Tag Archives: Las Vegas music

April 24, 2010 · 3:44 PM

First DJ ‘Throwdown’ in Las Vegas

DJs are firmly entrenched in nearly every entertainment nook and cranny in Las Vegas.  Now they get to show who has the best music blending talent of all in the first ever Las Vegas DJ Awards.

The event is Sunday, April 25 at The Bank nightclub in Las Vegas.  About 40 Djs will duke it out across 12 categories for the title of top turntablist in Sin City, including Best Local Following, Best Female and Sexiest DJ. While there are no cash prizes, winners get trophies and bragging rights for the next 365 or so days.  Doors open at 10:30 p.m., $30 cover, Las Vegas residents free. Vote for your favorites at www.jackcolton.com/lvdjawards

Leave a comment

Filed under entertainment, Las Vegas, Music, news, Performances, Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

April 14, 2010 · 10:15 AM

Keith Emerson and Greg Lake to Perform in Las Vegas?

Maybe yes, maybe no.  The duo from the classic rock group Emerson, Lake and Palmer has planned their “Unplugged Tour” for the Las Vegas Hilton for April 24.  But, hold on… to date, the group has had a very rocky start and have cancelled their prior U.S. shows due, as they say, to “musical and technical reasons.”  Keep your fingers crossed- and toes!

Leave a comment

Filed under entertainment, Las Vegas, Music, news, Performances, Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

April 11, 2010 · 10:31 AM

Academy of Country Music Awards Brings Oodles of Celebs to Las Vegas

Brooks & Dunn, Lady Antebellum, Randy Houser, Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire and Montgomery Gentry are just some of the many country music stars planning to participate in the 45th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards In Las Vegas starting on April 18. 

Honoring country music’s top talent and the industry’s hottest emerging talent, to be broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 18 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network. In addition, the Academy will tape an all-star concert special, ACM Presents: Brooks & Dunn – The Last Rodeo at the same location on Monday, April 19, to air at a later date on the CBS Television Network. Both shows are produced for television by Dick Clark Productions.

The list of events includes the ACM Concerts at Fremont Street Experience, the ACM Chairman’s Ride, a special USO performance, All-Star Jam and more. 

Some details are as follows, with timing information to be released later: 

Friday & Saturday, April 16 & 17

ACM Concerts at Fremont Street Experience – For the 4th year in a row, the Academy of Country Music presents concerts at Fremont Street Experience! Featuring headlining performances by Lady Antebellum on Friday and Miranda Lambert on Saturday, these free and open-to-the-public concerts start at 6:30pm on two stages in downtown Las Vegas.  For the 2nd year in a row, winners in each of the newcomer categories Top New Solo Vocalist, Top New Vocal Group and Top New Vocal Duo will have the chance to perform at Fremont Street Experience during these concerts. 

Saturday, April 17 

ACM Chairman’s Ride – This event has grown from its inception and for the second year will be an invitation-only event for artists and industry VIPs to experience a scenic ride through the gorgeous Nevada landscape. ACM/The Home Depot Humanitarian Award honorees of 2010, Montgomery Gentry, will host the ride for the 6th time this year. The event benefits ACM Lifting Lives. Event details and timing will be made available only to invited, registered participants.

USO Concert in Partnership with ACM Lifting Lives™ – For the first time ever, ACM Lifting Lives (the Academy’s charitable arm) is partnering with the USO to bring a free, private concert to the service men and women of Nellis Air Force Base just outside of Las Vegas, NV. USO tour veterans Montgomery Gentry and Randy Houser are scheduled to perform for the crowd. The event will be open to all military ID holders and media credentialed specifically for this event. 

Sunday, April 18 

45th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS – Hosted by Reba McEntire for a record 12th time and featuring the hottest performances by today’s superstars of country, the Awards will once again take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. 

ACM All-Star Jam – This raucous, no-holds-barred jam features impromptu performances from the artists who participate in the Awards. Past performers have included Big & Rich, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Kelly Clarkson, Sara Evans, Jack Ingram, Jewel, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, Montgomery Gentry, James Otto, Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, Taylor Swift, Sugarland, Carrie Underwood, Gretchen Wilson, Dwight Yoakam and more. 

Monday, April 19

ACM Presents: Brooks & Dunn – The Last Rodeo – Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn of Brooks & Dunn, the best-selling duo in the history of country music, will receive the Academy’s Milestone Award in recognition of their 20-year, record-breaking career during this tribute concert special. They will be honored for holding the record for the most wins of any artist in the Academy’s history with 26 awards in total, including three Entertainer of the Year awards. They will also be honored for holding the record for most Top Vocal Duo wins, with 15 awards, eight of which are consecutive from 2000-2007. Artists already scheduled to perform at the taping include superstars Kenny Chesney, Reba McEntire, Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban. Details on special elements of the show and more performers that will be added will be announced at a later date. Tickets are still available for this show, which benefits ACM Lifting Lives and will air at a later date on CBS Television Network from the MGM Grand Garden Arena. For information on tickets visit www.Ticketmaster.com

Leave a comment

Filed under entertainment, Las Vegas, Music, news, Performances, Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

March 8, 2010 · 11:53 AM

Neon Reverb Music Festival Amps Up in Las Vegas March 10-14

The Neon Reverb music festival is taking place on Fremont Street stages in Las Vegas from March 10 through 14.   It’s a huge affair and offers a talented array of musicians to satisfy virtually any music taste. 

