Well, I had planned on writing about and shooting pictures of Crosby, Stills and Nash this past Saturday at the poolside stage of the M Resort Spa Casino but, alas, the show was postponed indefinitely because something’s up with David Crosby’s voice. I’m really bummed because not only did I really want to see CSN again but I haven’t had a chance to see any shows in that venue yet and have heard good things about it. Luckily for me I didn’t put all of my entertainment eggs in one basket and even though I don’t have a big touring headliner show to tell you about I still have a couple of shows featuring local musicians that I saw and shot this week.

When I first heard of Resodence a few months ago I got the impression that it was some sort of Vegas local indie singer/songwriter/musician co-op thingie that met at the Beauty Bar on East Fremont Street on Thursday nights for an open mic session once a week. I’ve been to many open mic nights over the decades and sometimes they are good but oftentimes not so much. So one Thursday night I got up the nerve and dragged my hubby downtown to see what Resodence was all about and, well, my prior impression was a bit off. They are both an artist and venue promotions business that’s also part artist development and part booking agent that heads up a Thursday night local artist showcase with a wide variety of specific high-caliber and talented acts each doing a 45 minute set that will no doubt include both cover tunes as well as original music. Since the time I first saw them, they have moved from the Beauty Bar to the Hard Rock Cafe outside the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. I’m so glad because even though the Beauty Bar is a quirky and cute venue, the lighting and sound is less than ideal, and the hard Rock Cafe is larger, brighter and serves great food and drink while you watch some fantastic local talent. Who could ask for more!

I went over this past Thursday because I found out that the dynamic duo of Sharon Paquette and Andrea Bensmiller were playing and I really have been wanting to catch their act. Now they are a trio with the addition of a drummer by the name of Luke Thatcher and are going by the name of “Bare” and I have to say that I was not disappointed.
Their blend of both soulful rock covers and original material is so well crafted that their 45 minute set was over in a flash and just left me wanting more. Resodence books acts all over town: from Brent Jameson performing at Via Brasil restaurant on Wednesdays from 6pm to 9pm to Lady Reiko & The Sin City Prophets on Thursdays from 10pm to 1am at Diablo’s Cantina in front of the Monte Carlo Hotel on the Strip. Bottom line, if Resodence has their stamp of approval on the show then be prepared to be well entertained.

On Saturday I took a ride to the Sammy Davis Jr. Festival Plaza (which is near the lake and dog parks) within Lorenzi Park for the 2009 Las Vegas Blues Festival. Presented by The City of Las Vegas in Conjunction with the Las Vegas Blues Society, the festival was created to promote blues music and part of the proceeds are going to help fund a new scholarship program by the Blues Society for graduating high school seniors wanting to continue their music education. At first I went to support my friend and bandmate, Lady J Huston, as she opened the show with a stirring rendition of the National Anthem, but the opening act The Lucky Cheats drew me in. This 4-piece band falls somewhere in the delta blues category with a touch of southern rock and tons of rockabilly mixed in for good measure.

The band consists of Luke Metz on Bass and Vocals, Wade Braggs on Guitar and Vocals, Joe Perv on Drums and Jeff Koenig on Harp (harmonica) and Vocals. I was incredibly impressed and plan to see them again soon…maybe at First Friday on October 2 or maybe at The District at Green Valley Ranch on October 23.
After their set Mark Medina, President of the Las Vegas Blues Society, presented some awards to Vegas locals who give their time and talent to promoting and supporting the Las Vegas Blues Society.

One of the recipients was Vegas Mayor, Oscar Goodman, who was there to receive an honorary blues society membership. I left shortly after Glenn Patrick took the stage for the next set because even though I love outdoor concerts it was warming up and all of the shady spots were full of blues fans and the smell of amazing barbeque was gonna make me break my diet. If you love the blues I strongly suggest going to the Las Vegas Blues Society website and sign up for their newsletter and attend some of their shows and if you can, support the Society by joining as they take on this much needed new scholarship program.
Speaking of worthy causes I am getting ready to run the Danny Gans Memorial Champions Run for Life 5k at The District at Green Valley Ranch on October 10. Monies raised will go to the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation and the run will be hosted by Donny Osmond. If you can please click here and scroll down to the “Register Now” button and click there to donate or to participate in this inspiring event.
Linda, you write so well and take such good shots. Thanks for the kudos on the National Anthem and for covering the Blues Festival so well. It was a pleasure seeing you there when sometimes the media say they’ll come out but don’t follow through. Keep up the great work!
Lady “J” Huston
Linda,
Thanks for the great article. Too bad you couldn’t stay for the whole event. The intensity of the event grew as the day went on. Next time plan to stay for the entire festival and please keep in contact with us!
Thanks again,
Mark Medina, President
Las Vegas Blues Society
Lady J & Mark: thanks for such kind words. It was a great event and next time, for sure, I’ll stay for the whole thing. I can’t wait!
love the Blues Festival!! wow, way to recoup after planning to write about something that didn’t come off (CSN)! Good pics also.
Hi Photo Diva,
Wish you had stayed to see guitarist Glenn Patrik perform..he’s the Real Deal! (Just ask the Las Vegas Weekly, who did a great Feature on him in this week’s edition). Had I known you left because you didn’t want to break your diet, i would’ve bought you a Salad — I swear it’s true!!! 🙂
Maybe we’ll be luckier the next time Glenn plays out, and get to see you photograph him as well!
Peace and Luv,
Doug Deutsch Publicity Services
Hey Doug. I did see a little bit of Glenn Patrick play and was quite impressed and I hope to catch him the next time around. Stay tuned!