I had not heard much of the Flaming Lips' music. I knew they had been around the music scene a long time (forming in 1983 in Oklahoma City, OK, in fact). I'm glad I had no expectations as I waited patiently for their show to begin at the House of Blues in Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino. A friend invited me to the show, which was part of a Bud Light Music First 50-50-1 promotion. Fifty bands in fifty states, all playing on the same night.
HOTT MT opened the show. They were a quirky little band from Southern California with a lot of spunk and drive. I watched the roadies scurry around after the opening act, wondering what kind of show we were in for. Miles of translucent cable wound around the Lips' lead singer Wayne Coyne's mic, and snaked all over the front of the stage. Wayne came out for a sound check and was warmly greeted by the audience. His shiny blue outfit reminded me of a Beatles' St, Pepper uniform or a '70's disco band leader. His sparkly, sequined makeup reminded me of the '60's flower power, hippie generation.
Wayne Coyne Greets The Audience
The music was intoxicating, trance-like, and accompanied by a rear screen-projected set of visuals. During some songs confetti cannons shot loads of shredded paper into the audience, turning the room into a snowstorm of confetti. All the musicians were first-rate, especially Wayne the lead vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist Steven Drozd, who alternated between keyboards and guitar. The lighting, the vocals,and instrumentals all made for a mesmerizing evening.
Confetti Swirls As The Music Plays
I talked to a fan after the performance, and he said the band created all the stage effects without a stage designer. Everything was designed and built by the band. He said sometimes, like during this performance, they go all-out and get very creative with the visuals. I'm glad they did. It was my favorite concert of the year, and one of the best events I have ever witnessed at the House of Blues Las Vegas.
I have never seen any concerts at the Pearl at the Palms, so this concert was a great excuse to check the venue out. I love everything about the Palms, so I knew going in that I probably would love the Pearl Concert Theater. And I did.
Opening band was Jetstream, a young, rollicking, three-member band from L.A. They performed a very energetic set and primed the crowd for the main act-STP!
Stone Temple Pilots have a recent tour history here in Las Vegas. In July 2009 they performed at the Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel, then in October 2009, they rocked the Star of the Desert Arena at Primm, NV. I have friends that were at those shows that were very enthusiastic about the band’s performance and encouraged me to attend the show at the Pearl.
The sold-out crowd at the Pearl embraced STP from their opening number. They did all the hits: “Big Empty,” “Wicked Garden,” “Vasoline,” “Plush,” “Interstate Love Song,” and even covered Led Zeppelin’s “Dancing Days.” Lead singer Scott Weiland roamed the stage initially with a bullhorn in hand and seemed very happy to be in front of the enthusiastic crowd. His dry comments and asides during the show were hilarious.
Brothers Robert (bass) and Dean (guitar) DeLeo and drummer Eric Kretz lent solid support and guitarist Dean especially impressed me with his range of guitar- playing that went from crunchy rock riffs to bluesy notes and country twang. I had never seen this ‘90’s Grammy award-winning band from San Diego, and I really wanted to see what I had been missing, especially since the band has suffered many ups and downs, drug drama with lead singer Weiland and the breakup of the band in 2002. I thought if I don’t catch this show, who knows if I will be able to see them ever again?
I enjoyed the show immensely. My musical tastes are all over the place, but STP satisfied my craving for good, hard, grungy, kick-ass rock ‘n’ roll. The Pearl was intimate but spacious, my sightlines were good, considering I was in the upper reaches of the venue, and the sound was excellent.
I will be attending more shows at the Pearl, and I hope to catch STP again, should they make another stop down the road in Las Vegas.
-VegasJules ( Julie Kasperson ) can be contacted through her facebook page.
The following post was contributed by WHV contributor Julie Kasperson. She can be contacted through her Facebook Site.
The Palms Hotel and Casino has yet another pleasing distraction added to its roster: Matt Goss. He opened September 4th at the Lounge at the Palms, a smaller venue holding between 100-200 people. I have always enjoyed spending time at the Palms and love the fact that it caters to both the celebrity jet-set with Moon, Rain, Ghostbar, and Playboy nightclubs, and also tempts the locals with gaming and state-of-the-art movie complex, Brenden Theatres.
The Palms has turned The Lounge into The Gossy Room, replete with cocktail waitresses dressed as either old-fashioned usherettes or stewardesses from an era gone by. As you wait for the show to begin, Sinatra croons over the PA system. Goss has called his show “just this side of civilized” and the atmosphere and music emphasize his point.
Goss and his ten piece band rock the joint in a classy, sexy fashion. He moves from Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” to the Nina Simon classic “Feeling Good” with easy grace. His own compositions are also included in the show; some are featured on his new CD “GOSSY” which was released in September 2009. He reminded me of an older, British version of Justin Timberlake: handsome, able to play a multitude of instruments like piano and guitar, with a sexy, supple singing voice comfortable belting out rockers or crooning falsetto when it’s called for.
His band was tight and moved confidently through different musical styles. During one song they changed the beat into a rap/reggae workout, and Goss threw in some Marvin Gaye “Sexual Healing” lyrics. Oh yes, and for the men there’s eye candy too: the Dirty Virgins. They are the four back-up dancers that grace the stage in eye-popping black lingerie during a good portion of Goss’s performance and venture out into the audience a few times during the show.
