VEGOOSE 2006

Las Vegas, is the ultimate casino town, better known for bad lounge music and half-naked showgirls than hippies and Patchouli oil. Thus, the two blended seamlessly durring Vegoose 2006. Tom Petty, The Black Crowes, Widespread Panic and the Killers headlined the second annual, Vegoose music festival, Halloween weekend at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas, NV.

Although the festivals overall atmosphere was comparable to most other big music festivals, it was nevertheless impossible to ignore its unique location and seasonal timing. Even in late October, the call of the one armed bandit and craps table didn't deter the music fans that came from all over the globe to experience Vegoose.

Of all the acts that played this two day event, The Killers and The Mars Volta seemed most out of place in the outdoor setting. Bad sound and lackluster lighting didn't help the crowd get into the alternative music. In the hip-hop tent, much larger than last year, a positive atmosphere was felt.

Headliners Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers & Widespread Panic hit the stage seven or eight hours later, but they were worth the wait, event if you arrived early to see the first act at noon.  It was well worth the wait and the crowd was sent home happy.

In addition to the Sam Boyd venue, the festival also included four nights of late-night shows at local venues such as the House of Blues, the Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel, MGM and the Orleans Arena.