An off-Strip resort is hatching a novel concept, a bevy of Las Vegas acts performing original music across three stages. The event is free and open to all ages.
The next thing you’ll tell me is parking is also free. And it is.
The first Frenzy Fest LV is set for Aug. 24 at Palms’ Kaos Nightclub, Palms Pool and Greene St. Kitchen. Showtimes are 7 p.m. (doors at 6 p.m.). The number 20 is wild in this event — 2o bands playing 20-minute sets for a suggested donation of $20 to the Vegas youth program Positively Arts.
Donate online or in person. Though admission is free, those planning to attend need to register at frenzyfestlv.com.
Las Vegas performers Shawn Eiferman (frontman of the open-mic nights at The Shag Room at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas), Chris Phillips of Zowie Bowie and Vegas vocalist Asha Di Canta host across the three stages.
The event is organized by Beyer Entertainment, founded by Steve and Kathleen Beyer in 1994. The company has booked myriad entertainers at small-cap venues in Las Vegas. If you have played a lounge or a club in the city over the past 30 years, Beyer has probably been involved.
Among those in the first batch of Frenzy Fest announcements: Fletch Walcott of David Perrico and the Raiders House Band; Justin Carder of Caspian’s at Caesars Palace and Barbershop Cuts & Cocktails at The Cosmopolitan; Mojo Juju — vocalist Lea Cappelli and guitarist Nazim Chambi — also Caspian’s/Barbershop mainstays; Blue Man Group drummer Jeff Tortora; the Far Worst, featuring Positively Arts master class alum Bree Forsberg; and Beyer Entertainment CEO and Vegas entertainer Woody Jarrett.
The full slate of artists is to be announced in about a week. All will be based in Las Vegas. More than 80 singers and musicians will take part. Performers are not allowed to play in more than one band at the event.
The event presents a new, unique opportunity for performers and entertainment scenesters looking for original music in a Vegas casino.
“Las Vegas has one of the most talented original music communities in the country — it just doesn’t always get the stage it deserves,” Jarrett says. “Frenzy Fest gives 20 of those acts a full-scale festival platform at one of the most iconic properties in the city, and it does it in service of the next generation of artists.”
Positively Arts founder and CEO Pilita Simpson says her organization’s students should be swept up in the Frenzy. Many of the performers have learned the craft through Positively Arts.
“Las Vegas is known for hosting the world’s biggest stars, and Frenzy Fest is proving that some of tomorrow’s headliners are already here,” Simpson says. “Giving local young artists the opportunity to perform on the same stages as legendary performers sends a powerful message: Your dreams belong here, too.”
John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow @johnnykats on X, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.