Track #1 (of 5): Illenium @Sphere
Out of the darkness and into the light with Illenium. (Image: Vegas 411)
It’s easy to see why Illenium (Nicholas Miller) has become one of EDM’s reigning stars and is now the second electronic artist (after Anyma) to have a residency at the Sphere. On night three of his nine-show engagement, billed as “ILLENIUM Presents ODYSSEY" and wrapping April 4, the 35-year-old musician-producer delivered an explosive 90-minute set. It highlighted his crossover and guest singer-centric sound that bridges bass-heavy electronic, alt-rock, and ethereal pop in songs about overcoming darkness and adversity. There’s a little something for almost everyone here.
The onscreen visuals were dazzling, fast-moving, and hypnotic, presented with pyro and lasers for good measure. Notably and uniquely, Illenium created his newly released sixth album “Odyssey” with this residency in mind. The show also benefited from live instrumentation with Mako (Alexander Seaver) singing live and playing piano on "Into The Dark" and "I'll Come Runnin.’” Thumbs up, too, for the black leather-outfitted female string quartet, which brought sophistication to the live EDM format.
Some like it spooky. (Image: Vegas 411)
Illenium’s branded symbol is a phoenix. It reflects the Chicago-born, San Francisco-raised, and Denver-affiliated artist’s own rebirth after struggles with addiction including a heroin overdose. “Odyssey” (the album and show) is a concept/story project about people finding beauty and harmony amid the darkness. Nothing really earth-shaking
thematically, but it’s the kind of happy ending that most people want. Looking at the faces of the crowd descending the Sphere’s escalators, you could tell that Illenium achieved the emotional impact he aimed for.
Better living through electronica. (Image: Vegas 411)
Illenium’s devoted fans call themselves (naturally) “Illenials,” many of whom came dressed in his signature jersey merch. These are young people who, amid a world that’s more perilous than ever, want to build a community of like-minded souls and luxuriate in musical euphoria, soundtracked with Illenium songs like “Feel Alive” and “To The Moon."
Track #2 (of 5): Main St Provisions @Arts District
Calling all palates: the black cod with mushrooms was an instant home run. (Image: Vegas 411)
Five-plus years in, Main St Provisions continues to be a culinary centerpiece of the Arts District alongside Esther’s Kitchen. Stopping in on a recent Wednesday night, the restaurant was buzzing with every table filled. When you want modern American comfort food that’s alive with creative touches and utter freshness, this is where to go.
The proof was right there in the golden beets salad with candied walnuts and goat cheese, an entrée of black cod with mushrooms, and the luxurious brussels sprouts with roasted cippolini onion, bacon, and bourbon. Executive Chef Ellie Parker—the recent winner of “Hell’s Kitchen: Battle of the States” and a James Beard Foundation emerging chef nominee—is responsible for turning out dishes like these in an artful setting with colorful mid-century design touches.
I’m pictured here with these beautiful women who are leading us into the future. L-R: production/theatrical/residential designer Cheryl Irwin, Chef Ellie Parker, and owner Kim Owens. (Image: Vegas 411)
Main St Provisions is owned by Louisiana-born Kim Owens, who works the room like no other with her warm, effervescent personality. She’s a true force of nature like other women who own establishments in the Arts District including Glam Factory Vintage, Republic Goods, Analog Dope, STAR Las Vegas, Dig It! Coffee, and Sin Amor Studio. Clearly the future is female.
Motown Brunch
Track #3 (of 5): Hayden Coffman @Stoney’s North Forty
Hayden Coffman asked an important question: “Where’s The Whiskey.” (Image: Vegas 411)
They say folks are drinking less than before, but no one has told this to red-hot, gold-certified indie country artist Hayden Coffman.
At his first-ever Vegas show at the jumping and sprawling Stoney's North Forty club inside the Santa Fe Station Hotel & Casino, the rocking Knoxville, TN singer-songwriter came armed with one catchy drinking song after another including “Only Smoke When I Drink” and “Where’s The Whiskey.” Coffman is a funny and self-effacing guy, too. He candidly told the crowd that they probably don’t know who he is, adding: “That’s OK because I don’t know who I was when I woke up this morning.”
