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

Blaze Of Las Vegas Glory - Vote Loud Vote Proud Vote Daily For The Best Of Las Vegas!

 

To me, after a lifetime circling the amps, cameras, stages, and media trenches, I’ve learned a few truths carved in stone. 

One: if you’re in the arts — musician, photographer, writer, whatever your weapon — you’re blessed beyond measure. 

Two: every shot, riff, lyric, and frame is just your soul kicking the door open. 

And three: no matter how tough you talk, you judge yourself by the echoes — the fans, the crowd, the noise — because their reaction becomes the mirror you can’t escape.

This brings me to today’s blog — the neon‑lit pinnacle of Vegas glory. The ultimate reward for excellence in this wild desert circus. Think the Oscars, the Grammys, the Golden Globes, the Billboard Awards — all smashed together, shaken hard, and poured into one legendary trophy. 

That’s the Best of Las Vegas awards, the annual crown jewel where the city decides who truly owns the spotlight!

So, if you’re fresh to Sin City, or tuning into my blog from some far‑off corner of the planet, you’re probably wondering: what’s the deal with these Best of Las Vegas awards? What’s everyone buzzing about? What makes this thing such a big, neon‑soaked badge of honor in the desert?

It’s the question every newcomer eventually asks — and the answer hits like a spotlight blast!

What are the "Best of Las Vegas Awards"

The Best of Las Vegas is the city’s annual neon‑crowned roll call of greatness — a fan‑driven spotlight blast where YOU get to decide who really keeps this town alive. It’s the moment when locals, diehards, and desert dreamers point straight at the businesses, pros, and personalities who make Las Vegas tick, grind, shine, and deliver day after day.

And here’s where the Best of Las Vegas Awards really kick the doors open and start to rock’ n’ roll —

It’s also where our local music scene gets its praise, its honor, and its hard‑earned kudos for a job done right.

This is the arena where the bands who sweat under the lights, the singers who shred the mic, the guitar slingers who melt faces, the killer venues that hand their stages over to the fans, the shows, the tribute acts, and the behind‑the‑scenes crews who keep the whole beast roaring finally get their moment in the neon sun.

It’s Vegas stepping forward, tipping its hat, and saying:

We see you. We hear you. And WOW — you’re tearing this town up in all the right ways!

Here’s where YOU — the heartbeat of our Las Vegas music scene — jump into the spotlight. Slide over to www.votebolv.com, smash that Entertainment tab, and dive into the categories where our scene is stacked, loaded, and ready to dominate.

Lounge Acts, Tribute Shows, Concert Venues — the whole neon buffet is there for you. Thirty‑five sub‑categories, each one a stage waiting for your vote, your voice, your fire.

This is where the city hears you. This is where the music community shows up. This is where Vegas gets loud!

Cast your daily vote (yep, you can vote each day) before the September 10th midnight deadline, then keep your eyes locked on December 6th when the winners drop on the Best of Las Vegas website and inside the Las Vegas Review‑Journal’s Winners Magazine. This is the moment the city lights up, the spotlights swing wide, and the champions of our scene get their victory roar.

Gary England

Best Of Las Vegas

Vote Best Of Las Vegas

Best Of Las Vegas Rules

Las Vegas Review Journal

Support The Las Vegas Music Scene: Best Of Las Vegas Voting Opens August 17th 2026

 

To Vote: VoteBOLV.com

The Best of Las Vegas nominations slammed shut at midnight on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 — like the final crash of a cymbal echoing across the valley. Now the spotlight swings to the main event.

Voting fires up on August 17, 2026, 9:55 AM Pacific time, and the city gets nearly a full month to make some noise, running straight through September 10, 2026, at 11:59 PM Pacific. This is the moment when every fan, every friend, every late‑night lounge regular gets to step up and help decide who truly owns the Vegas stage.

If you want your voice heard — and you should — head to VoteBOLV.com and cast your votes. Every click is a cheer from the crowd; every ballot is a raised lighter in the dark.

The 2026 Best of Las Vegas winners will take their victory lap in the annual Best of Vegas issue of the Las Vegas Weekly later this summer. That’s where the champions get immortalized — printed, celebrated, and remembered.

Vote hard. Vote loud. And vote big for our Local Las Vegas Music Scene — the singers, musicians, bands, venues, shredders, drummers, dreamers, the shows, and die‑hard performers who keep this city’s pulse beating long after the Strip goes quiet!

{My Take}

So, crank up the amps, Vegas — this is your moment to push our hometown heroes into the spotlight. Hit VoteBOLV.com, smash that ballot like a power chord, and make sure the bands, singers, venues, and music‑makers who keep this city alive get the love they deserve!

Raise your voice. Raise your vote. Let’s show the world how loud the Local Las Vegas Music Scene can roar!

Gary England

Best Of Las Vegas Awards Nominations Closing Tonight Wednesday July 29th 2026

Best Of Las Vegas News Flash!

If you didn’t know, Best of Las Vegas voting has been rolling since July 13, and here’s the kicker — it all shuts down tonight, Wednesday, July 29, at midnight. That means the clock is screaming, the fuse is burning, and it’s officially go‑time!

