Aug 21 - 31 Eric's Trip 🎸 Indie Rock Meets R&B, BBQ, and Bops That'll Make You Groove
Welp, another Vegas summer is coming to a close. The heat isn't going anywhere for another month or so, of course. But once I start seeing the twelve-foot skeletons on display at Home Depot, I'm getting ready to call time.
Daily temperatures broke records and AC units (mine included); Kamala and Trump have made so many stops in Vegas they probably qualify for double-platinum rewards cards from every casino by now; a few Nevadans came home from their trip to Paris with precious medals; and The Mirage closed its doors to make way for a Godzilla-sized guitar.
So, with a couple weeks left in August, here's what I'm excited about. Even more excited than the decreased risk of my seatbelt buckle permanently branding my forearm.
Viridian / Pleasure Cult
August 21: Crisp guitars, groovy basslines, and smooth vocals define Phoenix Indie bands Viridian and Pleasure Cult. See them at The Griffin in Downtown with Sticker and Mutual Head. (Pro tip: this is a venue where you're definitely going to want ear plugs) 8 p.m. $6
Rock en Español (Live and DJ'd)
August 23: In my previous update, I talked about how growing up in a Latino household left a cassette-shaped dent in my brain occupied by '80s and '90s Spanish rock, or Rock en Español.
Two heavy of hitters of this genre were Soda Stereo from Argentina and Caifanes from Mexico. Listen and dance to tributes of both bands at Swan Dive, accompanied by Vegas Cumbia Rock Desmother and a DJ set after. 8 p.m. $20.
August 24: Choose Your Own Adventure!
August 24: Very often, there are multiple concerts, shows, and dance parties happening on the same night in Las Vegas. For a city that's been working to elevate its arts and culture scene, a good problem. A dilemma for the music enjoyer with wide-ranging taste.
So, let's take a cue from those gimmicky childhood game books and make it an irreversible decision of utmost importance! Or you can just flip back if you change your mind.
Turn to page 54 for: Hardcore Bangers and Emo
Alura headlines at Rockstars of Tomorrow with a line up of bands primed to get the crowd two-stepping and wreaking mayhem. 6 p.m. $15.
Turn to page 27 for: Blues Rock and Heady Jams
Hundred in the Hand, Kings/Kings, and 2Dayz take you for a ride through distorted guitars and songs to get lost in. Voodoo Brewing Company. 8 p.m. ✨Free✨
Turn to page 33 for: Disco Pop
Groove to the hottest dance pop stars of today and yesterday, such as Sabrina Carpenter, Madison Beer, Ariana Grande, Rihanna, Camila Cabello, Doja Cat, Katy Perry, and many more. Swan Dive. 9 p.m. $15-20
Rhythm and Ribs
August 27: Hal Savar provides the soundtrack for this evening of music and savory food at Rick's Rollin Smoke BBQ & Tavern. Bonus: if you work in the hospitality or gaming industry, you can get 30% off from food and drink 🤑 8-11 p.m.
Thievery Corporation
August 30: Musically, there was quite a bit you could get away with in the 90's. The swing revival. Latin dance pop. Billy Ray Cyrus. Thievery Corporation was born of the era's experimentation with electronica and world music. The result is a relaxing yet stimulating sound that takes you somewhere not on the map. Brooklyn Bowl on the Strip. 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $50.
Ramona
August 31: Mexican indie rock band Ramona comes to the Sand Dollar Downtown for their Himnos del Amor (Songs of Love) tour. If you're a fan of Buena Vista Social Club or LA LOM, you don't want to miss them. 8:30 p.m. $20
