Imagine Dragons gets image boost with free concert
What does it say when you have the marketing machine behind the powerful Las Vegas brand in your corner?
The Imagine Dragons are about to find out.
Saturday’s mini-concert at the edge of Bellagio’s Dancing Fountains was the kickoff of a partnership with R&R Partners, the agency of record for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
The surprise performance was filmed by Crackle, the digital streaming service of Sony. Called “Playing It Forward,” the street-performance music series will be seen by millions, an R&R rep said.
The Imagine Dragons’ episode will be available to stream later this month.
It’s just the start of the relationship with R&R and the LVCVA.
Those entities have also partnered with the band to be part of the new iterations of the iconic “What Happens Here, Stays Here” ad campaign that’s in its 11th year.
The commercials featuring the Imagine Dragons will air in early December across the U.S. and world.
The Las Vegas Grammy-winning band has grabbed the attention of the music world with a banner year that saw its megahit, “Radioactive,” break a record in May by charting on Billboard’s Hot 100 for 87 weeks. That represented the longest run in the survey’s 55-year history.
Saturday’s three-song acoustic set, played out on a stage at the north end of Lake Bellagio, included the band’s newly released single, “I Bet My Life.”
The other two songs were “It’s Time” and “Radioactive.”
The songs were plugged into Bellagio’s Dancing Fountains sound system. A huge roar was heard when vocalist Dan Reynolds let the crowd in on who they were hearing.
Reynolds told the crowd, “I feel a little emotional being here tonight. We’ve played all up and down this Strip.”
R-J colleague Jason Bracelin reported that as a result of the performance, “Playing It Forward” will donate $100,000 to the artist’s charities of choice. Of that, $70,000 will be donated to Communities in Schools in Southern Nevada, which will distribute the funds to the music programs of several area schools. Valley High School and Sunrise High will each receive $30,000 and Bailey Middle School will get $10,000.
Reynolds’ alma mater, Bonanza High, will get $30,000.
MARATHON MASS WEDDING
Seventy couples, including gays, will be part of a mass wedding and vow renewal ceremony during Sunday’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon & Half Marathon event.
It will happen about Mile Three in Monte Carlo’s new plaza.
Twenty-two couples will be marrying for the first time; 51 will be renewing their vows.
The ceremony will be officiated by Dao Vu, host of KTNV-TV, Channel 13’s “Morning Blend” and a co-host of the station’s “Valley View Live.”
Vu said she accepted the invitation after the scheduled officiant backed out.
“Obviously, this is the first year that gays can marry and there are several who will wed,” said Vu.
“I’m so excited to be a part of people’s happy memories,” she said.
THE SCENE AND HEARD
“America’s Got Talent” winner Michael Grimm and his wife, Lucie, will sing the national anthem at the Veterans Day parade Tuesday at the review stand at Fourth Street and Ogden Avenue. Co-emcees will be Alan Stock (KDWN-AM, 720), Connie Breeze (sister station KOAS-FM, 105.7) and Les Krifaton (KVVU-TV, Channel 5).
SIGHTINGS
Actress Kristin Cavallari, who is married to Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, meeting with Britney Spears before her “Piece of Me” show at Planet Hollywood Resort on Saturday. … Little League pitching sensation Mo’ne Davis, with friends and family at the Boyz II Men show (Mirage) on Saturday. They met with the headliners after the show, bringing up the Philly connection. Davis was in town to be a presenter at the Soul Train Awards at the Orleans. … “Fast and Furious” star Michelle Rodriguez, dining at Bazaar Meat (SLS) on Saturday. Paula Abdul was in last week. … “Danity Kane” singers Aubrey O’Day and Shannon Bex, celebrating the release of their new album “DK3” at Chateau Nightclub & Rooftop (Paris) on Saturday. … “Modern Family” cast member Adam Devine, taking photos with fans at The Black Keys concert at The Chelsea (Cosmopolitan) on Saturday.
THE PUNCH LINE
“The drummer for rock band AC/DC has been charged with attempting to have two people killed by hit men. Authorities say the drummer would’ve done it himself but his last hit was over 20 years ago.” — Seth Meyers
Norm Clarke’s column appears Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Reach him at 702-383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find more at www.normclarke.com. Follow @Norm_Clarke on Twitter.
