Music: The Universal Language That Speaks To Us All

Music isn’t just background noise—it’s the emotional engine that powers people through their days & nights. Ask most folks what lifts their spirits, and they’ll point straight to music. Musicians will tell you that writing a new song or stepping onstage can flip a rough day into a great one. Fans say hearing their favorite bands is like hitting a reset button for their souls! Me Included!

For me, the magic runs even deeper. Listening to my friends perform, capturing their stories, writing about their shows, and shining a spotlight on the sound of my city through my blog fills me with a sense of purpose. Sharing the heartbeat of the local scene—those late‑night sets, those gritty rehearsal rooms, those moments when a crowd becomes a community—gives me a kind of fulfillment nothing else touches! Even my poker addiction!

So, what gives music this rare power? It connects us. It reminds us that we’re human. It turns feelings into something we can hear, share, and carry with us. Whether you’re creating it, performing it, or simply letting it wash all over you as a fan, music has a way of making life feel bigger, brighter, and more meaningful.

{My Take}

Music is the one language the world never had to translate. It slips across borders, cultures, and generations, speaking directly to whatever moment you’re living, joy, heartbreak, celebration, reflection. It fills the gaps words can’t reach and says the things we don’t always know how to express. No matter where you’re from or what you believe, music finds you, understands you, and answers back. So, the real question becomes: how does music work on you?

 Does it lift you, steady you, or remind you who you are?

Music makes me feel alive!

Gary England

Counting Cars - Count’s 77 - LV/DC - Rain Dogs - And Rob Garrett Set To Dominate The Vegas Music Scene This Coming Saturday Night May 23rd!

 For the fans who contacted me via Facebook Messenger, text, and email about three huge events this coming Saturday, May 23rd. Here's the scoop! 

Las Vegas is about to roar this Saturday night!  Three powerhouse events, one city, and a whole lot of rock‑and‑roll electricity a' going on!

Las Vegas doesn’t do “quiet weekends,” and this Saturday night proves it!

 From the Rio to the Tuscany to Santa Fe Station, the city is stacked with high‑octane concerts, meet‑and‑greets, and tribute performances that hit every corner of the rock spectrum. Whether you want classic‑rock horsepower, AC/DC‑level voltage, or the velvet‑smooth nostalgia of Neil Diamond, the valley has a stage lit just for you!

 Rio Hotel — Event Links - Counting Cars Meet & Greet (6 PM–9 PM) plus Count's 77 Free Concert (9 PM)

The Rio becomes a gear‑grinding, guitar‑screaming playground as Motormouth Promotions brings the Counting Cars TV crew to life.

From 6 PM to 9 PM, fans can roll into Count’s Tattoo Company for a special Counting Cars Meet & Greet — your chance to shake hands, snap photos, and hang with the personalities who turned horsepower into primetime TV.

Then at 9 PM, the night detonates. Danny “Count” Koker & Count’s 77 hit the Masquerade Village Stage for a free dose of classic rock ’n’ roll delivered the only way this crew of Vegas‑bred rock stars knows how — loud, tight, and full of attitude!

The moment Danny “Count” Koker hits the stage, the energy shifts. Count’s 77 delivers a powerhouse set loaded with classic‑rock attitude, polished musicianship, and the unmistakable edge that defines their Vegas legacy!

This FREE concert is designed for rock‑and‑roll diehards who want volume, attitude, and zero compromise. Count's 77 Brings It!

----------

Tuscany Suites & Casino — LV/DC + Opening Heater: The Rain Dogs - Event Link

(Doors 8 PM / Show 9 PM)

Inside the legendary Copa Room, the walls are about to shake!

If you crave the voltage of Bon Scott and Brian Johnson, LV/DC delivers it with zero compromise. The wild man himself, Keith Robert War, tears across the stage with the kind of guitar chaos that would make Angus Young proud! Expect duckwalks, sweat, and riffs that hit like a freight train running full Bore!

Sharing the bill (Opening Heater) are The Rain Dogs, bringing a soulful, roots‑driven rock vibe led by the powerhouse vocals of Patrick Vitagliano. It’s a perfect one‑two punch: A high‑voltage night of rock n' roll thunder!

Better bring your helmet and Flak Jacket for this event, cause LV/DC & The Rain Dogs just might not leave the walls standing!

----------

Santa Fe Station — Rob Garrett: Tribute to Neil Diamond (8 PM) - Event Link

For a completely different kind of magic, the Chrome Showroom hosts one of the most respected tribute performers in the country: Rob Garrett, the “King of Diamonds.”

Rob Garrett channels Neil Diamond with uncanny precision! The voice, the warmth, the storytelling, the emotional punch! From “Sweet Caroline” to “Cracklin’ Rosie,” this show is a masterclass in tribute performance and a fan favorite across Las Vegas and the USA! Doors: 7 PM - Showtime: 8 PM

 Three Shows. One Night. Vegas Wins Again!

