Las Vegas festival to feature 53 shows, four days, six stages, with Bill Murray
Las Vegas festival: 53 shows, four days, six stages, and Bill Murray
Bill Murray’s enigmatic presence in a band sparks curiosity about his level of engagement. Does he step in as the emcee, sing a tune, or even pick up instruments like the tambourine or congas? At the recent Big Blues Bender event held at the Westgate in Las Vegas, Murray’s involvement with the Blood Brothers Band alongside blues luminaries Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia was nothing short of multifaceted. The performance unfolded before a jam-packed audience at the grand Paradise Mainstage, a sprawling ballroom typically reserved for high-profile events like the hotel’s Super Bowl gatherings.
The soulful strains of the blues resonated throughout the Bender festival, captivating a sold-out crowd comprising over 2,500 ticketholders who immersed themselves in the musical extravaganza showcasing a staggering lineup of 53 shows across a quartet of days at an array of six distinct venues. The melodic aura spilled from every nook and cranny, from the International Theater to the Westgate Cabaret, the vibrant poolside deck, two expansive ballroom areas, and even the International Bar near the hotel entrance. The vivacious event was set to culminate on Sunday, drawing the event to a grand finale.
Bob Tarver, a seasoned figure in the Vegas entertainment scene, spearheaded the logistical support for the Bender festival, ensuring a seamless experience for nearly all the shows by providing a whopping 98% of the necessary equipment. The only missing pieces might have been a couple of guitar picks, a lighthearted revelation that added to the event’s charm. Tarver’s spouse, the illustrious jazz artist Michelle Johnson, also graced the occasion, set to headline the musical offering at Myron’s venue at 7 p.m. on Sunday.
The dynamic jam session at the Bender festival saw an assembly of around 2,000 enthusiasts reveling in the soulful melody, with the entire room brimming with standing-room viewers on both sides. In its fifth consecutive year at Westgate, executive producer AJ Gross expressed utmost satisfaction in witnessing the exceptional crowd turnout, marking it as the most packed gathering at the venue to date.
While Murray’s presence at the Bender marked his fourth appearance since 2022, the seasoned performer showcased his versatile talent by alternating between an array of percussion instruments, including congas, chimes, cowbells, and woodblocks, in addition to lending his vocal prowess as a backing vocalist. Steering the spotlight on hits like “My City Was Gone” by the Pretenders and a raucous rendition of Bob Dylan’s timeless classic “Like a Rolling Stone,” Murray’s performance captivated the audience, punctuated by his distinctive comedic interludes that garnered hearty laughs from the attendees.
The festival further unfolded with blues virtuoso Tab Benoit and his trio following up after Blood Brothers’ scintillating set. As Benoit dove into his vibrant repertoire, a familiar figure, the gray-haired individual, nonchalantly strolled up to the VIP deck beside the stage – none other than Bill Murray himself. The enigmatic entertainer lingered till the end, soaking in the music’s soul-stirring essence, sealing the event with an unforgettable stamp of grandeur.
Bill Murray’s inimitable presence at the Big Blues Bender festival, embodying a blend of musical finesse, comedic flair, and lively camaraderie, left an indelible impression on both fans and fellow artists alike, rendering the event a memorable celebration of the blues genre’s timeless legacy.