Viva Las Vegas Pre Party - The Femme Fatales of Rock'n'Roll at the Sand Dollar Wednesday April 13, ,2022

 

Weeknight gigs are always tough for me but this pre-Viva gig's line-up was too cool to pass up (even if it meant getting to work late the next day)!

Put together by the Howlers' bassist, Luke, this show featured some of the best, female-fronted roots-rock-ish groups in town. Apparently, quite a few people agreed with my assessment as the Sand Dollar was jam packed (beyond any time I've seen it) right from the start of the night! Between the crowd and connecting with some new friends, I wasn't able to get photos of any of the combos until the Howlers hit the stage - sorry folks, but you certainly all got a great reception from the audience, which I'm sure means more to you!

Frankie Lee and the Infernos started the night with their own brand of roots/R'n'B material that was augmented with a female sax squealer, although I couldn't get close enough to really scope out their full lineup or take notes on their set. But they had the peeps movin'n'groovin' right from the beginning!

Paige Overton followed with her combo doing somewhat more country-influenced roots rock, with Paige's fine voice and acoustic guitar backed by drums, stand up and electric lead git-slingin' (I believe that was the lead player from the Rhyolite Sound, who Paige sat in with last weekend). Paige sometimes goes out with just her'n'her guitar, so it was nice to see her sound filled out by some terrific players.

The Howlers took the stage, but were first fronted by out-of-towner Mozzy Dee, for a special Viva set. Of course, no one can fault any of the Howlers as musicians, as they are all top-notch, and Mozzy did a super job of fronting in a similar vein to the material that the guys do with Shanda. Jump, jivin', R'n'B styled R'n'R sung by a woman with a big voice. 

Naturally, Shanda did a fab job of her own material (along with a few covers, like their own take on the Sonics' "Shot Down") from their three albums (I still need to get the new one - didn't see any merch this eve, but then, it was impossible to wander the entire club), winnin' the house over with their high-energy, 50's styled, blues and R'n'B. Classics and new numbers were equally well-received, as were powerful, slow blues and boppin' jump R'n'B tunes. Smokin' local harp master Jeffrey (Lucky Cheats, Holy Smokes, etc) joined them this night - not sure if he's a permanent fixture in the group or not (as they have had a hard time keeping a sax player), didn't think to ask anyone! But, he sounded great and added a fine accompaniment.

Unfortunately, being a weeknight, and us not being off of work for the Viva weekender, we split before the Howlers finished (although I'm sure they were pretty much done) and we missed the local Cramps tribute act, Green Fuzz, although I can only imagine how they must have been received by a Viva-inspired crowd! 

A great night all around - thanks to the Sand Dollar for hosting and to all the fab bands for givin' it their all on a Wednesday night! And, of course, I would be remiss if I didn't mention DJ Maybelline who provided the swingin' sounds in between the live acts!