Whether you’re chasing roaring guitars, classic‑rock nostalgia, or a night of pure musical craftsmanship, this Saturday night is stacked with can’t‑miss performances all across the valley.

Vegas doesn’t just host concerts; it turns them into huge events! Pick your stage, grab your crew, and let the Saturday night music fever take over!

Gary England

#LasVegasReviewJournal #LasVegasWeekly #USAT #NationalNewsMedia

“Two Giants One Spotlight: UFC And MVP MMA Clash For Combat Sports Supremacy: Who Wins?

 Saturday May 16th, 2026

MVP MMA 1 exploded onto the combat‑sports landscape last Saturday night with a card built entirely on spectacle, star power, and heavyweight paychecks. Ronda Rousey set the tone for the entire MVP MMA 1 card, submitting Gina Carano in just 17 seconds and walking away with a staggering $2.2 million, while Carano earned $1.05 million in her return. Nate Diaz and Mike Perry delivered the blood‑and‑beer‑energy brawl everyone expected, ending in a doctor stoppage TKO in the 2nd round. Diaz took home a $500,000 purse, with Perry taking home $400,000 and the win! Francis Ngannou closed his match with a thunderous knockout of Philipe Lins, adding another viral clip to his legacy and pocketing $1.5 million for the night. It was a statement event—loud, lucrative, and impossible to ignore.

The question now is whether MVP MMA can coexist with the UFC, and the answer—for the moment—is yes. MVP isn’t trying to replace the UFC’s weekly grind; it’s positioning itself as the “Super Bowl” of MMA, a place where megastars fight for mega money in fewer, flashier events. The UFC, meanwhile, remains the sport’s backbone, with the deepest roster, the most consistent matchmaking, and a global infrastructure no one else can touch. UFC’s biggest weakness continues to be fighter pay, especially when MVP is handing out seven‑figure checks like candy. MVP’s weakness is sustainability—giant purses require giant audiences, and that model only works as long as the star power holds.

For more than two decades, every major promotion that tried to challenge the UFC eventually fell short. Pride Fighting Championships was once the most electric MMA show on the planet, but financial scandal and UFC expansion crushed it. Strikeforce came closest to being a true rival, boasting stars like Rousey, Cormier, and Diaz, yet it was ultimately bought and absorbed by the UFC. EliteXC burned bright and fast, collapsing after its TV deal imploded. Affliction Entertainment tried the “super‑event” model with massive fighter paydays, but the money dried up after just two shows. World Extreme Cagefighting produced legends but was folded into the UFC as part of its consolidation strategy. Even Bellator MMA, the longest‑running challenger was eventually sold to the PFL after years of trying to compete with the UFC’s global machine. All of them swung at the giant—and all of them eventually fell.

So, what does this mean for MVP MMA? It means they’re stepping into a fight history says they shouldn’t win, but they’re doing it with bigger stars, bigger checks, and bigger cultural momentum than any challenger before them. And if Saturday night proved anything, it’s that MVP MMA isn’t afraid of the moment. They’re giving the UFC the best fight it’s had in years—and the fans are winning because of it!

Who else is winning?

After Saturday night, I now have a new inspiration in my life. Gina Carano! After almost a 17-year hiatus away from the sport. And losing 100 lbs. for the match. She stepped back in the ring Saturday night against one of the most dangerous fighters in the entire world, Rowdy Ronda Rousey! 

That takes something really special!

Gary England

When Las Vegas Had a Pulse: The City We Lost And The Machine That Replaced It!

One of the major media publishers in the country texted me this morning with a simple question that cuts right to the bone of this city: What’s a good catchphrase for Old Vegas versus what New Vegas has become? 

I sat with it for a minute because you can’t answer that without feeling the shift in your gut. 

Old Vegas was real people running the scene — raw, loud, messy, and alive — a place where sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll weren’t marketing slogans; they were the operating system. Locals and visitors got whatever they wanted, and anyone who walked into a casino could walk in as a nobody and walk out a somebody. 

Today’s Vegas is corporate‑polished and profit‑driven, built for shareholders and the bottom line. Locals and tourists are treated the same, handed the same limited menu of “experiences,” and most folks walk out with lighter pockets and nothing to show for it. Money runs the show now, and the house doesn’t pretend otherwise!

My Catchphrase for the old and new Vegas?

“Old Vegas made dreams; New Vegas makes margins.”

Gary England

The Free Facebook Upgrade That Every Musician And Entertainer Should Turn On Today!

 After 58-plus years in the media trenches, music, entertainment, sports, journalism, ghostwriting- the whole beautiful circus- there’s a side of me most folks have never really seen. My ghost persona. The part that’s picked up the real tricks of the trade, the backstage shortcuts, the survival skills, and the little industry hacks that keep you sharp, safe, and one step ahead. 