It’s not surprising that the Dirty Virgins are part of Goss’s show: his producer and manager is Robin Antin, creator of the Pussycat Dolls. She has succeeded in showcasing a singer/songwriter who is a virtual unknown in the U.S. Goss had success in the ‘80’s with his twin brother Luke in a pop group called Bros. Now it’s up to the Vegas scene whether this blue-eyed Brit is rewarded with a long run here or not.
Downside: it was difficult to understand Goss’s banter at times because of his British accent. Also, the mix in the room needs to be adjusted so that more of Goss’s stellar vocals shine through instead of mostly his band. He has a powerful voice and it needs to be heard. Congratulations to the Palms for creating a residency for this very talented Englishman.
Last night my wife and I attended The Association's last concert of a three day booking at the Suncoast Casino. The showroom at the Suncoast Casino is unique in that it is laid out with tables and booths reminiscent of the old Vegas showrooms:
'The Suncoast Hotel and Casino Showroom is home to a wide array of Las Vegas shows. "Entertainment as it used to be" is the theme of this beautiful 500-seat showroom, a throwback to the showrooms of splendor that made Las Vegas famous. Table seating is provided for a variety of acts including top-name Vegas headliners. A permanent dance floor and a bar completely surrounding the facility add to the room's uniqueness. The most advanced lighting and sound techniques are utilized throughout the showroom.'
I have most all their CDs and some old vinyl LPs. I admit I was excited to see the latest incarnation of the band that I have not seen live since a concert at Albright College ( Reading, Pennsylvania ) circa 1967 when I was 18 or 19 years old. And then I remember that I missed a concert of theirs, had tickets but could not go, in the mid eighties at the Sands Hotel and Casino in the showroom where the Rat Pack once performed.
Last night at the end of the concert, as the last phrases of their final song "Windy" was being played and the song ended, and then the room lights came up abruptly ( darn it, no encore! )and then Russ announced that there would be autograph signing at the theatre entrance, I experienced a slight dizzy spell as I stood up too fast. I was pretty much fatigued ( maybe due to some medical symptoms or medication side effects from my CHF --- or maybe more likely from my emotional response to hearing my favorite "sunshine pop" groups of all time ... ) which did not allow me to stand and wait in an autograph line after the concert; and so regrettably I did not get to chat with the "surviving" members of The Association. I had to get my bearings, and my wife helped me to a place to sit down outside the showroom.
But let me say that for a much too short time during the concert I was transported back 40 years to my younger "daze" :-) What was so amazing about the current incarnation of The Association was the extreme energy and unique individual personality that the current group displayed during their seemingly non stop performance, and the instant rapport they had with the audience regardless of age; due mostly to Russ Guigere's stage antics and engagingly humorous banter. The audience responded, whether they were long time fans, younger and just acquainted with some songs through radio play, or maybe some who never even heard of the band ( is that really possible? ). Everybody responded to the familiar tunes and even all the less known or unfamiliar ones.
Highlights of the show were many, including "Enter The Young" which we learned was sung by The Association as the lead-off ( first band to perform ) at 1967's Monterey Pop Festival, along with "Along Comes Mary" --- for those of us who who remember the sixties and really were there! ( see video of original group at the Monterey Pop Festival in June, 1967, below ):
Another highlight of the show was "Never My Love" which is ( we learned ) the song with the second most US airplay in the 20th century ( and probably very many weddings). ( See the video below for a much more recent :-) concert performance of "Never My Love"):
And then if that was not enough, along came Larry Ramos singing his unbelievable second rendition of "Never My Love" in Hawaiian; he talked of his love for his wife ( of 43 years, I'm not sure ? ) and how it was his favorite song --- in a way that was so warm and so heartfelt. Now another amazing thing was Russ Giguere's boundless energy on stage -- if they have an elixir that allowed him to do those high kicks and dance around the stage and hit those high notes, I think they should bottle it like Geritol or Human Growth Factor :-) And when Jim Yester sang the groups signature song "Along Comes Mary" it sounded amazingly like the original. Jim's talents have hardly diminished over the years, and he is still very active in his own creations and creativity, particularly in his campaign against drug use following the personally painful loss of fellow band member and friend Brian Cole. But it seems lately that The Association has continued their reputation as the most "traveling" band of all time, filling the entire calendar with tour dates all over the world, which was the inspiration for their semi-hit "Six Man Band". They toured so much back in the sixties ( and several more decades ), that when they were overseas ( I think in the Philippines ) on tour, somebody requested during a concert that they play their latest hit "No Fair At All" and the band was unaware that it had become a hit there, they were so busy touring. And finally I have to mention that the band's early career cover and vocal rendition by Jim of Bob Dylan's "One Too Many A Mornings" completely blew my mind away... And did I also mention "Cherish"? ( How could I ever forget "Cherish" ? ).
