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

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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

How Las Vegas Music Trends Have Evolved From 2015 Until today

 In one of my previous blogs, I discussed the popularity of Classic Rock music in Las Vegas. 

Today, I'm going to compare the different music genres over the last 10 years. (2015 to 2025)

Which music genres are more popular with the fans since 2015, and which music genres are losing ground?

Here's a "Recent" side-by-side comparison of the most popular music genres in Las Vegas in 2015 vs. 2025, based on live performances, residencies, club trends, and audience demographics:

Las Vegas Music Genre Popularity: 2015 vs. 2025

	2015	2025
1	Pop – Britney Spears, Celine Dion	1. Pop – Adele, Madonna, U2
2	EDM – Calvin Harris, Tiësto	2. EDM – Zedd, Steve Aoki, Dom Dolla
3	Classic Rock / Rock – Raiding the Rock Vault, Hard Rock shows	3. Hip-Hop / Rap – Usher, Travis Scott, club hosts
4	Hip-Hop / R&B – Drai’s, 1OAK nights	4. Classic Rock / Rock – tribute bands, House of Blues, The Strat
5	Country – Reba, Brooks & Dunn	5. Country – Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan
6	Jazz / Lounge / Crooner – legacy shows in lounges	6. Latin – Bad Bunny, Peso Pluma, Karol G
7	Latin – smaller club presence	7. R&B / Soul – SZA, Usher, The Weekend influence
8	Metal / Hard Rock – Vamp’d, local shows	8. Jazz / Crooner – still alive in lounges & The Smith Center
9	Tribute Bands – popular with locals	9. Tribute Bands / Variety – still thriving at off-Strip venues
10	—	10. K-Pop / Global Pop – small but growing fandom presence

Key Changes (2015 ➡ 2025):

• Hip-Hop surged ahead, going from 4th to 3rd due to its stronger mainstream and nightlife appeal.

• Latin music made a major leap, moving from niche to mainstream thanks to global stars and demographic shifts.

• Classic Rock dropped slightly, but it still holds strong with locals and aging tourists despite the closure of some key venues like Count's Vamp’d & Club Madrid Sunset Station Hotel.

• Pop remains dominant, especially on the Strip, driven by high-dollar residencies and global tourist demand.

• EDM held its ground, but it's now part of a broader nightlife blend with Hip-Hop and Latin.

• Jazz and Crooner styles declined in ranking, though still culturally significant in upscale lounges.

• Tribute bands remain a unique Vegas staple, providing a consistent draw across off-Strip and Station Casino venues.

Comparing the most popular music genres in Las Vegas from 2015 to 2025 highlights the city’s constant evolution while preserving its entertainment roots. Pop and EDM continue to dominate the Strip with high-profile residencies and club scenes, but the rise of hip-hop and Latin music reflects a younger, more diverse audience shaping the sound of modern Vegas. Meanwhile, classic rock and tribute bands maintain a loyal fan base among locals and nostalgic tourists, even as the landscape shifts. This decade-long transition underscores Las Vegas’ unique ability to blend timeless classics with emerging trends, making it a dynamic music capital that caters to every generation.

As for me, I'm still a classic rocker!

GE

What's Behind Pop Rock And Hip Hop Music Artists Going Over To The Country Music Scene?

On Monday, I talked about nationally known pop, rock, and hip-hop artists who transitioned from their chosen genre of music over to the country music scene. < Read Here >

Yesterday, on a more local level, I talked about my friend Jimmie B Romero and his very successful leap from rock music to being a country music star in less than a year. <Read Here >

So why are all of these very successful music artists making the change in the mid-stream of their careers?

Over the past few years, a growing wave of artists from rock, pop, and hip-hop backgrounds have traded their old sounds for steel guitars, cowboy boots, and country music stages. This shift isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a reflection of deeper trends in the music industry, audience tastes, and the evolving identity of country music itself.

"Going Country" is driven by a mix of strategic, creative, and market-based reasons. And it might even be about money! 

Here’s why it’s happening more often.

Country fans tend to be very loyal and support artists long-term. The genre still emphasizes album sales, radio play, and live shows, offering a more consistent and profitable career path compared to the more volatile pop or rock scenes.