And every now and then, I like to pull back the curtain and hand one of those tricks to the next generation. To the people in the biz, that works their butt's off upping their media game! (social media, music platforms, etc.)

So, here’s one: no big secret that everyone in the music and entertainment world should know about and use. It’s powerful, it’s practical, and best of all… It’s free!

Using your Facebook correctly!

Signing up for or switching your regular Facebook account is simple and easy: 

Starting with a standard Facebook profile, go to your profile menu and switch your standard account to Professional Mode; this unlocks creator‑level tools without charging you a dime. Once activated, you get access to analytics, audience insights, post-performance data, monetization eligibility tracking, and a more polished public-facing profile. For people in the music and entertainment business, this is a quiet superpower! It turns your Facebook presence into a mini‑marketing machine. You can track which posts drive the most engagement, see what cities your fans are in, promote shows more effectively, build a professional brand image, and position yourself like a working artist instead of just another personal profile. In a city like Las Vegas, where visibility equals opportunity, a professional account helps musicians look legit, stay organized, and grow their audience with real data rather than guesswork.

Here is a Rock Star example of how this works. I call it my "What's Hot and What's Not" Information!

Click On Pic For Larger View

What's hot on my social media (Facebook) this past week is Mr. Danny "The Count" Koker!

Here's what my Pro-Account on Facebook told me:

In a little over a week. Danny is a very popular person (Rock Star) around Las Vegas, and on my Facebook Page! With over 20,600 views. So, what does this info tell me? When I get the chance, shoot more pictures of Danny and his band :-)

And by the way, you might want to check this out!

Event Page On Facebook

{My Take}

A Facebook Professional Account quietly hands you the kind of leverage most artists spend years chasing. It gives you real‑time audience insights, lets you study what content actually moves people, sharpens your branding, boosts your visibility, and opens the door to monetization tools as your following grows. It turns every post, photo, reel, and show announcement into data you can use — not guesses you hope land. For anyone in the music and entertainment world, that’s gold. It means smarter promotion, stronger fan engagement, and a cleaner, more credible public presence that works for you 24/7. And the best part is still the headline: it’s free, and every serious creative should be using it.

Gary England

Rob Hussey Leads A Full Scale Neon‑Fueled Rock Riot With Cyanide’s New Hit And Music Vid "Get Up And Dance"

 It's good to be home! And I'm back just in time for a hot one!

Las Vegas just got slapped with a full‑throttle sonic uppercut, courtesy of Rob Hussey, Vegas rock machine who writes it, shreds it, produces it, films it, and performs it like he’s got nitro in his veins. His band Cyanide just dropped their newest burner, “Get Up and Dance,” and both the track and the video are already detonating across the scene like a stack of amps pushed past their redline!

The music video hit YouTube Thursday night at 9 PM Pacific, and the second it went live, it felt like someone flipped the switch on a Vegas power surge. I spun the track on Spotify, cranked up the volume, and watched the video twice back‑to‑back — this vid is straight up Vegas Hot, no filter, no brakes!

“Get Up and Dance” is a high‑octane hard‑rock rager, built on monster riffs, skyscraper‑sized hooks, and that classic arena‑rock DNA that makes you want to stomp, shout, and throw horns until sunrise. It’s the kind of track that doesn’t ask you to move — it orders you to.

Cyanide On Spotify

Get Up And Dance On Spotify

And the video?

It's a pure chaos nuclear cinema explosion!

Fire blasting, lights strobing, bodies flying, the whole thing dripping with that wild‑child, Sin City swagger. It’s a love letter to the golden age of hard rock, but shot through a modern, adrenaline‑soaked lens only Rob Hussey could pull off. This is rock ’n’ roll with gasoline poured on top!

"Official Music Video"

Cyanide didn’t just release a song — they launched a party grenade into the Vegas music scene. And judging by the early buzz, the blast radius is global!

To Rob and the boys: thanks for keeping the Vegas rock heartbeat pounding loud enough for the world to feel it.

Cyanide just lit the fuse! “Get Up and Dance” proves real rock still hits like a desert thunderbolt. Turn it up, watch the vid, feel the burn, and ride the chaos that Rob Hussey & Cyanide bring to the local LV Music Scene!

Gary England

cyaniderocks.com

Cyanide YouTube Channel 

Cyanide Facebook

Rob Hussey Facebook

LaHi Cassiano - Guitar

Greg Percuoco - Guitar

Greg Montoya - Bass

Ryan Gillan - Drums

Keith Robert War - Featured Artist

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Brody Dolyniuk Leads A Full‑Throttle 80s Pop New Wave Show Takeover: A Symphony of 80s Music Hits Light Up The AMP Inside Craig Ranch Park LV This Friday April 10th

 This Friday, April 10th, the AMP Amphitheater at Craig Ranch Regional Park transforms into a neon‑drenched, arena‑sized celebration of the greatest decade in music history!

