Only twice in recent history, has Las Vegas seen a so-called "shutdown" of the famed Vegas Strip.
In November 1963, casinos closed their doors for a National Day of Mourning following the assassination of then-US President John F. Kennedy. That closure lasted about 17 hours and even then, only a few casinos took part with several just shutting down their gaming areas for the duration of the funeral - about 3 hours.
The next shutdown would happen 57 years later...and last much MUCH longer.
Due to the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak issued a directive ordering a month-long closure of all non-essential businesses as well as a freeze on all gaming & gambling, effective March 18, 2020. This essentially brought Las Vegas to a screeching halt.
Originally slated to last 30 days, the total shutdown lasted almost 90 days.
To say the effects of the closure were "devastating" for the people who live & work in Las Vegas would be the understatement of the century. And, due to ongoing restrictions & limitations, the effects are still being felt to this day - almost 10 months later.
Joining me for this episode of the podcast is C. Regi Rodgers, the Managing Partner & Director of Entertainment for Connoisseur Entertainment and Action Shot Productions. Regi & his partner, Stephen Cibo are behind a new documentary called "Closed For Business", which gets up close & personal with the people who've been hit hardest by COVID-19 in Las Vegas.
Regi & I chatted about the inspiration behind the production, some of the stories shared by people appearing in the documentary and much more.
Be sure to check out the trailer for "Closed For Business" and follow Regi & his team on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.
And if you'd like to help get "Closed For Business" completed & released, become a backer on INDIEGOGO.
30 Days To Lights Out: Countdown to the Vegas Grand Prix
Trip Report By Proxy with Viva Las Value
My Special Guest, Dayvid Figler
Vegas Cold Case: The Unsolved Murder of Tupac Shakur
The Sweet Things In Life with Melody Sweets
Mobsters, Martinis, & the Mayor of Las Vegas: Mobbed Up - Season 3 with John Katsilometes
What The H**L Happened To Vegas?!?
The (Almost) End of Summer Update
BOOM TOWN - A History Of Las Vegas Bombings
BIG GAMES, BIG BUCKS - Las Vegas & the Economics of Professional Sports
Bon Appétit - A Conversation with John Curtas
Vegas Book Club - ”Whale Hunt In The Desert” featuring Steve Cyr
Vegas Book Club - ”Touring With Legends” by Dennis Blair
Vegas Book Club - ”At The Sands” by David G. Schwartz
Vegas Book Club - ”Dealt: Stories From My Life On The Felt” by Eric Sherwood
Vegas Book Club - ”Dark Days, Bright Nights” by Matthew O’Brien
Vegas Book Club - ”Elvis In Vegas” by Richard Zoglin
NOT The May Trip Report
Viva Las PUNK - The Punk Rock Museum
The Summer Update - Bonus Episode
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