And thanks to a growing number of corporate sponsors and name indie bands, with any luck, this edition should prove to be a resounding success. 

The outdoor stages will be graced with the likes of The Ruby Suns, The So So Glos, Spindrift, Rainbow Arabia Soe & The Skyrider Band, Bo-Peep, Aerodrone, Kid Theodore, Wild Yacks, Imagine Dragons, Black Camaro, and tons more to numerous to list.  For a full list of bands, please go to www.NeonReverb.com 

This Neon Reverb installment will look a bit different from its three predecessors. While Downtown — the Beauty Bar, Bunkhouse, Aruba, Gypsy Den, Las Vegas Country Saloon — will once again serve as the fest’s hub, plans could call for an enhanced all-ages component at North Las Vegas’ Area 702 Skatepark. 

Hip-hop should also command a larger presence among the bill’s 100-ish acts, thanks to partnerships with Vegas collective Macro-Fi and local rapper HighDro (the latter runs a weekly hip-hop showcase at Boomers, another Neon Reverb stronghold). And Yayo Taco, Dino’s and the 540-capacity showroom inside the Greek Isles Hotel all serve as first-time venues. 

Also, expect this Las Vegas music festival to feature more international flavor than ever before. Working with online promotional entity Sonicbids, Neon Reverb’s booking team has secured confirmations from a number of overseas acts, such as New Zealand Sub Pop-pers Ruby Suns, Japan’s Bo-Peep and Ireland’s Autumn Owls. Other out-of-towners already on board: LA’s The Delta Mirror, Colorado’s Indigenous Peoples, Idaho’s Finn Riggins and Reverb returnees Leopold and His Fiction, and Mere Mortals. And, of course, the fest will boast its usual slew of Las Vegas favorites over its three nights.

Leave a comment

Filed under entertainment, Las Vegas, Music, news, Performances, Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

February 26, 2010 · 11:17 AM

Become a Playwright, Actor or Composer in Las Vegas

Insurgo’s No Shame Theatre in Las Vegas may just be the ticket you’re looking for to show you can write plays that people will flock to see. 

No Shame is a longtime national movement that has finally arrived in Las Vegas.  The first 15 written works arriving each week at Insurgo Theatre will be cast, rehearsed and performed- on the same night.

You can bring literally anything in to showcase- from avant-garde to music- or movement-based pieces to improvisational works, monologues and scenes.

Non-writers interested in acting can also show up and let the Insurgo staff know they’re ready to perform whatever’s thrown at them.  The only rules for actors and playwrights is that you can’t hurt yourself, the audience or the space.  And no breaking the law.   Anything else is fair game.

No Shame Theatre on Thursdays beginning Feb. 25 at 9:30 p.m.  $5 for both general audience and participants.  Insurgo Theatre Movement, 900 E. Karen Ave., Las Vegas, 702-369-3692.  www.insurgotheater.org

1 Comment

Filed under entertainment, Las Vegas, Music, news, Performances, Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

February 21, 2010 · 11:54 AM

Las Vegas Deathfest

If blood-curdling, gut-churning heavy metal (emphasis on ‘heavy’) music is your relaxing Las Vegas cup of tea on a leisurely weekend, best to plan to make tracks  to the 2nd Annual Las Vegas Deathfest.  

Details are still being received on the timing and venue, but last year it was held on July 16 and 17 at Cheyenne Saloon, 3103 N. Rancho Drive, 702-645-4139. 

Their eclectic music lineup includes such bruiser bands as Putrification, Despondency, Incinerate, Inherit Disease, and Pathology.

Leave a comment

Filed under entertainment, Las Vegas, Music, Performances, Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , ,

January 14, 2010 · 9:55 AM

Las Vegas’ New Art Junkie Mecca?

Believe it or not, Las Vegas does have a Downtown Arts District.  Yesiree, and, not only that, but they are offering up a second showing of cultural artsy-fartsy festivities with the inauguration of Third Friday this Friday, Jan. 15, starting around 6 p.m., running until approximately midnight. 

Following the footsteps of the economically challenged First Friday, now Las Vegans have the added opportunity to browse art galleries, enjoy the bands and mingle amongst fellow art fanatics twice a month — doubling the pleasure and doubling the fun- if not immediate income to producers. 

Taking place on the same Las Vegas streets and benefiting the same cause, Third Friday may be similar to First Friday in many ways, but it’s projected to vary slightly. 

