The next time you wing out to the Nevada desert to try your hand at the green felt tables, make sure to catch Cirque de Soleil’s new show at the Bellagio. Liverpool’s own JGB Enterprises Inc. supplied hydraulics for “O,” Cirque de Soleil’s new water show in Las Vegas.
Founded in 1977 by entrepreneur Jay Bernhardt, JGB assembles and supplies industrial and hydraulic hoses and hose accessories worldwide. While the firm thrives on its clients in the U.S. military, JGB also serves customers in the automotive, marine, petroleum, dairy, construction and steel industries.
The company’s corporate headquarters are here in Liverpool, at 115 Metropolitan Drive, off Henry Clay Boulevard.
In December 2010 JGB Enterprises was awarded a $15.6 million contract with the U.S. Air Force.
Since the federal government spends a majority of its money on military matters, it’s good to see at least a few of our tax dollars coming back into our local economy. Lockheed Martin’s many multi-million-dollar defense contracts also bring some of those hard-earned bucks back to us here.
Aquatic artistry
Anyhow, JGB recently extended its client base to include the Vegas entertainment industry.
At Steve Wynn’s Bellagio casino, Cirque de Soleil’s “O,” an elaborate semi-aquatic stage performance, requires plenty of hydraulics. Each show has a full-time staff of about 10 maintenance people, and the show must go on. When the maintenance folks began having problems with blow-offs on their competitive hydraulic hoses, they sought assistance from Gates, a company which has long partnered with JGB.
Now with JGB hydraulics installed, “O” weaves an aquatic tapestry of artistry, surrealism and theatrical romance as the international cast of world-class acrobats, synchronized swimmers, divers and characters perform in, on and above water to create a breathtaking experience in a theater reminiscent of a European opera house.
I wonder if Jay will take in the show next April 18-22 when the National Association for Hose and Accessories Distribution conducts its 28th annual meeting and convention in Las Vegas
Taxing toast
Stopped by the American Diner for breakfast the other day and noticed a morning meal deal on the menu:
The Obama/NYS Special – two eggs and toast, $1.99 + tax $17.99.
PBR ‘Pounder’
It’s got to be the best bar beer bargain in the village. You can buy a Pabst Blue Ribbon 24-oz. “Pounder” for an affordable $2 at the Limp Lizard, 201 First St. And, hey, the affable bar maids will even give you a frosted glass in which to pour the canned suds.
Lizard lineup
The Liverpool Lizard stages a full lineup of live music this weekend. The Lisa Lee Trio cranks out classic rock and R&B from 9 p.m. to midnight Thursday, May 19. Tuff Luck unpacks it horn cases at 10 p.m. Friday, May 20, and the Miss E Trio entertains at ten o’clock on Saturday, May 21. For Liverpool Lizard info, call 451-9774.
Wisenheimers R.I.P.
Four of the funniest guys I knew when I was growing up in the village are gone.
Through eight grades of elementary school at St. Joe’s, jokesters Danny Parker, John Salanger and Danny Irving all cracked me up with their frantic antics and crazy quips.
In later years, I could always count on Mickey McMenamin to crack wise at the BeBop Shop on Old Liverpool Road. Everybody remembers Mickey’s late-night TV commercials touting the BeBop Shop, “where music is still fun!”
