The Lucky Cheats at Bar 702, Las Vegas, 4-6-13

This local dive bar has had an identity crisis for a while now. After years as the Sand Dollar (where it made its name as a blues club), it then became the Bikini Bar, which was short-lived, reverted to the Sand Dollar and is now the unfortunately-named Bar 702. Sorry, cats, but Sand Dollar is a much better name!

In any case, this club is still hosting blues events, such as this blues jam that had the Lucky Cheats as the house band. I have ranted'n'raved about this cool blues combo before and will many more times, I am sure.  Always a fun time, always friendly cats and always rockin'!

Propelled by drummer Larry Reha, the group's dynamics really make the songs, as they power through covers such as "Do the Do", "I Wish You Would" and "Shake Your Hips". Repetitive, hypnotic riffs that never get boring as Reha plays off the rest, bassist Luke Metz holds down the fort and harp player Jeffrey Koenig and guitarist Wade Braggs trade licks. These tunes are ingrained into their souls and because of that they can play off of each other and actually enjoy themselves on stage. It is kinda refreshing to see people on stage laughing and having a good time as one or another tries something new and brings something different to the tune.

I never tire of seeing these guys and if you haven't, you don't know what you're missing! Their next show will be a good one - April 20 at the Triple B with Pat Todd and the Rank Outsiders and the Black Jetts. Be there!