FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 4, 2024

CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS AND ENJOY THE SOUNDS OF THE SEASON AT VIC’S LAS VEGAS IN DECEMBER

Special Christmas and New Year’s Eve dinner specials, award-winning live jazz artists, and more!

WHAT:                 Vic’s Las Vegas celebrates December with world-class jazz artists to entertain diners throughout the month, in addition to nightly live jazz from the LVA Jazz Academy.

On Wed., Dec. 25, enjoy a selection from the full menu, or a special Prime Rib dinner accompanied by blackened shrimp, vegetables, and Yorkshire pudding ($60). The LVA Jazz Trio will perform from 12 – 3 p.m. and 4- 7 p.m.

On Tues., Dec. 31, enjoy a selection from the full menu or the Surf & Turf special (pictured above): tender Filet Mignon with a choice of buttery lobster ($65) or blackened shrimp ($55), served with mixed vegetables.

WHO/WHEN:                 Dec. 6 & 7                          A REDD CHRISTMAS: A HOLIDAY JAZZ CONCERT WITH CHUCK REDD – 7 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.
Dec. 8                                 ELLIE SMITH – 5 & 6 p.m.
                             Dec. 12                               RITA LIM ALBUM RELEASE PARTY PLUS JAZZY CHRISTMAS – 7 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. – SOLD OUT
                              Dec. 13 & 14                     PAT BIANCHI – 7 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.
Dec. 18                               JAZZ OUTREACH INITIATIVE PRESENTS THE JAZZ VEGAS ORCHESTRA – 7 – 9 p.m.
Dec. 27 & 28                     DAVE DAMIANI – 7 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.
Dec. 31                               DAVE DAMIANI AND FRIENDS, FEATURING LYMAN MEDEIROS AND GARY MATSUMOTO – 7 p.m. & 9:30 p.m.*

*There will be two seatings for New Year’s Eve:
7 p.m. Seating – $30 per person. Entry includes preferred seating, one appetizer per table, and bottomless bubbly.
9:30 p.m. Seating – $50 per person. Entry includes party favors, preferred seating, one appetizer per table, and bottomless bubbly, with a special Midnight countdown with the band.

WHERE:               Vic’s Las Vegas
                              355 Promenade Place in Symphony Park
No cover and no minimums. Reservations are strongly encouraged.

ABOUT CHUCK REDD

Chuck Redd is well known internationally as a performer on drums and vibraphone. Chuck began recording and touring the globe when he joined the Charlie Byrd Trio at the age of 21. He also became a member of the Great Guitars (Barney Kessel, Byrd and Herb Ellis.) To his credit are 25 European tours and six tours of Japan, with the Barney Kessel Trio, Ken Peplowski and the Benny Goodman Tribute Orchestra, Terry Gibbs, and Conte Candoli. He served as Artist-In- Residence at The Smithsonian Jazz Café in Washington, DC from 2004-2008.

Chuck is the Artistic director of The Oregon Festival of American Music. He is a featured soloist, annually at The West Texas Jazz Party, The San Diego Jazz Party, The North Carolina Jazz Festival and The Roswell Jazz Festival. Chuck was featured vibraphonist with the Mel Torme All-Star Jazz Quintet from 1991 until 1996. While appearing in New York with Torme, Ira Gitler of Jazz Times said: “Redd’s vibes were equally notable for vigor and melodiousness.” Jazz Times praised Redd’s playing describing his vibes work as, “Exquisite!” The Washington Post admired his “melodic sparkle.” For two consecutive years, Chuck was awarded “Best Vibist” in New York City’s Hot House Jazz Magazine 2015 and 2016 Fans Decision award.

