It's hard to imagine that Las Vegas was once a small railroad town in the middle of the Nevada desert. Las Vegas has a complicated but exciting history, but let's focus on how entertainment has evolved over the last few decades, establishing Las Vegas as the entertainment capital of the world!
Legalization of Gambling
During Prohibition, illegal alcohol flowed freely in Las Vegas, adding to the "sinful reputation." Nevada legalized it in 1931, but only in certain areas and under strict conditions. The legalization of gambling led to an influx in the construction industry as new casinos and hotels were built to accommodate the increasing number of tourists and residents.
The building of the Hoover Dam brought over 20,000 new residents to Las Vegas by its completion. Still, the government didn't care for the Hoover Dam workers gambling and partying in Las Vegas, so restrictions were put in place to prevent them from doing so. New "hidden roads" were constructed to allow workers to get to Las Vegas without being seen. The Mafia used these same roads to transport liquor during the Prohibition.
The Golden Age
Las Vegas was booming in the 1930s and didn't slow down for decades! More hotels and casinos were being built, making Las Vegas THE place to go for entertainment and gambling. Stars like Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack crew, including Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop, performed everywhere, cementing Las Vegas's reputation as the world's entertainment capital.
In the late 1950s, casinos became more lavish. Tall, beautiful showgirls covered in rhinestones came from this luxurious change. The ladies were the main attraction, defining Las Vegas's style for generations. In the 60s, the construction of the iconic Caesar's Palace and The Mirage changed the landscape of Las Vegas forever. The city became known for its elaborate stage shows featuring world-class entertainers like Elvis Presley and Liberace.
The 1990s to 2010s
Las Vegas's population doubled, significantly increasing visitors during the 90s. The growth is partly due to the growing popularity of luxury resorts and the city's growing reputation as a convention destination. The 90s brought magicians, circus performers, and variety shows to Las Vegas. The 1990s brought entertainers like Siegfried & Roy with their mystifying illusions, Penn & Teller with their sleight of hand, and Cirque du Soleil's debut of the Nouvelle Experience to Las Vegas.
In the early 2000s, Las Vegas circled back to booking big entertainers such as Cher and the Backstreet Boys for residencies. As pop artists filled venues, EDM rose in popularity in Las Vegas's underground scene. EDM-focused clubs popped up one after another as it became the norm. Las Vegas draws in big EDM names like Zedd, Diplo, and Steve Aoki today. One of the most significant turning points for the EDM scene was when the Electric Daisy Carnival moved to Las Vegas in 2011, bringing more than 400,000 people to Las Vegas every year!
Present Day
From the end of the 2010s to today, several new venues were built throughout Las Vegas, drastically changing the entertainment landscape again. Most recently, the Sphere brings a fun, immersive experience to Las Vegas. Las Vegas also became home to the NHL's Vegas Golden Knights and the NFL's Las Vegas Raiders. 2024 is an exciting year for Las Vegas! Super Bowl LVIII brought over 300,000 people to the city. More dining, entertainment, and outdoor experiences are coming to Las Vegas, further solidifying Las Vegas as the world's entertainment capital!
The jazz scene is still alive in Las Vegas! Maxan Jazz is a locally-owned jazz and sushi bar with live entertainment six days a week! Our executive sushi chefs designed a deliciously fresh menu for you to enjoy while enjoying live performances from the best musicians in Las Vegas. Check our event calendar and make a reservation today!
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