Mesquite Entertainment Hosts First Talent Show for Team Members
On August 11, 2026, Mesquite Entertainment organized its inaugural talent show for its employees, creating an electrifying atmosphere in the showroom at CasaBlanca Casino. The event attracted a full house, filled with enthusiastic employees and supporters, eager to witness the diverse talents of their colleagues. The competition featured twelve acts from various employee levels, all vying for an impressive array of prizes, including a $1,000 award for first place, $600 for second, and $400 for third, each accompanied by a trophy.
Tom Jannarone, the general manager of CasaBlanca, took on the role of emcee for the evening, bringing energy and charm as he introduced the acts. The show kicked off with a lively performance by Mesquite Entertainment executives, who entertained the crowd with a lip-sync rendition of the classic hit "YMCA." Notable performances came from Julia Abouzeid, the general manager of the Virgin River, along with other executives, who managed to engage the audience despite some minor microphone issues that elicited laughter from the crowd.
The talent showcased during the evening was impressively varied, featuring solo vocalists, competitive dancers, and vibrant Tahitian dance performances that highlighted the artistic flair present among the employees. A panel of three judges — Brook Whipple, a city victim advocate; Austin Whetzel, the president and CEO of the Mesquite Chamber of Commerce; and Vinney Barile, senior vice president of Mesquite Gaming — evaluated the performances based on entertainment value, creativity, stage presence, and overall execution.
The venue was equipped with professional lighting and stage fog, providing an impressive backdrop for the performers, though it posed some challenges for photography. Ultimately, Jannella Moeai, a table games dealer, emerged victorious with her captivating stage presence and powerful vocal performance, earning her the first-place trophy. Rloubert Alfafara, also a table games dealer, secured second place with a heartfelt rendition of Frank Sinatra’s "My Way," a song deeply meaningful to him as it was his father’s favorite. Andre Haro, a 22-year-old who charmed the audience with a beautiful Spanish love song, clinched third place.
In addition to the main prizes, Moeai was also honored with the Katherine’s Choice Award, which came with a $200 dining credit at Katherine’s restaurant, a recognition awarded based on audience applause, underscoring her popularity with the crowd. Jami Taylor, the employee and community engagement manager who played a key role in organizing the event, expressed enthusiasm for the success of the show, confirming plans for a repeat performance next year due to the great participation and positive feedback.
As reported by mvprogress.com.