The medley of sixties tunes from other groups that the band now admired, but jokingly said they were competing against back then, was a high point of the concert --- showing the band's ability to pay tribute to other bands; the most noteworthy example being The Mamas And The Pappas, singing a memorable version of "California Dreaming", and noting the relatively recent passing of band member Denny Doherty ( who died on January 19, 2007 ). It turns out that being in the Southern California music scene in the mid sixties, everybody in the famous and not so famous bands of the time, including The Beach Boys, really admired each other (in a competitive way ), knew each other, and sometimes borrowed freely from each others musical creations. What a vibe the planet was feeling, and particularly the West Coast of the USA was feeling in 1967! But there is so much about the Association as a vocal group that makes them originals in their own right, which earned them a well deserved induction into the Vocal Group Hall Of Fame in 2003.
Some trivia we learned during the inter-song babble ( which like the "empty cup", I enjoyed as much as the "punch" ) is that Jim Yester's brother Jerry was a member of the Loving Spoonful ( replacing Zal Yanovsky way back then ) and that Larry Ramos was once a skinny banjo playing member of the New Christy Minstrels prior to joining The Association. Larry lead the singing of the New Christy Minstrels' standard "Green Green" ( written by Minstrel members Barry McGuire and Randy Sparks and Peaked at # 14 in 1963 ) another great tune that Russ explained ( for the "younger" members of the audience ) was an example of the almost forgotten music genre called "folk rock". Ha, ha!! And, of course, the one "second generation" member of the back line is the keyboard artist Jordan Cole ( his father Brian Cole is an original band member who tragically died in Los Angeles, California of a heroin overdose in 1972 at the age of 29 ). Jordan was very apt at creating all the great keyboard solos ( which the rest of the group acknowledged and highlighted by turning their heads stage left towards him and practically pointing at him whenever he played "solo" ). Jordan also recreated all the sounds of the flute/reorder, horns and bells and whistle sounds typical in many Association tunes. Del Ramos ( Larry's brother ) is also in the back line and played the bass guitar as well or better than any professional bass player can, intentionally not really very animated, choosing not to steal the spotlight from the front line, but seemingly just taking his place in the band in a very professional manner as an accomplished bass player and great vocalist.
I laughed when Larry Ramos asked the audience to sing along and then invited us all to tour with the band, and quickly added "in Hawaii". So now, the subliminal message I got was I want to go to Hawaii sometime before I die. Maybe next year! (Editor's note: Mike is too ambiguous here. He does not intend to die next year. Nor does he wish to die in Hawaii next year, although there are obviously worse places one could die;-) And maybe I can also see The Association when they perform their 50th Anniversary Concert Tour! ( The Association - Next Generation). But seriously, I will never forget the concert last night, my wife was actually brought to tears ( in a good way, she gets almost as emotional as I do :-) --- thanks, guys --- and thanks for a most memorable concert!
"Currently, the band includes Russ Giguere, Larry Ramos, Jim Yester(who rejoined again in 2007 as Bob Werner departed after an eight year stint), Del Ramos, Bruce Pictor, and most interestingly, Jordan Cole (son of Brian) on keyboards who joined in 1999. The Association still tours, playing up to 70 dates a year, mostly on bills with other similar styled acts of that era, like the Grass Roots, the Buckinghams, Tommy James, Gary Puckett, etc.
On June 3rd, 2008 Pat Colecchio, the group's manager from 1966-1974 and again in the early 80s, passed away of a heart attack."
News of the death of Levi Stubbs, the lead singer of the original Four Tops, exactly 5 weeks ago was pushed back into my subconscious because of other overwhelming life concerns and issues, but when I finally had a chance to relax, the thought popped back up that this was a significant event. I had always been a fan of the Motown Sound groups of the 60's. In 1967 I walked the short distance from my dormitory at Case Institute Of Technology in Cleveland, Ohio ( now Case-Reserve University ) with my roommate and our respective dates to see the Four Tops at a small venue ( just a bar with a lounge basically, on Euclid Avenue whose name I can't recall. ). We were the only white people there, but it did not seem to matter ( even with the national racial tensions of the previous summer ) to anybody. When they sang "Bernadette" ( their current hit ) we all jumped out of our chairs and danced, and cheered.
Motown sounds softly emanating from a small portable radio on my dorm desk from a local Cleveland station was the constant background theme for all my study sessions that year in the Freshmen dorms. Mainly because the music was so soft and unobtrusive and melodic, unlike modern hip hop. I grew to appreciate what was called R&B ( rhythm and blues ) back then.
So looking around Vegas' offerings of resurrected soul groups of the 60's, the only current show I could find was at the Sahara:
"Sit back for an unforgettable evening of smooth harmonies as The Platters, Cornell Gunter's Coasters and the Marvelettes sing the top hits of the 50's and 60's in the Sahara's legendary Congo Room. Playing nightly at 7:30pm in the Congo Room. "
I haven't heard much about this show, but it is definitely on my list of must shows to see.
And in researching this "half essay" of a post, I came across this gem: I can't place it in time but it was a concert of the Temptations at the Stardust Hotel, which was imploded on March 13, 2007, so it is probably more than 2 years old. "My Girl" is still my very favorite Temps song ( "I've got sunshine on a cloudy day. When it's cold outside, I've got the month of May... ):
The Temps In Vegas
And If You Happen To Be In The LA Area
LA's Longest running 60's shindig held every 3rd Saturday at the Vine Bar in Hollywood. Bring a friend, make a friend! No cover from 9-10pm.
