So picking it up where we left off, we've had part one, part two, part three, and now here is the final installment of my Viva Las Vegas 16 series of posts. Get comfy, it's a long one.
The headliner of the car show on Saturday evening was none other than the legendary Little Richard. The schedule was a bit behind, so we had a look around the cars a bit more, where I ran into another little fellow...
We also bumped into Haute Rockabilly Fashionista and Tre, and as you can tell from this photo, they were also excited about the imminent performance by the Georgia Peach himself...
Then, it was time. The moment that everyone had been waiting for: Little. Richard.
The man is eighty years old, and he brought it. Granted, his voice was a little deeper and his songs a bit slower, but he still had the piano-playing skills and the charisma that we were all there to see. That and he had rhinestone covered shoes! Honestly aside from the music, I thoroughly enjoyed his banter and his humour...SHUT UP!
I could see both men and women around me in floods of tears, overcome with emotion at getting to see their idol. It definitely was an amazing and memorable experience to be part of a huge crowd of people, outdoors on a warm night in the middle of the desert, watching Little Richard perform.
Next up, we braved more lines to get dinner. After waiting what felt like an eternity, we finally got our food and took it to our room to get ready. Unfortunately because the car show stage schedule was running late, and dinner took so long to wait for, we ended up missing The Cleftones. I have already seen them a couple of times before, at the Rhythm Rocker and at last year's Rhythm Riot, however I was still a little disappointed to miss this show.
That night Si Cranstoun headlined in the main ballroom, and despite having seen him many times, we still thoroughly enjoyed his set. I danced so much that I lost one of my earrings (that I got married in) - *sob*. I was very disappointed. Not only because it took me a while to realise and in the meantime I was walking around with one earring like an 80s throwback, but because I loved those earrings and they had great sentimental value.
We hit the record hop until 7am, so it was a good thing that we had a nice relaxing day by the pool planned for Sunday...
A knock on our door on Sunday morning heralded a visit from the Easter Bunny, who came bearing chocolates!
Good thing the bunny knocked for us, otherwise who knows what time we would have woken up...
At the pool, mai tais, sun loungers, and a swimsuit contest were on the menu.
A few of our friends took part in the swimsuit contest, so of course we cheered them on...
DJ Tanoa Samoa Boy was on the decks, poolside, so we had some fun al fresco dances...
The Sunday pool party is one of my favourite parts of the weekend, and this year's was just as fun as ever - so many glamorous people, and so much wonderful vintage swimwear.
After this we hot-footed it to the buffet with a group of friends. I always find it fun looking at the types of foods that my friends pick out when presented with a million different options. I didn't take a photo, but I should have.
Then:
Nikki Hill was one of the acts I was really looking forward to on the line-up, as I had heard so many great things about her. Well let me tell you, that girl can sing. She has a strong, powerful voice, which demonstrates a really sophisticated technique, and yet maintains that raw, soulful sound. Her dress was also stunning!
The Roy Kay Combo also played on Sunday night, in the Bienville room. They were one of my favourite bands of the weekend. A definite highlight, providing a much-appreciated honky tonk vibe to the evening.
By this point, I didn't know if my feet could carry me anymore. My swollen little tootsies were so tired, I found myself a seat and had myself a little rest. Then Ray Collins' Hot Club came on and this happened...
Who can sit still to this band? You know I love them as I have mentioned it before. I was tickled to watch these two dancing BAREFOOT (you know, like the song?) to RCHC...
The rest of the night was a blur of bears, boots and burgers...
Until next year...
The headliner of the car show on Saturday evening was none other than the legendary Little Richard. The schedule was a bit behind, so we had a look around the cars a bit more, where I ran into another little fellow...
We also bumped into Haute Rockabilly Fashionista and Tre, and as you can tell from this photo, they were also excited about the imminent performance by the Georgia Peach himself...
Then, it was time. The moment that everyone had been waiting for: Little. Richard.
The man is eighty years old, and he brought it. Granted, his voice was a little deeper and his songs a bit slower, but he still had the piano-playing skills and the charisma that we were all there to see. That and he had rhinestone covered shoes! Honestly aside from the music, I thoroughly enjoyed his banter and his humour...SHUT UP!
A sea of cameras greeted Little Richard's entrance!
This was the best picture that I could get of the man himself...
Girls on stage during 'The Girl Can't Help It'!
I could see both men and women around me in floods of tears, overcome with emotion at getting to see their idol. It definitely was an amazing and memorable experience to be part of a huge crowd of people, outdoors on a warm night in the middle of the desert, watching Little Richard perform.
Next up, we braved more lines to get dinner. After waiting what felt like an eternity, we finally got our food and took it to our room to get ready. Unfortunately because the car show stage schedule was running late, and dinner took so long to wait for, we ended up missing The Cleftones. I have already seen them a couple of times before, at the Rhythm Rocker and at last year's Rhythm Riot, however I was still a little disappointed to miss this show.