Doors open at 6pm, show starts at 7pm, and the best part — it’s completely free, all‑ages! First-come, first-served. So, get there early! Facebook Event Page

Get ready for Totally 80s Symphonic! The latest high‑powered production from The Symphonic Rock show featuring a full 22‑piece orchestra, fused with a lineup of world‑class musicians. Out front is none other than Las Vegas’ own hometown powerhouse, Brody Dolyniuk, delivering the iconic vocals and stage presence that made the 1980s the golden era of pop & new wave anthems.

Photos from past performances.
(Photo Credit Goes To The Photographer)

Photos from past performances.
(Photo Credit Goes To The Photographer)

This isn’t just a tribute — it’s a full‑scale sonic experience. Expect the biggest hits of the decade reimagined with sweeping strings, bold brass, thunderous percussion, and the electrifying energy of a live band. From fist‑pumping classics to cinematic power ballads, every song hits with the kind of depth and drama only a symphonic production can deliver!

{My Take}

Grab your spot, bring the family, and get ready to relive the decade that defined this music era. With Brody Dolyniuk leading a powerhouse lineup and a 22‑piece orchestra amplifying every anthem, this is one of those Vegas nights you don’t want to miss! 

Totally 80s Symphonic! hits the AMP Amphitheater this Friday, April 10th (Doors 6pm - Show 7pm) — free, loud, and unforgettable. This show will RAWK your lights out!

Gary England

#NationalNewsMedia #WorldwideEntertainmentNetwork #LasVegasReviewJournal #LasVegasSun #LasVegasWeekly #USANetwork

Totally 80s Symphonic! Friday, April 10th Craig Ranch Regional Park – AMP Amphitheater Doors 6pm • Show 7pm Free • All‑Ages • First Come, First Serve

For directions to the AMP at Craig Ranch

Facebook Event Page

#totally80ssymphonic #concertsinthepark #80snostalgia

Why Toxic Know Nothing Armchair Critics Attack Talented Musicians And Performers On Social Media

WARNING: RANT ALERT!

 Research Provided By: 

American Psychological Association / Professional Services & Consulting

I get tired of seeing know-nothing armchair critics post bad things about my very talented musician friends, and my friends who are in the show business world on social media platforms!

Here are my thoughts, and the thoughts from psychology professionals and doctors about this abnormal behavior.

Every musician who’s ever posted a killer clip, a glowing review, or a packed‑house photo knows the pattern: the better the performance, the louder the know‑nothing critics get. These aren’t industry pros, fellow musicians, or even informed fans. They’re armchair commentators who contribute nothing yet feel compelled to tear down people who are actually doing the work really well!

So why do they do it? The answer is a mix of psychology, insecurity, and the strange incentives of social media.

🎭 1. Excellence Exposes Insecurity

Great performers trigger something uncomfortable in people who’ve never taken a risk, never stepped on a stage, and never put their talent on display. When someone sees a musician thriving, it highlights their own lack of achievement. Instead of being inspired, they lash out.

Criticism becomes a shield — a way to pretend they’re above the thing they’re actually afraid to try.

📱 2. Social Media Rewards Negativity

Platforms amplify comments that spark reactions, and negativity spreads faster than praise. Armchair critics know this instinctively. A snarky jab or dismissive comment gets attention, replies, and engagement.

For someone who has no real voice or audience, stirring up conflict becomes their only way to feel relevant.

🪞 3. They Mistake Opinion for Expertise

The internet has blurred the line between having a thought and having knowledge. Many critics genuinely believe their uninformed opinion carries the same weight as years of training, rehearsal, and live performance experience.

They don’t understand the craft — but they’re convinced they do.

🎤 4. They Want the Power Without the Work

Performers earn their spotlight through sweat, discipline, and vulnerability. Critics want the feeling of authority without any of the responsibility. Commenting is easy. Creating is hard.

Tearing down someone else’s work gives them a temporary illusion of superiority.

🧩 5. They Don’t See the Human Being Behind the Art

Distance makes cruelty easier. When a musician is just a face on a screen, critics forget they’re talking to a real person with real effort behind every note. The lack of empathy fuels comments they would never say in person to their face!

⭐ The Truth: Their Comments Say Nothing About the Performer

Toxic know-nothing critics don’t reveal flaws in the artist — they reveal flaws in themselves. Great performers keep growing, keep playing, keep winning crowds. Armchair critics stay exactly where they are: on the sidelines, shouting into the void.

The best musicians know this: the louder the critics get, the more your work is reaching people. And nothing frustrates a toxic know-nothing commenter more than seeing an artist succeed anyway.

{My Take}

In the end, toxic know-nothing armchair critics aren’t a threat to real talent — they’re background noise. Great performers keep creating, keep improving, and keep winning over real fans, while the know‑nothings stay stuck in the comment section, shouting into the void. The smartest artists understand this simple truth: criticism from the unqualified is just proof that your work is reaching people who could never do what you do. Let them talk — you’ve got a stage to own!