Event: The Bullet 60’s Soul Garage Club Time: November 15, 2008 9:00PM Location: The Vine Bar, 1235 Vine St., Hollywood, CA 90038
Also from 9pm-10pm we'll be playing videos from Martha and The Vandellas, Marvin Gaye, Mary Wells, Shirley Ellis, Smokey Robinson, The Marvelettes, The Ronettes, The Supremes, The Troggs, Four Tops, James Brown, Isley Brothers, Jr. Walker and The Allstars amd many more!
Eli "Paperboy" Reed And The True Loves
Growing up in Brookline, MA, Eli Reed had wide exposure to music. His father was a critic and lent his extensive record collection to his son, who soaked up as much as he could, gravitating toward the gospel, soul, blues, and R&B albums especially. Teaching himself piano, guitar, and harmonica, and busking in Harvard Square to practice his chops and performing skills, after finishing high school he found work in Clarksdale, MS, but upon moving there, and finding that the job had fallen through, Reed introduced himself to the music community there, playing frequently at local clubs and even ending up under the tutelage of drummer Sam Carr. It was in Mississippi that Reed also got his nickname, "Paperboy," thanks to the newsboy-styled hat he was wearing at the time, but after nine months there, at his parents' bequest he moved north to attend the University of Chicago. In Chicago Reed was able to meet soul singer Mitty Collier, who had had a hit in 1964 with the single "I Had a Talk with My Man" but had since turned to ministry. The young musician impressed her so much -- he auditioned on the piano in his dormitory -- that she asked him to be the Minister of Music at her church, a position he held until he returned to Boston after a year of school. Back home, Reed worked on assembling his band, called the True Loves, and in 2005 he self-released the record Sings "Walkin' and Talkin' (For My Baby)" and Other Smash Hits, a collection of covers and originals. The band began to gain recognition around town, particularly thanks to Reed's enthused and passionate singing, and a performance at 2007's SXSW attracted some label interest. Signed to Boston-based Q Division, Eli "Paperboy" Reed & the True Loves issued their second full-length, Roll with You (with all songs written or co-written by Reed), in the spring of 2008. ~ Marisa Brown, All Music Guide
Press play button above for R&B sample: "It's Easier" by Eli "Paperboy" Reed And The True Loves ! Now, this is the type of music that I wish would stage a comeback!
Press play button above for R&B sample: cover of the Delphonics' "Didn't I Blow Your Mind This Time" by "The Wrecking Crew" featuring Vegas based Tony Q on saxophone and Peter Lep on vocals.
Local Artists - R&B Bookmarks From Reverb Nation
"Early Clover has the kind of animated showmanship and comic persona that can fool most people into thinking he's one of the original Coasters, rather than a member of a spin-off group, Cornell Gunter's Coasters, playing at the Sahara." - Las Vegas Weekly Entertainment Roundup by Mike Weatherford, September 23, 2003
- an offering from my favorite "Sunshine Pop" group, sunshine we all need now!
It is very late, and I am sitting here in my home in Henderson, Nevada looking out the back window towards the East and the moon is half full looking like a big upright yellow bowl in the sky. And I'm thinking that in another week it will wane down to a new moon on the 26th 0f October, and then the lunar cycle will start all over again. At least that is the cosmic plan.( Tonight the moon is in the 4th phase of its waning monthly lifespan which averages 29.530589 days according to Wikipedia. )
And I think, WOW, so am I !
What I mean is I am probably in my last phase of a waning life! I am 60 years old and most actuarial charts would give a man aged 60 a life expectancy of 20+ more years, but who knows, with my Congestive Heart Failure you might subtract 5 or 10 years from that figure. Or with a major medical breakthrough, I might luck out and live to be 100.
I read somewhere, and I don't know if this is established scientific fact, that as we age we revisit our earlier psychological states. For example, the so called "midlife crisis" revisits the earlier unresolved adolescent crises. And older people spend much time reviewing their lives and remembering what it was like to be young and vibrant, and some tend to behave like children again either voluntarily or involuntarily ( As in the so called "second childhood" ). So in the last quarter of my waning existence, excuse me if I appear to be regressing to earlier times, especially since the current times we live in seem almost hostile to me. ( For proof of the hostility, put a bumper sticker endorsing your favorite Presidential candidate on your car ... )
But, let me get to the point of this post, so to speak ... When I was growing up in the 50's and 60's I was fascinated with record players. We were not rich, so I think I had to beg my mother to buy me a record player from W T Grants or maybe she turned in books of S&H Green Stamps to buy me my first player. This may seem silly to younger readers who are used to the ubiquitous iPods and CD / Mp3 players, and streaming music on the Internet, and satellite radio. But in the 1950's and 1960's record players were the normal way to play the only media available, vinyl ( plastic ) records. So I started a small record collection with my meager monetary resources. I had a cousin who was in the record business in New York, and every time I visited his brother-in law I picked up a bunch of obscure throw away demo 45 RPM's ( including an early demo of the Smothers Brothers singing "They Call The Wind Mariah" which I wish I still possessed ! ). The earliest 33 1/3 RPM ( 12 inch ) records I remember from my grade school years, were the ones that my parents and older brother possessed: soundtracks from Broadway shows such as South Pacific, some classical records, some children's song recordings. These were followed by "Sing Along With Mitch" ( don't laugh ! ).
