The leadoff batter at Stoney’s Sunset wasn’t aware he’d also hit second. But Brantley Gilbert told the crowd as much as he opened the new Stoney’s outpost at Sunset Station on Friday night.
The extensively tattooed, hard-driving, country rock headliner performed a full, rain-delayed show at the Sunset Amphitheater as the first of a series of parties for the new Stoney’s. Not announced, and yet very public, was his acoustic set later in the night.
The burly Brantley was ready. “Let’s goooo, Bro!” he announced in text just before hitting the (second) stage. Then he called to the crowd packed near the front of the stage, “I didn’t know I’d be playing two shows tonight. Give it up for Stoney’s!”
Brantley and his bandmates jammed for about 30 minutes for the preview audience.
The man who runs the club, Paul Lowden Jr., was in that crowd. He celebrated the opening of the third Stoney’s in the Las Vegas Valley and second in partnership with Station Casinos.
“They’ve made it clear we’re going to be the the hotel’s main entertainment venue,” Lowden said as he stood just a few steps from the club’s mechanical bull (we call this beast Red Rock, the name of the legendary bucking bull and also Station’s flagship resort). “We are really happy to bring Stoney’s to Henderson. I think people here will love it.”
The Lowden family also operates the original Stoney’s Rockin’ Country in Town Square, which Lowden says will continue to run into the foreseeable future, and Stoney’s North Forty at Santa Fe Station. Collectively, it’s a Lowden Triangle of Stoney’s across the valley.
And the Lowdens have developed Vic’s Las Vegas at Symphony Park. The supper club has about as much in common with Stoney’s as Brantley does with Joe Lano, the jazz guitar great who plays Vic’s on Friday and Saturday.
The Lowdens have it covered, is the point. Stoney’s Sunset is a hoedown haven with a stage big enough for any country outfit and a dance floor teeming with line dancers.
Line dancing is a thing to learn. Those folks look so happy, and you can do it in boots.
Dance lessons are offered at Stoney’s on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The club’s nights of operations are Wednesdays through Saturdays (go to stoneys.com for the updated intel).
Sunset Station Vice President and General Manager Lee Torres said Stoney’s will add “a new level of excitement” to the hotel-casino, which has undergone extensive renovation in the past few years.
“Stoney’s strong following and local reputation for fun make them the perfect addition to the neighborhood,” Torres said in a statement.
The resort’s grand opening Saturday followed Friday’s early look. Torres, Henderson Mayor Michelle Romero, Stoney’s Sunset GM Larry Cohen and Henderson Ward 3 Councilwoman Carrie Cox were in the mix. So was a stilted model dressed as Vegas Vickie.
The new Stoney’s is just off Sunset’s main entrance (you practically drive into the sign as you enter valet). The club will feature a regular schedule of live country music, DJs, a “ladies night” special, three pool tables and an outdoor patio also furnished with a dance floor.
On select nights, the club will host bikini bull riding, hearkening to Sissy climbing on the beast in “Urban Cowboy.” General bull riding is available on any night. I’ve always said that watching a club patron try to ride a mechanical bull is akin to gazing at a raging fire. You can’t help but watch it.
The venue spans 19,000 square feet with a capacity of just over 1,000, nearly as large as the original Stoney’s at Town Square.
Stations is relying on the new Stoney’s to be the go-to for Henderson dwellers looking for a good time. Club Madrid used to be that spot, and at its peak it prospered with top local acts, rock cover bands and the occasional touring headliner (Lon Bronson Band, Yellow Brick Road and Richard Cheese and Lounge Against the Machine) were among the headliners in that room).
But Stoney’s now has the reins. Dress accordingly and loosen up. The dance floor, and a glowering bull, awaits.
The “Mad” fallout
Crystallizing the figures from the Sept. 5 shutdown of “Mad Apple”: There are about 45 performers who are cast in the performance. The number grows to between 130 and 140 adding management and technicians. This is the human consequence of what Cirque du Soleil classifies as a “boutique” show.
Tease this …
We understand the message on the MGM Grand marquee shared on the socials on Sunday, reading, “ALL OVER AGAIN 11.28.26” is in reference to the Jonas Brothers’ return. Watch for news there …
Cool Hang Alert
Returning to the aforementioned Lano, the Las Vegas entertainment icon brings his quartet to Vic’s for two shows, 7:30 and 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Jess Gopen on drums, Jeff Davis on bass, Etsuko Mader on piano. Stellar. No cover, but a $35 minimum per person for the early show, $30 minimum for the late show.
A Las Vegas favorite since moving here in 1964, Lano has backed Frank Sinatra, Lena Horne and Steve Lawrence, among many other legends. He is still beyond legit. Go to vicslasvegas.com to make it happen.
John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow @johnnykats on X, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.