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

In this special edition of Artists to Watch Las Vegas, we sit down with Jonathan Redmond, the Academy Award–nominated editor behind Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis and the new concert film EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert.

Redmond takes us inside the extraordinary discovery that sparked the film: 69 boxes — nearly 60 hours — of unseen Elvis Presley concert footage, buried for decades inside Warner Bros. vaults stored deep in underground Kansas salt mines. Originally uncovered during research for Elvis (2022), the footage was so powerful and revealing that it ultimately demanded its own standalone cinematic experience.

Rather than presenting a traditional documentary or a standard concert film, EPiC reimagines Elvis’s story as what Luhrmann describes as a “cinematic poem” — a dreamlike experience where Elvis sings, performs, and tells his own story in his own voice. The film blends electrifying performances from the early 1970s with newly restored, unheard recordings of Elvis reflecting on his life, his music, and his journey, revealing moments of humor, warmth, and vulnerability rarely seen on screen.

Redmond discusses the painstaking two-year restoration process, scanning the original film at 4K and rebuilding sound from unconventional and fragmented sources — all achieved through meticulous human craftsmanship at a time when artificial intelligence can easily fabricate illusions. The result is an authentic, big-screen experience that presents Elvis at the height of his powers while allowing audiences to connect with the man behind the myth.

Beyond Elvis fandom, this conversation serves as a masterclass in editing and storytelling. Redmond shares insight for students and creators facing massive amounts of footage, tight deadlines, and a blank timeline — explaining how emotion, discovery, and deep familiarity with the material ultimately shape the story.

Whether you’re an Elvis fan, a film and music lover, or an aspiring editor, this episode offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how history, technology, and artistry converge to bring one of the greatest performers of all time back to life on screen.

Film opens on IMAX on February 20 and everywhere on February 27th 

On this episode of Artists to Watch Las Vegas, host Carlaya sits down with genre-defying vocalist and songwriter Kendra Erika ahead of a major week of performances in Las Vegas. Blending elements of dance, pop, jazz, and cinematic orchestration, Kendra Erika discusses her artistic evolution, early musical influences, and the inspiration behind her bold new project, License to Thrill: James Bond Songs Reimagined.

During the interview, Kendra reflects on discovering her voice through classical training, growing up equally inspired by Broadway legends and contemporary pop icons, and ultimately finding her creative sweet spot through reinvention. She shares why the James Bond legacy — particularly iconic themes like Diamonds Are Forever — felt like a natural artistic fit, and how License to Thrill allowed her to create something timeless, cinematic, and emotionally immersive for modern audiences 

Listeners also get a preview of what to expect from her Las Vegas album release showcase on Sunday, February 15, where Kendra will debut the project live for the very first time. She describes the show’s atmosphere as old-Hollywood elegance meets modern drama — an experience designed to transport audiences through decades of Bond themes with lush arrangements and theatrical flair. The conversation also touches on her upcoming Maxim Jazz appearance, her long-term vision for License to Thrill as a Las Vegas staple, and how this project opens the door to a broader, global audience 

🎟 Ticket Information

• License to Thrill: Album Release Showcase
  📍 The Space
  📅 Sunday, February 15
  🎫 Tickets available via KendraErika.com or TheSpaceLV.com

For more on Kendra Erika, her music, and upcoming performances, visit KendraErika.com, and listen to this full interview now on Artists to Watch Las Vegas.

Smooth jazz guitarist Chris Standring joins Artists To Watch Las Vegas to talk about a major milestone in his career — headlining Las Vegas at Boulder Station Railhead. A longtime favorite on 91.5 Jazz & More, Standring spoke with KUNV's Program Director Jason Beatty while riding high with the Top 20 hit “Chocolate Shake” while preparing to release his upcoming album A Time of Change, a deeply personal and reflective project shaped by life transitions, new beginnings, and artistic growth.

In this interview, Chris shares the story behind “Chocolate Shake,” discusses balancing new music with fan favorites in a live setting, and reflects on crafting a concert experience that flows from beginning to end. He also talks about his background as an educator, his approach to songwriting, and what it means to bring this chapter of his career to a Las Vegas stage.

🎟 Tickets for Chris Standring live at Boulder Station Railhead are available at:
stationcasinoslive.com/events/chris-standring/

 Smooth jazz sensation Nathan Mitchell sits down with host Carlaya on Artists to Watch Las Vegas to talk about his music, creative journey, and what fans can expect from his upcoming Las Vegas debut performance. Recorded ahead of his show at the Access Showroom at Aliante Casino + Hotel + Spa in North Las Vegas, this extended conversation covers Nathan’s rise in contemporary jazz, the inspiration behind his hit songs, his experience hitting the Billboard Top 30 multiple times, and the unique energy he brings to live performance.