When I reached pre-puberty I had some money from allowances and small jobs and I was able to buy some Kingston Trio albums. This was followed by Peter Paul and Mary and The Association. Later in my High School and college years my tastes in music expanded with The Doors, Rolling Stones, Kinks, and all the psychedelic offerings of the late 60's etc.
As aging boomers ( those born roughly between 1943 and 1960 ), we as a group are a unique marketing demographic ( we are large and we have money --- at least until we lost our 401Ks! --- and the AARP knows this judging by all the mail I get from them ! ). As an older and hopefully wiser experiencer of life in general, I was amazed ( but not really that surprised ) at how many Vegas concerts cater to those in my Boomer group. So, starting in late November, I am going to relive my youth by catching a series of concerts in Las Vegas starting with the current incarnation of The Association ( at the Sun Coast on November 23rd ) and The Kingston Trio ( at the South Point on November 29th ). I am not going to be so naïve as to expect these groups to have their original members or that they will perform with the youthful vigour they once had, or even that I will feel the same way about them today as I did back then; but with a couple of drinks and the right company, who knows? Well, of course I will let you know here in this blog how it all turns out ...
Hello visitors to Las Vegas, Las Vegans and Rod Stewart fans!
I've seen Rod Stewart in concert twice in my life; once as a wild teenager in Michigan in 1984 and most recently as a middle age woman this past weekend in sin city. 24 years has passed since I last saw Rod. I'm 24 years older. Rod's 24 years older. His new wife isn't even 24 yet, or so we're lead to believe! Just kidding! Rod's wife, Penny Lancaster,(model-photographer and mother to their son Alastair b.2005) is at least slightly older than two-and-a-half decades.:)
I think age is a somewhat justifiable topic to discuss since Rod Stewart's age gets mentioned practically every time he's mentioned. Yes, Rod's in his sixties. But he's as lively and as hot as ever! I enjoyed his performance slightly more than in the 1980's. Rod's had more material since then. Some people say "oh the new stuff is silly cover songs"
Well "Still the Same" has got some great covers of rock songs from the 70's that Rod has made his own. His "Great American Songbook" CD's have sold more than any other ongoing series of music. He's in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the US (1994) and in the UK(2006). He's got more confidence and there was more sentiment displayed with the visuals during some of the songs he performed than when I saw him in the 80's.
Despite throat problems a few years ago (thyroid cancer survivor since 2000) his voice is unaffected to my ears.
Despite his being in his sixth decade of life, I would compare his overall sexual energy to that of a man in his twenties. His persona comes across as a gentleman who is humble and appreciative of others.
I have loved Rod Stewart since I was a primary-school-age child. The very first 45 record I bought with my allowance was Rod Stewart's "Do You Think I'm Sexy?" My mother laughed and smirked at the idea that I purchased that sort of song with my allowance money. So when my friend and neighbor Francis called and said "I know it's last minute but I have an extra ticket for Rod Stewart tonight." It was off-to-the-closet-to-get-ready-in-a-hurry I went!
We arrived at MGM Grand arena about 8 PM, about half-way through the opening act. Bryan Adams was the opening act and we were wishing we showed up on-time. The stadium was filled with fans enjoying what Bryan and the boys in the band were playing.
Our group managed to catch about 45 minutes of Bryan's performance and enjoyed it. One of my best friends' wedding song is from Bryan Adams "Everything I do.. I do it for you." You might remember it from Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves movie with Kevin Costner. Bryan Adams has that type of voice that contains just the right amount of gravel and raspiness but yet it's still clear enough that when he belts out the notes you can hear the words he's singing. His music is rough enough to be considered a rock but sexy enough that he's also considered romantic. His voice is still cracklin.
His show was great. Bryan Adams is an award winning photographer in addition to the Grammy and music nominations. We caught "Summer of 69", "Everything I Do", "The Only Thing that Looks Good On Me Is You," "Cuts Like a Knife," "Run To You,", "Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman," and "All For Love" a song Bryan did with Rod Stewart and Sting.
Bryan Adams has a new CD release "Bryan Adams 11." They performed a song from "Bryan Adams 11. I believe the song was titled "I thought I'd seen everything." See Bryan's web site for more info. about Bryan.
Bryan Adams will perform in New York's concert for Peace One on Sept. 9th and in London on Peace One day (Sept. 21st). Peace One day is officially on Sept. 21st. One of this year's Cannes Film Festival's film darlings "The Day After Peace" by film maker and Peace One Day founder Jeremy Gilley is a documentary about the day's events of Peace One Day. Jude Law, Kofi Annan, Annie Lennox, The Dali Lama, Angelina Jolie and Jonny Lee Miller are featured in the documentary film. The Peace One Day is an international day of cease fire with life saving workshops and other performances surrounding the idea of at least one day of peace can possibly lead to more days of peace. See the Peace One Day web site for more information.
Back to the show....well the show's review that is...