Gary England

Get Ready to Rock: Count’s 77 Brings The Heat To The Fremont Street Experience May 1st 2026

 Las Vegas is about to feel the full force of classic hard‑driving rock when Count’s 77, led by the unmistakable TV personality / Rock Star BaD-A$$ Danny “Count” Koker, as they storm the Fremont Street Experience on May 1st. (Stage To Be Announced). Known for their powerhouse sound, vintage‑muscle swagger, and a lineup stacked with world‑class musicians, Count’s 77 remains one of the most electrifying live bands to come out of the Las Vegas rock scene.

Count's 77
Photo-Credit Goes To The Photographer

This isn’t just another show — it’s a full‑throttle, street‑shaking rock revival right in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas!

Count's 77 Band Members Appearing May 1st: Fremont Street Experience

The face of Counting Cars and the soul of Count’s 77, Danny "Count" Koker brings a voice built for arena rock and a stage presence that hits like a V8 engine at full roar. His passion for classic rock and vintage horsepower fuels every performance, turning each show into a high‑octane celebration of the music he loves.

A blues‑rock virtuoso with international cred, Stoney Curtis delivers the kind of soaring leads and gritty riffs that define the band’s signature sound. His guitar work is fiery, fluid, and unmistakably world‑class — the kind of playing that grabs a crowd by the collar and doesn’t let go!

With his roots‑driven tone, John Zito adds the raw, soulful edge that gives Count’s 77 its blues‑infused backbone. His chemistry with Stoney Curtis creates a dual‑guitar attack reminiscent of the great classic‑rock eras!

Holding down the low end with style and swagger, Barry Barnes delivers the deep, chest‑thumping bass lines that keep the crowd moving. His steady presence and tight musicianship make the band’s lineup look like a who's who in the US music scene!

Precision, power, and pure rock discipline on drums — Shon McKee is the engine that drives Count’s 77. His thunderous grooves and explosive fills give the band its unmistakable live punch, locking in the rhythm section with authority!

{My Take}

As the lights blaze across the Fremont Street Experience and the amps crank to full power on May 1, I guarantee that Count’s 77 will deliver the kind of unforgettable rock spectacle that only Las Vegas can host. With Danny “Count” Koker leading a lineup of world‑class musicians, their performance promises to be a night of soaring guitars, thunderous rhythm, and pure rock energy. Whether you’re a longtime fan (Like Me) or just discovering this amazing band for the first time, prepare to be pulled into a high‑octane musical experience that will echo long after their final notes fade!

Come May 1st, Count’s 77 won't just rock the Fremont Street stage — they'll blow the Viva Vision Canopy clear off of the Fremont Street Experience!

Come ready to rock your lights out!

Gary England

Check out these links for more information on upcoming projects and events.

Count's 77 Official Website

Count's 77 Facebook

Fremont Street Experience

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Crash Midnight Ignites The Composers Room Last Night With A Flawless 90‑Minute Rock N' Roll Firestorm With Their New Explosive Music!

 Saturday Night, April 4th, 2026

The Composers Room Las Vegas

Las Vegas has seen its share of explosive nights in the music business, but every once in a while, a band walks in and reminds the city what real rock ’n’ roll looks and feels like. On this sold‑out night inside The Composers Room, Crash Midnight didn’t just perform — they detonated!

For 90 relentless minutes, the band delivered a high‑octane, crowd‑shaking performance that proved why they’re one of the most dangerous and exciting rock acts out of the Las Vegas music scene.

Crash Midnight

This wasn’t nostalgia. This wasn’t a tribute. This was five world‑class musicians, locked in like a single organism, unleashing two full albums of brand‑new material with the confidence of a band that knows exactly who they are and exactly where they’re going!

The Band: Five Musicians, One Machine!

I call the band's lineup a masterclass in controlled chaos!

• Front, Shaun Soho (Pictured Above) owned the room from the second he stepped onstage. He’s got that rare combination of grit, charisma, and danger — the kind of frontman who doesn’t just sing the songs, he lives them. His vocals cut through the room like a switchblade, and his swagger kept the crowd hanging on every move. Soho doesn’t perform at you — he pulls you into the world of Crash Midnight and dares you to try and get out.

• Drake (bass) (Pictured Above) — thunderous, melodic, and driving the engine room with absolute authority.

• Donovan Tryon (guitar) (Pictured Above) — razor‑sharp riffs and explosive leads.

• Lahi Cassiano (guitar) (Pictured Above) — tone for days, groove for miles, and a perfect counterweight to Donovan.

• Mitchell Terranova (drums) (Pictured Above) —He's a human sledgehammer, playing with precision, power, and zero hesitation.

