In 1991, singer Jordan Robins was one of the founding members of funk-rock band Home Cookin’, which went on to become a staple of the ’90s local music scene. The band broke up in 2000 but reunited in 2011, and has played shows every few months since then. This week they’re teaming up with other classic Las Vegas bands for a concert honoring an era of local music that’s gone but not forgotten.
How did Home Cookin’ first start? It was myself and David Baker and Mike Mitlyng. Our first show was at the Paradise Spa. That was on Las Vegas Boulevard South, and it was some kind of master-planned, semi-nude miniature golf resort community. It had a ballroom they did weddings in or something, an event space. The local scenesters found it and took over, and we started playing there.
Was there a point during that period where you guys were on the verge of getting a major-label deal? God, I hope not. Because everybody that it happened to ... The music scene was totally different then. We knew we weren’t what anybody wanted. A bunch of white guys playing funk? F*ck that.
How did this gig come together? We just got asked to do it, and it was a bunch of old scenesters coming together—some of the guys from the old Phatter Than Albert and Matt [Gucu] from 12 Volt Sex, and a couple of the other old ’90s bands. I guess someone wanted to see them once again and blow the building up. It was a crazy time, the ’90s.
Do you feel like that era of local music doesn’t get the respect it deserves? I don’t know that it does or not, but we still respect the music we played. That’s why we still play it every once in a while. Just because it’s fun and we enjoy it. We hope other people enjoy it, too. We just like to get out to play every once in a while. It’s like a little mini-reunion every time we see everybody.
How does the scene now compare to the scene back then? I think it’s more talented these days, honestly. You just look at what it’s produced, right? After the ’90s were over, and there was a generation of investment in arts and music in this community, and boom, instantly. It was just waiting for a drop of water. I think it’s great. I love being here.
Home Cookin' with Corner Stone, Left Standing, Happy Campers, Shawn Eiferman, Rob and Pure Joy, Days After Hail, the music of 12 Volt Sex. June 20, 6:30 p.m., $5-$10. Fremont Country Club, 702-382-6601.
