Latest news with #Chesney
Los Angeles Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Zac Brown Band announces four shows at the Sphere in 'dream come true' experience
Ooh, Las Vegas: The Zac Brown Band is set to bring their southern twang to the Las Vegas Sphere. According to their website, the band will play four shows across two weekends in December at the venue. The first performance is scheduled for Dec. 5, the same day they plan to release their eighth album, 'Love & Fear.' 'Bringing our new album Love & Fear to Sphere Las Vegas is a dream come true,' Zac Brown wrote on the group's Instagram on Monday. 'It's my masterpiece so far.' The group began the rollout for their new album on June 6 with the lead single 'I Ain't Worried About It.' On July 18, they'll release 'Let it Run,' featuring Snoop Dogg. Additional album features include Marcus King and Dolly Parton. 'This show is the story of my life that I have never shared, a journey through my imagination, music and stories that have defined who I am,' the Instagram post continued. 'All of this brought to life in the incredible immersive environment of Sphere.' Tickets for the Dec. 5, 6, 12 and 13 shows will go on sale at 10 a.m. July 25, with an exclusive presale for the band's 'Zamily' members going live on Monday at the same time. Though 'Love & Fear' will surely take the spotlight, fans can almost certainly expect the usual hits, including multi-platinum hits like 'Knee Deep' and 'Chicken Fried,' at the Sphere. 'It will be a unique experience where you can really feel every note, every word, right there with us. We can't wait to share it with the fans,' Brown added. The Zac Brown Band's quartet of Vegas shows marks the second country act at the Sphere, coming just six months after Kenny Chesney wrapped up a 15-show residency on June 21. The band and Chesney previously collaborated on a live version of 'Everybody Goes to Heaven,' and the Zac Brown Band made a guest appearance during Chesney's 'Sun Goes Down' tour in 2024.
Daily Mirror
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Tourist orders two drinks in Las Vegas and cost leaves them floored
A tourist ventured to Las Vegas to take advantage of Sin City's vibrant nightclubs and casinos – but sadly, the cost of two drinks at one venue raised some eyebrows A holidaymaker was left gobsmacked after placing an order for two drinks at popular Las Vegas venue – only to find themselves reeling over the hefty price tag. The city of Las Vegas is an internationally beloved hotspot, drawing in crowds with its mix of lavish, high-stakes casinos; its array of spectacular resorts; many award-winning restaurants; fascinating buildings and much more. It's also a heavyweight when it comes to events, attracting global superstars to the so-called ' entertainment capital of the world ' to dazzle massive audiences across numerous purpose-built arenas. The Sphere stands out as a fan favourite owing to its captivating video displays and 4D sensory experiences. Kenny Chesney, a popular country singer, is currently headlining a string of shows at the Sphere as part of a coveted Las Vegas residency. On the topic, he said: "When we started talking about all of the possibilities playing Sphere offered, I was all in. "Just the idea of 4D technology and the impossibly dialled-in sound raises the experience for No Shoes Nation; literally immersing them in music, visuals, sound and being together. To me, this is going to be a whole new way of rocking the fans, and I can't wait." One country music fan posted an image of their receipt after buying two drinks round at Sphere's renowned Arc Bar. Accompanying their photo, they shared their shock over the cost: "I can't believe how much two drinks were in Vegas, look at the price". On the bill, the tourist was charged $20 (£14.78) for a 'Chesney' Coors Light on draft while a double Bacardi came to $34 (£25.12). They also added a 'Chesney' cup, priced at $3 (£2.22). Forking out $57 (£42.12) for a pair of beverages might seem steep but it didn't stop there. After Nevada's sales tax at $2.62 (£1.94) and Clark County's cut at $2.15 (£1.59) were piled on, the subtotal climbed to $61.77 (£45.62). Adding insult to injury, a tip of $12.54 (£9.26) took the total spend on just two drinks to a wallet-thinning $74.31 (£54.89). This hefty bill sparked quite the debate when it appeared on Facebook, with scores of users quick to air their views. One said: "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas but, the cost of drinks is outrageous everywhere in the U.S." Another was incredulous and said: "Wtf that's ridiculous why are they charging so much? They must never get repeating customers". One person admitted: "Insane! I would've walked. I take my flask everywhere I go." Another declared: "Tips on taxes is morally wrong". Yet there were those who chalked it up to the nature of the beast. One person commented: "That's because you went to a tourist attraction, that's where they cost lots of money and I have been to Vegas and that's how they make money money." Echoing this sentiment, another added: "This is anywhere these days." While someone else added: "This is inside the Sphere if you look at the receipt. It's the same as buying drinks in any arena. They always overcharge at arenas or events. That goes for everywhere. Plenty of cheap drinks in Vegas elsewhere".
