LOVE WILL LEAD YOU BACK … TO VEGAS
The Strip has acquired its next big residency star with Grammy-nominated pop sensation Taylor Dayne. The vocal powerhouse known for her dynamic stage presence and ’80s dance-pop hits like “Tell It To My Heart” and “Love Will Lead You Back” will launch a new residency at Harrah’s Showroom on November 24-25 and 27-28, December 29-31, and January 3.
“Decades into my career, filled with radio hits, touring the world, television, film and theatre appearances, the Harrah’s shows feel like a destination celebration for my fans,” Dayne said in a statement. “I’m excited for the fans to come to Vegas and celebrate the soundtrack of their lives with me nightly.”
Tickets go on sale on July 31 at ticketmaster.com.
ART AND SOUND
At last, Rita Deanin Abbey Art Museum’s RDA Performs Concert Series has returned. In its second season, Movement, award-winning pianist and artistic director Dr. Alexandria Le leads a curation of concerts designed to move people through music. On September 26, she’s joined by Las Vegas composer Hong Wang to bring ancient Chinese instrumentation to life in Crouching Tiger & Beyond: Cinematic Soundscapes. And on November 14, Le honors the vibrant world of Latin America, recruiting classical guitarist Ricardo Cobo, Las Vegas Philharmonic principal flutist Christina Castellanos and “flute rockstar” Ráyo Furuta for an onstage performance. And the series stretches on into 2027 with reimagined Broadway classics and a festive celebration of Bolero. Tickets are on sale now at ritadeaninabbeymuseum.org.
BANDS WANTED
Desert Cactus Films (DCF) has launched the Music Video Lab, an event that pairs local musicians and filmmakers, giving each a month to make a music video—and they want your submissions by August 21. Those selected will receive a stipend for production, and the final reels will be shown at Vegas’ Desert Waves Film & Music Festival on October 18. DCF’s producer and co-founder Rachel Johnson says the lab is a return to their roots, as the team originally developed a name for itself by filming music videos for local artists like Paige Overton. Register at filmfreeway.com/desertwaves.
LOCAL HAPPENINGS
Local promoter La Palma has scheduled a free, all-ages show at Hola Habibi on July 30 at 8 p.m. with eastside rockers Desert Island Boys, ska-punk band Muertos Heist and punk-fueled trio The October. The promoter posted on Instagram, "We weren’t planning on hosting any more shows, but when we heard Hola Habibi might be closing, we knew we had to throw one last-minute banger." Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
In other news, Life Is Sh-- has announced its return on September 26 at the Dive Bar. Last year, the DIY fest filled up on punk and poetry, with artists like Ogo Bogo, Family Worship Center, Peachole, Andrew Romanelli and Jacob Smigel taking the stage. We’re excited to see what Bad Moon Booking has cooking next.
Las Vegas rapper Wave Mmlz, who you might recognize from recent collaborations with fellow emcee ChiefDVB, is preparing to release his album, Northtown Rick, on July 31. To celebrate, he’s hosting an invite-only listening party at 11th Street Records that day. Here’s a sample of what’s to come.
UPCOMING SHOWS
Progressive punk band The Quitters celebrates its album release show at the Usual Place on July 31 with MSMRS, Go Bold and No New Nausea. Indie singer-songwriter Johnny Dynamite takes over the Griffin on August 1. Denver metal band Dreadnought lays it on heavy at the Grey Witch on August 2, with support from Peaceful Retreat, Graveflower and Death Rock Collective. Over at Backstage Bar & Billiards, electronic duo Spike Hellis lands with Mvtant, Spelling Hands and Gus on August 8; 60 Juno and Beach Cowboys team up for a dreamy night of post-punk on August 15; and garage rock icons Black Lips take the stage on August 27 with Los Emptys and Night Beats. And at Swan Dive, experimental synth-pop icon Boan performs on August 27.
