Rustic Lounge Roll‑Call: The Bands & The Musicians Who Lit Up The Stage!

 

Last night, I rolled into the Rustic Lounge in Henderson for their every‑other‑Thursday night Jam‑Fest — and man, these nights always hit different. I live for these jam sessions. The room turns into a playground for raw Vegas and Henderson talent, with musicians stepping up to show off what they’ve got, test‑drive fresh riffs, tighten the loose bolts, and just flat‑out do the thing they love. It’s some of the best homegrown firepower in the valley, all plugged in and unleashed!

From the second I hit the door, I knew the night was about to explode. The place was packed wall‑to‑wall with fans, die‑hard music lovers, and a whole crew of local musicians I already recognized — the kind of crowd that tells you that the Rustic Lounge is about to throw down something special!

My mission for the night wasn’t just to soak up the music — it was to snag some intel on a few standout bands and local talent I can blast out to the world. I’m always looking to give these Vegas and Henderson artists a little extra push in the right direction, shine a light on their grind, and help their names travel farther than the room they’re playing in. And let’s just say… my blog has some suits in the music biz around the world watching and listening to what I say!

The whole night was off the charts from the jump. Every band, every music maker, every artist who hit that stage was locked in and bringing it loud — no misses, no warm‑ups, just straight firepower all night long!

The first band to grab my attention was Satin Steel out of Arizona. After their set, I sat down with them and went straight into my “you guys need to move to Vegas” spiel — because your sound and look would crush it here. Word, is they love Zona and its music scene, but they’re seriously vibing with the Vegas crowd, and they’re all about the Rustic Lounge. Let’s just say, if you’re a venue booker or a music promoter in Vegas, you might want to check out Satin Steel’s YouTube channel. They’ve got Vegas written all over them!

The next artist to hit the stage was a showstopper — a young powerhouse with the look of Cleopatra, with the voice of Ann Wilson from Heart, and the fearless, electric stage charisma of a Miley Cyrus.

 I first saw her over a year ago when she was just breaking into the music scene, and in that short time she’s transformed into a full‑throttle rock star dominating the local circuit. Helena Harris, you’ve officially grabbed this rock-journalist's attention. Wow. < Chasing Light >

My third spotlight dropped right onto Paul Anthony Systemec and his beautiful wife, Jen Lynn. Before they hit the stage, Paul told me, “Me and Jen are just doing a simple acoustic set tonight.” Well… Paul, Jen — that “simple acoustic set” sounded like a full arena‑touring band rolling through the Rustic Lounge. Big, bold, and absolutely awesome. Paul mentioned his band is getting things back in motion after a short hiatus from the biz, and from what I saw and heard last night, you’re more than ready to storm the stage again! Bring it on!

{My Take}

What an absolutely awesome night of music, friends, and full‑throttle talent at the Rustic Lounge. 

Huge thanks to Carmen and Les Warner for the invite — you two know how to pack a room with firepower. 

And a special shoutout to Dave Bentz and Dezi Lou for keeping the whole show running smooth as glass. 

To Satin Steel, Helena Harris, Paul and Jen, and every single band and musician who lit up that stage last night —

  You All RAWK!

Gary England

The Story Behind Chasing Light Winning Battle Of The Bands At The Bonfire Las Vegas

With only a few months of performing together. Chasing Light is already getting noticed.  

This week, Chasing Light Won The Battle Of The Bands contest at the Bonfire Las Vegas.

They also caught this journalist attention.

For many reasons I might add.

Here's the story.

Earlier this year, I wrote a "Behind The Scenes" article about what goes on in a band's closed-door practice session. Something fans don't get to see. The featured band in my article was "Sex To Love". That's when I met Nico Hayek (lead Guitarist For Sex To Love) and got to witness this young man's musical talent. 

I've been keeping up with the Battle Of The Bands contest for a couple of weeks on Facebook. I really believe that these contests are good for the music industry and help young and new talent in the industry to get the exposure that they much deserve! 

The next morning after the Battle Of The Bands finale. I opened up Facebook to find out that Chasing Light was the winner of the Battle Of The Bands finale the night before. As I read on I found out that Nico Hayek and Helena Harris was two members of the band. What a coincidence. I already know the musical talent that Nico possesses from meeting him a few months back. But to find out that I've already got to see Helena Harris and witness her amazing music talent on stage a few months back also at the Bonfire. Like wow!

Helena and Nico remind me of me. I found my passion for writing still in my teens. Much like Helena (Now 18) and Nico (Now 19) have both found their amazing musical niche in life.

To find out what your niche in life is while still in your teens is awesome!

And to excel in your niche is a blessing!

I compare Helena and Nico to Karen & Richard Carpenter. (Age & Musical Talent)

Besides Chasing Light's awesome talent on stage. Their social media presence is The Bomb!

Thanks to Helena's dad Larry Harris. Which handles his daughter's media and PR, along with Chasing Light's social media and internet presence. 

One thing that separates really good bands from the rest of the pack is how and where they're being seen.

As a band, you've got to keep fresh in all of your fan's minds. That's what Larry is really good at!

It's one thing in the business that I call one of the "It Factors"!

Yes, Chasing Light is "Doing Everything Right"

Their amazing talent on stage, with a Marketing and PR Guru (Helena's Dad), and a strong support system that Helena and Nico both have with their parents actively involved.

I see a very bright future for the both of them!

By the way. Congratulations For Winning Battle Of The Bands!

Check out the links below to find out more about Helena and Nico, and about their amazing band.

And The Bonfire LV. Their food and refreshments are deliciously Awesome. And their entertainment lineup, stage and sound system are Bad A$$ too! I Love This Bar!

For Vegas-Insider 

GE

Chasing Light Instagram

Chasing Light You Tube Channel

Chasing Light Facebook

Helena Harris Facebook

Helena Harris Instagram

Nico Hayek Facebook

Battle Of The Bands Bonfire

Bonfire LV