Las Vegas, Nevada Refuses to Sit Still

Whether it’s the vintage Vegas that once belonged to Sinatra and Elvis you’re after, or a more modern version of 21st century appeal--you will find a remarkable experience. “If you don’t like what you see, simply cross the street for something entirely different,” Las Vegas native and rock ’n’ roll artist, Frankie Moreno, says. “Because this city was built for entertainment, no matter your flavor, you’re going to be entertained.“

As Moreno suggests, Vegas is indeed the entertainment capital of the world. A town erected in the middle of a 47,000 square mile desert is not by accident. “You can be whoever you want to be here,” Moreno adds. “That individuality is encouraged, especially when it comes to music and performance.”

Putting on a show in Vegas is like going on tour without ever getting on a plane. Artists with global appeal take up long-term residencies here for that very reason. Every night is worlds different than the previous; each sold-out crowd is as diverse as the one before. Las Vegas artists need to travel only if they want to—here, the world will come to them.

The city has been the most recognizable stage for every major performing artist of our time: Lady Gaga, Cher, Boyz II Men, Mariah Carey, Gwen Stefani, Billy Idol, the list goes on. There isn’t a single musical genre that defines Vegas exclusively, because the city has long played host to it all. Currently, there’s Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil at Mandalay Bay, or The Beatles LOVE by the acrobatic group at Mirage if that’s more your speed. The Backstreet Boys at Planet Hollywood will ignite your true love for boy bands, and Diana Ross will serenade you into a lovely, glittery trance at Wynn Las Vegas. There’s countless other musical acts beyond these, one merely needs to pick a genre and it’s sure to be on the map.

The constant influx of talent and thrill-seekers is why the city, like a frontier, is constantly rearranging. “I came here 20 years ago. It was a different city than it is now.” Moreno continues. The face of the city itself seems to outdo itself year in, year out. With fountains that spray higher, lights that shine brighter, and, yes, new music at every turn. “The acts are different, the people who are known in town are different. It’s very moving.”

According to NASA, the Vegas Strip is the brightest place on Earth. At night, the beaming beacon of American grandeur is a stark contrast to the dark Mojave Desert enveloping it. But by day, the surrounding nature gives the city a run for its money.

A 20-minute ride from the Strip takes you through crackling formations of fire-colored rock. They ripple up from the ground, guiding you straight to Red Rock Canyon, where hiking, geology, and wildlife trails offer an experience just as decadent as the city. Or, take the extreme opposite route, and head 30 minutes north to Lee Canyon for skiing and tubing in the snow. Yes. Snow. We told you, Las Vegas has it all. It’s like taking four vacations in one.

The dust settles on the cool desert floor back at the Neon Museum, as the sun dips below a far-off canyon. The museum’s augmented reality light show gears up to illuminate the old signs, as if bringing them back to life. Moreno says: “The whole city is about entertaining you.” Looking around the museum, it’s hard to deny. In Las Vegas, even old signs don’t retire—they get an afterparty.