Roxy’s Battle Cry: — A Music Venue’s Fight To Keep The Amps Warm And The Doors Open For Business!

 

Thanks to Christina Vitagliano and Rob Hussey— two of the undisputed trailblazers in our Las Vegas music tribe — for dropping a Facebook flare this morning and spotlighting Hangout Bar & Grill’s post about the heavy reality hitting ROXY’S BAR & GRILL. Not about the circumstances around the post. But the reality of the venue side of the music industry.

ROXY’S BAR & GRILL is grinding in the trenches of bar life, kitchen chaos, and the live‑music battlefield, fighting to keep the amps warm and the doors open.

If you want the straight, unfiltered truth about what it takes to survive in this business, their post is a must‑read. Hit the link to get enlightened Here.

Las Vegas needs to stay wide awake to the hazards lurking in the music‑venue game — this town has watched more stages go dark in the last few years than any city built on neon and nightlife should ever go through! Each closure should be a reminder of how brutal the fight is to keep live music alive in a city that claims to run on it!

After reading ROXY’S BAR & GRILL’s post about their fight to stay alive, it doesn’t just tug at you — it detonates in your chest like a stack of Marshalls pushed past redline. It’s the kind of raw truth that should light a fire under every fan in this city.

Because this isn’t just about cheering for your favorite local bands. This is about backing the venues — the gritty, neon‑soaked battlegrounds where those bands are born, tested, and unleashed. These places pour their souls into the food, the drinks, the atmosphere, the stage, the sound, the whole damn experience… and people forget one crucial thing:

These aren’t just hangouts. They’re businesses fighting for survival in a city that claims to worship live music.

So, if you love the bands, love the scene, love the nights that turn into memories, then you need to show some love to the venues that make it all possible!

Gary England

Vegas Rock Confidential: From Bay Area Beginnings To The Heat Of L.A.To The Magnetic Pull of Las Vegas — Getting To Know Jamey Pacheco.

Vegas Rock Confidential: From Bay Area Beginnings To The Heat Of L.A.To The Magnetic Pull of Las Vegas — Getting to Know Jamey Pacheco.

Jamey Pacheco’s story kicks in when he was just fourteen years old. When he first sat down behind a drum kit, fired up by Kiss and Aerosmith — pure gasoline for a kid already wired for rhythm. 

From there he charged straight into the Bay Area trenches, landing his first real gig with Candy, alongside Derek Davis and Robb Reid, the core that would eventually ignite Babylon A.D. He hammered stages that every West Coast rocker knows by heart—The Stone in San Francisco, Keystone Palo Alto, Keystone Berkeley, Niles Station—sweaty, loud rooms where reputations were earned one blistering set at a time. Pacheco didn’t just play the circuit; he helped build it, co‑founding The Persuaders, the band that evolved into Babylon A.D. and carried him into the national spotlight. By the time MTV’s Headbanger’s Ball came calling during the Arista Records era, he was already a seasoned street‑tough drummer with the chops, the attitude, and the history to back it up!

Jamey Pacheco slammed into the Babylon A.D. lineup right from the jump, holding down the drum throne from 1987 to 1993 as the band tore through the hard‑rock trenches. After that first blazing run, he stepped back from the road to earn his degree in Graphic Design between 1993 and 1999, sharpening a whole new creative skill set. Then the story kicked back into overdrive — Pacheco reunited with Babylon A.D. in 1999 and stayed behind the kit all the way through 2019, powering a twenty‑year second chapter that most bands only dream about. What a run!

Jamey Pacheco pushed into a new chapter in 2019, diving headfirst into tribute projects — most notably the high‑energy of Duran Duran Duran (D3). His tribute‑band era has taken him everywhere from Yoshi’s Oakland to Crystal Bay Casino in Lake Tahoe, the Firehouse Arts Center, and even the Rockstar Bar in Las Vegas, proving he can flip from hard‑rock grit to new‑wave precision without dropping a shred of swagger!