While Cindy Funkhouse, of the Funk House and Fallout galleries, runs the beginning of the month installment, Cion Noble of the Box Office gallery and venue is coordinating this middle-of-the-month run. 

Hans Cewe , one of the owners of the Gypsy Den — a vintage boutique and art gallery which also triples as a music venue — is happy to see the rise of another event to bring people Downtown Las Vegas, hoping thing will expand from there. 

The Gypsy Den, also run by Cewe’s daughter Katie, will be offering up it’s stage to local bands for the night, with the lineup so far including local acts Vitamin Overdose, Close to Modern and The Marquees. 

Third Friday’s main focus is not merely on the patrons it brings Downtown, but also on the various artists involved. 

“It’s basically going to be a networking opportunity for creative people,” says Noble. “The theme is to network… I don’t anticipate vendors and crafts in the first couple of months — I’d like to see it grow into something that’s similar to First Friday eventually.” 

The mix of “creative people” so far set to ring in Third Friday’s opening night at the Box Office includes Cameron Grant, rock and blues bands Black Cherry Blue, Flux and JD Vittles, as well as a comedy improv and musical open mic event hosted by LV Freeze. 

In keeping with the idea of supporting Las Vegas arts, Funkhouse isn’t viewing the second installment as a threat. Instead she’s offering her support, “merely as a participant,” and opening her galleries’ doors — although she says the art on the walls will be the same as what’s viewed the first weekend of the month. “It’s not practical to change our show out every two weeks, that’d be too much work,” explains Funkhouse. 

If Third Friday catches on, perhaps the struggling downtown Las Vegas can look forward to a more regular crowd. Who knows, maybe a little more culture in our Sin City lives, with good eats, is a good thing.

Here’s a map of area, showing central Box Office.

Leave a comment

Filed under art, entertainment, food, Las Vegas, Music, Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

December 31, 2009 · 5:29 PM

Best New Year’s Eve Deal in Las Vegas

Las Vegas Backstage Access has scoured the plethora of deals (and steals) in Las Vegas for New Year’s Eve and we think for the money, the best place to be is the Crazy Horse III.  They’re offering unlimited well drinks the entire evening, free admittance, and free limo rides all for $40.  If you want a bottle of good champagne, it’s $100. 

More than that, their entertainment complex, now called Party On (was Afterhours) is featuring a free birthday celebration party for Scott Ian of Anthrax.   And you can also hang out to listen and dance to Slipknot’s Corey Taylor and the Junk Beer Kidnap Band.  They’ll be having lots of surprise guests during the evening. 

Equally important, instead of fighting the over 300,000 revelers on the Strip to travel anywhere, their conveniently located off of Interstate 15 at 3525 W. Russell Road. Phone 702-673-1700.

Leave a comment

Filed under entertainment, Las Vegas, news, travel, Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

December 31, 2009 · 10:20 AM

Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas Offers Affordable New Year’s Gala

Everything in Las Vegas does not need to emphasize the new and expensive ritzy venues.  Take for example the Fremont Street Experience in “old” Las Vegas.   For only $10 (locals) to $20 (visitors) they’re offering a “TributePalooza” this New Year’s Eve featuring the tribute bands of INXS, U2, Depeche Mode, Van Halen, No Doubt, Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith and Guns N’ Roses. 

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman will lead the countdown in a fireworks show in a specially designed New Year’s show that will take place under the street-long video screen canopy. 

Only people age 21 and older will be allowed.  

The concerts start at 6 p.m.  For more information, please call 702-678-5600.

Leave a comment

Filed under entertainment, Las Vegas, Music, Performances, travel, Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , ,

December 10, 2009 · 2:55 PM

B.B. King’s Blues Club Grand Opening at The Mirage in Las Vegas

Looking for a great blues music experience while visiting or staying in Las Vegas?  Now’s you can have it all at the new B.B. King’s Blues Club in The Mirage in Las Vegas.  

With few blues clubs in Las Vegas, the club’s grand opening is a welcome addition to our entertainment and dining landscape.  The venue opens with a blue carpet gala this Friday, Dec. 11, from 7 to 8 p.m.. Confirmed celebrities include the legend himself, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Willie Nelson, Steve Cropper, Lee Ritenour, Robert Cray, Lee Roy Parnell, Matt Goss, Robin Antin, Taylor Barton, Cast of History Channel’s “Pawn Stars,” Cast of Thunder From Down Under and many more. 

The empire of B.B. King is rapidly expanding, with clubs opened in Orlando, Memphis, Nashville, Itta Bena, West Palm Beach. 

Located across from The Beatles REVOLUTION Lounge, next to Samba Brazilian Steakhouse in The Mirage, the new Las Vegas venue offers music seven nights a week, ranging from funky and fast style to soulful and smooth tunes that emanate from the in-room stage. 

The house band, B.B. King’s All-Star Band, surpasses the standard of what many know to be a house band and friends of the King are very likely to stop by at any time to join them and jam the night away. 

