West End and world premier Manchester productions of Ghost The Musical. Most recently, she starred as Sheila in the 2009 Tony® Award winning Broadway revival of Hair. Other Broadway credits include: Elphaba in Wicked (Los Angeles, Broadway u/s); Penny Pingleton in Hairspray (Broadway, first national tour); and Maureen in Rent (national tour).





Oda Mae Brown (played by Whoopi Goldberg in the movie) is played artfully by Da'Vine Joy Randolph a Philadelphia native makes her Broadway debut in Ghost.







Carl Bruner (played by Tony Goldwyn in the movie) is played by Bryce Pinkham whose credits include: Broadway: Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson. Lincoln Center: Knickerbocker Holiday (with Kelli O'Hara, Victor Garber and the American Symphony Orchestra. Off-Broadway: Orphans' Home Cycle (Signature Theater/Hartford Stage); Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson (Public Lab). Regional: A Funny Thing Happened..., Our Town, Beyond Therapy (Williamstown); A View From The Bridge (Guthrie Theater); All's Well That Ends Well, Woman Of No Importance (Yale Rep); The Just, Much Ado About Nothing (Chautauqua Theatre Co.); Dublin Carol (Nora Theatre). TV: "God In America," "The Good Wife." Bryce is a proud collaborator with Theater of War, a program that performs Greek tragedy for American military audiences; his latest trips were to Guantanamo Bay and Japan. Awards

Butterflies I will tell you that the show blew me away! They certainly managed to breathe new life into an old Ghost! The show is brilliantly cast and while respect is payed to the original storyline, not once do they try to imitate it. Each actor makes the role their own and the special effects are woven so well into the story and it is visually stunning.

And I have to point out that Da'Vine Joy Randolph who plays Oda Mae Brown certainly makes a powerful Broadway debut. When her voice is first heard, much like a parade, you literally FEEL her voice. It's just that stunningly powerful!

Questions and Answers Session with Ghost the Musical on Broadway Cast

We were also treated to a Questions and Answers session after the show, and the cast shared favorite moments, how they felt about the original film and how it felt to step into their respective roles. One of the questions I asked was which special effect was the hardest to pull off on stage and I was told the very final scene was the most challenging despite the fact that illusionist Paul Kieve served as a consultant. I won't reveal how it's pulled it off, but I will tell you that this show is a MUST SEE!

Questions and Answers Session with Ghost the Musical on Broadway Cast


It was so cool to see the cast directly after their performance, as you can see from the photo above and the laughter, they definitely enjoy working together, and what stood out from the Q&A was how they mentioned that because of the illusions this play has afforded them the opportunity to get to know the crew in a way they probably would not have otherwise. This play is truly a collaborative effort between cast and crew and it very much shows!

As you can see I did some outside the theatre door stalking and got a few shots with the cast outside the theatre!

Bryce Pinkham signs my playbill outside the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre

This happened so fast I didn't event get to take off my glasses! Bryce plays the 'bad guy' in Ghost the Musical, but as you can tell he is super friendly and super sweet! He posed for this picture twice because the first one didn't come out right, he previewed it himself and said, we'll just have to take this again! There is something very Jude Law remniscent with Bryce, he certainly played a very a convincing bad boy!

Da'Vine Joy Randolph who plays Oda Mae Brown in Ghost the Musical on Broadway



Da'Vine Joy Randolph almost got away, but I was on my way to get cheesecake and saw her! I was so moved by her performance, I had to have a picture! On the far left is Mama Butterfly, Center is Da'Vine Joy Randolph and that's me, Ascending Butterfly on the right! This time I remembered to take off my glasses! Her performance was fantastic, and I can't wait to see what role she takes on next!

Left: Ascending Butterfly Right: Mama Butterfly outside Lunt-Fontanne Theatre


I couldn't get the zoom to shoot a bit farther back, so there we are in front of the Ghost sign of Molly and Sam! I couldn't get you guys free seats, but I did nab you a discount to Broadway's most fun Ghost of the Summer!

