Las Vegas Mixtape v31: Rock’s Agelessness, an In-Town Getaway, and 90’s Vintage Threads

Track #5: Around Town Medley

There are several ways to honor the history of rock in Vegas. You can see the Raiding The Rock Vault classic rock show at the Hard Rock Café, salute a musical revolution at The Punk Rock Museum, or immerse yourself in the glow-in-the-dark KISS World Mini Golf adventure inside the Rio Hotel & Casino.

This creatively conceived shrine to one of rock’s most successful bands—who’ve also made an art out of cleverly merchandising themselves—includes a museum, an arcade, gift shop, and a wedding chapel.

KISS alumni Bruce Kulick and Eric Singer (both Vegas residents) were on hand at the space for The Musical Beginning Foundation celebrity fundraiser. The newly created organization aims to provide musical instruments to children in underserved communities and is headed by two new Vegas arrivals: Grammy-winning musician Micki Free and fashion designer Heather Roberts.

There was a strong showing by the Vegas rock community at the mini-golf tournament including Slash’s band members Todd Kerns and Brent Fitz, Alex Grossi of Quiet Riot, and many more.

An essential stop in the Arts District is the provocative gallery/store Recycled Propaganda, which is also the nom de plume for award-winning artist Izaac Zevalking. Since opening in 2018, it’s been the home of artists whose works capture the paranoia and express the outrage of existing in a corporate-controlled society.

Stopping in recently, I had to give this compelling piece by metal sculpture artist David Fay a good look.

It’s titled  “On Second Thought” and described as “a contemporary reimagining of ‘The Thinker,’ created by French sculptor Rene Rodin. Comprised of over 600 decommissioned gun parts, ‘On Second Thought’ seeks to stimulate thought and dialogue concerning our nation’s cultural and spiritual relationship with guns, especially in the wake of recent deadly mass shootings.”

Cheers to Zevalking for advancing social consciousness in Vegas by showcasing “resistance art.”