New Vegas Lounge: Take the Gamble

Guest written by M.O.Gatewood, Poet Laureate of the A-to-Z tour.

A great man named Cotton McKnight once said of Las Vegas, “a city built of hot sand, broken dreams, and $5 lobster.” He was describing the Old Vegas … the “New” Vegas Lounge is more along the lines of loud music, dreams come true, and $5 domestic lite beers. Tucked away in the midst of one of the most up-and-coming streets in town, it should be a sought-out venue for anyone who likes getting down with their bad selves to the best that Mo’town has to offer.

The quotations around “New” are required because the word “New” does not technically appear on the outside sign, one of several factors contributing to mass confusion and hysteria early in the evening. When the first A-to-Zers arrived around 8:30, they discovered that the place was bolted up and immediately placed a call to Mr. Almond. Seeing the look on our Fearless Leader’s face when hearing that the place approximately 40 A-to-Zers were headed at some point in the evening may in fact not be open for business was rather startling … strikingly similar to Kevin McAllister’s facial expression upon realizing he was left at home. Fortunately, it was a false alarm, and the place opened promptly an hour later. In the interim, the first arrivals scrambled down the street to find another watering hole, and ended up at Logan Tavern or Stoney’s for a shoehorn.

[Ed. Note: "Shoehorn" is a term coined by M.O. Gatewood, and refers to popping in for a quick drink at a previously unplanned location before reaching one's intended destination. It serves as a way to ease oneself into the night, not unlike a shoehorn facilitating one to ease his heel into his penny loafers.]

Once the place opened, it became obvious that it plays to a late-arriving crowd, as the place did not really get going until around 10:30 once the band started playing. The band, numbering between 5 and 7 performers depending on the song choice, rocked out to fan favorites from “My Girl” to “Dock of the Bay” to “Let’s Get It On.” If you don’t like to dance and prefer a place to have low-key conversation, you likely will not be a fan … if, however, you like to have fun, you will iike it (anywhere I “dance” for an hour and a half straight is a de facto good time). The $10 cover charge combined with expensive drinks can make the evening somewhat costly so plan ahead and pre-game as necessary. Of course, the evening was much cheaper than a night in Las Vegas, even for a "Gambler" such as myself. But much like the Real Vegas, the clientele is about 75% polos/jeans and sundresses, 15% grunge, 9% unclear, and 1% rodeo attire.

The turnout was impressive. I lost count at 40 A-to-Zers. And while it was great to have so many people there, I admit the band was so loud that conversation was difficult. But this was the only drawback in an otherwise great evening. I will certainly be returning, ready to make requests from the band and dance the night away.

All-star of the evening: the band's bassist, who I will call "Pat," who succeeded (probably unintentionally) in causing most of those in attendance at one point or another to pause what they were doing and debate whether Pat was a man or a woman. An informal straw poll finds results deadlocked at 48% swearing Pat is a chick, 48% swearing Pat is a dude, and 4% alien/other.