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Taylor Swift Makes 'Surprise Appearance' at Kenny Chesney's Vegas Show
It's official: , 57, has kicked off his summer residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas, and he enlisted one of his most famous friends to help him do it. When Chesney performed his 2002 hit song "Big Star," the graphics on the Sphere all around him made his fans feel like they were inside of a pinball machine, and that's when the audience was surprised by 's unexpected appearance. She has been laying low these days. Who would have thought she'd be in Vegas? 🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 At least, a picture of her was in Vegas. See the moment here: As the pinball makes it to the top of the hill, a photo of Swift and Chesney together in her younger years (definitely Debut era with that curly hair) pops up on the screen, framed by a star. It got fans pretty excited, too — in the video above, you can hear the buzz in the audience as soon as she appears on screen. Chesney and Swift go way back. And in 2024, the singer told USA Today that it's "unbelievable what she has become" after knowing her since her teenage years when she was first trying to break into country music. "She has such a creative soul and that's where all of this started," he said. "Everything you see, the stadium shows and big performances, are great. But she is still, I believe, at heart, a songwriter. That is something no one can deny."Wonder if Swift knows she's part of Chesney's performance? Considering their long history together, it's a sweet way to pay tribute to their friendship. Taylor Swift Makes 'Surprise Appearance' at Kenny Chesney's Vegas Show first appeared on Parade on May 23, 2025
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Nueces County may join opposition to potential property tax exemptions
Nueces County may join other taxing entities in publicly opposing potential property tax exemptions related to a workforce housing program and a large electric provider — which, if granted, would likely impact property tax revenue collected for the public coffers. Among items on the Nueces County Commissioners Court's May 21 agenda is a closed-door discussion with attorneys on the Corpus Christi Housing Authority's and CPS Energy's 'tax-exempt issue, and all related matters.' The court could take action after that discussion, potentially echoing the objections of Del Mar College and the city of Corpus Christi. The court hadn't received preliminary projections of how much the potential property tax exemptions could affect the budget, but officials are 'doing everything we can as fast as we can to figure out how to put a stop to this,' said Nueces County Commissioner Brent Chesney on May 16, describing the implications as 'far-reaching.' No one wants to take legal action in the matter, he added, but that may be necessary to protect the interest of the county and residents. 'It's just too big a deal; you can't just lay down on it,' Chesney said. 'You have to go fight and figure this out because it's millions of dollars out of taxpayers' pockets.' Both the Corpus Christi City Council and Del Mar College Board of Regents made formal overtures May 13 to potential legal action related to a new workforce housing program spearheaded by the housing authority. The college's board additionally took a position of opposition against possible property tax exemptions related to the purchase of two power plants by CPS Energy, a San Antonio-based utilities provider. As part of a new workforce housing program, the housing authority acquired at least 13 apartment complex properties, according to officials, with others potentially pending acquisition. It amounts to at least $330 million taken off the tax rolls, according to preliminary appraisal values. Appraised values as of mid-May are not yet certified and are subject to change. Acquiring the properties makes them tax-exempt, Corpus Christi Housing Authority CEO Gary Allsup told the Caller-Times on May 14. As part of an agreement between the apartment complex owners and the governmental agency, the participating apartment complexes must make about half of their unit inventory available for workforce housing, he said. It's a mechanism that will fill a crucial gap in housing options for a segment of the population that is 'caught in the middle,' Allsup has said. In the case of housing, 'workforce' means individuals and families whose income is moderate — too high for low-income housing eligibility but not high enough to make market-rate housing affordable. The federal government's definition of what qualifies as affordable is a household spending no more than 30% of its income on utilities, combined with either rent or mortgage. The program, as crafted, is not directed toward low-income housing. The acquisitions, in part, involve the housing authority becoming an owner of the property's grounds, as well as a 'small-portion owner in the actual improvements to the property,' Allsup said. Of the workforce units, 40% are intended for households bringing in 80% or less of the area median income, and 10% are set aside for households earning 60% or less of the area median income, he said. Rent for units reserved for workforce housing are then adjusted to a price that is considered affordable for those income levels, he said. Critics have questioned whether the program meets legal and propriety standards and whether it meets the mission of the housing authority. They have also raised concerns about the impacts on the property tax