Together, they weren’t just tight — they were surgically locked‑in, the kind of chemistry you only get from a band that’s hungry, fearless, and firing on all cylinders.

A Setlist That Hit Like a Freight Train

Crash Midnight didn’t waste a second. They came out swinging with “CHINATOWN,” “IMMIGRANT,” and “DYNA,” immediately setting the tone: loud, fast, and unapologetically raw.

The new material — marked with * — was the real revelation of the night.

KILLING TIME HARD LINE DOWN* CALIFORNIA'S BURNING* SOCIALITE* DIG IT ON THE HIGHWAY* CRAZY* FUCKIN' DISEASE* LIES*

…Their set list proved that Crash Midnight isn’t just adding to their catalog — they’re leveling up. These tracks hit with the confidence of future fan favorites, blending street‑level storytelling with arena‑sized hooks.

The band also tore through explosive covers like “HAIR OF THE DOG,” “FIRE WOMAN,” “ROADHOUSE,” and a blistering, full‑tilt “GIMME SHELTER” that had the entire room rock'n!

By the time they reached “SUNSET$,” the packed house was fully in the palm of their hand — loud and completely locked into the moment.

A Night That Felt Like a Turning Point

There are shows you enjoy, and then there are shows you remember. This show felt like both! — The kind of night fans will brag about being at when Crash Midnight explodes onto a bigger national stage.

The Composers Room was the perfect setting: intimate enough to feel the heat, big enough to let the sound breathe, and packed wall‑to‑wall with fans who knew they were witnessing something really special.

Crash Midnight didn’t just play a show. They announced a new era!

And if these two new albums of new material are any indication, that era is going to be loud, dangerous, and absolutely unforgettable!

{My Take}

When the final notes rang out, it was clear Crash Midnight had delivered a performance as flawless as it was ferocious — a masterclass in both sound and visual spectacle. Every member of the band operated at peak precision, each one elevating the others the way only true top‑shelf musicians can. Soho’s command of the room, Drake’s seismic bass lines, Donovan and Lahi’s twin‑guitar firestorm, and Mitchell’s explosive drumming fused into a single, unstoppable force. And when they closed the night with a blistering, full‑throttle run through of Ted Nugent’s “Stranglehold,” the message was unmistakable. After tonight, Crash Midnight doesn’t just have momentum — they’ve got a stranglehold on the Las Vegas music scene!    

Gary England

Crash Midnight Facebook

Crash Midnight Official Website

Crash Midnight Instagram

Crash Midnight YouTube

The Composers Room Las Vegas 

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Three Events One Writer Three Different Locations: A Night In The Life Of A Las Vegas Entertainment Writer

 Some nights in the entertainment world feel like a test. Others feel like a trap. And then there are the nights when the universe hands you three assignments in three different places at the exact same time — and expects you to deliver like it’s nothing.

Tonight is one of those nights! I've lasted over 58 years in the biz, what's another night, right?

To start off the night. Event #1 - A human‑interest piece about a local musician whose story deserves more than a drive‑by shout-out. This is the heart‑and‑soul kind of coverage, the stuff that reminds me why I write in the first place. It’s personal, emotional, and requires time I absolutely do not have. The night is young!

Event #2 - A rising top-shelf, Vegas band is dropping two albums of new music at a tucked‑away venue just off the Strip — the kind of place where the atmosphere is awesome, and the energy is electric. I'm supposed to grab a few quotes, take a few shots, write info about their new tunes, and relax and soak in the vibe. Nice!

Event #3 - A High-Stakes Interview with a national music Industry heavyweight. Just when I think I’ve found my rhythm, my phone buzzes. It’s the reminder for the big one — the video/phone interview with a major national music‑industry figure. The kind of person who can't wait, doesn’t have time to reschedule, and he asked for me to interview him. That's pretty special!

When you’re an entertainment writer staring down three events, at the same time, in three different places — with no backup, no assistant, and no chance to clone myself — you learn really fast that survival is an art form. But when the deadlines close in and the city starts spinning, who ya going to call? 

Ghost Writer!!

Gary England

Rock‑Inspired Artist: The Amazing Visions Of Las Vegas Artist Nancy Spurlock

 Las Vegas Drum Show

March 2026

In a city built on spectacle and raw creative electricity and talent, Nancy Spurlock has carved out a place entirely her own. For ten years, she has been one of Las Vegas’ most distinctive rock‑inspired visual artists — a creator whose work feels like it was pulled straight from the soul of the music she loves. Her art doesn’t just hang on walls; it pulses, vibrates, and breathes with the same intensity as the stages and spotlights that define this city.

Click on the picture to enlarge

Nancy’s artistic journey officially launched on January 30th, 2016, a debut that marked the beginning of a bold, fearless career. From the start, she embraced a style that fused rock‑and‑roll attitude with emotional storytelling, blending color, texture, and movement into pieces that feel alive. Over the years, her work has evolved into a signature aesthetic — gritty yet elegant, rebellious yet deeply human.

