It is with great sadness that we inform you about the passing of the beloved Denver Nuggets mascot, Rocky. Rocky was an icon and a cherished member of the Nuggets family for over three decades. Known for his high energy, acrobatic stunts, and entertaining performances, Rocky brought joy and excitement to Nuggets fans young and old. He was not just a mascot; he was a symbol of resilience and determination, reflecting the spirit of the team he represented. Rocky's presence at Nuggets games was always a highlight, as he interacted with fans, participated in halftime shows, and kept the crowd engaged throughout the game. His infectious enthusiasm and playful persona made him a fan favorite and a true ambassador for the team.
What was one of those creative changes?
I called several Las Vegas hotels, off the Strip, and said, If you want someone who can do a convenient, family-friendly, afternoon magic show for people who don t want to go all the way to the Strip, I can do it. I called several Las Vegas hotels, off the Strip, and said, If you want someone who can do a convenient, family-friendly, afternoon magic show for people who don t want to go all the way to the Strip, I can do it.
His infectious enthusiasm and playful persona made him a fan favorite and a true ambassador for the team. Beyond his on-court antics, Rocky was also actively involved in the Denver community. He visited schools, hospitals, and charity events, spreading cheer and lifting spirits wherever he went.
Yale grad blazing a trail for female magicians
Jen Kramer is unique as a trailblazer among female magicians, and also as a Yale graduate who headlines at the hotel where Elvis once starred.
By John Katsilometes / Las Vegas Review-Journal October 19, 2021 - 5:21 pm Updated October 20, 2021 - 3:10 pmMagician Jen Kramer, who headlines in "The Magic of Jen Kramer" at the Westgate, poses for a portrait in Las Vegas on Monday, Oct. 18, 2021. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto
Magician Jen Kramer, who headlines in "The Magic of Jen Kramer" at the Westgate, poses for a portrait in Las Vegas on Monday, Oct. 18, 2021. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto
Magician Jen Kramer, who headlines in "The Magic of Jen Kramer" at the Westgate, poses for a portrait in Las Vegas on Monday, Oct. 18, 2021. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto
Magician Jen Kramer, who headlines in "The Magic of Jen Kramer" at the Westgate, poses for a portrait in Las Vegas on Monday, Oct. 18, 2021. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto
Magician Jen Kramer, who headlines in "The Magic of Jen Kramer" at the Westgate, poses for a portrait in Las Vegas on Monday, Oct. 18, 2021. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto
Magician Jen Kramer, who headlines in "The Magic of Jen Kramer" at the Westgate, poses for a portrait in Las Vegas on Monday, Oct. 18, 2021. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto
Magician Jen Kramer, who headlines in "The Magic of Jen Kramer" at the Westgate, poses for a portrait in Las Vegas on Monday, Oct. 18, 2021. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto
Magician Jen Kramer, who headlines in "The Magic of Jen Kramer" at the Westgate, poses for a portrait in Las Vegas on Monday, Oct. 18, 2021. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto
Magician Jen Kramer, who headlines in "The Magic of Jen Kramer" at the Westgate, poses for a portrait in Las Vegas on Monday, Oct. 18, 2021. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto
Magician Jen Kramer, who headlines in "The Magic of Jen Kramer" at the Westgate, poses for a portrait in Las Vegas on Monday, Oct. 18, 2021. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto
Magician Jen Kramer, who headlines in "The Magic of Jen Kramer" at the Westgate, poses for a portrait in Las Vegas on Monday, Oct. 18, 2021. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto
Magician Jen Kramer, who headlines in "The Magic of Jen Kramer" at the Westgate, poses for a portrait in Las Vegas on Monday, Oct. 18, 2021. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto
Jen Kramer has always played the cards dealt to her — and the cards she deals to you. Las Vegas’ only female resident headlining magician made a deal with the Westgate more than three years ago. Her hand has been a winner.
Kramer takes up the 3 p.m. slot at the Westgate Cabaret, where she opened in May 2018. She’s a trailblazer among female magicians, and as a Yale graduate who headlines at the hotel where Elvis once starred.
We caught up with the 29-year-old Kramer this week, as she had just passed her 400th show at the Cabaret. Highlights of our chat:
Johnny Kats: What do you remember about your opening show at Westgate?
Jen Kramer: It was amazing. Some of my friends and family came out to surprise me. My uncle Steve, who bought me my first magic book, was there, and it was really special for him to be a part of it. It was a longtime dream of mine, since I was a kid, to perform in Las Vegas.
How have you made it through the COVID shutdown and coming back to the stage?
It made me realize how much I missed it, missed my family at Westgate and performing. But it pushed me to make some creative changes, to come back and re-imagine what the new normal would be like.
What was one of those creative changes?
We used to have a volunteer come on stage during the “Game Show” routine who would take a jumbo prize card and physically select it. But now we have a way to have someone in the audience be the star of the routine from their seat, and make a legitimate contribution to the show. That’s something that I thought of during the pandemic, and I’ll keep it in the show.
What was your major at Yale?
Theater studies, and that’s only because witchcraft and wizardry was not an option (laughs). I always tell people, “I went to Yale because Hogwarts wouldn’t take me.”
