Artists To Watch Las Vegas | Music Interviews, Live Performances & Rising Artists

Artists to Watch: Las Vegas goes beyond the music for a special edition exploring the artists, designers and creators shaping another side of Las Vegas culture.

Students from Rebel Media Group sit down with Kai (Kevin) Cao the COO of DesignerCon for a conversation about the world of independent art, designer toys, collectibles and creative entrepreneurship.

DesignerCon brings hundreds of independent and emerging artists and brands together, giving fans the opportunity to discover new work—and giving creators a place to get noticed. In this special episode, we explore how DesignerCon has grown over more than two decades, why Las Vegas has become part of its story, and how young artists can turn their creativity into a career.

The conversation covers the rise of designer toys and blind boxes, Labubu and Pop Mart, trading cards, graffiti and independent art, as well as upcoming DesignerCon collaborations and exclusives. Most importantly for aspiring creators, we hear how artists can build an audience, promote their work, find mentors and put themselves in position to be discovered by major brands.

DesignerCon returns to Las Vegas November 13–15, 2026.

Whether you're a musician, visual artist, designer, content creator, marketer or simply someone fascinated by creative culture, this special edition of Artists to Watch: Las Vegas is about what happens when creativity, community and opportunity come together.

Artists to Watch: Las Vegas spotlights the people, ideas and creative voices shaping Las Vegas and beyond.

Guitarist, producer and contemporary jazz artist Adam Hawley joins host Carlaya on Artists To Watch Las Vegas from 91.5 Jazz & More KUNV.

In this Las Vegas interview, Hawley talks about his new album Electric, the fast-rising single “Power Move,” the guitar influences that shaped his sound, the energy of Las Vegas jazz audiences, and why vinyl remains an important part of his connection with fans. He also previews what audiences can expect when he and his band take the stage for the Sunset Jazz Series at Sunset Station.

Adam Hawley has released seven albums and, according to Sunset Station, has earned 19 Billboard No. 1 hits. His recent accolades include being named Billboard’s No. 1 Artist of the Year for 2025 and Mediabase’s No. 1 artist of the year in 2024.

See Adam Hawley live in Las Vegas:
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Sunset Jazz Series
Side Lawn at Sunset Station
1301 W. Sunset Rd., Henderson, NV
Doors: 7:00 PM | Show: 8:00 PM
General admission seating: $25 plus tax and fees

Tickets and official event information: stationcasinoslive.com. Tickets are also available through Station Casinos Rewards Centers or Player Services and online through Ticketmaster.

Artists To Watch Las Vegas features interviews, live performances and conversations with rising and established artists from Las Vegas and beyond, produced by 91.5 Jazz & More KUNV at UNLV.

On this episode of Artists to Watch – Las Vegas, New Guy Rob sits down with award-winning, multi-platinum songwriter, vocalist, producer, and vocal coach Melanie Andrews. Melanie shares the remarkable story of growing up as the granddaughter of legendary jazz trumpeter Snooky Young and how her teenage friendship with Janet Jackson led to her co-writing the hit “Let’s Wait Awhile” for the landmark Control album. She also reveals that she’s the voice heard with Janet at the beginning of “What Have You Done for Me Lately.”  

Melanie takes Rob inside her work with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Maurice White and Earth, Wind & Fire, and a career whose songwriting and vocals have contributed to records selling millions of copies. She also discusses three decades as a vocal coach, her book Built to Last: The Vocal Handbook, her upcoming Platinum Pen: The Writer’s Handbook, and her smooth jazz/R&B solo album Soulmate Live.  

Plus, hear what’s next as Melanie expands into songwriting and music supervision for film and television, including her new song “New Chapter.” 

Vocalist Toni Redd joins host Carlaya at KUNV Studios for a conversation about her musical journey, her lifelong love of jazz and R&B, and her upcoming performance at Jazz After Dark at The Space in Las Vegas.

Toni shares how artists including Nancy Wilson, Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan helped shape her sound, recalls the unforgettable experience of meeting Nancy Wilson, and discusses her musical friendship and collaborations with saxophonist Tom Braxton.

She also previews what audiences can expect from Jazz After Dark: a high-energy mix of traditional jazz, smooth jazz and R&B, along with performances featuring Tom Braxton and an outstanding lineup of musicians. Toni closes with advice for young and aspiring artists about education, perseverance and believing in yourself.

Jazz After Dark
Monday, September 7
The Space — Las Vegas
Doors: 4 p.m. | Show: 5 p.m.

Listen to 91.5 Jazz & More all week for opportunities to win tickets.

Artists To Watch Las Vegas is produced at KUNV Studios on the campus of UNLV in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The cast of Come From Away joins host Carlaya on Artists to Watch – Las Vegas for a conversation about bringing the acclaimed musical’s powerful true story of compassion, community, and human connection to the Super Summer Theatre stage.

Director Nakazi Harris and cast members Iler Evan, Rich, and Amy Solomon discuss portraying real people whose lives intersected in Gander, Newfoundland, after 38 planes carrying thousands of passengers were diverted there following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The cast shares how research, firsthand conversations with people connected to the true story, and the production’s focus on authentic storytelling helped shape their performances. 

The conversation also explores the musical’s enduring message of kindness, including how the people of Gander opened their community to complete strangers and how relationships formed during those extraordinary days continue decades later. The cast explains why that message feels especially meaningful as the production coincides with the 25th anniversary of September 11. 

Come From Away runs September 4–19 at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, closing out Super Summer Theatre’s 51st season. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. 