revenue. Opponents have asserted that property tax exemptions would take off the tax rolls properties appraised in the millions of dollars, subsequently pulling millions of dollars of otherwise expected property tax revenue. Del Mar College officials have estimated that should properties be found tax-exempt, it would mean about $1.1 million in lost property tax value, while city representatives have put that number at about $3.5 million. The city, which had previously cited a projected deficit of about $7 million in its 2026 budget, has said if the housing authority's acquisitions were taken off the tax rolls, the deficit would reach about $10.5 million. May 13, the Del Mar College Board of Regents approved college representatives and legal experts to take the 'necessary and appropriate action, including the engagement of outside counsel, to protect and pursue the college's legal status and potential claims' related to the potential property tax exemptions for the housing authority's acquired apartment complex properties. The City Council took similar action the same day, producing a resolution approving city management to 'to use all administrative, legal, and legislative means to prevent the improper and/or illegal use of property tax exemptions by the Corpus Christi Housing Authority, affiliates, and entities connected thereto.' Allsup said May 14 that 'there continues to be a misunderstanding of what the law is and under what programs that this is done for.' 'There's certainly not anything that's improper, and nothing illegal, in the way that these deals have been done,' he told the Caller-Times. 'It's been very transparent.' Although an official analysis was not immediately available as of May 19, a Caller-Times review of preliminary appraisal district records suggests the amount in lost property tax revenue for the county may be more than $800,000. Chesney told the Caller-Times that the acquisitions and contemplated property tax exemptions would 'damage people everywhere under this disguise of calling it 'low-income housing.'' 'All we're trying to do is stop the bleeding since the issue has been brought to our attention,' Chesney said. With an anticipated parallel effect, the purchase of two power plants — the Barney M. Davis and Nueces Bay generation plants — may take millions of dollars off the tax rolls, officials have said. The two power plants combined are appraised at about $151 million, according to preliminary assessments. Because CPS Energy is considered a governmental entity — it is municipally owned by the city of San Antonio — those two properties, previously on tax rolls, may be accepted as tax-exempt, local officials said. Addressing the Board of Regents May 13, Del Mar College Chief Financial Officer Raul Garcia estimated removal of the plants from the tax rolls would translate to about $500,000 in lost property tax revenue. CPS Energy's 'vision for delivering modern, affordable, reliable and sustainable energy services may have been the key factors behind this acquisition,' he said. The board mirrored its action related to property tax exemptions on the housing authority's acquired properties, approving the enlistment of outside legal counsel to look into potential property tax exemptions for CPS Energy's two power plants. In a news release issued May 2024, CPS Energy had announced the closing of the sale of the natural gas power plants, previously owned by Talen Energy Corp. The document shows CPS Energy also closing a sale of a natural gas plant in Laredo. 'This action supports CPS Energy's generation plan, approved in 2023 by its Board of Trustees, to power the greater San Antonio community into the future by securing an additional 1,710 MWs that are available immediately,' the news release states. 'The addition of these units aligns with the generation plan, which includes the retirement of older coal and gas units and the addition of a blend of more efficient gas generation along with solar, wind, and energy storage.' Rudy D. Garza, president and CEO of CPS Energy, is quoted in the news release as saying the acquisitions represent a step in the entity's 'growing role as a regional energy utility, providing additional resiliency and reliability for our customers.' "This acquisition adds critical capacity to our generation portfolio to continue to reliably serve one of the fastest-growing regions in the nation,' he stated. 'Our customers will benefit from these investments for decades to come." In addition to San Antonio, CPS Energy also provides services to 'portions of seven adjoining counties,' according to the news release. Chesney contended that should property tax exemptions be awarded, it would prove to benefit only San Antonio. 'If someone's going to try to take money out of the Nueces County taxpayers' pockets and give it to the city of San Antonio, in the case of CPS, or give it to developers who are developing apartment complexes — that's not right,' he said. In a message to the Caller-Times on May 20, CPS spokeswoman Dana Sotoodeh wrote that 'CPS Energy is a municipally owned utility, owned by the City of San Antonio, and is a tax-exempt entity.' 'When the plants in Corpus Christi were acquired last year, those facilities were no longer subject to property taxes,' she wrote. 