Nathan also discusses bringing his Big Band—featuring the “Mo Horns”—to the stage for a night of unforgettable live music. The show is scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. at the Access Showroom, a state-of-the-art entertainment venue located inside Aliante Casino + Hotel + Spa (7300 North Aliante Parkway, North Las Vegas, NV).

Listeners will get behind-the-scenes insights into how Nathan crafts his sound and what it means to perform with a full ensemble. Tickets for the concert are available through Ticketmaster.com and other official ticket outlets; this event marks a major moment in Nathan’s touring calendar and a can't-miss evening for smooth jazz fans in the Las Vegas area 

On this episode of Artists to Watch Las Vegas, host Carlaya sits down with Grammy-winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum to discuss Songs of Change, a powerful live concert experience celebrating music that shaped social progress, unity, and the spirit of the Civil Rights Movement.

Kirk shares insight into the artists joining him on stage — including musical director John Stoddart and vocalist Jazzmeia Horn — and explains how these timeless songs inspired leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and continue to resonate in today’s divided world. The conversation also explores Whalum’s latest album, Epic Cool, a project that redefines what it means to age with purpose, joy, and creative vitality.

From viral moments like “Do You Feel Me” to reflections on legacy, faith, and his father’s influence, Kirk Whalum offers wisdom, warmth, and a reminder that music remains a healing force. This episode captures an artist still evolving — and a message that matters now more than ever: we are better together.

On this episode of Artists to Watch Las Vegas, host Carlaya sits down with nationally recognized smooth jazz saxophonist Jackiem Joyner ahead of his upcoming Las Vegas CD release performance.

Jackiem joins the show to talk about his brand-new album Every Part of Me, sharing why this project is especially personal and how it explores deeper musical influences—from classic R&B and soul to vinyl-era nostalgia—while staying rooted in the signature saxophone sound fans know and love. He also reflects on his remarkable career moments, including performing alongside legends like George Duke and Angela Bofill, and what those experiences meant to him as a developing artist 

The conversation leads into Jackiem’s highly anticipated Las Vegas Smooth Jazz Concert Series appearance, presented by Sorente Jazz & Wine Escapes, where fans will hear selections from the new album performed live for the very first time in an intimate, upscale setting.

Show & Ticket Information

Las Vegas Smooth Jazz Concert Series featuring Jackiem Joyner
📍 The Copa Room at The Bootlegger
7700 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Suite 14
Las Vegas, NV 89123
📞 (702) 609-3390

🗓 Wednesday, January 15
🚪 Doors Open: 6:00 PM
🎷 Showtime: 7:00 – 8:30 PM
🤝 Meet & Greet: 8:30 PM

VIP and General Admission tickets are available now. Seating is limited.
 A $35 food & beverage minimum per person applies. A 21% gratuity will be added. Your ticket serves as your reservation and seating is assigned in order of purchase.

This episode offers smooth jazz fans insight into Jackiem Joyner’s creative process, his connection to the Las Vegas audience, and what to expect from an unforgettable night of live music, wine, and soulful saxophone. Produced by Jason Beatty at the KUNV Studios 1/8/2026

Tony Award–nominated performer Syndee Winters brings a powerful and deeply personal tribute to one of the most influential artists of the 20th century with Syndee Winters Sings Lena Horne, live at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas.

Presented inside the intimate Myron’s Cabaret Jazz, this performance is far more than a traditional jazz concert. Winters describes the show as a theatrical jazz experience, blending music, storytelling, and character work to explore the many facets of legendary entertainer Lena Horne—from trailblazing activist and Hollywood icon to vulnerable artist and cultural pioneer.

Featuring original musical arrangements from Winters’ acclaimed album Syndee Winters Sings Lena Horne, the show introduces audiences to multiple characters—all portrayed by Winters—each representing different stages, strengths, and contradictions of womanhood. Through these voices, the performance traces Lena Horne’s extraordinary career, her deep historical connection to Las Vegas, and her lasting influence on generations of performers.

Winters, whose Broadway credits include The Lion King and collaborations with artists such as Beyoncé, brings both technical brilliance and emotional depth to the stage. The result is a show that feels at once educational, celebratory, and deeply moving, appealing to jazz lovers, theater fans, and anyone interested in American cultural history.