In 2007 Chuck was featured with the prestigious “Milt Jackson Tribute Band” featuring Mickey Roker. Recent engagements include jazz cruises, residencies with The John Pizzarelli Quartet at The Café Carlyle in NYC, a series at Birdland with The Anderson Brothers and headlining at Dizzy’s, Smalls, Mezzrow and The Kitano in New York City. Chuck spends much of the year leading groups at jazz venues around the US. He has toured and performed with Dizzy Gillespie, Mel Torme, Tommy Flanagan, Bill Mays, Ray Brown, Monty Alexander, Laurindo Almeida, Tal Farlow, Rebecca Kilgore, Nicki Parrott, Scott Hamilton, Mickey Roker, Houston Person and The Army Blues.

Redd is featured on over 80 recordings. Releases include his Arbors CD, “All This and Heaven Too”, featuring Gene Bertoncini and George Mraz, Chopin Jazz with Rossano Sportiello “You’re My Everything” with Dick Hyman and Jay Leonhart and “Nice N’ Easy” with Houston Person. He can also be heard on the soundtrack to the television series, “The Great Chefs” and the NPR broadcast “Jazz Smithsonian.”

Chuck’s career highlights include a concert with the Dizzy Gillespie Quintet in Africa for the Namibian Independence Celebration, a recital at the White House with the Barney Kessel Trio, four concerts at Carnegie Hall with the Mel Torme Quintet, The Great Guitars and The Charlie Byrd Trio and an appearance on The Tonight Show. In 2008, he was a featured soloist on the finale concert at The Lionel Hampton International Jazz festival with The Lionel Hampton Big Band and the Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. In February 2013, Chuck performed with the Dream Band co-leading with Jeff Hamilton in a salute to vibes legend Terry Gibbs. Chuck was the 2014 honoree at The Roswell Jazz Festival and the 2013 Los Angeles Jazz Society’s Vibes Summit honoree.

In addition to leading his own groups, Chuck played drums with The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra for 15 years. He frequently performs in New York City and is touring nationally at festivals and clubs. Chuck was on the faculty at The University of Maryland School of Music for 12 years. His Arbors CD “Happy All The Time,” is a critically acclaimed tribute to his mentor, Barney Kessel and features Monty Alexander and Jeff Hamilton. Chuck’s CD, “When Redd is Blue” is a collaboration with his brother, pianist Robert Redd, featuring saxophonist Harry Allen. Chuck’s Arbors release, “The Common Thread” features Mickey Roker, Bob Cranshaw, Houston Person and Rossano Sportiello. Chuck produced and is featured on the brand-new recording, “For George, Cole and Duke”, led by Harry Allen for Blue Heron Records. Chuck’s current release is “Groove City” on Dalphine Records, featuring John Di Martino, Nicki Parrott, Lewis Nash and Jerry Weldon.

ABOUT ELLIE SMITH

Direct from New York City, Ellie is ready to showcase her immense talent and passion for music. A professional actor and singer, she has starred in iconic productions like Grease, RENT, Rock of Ages, and Les Miserables, bringing unforgettable performances to audiences nationwide. Beyond her theater credits, Ellie is also a proud survivor of the 94th annual Miss America Pageant, where she earned the top talent award for her stunning rendition of Queen’s Somebody to Love. Recently, she captivated audiences as Mira in the feature film Miracle Valley (now streaming and showing in cinemas worldwide) and starred in a co-starring role in Season 9 of Blue Bloods on CBS.

Ellie’s upcoming project is sure to be a game-changer: her debut original rock album, Play the Villain, produced by Vegas legend Frankie Moreno, is set for release in January 2025. But before that, she’s ready to showcase her incredible vocal range and stage presence at Vic’s, where she will highlight her vast musical talents.

Fun fact: Ellie has also had the honor of performing for the Las Vegas Philharmonic, bringing a touch of elegance and power to the city’s prestigious music scene.

ABOUT RITA LIM

Rita Lim is a distinguished pop/jazz vocalist born in Los Angeles and currently based in Las Vegas, has captivated audiences across the country with her exceptional talent and dynamic performances. In 2023, she was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Jazz by The International Press Association, a testament to her significant contributions to the music industry.

