Today in Las Vegas Magazine

Not Strictly Ballroom

The south of the Strip seems to be getting a fair share of the hot and heavy action with the newly-opened Showroom at the South Point. Three different live shows, ranging from salsa, to rock, to pop have recently opened to jam-packed crowds.

All three bands and shows are managed by Definitive Talents’ Ron Cabildo, who is as pumped-up and full of energy as the shows he produces. He excitedly shows me a snapshot from his phone, of a recent line for the Prince tribute show, Purple Reign, which was snaking out into the hotel’s gaming hall. “I’m really proud of what we’ve accomplished here at The South Point. We’ve got an excellent line-up and we’re slowly, but surely, building-up a big following.”

That comes as no surprise for Salsero, which takes place every Thursdays at 8 p.m. It became an instant hit, even in the earlier days when they occupied a Tuesday evening slot. Part of its success can be attributed to the show’s formula of offering free salsa lessons, followed by a night of dancing to a live band.

It also helps that the lessons are taught by professional salsa dancers, Rene Delgadillo and Susan Del Buenaven-tura. We checked out the duo’s moves one Thursday evening and were very surprised at the outcome. Apparently, there really is a lack of great places to groove to salsa music, as evident in the large crowd that showed up. Also apparent is that there are a lot of people with two left feet, though Susan and Rene righted that in no time.

The lessons last about two hours, after which the Michito Sanchez Salsa Orchestra takes the stage. Michito is no stranger to the Latin music scene. He has worked, toured and performed with top talents like Raul Malo, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Tito Puente, Elvis Costello, Toni Braxton and much more. His band members are true-blue musicians, having also worked with top names like Gloria Estefan, Quincy Jones and even Luciano Pavarotti.

The 11-piece band is made-up of John Rodriguez on bongos, Alex Leon, Jr on timbales, Michael Gonzalez on piano, Abe Gumroyan on bass, Federico Medina on trumpet, Jorge “Chino” Bermudez on trumpet, Phil Wigfall on sax and flute, Juan “Tiny” Colon on trombone; with lead vocals Rolando Valdez and Yanellis Ramidez, and of course, band leader Michito Sanchez, on conga.

On the other side of the spectrum is Purple Reign, the Prince Tribute Band that takes the Friday slot. Front man Jason Tenner formed the group with his high-school bandmates Jason Under-wood (bassist) and Brent Wheeler (guitarist) after dressing as Prince for a Halloween party. Tenner recalls that people’s reactions were crazy; with everyone taking pictures and asking how they could get tickets to his performance. I saw a recent show and was bowled over by how he transforms into Prince. It’s not only the ruffles, tight pants and pompadour that he’s got down to a fine art, but also the falsetto and funky moves. The band comprises Chris Lukes on drums, Darryl Fields on bass, Bridgett Tenner – percussion and vocals, Michael (Mico) Lane on keyboards and musical direction, Chris Lane on guitar, Sythe Cameron as Morris Day, Stephen Miller as Jerome Ben-ton and Adrienne Kramer as ‘Diamond on the dancin’ feet.’

Already with a following from their gigs at Boulder Station, Rio, House Of Blues, Monte Carlo and Boardwalk Casino, Purple Reign reigns supreme in the land of The Artist Formerly Known as Prince and yes, they do sing “Purple Rain.” It’s a night not only dedicated to nostalgia but also to some serious grooving.

Not content to settle for Latin and pop music, rock is here as well – in the form of Phoenix, who perform every Saturday, at 10 p.m. The band comprises Jimmy Crespo (former guitarist of Aerosmith), Tony Davich on vocals, Jamie Borden on drums, Bobby (Momo) Thompson on bass and multi-instrumentalist Jonathan Gilcrest.

Hard-core rockers will have the time of their life bopping to the music of The Who, Boston, Led Zeppelin, Cheap Trick, AC/DC, Jethro Tull and of course, Aerosmith. The show which just recently opened, is already playing to a full house.

So whether you’re a serious salsero, die-hard eighties fan or headbanger, there’s something for you at South Point’s The Showroom and they’re all hot, hot, hot!

-Rachel M. Sugay

The Showroom
South Point Hotel and Casino, 9777 Las Vegas Boulevard South. 796-7111. Salseros – Thursdays; Salsa Lessons, 8 p.m.; Michito Sanchez Band, 10 p.m. Purple Reign – A Prince Tribute Band - Fridays, 10 p.m. Phoenix – Rock The Point - Saturdays, 10 p.m. No cover charge.