Today, after 40+ years in the business, Pacheco remains a touring drummer, recording artist, visual designer, and session player — still chasing the next loud night, still swinging sticks like they’re built for battle.

Jamey isn’t just keeping Duran D3 sharp for the road — he’s building new soundscapes with his musical partner in life, Ronnie Wagner, laying down fresh tracks together inside the D3 lineup. On top of that, Ronnie’s own project, Passion Nouveau, gives them another creative lane to explore, blending styles and ideas while Jamey shifts effortlessly between a hard‑rock punch and a new sleek & modern groove!

Together in life and locked in the same musical orbit, Jamey and Ronnie are a powerhouse duo with no ceiling in sight. Two seasoned artists pushing each other higher, chasing new sounds, new stages, and whatever wild horizon comes next — the musical sky’s wide open for them both!

Gary England

To learn more about Jamey, Ronnie, D3-Duran Duran Duran, Babylon A.D., and Passion Nouveau, check the links below.

Jamey Pacheco on Facebook

Jamey Pacheco Official Website

JAMES PACHECO | SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Ronnie Wagner on Facebook

Ronnie Wagner Official Website

Duran Duran Duran (D3) on Facebook

Duran D3 Tribute Official Website

Babylon A.D. - Music, Official Site, Band, Music

Passion Nouveau Official Website

Old Vegas Lives In Metal Coins Not Tickets: Where The Real Coins Still Fall In Las Vegas

 I’m chasing a little old‑Las‑Vegas nostalgia here, back when hitting a slot jackpot meant something. Not just flashing LEDs and some digital jingle, but real action: lights exploding, bells screaming, and a waterfall of cold, hard coins crashing into that metal tray like you’d just woken up the whole casino floor.

So, here’s what I want to know: which casinos in Las Vegas, if any, still have the classic machines? The ones that take a dollar bill, spin with some soul, and pay you off in actual American coins instead of a sad little paper ticket.

If there’s still a place in this town where you can hear that beautiful metallic cha-ching instead of a printer spitting out a receipt, point me in that direction!

If you’re hunting for those old‑school, coin‑dropping beauties, your best bets these days are the El Cortez, the California, and the Main Street Station downtown, the last of the true holdouts that still keep a few vintage machines alive.

The Fremont has been known to keep a couple of vintage machines alive, and The Plaza has occasionally rotated in older coin‑pay units for nostalgia seekers. But outside of downtown, the Strip is a graveyard; every major resort has gone full ticket‑in, ticket‑out. If you want the real clatter of coins hitting a metal tray, downtown is your last stand!

{My Take}

Back in the old Vegas days, those coin‑paying slots felt almost alive. The lights didn’t just blink, they welcomed you. The bells didn’t just ring, they celebrated you. And when those coins came pouring down into the metal tray, it wasn’t just a payout; it was a moment you could feel in your chest. A little burst of magic you could scoop up with both hands. Those machines gave you more than winnings; they gave you memories that still echo long after the casinos changed and the city grew up around them!

I miss those days!

Gary England

Super Bowl 60 Showdown: Why The Seahawks Hold The Statistical Edge Over New England

 With just three more days till the Seahawks clash with the Pats, it's time for me to pick a winner!

Super Bowl 60 brings us a heavyweight rematch more than a decade in the making: the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots meeting again on the NFL’s biggest stage. Both teams arrive at Levi’s Stadium with identical 14–3 records, elite defenses, and quarterbacks who’ve caught fire at the perfect time. But when you dig into the numbers, one team holds a clearer edge.

Seattle’s Case: Efficiency, Balance, and Playoff Precision

Seattle enters this matchup as the slight betting favorite —and the stats explain why.

Key Advantages

• Sam Darnold’s playoff surge: A stunning 4:0 TD–INT ratio while completing 69%+ of his passes in both postseason games. That efficiency against top‑tier defenses (49ers, Rams) signals a quarterback playing the best football of his career.

• Clutch scoring: Seattle put up 31 points on the Rams in the NFC Championship, showing they can finish drives under pressure.

