You might be wondering why Hairline is reviewing Vegas as part of the festival this year. You might even be shocked that we are pre/reviewing a club night as part of our music section. Well it is in our opinion that Vegas (who also put in lots of hard work during the rest of the year) deserve a special mention during the Festival. Our reasoning for this? The Vegas Festival Party which is to take place in the Ocean Terminal (arguably the flashiest mall ever!) on the 28th August 2004.
To the un-initiated, Vegas is something of an Edinburgh institution which was introduced to the discerning Edinburgh in 1997. If you asked a devotee to describe the club you’d get a response to the night as reverent as any churchgoer describing ‘him on high’. The regulars just lurve this club. However, summing up the club is not an easy matter - Vegas itself admits the club is uncategorisable. Yes, its retro, yes it can be cheesy, but no, its not Disco Inferno, nor Snatch for that matter - think ‘retro-chic’ instead. Chic indeed, because at Vegas you are encouraged to make a sartorial effort - dress to be in the movies - choose Casino, the original Oceans 11, or even Fear and Loathing and you’ll be in good company.
Just as hard to describe as the club itself, is its music policy, Vegas describes it as the “swinging Latino country rock easy funk jazz” which includes something for everyone from, Frank Sinatra and Andy Williams through Perez Prado and Elvis to neo-swing heroes such as Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. The resident Djs Frankie Sumatra, Bugsy Seagull and Dino Martini are also often complemented by live bands playing rock and roll, swing and jive, or by a cabaret act, and the Festival Party this year is set to be no exception showcasing the ska/jive/funk/punk mash up that is The Fat Cats.
If that isn’t enough for y’all, the fabulous Scott Brothers will also be hosting The Stardust Casino at which you can spend your Elvis dollars in the pursuit of free drink. All hosted by the lovely Vegas showgirls!! Hello ? Hello ? are you still there? no? I guess you’ve gone to get your tickets already. See you there!
Kate Hopper
