5 Things To Explore the Music Scene Of Las Vegas
When the word “Vegas” comes up, we are instantly drawn back to glitzy lights and nightlife. The first thing that comes to mind is an image, but what is an idea without sound? What is Vegas without the sound of a roulette wheel spinning, and what happens to a bustling city with no music?
Like in the physical casinos of Vegas, online platforms have combined the stunning sounds accompanying the gameplay. From the sound of shuffling cards to the clinking of chips and all the music in between, an online poker game offers the same experience as in a land-based casino. Even when someone is in a distant location, they can easily participate online and experience the Vegas thrill anytime; a table is always open, and a tournament is ready to join.
Our journey starts in the early 20th century and the rise of music from pubs to venues, entertaining the history of music in the Entertainment Capital of the World.
A Few Things to Explore in Las Vegas, USA
The History of Music in Las Vegas
It all began at the Hotel Last Frontier with the former soloist of Chicago’s Orchestra. In November 1944, Liberace made his first appearance in a concert. It was a big performance that Liberace was offered a long-term contract and residency by the entertainment director, Maxine Lewis. Liberace became the highest-paid entertainment artist.
Shortly after, Sinatra emerged, who later became an icon of the city for 43 years. In September 1951, Sinatra held his first concert at the Desert Inn and began performing twice a night at the Copa Room at the Sands.
His success entitled him to a nine percent share in the Sands, and he was once quoted saying, “Las Vegas is the only place I know where money really talks,” and then he continued to joke, “It says Goodbye.” The last documented performance was at the MGM Grand in May 1994.
Towards the ’70s, the entertainment industry shifted from lounge shows to theatrical productions, and artists like Celine Dion and Elton John became popular demands in Vegas’s hotels and casinos. Later in the ‘80s, rock music became the mainstream entertainment.
Genres and Venues between Live Performances and Rocking the Desert Metal Scenes
The Colosseum at Caesars Palace is a prime example of what Nevada can achieve when translating one of the world’s seven wonders. Since 2003, the Colosseum has become the “Home of the Greatest Entertainers in the World.” “Cher at Las Vegas” was a three-year-long performance at the casino palace, beginning in 2008 and lasting until 2011.
Fans of Hard Rock and Casinos should visit “The Joint Hard Rock Hotel and Casino,” which has operated since 1995. It had a solid run for 14 years until it closed in 2009. The earliest expansion of The Joint featured a secret nightclub in the basement called “Baby’s.” One of the most famous rock performances began with a question posed by none other than Prince: “I have a question: Do you like rock ‘n’ roll?” to which he replied, “I do too, but I like mine funky.”
Vegas was home to the birth of 5 iconic bands, one of which is the Killers; at the Oasis concert, after being fired from his former band Brandon Flowers found his true calling and decided to form the Killers in 2001 in Vegas; by 2002, the band was already performing.
Jazz, Blues, and More
The heritage of jazz was brought to Las Vegas by Louis Armstrong, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in a neighborhood called “The Battlefield.” The gifted young boy was born on August 4th, 1901. On a dark New Year’s Eve in 1912, Armstrong was arrested for firing a gun and was immediately transferred to a juvenile detention facility called “The Colored Waif’s Home for Boys.” Louis’s talent came to life there as he was taught to play the cornet.
By 1925, Armstrong recorded his first release, and between the 1950s and 1955, he took a detour from his pre-scheduled European tour and went to Vegas for a series of concerts with opera singer Robert Merrill.
Electronic Music and DJs
Nowadays, Las Vegas has fully embraced the transition from classical jazz nights to the energetic beats of EDM (Electronic Dance Music), and it has become a hub for world-renowned DJs. Nightclub performances have become an emerging trend, replacing historical theatrical performances. Music enthusiasts travel long distances to experience the nightlife mecca known as Vegas. XS nightclub has been consistently voted as the number-one nightclub worldwide, while Marquee, another popular nightclub, features headlining international DJs.
Music Festivals in Las Vegas
As the capital of entertainment, Vegas hosts annual music festivals, becoming a destination for travelers worldwide. These festivals can last for days and employ all kinds of sensory tricks. One of those famous festivals is the Electric Daisy Carnival, which is mind-blowing and grand in size and performance. It is the largest festival in North America. Between the dancing and music, attendees have called it a life-changing experience.
Another annual festival that has taken residence in Las Vegas, Nevada, since 2012 is the iHeart Radio festival. It hosts a variety of musical performances. In the early stages, the festival used to be held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, but over the years, it was relocated to the T-Mobile Arena.
Although the music industry has been constantly changing, history has a way of repeating itself. Who is to say that previous successes won’t come around again? Creativity stems from the root of human experience, and Vegas is the land of opportunities for those searching for it.