And if you feel like cutting the rug, you can dance the night away on their spacious dance floor. 

Hungry?  Not only can you enjoy all the music, you can come in anytime for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night dining to check out Executive Chef Oscar Pena’s delicious Creole cuisine. 

It’s also a great place to book for your meetings and events. 

For more information, please visit www.bbkingclubs.com or call at 702-242-KING (5464).

Leave a comment

Filed under entertainment, Las Vegas, Music, news, travel, Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

October 18, 2009 · 9:19 AM

Barry Manilow Planning Las Vegas Departure

Barry Manilow fans have just a few chances left to see their idol perform at the Las Vegas Hilton. Barry Manilow announced that he is ending his five-year stint at the resort on December 30. BarryManilow

The show, “Ultimate Manilow: The Hits,” can still be seen Nov. 27-29 and Dec. 28-30. Ticket information can be found on the Las Vegas Hilton Web site. 

The 66-year-old singer arrived in Las Vegas in February 2005 with a show titled “Manilow: Music and Passion.”

Since then, the Hilton said he has performed more than 300 shows to nearly 450,000 people. 

Earlier this year, Manilow appeared on “American Idol” as a guest instructor during the show’s “Hollywood Week.”

Leave a comment

Filed under entertainment, Las Vegas, Music, news, Performances, Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , ,

October 3, 2009 · 10:06 AM

Get Drunk as a Skunk in Las Vegas

A few nice things about October in Las Vegas:  The fricken hot heat of summer which sears your eyelids to your eyeballs abates for six months; kids go back to school, giving their parents at least a semblance of renewed sanity; and an Oktoberfest is promoted in nearly every nook and cranny in Las Vegas, hopefully, to give the venue a revenue bump. 

One of the premiere events is the Jacktoberfest Beer Festival that runs today from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Sunset Station in Henderson. beerdrinking

It features 30 different beers from all over the world.  And if that is not enough to satiate your needs, then maybe the live music from The King Mixers, Hair Nation and Sin City Sinners will- these are not your ordinary garage bands.

Included in the $20 entry fee for this event is a plethora of events that only drunkards could truly appreciate:  $500 for Sexiest Oktoberfest costume (or what many of you normally wear anyway), Hooters Bikini Beer-Chugging Contest, BBQ Grill Toss, Weiner Dog Races, and so much more. 

For the really commercial strength chuggers there’s an after party inside Club Madrid later in the day.  No word yet on whether escorts will be allowed to accompany the inebriated. 

Please call 702-547-7777 or log on to www.sunsetstation.com for more details.

Please, arrange for a cab to get back, enjoying the day even more. 

Bottoms up!

Leave a comment

Filed under entertainment, food, Music, news, Performances, Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

September 24, 2009 · 9:45 AM

It’s Official: Singer Wayne Newton is Back Entertaining on the Las Vegas Strip

As scooped by Las Vegas Backstage Access on Sept. 17, it’s official now:  Singer Wayne Newton is being welcomed back to perform on the Las Vegas Strip at the Tropicana Hotel-Casino and celebrate his 50-year iconic career. WayneNewtonb

Officials for the Tropicana Las Vegas hotel-casino said that the 67-year-old “Danke Schoen” crooner plans start a limited run next month. 

The show will be titled “Once Before I Go,” and is being promoted as a look back at Newton’s career and life story. 

Newton said in a statement that the show is exciting and artistically challenging, and “the kind of show I’ve always wanted to do.” 

In addition to performances at various Las Vegas casinos during his illustrious career, Newton toured Australia in 2006 and also recently appeared on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.”

Leave a comment

Filed under entertainment, Las Vegas, Music, news, travel

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

September 17, 2009 · 11:32 AM

Crooner Wayne Newton to Headline Tropicana in Las Vegas?

Momentarily it will be officially announced that aging crooner Wayne Newton will be back on the Las Vegas Strip as a resident headliner at the Tropicana. WayneNewton

Although the aging Las Vegas icon has lost his robust trademark singing voice of 50 years, this time a new show described as a “theatrical extravaganza,” will focus more on his personality and charm, not his singing. 

Jack Wishna, the agent brokering the deal through his CP America company, has acknowledged a pending contract but said he couldn’t discuss content until it is final. 

Others say Newton is finally ditching the bandstand crooner format he clung to with diminishing returns in this decade, and that his show will be reformatted to emphasize his strengths and not his weaknesses. 

A new format could go one of two directions or somehow combine them: A variety show in which Newton would introduce guest stars, or a “Joker Is Wild” shift (named after the Sinatra movie bio of Joe E. Lewis) that would have him maybe sing “Danke Schoen,” but mostly tell jokes, play his banjo and serve up backstage yarns from his long career. 

Please stay tuned for more updates from Las Vegas Backstage Access.