Review: Rod Stewart MGM Grand Sat. Aug. 2nd 2008
Rod Stewart draws ladies in the audience from all age ranges and the women drag the men to see Rod as well. The MGM Grand theatre was packed full. The audience was singing along in their seats to a library full of Rod's songs (in somewhat random order, this list may not be complete):
"Some Guys Have All the Luck," "Father & Son", "The Motown Song," "Young Turks," "The First Cut is The Deepest," "Maggie May," "You're in My Heart," "You're Still The Same," "It's A Heartache," "Loveshack- Rod's band and vocalists solo, "Forever Young," "Have I Told You Lately," "Downtown Train," "Hot Legs," "Do You Think I'm Sexy?", "Rhythm Of My Heart," and another one or two that I can't remember or verify.
At any rate the show was outstanding in-my-humble-opinion.
Some of the visuals were sweet, some funny and some sentimental. During "Father and Son" there were sweet memories of Rod's late father Robert and photos of his three sons. During "Forever Young" his youngest son, Alastair was frolicking with a soccer(football). For "The First Cut Is The Deepest" there were some illustrations splashed on the screens. Rod mentioned that he didn't mind if people took photographs of him so why should the security be so upset. And that he's going to drop trou (trousers) later so get your cameras ready! LOL! Rod was also gracious enough to thank the audience for spending their hard earned money to come to see him perform during this economic recession. That type of humor and humbleness is extremely endearing.
Many people say Rod's music has digressed since his old rocker days. Maybe that is the perception since many of the cover tunes aren't strictly rock. Or perhaps it's because there are now four females in Rod's band. And there are three lovely female vocalists accompanying Rod these days. All I know is that since the beginning of Rod's career he's always had a fondness of covering songs. His first album featured a cover of The Rolling Stones. I can remember "You Keep Me Hanging On" back in the 70's. I'm sure if those critics gave it more thought they would agree that Rod's always had a way of covering other people's material out of admiration of their work and not as a gimmick or ploy to appease the masses.
While the crowd of an estimated 50,000 in Las Vegas this past Sat. night can't compete with the massive number of the world record of an estimated 3.5 million on New Year's Eve of 1994 on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janiero, Brazil that Rod Stewart performed to I must say that from what I witnessed Rod did make the majority of the crowd here stand up and applaud for someone who has earned their way into our rock n roll hall of fame's worth of performances. Rod kicked around the soccer (football) to the crowd during "You're in My Heart" and there were people in the crowd waving the flag for Celtic F.C (football club) since the club is mentioned in the lyrics. I was wondering if there was a minor conflict of interest between Rod and Bryan Adams since Bryan's song "We're gonna win" is dedicated to Chelsea's F.C. I'm sure those 'blokes' can put these trivial things behind them and manage to continue to tour together) Us fans need our raspy-throated fixes you know!
Rod Stewart continues to tour in the states until late August and ends this leg of his tour with a show in Puerto Rico.
Respect, Peace and Light Xtine on the sin city scene
June 7 Bobby Cottonwood Jazz Quintet June 14 Genevieve June 21 Brothers Ali June 28 Dotsero July 5 Boy Katindig July 12 J’Nae July 19 Darren Michaels July 26 Sacred Groove Aug 2 David Van Such Aug 9 Everett B. Walters Aug 17* Michael Anthony Henegan Aug 23 Lao Tizer Aug 30 Bobby Cottonwood Jazz Quintet Sept 6 Killer Groove Band Sept 13 Watercolors featuring Tommy Alvarado Sept 20 Genevieve Sept 27 Shapiro Project
SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE MUST BE 21 OR OLDER
What's Happening July 4th At MonteLago Village Resort
Experience the “Big Bang” this Fourth of July Weekend at MonteLago Village Resort Rock legends America performing on the country’s only floating stage. A breathtaking display of fireworks. Vino di Lago Wine Walk. Weekend getaway in an incredible suite…so much to choose from, you can’t decide? Then do it all at MonteLago Village Resort this Fourth of July weekend! You will not want to miss out on the Resort’s "Big Bang Weekend" Package, which includes two night's accommodations in a One-Bedroom Suite, two tickets to the America concert on Friday night and two passes to the Vino di Lago Wine Walk on Saturday. For more information or to book the “Big Bang Weekend” Package, please call 866-564-4799 or click here.
Las Vegas' premiere blues night featuring the biggest national touring blues performers.
Blues Line-Up
Kelly Richey May 29 Coco Montoya June 5 Corey Stevens June 12 Debbie Davies June 19 Rod Piazza June 26 Jackie Payne & Steve Edmonson July 3 Eddie Turner July 10 Teresa James July 17 Tinsley Ellis July 24 Guitar Shorty July 31 Curtis Salgado August 7 Eric Sardinas August 14 Bryan Lee August 21
Station Casinos announced that they will be having free concerts over the next three months.
