Las Vegas was built on chances and challenges—from everyday people taking a chance on a slot machine to casinos taking chances on entertainers.

Years ago they took a big chance letting a young man talk them into giving him a shot in a major showroom—something that had never been done by someone who had only previously worked in lounges. It was almost like an unwritten rule—showrooms were reserved for the top entertainers only.

Doug Kershaw brought Cajun music to the American mainstream when he appeared on the debut of “The Johnny Cash Show” in 1969. He sang his song, “Louisiana Man,” about the swamps, his papa, mama and little brother Ned. The nation was mesmerized by this raw, earthy, wild-eyed fiddler, to the point he upstaged another guest on that opening show, Bob Dylan.

The new year is all about new beginnings and indulging in an activity you may have only thought about trying. So why not make this the year you actually do it?

If you have been considering tapping into your creative side, one way to get a jump on it is attending a first time event in Laughlin called Cocktails & Canvas taking place in Splash (nightclub) within the Aquarius Casino Resort, Thurs, Jan 22.

A year ago, the Pioneer made good on their decision to go a different direction in restaurant options by opening Bumbleberry Flats in the spot where the old Boarding House Restaurant stood. What Chris Lowden, director of design and development of the Pioneer, wanted to do was bring a one-of-a-kind dining experience to town. He and Chef Craig Pinkard put together a menu that actually had some of its roots in ideas Pinkard had been playing with a few years ago—that is, present familiar food with new twists.