Dani Della Valle sets tone for rocker’s Vegas party

Steve Marcus

Cabo Wabo bar and entertainment manager Dani Della Valle

By Jack Houston (contact)

Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010 | 12:05 a.m.

Steve Marcus

A few of these on a Saturday night and they might as well call it the Wobble-rita because that's what you'll likely be doing as you make your way from the bar. The top-shelf margarita comes equipped with Hagar's own Cabo Wabo tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime juice and a splash of Grand Marnier. But don't take our word for it: "Tequila's just got a great buzz," Hagar told us in December. "When I discovered premium tequila in the early '80s, it changed my life." Salud.

Sammy Hagar got the party started at Cabo Wabo Cantina, but Dani Della Valle keeps it going day and night as the Strip-side venue's bar and entertainment manager. A proud Jersey girl, Della Valle moved to Las Vegas to pursue dance at UNLV and got caught up in the city's nightlife scene. She made the jump to Cabo Wabo for its December opening.

"Cabo Wabo is unlike any other venue in this city," Della Valle said. "It literally strokes all five of your senses — or six, depending on how much tequila you drink."

Apart from making sure the bar runs smoothly, Della Valle also had a hand in creating the drink menu and designing choreography for her bartenders, who perform a dance to — what else? — Hagar's "Mas Tequila." The singer's fans, known as Red Rockers, have embraced the new location, and Della Valle is equally impressed with their dedication.

"They are the greatest bunch of people you would ever want to meet, but, boy, are they something else," she said. "They have no limits to their love and dedication for Cabo Wabo. They dress in crazy hats and costumes" — such as chicken suits or flip-flops and shorts in winter — "and party like it's the last day on earth to drink tequila. I was exhausted watching them."

— Originally published in Las Vegas Magazine