Many of the artists referred to here live nomadic lifestyles. They go wherever the music takes them, where the inspiration is rife. Some of them find a place in Las Vegas at one point in their life. It may be a town they pass through or where they eventually settle. It is a one-of-a-kind city with experiences and people also too unique to pass up.
Getting gigs in a city known as an entertainment capital of the world might be challenging and intimidating. But this is what indie clubs are best for, because they provide equal opportunities to all artists. Now Hear This acknowledges that all musical talents deserve a chance to be heard. And in Vegas, that opportunity can come in the form of dive bars. Check out some of hidden gems in Sin City where it is very possible you can get a gig:
House of Blues
House of Blues has cemented itself as a Las Vegas cornerstone through the decades. It’s the best-known music joint in town where you can walk in one day with one of the biggest acts in history. You’ll also have the chance to discover new music, as the lineup is quite varied throughout the week. Some of the artists that have played at House of Blues include ZZ Top, Carlos Santana, Two Door Cinema Club, and The Flaming Lips. It's one of those places where audiences really pay attention to the music no matter who’s on the stage.
Double Down Saloon
Double Down Saloon started out as a small dive bar and became a hotspot for live indie bands. The crowd is intimate, authentic, and unapologetic, which adds to the overall charm of Double Down. The music is mostly punk rock—a perfect complement to the bar’s vibe. The venue is dark, loud, and everything you’d expect from a dive bar.
Beauty Bar
Don’t be fooled by its name, as Beauty Bar is not a high-end music venue that has velvety furniture, immaculate lighting, or perfect temperature. In fact, the music happens outside on the back patio where the heat can be fierce even at night. But patrons have been coming to this Fremont Street mainstay for years because of the great entertainment it puts on. It’s one of the coolest watering holes in Vegas regardless of the searing heat.
The Griffin
If you want to play in a more laid-back venue, The Griffin is a comfortable antidote to some of the places mentioned above. If your music sounds dark and mysterious, this venue is the perfect fit for you. It’s very popular among the artsy and younger crowds. Make sure to prepare some smooth slow tunes to match the relaxed and speakeasy vibe of The Griffin.
When you’re just starting out and still trying to make a name for yourself, it’s important to be more realistic with your expectations on where you’ll be playing. The Las Vegas Strip is full of world class casino integrated resorts that attract tourists from around the world. However, for fledgling musicians the best chance of getting some stage time in the city is away from the glitzy casinos and in some of the cozier indie and dive bars. Even if the place doesn't have the turnout you expected nor the kind of audience specific to your genre, play your heart out and give it your all. You never know who might be in the crowd.
If you have other venues to suggest around Las Vegas, share them with us through our Facebook Group!