There is a lot going on in the downtown part of Las Vegas. There are local businesses opening and a bigger organization sinking millions into a revitalization effort. This is not 'News', per se - Las Vegas has been trying to get traction for a new/better downtown for at least the 10 years I've lived here. What makes it different now is the amount of money being invested and the press that the effort is receiving around the world (largely due to Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh's involvement and public sharing of the reasons he is investing so much).
Along with the Downtown Project and its new businesses there are people who are trying to do whatever they can for the arts and music scene in Las Vegas. Not just new clubs opening up (we have a few of those, too!), but people really trying to make a community of musicians.
I've written previously about the state of the scene from my perspective and how the sense of competition runs wild. The same usually rings true when talking about 'open mic nights' at bars and coffee shops. After a few beginners get their songs out of the way, seasoned (or so they think) musicians take over and often the amount of ego on the stage and around the room can really cause the whole night to start to suck (not the music, but the vibe).
Last Friday night, Fremont East Studios held a community jam. Now, to be clear, there wasn't really a Jam. It was a chance for local artists to play up to 3 of their songs. What struck me as pretty awesome was the huge variance in the acts that showed up. There were traditional bands and acoustic acts, a piano player/songwriter, a ukulele + spoken word group and a young lady with her cello. oh yeah, and the absence of ego. It really was a night to enjoy each others art and appreciate it.
We got up first and played 3 songs totally acoustic (because the PA equipment had not arrived yet) and had a blast. Beau Hodges band, usually a 6 piece, actually does pretty well as a 3 and/or 4 piece acoustic outfit. who knew?!
The next artist was a recent Australian transplant playing his own modern singer/songwriter stuff, and it was really good!
By the time the PA showed up (with a little help from my magic box of stuff - a reminder to all artists that things like cables and direct boxes should be carried with you at all times) the room was filled with artists and friends and the Joey Pero band played full-on with keyboard, trumpet, guitar, bass, drums and vocals.
We got up and did another 3 songs with the PA (I jumped on bass, Hoz played his acoustic, Tyler played drums and acoustic and we all sang) and just had so much fun doing an impromptu second set.
I heard many people say "this is what the scene needs more of" and "I've been in Vegas since 1949 and have never seen anything like this!"
SO here's to Fremont East Studios, Joey Pero (who hosted/made it happen) and all of the local artists who made an appearance. Let's keep building this great community of musicians in Las Vegas