Las Vegas Mixtape v33: Man Machines, Bi-Ethnic Cuisine, and Blissful Oblivion

Track #5: Around Town Medley:

Gal power in full effect at the “Ma’am Jam.” L-R: Katie Schamze, Sabrina Richmond, Marissa Hollenbeck, and Betty Vance. (Image: courtesy of Dave Plastik)

They say “the future is female,” and that led me to the all-gal “Ma’am Jam,” presented by the Las Vegas Blues Society Community.  It was held at the packed Sand Dollar Downtown inside the Plaza Hotel & Casino, with two bands belting out red-hot blues classics including Otis Redding’s “Hard To Handle,” a song that’s been covered by many artists including ‘60s singer Patti Drew (as noted from the stage), Tom Jones, and later, The Black Crowes.

You can never go wrong with the blues. (Image: Vegas 411)

Two musicians whom I know—drummer Sabrina Richmond and bassist Betty Vance—proved to be a formidable rhythm section, laying down tight grooves over which the other musicians and rotating vocalists also generated serious heat. If you’re feeling down and out, what else can you do but “Bet On The Blues”?

Celebrated author Pamela Des Barres (left) and Vegas 411’s Staci Layne Wilson brought their disco best. (Image: courtesy of Lisa S. Johnson)

The guest of honor at the debut of the “Groove Is In The Heart” dinner and vintage ‘70s disco event—at the luxe Laguna Pool House & Kitchen, on the sixth floor of Palms Place—was celebrated author and famous ‘70s groupie Pamela Des Barres whose book “I’m With The Band” is regarded as one of rock’s best memoirs. Visiting from LA, Miss Pamela was among the disco-dressed revelers on the dance floor overlooking the pool. The crowd also included Grammy winner Micki Free, a former member of Shalamar whose 1983 hit “Dancing In The Sheets” was on the evening’s playlist.

Vintage disco sounds ruled the night along with tasty food. (Image: Vegas 411)

Chef Luke Palladino’s delicious globally influenced creations comprised the menu, and the rhythm-is-king music that I curated—with tracks by Barry White, First Choice, O’Jays, Sylvester, Labelle, the Trammps, and more—celebrated inclusivity, freedom, and good times. Look for another “Groove Is In The Heart” blowout to take place later this year.