Music: ONE CITY / ONE SUMMER

ONE CITY / ONE SUMMER is the documented summer tour of Las Vegas by our resident music expert, Taj Simpson, that will feature some of the hottest concerts / DJ's / events in one of the most happening cities in the world. Over the course of the summer, Taj will be submitting regular updates on his experiences, so check back often. For a real time update on Taj and the ONE CITY / ONE SUMMER tour, follow him at @adamtaj.

In case you missed it, check out ONE CITY / ONE SUMMER - Pt. 1

May 22nd, 2013

10:58 pm: It's yet another sold-out show at the Boulevard Pool of the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Kendrick Lamar takes the stage and gives the crowd an hour and fifteen minutes of his time to illustrate his life story through songs from underground mixtapes and the highly praised album, "good kid, m.A.A.d city".

Kendrick Lamar at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas: Photo Credit Erik Kabik

May 30th, 2013

9:14 pm: A popular keyboard and drum duo from New York that simply go by Matt & Kim are welcomed guests for the Cosmopolitan's Summer concert series titled, "Set Your Life to Music". Due to the simplicity of their group―that being Matt & Kim consist of two instruments, and two people; they have fully structured their show to entertain well beyond their recorded albums. For example, before going into the popular song titled, "Now" from their latest album, they mashed together tracks from Jay-Z and Kanye West's "Watch the Throne" album. With confetti still floating around in the air, it's clear that these two know how to throw a proper party.

Matt and Kim at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas: Photo Credit Toby Acuna

June 1st, 2013

10:00 pm: I've been invited to attend MICS EP Release Party at Hakkasan Nightclub inside the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. Hakkasan Nightclub is the new kid on the strip, and a very unique one. This nightclub was strategically built for today's EDM DJ and the show that has evolved with the music. From the sound system, the graphics, laser beams, set designs, and dancers, the real question is; can the nightclubs keep up with the DJ?

10:58 pm: I enter Hakkasan for the first time and upon entering the massive nightclub, I couldn't help but think, this must have been the same feeling Aladdin had upon entering the Cave of Wonders.

12:30 am: Mike Uriate of MICS plays an intense two-hour set in Hakkasan's Ling Ling Lounge in celebration of releasing the songs, "Beat Bangin'" and "Homecoming".

2:40 am: Mike's set is finished and we venture down to the main floor to watch Michael Woods perform.

As we arrive to the main floor, Michael Woods has lifted himself on top of the DJ booth. The beat continues to rise with the crowd getting bigger and wilder. The beat eventually drops and by the looks of things; it doesn't seem like the party is going to let up until dawn breaks.

Michael Woods at Hakkasan inside MGM Grand Hotel and Casino

4:22 am: Home.

June 7th, 2013

9:19 pm: I've been invited to attend "Sessions" presented by First Friday. First Friday takes place in downtown Las Vegas on Fremont Street and the surrounding areas. Inside El Cortez Hotel and Casino, "Sessions" is an event that showcases three indie bands. Tonight's performers include; Among Savages, Sabriel, and Magic Wands. I was very impressed with Among Savage's sound. If you're looking for a new Summer album, go no further than, "The Wanderings of an Illustrative Mind".

Among Savages at El Cortez

Strangers of the night: Photo Credit Among Savages

June 8th, 2013

10:24 am: We are set to see Alie Layus perform at Ghostbar inside the Palms Casino Resort. Alie Layus, the model turned DJ is easy on the eyes and hard on the beats. And her style; it goes unmatched. Maybe Cher Horowitz from the film "Clueless" could keep up―but I doubt it. You can get a first-hand look at her style on Instagram where she'll post a self-portrait and leave a caption as simple as, "hi" or a quote as deep as, "Do you not see how necessary a world of pains and troubles is to school an intelligence and make it a soul?"

12:38 am: Alie arrives behind the DJ booth, gazes at the room full of people with eyes deeper than the pacific wearing a dress made for mid-night with a BOY London hat, and hits us with a mix of Drake's "Started from the Bottom". Her DJing throughout the night was full of 'wait-for-it' moments. And just like her outfit; her set was mixed up to perfection.

Alie Layus at Ghostbar inside the Palms Casino Resort

Dress Codes do not apply to Jorge Lozoya (Tour Manager)

3:55 am: Home.

Friends of the night attending Kendrick Lamar at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

Friends of the night inside Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill post-show.

Alie Layus and I at Ghostbar inside Palms Casino Resort (Be sure to listen to Alie's latest mix and our mix listed below)

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What I'm listening to:

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Taj Simpson is OLE MASON JAR's music correspondent who lives in Las Vegas, NV. Always dressed for the right occasion, Taj also has a keen ear for the right sound...keeping us at the forefront of the music scene, and in tune with the freshest tracks and artists you may / or may not have heard of.