Bright lights and Vegas nights

Local music festival Neon Reverb returns to a venue near you

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Hipsters can now rejoice, as the fourth edition of the Neon Reverb music festival is swiftly approaching.

For five days, beginning on March 10, venues throughout Vegas will feature shows that showcase not only some of the best groups that the valley has to offer, but also some amazing touring acts that will undeniably gain more than a few fans during their time here.

The primary venues that have made up the bulk of the past festivals are still being used just as heavily as they were before. The Beauty Bar, The Bunkhouse, The Gypsy Den… more or less all of the favored Downtown spots are taking part in this epic musical extravaganza.

Due to the fact that there are simply so many venues and so many bands playing, it’s advisable to head over to the Neon Reverb Web site and look up each artist individually to get a feel for their music. Virtually every genre is represented save for possibly heavy metal and polka, but that’s not much of a loss.

One important show to check out is local hip-hoppers HighDro and Shamroc’s performance at Aruba Showroom on March 13. They are two of the finest that Vegas has to offer in the genre and are using this show to celebrate the release of a collaborative album.

This year’s Neon Reverb brings the addition of a couple of new venues, each offering their own different vibe and a couple of good acts to look forward to.

The most convenient addition for UNLV students will undoubtedly be Yayo Taco, which is located right across Maryland Parkway in the same shopping center as Rebelbooks. There’s no excuse not to check out at least a show or two in this venue simply because it’s so close to school.

Go see Hotel St. George on the March 11, surf-rockers The Rebel Set on March 12 and especially the psychedelically-inclined Early Dolphin on March 13. One might feel as though they’re on some hefty drugs as they listen to the bizarre, ambient noise of the Dolphin, but it’s probably just those heavenly Bombay tacos Yayo’s does so well.

Another showroom added is one of Vegas’ local punk-rock havens, Boomer’s Bar. Though the venue has consistently hosted decent shows, it seems as though the festival has dumped some of the worst acts of the bill into this venue’s roster.

The only day really worth checking out here would be March 13, for the High Noons Sons, and Vegas-based Devilcar. Though it would admittedly be a gas to watch Warner Drive’s set on the 11th just for giggles. They sound like James Hetfield fronting a pop-rock band, which ultimately brings up the question, can something be so bad that it’s good? If one doesn’t know the answer, this might be the night to figure that out.

For the cheap-skates out there, the Griffin is hosting all their shows for free. Judging from the intimate nature of the venue as well as the sound of most of the groups playing there, these shows will more than likely be acoustic. If electric is your bag, avoid this shindig.

But if you’re down to catch a Vegas favorite, stop by on March 11 to catch The Clydesdale. This female-fronted, country-flavored group never fails to please a crowd with their outrageous stage presence and infectious tuneage.

Though extremely out of the way, Area 702 Skatepark is hosting one show that absolutely shouldn’t be missed. La Banda Skalavera’s on the third day of the fest.

The ten-piece Southern California ska group create a unique sound by combining the traditional ska sound with a Latin flavor and punk and metal influences.

This is probably the only night of the festival when one can find himself wanting equally to dance and to headbang and from that standpoint alone it’s a must see.

Three-day passes for the festival are now running for $40 and each individual day is priced at $15. While the pass doesn’t include either of the shows presented on the final day of the festival, the cost is still practically a steal considering how many groups you have the opportunity to see.

All of the shows being held at Yayo Taco, The Gypsy Den, and Area 702 Skatepark are all-ages, so don’t feel left out if you’re under 21.

Don’t hesitate to check out at least one night of the festivities, the Vegas scene is practically on life support and needs all the help it can get. Let’s not doom another musical festival to the same fate as Vegoose.

For a complete schedule, check out the link below.

ON THE WEB: Neon Reverb: neonreverb.com