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Wendy Rush

First Las Vegas Magician Turns 100 This Month

Author Wendy Rush

When we think of magicians on the Las Vegas Strip, many people would say names like David Copperfield, Penn and Teller or Criss Angel. But magic has been around in Las Vegas long before those whippersnappers ever crawled onto the stage. In fact, the first magician on the Las Vegas Strip started her career over three decades before any of those other guys. Yes, I said “her”. Magic wasn’t always a boys club either. And it turns out, it didn’t even start that way in Vegas.

Her name is Gloria Dea. Her legend is AMAZING. When she was just 18, Dea made her debut in Las Vegas at the El Rancho Hotel. One of only two hotels on a then barren road years before it would be named “The Strip“. Dea had been doing magic most of her childhood. Her father is the one who encouraged her to seek out a stage to show the world her talent. That stage was El Rancho‘s Roundup Room. Dea‘s first show was on May 14, 1941. Part of an evening variety act, according to the Nevada State Museum (Fox5Vegas). Fox5Vegas reports that a critic from the Las Vegas Review Journal who saw Dea‘s debut show praised her as the highlight and said that “Dea ‘completely mystified the audience with her legerdemain,’.” Dea’s show had a lot of sleight of hand type of tricks, which is apparently quite difficult to do. She was also a young beautiful woman who wore eye-catching costumes, some she made herself.

According to Fox5Vegas, legendary magician David Copperfield is one of many musicians who found Dea. He and his fellow performers were on a mission to document magic in Las Vegas and historians have claimed Dea as the first. Copperfield and other magicians have collected and helped restore some of Dea‘s near century-old props. Dea is turning 100 years old on August 25 and celebrating at the Westgate Resort and Casino. Many magicians and other performers are expected to be there to honor this incredible legend.

Watch the video of Fox5Vegas‘s special report on this amazing woman. Such an inspiration and loveable person.

–Wendy Rush, 96.3KKLZ Las Vegas

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6 Rock Bands and the Stories of Their First Gigs

Even though these bands have gone on to perform in front of massive crowds, every band had to start somewhere.

Yes, never forget that even the most popular bands in the world have humble beginnings. More often than not, these acts played in half-empty rooms in front of just a handful of people. Those people were likely friends or family. Worse, many of these bands would likely tell you some of their early shows were in front of even less than that.

However, it’s in those moments where bands often remember how those very first shows really allowed them to cut their teeth. They helped bands realize their performance style and truly craft who they were. If you were among the lucky few who saw a band in a tiny venue before they blew up, those shows are often a badge of honor for the fan. There is something so special about seeing a band from its early beginnings grow into something grand before your eyes. There’s a good chance that whoever was at these gigs, those people talk about them fondly and with pride.

RELATED: Rock Hall: Every Multiple Inductee in Its History

The bands highlighted in this list cover a unique swath of rock history. Three of them have been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. It wouldn’t be outrageous for the other three bands to be inducted one day, either. The dates of these first shows span took place in the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. The youngest band on our list had their first show in 1997 when the founding members were 13 and 10, respectively. This band literally had their dad play their show with them. Now, they play arenas

With this in mind, here are six bands and the main details about their first gigs. Some of them will undoubtedly surprise you.

Wendy Rush is the midday host on one of Vegas's top stations, 96.3 KKLZ. She has been with the station for ten years and comes with a diverse career background. In addition to being a radio host, Wendy has lived the Vegas life as an entertainer. She has been a celebrity impersonator, rock band singer, and improv comedian. As a content creator for 96.3 KKLZ, Wendy writes about music, celebrities, mental health and wellness, and life as a Las Vegas local.

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