Leave a comment

Filed under entertainment, Las Vegas, Music, news, Performances, Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

August 23, 2009 · 7:00 AM

Previously Imprisoned Singer Trina Johnson-Finn Performs in Las Vegas Tonight

Trina Johnson-Finn is back, thankfully, performing in Las Vegas this Sunday, Aug. 23.  It’s her first time on stage since her release after spending more than 100 days in South American jail, as previously reported by Las Vegas Backstage Access. TrinaJohnsonFinn

Johnson-Finn has a 90-minute show at the Bootlegger Bistro on Sunday, Aug. 23, starting at 8:30 p.m. 

She had been held in Suriname on charges that she impersonated past Las Vegas singer Toni Braxton to defraud a boisterous and demanding concert crowd.  She was acquitted in June.

Leave a comment

Filed under entertainment, Las Vegas, Music, news, Performances, Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , ,

August 7, 2009 · 12:06 PM

Cool Entertainment Happenings in Las Vegas This Weekend

With the Las Vegas temperature cooling a tad this weekend (if 100 degrees is better than 110 for you), it’s a great time to get out and about, blissfully frolicking in all the tempting merriment.  Here’s our Las Vegas Backstage Access Best Bets on a roll:  Usher is walking the red carpet at 7 p.m. tonight at the Playboy Club at the Palms.  Jenny McCarthy will be at Pure nightclub at Caesars Palace on Saturday, walking the red carpet around 11:30 p.m.  Judas Priest and Whitesnake will be whaling away at Thomas & Mack on Saturday night. No Doubt and Panic at the Disco will perform tonight at the Hard Rock.  Country singer Alan Jackson will be at M Resort’s outdoor piazza on Saturday. If extreme cagefighting is your cup of tea, check out the diminutive Miguel Angel Torres and Brian Bowles as they fight for the coveted WEC bantamweight championship at 3 p.m. on Sunday at the Hard Rock Hotel.   If soothing your nerves is the order of the day, take in the cool relaxing jazz from Elvis Costello’s hot wife, Diana Krall, as she performs at The Pearl at the Palms at 8 p.m. on Saturday.  For a great blast from the past, listen to Gladys Knight as she pips away today through Sunday at 8 p.m. in the Showroom in The Orleans.  Whew!

Leave a comment

Filed under entertainment, Las Vegas, Music, news, Performances, sports, travel, Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , ,

July 23, 2009 · 7:04 AM

Blink 182 Kicks Off Reunion Tour in Las Vegas

It’s been four years since Blink 182’s extended hiatus, but now the time is ripe, according to singer and guitarist Tom DeLonge, bassist Mark Hoppus and drummer Travis Barker to breathe new life into Blink 182 and kick off their reunion tour in Las Vegas.Blink182

Possible talks of a new tour occurred at the 51st annual Grammy Awards in February, and now, five months later, Blink 182 is back.  The band has already started a new album and spent three months preparing for a 52-date reunion tour, which kicks off this week with back-to-back nights at The Joint this Thursday and Friday at the Hard Rock in Las Vegas.

Leave a comment

Filed under entertainment, Las Vegas, Music, news, Performances, Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

July 18, 2009 · 6:20 AM

Kids Free at Blue Man Group in Las Vegas

Las Vegas locals have another reason to hit the Strip for a little summer entertainment.  BlueMan

The Blue Man Group at the Venetian has a locals-only offer – just mention “Kids Free” when buying your full-price ticket and get one children’s ticket free.  This offer is valid for children 3-12 (children under 3 are also free and would sit on the lap of the adult) and is good through December 9, subject to availability.

Leave a comment

Filed under entertainment, Las Vegas, news, Performances, Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , ,

July 10, 2009 · 7:03 AM

Pussycat Dolls Creator Announces New Las Vegas Performer Matt Goss

Burlesque Pussycat Doll’s founder and choreographer Robin Antin has a new act coming to Las Vegas.  British singer Matt Goss on September 4 will start performing regularly at the Lounge in the Palms Casino & Hotel. MattGoss

Goss was the lead singer of 1980s pop group Bros, recording and performing many UK chart-topping tunes. In the summer of 2003, Goss did a tour of 13 UK venues, releasing in November his first single in the UK since 1996, “I’m Coming With Ya,” that reached number 22 in the UK charts. 

He also appeared on the TV reality TV show “Hell’s Kitchen;” in March 2005 he released his autobiography, “More Than You Know”. 

“Matt will be having women in the audience just crying, “says Antin, adding, it doesn’t hurt that “he looks like David Beckham.”

Leave a comment

Filed under entertainment, Las Vegas, Music, news, Performances, travel, Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

July 5, 2009 · 7:03 AM

Harmon Lounge & Theater Carve Out Badass Live Music Scene in Las Vegas

The 400-seat Harmon Theater’s lounge, located behind Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile shops near the corner of Harmon and the Strip in Las Vegas, is just starting to get noticed big time by Las Vegas entertainers of all kinds.  The quaint venue is meant to host live bands- yes, live bands, remember those?    The lounge exudes a non-corporate cozy vibe, complete with red-velvet curtains and couches reminiscent of underground clubs in the hippest of the best music cities. 