2007 Station Casino Free Concert Schedule:
October 4 - Flynnville Train (Green Valley Ranch Resort – Ovation Lounge)
October 6 - Flynnville Train (Boulder Station Hotel and Casino – The Railhead)
October 20 - Berlin (Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa – Rocks Lounge)
October 26 - Scandal with Patty Smyth (Green Valley Ranch Resort – Ovation Lounge)
November 9 - Average White Band (Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa – Rocks Lounge)
November 23 & 24 - The Fixx (Green Valley Ranch Resort – Ovation Lounge)
December 8 - John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band (Green Valley Ranch Resort – Ovation Lounge)
December 14 & 15 - Squirrel Nut Zippers (Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa – Rocks Lounge)
Boulder Station "The Railhead" Lineup:
Indefinite Yellow Brick Road Every Friday & Saturday Night 11:00pm - 2:00am. Free Admission (Must be 21 or older)
Indefinite Jerry Tiffe Every Thursday 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Indefinite Noche Nortena - Featuring: Tierra Banda Sagrada The best in Mexican Regional music. Every Sunday 7:00pm to 11:00pm $5.00 cover.
Indefinite Boulder Blues Las Vegas' premiere blues night featuring the biggest national touring blues performers. Thursday Nights 8:00pm No cover. (Must be 21 or older)
Oct 04 Thu Johnny A Boulder Blues Series 8:00pm
Oct 06 Sat Flynnville Train 7pm Free Concert
Oct 11 Thu Tommy Castro Boulder Blues Series 8:00pm
Oct 12 Fri Foghat 8pm Tickets $19.95,$24.95,$29.95,$37.50 +tax & fee
Oct 18 Thu Teresa James Boulder Blues Series 8:00pm
Oct 25 Thu Eric Sardinas Boulder Blues Series 8:00pm
What's Happening Now! The very latest post from the talented local personality Xtine from Global Peace GrooVes Christine - she is a very knowledgeable insider on the local Vegas club scene, and nightlife.
The third annual VEGOOSE Music Festival is gearing up
Local Las Vegas radio station Mix 94.1 FM is giving away tickets for VEGOOSE before you can buy them.
2007 VEGOOSE MUSIC FESTIVAL LINEUP (Night Shows Included)!
Performing Saturday & Sunday Oct. 27 and 28th at Sam Boyd Stadium and Star Nursery Field
Rage Against The Machine
Daft Punk
Iggy & the Stooges performing the album Fun House
Muse/li>
The Shins
Cypress Hill
Queens of the Stone Age
Public Enemy
Michael Franti & Spearhead
Umphrey's McGee
Thievery Corporation
STS9
Ghostface Killah & The Rhythm Roots Allstars
Blonde Redhead
Gogol Bordello
U.N.K.L.E.
Ghostland Observatory
Pharoahe Monch
Battles
More artists to be announced!
How to get tickets: Two-day general admission and VIP ticket packages for the shows at Sam Boyd Stadium and Star Nursery Field will go on-sale Saturday, July 28, 2007 at 10:00 AM PDT at www.vegoose.com.
Those who purchase two-day tickets before Friday, August 17, will be given a special code which allows them to participate in the exclusive pre-sale for the Vegoose at Night indoor shows (see below for more info.)
Single Day tickets: Initially, only two-day tickets will be available. Assuming tickets remain available, a limited number of single-day general admission tickets to the event will go on-sale Saturday, August 18, 2007 at 10:00 AM PDT at www.vegoose.com.
VEGOOSE AT NIGHT CONCERT SERIES
10/26/07 Thievery Corporation House of Blues
10/27/07 Umphrey's McGee House of Blues
10/27/07 Michael Franti & Spearhead The Joint - Hard Rock
10/28/07 STS9 House of Blues
10/28/07 The Shins The Joint - Hard Rock
How to get tickets: Those who purchase 2-day general admission or VIP tickets to VEGOOSE prior to Friday, August 17, will be issued a special code and given the opportunity to participate in a special exclusive pre-sale for all of these shows. The VIP presale will begin on Thursday, August 9, and the general admission pre-sale will begin Saturday, August 11, both at 10:00 AM PDT through www.vegoose.com.
All venues for the Vegoose at Night Concert Series have limited capacity and ticket sales are strictly subject to availability on a first-come, first-served basis. Having a code and the opportunity to participate in the pre-sale does not guarantee that you will be able to purchase a ticket.
If tickets to shows in the Vegoose at Night Concert Series remain available, they will go on sale to the general public on Saturday, August 18, at 10:00 AM PDT, at the same time that single-day festival tickets are also made available, again through www.vegoose.com.
"Vegoose is an annual Halloween music and arts festival that first took place in 2005 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Unlike the Bonnaroo Music Festival — put on by the same organizers, Superfly Productions and AC Entertainment — Vegoose does not offer on-site camping. In addition to music, the festival features a score of activities, including Celebrity Impersonators, a Wedding Chapel, Costume contests, a massive Pumpkin display, and more."
Sunset Station's Summerfest Rock Concerts Poolside
"Hot Times & Cool Parties"
"A Fun, Poolside Atmosphere - Relax Kick Back, And Enjoy!"
"Hosted By Reality TV Star Wayne 'Shamu' Shadd"
"Great Food & Drink Specials"
The fun starts @ 6:00 p.m. each Fri with a pre-party at the Gaudi Bar. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and show begins at 8:00 p.m. at the revamped Sunset Station pool.
Features a tribute band, an infinity edge pool, and a lawn area in front of the stage.
