Las Vegas Weekly

Bringing rock to the country

The epic battle for Las Vegas Country Saloon’s attention: Band vs. Bull

Photo: Aaron Thompson

The Las Vegas Country Saloon is about to get a little less country. Veteran Vegas promoter Roxie Amoroso has signed on to make the Downtown venue her new stomping grounds, and while western sounds might be de-emphasized, don't expect the place to get any less wild.

The new schedule will lean heavily toward punk, with dashes of classic and heavy rock. The Country Saloon's planned genre-blending might sound difficult, but Amoroso has done it successfully before, most recently at Boomers.

"I believe they brought me onboard to help with the transition from a primarily country bar," Amoroso says. "I don't know why I've been successful at it, but I really have. It works for me, so hopefully that success continues at the Saloon."

Amoroso's arrival on Fremont Street could also help local bands gain exposure with out-of-towners. "Hennessey's [which houses the Country Saloon] is more inviting to the average tourist," Amoroso says. "So hopefully, we'll be able to open local bands up to Vegas tourists ... people can wander in, have a beer and watch the madness."