Local Music

2013 Year in Review: Local Music News

Image
Rusty Maples and a horde of other local acts drew crowds to Life Is Beautiful’s Homegrown and Red Bull Sound Select stages.
Photo: Fred Morledge

1. The Huntridge relaunches. In May, Downtowners Michael Cornthwaite and Joey Vanas (and then-third partner Rehan Choudhry) announced plans to revive the historic theater, vacant since its last show nine years ago. An ensuing June/July crowdfunding campaign reflected community support, raising more than $200,000.

2. Holding Onto Sound calls it quits. The Vegas punk institution surprised fans with an April announcement ending its decade-long-run as one of the most reliably rocking bands on the scene.

Holding Onto Sound

Holding Onto Sound

3. Local bands make an impact at Life Is Beautiful. The first-year Downtown festival made good on its promise to spotlight Vegas musicians, showcasing local acts like Rusty Maples, Rhyme N Rhythm, Dusty Sunshine and Ekoh on its Homegrown and Red Bull Sound Select stages.

4. The Bunkhouse closes … for now. The venerable Downtown dive shut its doors after a chaotic final bash, and its new owner, the Downtown Project, announced plans to remodel and reopen the venue.

5. SquidHat cements itself as Las Vegas’ preeminent record label. Releasing music by bands current (Guilty By Association, Pet Tigers) and historic (Self Abuse, Peccadilloes), SquidHat marched forth with its mission of documenting the Vegas punk scene.

Share
Photo of Spencer Patterson

Spencer Patterson

Get more Spencer Patterson
Top of Story