Don’t mess with Hayden Coffman’s blue suede shoes. (Image: Vegas 411)
Coffman has a gritty voice that also appealingly hits sweet spots like Jason Aldean and Mike Eli of the Eli Young Band. He knows how to work the stage, walking back and forth and seeking an intimate connection with the audience. Coffman’s set included a cover of Aldean’s 2010 anthem “My Kinda Party,” which instantly endeared him to the crowd, and he showed emotional range with the aching “Take The Lonely” and romantic “Talk To Texas,” his newly released single. If you miss the way country music rocked years ago in the hands of artists like Aldean and Randy Houser, Hayden Coffman is your guy.
Track #4 (of 5): Siegel’s 1941 @ El Cortez Hotel & Casino
Never underestimate the appeal of bad boys like Bugsy Siegel. (Image: Vegas 411)
It’s said that things change and then change again. This arguably occurs more in Vegas than any other American city. It’s dizzying trying to keep up with all the newly opened restaurants, not to mention—sadly—the multiple closures.
With that said, I will greatly miss Siegel’s 1941 downtown at El Cortez Hotel & Casino when it closes sometimes soon (April?). The ambience oozes neo vintage Vegas charm and mobster cool—and offers affordable and solid comfort food. I’ve enjoyed their $19.95 Prime Rib dinner special and an ultra-juicy, tender Reuben sandwich, not to mention a lox and bagel plate that hits every note.
It’s been reported (by media outlet Vital Vegas) that a New York-style steakhouse will take its place, which I imagine will be pricey. Who knows if it will offer multiple menus--breakfast, all-day, and late-night—like the versatile Siegel’s 1941, which at least will happily live on in my memory.
Track #5 (of 5): Around Town Medley: The Composers Room, Urth Caffe, and Fremont Country Club
Luenell gets down to business with entertainment columnist John Katsilometes. (Image: Vegas 411)
Entertainment columnist John Katsilometes of the Las Vegas Review Journal never misses a beat. At The Composers Room in Historic Commercial Center, Kats (as he’s known by many) celebrated his birthday while having his head shaved onstage by outrageous comic-actress Luenell for a good cause, raising money for his annual St. Baldrick’s campaign that supports pediatric cancer research. Other entertainers who’ve had the honor of shaving Kats’ head onstage since 2013 include Wayne Newton and Criss Angel.
This virtuoso guitarist never fails to rock the house. (Image: Vegas 411)
Tonight’s event featured a calvacade of Vegas-based entertainers like Clint Holmes, Katie Holmes, Earl Turner, and Franky Perez. Each singer—backed by the ace house band led by keyboardist Kenny Davidsen—was asked to perform a song of their choice with a “water” theme. Guitarist Christian Brady helped bring the house down with a fiery version of Deep Purple’s time-honored “Smoke On The Water.” It was truly inspirational to be in a room teeming with community spirit and a whole lotta love.
There’s art everywhere you look in Vegas, including on this plate. (Image: Vegas 411)
There are so many fancy restaurant options at the Wynn that it’s easy to forget the tried-and true Urth Caffe, which would be a mistake. Dining at the fast-casual, moderately priced, and ultra-healthy SoCal import before the recent Diana Ross show, I gravitated to their signature “D’Lox Pizza.” Italian and Jewish traditions are beautifully and perfectly merged via this glorious creation of smoked salmon lox, herbed mascarpone, red onions, arugula, fennel, and capers.
Wesley Eisold delivers the chills and thrills. (Image: Vegas 411)
On a recent Saturday night at the Fremont Country Club in downtown Vegas, I knew I was in the right place when the evening’s DJ warmed up the goth crowd with tracks like Bauhaus’ terrific version of Brian Eno’s “Third Uncle.” Everyone was assembled for Cold Cave, the long running LA band whose credits include opening for Depeche Mode overseas in 2023. With members Wesley Eisold and Amy Lee at the helm, the fivesome attained “Glory,” to quote one of their songs, with a dynamic set merging tight songcraft, swirling synths, pulsating electronic rhythms, live drums, and smart guitar embellishments. In Cold Cave’s hands, darkwave music excitingly moves right along, and an adoring Vegas following hollered their approval for favorites including “She Reigns Down” and “Everlasting,” both from their infectiously moody 2024 album “Passion Depression.”
Sometimes machines can be our friends. (Image: Vegas 411)
Opener Buzz Kull (the solo project of Sydney-based musician/producer Marc Dwyer) was an inspired one-man-machine with intermittent shadowy vocals. He engagingly manipulated the beats, and his synths at one point sounded impressively like a pair of 747’s taking off. His new and third album is titled “Deep Hate,” in which he keeps the music dark and intriguing with tracks like “Black Gate” and “In The Cut.” As they say, the kid’s got a big future ahead of him.
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