LOUD

Maybe you were one of 1,700 fortunate ticket-holders whose luck ran out when Thursday night's whipping winds forced the cancellation of John Legend's outdoor concert at the Palms' pool. Or maybe you never even knew the R&B star was scheduled to play, but might have tried to talk (or sneak) your way in had you heard.

Either way, you'll soon be able to witness Legend's latest Las Vegas performance from the comfort of home, thanks to a new partnership between iTunes and the Palms that should bring some interesting acts to town in the months to come. Under terms of the deal, brokered by local firm Las Vegas Rainmaker Consultants, audio and video from visiting headliners' intimate live shows at the Palms will be made available for download by iTunes, the Internet's leading source for downloadable music.

A five-song package from Wolfmother's May 11 stop-in at the Palms' Lounge is already available for $4.99, and Legend's Thursday set—relocated to the Palms' recording studio, in front of an audience composed only of production crew members—is expected to be on the site by early November.

"This is the first deal of its kind for iTunes," says Palms owner George Maloof. "We will be creating something unique for iTunes, Las Vegas and for the Palms by taking different venues throughout the property and creating special, one-time appearances with great acts, and then putting them up on iTunes."

In addition to the Lounge, the pool and the studio, Maloof says his hotel's as-yet-unnamed 2,500-seat concert theater—under construction and slated for a late February opening—will host future "Live in Las Vegas at the Palms" events.

The partnership, exclusive within the Las Vegas market, also provides the Palms with a page on iTunes, linked directly off the music home page, and with a direct link to the Palms' own website. Currently, the Palms' iTunes page features a photo of the hotel tower and sign, along with information about the Wolfmother set, and sources tell us several heavy hitters are tentatively lined up for the series, with one iTunes set scheduled roughly every 90 days.

"As the music business becomes more a part of Las Vegas, we want to be right there with everything—the recording studio, the music venue, this deal with iTunes and our deal with Interscope Records," Maloof says. "It's just a matter of putting everything together and creating something great for Las Vegas."

As for the audience turned away from the Legend show—composed primarily of Internet and radio contest-winners—they didn't go home empty-handed. In addition to the passes to Rain nightclub and free download cards they received at the door, their unused tickets will be good for Legend's next performance at the Palms.

Guns that shoot hugs?

Sometimes, no matter how much is done for some people, they'll still kick and spit in the face of those who help them. Or at least, such was the case with Jon Piotrowski, lead singer of local band Guns That Shoot Drugs, during his band's doomed set at the Back to School Bash on Saturday.

The event, part of continued efforts to revitalize the University District cultural scene, brought live music, poetry and art to the Promenade center at Maryland Parkway and Harmon Road, across from UNLV. Promoter and musician Blake Farmer worked with the owners of Promenade businesses Otto's Malt Shop and Café Hookah to create an event that would be the testing ground for a monthly occasion.

"We're trying to rebuild Midtown to be more like the cultural center it was 15 years ago," Farmer said.

Farmer and Otto's owner Otto Miller reported Saturday's proceedings—which also included an ice-cream-eating contest—went fairly smoothly, despite last-minute cancellations from artists and bands and a scheduling goof at Café Hookah that created some havoc.

"Café Hookah double-booked," said Farmer. "The poetry group took four hours, which pushed everyone back. They showed up late, took forever to set up and didn't get off stage until 11:30 p.m."

Farmer said tensions between bands waiting to play and event staff built throughout the evening, but it wasn't until the seemingly drunk Piotrowski took the stage outside Otto's after midnight that those tensions turned physical.

"When [Piotrowski] arrived he already had a glass of wine," Farmer said. "I'm sure he was already drunk." According to Farmer and Miller, Piotrowski climbed onto the staircase above the stage despite multiple requests from Miller to stop.

"I'm the voice of reason on the property," said Miller. "I'm the guy throwing the show. If you're going to disrespect me, you're not going to play."

Farmer said when he approached the stage to pull the plug on Guns That Shoot Drugs, Piotrowski kicked him, and when Miller came over, the irate singer jumped the malt-shop owner. Miller put Piotrowski to the ground, and after more people came and wrestled Piotrowski away, he made a few more attempts at both Miller and Farmer before being dragged away.

"Everybody else handled the situation with patience, the way it should have been held," Farmer said. "Obviously when you mix alcohol with aggressive rock music, something is going to happen."

Piotrowski? "I'm definitely not gonna comment," he told Loud!

Despite the unexpected melee at the end of the evening, however, Miller and Farmer feel the event was a success and remain optimistic about continuing to rebuild the Maryland Parkway scene.

"We had a great turnout, with all the bands and all the kids," said Miller. "Its all about community, love and friendship, and that guy [Piotrowski] was not about that."

Miller said he plans to be more selective about bands performing at future events and plans to scale back the size to a more manageable affair. Farmer reports that he is planning a makeup show for artists who didn't get to play on Saturday due to the scheduling mix-up.

As for Guns That Shoot Drugs, even Piotrowski's behavior hasn't soured Miller's on the band.

"If he apologizes, we might even book him again," Miller said. "Though why couldn't it be ‘Guns That Shoot Hugs'?"

Doing Damage

"All genres, all vinyl, all night." So they say and so they spin. Fantastic Damage, every Wednesday at Beauty Bar, isn't just another hump-day dance party—it's an aural philosophy. For the "resident on a relentless search, still in pursuit of that correct vibe," the Bargain DJ Collective invites you to share in their "signature sound."

Hosted by DJ Aurajin, 8-Bits and Standing 8, Fan Dam is not unlike the collective's ever-popular post-First Friday party, the Get Back. With one exception, there's plenty of room to breakdance.

Audiophiles all, Aurajin, 8-Bits and Standing 8 have crafted a unique sound that meshes funk, soul, R&B, old-school hip-hop and rap classics, with just a dash of contemporary chart-toppers. Sharing the decks from 10 p.m. until the party people depart, the three switch off seamlessly and surrender the headphones to their compatriots when inspiration strikes, as opposed to a stiffly structured hour-and-a-half set each.

And though the guys have mad skills and crates of carefully selected records in that almost-abandoned tradition of turning real vinyl recordings, there's no cover charge and the drinks are cheap. Which might explain the unexpected attendees, with B-girls and boys, Beauty Bar regulars and the occasional surprised tourist.

Named in Spin magazine's 101 Hottest Night Spots (September 2006), Fan Dam is proving to be one of the most popular parties in Vegas. And though the Beauty Bar offered the Bargain DJ Collective a shot at Friday nights, they're sticking with their loyal Wednesday locals. So don't disappoint. Dancing shoes and an enthusiasm for all music recommended.