Celebs Turn Out For Mohegan Sun Casino Opening Gala

Television stars got a chance to show off some of their other talents Saturday, from poker to fiddlin', as part of the Mohegan Sun's weekend gala for its new Casino of the Wind.

Tracy Morgan of " 30 Rock" showcased his poker expertise with a straight flush on the one of his first hands, while James Denton of " Desperate Housewives" fame did his Tennessee roots proud with some standing-ovation-worthy guitar playing.

"I'm from Nashville, so pluckin' just comes naturally," said Denton, who, with the rest of The Band From TV, wowed the crowds at two shows with their singing and musical expertise.

Jessica Szohr and Matthew Settle from " Gossip Girl," married couple Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin -- who both did gigs on "Dancing With The Stars" -- pro wrestler and " Dancing With the Stars" alum Stacy Keibler, along with Connecticut native Becki Newton from " Ugly Betty," all juggled red-carpet and VIP duties Saturday with just hanging out with the regular folks.

"Oh my God, I can't believe my guy from 'Heroes' is here," said casino guest Marge Royce, while in the elevator with James Kyson Lee. "I love you in that show," she said as the two walked into the lobby together.

Two red carpets brought the celebrities together, first as they headed into a celebrity Texas Hold 'Em poker game and again, much later in the night when an "Afterglow" party was held for those sporting the red glittered access bracelet.

Staff from " Access Hollywood" and the TV Guide Network jockeyed with area press for words with the decked-out stars. Rinna said she was pulling for Toni Braxton as the winner on the new season of "Dancing," while hubby Hamlin said he didn't bother to watch, even though he, too, had once been on the show. Keibler was also in the dark about the new "Dancing" season, apologizing that she had not seen any of it because her Tivo was broken.

Former " American Idol" contestant Blake Lewis didn't seem to mind at all that he had not won that competition, clearly happy performing with his band at one of the casino nightclubs in between playing poker and going to the after-party.

And as far as the show these days. "I'm glad they are bringing in a fourth judge," he said, referring to the addition of Kara DioGuardi to the panel. "I think she will give Simon a run for his money."

While the casino's new $6,200 signature drink "The Windfall" had a lot of VIPers sighing when it was unveiled early in the evening, given ingredients that include aged cognac, exclusive champagne and a $5,500 Tiffany's garnish -- a diamond and sapphire ring -- it was "The Band From TV," which donates the money it receives to charity, that had everyone talking.

The group, many of whom took a red-eye from Los Angeles on Jet Express to get to Connecticut for the gig, were only supposed to do one show but agreed to do two after headliner Janet Jackson canceled her Saturday concert.

"We love it," said Bob Guiney from "The Bachelor," who does vocals and helped organize the band with Denton , accomplished violist Jesse Spencer from "House" and others, including his wife, Rebecca Budig from All My Children. "I just can't believe we are the headliners at Mohegan Sun."

News Added: 13 October, 2008

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