Event Location:
Myron’s Cabaret Jazz at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, Las Vegas

Tickets:
Tickets are available now through The Smith Center box office and can be purchased online via the official event page on The Smith Center website.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Lena Horne or discovering her legacy for the first time, Syndee Winters Sings Lena Horne offers a rare opportunity to experience jazz history reimagined through the lens of a modern Broadway star—right in the heart of Las Vegas.

In this episode of Artists to Watch Las Vegas, host Carlaya sits down with acclaimed guitarist, producer, and educator Adam Hawley, recently named Billboard’s 2025 Smooth Jazz Artist of the Year.

Adam reflects on a landmark year that saw him become the most-played artist on the chart, driven by multiple No. 1 hits including “Automatic,” “Absolute Love,” and his current single “Roller Skates.” He shares what he believes connected so strongly with listeners and radio stations nationwide — consistency, collaboration, and a relentless commitment to making great music.

The conversation also looks back at a defining career moment: being hand-picked by Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire and signed to Kalimba Music, a full-circle experience that helped shape Adam’s artistic direction before he launched his own label in 2019.

Adam opens up about his passion for live performance, touring nearly 70 shows in 2025, and why every audience — from intimate jazz clubs to major festivals — brings a unique energy. He also reveals his personal favorite track, “Can You Feel It,” and explains why it remains a cornerstone of his live set.

As an educator, Adam closes with advice for aspiring musicians, emphasizing discipline, preparation, and treating every performance as an audition.

This episode offers insight into the mindset, work ethic, and creative journey of one of contemporary jazz’s most successful artists.
Recorded at KUNV Studios. Produced by Jason Beatty

On this episode of Artists to Watch Las Vegas, host Carlaya sits down with Las Vegas’ premiere Prince tribute performer Jason Tenner, frontman of the award-winning production Purple Reign at Planet Hollywood. Recently named the “All-Time Best Tribute Show” by Las Vegas Weekly, Purple Reign has become a beloved staple of the Strip—complete with live musicians, the signature Minneapolis-sound energy, and absolutely no backing tracks.

Jason shares how a Halloween costume unexpectedly launched his 28-year journey portraying Prince, the evolution of the show from a small club across from UNLV to national TV appearances on David Letterman and AXS TV’s World’s Greatest Tribute Bands, and why the emotional connection with Prince fans keeps every performance charged with nostalgia and authenticity.

From the challenge of performing in Prince’s iconic high heels to the crowd-pleasing power of deep-cut favorites like “Adore,” “If I Was Your Girlfriend,” and “Darling Nikki,” Jason gives listeners an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the dedication and artistry that fuel one of Las Vegas’ most electrifying live tribute productions.

🎟️ Where to Get Tickets & More Information

Catch Purple Reign: The Prince Tribute Show live at the V Theater inside Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile Shops.
Tickets and show details are available at:

• V Theater Box Office at Planet Hollywood
• VTheater.com
• Tix4.com

Whether you’re a lifelong Prince fan or discovering Purple Reign for the first time, this episode captures everything that makes this production a must-see Vegas experience.

In this episode of Artists to Watch Las Vegas, host Carlaya sits down with acclaimed contemporary jazz saxophonist Dee Lucas for an intimate, inspiring, and soulful conversation. Known for his smooth tone, emotional phrasing, and chart-topping success, Dee opens up about his creative process, his evolution as a self-made independent artist, and the passion that drives his signature sound.

Recorded in the heart of Las Vegas, this interview goes behind the music to explore Dee’s early influences, his approach to songwriting, the stories behind his most beloved tracks, and how he continues to innovate in the modern jazz landscape. Carlaya’s thoughtful questions bring out new layers of Dee’s artistry, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the mind of a performer who consistently pushes the genre forward.

Whether you’re a smooth jazz fan, a longtime follower of Dee Lucas, or discovering him for the first time, this episode delivers authentic conversation, musical insight, and the unmistakable Vegas energy that defines the show.

📅 And don’t miss his upcoming live show:
Dee Lucas Annual Birthday Bash & CD Release
🗓 Date: November 15, 2025
🕔 Time: 5:00 pm – 11:30 pm
📍 Location: The Copa Room at The Bootlegger, 7700 Las Vegas Blvd S., Suite 14, Las Vegas NV 89123

 🔗 Tickets & event info: https://serente.net/events/

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