A Style (Hers)That Hits Like a Power Chord

Nancy’s art is unmistakable. Her pieces often explode with:

• High‑contrast color palettes

• Bold, dramatic brushwork

• Themes rooted in music, identity, and emotional release

• A rock‑centric visual language that feels both nostalgic and modern

Whether she’s painting musicians, abstract energy, or the emotional undercurrent of a song, Nancy brings a sense of rhythm to the canvas. Her work doesn’t just depict rock culture — it embodies it!

Over the past decade, Nancy has built a loyal following across Las Vegas and beyond. Each piece of her art reflects her growth as both an artist and a storyteller.

What sets her apart is her authenticity. Nancy paints with the heart of someone who has lived the music, felt the pulse of the crowd, and understands the emotional weight behind every lyric and riff. Her fans don’t just admire her work — they connect with it!

Where to Experience Nancy’s World

Nancy’s presence online has become an extension of her creative voice. Fans can follow her journey, watch her process, and discover new pieces across her platforms:

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube Channel 

For ten years, Nancy Spurlock has proven that art can be as loud, fearless, and emotionally charged as the music that inspires it. Her work continues to evolve, yet it never loses the raw honesty and rock‑and‑roll spirit that first set her apart back in 2016. As she steps into her next decade of creation, Nancy remains a true Las Vegas original — bold, expressive, and unapologetically authentic. Fans can follow her journey, explore her latest pieces, and experience her creative world across Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, (Links Above) where her art continues to strike chords and spark connections with every new release. 

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Nancy, you're an amazing, top-level talent in this world! 

I'm so blessed to know you!

Gary England

The Next Era Starts Here: Shaun Soho Unleashes New Crash Midnight Material Live In Las Vegas On Saturday Night April 4th At The Composers Room LV

 Las Vegas is built on moments — the kind that hit fast, burn bright, and leave you buzzing long after the lights fade out. On Saturday night, April 4th, 9pm, just off the Las Vegas Strip at The Composers Room, one of those moments is about to erupt as Shaun Soho, the unmistakable voice and fire behind Crash Midnight, steps into the spotlight with his band for a night that’s already generating serious buzz around the music industry.

This isn’t just another gig. This is a full‑throttle showcase of two entire albums' worth of brand‑new Crash Midnight material, performed live for the first time anywhere. For fans of raw, swagger‑driven rock ’n’ roll, this is the kind of rare, intimate event that reminds you why live music still matters in a city overflowing with bright lights and spectacle.

Shaun Soho has always been more than a frontman — he’s a storyteller with grit in his voice and gasoline in his veins. His signature blend of streetwise charm, razor‑edged delivery, and cinematic lyricism has defined Crash Midnight’s identity from day one. Onstage, he’s a live wire: unpredictable, magnetic, and impossible to ignore.

Crash Midnight band members include:

Shaun Soho on lead vocals

Donovan Tryon on guitar

Lahi Cassiano on guitar

Drake on bass

Mitchell Terranova on drums

At The Composers Room, Shaun Soho's presence becomes even more potent. The venue’s close‑quarters energy puts Soho right in the audience’s orbit — every lyric, every smirk, every shout landing with the kind of impact you can’t get in a massive hall. It’s the perfect setting for a band unveiling a new era.

Two new albums - One Night - Zero Filters

Crash Midnight isn’t easing into this next chapter — they’re kicking the doors off the hinges. Fans will get a first listen to two full albums of new material, a bold move that speaks to the band’s creative momentum and Soho’s relentless drive to push forward.

Expect:

• High‑octane rock anthems built for big rooms and bigger crowds

• Gritty, narrative‑driven tracks that tap into Soho’s signature storytelling

• Fresh sonic twists that expand the Crash Midnight sound without losing its edge

• A performance that feels like a private preview of the band’s future

This is the kind of show musicians talk about years later — the night the new songs were born in front of a live audience.

Just off the Strip, The Composers Room has become a haven for artists who want to connect, not just perform. It’s the perfect backdrop for a band like Crash Midnight — raw, real, and built on authenticity. No giant screens. No overproduced fluff. Just a killer band, a charismatic frontman, and a room full of people ready to be part of something special.

On Saturday night, April 4th at 9pm, Shaun Soho isn’t just performing — he’s unveiling the next evolution of Crash Midnight. For fans, friends, and anyone who craves rock ’n’ roll with personality, this is the show you circle on the calendar and brag about later!

{My Take}

This is Shaun Soho at full voltage, and Crash Midnight at full throttle. Two new albums, one exclusive Vegas night — miss it and you’ll hear about it from everyone who didn’t!

