It’s Show Time: The Composers Room Fosters a Community of Vegas Artists

“The show must continue.” There’s no telling how many times this classic phrase has been uttered in the entertainment capital of the world. But it’s worth asking: what is a good show when the artist isn’t at the center of it?

The Composers Room Showlounge & Restaurant, which Pompey Entertainment opened in the mall in November, offers artists a space where they can make the show their own, where the experience is a product of their talent and is in no way hampered by public demands. place.

“We like to think of ourselves as non-competitive. Many of our artists even perform at our neighboring properties. And I think it’s great to celebrate the artist and not try to put a lot of limits on him if he wants to play here,” says Damian Costa, founder of Pompey Entertainment.

This was evident in a May 30 article THE Sit down with Kelly Clinton on the Showlounge stage. The singer had fun with the crowd, teasing the audience between songs and inviting special guests on stage.

Singers Tony Arias and Skye Dee Miles and composer Keith Thompson are just a few other local musicians who regularly grace the Showlounge stage, one of two stages at this historic venue.

The mall has been around since 1963, and the space that now houses the Songwriters Room was once Commercial Deli, a hangout for members of the Rat Pack. Costa says the place celebrates that history.

“If you look around, 30 of the 130 (guests) are artists. We talk about the Rat Pack in nightclubs and in lounges, where artists come to support them and really build this community together,” he says, adding that this still happens today, with, for example, the tour of Clint Holmes to watch over his wife. Kelly Clinton on stage, or Donny Osmond coming to hang out.

“We have a history. And it’s a very rich story… that people are starting to get a taste for. People want to know the story of how we became the city we are, and I think that will set us apart.

The Composers Room is also looking to the future, partnering with the UNLV College of Fine Arts to spotlight emerging artists through their Parking games “car theater” series and other arts and performance events.

Costa has a history of establishing entertainment at South Point and Caesars Palace. Pompey now manages Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club and the Rio Duomo.

On the other hand, the Composers Room decided to reach the locals with Strip caliber artists. And he did a good job, better than expected.

“Getting into the community with strip style entertainment was one of our goals. It had such a community reach that I became a little addicted to it. … It’s very different from the corporate hustle and bustle of the Strip,” he says.

“It’s so refreshing and so inspiring. This doesn’t take away from the tourist business… but there is something special about living in a neighborhood where people take care of each other.

Composers Room Showlounge & Restaurant 953 E. Sahara Ave. #E1A, 702-573-7710, thecomposersroom.com. Monday to Saturday, noon to midnight; Sunday, 11:30 a.m.-midnight.

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