Music scene has room to grow

And now for a few things that we'd like to see in the Vegas music scene.

But probably never will.

The "wall of death" at a Moksha gig.

Local country crooner Chris Heers, who has had radio chart success in Europe, get played on the airwaves here on stations such as Coyote Country KCYE-FM 102.7.

Vegas-by-way-of-Mississippi bluesman Michael Grimm, who's fond of covers, tackling Cannibal Corpse's "Meathook Sodomy."

Some institutional support from the city for Neon Reverb, the promising, twice-a-year music fest, which could be a boon for downtown with a little financial assistance as it continues to grow. It could use some help in affording a few more national headliners.

Speaking of downtown, how about a little more effort in turning the "Fremont East Entertainment District," into, you know, an actual entertainment district. Shockingly, a big neon sign alone -- the city's grand investment -- is not enough to make this happen.

More concerts, and more creative booking, at the Henderson Pavilion. Henderson needs a decent rock club, too.

A Beauty Bar show on a Tuesday night that gets over before 3 a.m.

Downtown venues such as the Canyon Club and the Celebrity to start booking good acts again. Reverend Horton Heat, the Black Lips, the Melvins, Napalm Death and the Dillinger Escape Plan are just a few of the great bands that have played those rooms.

Metal gigs at the Cheyenne Saloon with less than 27 local openers. Love the Vegas scene, but c'mon, tired of the headliner going on at the crack of dawn after being preceded by many bands who don't deserve to be on the bill, but essentially paid to be there by conning their relatives into buying tickets that they have to sell in order to play the show.

A reprieve for Wasted Space at the Hard Rock Hotel, the rare casino club that brings in underground and cutting edge acts such as St. Vitus and Memory Tapes.

More steady outlets for Vegas hip-hop. No scene has fewer quality venues to showcase local talent. The Hip-hop Roots gang holds it down at Boomers on Tuesdays, but there needs to be more nights like this.

Many more installments of the killer "Doom in June" stoner rock and doom fest. It debuted at the Cheyenne Saloon this summer to less than stellar attendance despite an amazing lineup: Radio Moscow, Gates of Slumber and Black Cobra were just a few of the bands that absolutely laid waste to the room. Here's hoping the promising event can find the audience it deserves.

Contact reporter Jason Bracelin at jbracelin@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0476.