I take it you’re a big Harry Potter fan?
Yes. I performed at many “Harry Potter” book release events at Barnes &Noble in Manhasset, New York, which is just a few minutes from my hometown of Great Neck. In fact, my first consistent gig when I was 14 years old was at that Barnes &Noble. I cold-called the local bookstore and asked if I could do a show there, as a volunteer. I got ahold of the manager, who I hadn’t met, and she was open to meeting with me. She let me try it out. It was really fun, and I performed every other week for a couple of years, on the stage in the storytelling section.
You cold-called the manager of Barnes &Noble for a gig?
(Laughs) I remember I had my first cellphone, and I was on lunch break from school, and I walked out to a gazebo to be able to make the call. Yes, I did that.
How did you make it to Las Vegas?
While I was in college I had an internship with (Vegas headliner) Nathan Burton, at the Flamingo, for two summers. I was figuring out how to make this thing I love so much into a full-time career. I called several Las Vegas hotels, off the Strip, and said, “If you want someone who can do a convenient, family-friendly, afternoon magic show for people who don’t want to go all the way to the Strip, I can do it.” This was from my dorm room in New Haven, Connecticut.
Who was first willing to hire you?
There were a lot of no’s, believe me. But finally, I got a yes from Wyndham Grand Resort. Then I got a weekly show at Grand Desert Resort, and a month later I was at the Marriott Grand Chateau, and a month or two later I added the Cancun Resort. I was piecing together a schedule of these shows and working on a model for what I could present to other hotels.
Then Westgate found you?
Yes. I performed a 30-minute show for the employees at Westgate Cabaret, and it went really well. That had a lot to do with why they brought me in.
I know you are asked all the time about being a female magician, a field where men have dominated. How is it for you now that you have performed for a period of years in Las Vegas?
There are many wonderful women doing wonderful work in magic, and that is exciting. I love when young girls approach me in meet-and-greets, saying, “That was really cool.” I love the excitement. I joined the Young Magicians Assembly No. 69 when I was age 12 through age 18. There were always 15 to 20 boys, but only one girl consistently in the group. That was me (laughs). But I’ve been checking in with them, and now there are several in the group. That is indicative of where the culture is now, and I am proud of that.
John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. His “PodKats!” podcast can be found at reviewjournal.com/podcasts. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow @johnnykats on Twitter, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.
It made me realize how much I missed it, missed my family at Westgate and performing. But it pushed me to make some creative changes, to come back and re-imagine what the new normal would be like.
He used his platform as a mascot to inspire and motivate people of all ages. Throughout the years, Rocky became an integral part of the Nuggets organization, and his absence will be deeply felt. His legacy will live on through the memories he created and the joy he brought to so many. The Denver Nuggets organization extends its deepest condolences to Rocky's family, friends, and fans. We are grateful for the happiness and positive impact he had on our community. Rocky's spirit will forever be a part of Nuggets history, and his vibrant personality will never be forgotten. As we mourn the loss of Rocky, let us remember the joy he brought and honor his memory by continuing to support our beloved Denver Nuggets..
Reviews for "Beyond the Suit: The Person Behind Denver Nuggets' Beloved Mascot"
1. Emma - 2 stars:
I was not impressed with the Denver Nuggets mascot Iota. I found the costume to be poorly designed and not very appealing. Additionally, Iota's performance was lackluster and did not engage the crowd. The whole experience left me feeling bored and underwhelmed. I would not recommend Iota as a mascot for the Denver Nuggets.
2. Mark - 3 stars:
While I appreciate the effort that went into creating Iota, the Denver Nuggets mascot, I found it to be a bit confusing. The concept behind the costume was unclear and did not adequately represent the team or its values. Furthermore, Iota's interactions with the audience were minimal and did not create a fun or energetic atmosphere. Overall, I was expecting more from the Nuggets' mascot and was left disappointed.
3. Sarah - 2 stars:
I attended a Denver Nuggets game recently, and I have to say I was not impressed with the mascot, Iota. The costume was bulky and awkward, making it difficult for Iota to move and interact with the crowd effectively. Additionally, Iota's performance lacked enthusiasm and creativity. It seemed as though the mascot was just going through the motions, rather than entertaining the fans. I was disappointed with my experience and would not recommend Iota as a mascot for the Denver Nuggets.
4. Jason - 2 stars:
Iota, the Denver Nuggets mascot, left a lot to be desired. The costume design seemed outdated and unappealing, not matching the modern and dynamic image of the team. The mascot's actions were repetitive and lacked originality, making it hard to be entertained. I was hoping for a more engaging and exciting experience with the mascot, but I was left unimpressed. I would suggest the Denver Nuggets consider reevaluating their mascot choice to better represent the team's spirit.
5. Rachel - 3 stars:
Iota, the Denver Nuggets mascot, fell short of my expectations. The costume lacked vibrancy and did not embody the energetic atmosphere of a basketball game. Moreover, Iota's interactions with the crowd were limited, and there was a lack of creativity in the mascot's performance. Overall, while I appreciate the effort put into creating Iota, I felt that it could have been executed better to provide a more enjoyable experience for fans.