Canadian artist Jason Dean Bennison (aka J.D. Fortune) made music history in 2005. At the time, he was homeless, and he beat out 15 other contestants on Rockstar: INXS to become the band’s new singer. 

As the band’s frontman, J.D. injected new life into INXS, recorded a platinum album and toured extensively with the band. Now, J.D. brings the INXS catalog to Michigan for a night of beloved pop hits in the Island Showroom.

A New Sensation

INXS was formed in Sydney, Australia in 1977. It was comprised of Farniss brothers Jon, Tim and Andrew, saxophonist Kirk Pengilly, bassist Garry Gary Beers and charismatic frontman and lyricist Michael Hutchins. 

They began as a “pub rock” band but quickly incorporated elements of funk, pop and dance music into their sound. They achieved significant commercial success in the mid-80s to early 90s with songs like “What You Need,” “Suicide Blonde,” “Never Tear Us Apart” and “New Sensation.” 

INXS has sold 50 million albums worldwide and is the third-highest-selling Australian band behind AC/DC and The Bee Gees. The band has won numerous awards in their native land and internationally. They’ve been nominated for several Grammys and won five MTV music awards, two Brit awards and six ASCAP awards. 

Unfortunately, tragedy struck in 1997 when singer Michael Hutchence was found dead from an apparent suicide related to depression and drug use. The band went on hiatus for a year and then only played occasional shows with various replacement singers.

Almost Torn Apart 

J.D. Fortune was living in his car when he saw the notice for auditions to Rockstar: INXS. He had been raised primarily by his grandparents and drifted through many entertainment industry jobs, including working as an Elvis impersonator. 

Fortune was a clear underdog during the TV competition. However, his versatile voice, stage presence and ability to win over the band landed him the gig as INXS’s new lead singer.

Shortly after Fortune’s victory, he went into the studio with the band and recorded vocals for the album Switch. Fortune wrote the lyrics to the first single, “Pretty Vegas,” during the Rockstar competition, and it became a Billboard hit. 

In 2006, the newly invigorated band hit the road for an extensive world tour that saw them playing shows around the globe over the next two years. But in 2009, it seemed the partnership was eroding, and by 2011, Fortune and INXS had parted ways. 

Since then, J.D. Fortune has worked on several solo projects, including a solo album and music for television. In 2025, he’s hitting the road again, singing the catalog of songs that made him famous.

Get What You Need

Relive the Classics, Celebrate the Legends: Experience ultimate tributes and timeless hits at the Island. More than a mere tribute, you’ll experience your favorite INXS songs sung by the man who breathed new life into the band. Get your tickets for this dynamic performer and enjoy a special night at The Island Showroom.

Show Details:

• Date: June 21, 2025
• Time: 8:00 PM ET Showtime / Doors at 7:15 PM
• Location: Island Showroom
• Ticket Price: $20

A Life-Changing Win: Island Resort & Casino Guest Strikes $630,084 Jackpot on New Whitney Houston Slots

The Island Resort & Casino is thrilled to share an unforgettable moment from our gaming floor. On Thursday, September 5, 2024, just before 4:00 p.m. Eastern, Deanna Juday from Wautoma, WI, experienced the thrill of a lifetime, hitting a massive $630,084.36 jackpot on one of our newest progressive slot machines.

Deanna’s incredible win came on the IGT Whitney Houston Slots game, which made its debut at Island Resort & Casino just this past June. With a $3 bet on a penny denomination, the screen lit up, the bells rang, and Whitney’s iconic voice played as the life-changing jackpot number flashed before her eyes.

Before embarking on her trip to the Island, Deanna confidently told her family that she was on her way to win the progressive jackpot—and she did exactly that. Now, she plans to use her winnings to make a difference and pay it forward.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to celebrate Deanna’s big win with her,” said Robin Bourdeau, Player Services Manager at Island Resort & Casino. “Moments like these highlight the excitement and rewards we strive to offer all our guests. We couldn’t be happier to have been part of her unforgettable experience.”

The Island Resort & Casino was the first to bring the Whitney Houston Slots game to our market, joining 38 other properties across the United States that feature this exciting wide-area progressive machine. With every spin, the jackpot grows, creating the potential for moments just like Deanna’s.

The Island Showroom has the sounds of summer locked in the weekend of July 5th and 6th. First up: On Friday, Gone 2 Paradise plays all your Jimmy Buffett favorites. Then, on Saturday, catch Aeromyth: The Ultimate Aerosmith Tribute Experience. Hear all the hits from these legendary artists in what promises to be a non-stop party. 