• Balanced attack: Kenneth Walker III remains a late‑game closer—Madden’s simulation even projects him scoring the game‑winner in a tight contest.

Why It Matters

Seattle’s offense isn’t explosive—it’s efficient, mistake‑free, and built to complement a defense that forces opponents into long, grinding drives.

New England’s Case: Defense, Discipline, and a Rising Star QB

The Patriots’ turnaround under Mike Vrabel is one of the season’s biggest stories. They’ve won with toughness, situational mastery, and a defense that’s been nearly impenetrable.

Key Advantages

• Elite playoff defense: New England has allowed just 8.7 points per game through three postseason matchups—an absurd number in the modern NFL.

• Drake Maye’s poise: The rookie QB has guided the Patriots to their 12th Super Bowl appearance, showing maturity beyond his years.

• Weather-tested resilience: Their AFC Championship win in harsh conditions proved they can win ugly when needed.

Why It Matters

If New England controls tempo and forces Darnold into long third downs, they can drag this game into the kind of defensive slugfest they thrive in.

The Deciding Factor: Quarterback Efficiency vs. Defensive Dominance

This matchup comes down to one question:

Can Seattle’s efficient, turnover‑free offense crack a Patriots defense that’s been historically stingy this postseason?

• Seattle has the more consistent quarterback play right now.

• New England has the better defense, but they haven’t faced an offense this balanced in the playoffs.

• Both teams can run the ball, but Seattle’s late‑game explosiveness gives them a slight edge.

{My Take}

Super Bowl 60 delivers a matchup rich with history, strategy, and razor‑thin margins—but the numbers help separate hype from reality. Seattle’s postseason efficiency, Darnold’s mistake‑free surge, and a balanced offense built for late‑game execution give the Seahawks a measurable advantage over a Patriots team powered by defense and discipline. New England will make them earn every yard, but the statistical trends point toward Seattle having just enough firepower and composure to finish the job. 

“New England’s defense will keep this one tight, but Seattle’s offensive flow and red‑zone precision ultimately make them the stronger pick to raise the Lombardi.”

Between you and me. This game could go either way! We'll see :-)

GE

Super Bowl 60 Week Unleashed: What To See To Do And Experience The Week Before The Big Game

The week leading up to the Super Bowl is more than a football game; it's time to party!

Super Bowl LX doesn’t just bring football fever to Santa Clara; it turns the entire South Bay into a week‑long entertainment playground. With Levi’s Stadium hosting the Patriots–Seahawks showdown, the days leading up to kickoff become a festival of music, nightlife, celebrity sightings, and immersive fan experiences. If you’re coming for the game but staying for the vibes, this is the version of Super Bowl Week you want.

Super Bowl 60 Week Entertainment

NFL Super Bowl 60 Week

Concerts, Pop‑Ups & Nightlife Takeover The City.

Super Bowl Week transforms Santa Clara and nearby San Jose into a rotating stage of live music and themed parties. Expect national touring acts, DJ‑driven club nights, and exclusive pop‑ups from major brands looking to make a splash. Bars and lounges across the South Bay roll out special Super Bowl menus, team‑themed cocktails, and late‑night events that keep the energy high long after the sun goes down.

 Immersive Fan Zones & Interactive Experiences

The NFL’s official fan activations bring a theme‑park feel to the week. Think:

• Skill‑challenge stations

• Photo‑op installations

• Player meet‑and‑greets

• Live broadcasts from national sports shows

These zones become all‑day hangouts where fans can soak in the atmosphere, grab exclusive merch, and feel like part of the show.

Stadium District Buzz Around Levi’s

The area surrounding Levi’s Stadium becomes a mini‑city of entertainment. Pop‑up shops, outdoor stages, food trucks, and sponsor activations line the walkways. Whether you’re grabbing a bite, catching a live set, or just people‑watching, the stadium district is where Super Bowl energy peaks.

