Music

Vegas bands take center stage on Vegas PBS’ new Internet series

Image
Take one! Las Vegas’ Haleamano became the first band to record for Vegas PBS’ Backyard Sessions.
Photo: L.E. Baskow

A film crew readies for another take of Haleamano’s island jam “Recession” when the click of the director’s clapboard signals “Go.” Haleamano’s hip-shaking riffs begin to flood the Vegas PBS studio, which is set up like a tropical-themed party, decorated with an AstroTurf lawn, dainty string lights, colorful lounge chairs, even a red Radio Flyer wagon. Participating in the new Vegas-based Internet series Backyard Sessions, the reggae-fusion band is the first of a slew of locals recording performances for the show airing this fall.

“The show concept evolved in the last year,” producer Cade Cridland explains during a break from filming. Cridland was inspired to create Vegas PBS’ Backyard Sessions while throwing his own outdoor wedding afterparty. “We had a live band playing some blues, and the thought hit me. Everybody just loves outside music, especially if it’s in a backyard just hanging out with friends and family.”

Cridland says he hopes the new web series will speak to “digital natives” who want to experience local music straight from their laptops and mobile devices. The webisodes, he adds, will also serve as a tool for people to discover new Vegas artists. Other acts scheduled for the fall season include Sabriel, American Cream, Jordan Kate Mitchell and Play for Keeps.

Share
Photo of Leslie Ventura

Leslie Ventura

Get more Leslie Ventura
Top of Story