With a career spanning numerous years, Rita has collaborated with some of the foremost bands and world-class musicians, earning a reputation as a versatile and captivating performer. Her musical tribute shows, including the acclaimed “Sweetest Taboo: A Musical Tribute to Sade” and “Reflections of the Carpenters,” have consistently sold out at prestigious venues in Las Vegas. Lauded for its stunning fidelity and emotional depth, Rita’s tribute to the Carpenters also showcases her ability to evoke the original sound and sentiment of the iconic duo. In addition, Rita’s Sunday night residency at the Tuscany Suites has been a beacon for pioneering new music and sounds, spanning all genres and decades, and showcasing an all-star band that boasts members who have toured with celebrated artists such as Enrique Iglesias, Marcus Miller, and Arturo Sandoval. Notably, Rita has also garnered recurring engagements at Myron’s at The Smith’s Center in Las Vegas, Four Seasons Hotel Miami, and headlined in many major cities across the country.

Rita’s debut album, The Secret of Life, released in 2012, received widespread acclaim both in the United States and internationally, particularly in Asia, where her rendition of “I Will” became a bestseller in Japan. Her latest singles, “Smile” and “Turn Back the Clock,” are available on all major music platforms, further solidifying her presence in the contemporary music scene.

With a unique blend of jazz, smooth jazz, and fusion elements, Rita’s performances continue to break new ground, making her an influential figure in the industry. Her artistry not only reflects her deep passion for music but also her commitment to pushing musical boundaries, making her a cherished and trailblazing artist in the jazz and retro pop genre.

ABOUT PAT BIANCHI

Pat Bianchi has never been afraid to take the concepts of “Jazz Organ” into new directions. His playing draws from a wide range of musical influences including organists Dr. Lonnie Smith and Joey DeFrancesco (both who mentored Bianchi in his early years) but also encompasses other instrumentalists and approaches that stretch beyond the Hammond B-3 world. The result is a unique and creative voice of the organ that acknowledges the tradition while looking forward at the same moment.

As a leader, Bianchi has toured extensively through the United States and Europe, appeared at numerous jazz festivals and in recent years his trio has opened for Steely Dan for 3 separate east coast tours. In addition to being a prolific bandleader, the Grammy-nominated organist was a longtime member of the trio led by late guitar icon Pat Martino as well as NEA Jazz Master Lou Donaldson’s Quartet. Pat has also enjoyed tenured memberships in the bands of some of the most highly revered artists in jazz including Joe Locke, Chuck Loeb and Ralph Peterson Jr.

Additional performance credits include Red Holloway, Terrace Martin, Mark Whitfield, Terell Stafford, Dakota Staton, Javon Jackson, Peter Bernstein and Tim Warfield among many others. With 9 CD releases as a leader and appearing on over 40 additional recordings as a guest artist, Bianchi continues to be in high demand. His command of the instrument, harmonic prowess, rhythmic intensity and versatility are rivaled by few.

While maintaining an active performance schedule, Bianchi also teaches jazz organ classes and lessons at Berklee College of Music. He also shares his deep knowledge and love of jazz organ history as host of the weekly Sirius XM show Organized.

ABOUT THE JAZZ OUTREACH INITIATIVE’S “JAZZ VEGAS ORCHESTRA”

Sponsored by Jazz Cruises, the Jazz Outreach Initiative’s “Jazz Vegas Orchestra” is bringing an electrifying 18-piece jazz ensemble to Vic’s Las Vegas. As JOI’s most public-facing program, the Jazz Vegas Orchestra (formerly JOI Jazz Orchestra) creates a vital bridge between the vibrant world of jazz and the wider community. Formed in 2020, this celebrated big band features some of the most accomplished jazz musicians, educators, composers, and arrangers in the region, drawing in both local and national acclaim through sold-out shows and radio features, including on SiriusXM Jazz. The orchestra’s debut album, A JOIful NoiZZ, received 2024 Grammy® consideration.