 Fans can still jump in and nominate their favorite bands, musicians, music venues, and shows across a wide range of categories. 

So hit voteBOLV.com, fire off those nominations, and make sure the bands & artists, venues, and shows you love don’t miss out on their shot!

I got mine in!

Gary England

Primm Nevada Roars Back To Life: Sin City’s State‑Line Outpost Isn’t Dead Yet!

 

Primm, Nevada, just plugged itself back into the grid, and the desert is shaking like a stack of Marshalls waking from a long, dusty coma. At high noon today, Terrible’s is throwing the switch on Primm Valley Resort & Casino, lighting up 422 machines, 250 rooms, and a fully loaded William Hill Sportsbook like it’s a long‑lost tour stop finally getting its encore.

This isn’t some quiet reopening — this is a resurrection with attitude. Terribles swooped in earlier this month and yanked Primm off life support, saving 300+ jobs and giving the state‑line town a second shot at glory. The quick‑bites joint is open, the sports bar is ready to pour, and a new steakhouse is already rising like a backstage legend in the making. No resort fees, tier‑match rewards, fresh promos — they’re not just reopening, they’re swinging for the fences!

Buffalo Bill’s and Whiskey Pete’s are still sitting in the shadows, waiting for their cue, but Primm Valley is already back onstage, amps humming, lights warming up, and the crowd rolling in off I‑15. The town that almost flatlined is suddenly alive again — loud, proud, and ready to remind every Vegas‑bound traveler that the first stop on the Strip isn’t always in Las Vegas!

Primm’s back!!

The desert is rumbling. And the state line just got its swagger back!

{My Take}

Primm’s lights are back on, the desert is humming, and the state line just found its pulse again. If today’s reopening is the opening chord, the encore is going to shake the Mojave. 

Buckle up, Vegas — the road to Sin City just got loud again!

Gary England

Country’s Bill Sanderson & Southern Rock’s Sweet Home Alabama Saddle Up At Viva Tequila Henderson To Benefit The Las Vegas High School & Jr High Rodeo Team Thursday Night July 16!

 

Pictured left: Bill Sanderson
Pictured right: Sweet Home Alabama & The Las Vegas High School & Jr High Rodeo Team

The Las Vegas music scene doesn’t just give back — it saddles up and rides in full force, and Thursday night in Henderson proved it. Country troubadour Bill Sanderson brought the twang, Sweet Home Alabama rolled in with that Southern‑rock thunder, and Viva Tequila Restaurant & Bar threw open its doors like a honky‑tonk ready for a throwdown, all to support the Las Vegas High School & Jr. High Rodeo Team.

From the first guitar lick, the place was jumping like a dance hall on a Saturday night. Twenty percent of every plate and pour went straight to the rodeo kids, and raffle tickets were whipping through the air like someone kicked up dust on a dusty backroad. We dug into onion rings, chicken strips, and fries, washed it down with ice‑cold drinks, and settled in for three-plus hours of country soul and Southern‑rock fire that kept the crowd shoulder‑to‑shoulder and loud enough to rattle the windows.

Inside Viva Tequila, the vibe hit that perfect crossroads — country comfort meeting Southern‑rock swagger. The twang warmed the room, the guitar grit sharpened it, and together they wrapped the crowd in that familiar, boots‑on‑the‑ground Americana glow. Every raffle ticket bought, every plate served, every chorus belted out felt like another spark tossed into the night.

This wasn’t just Vegas showing up — it was Viva Tequila, the musicians, and the community standing tall, lifting their young rodeo riders with every note, every cheer, every stomp of a boot on the floor.

With a packed house, food and drinks covering every table, and raffle tickets flying like rodeo arena confetti, Thursday night stayed alive from start to finish. The energy never dipped, the crowd never thinned, and the support never slowed. By the time the amps cooled, one thing was clear — Thursday night was a runaway win for the Las Vegas High School & Jr. High Rodeo Team, the kind of country‑and‑Southern‑rock‑soaked community victory that sends everyone home grinning!

{My Take}

The Las Vegas local music scene came riding in full force Thursday night, boots down and guitars up. Bill Sanderson brought that smooth, down‑south country croon — the kind that feels like a warm porch light on a summer night — while Sweet Home Alabama rolled in with Southern‑rock thunder that would make Lynyrd Skynyrd crack a proud grin. And Viva Tequila Restaurant & Bar swung its doors wide open, hearts even wider, turning the whole place into a desert‑side honky‑tonk with purpose.

It wasn’t just a show — it was a country‑and‑Southern‑rock throwdown for a cause, a night where twang met grit, community met rhythm, and Vegas proved once again it knows how to show up when it counts. For the Las Vegas High School & Jr High Rodeo Team.

For that, Vegas tips its hat to each and every one of you!

Y'all flat-out tore it up!

Gary England

#NationalNewsMedia #WorldwideEntertainmentNetwork #LasVegasReviewJournal #TheHendersonPatch

Sweet Home Alabama Brings Their Brand Of Southern Rock To The Viva Tequila This Thursday Night For A Cause Worth Saddlin’ Up For!

