The decline of live Las Vegas Entertainment continues to prevail as it claims yet another victim. The news that Charlie’s Bar (2089 N. Jones) will close next week was shocked its regular neighborhood patrons. However it was even more shocking to the regular live bands that have played in rotation at Charlie’s Bar.

Charlie’s Bar will go out in true rock star fashion as it will host an all out musician’s jam going away party of sorts on Wednesday, August 20th. According to Doug, everyone is invited to come, play, share stories and close down Charlie’s Bar in a way fitting for the thousands of musicians who have graced the stage.

One may think that one bar closing is not that big of a deal as Vegas is full of them. However it is quickly becoming a trend of closing establishments that are fixtures in our neighborhood that employs our citizens, provides a literal stage for local bands to haon their skills as musicians and generates gaming and other tax revenue for our city.

A drive down any major Las Vegas street whether it be Charleston, Sahara, Tropicana or Flamingo shows the signs the economy chipping away at what has always been the thriving entertainment capital of the world. A whole host of bars and restaurants closed and their rich history all but forgotten. In recent weeks, Spanky’s Pub also has been forced to close.

Some blame the ban on smoking in bars and restaurants which was voted into law in January 2007. Yet some locals state that they simply do not have the money to go to bars and restaurants anymore. Dinner and an evening of entertainment is a luxury that far too many can no longer afford.

Although The Strip continues to maintain and news is hopeful of a recovery, our neighborhoods that surround the strip could become an entertainment ghost town which we will only have fond memories and stories to share of what local entertainment was all about long ago.

When I first heard that the Monte Carlo Hotel had closed The Pub for renovations then soon after heard that Zowie Bowie was not renewing their contract with The Palms for their show there, I knew their had to be a connection. The VIPette was not that good with math in school, but I do know how things add up. Especially since Zowie Bowie had preformed a big band production at Monte Carlo for New Years 2009.

My suspicions were confirmed today when Zowie Bowie announced that not only are they moving their high energy pop top 40 act to The Pub at Monte Carlo on Friday and Saturday nights, but they will also be performing in the Lance Burton Theater on Sunday evening with a 18 piece big band vintage Vegas production starting next month.

I have included an old video promo of Zowie Bowie from when they were signed to Red Rock Station Casino if case you have never experienced their show.

As a booking agent, I do not make it a practice to promote acts that I am not working with. However for Zowie Bowie, I will make this exception as I have fond memories of attending their show, dancing my butt off, and even getting pulled up on stage for “I kissed a girl…and I liked it” with Marley. Furthermore, the fact that they will be employing 18 musicians rather than tracks is “music to the ears” of the VIPette as well as many out of work Vegas musicians.

Tickets are on sale now for the Sunday night big band show by calling 702-730-7160. The Friday and Saturday night pop top 40 show continues to be free.

Good Luck and Congrats to Zowie Bowie~!!!!