“This is like New York, Chicago, London and Paris,” says J. Hutchings, bass player in the late-‘90s funk-rock band The Watson Family.   “This is a badass club.  I can imagine a scene forming here.” 

Equally significant, the Harmon Theater’s 1,3000-capacity main room- better known as the gay-themed nightclub Krave- has now been offered up for live acts Sunday through Thursday, which has Las Vegas-based promoter Brandy Provenzano dreaming big.  

“I’m still booking at Wasted Space and Beauty Bar [in Las Vegas],” says Provenzna.  “But I’m gonna start focusing my stuff here.  It reminds me of the Troubadour and the Roxy [in Los Angeles].  This could be one of those rooms bands would seek out to play.” 

The Harmon venues have hosted live music before, but during the bygone era of live music in Las Vegas.  Their resurrection could just mark a new chapter for the stagnant live music scene in Las Vegas.

Leave a comment

Filed under entertainment, Las Vegas, news, Performances, Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , ,

June 23, 2009 · 7:08 AM

Where are the Las Vegas live entertainers?

Las Vegas was historically synonymous with live musicians playing in all the casinos and clubs.  They were in every nook and crany in Las Vegas.  But, with each passing year, a decreasing number of venues offer the real deal.  So, where have all the live entertainers gone?  While not extinct, but nearly so, the answer is simple: expensive tax laws sourly mixing with club profit goals and our continuing economic challenges.  Lounge

Nevada’s live entertainment law passed in 2003, went into effect on January 1, 2004, and was modified in 2005.  By Nevada Gaming Commission and State gaming Control board guidelines, gaming venues are required to pay – depending on the property’s gaming license (restricted or non-restricted), number of tables and/or slot machines and occupancy – between 5 and 10 percent casino entertainment tax from their gross receipts for hosting live entertainment events. 

The tax kicks in when live performances commence or when a cover is being charged for the host venue, whichever comes earliest. 

Neither you, the physical club nor the DJ counts as live entertainment – thus the meteoric DJ growth in Las Vegas.  Thing that do count:  singers, dancers, magicians, dancers, actors, acrobats, animals, and, yes, even circuses.  Flair bartenders don’t count unless they sing, dance, or perform acrobatics. 

“Unarmed combat,” NASCAR races, and events where all proceeds go to entirely nonprofit organizations are also exempt, as are outdoor concerts at non-gaming venues.  Fashion shows are taxable, but models coincidentally mingling in high-fashion clothes are not.  Karaoke is also exempt unless the leader/host is paid and performs.  

Go-go dancers and troupes can only perform in clubs for short periods- nine minutes at a time and no more than 20 minutes collectively in an hour.  To get around that, many Las Vegas clubs put the women to work as cocktail servers, shot girls or hostesses as their primary on-paper function; those who happen to also dance as their secondary function are exempt from the tax. 

And for all the entertainment the live entertainers provide, the patrons are still tax exempt.  Passing some of the steep tax in whole or part to customers is one way to avoid the problem; that’s how concert venues generally handle it. 

But many Las Vegas venues take the position of having an impromptu performance by a celebrity host (technically therefore a guest or patron who happens just to be a celebrity) – thus the reason that many times you don’t know who exactly is coming to a club.  A billed act or advertised performance is a surefire way to set the tax into motion.  Many just “suck it up” and pay the tax in hopes for bigger offsetting revenue returns. 

As readers of Las Vegas Backstage Access, what’s your recommended solution to get more live music and other entertainment?

Leave a comment

Filed under entertainment, Las Vegas, Music, news, Performances, Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , ,

June 20, 2009 · 7:17 AM

Las Vegas First Friday ‘Art Crawl’ Event Takes Nosedive

Selling cultural art opportunities in Las Vegas that are ostensibly designed to benefit residents, and not so much the tourists, is apparently a very difficult sell. 

‘First Friday’ in Las Vegas started in 2002 as an art crawl, or a monthly block party on the first Friday of each month that includes downtown galleries and businesses in the Las Vegas Downtown Arts District.  Art galleries were open.  Musicians would take to the sidewalks next to psychics, poets and other strolling performers.  Crowds grew from a few hundred to as many as 10,000, requiring barricades, police officers and a host of special permits. 

But now all that has changed.  No white familiar tents dotting the landscape.  No stages blasting rock music.  No crowds lining up in large lines at food vendors. 

Funding problems are causing Whirlygig, the nonprofit organization running the event, to scale back considerably.  Founder Cindy Funkhouser has been seeking money, including private donations, but not enough has resulted to keep the festival going. 

Festival costs are in excess of $13,000 a month for barricades, stages, power, lighting and permits.  Las Vegas, which is a large support of the event, contributing $80,000 a year, now concentrates that amount on just six months, when crowds are the largest, rather then the entire year.  It hoped Whirlygig would grow into a self-sustaining organization.  It didn’t. 