 

This Thursday, July 16th, 5–9 pm, Henderson is about to shake the dust off its boots.

At Viva Tequila Restaurant & Bar, the Southern Rock engines are firing up as Sweet Home Alabama rolls in to turn a regular Thursday into a denim‑and‑leather, boots‑on‑the‑floor throwdown. Slip into your blue jeans, lace up those stompers, and bring an appetite big enough to match the riffs—because the kitchen’s cranking, the drinks are flowing, and the dance floor is begging for a two‑step stampede.

And here’s the kicker: every bite, sip, and boot‑scootin’ shuffle is fueling something bigger. 20% of all restaurant proceeds go straight to the Las Vegas High School & Jr. High Rodeo Team, the young guns who ride hard all across Nevada as part of the National High School Rodeo Association. Donations are welcome too. These kids aren’t just learning the ropes—they’re living them, chasing eight‑second glory across the Silver State with more grit than a desert windstorm!

So, saddle up and mosey on down to the Viva Tequila this Thursday night, eat, drink, and boot scoot the night away, and let Sweet Home Alabama take you into a Southern Rock state of mind while you help give our hometown cowboys and cowgirls a leg up on their next ride. Good food, cold drinks, loud guitars, and a cause worth backing—right here in our own backyard!

Gary England

Two Nights Of Red White And Blue Rock N' Roll Glow: Moapa Valley Of Fire Celebrate America July 3rd And 4th

 Tonight, July Three, and tomorrow night, July four. “We the People” hit the desert like a power chord. Independence Day isn’t just a date on the calendar — it’s the anniversary of the moment America grabbed the mic, kicked the monarchy off the stage, and declared its own headline tour.

And here in Las Vegas — the neon‑lit capital of loud living — the celebration roars across the valley. From North Las Vegas to Henderson, from Summerlin to the Strip, the whole city turns into one giant block party of food sizzling, drinks clinking, fireworks punching holes in the sky, and music shaking the pavement for America’s 250th birthday.

Check out my latest blog post (Here), it’s your backstage pass to everything exploding, sizzling, rocking, and rolling across Las Vegas tonight and rolling straight into the Fourth. The whole valley’s about to light up like a stadium encore, and the rundown is waiting for you right where the neon meets the news.

Today I’m stepping out from behind the curtain with my "Hot Tip" for where to unleash your red-white-and-blue rock-n-roll spirit.

Click on pic to enlarge

Point your ride north out of Vegas, let the Strip fade in the rearview, and blast up I‑15 until the desert opens wide. Hit Exit 75, swing onto Valley of Fire Highway, and let that ribbon of asphalt pull you straight into a prehistoric cathedral of red rock that looks like the earth itself decided to start a rock ’n’ roll band. 

My hot tip for America’s big birthday blowout? Moapa Travel Plaza — Valley of Fire, the desert outpost where the neon spirit of Vegas meets the raw red‑rock energy of the Mojave. It’s the perfect launchpad for food, drinks, music, fireworks, and a party vibe that hums like a neon sign at midnight.

Point your ride toward the celebration — the trip is as easy as flipping a switch on the Strip!

For another one of my hot‑wired, desert‑lit tips, flip the switch to full party mode — because the bands storming the stage both nights aren’t just playing shows, they’re detonating America’s birthday straight into the neon sky. These bands are made of loud, proud, star‑spangled rock ’n’ roll that makes the whole country square its shoulders and stand tall.

And I’m not just hyping this — I can personally vouch for four of these BaDD‑A$$ outfits. I’ve covered them, watched them melt faces, and seen crowds lose their minds: Stoney Curtis Band, Chase Brown, Mach 5, and Lonestar.

*Be sure to check the event flyer above for times and dates.

Now that’s how you throw a birthday party for America! (Las Vegas Style)

Gary England

Return to the Temple One Year Later: A Count's Vamp’d Family Gathering To Remember June 28th 2026

 

This Sunday, June 28th, marks one full year since COUNT’S VAMP’D went dark — the night the amps cooled, the neon dimmed, and an entire era of Vegas rock ’n’ roll swagger slammed its final shot on the bar. #vampdvegas

Read what I experienced that night. "The Night That Count's Lights Went Dim"

This Sunday, June 28th, from 6–9 PM, the Vamp’d faithful are rising like a pack of leather‑clad phoenixes. Everyone that is in the Vamp'd family are invited to gather at the old haunt — not inside, sadly, but out front in the parking lot where half the best stories started anyway. Time to reconnect, swap war stories, and breathe life back into the place that raised us, wrecked us, and rocked us harder than anywhere else in this city.

If you grabbed one of those final‑night Vamp’d shirts — or if you’ve got any Vamp’d gear in your closet — throw it on like armor.

Jen Lynn is shooting a video for a song she wrote, so the cameras will be rolling, and the vibe will be pure hometown rock‑family reunion.

Bring a chair. Bring an appetite. Donny DeCecco is rolling in with the YoDog food truck, stacked with the kind of grub that keeps rockers upright and smiling. Show Donny some love — he’s feeding the tribe!

If you’re coming, hit up Cathy Alberts or Valeri Rose. This hang is open to anyone who ever called Count's Vamp’d home!