'We are collaborative partners with the communities in which we operate. We look forward to continuing our conversations with local leaders and working together productively.' It was not immediately clear as of the morning of May 20 whether city officials intended to take a position on the purchases of the power plants, or if money would be allocated for legal counsel. It was not addressed in the May 13 meeting. Early, non-certified appraisal records indicate the city's portion of taxes, if the plants are found tax-exempt, would be at least $400,000. For the county, the unofficial number would likely be at least $396,000, according to district documents. More: City, Del Mar College say Corpus Christi Housing Authority plan may cost them tax revenue More: Two years after tax dispute budget crisis, Texas law aims to protect local governments More: City of Corpus Christi may need to make $7 million in cuts this year. What will it mean? More: New apartments for the workforce class are coming to two defunct hotels. Here's how. This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Nueces County may join opposition to potential property tax exemptions
USA Today
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Kenny Chesney delivers vibrant, visually arresting feast at Las Vegas Sphere
Kenny Chesney delivers vibrant, visually arresting feast at Las Vegas Sphere Show Caption Hide Caption Kenny Chesney, June Carter Cash among Country Hall of Fame inductees Kenny Chesney, Tony Brown and June Carter Cash's family speak after they are named the 2025 Country Music Hall of Fame inductees. LAS VEGAS – About a third through the second night of Kenny Chesney's groundbreaking residency at the Sphere, the gregarious country superstar dipped into his 2004 hit 'I Go Back.' It's a song steeped in nostalgia, with lyrics that reminisce about wistful moments. High school gyms. Hearing John Mellencamp on the radio. A friend gone too soon. The accompanying video – well, better classified as all-encompassing graphics that sucked you into the visual vortex – of football fields and basketball courts pulled at the hearts of 17,000 people as Chesney sang of days gone by with his typical earnestness. But for all its nodding to the past, the song represented a milestone in Chesney's awards-laden, 30-plus-year career as he performed it May 24. As he looked around in awe of the crowd and the enveloping video, there was as much a sense of 'How did we get here?' as 'Let's look back.' Chesney, 57, is the first country singer – and the first solo artist, despite an ace six-piece band – to play the game-changing venue. His two-hour show, a technicolor wonder, continues for sporadic dates through June 21 and are his only live performances of the year. It's as much a concert as a sonic and visual roller-coaster ride pairing one of the most acclaimed stars of country with the evolving technological wizardry of the Sphere. From the opening deep-sea dive that morphed into a fleet of pirate ships bobbing on the ocean while Chesney bopped through 'Beer in Mexico' – his skinny jeans tight, his sleeveless shirt baring biceps – a carefree vibe permeated the show. Las Vegas Sphere concerts: All the bands that are playing and how to get tickets For years, Chesney has been a reliable stadium filler, a guy who feeds off his fans' adrenaline as he clocks tens of thousands of steps scampering around the stage. While he was slightly limited to roam given the Sphere's structure, Chesney found ways to maintain a lifeline to the front row of fans on the floor as he bent down during 'Keg in the Closet' to smack a palm or accept a Nevada license plate emblazoned 'Sphere.' 'Not only do we see you all, we feel you tonight,' Chesney said in one of his frequent humble acknowledgements of the crowd. Typically, Chesney's concerts offer few embellishments. So to see a Ferris wheel looming over him (' 'Til It's Gone'), a live shot of No Shoes Nation devotees blasted onto the 240-foot-tall backdrop ('No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems') and Chesney on a towering cell phone surrounded by vibrantly colored fish (the prescient 'Welcome to the Fishbowl') elevated the fun quotient. At his opening show May 22, Chesney brought Kelsea Ballerini to the stage. But on this night, Grace Potter, who croons with Chesney on 'You & Tequila,' was the guest of honor to sing that Grammy-nominated hit from 2011. It was a breezy stroll for the pair, but when Potter, whom he introduced as 'one of my best friends in the world,' broke out her signature Flying V guitar, Chesney knew things were about to get rock-y. 'We were in Vegas that last time this happened,' he said, before the familiar sawing guitar notes of Rod Stewart's 'Hot Legs' filled the room (Chesney and Potter covered the song during his 2013 shows at the now-defunct Hard Rock Hotel). It was a playful, if milquetoast version of the song sans Stewart's raspy vocal leering, but also an indication that Chesney plans to shake up the setlist each show and maybe debut more deep cuts. The melancholic 'Seven Days,' from 2010's 'Hemingway's Whiskey' album, made its first live appearance at Chesney's opening Sphere show and he revisited it again for night two, complemented by a foggy lighthouse scene. During 'Big Star,' fans will relish the vintage photos of Chesney posing with music icons including Reba McEntire, Loretta Lynn and Taylor Swift while sinking into the sensation of being dropped into a pinball machine. It was also another reminder of Chesney's longevity in an unforgiving industry. As he cranked out the country rock of 'Living in Fast Forward,' which plopped the crowd into the driver's seat on a NASCAR track, Chesney punctuated the lyric, 'I still got some miles to go.' It was an ideal capper to a song that summarizes the focused Chesney. Even three decades into his career, he's hardly slowing down.
