Ovation Lounge plans even better lineup in '08

Venue's acoustics keep bands, crowds coming back for more

SPECIAL TO VIEWThe Ovation Lounge at Green Valley Ranch Resort, which opened in May, is known for its sound. Advertisement

The Ovation Lounge at Green Valley Ranch Resort is known for its state-of-the-art sound system, intimate concert setting and booking a variety of popular artists throughout the year. And, with the new year looming, Station Casinos is anticipating that the 2008 concert lineup will have crowds on their feet more often.

"I think that we are going to have more standing-room-only crowds," said Joe Santiago, Station Casinos' vice president of entertainment. "But that all depends on the concert, too. This is all part of the evolution that started with the Railhead at Boulder Station."

Santiago said that the Ovation Lounge streams everything positive from the Railhead, Chrome at Santa Fe Station and the Rocks Lounge at Red Rock Resort into one great venue.

"I believe that the lounge's second year will be more exciting than the first," Santiago said.

The lounge, which opened in May, has become a favorite venue for many recording artists, a fact Santiago attributes to a number of factors.

"Ovation has stellar sound," Santiago said. "That's huge for artists, and they want to be rebooked because they remember that about the venue."

Bands such as Big Bad Voodoo Daddy already have been rebooked for 2008.

Concertgoers are in for a unique experience when attending shows at the lounge, as well.

Just ask Zoe Stewart, a long-time Las Vegas resident who said she attends concerts at Ovation whenever possible.

"You cannot beat the experience I've had at this venue," Stewart said. "They have great acoustics, premium seating and a great band lineup."

Vocalist Andrea Adams is the lead singer for house band Rich and Famous, a group that specializes in mostly top 40 hits.

"We perform at Ovation Thursday through Saturday, and as a performer, there's no better place," Adams said. "As a fan, I think Ovation is unique because of the Midis sound system. It's state of the art and only one of four in the entire country."

Rich and Famous plays the lounge at 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Singer-songwriter John Eddie will play Ovation Dec. 21-22. Eddie, who is famous for his alternative rock and Americana sound, said he expects his first experience at the Ovation Lounge to be memorable.

"I have friends who have played there, and they say that it's very intimate, like a communion with the fans," he said. "Plus, the acoustics rock. So I can't wait."

For more information on the Ovation Lounge or upcoming concerts, visit www.green valleyranchresort.com.