Funkhouser says she and her husband, Rick Dominguez, want to get back to presenting the large festival, but says “We’re just kind of winging it.  I’m just kind of at the point where this is what it is.”

Leave a comment

Filed under art, entertainment, food, Las Vegas, Music, news, Performances, travel, Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

June 7, 2009 · 11:06 AM

Las Vegas Deathfest Today

If blood-curdling, gut-churning music is your relaxing Las Vegas cup of tea on a leisurely Sunday, best to make tracks now to the Cheyenne Saloon, 3103 N. Rancho Drive, 702-645-4139.  Their eclectic music lineup includes such bruisers as Flesh Consumed, Dismal Lapse, Embryonic Devourment and more.  Need we say more? Tickets are $15 at the door.

Leave a comment

Filed under entertainment

Tagged as , , , , ,

June 4, 2009 · 7:20 AM

Top 10 Las Vegas Songs to Hum

When traveling to Las Vegas to gamble and party (yes, Obama, Las Vegas Backstage Access said it), it’s always good to seek relief and soothe the losses and migraines by humming to tunes that are written about the city. 

Although the official theme song of Las Vegas is “Shine, Las Vegas,” by George Dare, proclaimed in a 1986 city proclamation, here’s the Top 10: 

“Viva Las Vegas,” Elvis Presley (Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman)

“Leaving Las Vegas,” Sheryl Crow (Sheryl Crow, Bill Bottrel, David Baerwald, Kevin Gilbert and David Ricketts)

“Let’s Go to Vegas,” Faith Hill (Karen Stanley)

“Big in Vegas,” Buck Owens (Buck Owens, Terry Stafford)

“Sin City,” AC/DC (Angus Young, Malcolm Young, Bon Scott)

“Heaven or Las Vegas,” Cocteau Twins (Elizabeth Fraser, Robin Guthrie, Simon Raymonde)

“Here’s to Las Vegas,” Barry Manilow (Barry Manilow)

“Me and My Monkey,” Robbie Williams (Robbie Williams)

“Sin City,” Flying Burrito Brothers (Gram Parsons, Chris Hillman, Pete Kleinow, Chris Ethridge)

“LV (Las Vegas),” Clint Holmes (Clint Holmes and Pat Caddick)

Leave a comment

Filed under entertainment, Las Vegas, Music, news, Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , ,

May 29, 2009 · 7:15 AM

Nickelback Brings Dark Horse Tour to Las Vegas

Nickelback is bringing their Dark Horse tour to the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, September 6.  Special guests include Hinder, Papa Roach and Saving Abel. Nickelback

Their 32-city tour kicked off in February and they have been selling out arenas all across the country ever since.  The Nashville Scene succinctly said it best:  “…nobody puts on a better show than Nickelback does.” 

Dark Horse, the 2008 release from Nickelback, is their first album since the best selling All The Right Reasons which came out in 2005.  Nickelback currently has the number one rock song in the country with “Something In Your Mouth” and their latest single “If Today Was Your Last Day” has become a radio and video sensation. 

Tickets can be purchased at http://www.mgmgrand.com/entertainment/grand-garden-arena.aspx .  Tickets range in price from $51.50 to $89.50.

Leave a comment

Filed under entertainment, Las Vegas, Music, news, Performances, Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , ,

May 19, 2009 · 7:20 AM

Carlos Santana, Ganja & Bogeymen

Carlos Santana under hypnosis must feel he’s died, gone to heaven, then was  lucky enough to have been mysteriously reincarnated smack dab in Sin City.  To be honored and appear in a Las Vegas concert series no less, with ticket prices hovering in the rare ionosphere air, most likely exudes an unsurpassed nirvana feeling for the music icon that’s managed to live out his 1960s in 2009.  CarlosSantanaUSE

“Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through the Hits” is Santana’s new 72-show residency at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas that launches May 27, with 36 concerts planned for this year and 36 in 2010. 

With Santana anything is possible- and usually you can bank on it.  Talking and singing about love, light, and spirituality, you never know quite how to read him. 

What drives this man of superhuman music talent?  Some might arguably say it’s money and really his last stand to go for the gusto, with ticket prices for his new Las Vegas shows ranging from $79 up to $299 — which is a lot of money for many people in this economy. 

But their apparently all wrong; Santana says it hogwash:  “I have no clue about that. I’m more with, ‘This finger goes onto this note and it makes juicy sounds, and I’m going to make people dance and laugh.’  It’s not like I don’t care or I’m ignorant. It’s just that I’m not wired to have that insignificance on me other than what I’m going to get to give back to other people. 

His viewpoint on drugs, on the other hand, is a totally different matter. “I think that the solution to all of this stuff would be to legalize it, decriminalize it, reinvest all that money into teachers in schools.” says Sanatana. 

“If we would teach in schools the incredible sensation of climax that it feels to be of service to other people — like Mother Teresa, or Desmond Tutu or the Dalai Lama — smoking pot, and drinking tequila, and watching porno or whatever people do, it pales in comparison when you actually wake up to be of service to people.” 

