Versatility pays off for Kelly Christian

Musician uses versatility to target diverse demographic

The one word that describes vocalist and musician Kelly Christian's style: versatility.

Not that he set out to be versatile. His taste in music is so eclectic that it just worked out that way. In one set, audiences will hear everything from Bob Marley to Bruno Mars.

"In some places, the demographic is so expansive, with people in their 20s all the way up to their 60s, so you really have to be a jack of all trades," Christian says. "It's not conscious on my part, but I truly enjoy doing music from all eras. I'm really all over the place, people never know what to expect next."

Originally from Wisconsin, Christian, 38, was drawn to music when he was only 4. That's when he heard the Beatles for the first time, he says. The song "Eleanor Rigby" stopped him in his tracks. Music came naturally to him, and at age 20, he left college and moved to L.A. to start his career.

His skill is as versatile as his range. Although he mostly plays piano and guitar, he works the harmonica into his repertoire. Christian plays the sax, too.

"But my stock in trade has always been my voice," he says.

Christian moved to Las Vegas from Los Angeles in 2007 to take advantage of the work. Though he had a successful band in L.A., the Catch 22, he got so much work in Vegas that the commute left him little time for a personal life.

"I gave up the ghost. I fought it for a long time because I really liked living in L.A. and being an original artist," Christian says. "But for doing cover music and shows, Las Vegas is definitely the place to be."

Christian plays from 6:30 to 11 p.m. Thursdays at Hank's at Green Valley Ranch; from 6 to 11 p.m. Fridays at Blue Agave at the Fiesta Rancho; and from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturdays at Martini Ranch in Texas Station.

For more information, check out his website at kellychristian.com.

-- By SONYA PADGETT