Gone 2 Paradise Turns the Island into Margaritaville

Parrot Heads rejoice! Gone 2 Paradise is bringing the premiere Jimmy Buffett experience to The Island Showroom stage. 

For 20 years, these Chicago natives have traded their windbreakers for Hawaiian shirts and performed in every corner of the nation. With the passing of Mr. Buffett, Gone 2 Paradise is ready to carry the palm tree–covered mantle into the next era. 

You won’t get enough of their infectious energy and unwavering dedication to capturing the essence of the legendary singer-songwriter. This talented group of musicians has become synonymous with the ultimate Jimmy Buffett experience. 

Come hear their spirited and authentic renditions of the songs that made Jimmy Buffett the soundtrack for every beach party for the last five decades, including:

Check out the Gone 2 Paradise promo video to see how much fun this unparalleled tribute is. You can learn more at gone2paradiseband.com. 

Dream On with Aeromyth

There’ll be plenty of sweet emotions when this tribute act takes The Island Showroom stage. See why Gibson guitars ranks Aeromyth among the top 10 tribute bands in the world. They also won top honors at the Las Vegas music awards in 2010. 

These dedicated rockers put their toys in the attic and hit the open road. They’ve spent the past 17 years perfecting their homage to one of America’s greatest bands. 

Aeromyth combines stellar live performance re-creations, uncanny physical likeness and unparalleled musicianship. You’ll swear Aerosmith was back in the saddle of their prime, right before your cryin’ eyes. The Aeromyth train will keep a rollin’ with all the songs that made Aerosmith a musical institution, including:

Visit aeromyth.com for the full bio and get your tickets for the tribute band fully endorsed by Steven Tyler. Trust us: You won’t want to miss a thing! 

There’s Booze in the Blender and Love in the Elevator

Tickets are on sale now for these two power-packed nights of musical entertainment. Make it a true holiday weekend and book a hotel package. When you’re done looking for your lost shaker of salt, you can try your hand at shaking the dice. You’d be “crazy” to miss these “amazing” summer shows.

Show Details

Date: July 5th and 6th, 2024

Time: 8:00 PM

Location: Island Showroom

Tickets: $20 for each show

In May of 2024, country rock legends The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band will celebrate their 58th year performing with a two-night stop on The Island Showroom stage. Don’t miss this opportunity to see one of the great American bands featuring several original and historic members.  

It Began With Dylan

The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band began in 1966 when a teenage Jeff Hanna heard Bob Dylan for the first time. That was all it took for him to lock himself into his bedroom and learn the picking pattern to “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right.” 

It wouldn’t take long for Jeff to find like-minded music fans who would join him to become The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Among these was Jimmie Fadden, who still drums with the band today, and a yet-to-be-discovered singer/songwriter named Jackson Browne.

With so many talented members, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has amassed an impressive catalog over an expansive career that includes three Grammys. The band’s first single, back in 1967, was “Buy for Me the Rain,” which gained significant traction8 after the band appeared on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. 

Since then, they’ve had numerous hit singles, such as “An American Dream,” “Fishing in the Dark” and their cover of “Mr. Bojangles.”

Over the years, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has recorded or shared the stage with nearly every major player in country and folk music. This includes Dolly Parton, Alison Krauss, Johnny Cash, Roy Acuff, Doc Watson, John Prine and Linda Ronstadt. 

Their banjo player, John McCuen, even taught a young comedian named Steve Martin how to play. Later, the two would share the stage when Saturday Night Live featured The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band as the musical guest. 

In 1977, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band was the first American band to tour the Soviet Union, playing 28 sold-out shows.

Still Figuring Out How Not to Have to Work for a Living

Since day one, Jeff Hanna has been trying to figure out how not to work. Seems like he’s succeeded, and there have even been murmurings that he’s ready to retire from not working. 

Recently, life has come full circle, as The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s latest record is a tribute to the artist who started it all, Bob Dylan. Dirt Does Dylan, released in 2022, is the band’s 25th studio record. To get ready for The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, visit some tracks from that album along with fan favorites from the band’s career:

For more information, visit NittyGritty.com. 

How ‘Bout You and Me Go Fishin’ in the Dark of The Island Showroom

Cast your line and hook yourself tickets for The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s ALL THE GOOD TIMES: The Farewell Tour. This promises to be a unique retrospective of American music from the past 50+ years. You won’t want to miss it.

Show Details

• Date: May 10th and 11th, 2024
• Time: 8:00 PM
• Location: Island Showroom
• Tickets start at $45.