I think we should legalize marijuana. I think Barack Obama should bring the brothers and sisters home — the soldiers. If I was to see him, I would go, ‘Listen to Marvin Gaye’s ‘What’s Going On’ and John Coltrane, and bring the boys home from the war now, like we did with Vietnam.’ They’re not going to come here. People in Vietnam did not come here to attack us after we left them alone. So let’s get rid of that fear, that fantasy, that stuff. Let’s get rid of the bogeyman, because the bogeyman is us looking in the mirror of each other.” 

So just maybe his residency in Las Vegas might also be his ticket for euphoric happiness, proving to offer a symbiotic relationship with his favored ganja.  Where Las Vegas is not really Amersterdam where anything does go, it’s somewhat friendly to marijuana smokers.  “Medicinal use” of course. 

After all, Nevada’s voters legalized marijuana for medical purposes in 2000. Patients diagnosed with a “qualifying condition” are allowed to possess small amounts of the drug.  They also are allowed to grow it for their own use. 

They are not allowed to grow it for lots and lots of other people and sell it to them.  But any licensed doctor can prescribe marijuana in Nevada. 

But regardless of Santana’s passion and love for good vibes, cannabis and dislike of bogeyman, his upcoming Las Vegas concert series will surely test the mettle of our local entertainment-based economy in these challenging times.

Leave a comment

Filed under entertainment, Las Vegas, Music, news, Performances, travel, Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

April 24, 2009 · 12:55 PM

Las Vegas Embraces Hip-Hop Culture

Las Vegas is finally getting in the groove and embracing the hip-hop culture movement, sort of.  hiphop

On April 25 they’re hosting the “Hip-Hop Culture 2009…The Evolution” event which features Las Vegas DJs, MCs, poets, artists, dancers, fashion designers, and other assorted artsy-fartsy types in an effort to keep its positive, “encouraging youth to stay in school and support good communities, while at the same time discouraging gang participation, violence and drug use.”  

A good cause for Sin City. 

The event will start at 2 p.m. at the Sammy Davis Jr. Plaza at Lorenzi Park, 720 Twin Lakes Drive in Las Vegas. $5, $3 for seniors and children 6-12. 702-229-4800.

Leave a comment

Filed under art, entertainment, food, Las Vegas, Music, news, Performances, travel, Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

March 8, 2009 · 7:00 AM

Elvis is Back in the House

There are Elvis impersonators aplenty in Las Vegas, but one of the most popular is Trent Carlini.  Starting this Monday, March 9, Carlini will be officially launching “Elvolution” for seven shows each week in Steve Wryick’s magic theater in the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas. trentcarlini

Carlini, who came to Las Vegas in 1990, performing in “Legends in Concert” for six years, then followed for five years in “The Dream Kings” in the Boardwalk, says the “Elvolution” title is about how much Elvis fandom has evolved since Elvis’ death in 1977.  “People are actually appreciating the (tribute) artist’s talent other than enjoying the Elvis music.  People recognize me more as a talent more than someone just hiding behind a mask.”

Leave a comment

Filed under entertainment, Las Vegas, Music, news, Performances, travel, Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , ,

March 6, 2009 · 7:00 AM

Louis Prima’s Jazz Lives On This Weekend in Las Vegas

lenaprimaIt’s been three decades since the legendary jazzman Louis Prima passed on, but his music still lives on through his daughter, Lena.  louisprima4Lena Prima, 45, will be performing a tribute concert to her late father at the Cannery in Las Vegas at 8 p.m. this Friday and Saturday. 

Louis Prima helped spearhead the acceptance of New Orleans jazz in the 1920s and big band in the ’40s.  By the ’50s and through the ’60s, he had a wildly popular lounge act in Las Vegas.  Prima was known as much for his sense of fun as for his excellent skills as a jazzman. 

Younger audiences continue to come to him via “Just a Gigola/I Ain’t got Nobody,” a chart success by David Lee Roth in the ’80s, and “Jump, Jive an’ Wail,” which the Brian Setzer Orchestra featured a decade later.

Leave a comment

Filed under entertainment, Music, news, Performances, travel, Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , ,

February 20, 2009 · 6:05 PM

Munich Symphony Orchestra Takes Las Vegas Center Stage

Hanibal the Cannibal Lechter (Anthony Hopkins) enjoyed listening to their good vibrations as he dined in “The Silence of the Lambs” movie.   Now, safely tucked away in your chair, you too can hear the Munich Symphony Orchestra – they’ve recorded music for more than 500 movies – under the direction of guest conductor and pianist Phillippe Entremont when they perform an all-Beethoven program at 7 p.m. tomorrow, Sunday, February 22, at Artemus Ham Hall on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus.   $45 to $90 ticket prices. 702-895-2787.

Leave a comment

Filed under entertainment, Las Vegas, Music, news, Performances, travel

Tagged as , , , , , , , ,