ML - Vegas Magazine

2013 - Issue 6 - October

Vegas Magazine - Niche Media - There is a place beyond the crowds, beyond the ropes, where dreams are realized and success is celebrated. You are invited.

Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/175899

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 67 of 131

HOTTEST TICKET Expect a rapturous homecoming when Vegas's The Killers play Life Is Beautiful. DON'T MISS! WAR HORSE THE LINEUP FOR THE LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL MUSIC FESTIVAL OFFERS SOMETHING FOR EVERY TASTE, INCLUDING A FEW HOMEGROWN FAVORITES. BY MARK ADAMS W hile the music industry's biggest names usually hit the Strip, on October 26 and 27 Downtown Las Vegas will be ground zero for top-notch musical entertainment. That's when the city core will host its first large-scale music festival, Life Is Beautiful, and the organizers have assembled an impressive lineup, in addition to full-blown food and art festivals. Alternative and indie rock, pop and hip-hop, R&B and electronic—nearly every genre is represented, plus two of our city's most successful homegrown acts: The Killers and Imagine Dragons. "Vegas is an interesting market—we have a lot of different tastes, so we tried to really cover a little of everything," says Craig Nyman, the festival's head of music and live performances. "With The Killers being hometown kids, it was a big thing for us to have them as one of our headliners." The Southern rockers Kings of Leon will co-headline. Other noteworthy performers include the indie pop band Passion Pit, rockers Alabama Shakes and Beck, hip-hop acts Jurassic 5 and Childish Gambino, and electronic artists Pretty Lights, Zedd, and Empire of the Sun. Says Nyman, "To be able to bring acts like Pretty Lights, who really doesn't play Vegas, and knowing how strong [the electronic dance music] presence is in the market… an act like him, I think, is going to be a great show." Most Thieves, Rusty Maples, and Kid Meets Cougar are among the many local mainstays who will also perform. The festival auditioned local bands during its Downtown Music Showcases. "This was something that could strengthen the awareness and presence of local music in our own city, since we have so many tremendously gifted musicians," says Nyman. He adds that the Life Is Beautiful staff hopes the festival helps local acts springboard "to the next level." While the bars of Downtown host the smaller Neon Reverb music festival twice a year, Las Vegas hasn't attempted anything on the scale of Life Is Beautiful since the Vegoose festival, which ended in 2007. "It's important for the community to have something like this," says Nyman. "It can be the beginning of something really big for the Las Vegas community." Life Is Beautiful takes place at multiple Downtown venues on October 26 and 27. For information and tickets, visit lifeisbeautifulfestival.com. V 66 SISTER ACT The "divine musical comedy" Sister Act (at the Smith Center October 15–20) is based on the 1992 Whoopi Goldberg film—only this time with original music from eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken. The hilarious musical finds a "wannabe diva" on the run from a group of criminals and—with the aid of the witness protection program—hiding out at a convent. Her musicality soon discovered, she begins to direct the church choir, only to attract less-than-desirable attention. The fish-out-of-water story, upbeat songs, and fabulous sequined nun costumes are sure to have you smiling. thesmithcenter.com PHOTOGRAPHY BY DENISE TRUSCELLO/WIREIMAGE (THE KILLERS); JOAN MARCUS (SISTER ACT ); BRINKHOFF/MOEGENBURG (WAR HORSE ) Life, Uninterrupted The Smith Center for the Performing Arts frequently brings the best of the Great White Way to its Reynolds Hall. Taking the stage first this month is the acclaimed historical drama War Horse (October 2–6), which took home five Tony Awards in 2011, including the coveted trophy for best play. Based on the children's novel of the same name, it follows a young man who embarks on a relentless search for his childhood steed as the First World War rages. The magic of South Africa's Handstring Puppet Company brings the tale to life with full-size galloping stallions. Even if you caught the recent film adaptation, you won't want to miss seeing the saga come alive on stage. thesmithcenter.com VEGASMAGAZINE.COM 066_V_SC_HT_LifeBeautiful_Oct13.indd 66 9/17/13 4:58 PM

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of ML - Vegas Magazine - 2013 - Issue 6 - October