The Jazz Vegas Orchestra isn’t just about performances; it’s a cornerstone of JOI’s commitment to fostering jazz education in Southern Nevada. The group’s public performances raise funds that help support a variety of youth-oriented programs, such as free jazz clinics in local schools (“JOI in Schools”) and mentorship programs like the “Las Vegas Youth Jazz Orchestra.” During the summer, Jazz Vegas Orchestra members also contribute to JOI’s “Jammin’ With JOI” program, a free youth jazz exploration experience.

The orchestra is supported by generous donations, sponsorships, and grants, which allow these professional musicians to focus on their artistry and outreach. Now a staple of the Las Vegas music scene, Jazz Vegas Orchestra’s twice-monthly residency at Notoriety @ Neonopolis draws jazz lovers from all over, providing audiences with high-caliber performances and deepening the community’s connection to the art form. Through its mission to “connect the language of music to the language of life,” JOI is not only bringing jazz to the stage but also to the next generation.

ABOUT DAVE DAMIANI

Dave Damiani is an American singer, songwriter, producer based out of Los Angeles, CA. Having started as a bartender at the famed Charlie O’s Jazz Club in Valley Village, CA, Dave Damiani had the opportunity to work, learn and become friends with some of the best musicians on the planet. Legends like Earl Palmer, Marty Harris, Ross Tompkins, Sam Most, Teddy Edwards, John Heard, Roy McCurdy, Frank Capp, Ernie McDaniel, Dini Clarke, Danny Grissett, George Gaffney, Mark Murphy, and Richie Cole (just to name a few) took time to mentor Dave Damiani, share stories and chord changes.

Shortly after receiving his master’s degree in Commercial Music from the California State University in Los Angeles, Dave began his pursuit to put together the perfect band with youth and style.  His debut album “Watch What Happens” has been receiving worldwide airplay. Brad “Martini” Chambers was the first to discover Dave Damiani’s originality.  Brad has been playing him constantly on www.martiniinthemorning.com since 2013. Additionally, receiving airplay on over 300 radio stations and on Satellite Radio XM 71 (Siriusly Sinatra). In January, Dave Damiani hosted his own hour on Sirius XM Siriuisly Sinatra #71, and while hosting, his good friend and New Jersey brother Joe Piscopo swung by the studio to say hi!

Dave Damiani & The No Vacancy Orchestra have produced shows with Frank Sinatra Enterprises, The Grove, Citi, Capital One, American Airlines, Jack Daniels, George Benson, Molly Ringwald, Bobby Ridel, Landau Murphy Jr., Hailey Reinhart, Renee Olstead, Steve Tyrel, and Larry King.

Dave Damiani has performed for Leonardo DiCaprio, Ryan Seacrest, Gene Simmons, David Spade, David Hasslehoff, Jack Klugman, CBS Television, ABC Television, FOX Television, Polo, The Marriott Corporation, EHarmony, Monster Energy Drink, Apple Computer, Microsoft, CITI (CitiBank), The Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton, Ryan Kavinaugh & Relativity Media, Wolfgang Puck, Cuba Gooding Jr, Oliver Stone, Ridley Scott, The Beverly Hills Hotel, Cafe’ Carlyle – New York City, The Jazz Kitchen – Indianapolis, The Radio Hall Of Fame, Charles Durning, Ray Liotta, Budweiser, University of Texas – San Antonio and many more.

ABOUT VIC’S LAS VEGAS

Created by Porchlight Hospitality in 2023, the award-winning Vic’s Las Vegas is located in Symphony Park at 355 Promenade Place. Open seven days a week from 10 a.m. – 1 a.m., Vic’s features Italian American cuisine, a full-service bar, gaming, and live entertainment nightly. Reservations can be made by calling 725-755-5299 or visit vicslasvegas.com. Follow on Instagram @vicslasvegas.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Hillary Smoot, SRO PR
hillary@sropr.com

Image of Surf & Turf special is courtesy of Vic’s.