Ovation to give final bow as live music venue

After nearly six years of offering live music from a variety of local bands, Ovation inside Green Valley Ranch Resort is scheduled to shut its doors Saturday.

Lori Nelson, the vice president of communications for Station Casinos, said because Green Valley Ranch Resort, 2300 Paseo Verde Parkway, has other music venues to offer live entertainment, it gave the company more flexibility in its decision.

For larger events, Green Valley Ranch Resort has the Grand Events Center and The Backyard, while it has Hank's Fine Steaks and Quinn's Irish Pub to host smaller and more intimate performances, Nelson said.

"We will continue to have great live entertainment for residents," Nelson said.

Nelson added that this is strictly something happening at Green Valley Ranch Resort and venues at other casinos have not been considered for closures.

Station Casinos is starting a communications plan to inform residents of some of the changes happening.

Nelson said they are looking at options to fill the space, whether it will offer more gaming or another dining option.

"All concepts are being considered," Nelson said.

Country musician Sam Riddle, who has been playing at Ovation since September, is slated to play the last performance at 10 p.m. Saturday.

"Don't be surprised if I tear the place down," Riddle said. "I feel honored to be closing it down. It was an honor to be able to play in such a beautiful and historic place."

Moving into Ovation was part of his plan to appeal to Henderson residents.

"It was a dream come true," Riddle said.

Riddle said that during the little time in the venue, the show has averaged about 200 people per show.

"At some times we had about 300 people on the dance floor," he said.

His last few performances, Riddle said he has done some revamping in the band and show.

"It's a preview for things to come," he said. "We are going to take things to the next level. (At the last performance) people can see what the future looks like for us."

Even though he is sad to see Ovation close, he understands the decision and hopes to have the same fan following at Sunset Station, 1301 W. Sunset Road, where he is scheduled to start Dec. 15.

Nelson said some of the bands and musicians are expected to pick up performances at other Station Casinos venues.

Singer and guitarist Michael Grimm, the "America's Got Talent" season five winner who has performed at Ovation since April, is expected to continue his performances at Rocks Lounge inside Red Rock Resort, 11011 W. Charleston Blvd.

Nashville Unplugged is expected to increase its performances at Rocks Lounge.

"Originally they had split their time between Green Valley Ranch Resort and Red Rock," Nelson said.

Hosted by country musicians Aaron Benward and Brian McComas, the show takes a look at the story behind the country song - who wrote it and who ended up singing it. Nashville Unplugged celebrated its third year in June.

Riddle said he is expected to be at Palace Station, 2411 W. Sahara Ave., Dec. 1 and 8 before going over to Sunset Station. He also is scheduled to continue performing at Texas Station, 2101 Texas Star Lane in North Las Vegas.

Admission is free but limited to adults 21 or older.

For more information, visit stationcasinos.com.

Contact Henderson/Anthem View reporter Michael Lyle at mlyle@viewnews.com or 702-387-5201.