RSVP on the thread on Cathy's or on Val's Facebook page, so Donny will know just how much food to prepare.

{My Take}

June 28th isn’t just a meetup in a parking lot — it’s a celebration of the greatest rock club this city ever birthed, the one that raised us, wrecked us, saved us, and stitched us together under its red lights and roaring amps. We gather not out of sadness, but out of pride — because Count’s Vamp’d wasn’t just a venue; it was a living, breathing beast, and every one of us was part of its pulse. On June 28th, we'll be standing shoulder to shoulder, loud and unbroken, honoring the best rock club there ever was, the best rock club there is, and the best rock club there will ever be!

We celebrate Count’s Vamp’d — forever our home, forever in our memories, and forever in our hearts!

You are truly missed!!

Gary England

A Five‑Star Afternoon And Night With Family Food Fun & Laughs At Dave & Buster’s Downtown Summerlin NV

I write articles and blogs about music, entertainment & sports. What better than to write about an awesome restaurant & hangout that has all three! Plus, some of the best-tasting stadium food out there!

Dave & Buster’s in Downtown Summerlin is one of those places that just makes you smile the second you walk in. Bright lights, great energy, and the kind of atmosphere where families, friends, and birthday crews (Like ours) all blend together for a night of pure fun. The Mrs. and I started things off with the flatbread pizza, and wow—this pizza pie was a total winner. Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor from the first bite to the last. Meanwhile, our birthday girl and her grandma shared a plate of boneless honey BBQ wings with fries, and both of them gave it the big thumbs‑up. When two generations agree on the same dish, you know it’s good.

After dinner, we headed straight for the games, and that’s where the night really took off. Skee‑ball, basketball hoops, racing games, themed adventures—you name it, they’ve got it. There’s more than enough to keep everyone busy, from the littlest players to the grown‑ups who still love a good arcade challenge. The vibe was fun, the décor cool, and our server, Dee, made the whole experience even better with his super-fast service and great menu knowledge.

The food, staff, the games, and the entertainment fun factor: Five stars all the way!

Dave & Buster’s, you made our night, can’t wait to come back for round two!

You Blew Me Away!

Gary England

Dave & Buster's Facebook

Dave & Buster's Official Website

#NationalNewsMedia #WorldwideEntertainmentNetwork #USAT #LasVegasReviewJournal #LasVegasSun #LasVegasWeekly

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

From Weekenders To High‑Earners: The New Face Of Las Vegas Tourism

 Las Vegas is definitely changing! So are the people visiting Las Vegas.

Las Vegas is attracting a noticeably different crowd than it did just a few years ago. Today’s typical visitor is younger, more affluent, more likely to be single, and spending their money differently than past generations of Vegas travelers. The city’s own data shows a clear demographic and behavioral pivot — one that’s reshaping everything from casino strategy to nightlife programming.

Who the Average Visitor Is Now

Higher‑Income Travelers Dominate

• 75% of visitors in 2025 came from households earning over $100,000, a dramatic rise from pre‑pandemic years.

• High‑income travelers are also increasing even as overall visitor spending on basics (food, drinks, shopping) has dipped.

Younger and More Singles

• Surveys show younger visitors and more single travelers compared to recent years.

• Stays are getting shorter, but the demographic is more experience‑driven and nightlife‑oriented.

Slightly Fewer Visitors Overall

• Visitor volume has dipped in several recent months compared to the previous year, even as satisfaction remains high, and 80% say they plan to return.

Why the Shift Is Happening

 Post‑Pandemic Travel Priorities

Higher‑income travelers rebounded first and fastest after COVID‑19, and they’ve continued to dominate Vegas tourism. Their spending power aligns with the city’s push toward premium experiences.

The Rise of High‑End, Immersive Entertainment

From the Sphere to upscale nightlife and curated dining, Vegas has leaned into spectacle and luxury, naturally attracting wealthier and younger audiences who want “eventized” travel.

 Economic Pressures on Middle‑Income Travelers

With rising travel costs, many mid‑tier visitors are cutting back or shortening trips — reflected in lower everyday spending even among those who still come.

Lifestyle and Demographic Trends

Younger adults are traveling more frequently, often for shorter, high‑impact trips. Vegas fits that model perfectly: quick flights, social energy, and a constant churn of new attractions.

What This Means for Las Vegas

The city is evolving toward a visitor base that:

• Expects premium experiences

• Prioritizes nightlife, events, and unique attractions

• Spends selectively rather than broadly

• Returns often, but for shorter stays

For venues, bands, and entertainment creators in Las Vegas, this shift is a signal: the future belongs to high‑quality, high‑energy, visually immersive experiences that appeal to younger, affluent travelers looking for something they can’t get anywhere else.

{My Take}

Las Vegas has always evolved with its audience, and today’s visitor is proof that the city’s future belongs to travelers who want premium experiences, quick-hit adventures, and unforgettable moments. As the demographic shifts younger and wealthier, the Strip is reshaping itself in real time — and the venues, entertainers, and creators who adapt fastest will be the ones who define the next era of Vegas!

Gary England

From Rent To Rock Bands To Food And Drinks: Do Music Fans Expect Too Much For A Night Out?