Artists to Watch – Las Vegas spotlights the performers, musicians, creators, and productions shaping the Las Vegas arts and entertainment community.

Nicholas Cole is headed to Las Vegas for the first time, and before he takes the stage at the Sunset Jazz Series, he joins Carlaya for the latest episode of Artists to Watch Las Vegas.

The chart-topping keyboardist talks about growing up in Goldsboro, North Carolina, his excitement about making his Nevada debut, and the musicians joining him onstage. Cole says fans can expect a high-energy show combining the sounds that have shaped his career—from his gospel roots to jazz and R&B.

He also reveals which song he’s most looking forward to performing: fan favorite “Brown Sugar.” His advice for the Las Vegas audience? Bring your dancing shoes.

NICHOLAS COLE – SUNSET JAZZ SERIES

Saturday, August 15, 2026
Doors: 7:00 PM
Show: 8:00 PM
Side Lawn at Sunset Station
1301 W. Sunset Rd., Henderson, Nevada

General admission seating is $25 plus applicable taxes and fees. The event is all ages when accompanied by an adult 21 or older.

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster or at Station Casinos Rewards Centers and Player Services.

Official Ticketmaster tickets:
https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1700648DB99E2FED?CAMEFROM=CFC_STATIONCASINOS_WEB_SJS2026_JAZZSERIES-STN-WEBREF

Hear Nicholas Cole before he hits the stage and get to know the artist behind the music on Artists to Watch Las Vegas from 91.5 KUNV Jazz & More.

Two-time GRAMMY-nominated saxophonist Mindi Abair joins Carlaya on Artists to Watch Las Vegas from 91.5 Jazz & More for a conversation about her music, life on the road, and her return to Las Vegas.

Mindi takes us inside her deeply personal album Based on a True Story, a project inspired by her own life and experiences—from traveling through Tuscany and Catalina to writing for her daughters and capturing the people, places, and moments that have shaped her journey. 

She also talks with Carlaya about why performing live remains at the heart of what she does. For Mindi, a concert isn't simply about playing songs—it's about connecting with the audience and giving people a chance to escape into the music for a couple of hours. 

Mindi Abair performs Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Myron's at The Smith Center in Las Vegas, with performances at 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Tickets, including fees, currently range from $44.90 to $74.80, with limited availability.

Fans attending the 5:00 p.m. performance can also add a special Wine and Jazz Tasting Experience with Mindi and wine expert Eric Guerra. Mindi talks about the experience in the interview, which pairs three wines with live musical selections chosen to complement each wine style. 

Mindi Abair at Myron's
Saturday, August 15, 2026
5:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.
Myron's at The Smith Center
361 Symphony Park Ave., Las Vegas

Tickets and show information at The Smith Center

Artists to Watch Las Vegas is a 91.5 Jazz & More podcast hosted by Carlaya produced by Jason Beatty KUNV Las Vegas, spotlighting the artists making an impact in Las Vegas and beyond.

KUNV - Las Vegas welcomes Mojo Reggae and Al Boy of Roots Rhythm Collective to Artists to Watch Las Vegas for an energetic conversation about reggae, community, and their upcoming performance at One Drop Redemption: A Tribute to Bob Marley. The artists discuss what reggae means to them, how collaboration has helped them build one of Las Vegas' most exciting reggae communities, and why live music creates an unforgettable connection between performers and audiences. They also share stories from their musical journeys, the importance of teamwork, and what fans can expect from an electrifying night celebrating the timeless music and message of Bob Marley. 

🎶 Concert Information
One Drop Redemption: A Tribute to Bob Marley

• Saturday, July 25, 2026
• House of Blues at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
• Doors open at 7:30 PM
•  Featuring One Drop Redemption, Mojo Reggae, Roots Rhythm Collective, and legendary guitarist Tony Chin of Soul Syndicate. 

🎟️ Tickets:
One Drop Redemption: A Tribute to Bob Marley Tickets

Billboard-charting contemporary jazz artist Nathan Mitchell joins Carlaya on Artists to Watch Las Vegas to discuss his upcoming live recording concert at Aliante Casino + Hotel on April 3, 2027. Nathan shares details about performing with his full band, including the legendary Mo'Horns, family members EJ and KJ, and other top touring musicians. He also previews his upcoming album Based on a Love Story, discusses the success of his hit single "Summer Time Summer Vibes," and reflects on reaching the top of the Mediabase and Billboard charts.

Learn about the inspiration behind his music, the importance of family in his band, and what fans can expect from an unforgettable live recording experience in Las Vegas.

Hosted by Carlaya, The Queen of Flow, on 91.5 Jazz & More.

For more interviews with today's top jazz artists, subscribe to Artists to Watch Las Vegas.

Saxophonist Adrian Crutchfield joins Carlaya, the Queen of Flow, for an exclusive interview ahead of his highly anticipated appearance at the Sunset Jazz Series on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the Side Lawn at Sunset Station in Henderson, Nevada. Adrian discusses his journey from performing with Prince and The New Power Generation and Lionel Richie to building his own successful solo career, while sharing what fans can expect from this special Las Vegas performance. He also reveals surprise guest musicians, including legendary bassist Andrew Gouché, and talks about bringing both original music and fan-favorite covers to the stage.

The concert begins at 8:00 PM, with doors opening at 7:00 PM. This is an all-ages event (guests under 21 must be accompanied by an adult 21 or older) with general admission seating. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and the Sunset Jazz Series. 

Presented by the Sunset Jazz Series, co-produced by 91.5 KUNV Jazz & More and Sunset Station, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of contemporary jazz's most exciting performers before he takes the stage in Las Vegas.