Admission is $7 and includes access to the pool, concert and first drink.
Scheduled to appear for the pool parties....
June 8 - Pyromania (Def Leppard)
June 15 - The Original KISS Army (KISS)
June 22 - Fandango (ZZ Top)
June 23- ( Summerfest DARK )
June 29 - PUMP (Aerosmith)
July 6 - The Long Run (Eagles)
July 13 ( Summerfest DARK )
July 20 - Rattle & Hum (U2)
July 27 - Smokin’ (Boston)
August - TBA
Private VIP cabanas are also available with misters, a television, private fridge stocked with bottled water, cushioned lounge furniture and cocktail service.
The rentals start at $150 with admission for 10. Other packages include bottle service and tickets to the amphitheatre Summer Outdoor Concert Series.
The following schedule is from the Stars On The Lake official web site. It is billed as the "Floating Stage Concert Series" Please consult for any schedule changes or additions.
It's worth the trip to escape the Strip! The Monte Lago Village Resort is a favorite destination for both locals and visitors alike. It is a "short" trip from the Strip through "beautiful" Henderson, Nevada - just follow I-215 East until it becomes Lake Meade Drive and look for the signs for a left turn. Or call them for really good directions, I won't be offended. The reference to the adjectives "short" and "beautiful" above should be accepted in the same spirit as your friend describing your blind date (or improvise if you are a gal - the drive is not "tall" and Henderson is not "handsome" ). Enjoy! ( I still don't know what "Floating VIP" means, maybe some really important person who gets around a lot? Ask them what it means if it is important to you or you are important.)
Chris Isaak Friday, May 11 General Admission/Lawn: $50.00* Reserved: $85.00* Floating VIP: $125.00*
John Legend with Bon Appetit Wine and Spirits Focus Friday, May 18 General Admission/Lawn: $55.00* Reserved without Box Dinner: $115* Reserved with Box Dinner: $175.00* available only at bonappetitfocus.com. Floating VIP Gourmet Dinner with Celebrity Chef: $250* available only at bonappetitfocus.com.
Lang Lang Saturday, June 2 General Admission/Lawn: $40.00* Reserved: $65.00* Floating VIP: $125.00*
Kenny Loggins Saturday, June 16 General Admission/Lawn: $50.00* Reserved: $85.00* Floating VIP: $100.00*
Three Dog Night with Warren Brothers & Fireworks Saturday, June 30 General Admission/Lawn: $30.00* Reserved: $70.00* Floating VIP: $90.00*
Nevada Ballet Theatre Saturday, September 8 General Admission/Lawn: $24.00* Reserved: $60.00* Floating VIP: $100.00*
Kenny G with Fireworks Saturday, September 29 General Admission/Lawn: $50.00* Reserved: $85.00* Floating VIP: $125.00*
All performances begin at 8 PM. Gates open at 6 PM. No chairs or coolers allowed. Small blankets permitted.
*Ticket prices do not include applicable fees.
Lake Las Vegas Resort 1605 Lake Las Vegas Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89011
( From The Guitar Channel - News, reviews, and info from the world of Jazz Rock Fusion guitar.)
Jimmy Herring to record album with Widespread Panic
By Rich Murray
Widespread Panic will begin recording a new album this month. This will be the first album to feature new guitarist Jimmy Herring, who has been playing with the band for a while now. It is tentatively scheduled for a fall release. The band (w/ Herring) will also hit the road next month for a summer tour. Here are the confirmed tour dates:
6/9/07 – Wakarusa Music Festival – Lawrence, Kansas 6/17/07 – Bonnaroo Music Festival – Manchester, TN 6/22/07 – Red Rocks Amph – Morrison, CO 6/23/07 – Red Rocks Amph – Morrison, CO 6/24/07 – Red Rocks Amph – Morrison, CO 6/28/07 – Orpheum Theatre – Los Angeles, CA 6/29/07 – Orpheum Theatre – Los Angeles, CA 6/30/07 – Orpheum Theatre – Los Angeles, CA 7/1/07 – Viejas Concerts in the Park – San Diego, CA 7/3/07 – Aladdin Theatre – Las Vegas, NV 7/6/07 – The Backyard – Austin, TX 7/7/07 – The Backyard – Austin, TX 7/8/07 – The Backyard – Austin, TX 7/10/07 – Riverfest Amph – Little Rock, AR 7/13/07 – Chicago Theatre – Chicago, IL 7/14/07 – Chicago Theatre – Chicago, IL 7/15/07 – Chicago Theatre – Chicago, IL 7/17/07 – Tower Theatre – Philadelphia, PA 7/18/07 – Fleet Pavilion – Boston, MA 7/20/07 – Radio City Music Hall – New York, NY 7/21/07 – Radio City Music Hall – New York, NY 7/22/07 – Bethel Woods Center – Bethel Woods, NY 7/24/07 – Chevrolet Theatre – Wallingford, CT 7/26/07 – Ntelos Pavilion – Portsmouth, VA 7/27/07 – Verizon Wireless Amph – Charlotte, NC 7/28/07 – Verizon Wireless Amph – Charlotte, NC
Posts
Leaving "What's Happening, Vegas?"