 In my last blog, 

Is The Las Vegas Local Music Scene Going Down For The Last Time?

After two very interesting conversations yesterday with a venue owner, and one person in music venue management. I decided to share with my readers what we talked about:

Could the answer to this problem be as simple as fans and money?

 Let's see.

Local music venues have long been the heartbeat of communities, offering stages where new talent emerges and loyal fans gather. Yet in recent years, a tension has grown between what audiences expect and what venues can realistically provide. Cheap beer, low-cost food, free admission, and high-quality entertainment. These are the demands often voiced by local music fans. But are they asking for too much?

 The “Cheap Night Out” Mentality

• Beer and Drinks: Many fans still imagine the $2 draft beer era, but rising costs in distribution, licensing, and staffing make those prices nearly impossible to sustain.

• Food: Affordable bar food is part of the tradition, but inflation in ingredients and kitchen labor means venues often operate on razor-thin margins.

• Admission: Free entry is appealing, but without ticket revenue, venues rely heavily on bar sales — a risky model if audiences don’t spend enough once inside.

 The Cost of Entertainment

• Bands and DJs: Even local acts deserve fair pay. A night’s performance might cost a venue anywhere from $500 to $2,000, while touring acts can demand far more.

• Production: Sound engineers, lighting crews, and equipment maintenance add layers of expense that fans rarely see but always benefit from.

• Licensing: Venues must pay ASCAP, BMI, and other rights organizations to legally host live music, plus city permits and liquor licenses. These costs are invisible to fans but unavoidable for operators.

 The Reality for Venues

Operating a venue is a balancing act. Rent, utilities, insurance, staffing, and compliance with local laws all pile up. When fans expect low-cost everything, venues are forced to cut corners, often at the expense of the very experience audiences crave. Cheap drinks may mean fewer staff, free admission may mean fewer bands, and low food prices may mean lower quality.

The Value of Experience

The truth is a night out at a local venue isn’t just about the price of a beer or a burger. It’s about the atmosphere, the community, and the chance to see live music up close. Fans who support venues by paying fair prices help sustain the ecosystem that keeps local music alive. Without that support, venues risk closing, and communities lose their cultural hubs.

{My Take}

Music fans don’t necessarily expect too much; they expect what used to be possible in a different economic era. 

But today’s realities mean that cheap nights out are harder to deliver without sacrificing quality or sustainability. The challenge is for venues to communicate the value of what they offer, and for fans to recognize that supporting live music means more than just showing up.

 It means investing in the experience, the artists, the local music scene, and the community around it, which makes those nights unforgettable!

GE

Todd Kerns Kiss-Mas Unplugged: Holiday Rock With Heart Where KISS Riffs Meet Las Vegas Community Giving For Our Four-Legged Friends

Super Rocker Todd Kerns brings his Kiss-Mas Unplugged celebration to the Hard Rock Cafe on the Las Vegas Strip on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. What could be more festive than a free holiday rock concert event with a world-famous rock star musician, with a charitable twist?

Kiss-Mas Unplugged Information

Canadian rocker Todd Kerns, best known as bassist and vocalist for Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators, returns to Las Vegas with his Kiss-Mas Unplugged show. This special performance blends acoustic renditions of KISS classics, Kerns’ own original songs, timeless rock covers, and a few festive holiday tunes to set the Christmas season mood.

Time & Venue

• Date: Sunday, December 14, 2025

• Time: 8:00 p.m. PST

• Location: Hard Rock Cafe (Restaurant) Las Vegas Strip, 3771 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV. (Parking Next Door)

• All Ages Welcome 

Admission is free with a donation of one unopened, unexpired package of cat or dog food. All contributions will benefit the Las Vegas (Nevada) SPCA Pantry, helping local families keep their pets fed and cared for during the holiday season. 

{My Take}

Whether you love KISS music, are a die-hard Todd Kerns fan, or just someone who loves rocking out, Kiss-Mas Unplugged promises to be a night of acoustic KISS anthems, holiday spirit, and heartwarming generosity. 

It’s Vegas loud, Vegas proud, and Vegas with a caring heart, because when the amps go acoustic and the crowd brings the kibble Bits, even the pets get an encore!

GE

#NationalNewsMedia #WorldwideEntertainmentNetwork #USAT #LasVegasReviewJournal #LasVegasSun #LasVegasWeekly #TheCanadianPress #SPCA 

Racing The Strip Rocking Fremont: A Weekend of Speed & Sound Only Las Vegas

 The Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend (Nov. 20–22, 2025) will not only deliver world-class Formula 1 racing on the Strip but also expand into downtown with the Neon City Festival at the Fremont Street Experience, creating a citywide celebration of speed, music, and culture.

Formula 1 Las Vegas

Neon City Festival

The Racing Experience

The Las Vegas Strip Circuit runs past iconic resorts, with cars reaching speeds over 200 mph.

Evening races keep the Strip alive from 3 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., blending nightlife with motorsport.

The F1 Academy all-women’s racing series joins the weekend, adding another layer of competition.

Tickets & Packages

Single-day tickets start at $50, while three-day passes begin at $400.