Bay Area Culture Meets Super Bowl Hype

Santa Clara’s location gives fans easy access to the broader Bay Area’s entertainment scene. San Francisco’s nightlife, San Jose’s arts district, and Silicon Valley’s tech‑driven attractions all join the party. It’s a rare moment where sports culture, entertainment culture, and Bay Area culture collide!

 Countdown to Kickoff

As the kickoff approaches, the buzz intensifies, more parties, more concerts, more fan events, and more anticipation. Whether you’re a die‑hard football fan or just here for the spectacle, Super Bowl Week in Santa Clara delivers a full entertainment experience wrapped around the biggest game of the year!

{My Take}

 Super Bowl Week in Santa Clara isn’t just a warm‑up to the biggest game of the year; it’s a full‑scale entertainment surge that turns the South Bay into a living, breathing celebration. From concerts and nightlife to immersive fan zones and stadium‑district buzz, the days leading up to kickoff offer something for every kind of visitor. Whether you’re here to party, explore, or simply soak in the spectacle, Santa Clara delivers a week that feels every bit as memorable as the game itself !

GE

Super Bowl 60 Party Central

NFL Super Bowl 60 Week Events

NBC Bay Area Super Bowl 60 Fun

Billboard Parties & Events

Sebastian Bach Jason Ebs Jet Velocity Holiday All Star Band Bring Christmas Magic To Hollywood Boulevard CA

 The 93rd Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade lit up Hollywood Boulevard on November 30, with Grand Marshal Luke Wilson leading the festivities in support of Marine Toys for Tots. The evening blended star power, community spirit, and holiday tradition, with appearances from celebrities, musicians, and families, including world-renowned rock stars, Sebastian Bach and his wife Suzanne, and Jason Ebs and his wife Janea, who added their own star power to the celebration.

The event was filmed for national broadcast, ensuring that audiences across the country could share in the magic when it airs on The CW Network on December 12, 2025, at 8pm Eastern & Pacific time.

The Hollywood Christmas Parade, now in its 93rd year, has become a cornerstone of Los Angeles’ holiday season. This year’s event was especially poignant, as it continued its long-standing partnership with Marine Toys for Tots, ensuring that children across the country receive gifts during the holidays.

Actor Luke Wilson, known for films like Legally Blonde and The Royal Tenenbaums, served as Grand Marshal, embodying the parade’s blend of Hollywood glamour and heartfelt community service. Alongside him, Anthony Anderson was honored as Humanitarian of the Year, underscoring the event’s charitable mission.

Official Website

The Hollywood Christmas Parade has something for children (And Adults) of all ages!

TV and movie stars, magic, music, and showgirls. Marching Bands and dance groups. Outlaws, ghostbusters, and floats. What an Extravaganza! Check out the official Hollywood Christmas Parade Program link below for all of the festivities. 

 

The Official Hollywood Christmas Parade Program 

 

This year’s Hollywood Christmas Parade was a resounding success, blending tradition, star power, and the joy of giving. 

Now for the highlight of the parade.

The super high-energy of the “Jet Velocity Holiday All Star Band.”

The band is led and produced by Jason Ebs (Peter Criss on the “Bad Boys of KISS” Tours with Ace Frehley & SWAGGERMOUTH) and also features his soulful-singing wife Janea Chadwick Ebs (Joe Cocker & SWAGGERMOUTH). This year’s line-up also includes the original powerhouse voice of SKID ROW, Sebastian Bach, Matt Starr from Ace Frehley on Drums, Adam Kury from Candlebox on Bass, Tracii Guns from LA Guns on guitar, and the magic of Suzanne Le Bach from Masters of Illusion!

This year the band performed a two-song mix that included a brand-new original song written by Jason & Janea titled “Magical Christmas”, which incorporates magic into their performance. The new single will be available for Christmas (December 11th) from all online retailers and released through their record label Ebsworthy Sounds. The song was recorded by this year’s line-up and was mixed & produced by Jason Ebs at their newly acquired Dragon Castle Studios in Las Vegas, which is the former hit-making studio house formerly owned by the band Imagine Dragons. Their second song, which is a rockin’ revision that Jason created of the Holiday classic “Run, Run, Rudolph”!

