Viva Las Vegas Shows Off The Best in Cars, Tats & Pinups
It’s that time of year again when the hippest of the rockabilly world converge on Vegas to show off the finest in vintage rides, the sleekest pompadours, the best tats and curve hugging Betty Paige-style attire.
“It is the greatest event of its type with a lot going on including live bands, a car show, burlesque, pin up models and more,” said Tom Ingram, the mastermind behind Viva Las Vegas.
This year marks the 17th annual Viva Las Vegas beginning Thursday, April 17 at 9 a.m. and running through Sunday, April 20. The event, held at The Orleans Hotel & Casino, includes 65 bands and DJs such as Imelda May, Lloyd Price, Los Strait Jackets, DJ Lucky La Rue and many more.
Over the past several years the event has enhanced its offerings and, according to Ingram, “we have been able to improve how we run the event by listening to what people want and learning from our mistakes.”
The event has definitely become one of the top 20 events in Las Vegas with all the fun beginning on Thursday. Get your tickets and head over to revel in the sun as you listen to the best 1950’s beats while perusing the more than 120 vendors selling 50’s swag like clothing, jewelry, sun glasses, car accessories, and hair pomade – lots of hair pomade.
Things will really heat up Friday night beginning at 6:30 p.m., when national and international burlesque stars appear on stage shaking their stuff in bedazzled costumes and bejeweled pasties. It’s a great chance to appreciate an art form that has made a resurgence in the last several years. Kitten De Ville and Roxi D’Lite will also showcase special burlesque performances that you just can’t miss.
Saturday is the time to enjoy the massive collection of pre-1963 cars including Hot Rods, Rat Rods and vintage motorcycles. There are more than 800 cars registered to appear. Trust us, you’ll get your fix of classic cars. Just be sure to bring your camera because the amount of cars plus the attention to detail of each one will blow your mind.
For those in it for the long haul, you can attend related events at Viva Las Vegas like the Pinup Girl Contest, Bowling, Tiki Pool Party, and a Rockabilly Fashion Show. Don’t miss the Tattoo Contest in the Sailor Jerry Tattoo Lounge. Here, you can mingle with the world’s finest tattoo artists and check out their gorgeous portfolios.
Sunday night, which also goes into the week hours of Monday morning, allows for a bit of wind down time from the week’s craziness. Ingram will even make a special performance.
“I don’t have one favorite time,” Ingram explains. “But I do look forward to the DJs late on Sunday night as that is when I get to relax.”
Tickets are available for purchase at retail outlets found here.
Event At A Glance
What: Viva Las Vegas
When: Thursday, April 17 – Sunday, April 20
Where: The Orleans on Tropicana
Additional Info: www.VivaLasVegas.net
