24 Hour Party Bus featuring – The Black Jetts – Barrio Tiger – The Black Beverly Heels – at Double Down Las Vegas,NV

The weekend of Punk Rock Bowling came and went. It was fully charged with debauchery that left most; including myself saying "I'm not stepping foot in Las Vegas until PRB 2012."  That quickly changed when I found out Black Beverly Heels and Barrio Tiger were chartering a bus for a 24 hour trip to Las Vegas for a one night only performance at the Double Down saloon.

I couldn't resist; call it crazy, call it whatever you like.  I have an insatiable need for adventure and no, the 5 days and 4 nights at Sam's Town clearly wasn't enough.

The 24 hour excursion was hosted and organized by Barrio Tiger front man Calixto Hernandez. Spirits were riding high far before the bus reached the I-15. What started out as a quiet beginning turned into music blaring and people talking over one another. The buzz in the air was contagious and soon everyone was running amok. Five and half hours later the bus arrived to the Double Down Saloon. After a few hours of downtime for everyone to either unwind or catch their second wind we made our way to the venue.


It had all built up to this. Walking through the doors of the double down felt like walking a week back into time, memories of Punk Rock Bowling flashed back and flooded my memory. It was almost as intoxicating as some of the Double Downs signature drinks. The bill consisted of Rank Outsider label-mates Black Beverly Heels, Barrio Tiger who are both based in the Heart of LA and  The Black Jetts who hail from Las Vegas. I had made it just in time to see The Black Jets start their first song. Their sound was a delicate mix of Garage rock and soul and it was rad to see their Vegas fans make their presence known. They had this electric vibe that emitted from their front man Gabe Stiff's wailing guitar riffs as well as his hard hitting vocals. By the end of their set they had everyone, including myself begging for more.

Next up was The Black Beverly Heels. This band is one that I'm particularly fond of their eclectic  sound is an injection of pure rock and roll shot straight into your veins.  Their stage presence is one of a kind. The way Yuko flings herself and her white keytar about has you clearing space not only to avoid being hit by this rock machine, but also to better absorb the heels as a whole. Their band chemistry is completely obvious in the way they interact with each other.


The Heels incendiary set was about to peak with the beginning of Night Child when all of a sudden everything goes pitch black. Due to an unfortunate series of events The Black Beverly Heels had to cut their set short and Barrio Tiger didn't play. Apparently a driver swerved off a nearby road, hitting a pole and knocking down power lines. Darkness blanketed a visible 8 block spread. With no clear vision of it being resolved within a few hours the bands called it a night and the crowd dissipated. But not before declaring the party would continue at the hard rock hotel.


The next morning was met with many bottles of water and Gatorade as everyone boarded the bus. The ride back home was a day and night difference from the trip up.  Instead of switching spots, most stayed sunken in to their seat and rested. Finally back in LA the vibe in the air was relief. As goodbyes were said and new bonds cemented, I was thankful for the memories that were made but damn was I glad it was over, I had my fill of sin city for real this time .As I sunk into my bed and slept a solid 15 hours I only had one thought. Vegas trips should be attempted as much as possible. Just not back to back.

 

-Desire G-
Big Wheel Music Staff Reporter

   More photos from the show can be seen HERE

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