Grandstands include the new Turn 3 Grandstand and the Lewis Hamilton Grandstand, which comes with exclusive merchandise.

Hospitality packages range from $2,250 (Main Grandstand) to $8,999 (Skybox), featuring pit lane walks, celebrity chef dining, and premium views.

Nevada residents enjoy priority access to single-day tickets.

< Tickets > StubHub

< Tickets > F1 Racing 

The Strip

Trackside dining with celebrity chefs.

Fan zones, merchandise hubs, and immersive F1 experiences.

Fireworks and after-parties across resorts.

Downtown Fremont Street

Running Nov. 21–23, 2025, the Neon City Festival coincides with the Grand Prix, transforming the Fremont Street Experience and Downtown Las Vegas Events Center into a free, all-ages cultural showcase.

Music Lineup: Over 40 live performances including Good Charlotte, Deadmau5, Breaking Benjamin, Fitz and the Tantrums, De La Soul, Bowling for Soup, Two Friends, and Gym Class Heroes.

Art & Tech: Interactive installations, drone shows, and new 3D motion graphics on the Viva Vision canopy.

Food & Drink: Local vendors and food trucks highlight Vegas’s culinary talent.

Fireworks: Nightly displays from the Plaza Hotel and Casino.

Atmosphere: A “festival without fences,” blending Fremont’s neon heritage with modern entertainment.

The Grand Prix on the Strip and the Neon City Festival downtown create a dual-stage celebration, uniting motorsport with Vegas’s entertainment culture.

Fans can experience high-octane racing by night and free live music, art, and food downtown by day, making the weekend accessible to locals and visitors alike.

Together, they showcase Las Vegas as a city where legacy, spectacle, and community converge.

{My Take}

The Las Vegas Grand Prix 2025 isn’t just a race; it’s a citywide festival. With the Strip transformed into a racing circuit and Fremont Street alive with the Neon City Festival, fans will enjoy a weekend of speed, music, art, and unforgettable Vegas energy!

Only Las Vegas!

GE

What Would It Take For Las Vegas To Become Las Vegas Again?

Due to the rising cost of just about everything in Las Vegas, Vegas Ain't What It Used To Be!

Much of Las Vegas' problems revolves around money, among other things!

Here’s a breakdown of what I believe the city could do to get tourism “back to where it once was,” in the good old days of Sin City, NV!

 Many visitors rightfully say Las Vegas has become too expensive (resort fees, parking fees, $20 drinks). Lowering hidden costs, offering budget-friendly packages, and highlighting value would attract middle-class tourists again. 

Live lounge acts, local bands, and classic entertainment could balance the ultra-luxury image with a dose of down-home charm.

 Las Vegas became famous as the “city that never sleeps.” Reviving late-night dining, jazz clubs, and small shows outside the mega-casino model could restore that magic.

Showcasing Vegas’s own creative talent (bands, art collectives, festivals) alongside the big residencies makes the city feel more authentic.

Expand residencies beyond pop icons: Include country, Latin music, EDM, Classic Rock, and indie residencies to the mix.

Build more signature festivals (similar to Life is Beautiful) that draw more national visitors to Las Vegas.

Maximize new stadiums & arenas. The Raiders’ Allegiant Stadium, the Golden Knights, and now the incoming MLB team are huge draws. Pair sports with Vegas entertainment packages.

Special sports/entertainment bundles. Game + concert + nightlife deals could keep fans in town a lot longer.

Promote downtown & local culture. Fremont East, the Arts District, and Chinatown, tourists want more than casinos. Highlight hidden neighborhoods and cultural districts.

Day trip packages. Grand Canyon, Red Rock, Lake Mead, Valley of Fire, combining nature/adventure with nightlife keeps visitors here longer.

Food tourism. Vegas has world-class chefs, but also needs to highlight authentic local dining, not just celebrity restaurants.

Tech-driven experiences. AR/VR casinos, immersive art like Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart, digital concerts, and interactive shows appeal to younger travelers.

Esports & gaming tourism. Position Las Vegas as the esports capital of the U.S. with tournaments, conventions, and themed experiences.

Wellness tourism. With growing demand for spas, retreats, and health-conscious travel, Las Vegas can add balance to its party image.

Cheaper flights & packages. Partner with airlines to offer aggressive travel deals again.

Transparency in pricing. Reducing or bundling resort fees would immediately improve visitor satisfaction.

Better public transport & accessibility. More shuttles, monorail expansion, and easier Strip-to-downtown connections would keep tourists moving better. Spotlight UBER and other rideshare platforms' pickup and drop-off points for more visibility for the guests of the hotel.

{My Take}

To get tourism back, Las Vegas has got to rebalance between the high dollar luxury mega-shows and the accessible, quirky, value-driven fun that made it famous, while also capitalizing on new pillars like sports, local arts, festivals, and innovative experiences. And lastly, if Vegas can't bring back the $49 rooms, dollar beers, 99-cent shrimp cocktails, and the buck ninety-nine buffets, at least try and make Las Vegas a little bit more affordable again!