++++++++++++ DISCOUNT COUPON ++++++++++++++++

The supernatural power of love has arrived on Broadway as Ghost The Musical, adapted from the Academy Award winning film, opened on April 23, 2012 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre (205 West 46th Street)

Special Discount Code for Independence Day June 29th – July 8th only – Tickets $79 for Prime Orchestra and Front Mezzanine Seats

Ghost the Musical’s Unchained Summer – June 18th – July 28th $89 for Prime Orchestra and Front Mezzanine Seats

Mention Code MOMS at TicketMaster.com or call 877-250-2929 or bring this offer to the Lunt-Fontanne Theater Box Office at 205 W 46th St., NYC


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


Get social with Ghost the Musical on Broadway on Facebook and Twitter!


Butterflies, if you do see the show, please be sure to come back here and let us know!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. No monetary compensation has been received. I attended a performance of Ghost the Musical courtesy of The Moms - Feel free to visit our disclosure page for additional information regarding our disclosure policy.

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Fourth of July, Fireworks and DUALITY - This is NOT your Grandma's Atlantic City!



When I turned 21 my mom asked me how I wanted to ring in my big day, and without blinking an eye, I told her I wanted to join her on her girls weekend to Atlantic City. She always seemed so excited to visit, and her and her friends always would always come home laughing about their adventures. I wanted to find out what all the fuss was about! Instead of waiting for her next girls weekend, we decided to make it a Mother/Daughter weekend. That weekend was the start of a twice monthly ritual that has continued to this day. I didn't want to ring in my day 'bar hopping' or 'clubbing', but I knew I wanted to have fun. From the very first visit up until today, Atlantic City never fails to surprise me. It's always just a little more than I thought it could be, and it's come a long way from the bingo granny's and dark, smoky gaming halls where you lose track of time.

I love to visit the Caribbean every winter when it gets super cold here in New York City. But summers don't always lend themselves to me getting enough time off to plan a Caribbean vacation. But I can do a great 'staycation' or a long weekend in the summer, and when I do, it's usually Atlantic City. It combines so many great things I enjoy, first of all, the Beach. Being near the Ocean is my favorite place to be. I'm also a foodie and a Seafood lover, and Atlantic City has an amazing assortment of Restaurants at various price levels. If you are a Raw Bar/Shellfish lover like I am, there are tons of options both inside and outside of the Casinos to chose from.

There are tons of great shows, concerts, festivals and family friendly activities including: the Ocean Life Center Aquarium, Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruises, the Absecon Lighthouse, Lucy The Elephant, Tropicana Casino has an Imax Theatre (and a great Comedy Club), mini-golf on the boardwalk, the Steel Pier Amusement Park, Ice Skating at the Flyer Skate Zone, and the fanastic Water Show at the Pier Shops at Caesar's Atlantic City. “The Water Show” is a dramatic blend of music, sound, and light. There are two distinct versions of the show. A daytime version which takes guests on a musical journey through the history of dance, and a nighttime show, a more sultry performance choreographed to the jazz song “Fever.” Between shows, “intelligent” fountains keep guests mesmerized with their playful diversions. I never tire of seeing the Water Show!



Well butterflies, Atlantic City’s Water Show attraction - a $7 million dollar water, light and sound extravaganza now has a rival, a rival which will debut to the public on Fourth of July after the City's Fireworks Display on the Boardwalk.  The new show, Duality, created by Moment Factory who has produced similar shows in Lyon (France), Montreal, Vancouver and Ottawa, as well as multimedia elements for shows performed by Celine Dion in Las Vegas, Jay-Z, Arcade Fire, Madonna, Cirque du Soleil,  Microsoft, Disney and various other clients brings a highly sophisticated 3D projection show that includes surround sound, theatrical lighting and the latest architectural video mapping technologies that will bring Boardwalk Hall’s historic façade to life! The same company that revved up the Super Bowl's halftime show, is going to rev up Atlantic City with a free show that tells a story and reflects the personality of the city.

