HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO PUNTA CANA OPENS ITS DOORS TO A STAR STUDDED CROWD!

Hard Rock International and Palace Resorts made a splash in the Caribbean as it rolled out the red carpet to celebrate the grand opening of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana. On Jan. 29, 2011 the world's first all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotel & Casino shimmered while celebrities strutted the red carpet and marked the brand's Caribbean debut!

The official party kicked off with celebrity arrivals and Hard Rock's signature lucky 21 Guitar Smash to inaugurate the resort - a long-time Hard Rock tradition. Following the smash, platinum international recording artists, the Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes and Tonino Baliardo rocked the party. The energetic bash attracted celebrities from all walks of life, including Pete Wentz, Anna Kendrick, Joe Maganiello and his fiancée Audra Marie, Cheryl Burke, actress Paula Garces, Jessie Metcalfe and former Cheetah Girl Adrienne Bailon.

The complete Jan. 26-30 festivities also featured performances by the Blue Oyster Cult, The Wailers and More Than Me - the winners of 2010 Hard Rock Calling. Among the celebrities looking to cut loose were NFL superstars Brandon Marshall, Jessie Palmer, Terrell Owens and former pro-football quarterback Darcy Johnson, who all relaxed and enjoyed the lavish celebration. The Dominican Republic was front and center as Dominican born New York Yankee Rafael Soriano and Dominican beauties Dania Ramirez and Julissa Bermudez danced the nights away. Bermudez also served as the MC for the guitar smash.

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana's grand opening also included the hottest fashions hitting the runway during the Dominican Nights fashion show, exciting golf and poker tournaments, cooking classes casino gaming clinic, karaoke happy hour and much more! Adding to the musical theme of the grand opening, former American Idol contestant Chris Richardson, drummer and songwriter John Dolmayan and legendary saxophonist Alto Reed also were present throughout the events, serenading guests with surprise performances.

The grand opening celebration showcased the best of what Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana has to offer, including the 1,800-room resort's luxe accommodations featuring the Hard Rock's branded "Rock Star Suite", the signature Rock Spa®, iconic music memorabilia, expansive poolscapes, delicious cuisine, exhilarating entertainment and a larger-than-life Vegas-style casino. Coming early 2011, the resort will also feature the see-and-be-seen Oro nightclub, created by the Miami Marketing Group, and a Kerry Simon restaurant by the acclaimed celebrity chef.