The JamLV showcases everything from slam poets to DJs
By Melissa Gill
The Jam LV talent show presents raw, original talent from a variety of engaging artists including slam poets, musicians, rappers, comedians and singers all with unique styles of their own, founded by Jam The Poet. What began as a casual open mic night downtown at Ninja Karaoke has blossomed into a full-blown production with a lineup of passionate artists bearing their heart and soul.
Step into the Vegas Culture Scene
Inside The Space, the intimate showroom appears dimly lit as neon lights dot the ceiling. A faint fog pours into the venue as guests settle into their seats beside small round tables. The lounge has a jazzy feel with a modern twist. For viewers at home, a high tech camera rolls in real time via livestream to transport them into the Vegas culture scene. DJ Mikey Beasy spins remixes of old school songs as guests mingle into the room with drinks from the bar.
Local Artists Light up the Stage
Shortly after the charismatic host, Beverly Chillz, introduces the first few acts, the room fills from wall to wall with guests. The audience grooves to the good vibes flowing from the performers excelling in their element. Between acts they give away a couple of 420 swag bags of Rythm products and Chillz sings upbeat music. Each month they highlight 15 artists in the Las Vegas community and one artist voted in on their Instagram by supporters.
This lineup included: Anthony Calori harmoniously playing the keyboard under a purple spotlight; Smokey Tone reciting a smooth spoken word poem with flashes of humor and poignant truths; Ralph Cinema mixing the sounds of Etta James with generous bass drops and seamless transitions; rapper Boom Biggie making waves by paying homage to “the city that made us;” Coco Jenkins and Uhmessa owning the stage with a cello and rap collab reminding us to never “sleep on a queen;” Tanna Marie throwing hard bars and belting notes that got showgoers on their feet, and headliner Saucey Downs bringing down the house as the audience hung on every word of his songs. And many other talents graced the stage that night with unique acts straight from the heart.
Everyone from the host to the headliner brought their A game to this sold out production. At the end of the show, The Jam Poet presented a surprise birthday cake to Saucey Downs. Everyone cheered and whistled in celebration. High energy consistently poured out from the artists and into the crowd from start to finish.
How to Join the Jam Fam
Tickets sell fast which means it’s best to purchase them early. Catch The JamLV’s next talent showcase on Monday, May 24 at 8 p.m. at The Space. In-person tickets are priced at $20 and access to livestream from home costs $10. Fresh faces will be on stage for the next show, including headliner, Marion Peru, who recently began performing again with her band Soultry City and released her solo album, “Alive,” which is available on iTunes. Purchase your tickets here and become a member of the Jam Fam!
Feature photo taken by Connie Ann Santos.