Las Vegas was once known as the ultimate playground of neon lights, inexpensive indulgence, and round-the-clock entertainment where anyone could feel like a high-roller for a night, without draining the family's savings account back home!

GE

Sixx Gun Music Grand Re-Opening Party And Celebration Set For This Saturday August 9th!

 🎸 Sixx Gun Music Grand Re‑Opening Party

📍 1651 E Sunset Rd, Suites A101–102, Las Vegas, NV

🗓 Date: Saturday, August 9 | 4 PM – 8 PM

Get ready, Las Vegas, Sixx Gun Music is back and better than ever! After moving to a new (And Larger) location, and experiencing an exciting transformation, this one‑of‑a‑kind guitar boutique is throwing a Re‑Grand Opening Party this Saturday to celebrate its upgraded showroom and music‑forward community space.

Sixx Gun Music

What to Expect

Live performances by local bands and guitar heroes, lighting up the new stage inside the refreshed showroom.

Exclusive deals and giveaways on guitars, amps, pedals, and vintage gear.

Raffles, VIP perks, and surprise swag for attendees.

Player’s Café lounge serving complimentary drinks and relaxing vibes.

Photo ops at the iconic Rock n’ Roll wall, showing off the new aesthetic and features.

Guided tours of their upgraded stage, green room, and creative spaces for musicians and fans alike.

Sixx Gun Music isn’t just another guitar shop; it’s a creative hub for gear lovers, DIY builders, musicians, and music fans. Owned and operated by celebrated luthier Daniel Margasa, Alicia Anderson, and their family. Sixx Gun Music hosts workshops like BYOGuitar and electronics tutorials, serving as a real anchor to the music community.

Now, with a full stage inside the boutique and a lounge experience, Sixx Gun Music is poised to become a premier venue that seamlessly blends shopping and learning with an exceptional live music experience. It’s a rare chance for local bands and gearheads to connect, collaborate, and inspire each other under one roof!

Musical Guests For The Evening - On Stage:

Plus, Special Guests:

Photo Credit: Joe Schaeffer Photography

Special Celebrity Guests - Bruce Kulick Stoney Curtis & Scott Snyder

August 9th Party - Schedule at a Glance

Time	Highlight
4:00 PM	Doors open—welcome drink at Player’s Café
4:30 PM	The first band hits the stage / Special Guest (Rob Hussey)
5:00 PM	Raffle drawings and giveaways kick off
5:30 PM	Featured guitarist Showcase
6:30 PM	Special Guest / Burt (Steven) Herrin (RockGodz Hall Of Fame)
7:00 PM	On Stage: Special Guest / The Bones Las Vegas
8:00 PM	Mix & Mingle

Turn Out The Lights, The Party's Over :-)

Whether you're hunting for your next signature guitar, honing your craft with fellow gearheads, or simply vibing to live tunes in a pro‑level setting, the Re‑Grand Opening of Sixx Gun Music is a can’t‑miss moment this Saturday. 

Bring your friends, bring your creativity—and most of all, bring your vibe!

August 9th, let’s make some noise for our Local Las Vegas Music Community.

Sixx Gun Music is here!

Watch out, because this party is going to RAWK your lights out!

See you at the party!

GE - Gary England 

-----------

Sixx Gun Music 

Sixx Gun Music Facebook

Local Media Coverage: 

Dezi Lou #Graphics #Design #Promotions #Influencer 

#TaylorTCarlson #ZRockR #MusicJournalist #Influencer

#Gary England #Vegas Insider #GaryEngland.Com #Blogger

Friction Brought The Fire Last Night To The Hideaway Tavern To Start Off The Hot August Nights In Las Vegas

 Last night, Friction delivered a high-voltage rock spectacle at The Hideaway Tavern (3369 Thom Blvd, Las Vegas), turning this down-home honky‑tonk into a full‑scale rock party!

FRICTION

(Pictured left to right in the top center photograph)

Peter Breene     Drums

Jorge Saenz     Lead Guitar

Priscilla Anderson   Lead Vocals

Kevin Anderson   Bass Guitar

About Friction and the show:

Formed in 2018, Friction fuses the best of ’90s and 2000s top 40 rock with a splash of timeless rock classics. Lead singer Priscilla Anderson commands the stage with her sultry, powerful vocals, while Kevin Anderson’s fat bass and harmonies anchor the groove. Jorge Saenz shredded lead guitar licks with killer tone and charisma, and Peter Breene’s drums held it all together with precision and flair!

With a blend of post-grunge anthems, alt-rock staples, an awesome tribute to the Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne, and select top 40 classics, Friction pulled out tracks that energized the crowd from the start to the finish. Banter between songs added just the right dose of Vegas-style showmanship and entertainment to the show!

Friction's performance at the Hideaway Tavern last night was more than a gig; it was a celebration.

About The Hideaway Tavern:

 Outside, there's plenty of well-lit parking just a few feet away. 

Inside the Hideaway Tavern, has a spacious full-service bar, plenty of seating both in the bar area and around the dance floor. The dance floor is huge. The sound and stage lighting are awesome, the drinks are cold, and the food is delicious! And the bartenders and waitstaff are really cool and know their jobs well!

 I'd say that the Hideaway Tavern is one cool place to party! 

