Let me tell you about a great time I had at the Snoqualmie Casino, about 45 minutes east of Seattle off I-90. A friend and I decided to take the drive to this new entertainment hot spot to catch a benefit concert in the casino's showroom. Local super rock group, Spike and The Impalers from the 102.5 KZOK morning show, Bob Rivers, performed two sold out shows to benefit World Vision. Actually, the concerts were absolutely free, offered by Bob Rivers and the Snoqualmie Casino for anyone who sponsored a child through World Vision. What a great bonus for the generosity of others. Gotta love the spirit of this season.

If you haven't seen Spike and The Impalers and you love rock, this band is a must. There were no less than 15 performers on stage, including bongos and yes, a cow bell...it is rock n roll after all. And this is with the absence of the usual 6 bag pipers for the AC/DC anthem, It's A Long Way To The Top If You Want To Rock n Roll. During this performance, special guests included Lee Oskar from the band War (Low Rider, Cisco Kid), on harmonica, and comedian Hal Sparks came on for a gutty performance of Alice In Chains Man In The Box, with Spike taking the rare back up vocal role. It was shockingly good as the vocals of Alice In Chains is not easily duplicated. Spike brought his vocal talent and love of Jersey son, Bruce Springsteen for an inspiring rendition of Badlands and Born To Run. Kaci Aitchison from local Q13 morning news is the band's stand out female vocalist and nails a version of Slow Ride and a Jefferson Airplane classic. Other memorable songs included Low Rider with a phenomenal harmonica solo by Oskar and Bob Rivers on vocals.

The music, band and venue were amazing but the real treat that night was that an additional 60 kids were sponsored by audience members through World Vision during our show alone. Many others were sponsored in the earlier 7 pm show. A great night indeed.

Snoqualmie Casino is a beautiful venue inside and out with sweeping vistas of the Cascades literally in the casino's back yard and presented appropriately for restaurant diners with floor to ceiling 18 foot windows. I suggest trying the sushi bar for a awesome seafood udon soup, don't forget the tempura and Japanese beer. A bit pricey but generous portions. After a little partying be sure to get your smoke on at Lit, the Snoqualmie's cigar bar for a rare scotch, Kentucky whiskey or tasty martini with a premium smoke. My choice - a double Chateau Fuente and an 18 year old scotch. When we were there both men and women were enjoying the confines of Lit.

When you go be sure to use the free valet. It took a few minutes to retrieve our car but we avoided the weather and long hike to the parking lot. Well worth a 5 dollar tip.