Unlike some music scenes that gatekeep, the country music industry is relatively open to crossover artists. It's become common for non-country acts to collaborate with country stars or pivot their style entirely.

In the streaming era, genre boundaries are more fluid. Many "country" songs today are a hybrid of country, pop, rock, and hip-hop. This flexibility makes it easier for artists to shift genres without alienating their audience.

Older pop and rock artists often find country music a natural evolution. Its themes, nostalgia, heartbreak, and resilience, align well with the songwriting maturity they’ve developed. And the country audience often skews older, aligning better with legacy artists.

Thanks to artists like Morgan Wallen, Kacey Musgraves, and even crossovers like Post Malone dabbling in country, the genre has gained trendiness and mainstream appeal, particularly among younger audiences.

Country still thrives on big tours, festivals, and intimate club gigs. Opportunities that have shrunk for some other genres. Artists want to go where the action (and money) is. 

And for now, it's the country music scene!

See Y'all Soon.

GE

Is It Just Me Are Pop Rock And Hip Hop Music Stars Choosing To Go Country?

From Beats to Boots: Are Rock, Pop, and Hip-Hop Artists Going Country?

Not long ago, country music was considered to be in its own world, fenced off by twang, tradition, and tight-knit Nashville circles. But today, the boundaries are breaking down. 

In recent years, a wave of rockers, pop stars, and hip-hop artists have traded their city lights and studio beats for southern charm and steel guitars. What was once a surprising crossover is now a full-blown trend that's reshaping the country music genre, and the entire music industry itself. 

In the last few months, I've noticed this trend here in Las Vegas. What's the deal?

In recent years, many successful rock, pop, and hip-hop stars have gone country for at least a while.

Here’s a list of recent rock, pop, and hip-hop artists who’ve made the jump to country or incorporated country influences in a serious way.

Steven Tyler (Aerosmith)

• Released "We're All Somebody from Somewhere" (2016) — a country solo album.

• Performed at country festivals and embraced a Nashville sound.

Darius Rucker (Hootie & the Blowfish)

• Hugely successful country career since the late 2000s.

• Now a CMA-winning solo artist with multiple #1 country hits.

Post Malone

• Released "I Had Some Help" (2024) with Morgan Wallen.

• Recently performed at the ACM Awards and is reportedly working on a full country album.

Katy Perry

• Teamed up with Kacey Musgraves and other country acts, and flirts with country-pop crossover sounds.

Nelly

• Released "Heartland" (2021), a country-inspired album featuring Kane Brown, Florida Georgia Line, and more.

• Longtime collaborator with country acts since "Over and Over" with Tim McGraw (2004).

Jelly Roll

• Started in hip-hop, moved into rock, and is now a full-fledged country artist.

• Won at the 2023 CMA Awards and is a major force in country radio now.

Wow, if you ask me, this is a pretty famous list of Top-Shelf musicians that are looking at country music as the wave of the future!

{My Take}

As genre lines blur and audiences embrace more musical diversity, country music has become a surprising safe haven for reinvention. Whether it’s a rap icon trading bars for banjos or a pop star finding new life in storytelling and steel guitars, the move to country isn’t just a trend, it’s a transformation. With Nashville more open than ever and listeners tuning in with open minds, don’t be surprised if tomorrow’s biggest country hits come from the most unexpected voices from once stars in the rock, pop, and hip-hop music world!

Like I said earlier, I've seen this trend here in Las Vegas. 

Could Sin City LV be the next West Coast Nashville?

I was born in Dallas, Texas.

Country works good for me!

Y'all Take Care!

GE

Onward And Upward For The Las Vegas Local Music Scene !

 After attending the 4th Annual Las Vegas Drum Show this past weekend. 

And looking forward to the Las Vegas Guitar Trade Show coming up on May 30th through June 1st later this year. I've got to say that the Local Music Scene in Las Vegas is red hot!

Yes, Las Vegas definitely has a thriving local music scene!

But by Las Vegas Standards, there’s always room for growth. 

Just look how things have changed in Vegas over the last ten years or so.

What would it take to complete and enhance the Local Music Scene in Las Vegas?

Here are a few of my thoughts.

