Photography: Lucky Lawler ©2009 www.dirtystilettoshoe.com
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On Friday we began our day at The Hard Rock Cafe for a delicious late breakfast complete with my signature bloody Mary. Next up was a drop off at The Double Down Saloon. I still have yet to explore the NYC version of this perfect dive bar. Taking a short break from the retro-world, we took full advantage of one of the best jukeboxes around. Played a few games of pool and downed a few cheap swills before heading back to The Orleans. We got there just in time to enjoy the last few songs of Australia’s Blue Denim Brad Switchblade slaps the stand-up bass like it’s nobodies business while doing some fancy tricks around his instrument. He reminded me slightly of Joe Buck with his Mohawk and crafty bass playing skills. Blue Denim will be playing the east coast soon so do yourself a favor and check out these bad boys from down under! Following Blue Denim, we made our way downstairs to Brendan’s Bar to see The Vargas Brothers from Huntington Park Cali. I was fully mesmerized by their set of romantic country/rockabilly tunes. I could not take my eyes off the Latin hotties as they crooned Johnny Cash’s hit “cry, cry, cry.”. Several libations later, we returned to the upstairs area to catch a few wild songs by Sweden’s own Domestic Bumblebees. Young, fresh faced Swedes who play a dangerous mix of rockabilly and blues. This threesome truly stole my heart and took my breath away! A few more Corona’s and it was back downstairs to see Denver Co’s Aquasonics. These guys reminded me a little of The Ventures in their old school tradition of 1960’s surfabilly (no vocals-all instrumental.) All though I was more than a little distracted by the quite fetching Miss Kitty from Seattle shakin her thang during their set. |
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I was both sad and relieved upon waking up on Sunday afternoon. Our last day in Vegas! We started off with a little sight seeing out on the strip. Tourist central, sort of the times square of Las Vegas. Than back to the hotel for the Tikki pool party. I feasted my eyes on all the hot, heavily tattooed greaser boys. Oh yeah! There was even a vintage bathing beauty contest with one contestant I recognized from New York. We cheered for her but she sadly lost to another contestant. Tough crowd I tell ya. Following the pool party, we took a disco nap and back to the music. First up was the amazing Kim Lenz & the Jaguars. Kim Lenz is a red headed knock out who knows how to belt out some fierce tunes very reminiscent of vintage Wanda Jackson. A total fox with an impressive vocal range with songs like “Choctaw Boogie” and “you ain’t seen nothin”. Sexy, cool and confident with a really strong stage presence. Next up were the UK’s own Jack Rabbit Slim. I can’t believe these guys can actually pull off a great rockabilly rendition of Gary Numan’s hit song “Cars”. A more mature band, older gents who happen to be extremely well crafted musicians. JRS was followed by even more drinking and debauchery gearing us up for the evenings finally of Dusty Chance and the All Nighters. Lots of energy with an in your face Cramps- like delivery of songs. The upright bass player had the most animated expressions with a definite psychobilly twist. He kind of reminded me of John Doe on speed. During the close of the evening, everyone had let their guard down a little and the event was less fashion show and more about fun. I no longer felt as though I had to be in full hair and makeup just to go down to the lobby for some aspirin.... lol! So I decided to call it night after my last gin and tonic and stumbled my way back to my hotel room. With a 12 pack of PBR in tow I stopped by my neighbors to say goodnight. So what if they were under aged greasers from southern Cali. It was the perfect way to end the most perfect vacation ever. Grab your tickets now for Viva XIII |