Photo courtesy of Moment Factory and the Atlantic City Alliance


On July 4, 2012 at 9:30 p.m. the Atlantic City Fireworks show titled “Let it Rock,” will begin. The show, by Fireworks by Grucci (The infamous Fourth of July Fireworks in NYC is also produced by the Grucci family!),  is approximately 20 minutes in length and will be visible for a one mile stretch of the Boardwalk and beach from Revel Resort (Atlantic City's first ALL SMOKE FREE Casino!) on Metropolitan Avenue to The Atlantic Club on Boston Avenue and will be choreographed to music and broadcast on 95.1 WAYV FM radio. Following the fireworks show, musician Kevin Rudolf will perform a free concert at Kennedy Plaza including “Let it Rock” and select songs from his new album. At 10:15pm, the Atlantic City Alliance will debut, Duality,  a 3D sound and light show on the façade of the historic Boardwalk Hall.

Photo courtesy of Moment Factory and the Atlantic City Alliance

Duality Run TimeThe show runs approximately 8 ½ minutes long and will play twice per hour beginning at dark. Times are subject to change based on seasonality and special events within Boardwalk Hall.


The Atlantic City Alliance (ACA) is a New Jersey not-for-profit corporation launched in the fall of 2011 whose primary mission is to revitalize and rebuild Atlantic City’s reputation and to broaden the destination’s appeal beyond a gaming area to a multi-night, year-round destination in order to drive increased visitation.


The ACA announced a new five-year program designed as part of the Atlantic City Master Plan to drive tourism through interactive public art displays. Each free public display will be engaging and thought provoking and will serve as a cultural point of interest for Atlantic City visitors, inviting them to linger and experience the boardwalk in a totally new way!


Atlantic City is no longer that dark, smoky gaming pit! You actually no longer want to lose track of time here, you want to maximize your time so you can eat, catch a show, check out the great shopping at The Walk and The Pier Shops, hang out on the beach, and just let the sun shine in on your Atlantic City experience! If it has been awhile since your last visit, make it a point to visit Atlantic City this summer season!



This effort is part of the ACA's larger marketing campaign, "Do Anything, Do Everything," which launched in mid-April 2012 and aims to increase visitation to Atlantic City. The goal of this new $30 million  campaign is to build a year-round visitor base and shift consumer perception of the city. Atlantic City has truly come a long way, it has always been my 'happy place' and always will be, but I've greatly enjoyed watching it grow and evolve throughout the years. I look forward to seeing the new life and new energy that ACA will bring. Atlantic City has become increasingly family friendly throughout the years and this new show will breathe new life and bring new energy to the Boardwalk and to Atlantic City.

Photo courtesy of Moment Factory and the Atlantic City Alliance


“While the world's great museums showcase art for appreciation as well as scholarship, moving art outside to the blank canvas of the sky, the ocean and the historic Boardwalk here in Atlantic City can be a catalyst to evolve how people think about our city," said Liza Cartmell, President of the Atlantic City Alliance. "Atlantic City has long been known as a place that pushes the limits to showcase the new and the unique and this is just one more example consistent with its history of innovation".

Photo courtesy of Moment Factory and the Atlantic City Alliance


I remember many of my friends asking me why I chose Atlantic City for my 21st birthday. Why not Vegas they asked incredulously, and my answer then was 'I want to swim in the Ocean, not a virtual beach, a REAL beach'. And while my reasons for returning year after year have evolved just as much as Atlantic City has evolved, the sun, the sand, and the historic boardwalk are still my favorite reasons to visit, the new phenomenal FREE shows are a definite bonus!

Take a look at the making of Duality on video here:


Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall from Moment Factory on Vimeo.


While I don't have pictures from my very first birthday visit, here is a picture of me on my birthday in 2006:

2006 Photo Courtesy of Ascending Butterfly taken at Caesars Atlantic City

Here is a picture of me in May of this year visiting the newly renovated Golden Nugget Casino:


2012 Photo Courtesy of Ascending Butterfly taken at Golden Nugget Casino, Atlantic City



I can't wait to check out the new Duality 3D Light show in Atlantic City! Fun and Fireworks all near the Ocean is my idea of holiday heaven!

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So Butterflies, tell me, how are you spending your Fourth of July? Be sure to leave us a comment here and let us know! And if you opt to visit Atlantic City and check out Duality, be sure to let us know!

˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙


FTC Disclosure: This sponsored post is brought to you with the support of the Atlantic City Alliance. Visit them on Facebook and Twitter for more information.