{My Take}

Vegas has plenty of small clubs and massive arenas, but there’s a lack of mid-sized venues (500-2,500 capacity) for growing bands to play before they reach the big leagues. More venues like Brooklyn Bowl or House of Blues would help bridge that gap.

While electronic and pop acts thrive due to the city's club scene, rock and metal bands don’t get as much attention. More dedicated rock venues and festivals could help balance the playing field in Vegas' Local Music scene!

Most live music in Vegas happens in bars or casinos, making it tough for younger musicians and fans. More all-ages or 18+ venues could encourage the next generation of local talent.

While there are many talented musicians, different genres and groups tend to stay in their own bubbles. More cross-genre events, jam nights, and collaborative efforts could strengthen the overall scene.

Unlike cities with strong indie radio stations, Vegas lacks a major platform that consistently supports local artists. A dedicated radio station or media outlet focused on local bands would help give them more exposure. I like to think that the blog that you're reading helps that cause! 

Vegas hosts major festivals like Life Is Beautiful and When We Were Young, but a homegrown festival focused on local talent could put the city’s musicians in the spotlight.

Major labels, booking agents, and management companies are mostly based in L.A. or New York. If Vegas developed more of its own music industry infrastructure—local record labels, management firms, and booking agencies—it could help local artists build careers without having to move away.

These are just a few of my thoughts (As a journalist) about how to complete and/or enhance the Local Music Scene in Las Vegas. 

What are your thoughts?

Comment Below.

GE

Las Vegas Is A Classic Rock City Or Is It?

 According to local radio station playlists, concert schedules, social media trends, streaming music data, and local venue listings. There's more that meets the eyes (And Ears) in Las Vegas than Classic Rock music. Or is there?

Las Vegas is known for its diverse and vibrant music scene, with live performances across a wide range of genres. Here are the most popular music genres that are played and performed in Las Vegas that help make Las Vegas "The Entertainment Capital Of The World".

It's no surprise that Rock & Classic Rock dominate the LV Music Scene!

Rock has a strong presence in Vegas, with tribute bands, cover bands, and legendary rock acts frequently performing on the Strip and at local venues. Bands like The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, and Van Halen tribute bands are common in casinos and concert halls.

EDM (Electronic Dance Music)

Las Vegas is one of the global hotspots for EDM, with world-famous DJs like Tiësto, Calvin Harris, and Steve Aoki having residencies at clubs like Omnia, Zouk, and XS. Festivals like EDC (Electric Daisy Carnival) bring massive crowds for electronic music performances.

Pop & Contemporary Hits

Many A-list pop stars hold residencies in Vegas, including artists like Adele, Usher, and Bruno Mars. Pop cover bands also dominate casino lounges and bars.

Country

With venues like Ole Red, Gilley's Saloon, and Stoney’s Rockin’ Country and big concerts at T-Mobile Arena, country music has a solid fan base in Las Vegas.

Hip-Hop & R&B

Vegas nightclubs regularly host major hip-hop artists such as Drake, Cardi B, and Travis Scott.

Jazz & Blues

Jazz and blues can be found in more intimate settings like The Smith Center, The Sand Dollar Lounge, and various casino bars. Local and touring jazz musicians keep the genre alive in Vegas nightlife.

Latin Music (Reggaeton, Salsa, Bachata, Mariachi)

Latin music has a huge audience in Las Vegas, with artists like Bad Bunny and J Balvin selling out arenas. Clubs and bars regularly feature salsa and bachata nights.

Broadway & Show Tunes

Many of Vegas' entertainment productions, like Cirque du Soleil and musical theater shows, feature Broadway-style performances. The Venetian and The Smith Center frequently host major touring productions.

Heavy Metal & Hard Rock

Vegas has a strong underground metal scene, with venues like Count's Vamp’d hosting metal bands regularly. Major rock festivals like Sick New World and When We Were Young cater to rock and metal fans.

Indie & Alternative

The local indie scene thrives in smaller venues like The Space and Backstage Bar & Billiards. Bands like The Killers (who originated from Vegas) helped put the city on the indie rock map.

{My Take}

Las Vegas offers a little bit of everything when it comes to music. 

But Is Las Vegas A Classic Rock City?

I Say It Is!

Rock On ...

GE