Gary England

Crash Midnight Composers Room Event Page

Event Tickets

Crash Midnight Official Website

Crash Midnight Facebook

Shaun Soho Facebook

Crash Midnight Spotify 

Composers Room

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Kenny Youngar: Texas Powerhouse Drummer Whose Secret Is In His Sticks

 "It's All In The Sticks"

~Kenny Youngar~

Dallas‑based Kenny Youngar, powerhouse drummer for the band Messer, has a simple philosophy about staying at the top of his game: it’s all in the sticks. Youngar swears by Solobeat drumsticks, especially his own Kenny Youngar Signature Texas Edition brand — a grip‑enhanced Oak 5B built for durability, balance, and the kind of controlled aggression that defines his flamboyant style!

Whether he’s driving Messer’s high‑energy live shows or laying down precision tracks in the studio, Kenny’s signature sticks have become an extension of his identity behind the kit, proving that the right tools in the right hands can make all the difference!

Order yours today on: messerband.com

Gary England

Las Vegas Drum Show - March 29, 2026

Carmen Haynes-Warner: Birth Of A Rock Star Reporter

 

This past weekend at the Las Vegas Drum Show, Carmen Haynes‑Warner lived out a dream she’s carried for years — stepping confidently into her new role as the newest rock reporter for Drum Talk TV. As the wife of legendary drummer Les Warner, Carmen has spent years around music, stages, and the heartbeat of rock culture. But this time, the spotlight was hers, and she rose to the moment with unmistakable poise!

I watched her very first solo run, and she absolutely nailed it. By the time she reached her third interview, Carmen looked like she’d been a rock reporter for all of her life! — calm, charismatic, and completely in command of the conversation. Her natural presence, genuine curiosity, and effortless connection with artists made her interviews feel both professional and refreshingly authentic.

For Carmen, this wasn’t just another weekend at a music event. It was the realization of a lifelong dream — becoming a rock reporter and storyteller in her own right. And judging by her debut, she’s not just stepping into the role… she’s owning it!

Now, there are two rock stars in the family, you and your rock star drummer husband, Les!

You both Rock!

Good luck, Carmen — you’re going to rock their lights out.

Gary England

The Beat Takes Over The Tuscany Suites And Casino: A Look Inside The 5th Annual Las Vegas Drum Show

Click on the picture to enlarge

The 5th Annual Las Vegas Drum Show took over the Tuscany Suites & Casino on Sunday, March 29th, transforming the ballroom into a powerhouse of rhythm, innovation, and pure percussion energy. This year’s show featured close to 90 booths (I counted), packed wall‑to‑wall with drum kits, cymbals, hardware, accessories, boutique builds, custom components, and the newest wave of percussion‑focused apparel and gear. For drummers, collectors, and rhythm lovers, it felt like walking into a candy store built entirely out of groove!

Click on the picture to enlarge

Click on the picture to enlarge

Musicians traveled from across the United States to be part of the event, joining a strong showing of Las Vegas’ own rock and entertainment community. The star‑studded attendee list included Kenny Youngar (Messer Band) from Texas, along with local and national rock heavyweights such as Eric Singer, Stoney Curtis, Barry Barnes, JP Michaels, James Sloan, Corky Gainsford, Les Warner, Blas Elias, Brent Fitz, Brian Tichy, Jeff Tortora, and more. Adding to the excitement, Carmen Hayes‑Warner made her debut appearance as the newest reporter for Drum Talk TV, capturing interviews and behind‑the‑scenes moments throughout the day.

Click on the picture to enlarge

Beyond the gear and celebrity sightings, the show delivered a full slate of drum clinics, offering players of all levels the chance to learn from seasoned pros. From technique deep‑dives to performance insights, the clinics kept seats filled and sticks tapping. The event also featured a lively raffle loaded with high‑end drum and percussion merchandise, giving attendees the chance to walk away with serious upgrades to their setups.

What stood out most this year was the clear evolution of drum merchandise and design. Exhibitors showcased fresh innovations in hardware engineering, shell construction, boutique craftsmanship, and modernized components that reflect where the percussion world is heading. Even the apparel and accessories sector showed major growth, with brands leaning into bold identity, drummer‑centric fashion, and lifestyle‑driven creativity.

{My Take}

The 5th Annual Las Vegas Drum Show proved once again why this event has become a cornerstone of the city’s music community. With national artists, local legends, innovative vendors, and passionate fans all under one roof, the day delivered nonstop energy and inspiration. From the clinics to the raffles to the sheer volume of cutting‑edge gear, every corner of the Tuscany Suites & Casino ballroom pulsed with creativity and connection. Another unforgettable year — and the beat in Las Vegas just keeps getting stronger.

What an awesome show — and a powerful reminder that in Las Vegas, the beat never stops!

See you next year!

Gary England

Las Vegas Drum Show

Las Vegas Drum Show Facebook

Las Vegas Drum Show Instagram

Las Vegas Drum Show YouTube

Tuscany Suites & Casino

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