The Mirage unveiled the $25 million upgrade to its iconic volcano last month, and the change from the old is quite noticeable.

While the volcano has always been a must-see attraction on the Strip, its age has been showing in recent years. Passersby weren’t as impressed with the canned volcano sounds and the limited pyrotechnic performance.

The new incarnation of the volcano takes care of those problems with flames that shoot 100 feet into the sky accompanied by a drum score arranged by Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart.

Hart joined Mirage president and COO Scott Sibella, Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, Mirage headliner and emcee Terry Fator and representatives of the Clark County School District for the unveiling.

“The Mirage and our fiery volcano have long been symbols of the energy and excitement Las Vegas offers,” Sibella said. “We recognize that to remain at the forefront of this dynamic destination, the Mirage must deliver trendsetting attractions that excite and entertain, giving our guests a reason to visit again and again.”

The school district representatives were on hand to accept a $5,000 donation from the Mirage, to be used to support music in schools.

“I would not be the musician I am today if I had not had the opportunity to embrace music at a young age,” Hart said. “And now I get to do things like put percussive sound to the image of fire and have it dance around a lagoon.”

By Casino Connection Staff