My Take:

Friction showed the perfect mix of raw power, stage presence, and crowd connection last night that makes them stand out in the Las Vegas Music Scene. They're fun to watch and to listen to! If you missed them last night, they're not hard to find. 

Go see them, you can thank me later. :-)

GE - Gary England

Friction Facebook

Friction Official Website

The Hideaway Tavern Facebook

The Hideaway Official Website

Las Vegas Local Music Scene Reloaded: Local Music Venues That Have Taken The Spotlight In Las Vegas

 After the closings of Count's Vamp'd late last month, and Club Madrid inside Sunset Station Hotel just a few weeks ago. I'm pretty sure that most local music fans (Including myself) have been eagerly waiting for another music venue or two to step up and fill the void in our local music scene as far as showcasing local bands is concerned. I'm here today to recognize two of these music venues that have stepped up their game and have taken the lead in booking shows with our local music talent (Bands).

There are a dozen or so local music venues around town that you can count on that always bring their A Game, supporting our local music scene and bands. Two of these venues really have caught my attention this past month. 

Beginning with the Tuscany Suites Casino. 

When I looked at their Facebook page and website, I've got to say that Tuscany's entertainment calendar is really impressive! They've got a show for every music taste there is! Plus, they shine the bright spotlights on our local music scene and bands! Take a look at their upcoming calendar for August, and you'll see just what I mean. 

Tuscany Entertainment 

Click On Pic To Enlarge

Click On Pic To Enlarge

----------

Click On Pic To Enlarge

Another music venue (Awesome Restaurant) that stands out in Las Vegas and has my attention is the Bootlegger Italian Bistro

Talking about turning the volume up in our local music scene! The Bootlegger Spotlights Live Entertainment every night of the week! 

Bootlegger Entertainment

Plus, with the emergence of MOTORMOUTH Promotions (July 25th Music Presentation). Check out the event flyer above. I expect the Bootlegger Bistro to be a leader in the Las Vegas Music and Entertainment scenes for many years in the future! 

Delicious food, live entertainment every night of the week, and MOTORMOUTH Promotions handling local bands' promotions. Looks like Las Vegas has another winner!

Sending out big thanks to the Tuscany and to the Bootlegger Italian Bistro for helping keep live music alive in Las Vegas!

GE

What Local Las Vegas Musicians And Fans Want To Experience In Their Local Music Venues

 I recently had an open discussion on Facebook about why local venues needed to start charging an entrance fee for their free concerts that they put on. This discussion led to the question, "Other than an entrance fee, what changes need to be made to music venues around town to make them more of a lucrative proposition business-wise'? Where they could stay open. There were plenty of comments!

Here is a breakdown of what my friends on Facebook (Fans & Musicians) want to experience in their local music venues around town.

Great Sound Quality

Clear, balanced acoustics are essential.

Fans expect to hear every note—especially vocals and solos—without distortion or volume overload.

A good sound engineer and high-quality gear make all the difference.

Stage Lights And Lighting

Adequate lighting for fans and photographers to take pictures of the band members onstage.

Affordable Drink and Food Prices

Overpriced drinks and limited food options are a turnoff.

Fans appreciate local brews, themed cocktails, and snacks that don't break the bank.

Clean, Comfortable Environment

Clean bathrooms, enough seating (or at least standing space), and good air conditioning or heating are key.

Good sightlines to the stage from most areas of the room.

Diverse and Local Lineups

Support for local bands, not just touring acts.

Tribute bands, original acts, and themed nights keep the calendar fresh.

A balanced mix of genres keeps different fan bases coming.

Fair Ticket Prices (or Free Shows)

Reasonably priced entry fees encourage casual attendance. ($5 - $10 for local bands) 

(For touring bands, a little bit more $)

An occasional free show with suggested donations or optional cover charges gives fans flexibility. (Local Charity Events)

 Friendly, Music-Loving Staff

Bartenders, security, and door staff with a good attitude create a welcoming vibe.

Music fans appreciate when staff know the bands and care about the scene.

Reliable Show Schedules

Start times that are clearly listed—and mostly adhered to.

Communication about last-minute changes via social media or email.

Community Vibe

A venue that feels like a gathering place, not just a business. (Music Family)

Regulars, open mics, jam nights, or band meet-and-greets build loyalty.

 Safe Atmosphere

Security that’s present but not overbearing.

Well-lit parking and overflow parking nearby when needed, ride-share zones, and a crowd that feels respectful and inclusive.

Easy Access

Central location or plenty of parking.

Clear signage, smooth ticketing process, and good online presence.

{My Take}

First, I'd like to thank all of my friends for their comments on my Facebook post. You made my job much easier writing this blog post. :-)

In the end, what music fans truly want from their local venues is more than just a place to watch a show; they’re looking for a space that feels like home. A spot where the music sounds great, the staff is welcoming, the atmosphere is electric, and every visit feels like part of something bigger. When venues prioritize community, comfort, and quality experiences, they don’t just fill the room; they build lasting loyalty and help keep the local music scene alive and thriving! And that's what fans and musicians want!

Comments Always Welcomed. (Below)

GE