Jazz in the Park Series

Unilocal 100 Challenge * ⁷³⁄₁₀₀
*This review pertains to the Earl Klugh performance last Saturday
Call me a classic rock fan. Little do most people know, I’m also a huge jazz fusion junkie! My father, a musician and fellow jazz enthusiast, first introduced me to Earl Klugh at a young age (Around 10 – 11, I believe) and ever since, I’ve grown very fond of one of his songs, ‘Doc’.
The concert was set to start at about 7pm so we got to the outdoor ampitheatre at about 6:30pm only to find the once luscious green grass covered in crowds and crowds of people, sipping wine, lying on their picnic blankets and having a ball with the family. Young and old, I love the fact that these quality cultural events pull on multi-​generational heartstrings AND they’re free!
As the sun began to set, we saw the stage come alive with lights and sounds. The LV Jazz Academy started the night with a smooth 4 – 5 song line-​up. At 8pm, Earl got on stage and rocked his signature nylon acoustic masterpieces with his bandmates. Add Eric Marienthal, famous saxophonist, and we had a night of great music to a backdrop of a beautiful night sky. Thoughtful Unilocalers also saved a pretty large spot to accommodate all of us so that brought in even more fun!
Percussionist, Pete Escovedo, is set to close this year’s series and I’m already contemplating whether or not to go back. I personally don’t see how cultural gems like these are to be missed! There were so many familiar faces, really you never know who you’re gonna bump into — even my biology professor was there!

I felt compelled to write this review since the concert series is about to start and because there is only one other review. Kudos to Teri C. for promoting it so well!
She really does touch all the important points about these events. I mean, what could be cooler than free outdoor jazz concerts? I mean, this is what urban living is all about. This is what makes cities like Chicago and New York awesome, free cultural activities for the public. For those that say there are not enough cultural events in this city, I invite you to come out for a concert one evening.
Anywho, the Jazz in the Park concerts are held at the Clark County Amphitheater, which is a super cool building with an awesome view of the Lou Ruvo Center (see, you are one Frank Gehry building away from being in Millenium Park). I’ve been multiple times over the years and each time it has been great. The weather is usually still nice, in fact one year it was quite chilly actually. People bring lawn chairs and blankets and it just gives the city a college-​town vibe.
The city needs more events like this. Come out and support!

After much thought and consideration, I have finally found what is worthy of a 500^th review —
The Las Vegas Jazz in the Park Series.
Having lived in Vegas for over a year, it can be tricky to find ‘local’ events that truly allow you to enjoy being a resident in this crazy city. But with a little bit of research, you can find such things.
During the last weekend in May, I invited the BF to a wonderful evening of jazz featuring the Woody Woods Orchestra. We brought KFC, blankets, and a cooler full of snacks for a romantic evening of great music.
The following week, we returned again to watch Dee Dee Bridgewater perform her sultry songs in French. The weather was perfect, but this time we dined on wine, cheese, and fruit. It’s easy to feel transported…
I couldn’t imagine a more relaxing and romantic way to spend my Saturday evenings in Vegas as a local. And with events like these, how can I not love living in Vegas with the BF?
The Clark County Parks and Recreation Department is in charge of this event and it’s in its 18^th year. The last performance will be on June 21^st (featuring Nick Colionne) and I can’t recommend it highly enough! It’s FREE and with ample free parking as well. It’s perfect for all ages, young and old! Arrive early so you can have your pick of the grass and enjoy your meal while there is still light. Next year, I definitely plan on going and making a bigger picnic out of it. Most people would never have known such an event was going on right by the Premium Outlets. I almost want to keep this treasure to myself so it doesn’t get overrun, but it’s so nice! So, in the end, I had to share this all with you.
Food and drink are available on site for purchase.
Concerts start at 8 pm.
See you there!