Together, this powerhouse lineup delivered a performance that was nothing short of electrifying, an unforgettable holiday spectacle that proved rock ’n’ roll belongs at the heart of Christmas magic.

Remember to tune in on December 12th at 8pm Eastern & Pacific time on the CW channel (Network) for this year's 93rd Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade 

Merry Christmas To All !

GE

(Parade & Featured Band Links)

The Hollywood Christmas Parade

www.JetVelocityHolidayAllStars.com 

Swaggermouth.com

Swaggermouth Spotify

Jason Ebs Spotify

http://www.RockStarRealityRetreat.com

(From the CW Network)

The star-studded tradition continues with THE 93rd ANNUAL HOLLYWOOD CHRISTMAS PARADE airing on Friday, December 12 (8:00-10:00pm ET/PT). Hosted by Erik Estrada and Laura McKenzie with Elizabeth Stanton, the parade will feature Hollywood celebrities and movie cars, award-winning bands from across the country, dazzling equestrians, larger-than-life character balloons, colorful floats, humorous specialty acts, and high-profile performers. The parade culminates with the appearance of the Jolly Old Elf himself, Santa Claus, and his reindeer, ushering in the holiday season! The special is presented and produced by Associated Television International.

#NationalNewsMedia #WorldwideEntertainmentNetwork #USAT #LasVegasReviewJournal #LasVegasSun #LasVegasWeekly #MusicEntertainmentSports #Marine Toys for Tots 

#JaneaChadwickEbs #SuzanneLeBach

Las Vegas Kings Dominate The California Cali Gold In Arena League Football Action This Weekend

 (March 21-22, 2025)

{Kings On The Road}

This past Friday night, our hometown Las Vegas Kings hit the road and traveled West overnight to wage war against the (California) Cali Gold to officially open their 2025 arena football league season the following day at 1pm. (Saturday)

With an eleven-hour drive behind them, a quick rest stop at an Airbnb, and a breakfast fit for a King prepared by Head Coach Chris Wallace, the Kings were ready to play!

(The Game)

With a finely tuned offense that dominated the clock, and with a dominating defense that held their ground the entire game. The Kings Shut Down the Cali Gold 30-Zip!

(Pictured Below) 

Las Vegas King Brian Torres Stands tall over Cali Gold player. 

Photo Credit: Lisa Torres Photography

Las Vegas Kings "Players Of The Game"

Quarterback #1 - Reggie Young. 2 Running TD's - 3 Passing TD's

Tight End #24 - Robert Burns. Outstanding Offensive Play 

* Highlight Of the Game. Pop Pass TD To Begin The 2nd Half *

Las Vegas Kings "MVP Player Of The Game"

Wide Receiver / DB #0 - William Carswell  2 TD's - 2 INT's

Las Vegas Kings / Cali Gold "Post Game Pic"

Photo Credit: Lisa Torres Photography

"The Kings played as a team in a very dominant way"

~Head Coach Chris Wallace~

Next up for the Kings: 

April 12, 2025 - Las Vegas Kings at Colorado Spartans (Away)

April 26, 2025 - Las Vegas Kings at Idaho Horsemen (Away)

{Kings Insider Info}

The Las Vegas Kings Are Scheduling Home Games In Las Vegas at Mater Academy East on May 17th & May 24th. (More game info to be released soon).

Go Kings!

GE

Las Vegas Kings Facebook

Las Vegas Kings Instagram

Las Vegas Kings Official Website

Head Coach Chris Wallace Facebook

Lisa Torres Photography

Cali Gold Football Facebook

For National and Worldwide Syndication. #NationalNewsMedia #WorldwideEntertainmentNetwork #USAT #LasVegasSun #LasVegasReviewJournal #USAT #garyenglanddotcom #yourtake