I’ll keep this post short because to try + cover more would be a moot point. As you can well imagine, Las Vegas is dedicated to providing the best entertainment money can buy. Everyone who is anyone longs to make it to the Vegas stage.
Part 5. LISTENING to the Music
From big headliner halls to small out-of-the-way places, Las Vegas has music for your ears! I’ll not make you wait to find out what I think is not only the best deal in Las Vegas but the very best of the best that you may never even have heard of before.
a. Santa Fe and The Fat City Horns at The Copa Room
Meet Santa Fe (Jerry Lopez) + The Fat City Horns (his band). Santa Fe and The Fat City Horns. I know, crazy name. If you can’t remember the full name just remember The Santa Fe Band. But believe me when I say they are absolutely the best of the best. I call it the musicians’ band because you will find many big name musicians in the audience to see their shows. And it isn’t unusual for Jerry to call them up on stage to join them for a number or two.
To give you an idea of their sound think Earth, Wind + Fire blended with Tower of Power. Funk, jazz, horns, percussion with vocals. Every musician in this 17-piece band could stand on stage in a concert of his own, that’s how talented they are. One of my favorite band members is drummer Jose “Pepe” Jimenez who also tours with Santana.
They only play one night a week on Mondays at 7:30pm at The Copa Room of the Bootlegger Bistro at 7700 S Las Vegas Blvd (in south Las Vegas). $10 will get you in the door. It’s a steal + the best bargain for music in Las Vegas for sure.
Tip: Get there early for dinner + get the best seat in the house. But be sure to make a reservation because the place fills up fast.
Concerts are all top-of-the-line
I like to see at least one great concert when I’m in Vegas. Of course SFATFCH are always on the list but I’m talking about headliners. Here are two of the concerts we attended lately – both pretty great in their genres. And both got us ROCKING OUT to their music!
b. Lionel Richie
Lionel Richie puts on a fun show. Everyone in the audience sings along with the many songs he’s written over the years. And you don’t realize how many there are until you attend one of his concerts. I had so much fun I couldn’t stay in my seat. I just danced All Night Long!! Front row center, baby!
c. Bruno Mars
But this year Roydio surprised me + really outdid himself by getting us tickets to Bruno Mars for his 24K Magic World Tour in Las Vegas. OMG he put on a nothing less than phenomenal show. And let’s just say there were pyrotechnics involved. Don’t ask how much we paid to see him in the front center section about 10 rows back. We weren’t in the cheap seats. But to me it was totally worth it. Talk about dancing in your seat? It was Uptown Funk and That’s What I Like! One of the best concerts I’ve ever been to.
His concert rules have changed as of late – they locked our phones in Yondr pouches so that we wouldn’t take any pics. And they do watch so it’s impossible to sneak one in. Suffice it to say, I highly recommend seeing Bruno!
Tip: You can see the big names or the local performers, each have earned their place on the Vegas stage in their own right. The only thing that I’d advise you is to really make sure the show you want to see is G-rated before you go. For example, most comedians in Vegas keep their “dicey” acts for their late night performances but that doesn’t mean they are G-rated in their earlier performances. Again, just check it out thoroughly before you book your tickets.
Click here to book your hotel, flights + shows. Viva Las Vegas!
Big names such as Celine Dion, Elton John, Wayne Newton, Donny + Marie, Reba with Brooks + Dunn, Mariah Carey, Cher, Lady Gaga are just examples of the well-known stars who have been resident performers in Las Vegas. The best of the best are here. The scene changes all the time so check before you go to find out exactly who will be performing when you’re in town. Click here!