We ran into Eddie from Royal Crown Revue, and his shades matched Aaron's shirt perfectly!
That night Si Cranstoun headlined in the main ballroom, and despite having seen him many times, we still thoroughly enjoyed his set. I danced so much that I lost one of my earrings (that I got married in) - *sob*. I was very disappointed. Not only because it took me a while to realise and in the meantime I was walking around with one earring like an 80s throwback, but because I loved those earrings and they had great sentimental value.
These are the happy, sweaty faces that follow a night of dancing to Si Cranstoun!
We hit the record hop until 7am, so it was a good thing that we had a nice relaxing day by the pool planned for Sunday...
A knock on our door on Sunday morning heralded a visit from the Easter Bunny, who came bearing chocolates!
Good thing the bunny knocked for us, otherwise who knows what time we would have woken up...
At the pool, mai tais, sun loungers, and a swimsuit contest were on the menu.
A few of our friends took part in the swimsuit contest, so of course we cheered them on...
The winning entry!
DJ Tanoa Samoa Boy was on the decks, poolside, so we had some fun al fresco dances...
DJ Tanoa Samoa Boy spinning the platters that matter!
Photo by Lisa Freemont Street - so glad she caught this snap!
The Sunday pool party is one of my favourite parts of the weekend, and this year's was just as fun as ever - so many glamorous people, and so much wonderful vintage swimwear.
With the stunning Doris Mayday!
The incredibly talented and sweet Tony from His Vintage Touch Hairstyling!
With the beautiful and talented Lola Devlin!
Lovely Bay Area ladies, including Kit Lopez from Kit & the Branded Men!
I didn't get the hat memo...with lovely Lee and Ruby!
After this we hot-footed it to the buffet with a group of friends. I always find it fun looking at the types of foods that my friends pick out when presented with a million different options. I didn't take a photo, but I should have.
Then:
Nikki Hill was one of the acts I was really looking forward to on the line-up, as I had heard so many great things about her. Well let me tell you, that girl can sing. She has a strong, powerful voice, which demonstrates a really sophisticated technique, and yet maintains that raw, soulful sound. Her dress was also stunning!
The Roy Kay Combo also played on Sunday night, in the Bienville room. They were one of my favourite bands of the weekend. A definite highlight, providing a much-appreciated honky tonk vibe to the evening.
By this point, I didn't know if my feet could carry me anymore. My swollen little tootsies were so tired, I found myself a seat and had myself a little rest. Then Ray Collins' Hot Club came on and this happened...
The rest of the night was a blur of bears, boots and burgers...
Aaron and Rockin' Vic looking sharp!
With the lovely Amber Foxx!
Until next year...
I've really enjoyed seeing all your photos, I'm so jealous and wish I could have gone! It looks like everyone had a really great time. It's great seeing how many people I recognise from other blogs etc in the photos too :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Helen - it's really nice to hear that others enjoy reading my posts as much as I enjoy writing them! :) It was probably my funnest Viva so far this year...you should try to go one year!
DeleteIt's funny seeing friends and people I recognise pop up in other people's Viva blogs too! Such a small world! :)
Great post. It would be awesome to see Little Richard. A few years ago, I got to see Jerry Lee Lewis. He came out with a walker, going really slow. Someone helped him to the piano. Once he got there, though, he rocked it like he was 60 years younger. It was great.
ReplyDeleteThanks Desirae! I saw Jerry Lee Lewis at Viva too! :) It was kind of the same deal with Little Richard - he was assisted on to the stage in a wheelchair, and he talked a lot about the pain that he has been experiencing in his hips....it's quite sad to see someone like that...but his piano playing skills were still in tact, and you have to imagine that he must feel really happy that as an 80 year old, he can still go out on stage and play to a packed crowd of people of all ages!
Deletesorry about your earrings Mel, Its horrible when you lose something so special. Really really enjoyed your blogs... they are, as always, a great read. I felt i was almost there with you all. xxx
ReplyDeleteAwww thanks Michele - I really hate losing things, but this was just so frustrating as I loved those earrings! That said, at least I lost it whilst having a really fun time! :) Glad you enjoyed the blogs, I love hearing feedback, and I really enjoyed writing them too! :) xxx
DeleteOh my goodness, we really were at all of the same spots Sunday! More people I recognize…I’ve known Shelley (blue dress at the pool) for years and Tanoa and his wife were on our flight back to Oakland and live in the same town as us. Such a small world!
ReplyDeleteI am loving that green lurex and your pool outfits are adorable! You are so good at taking photos of everyone. I’ll be hopefully snapping nonstop at the Riot which, by the way, we just booked! I also just saw the poster for it with all of the bands yesterday for the first time as well and am even more excited than before!
P.S. Your latest post perfectly coincided with my morning tea at work. Nice timing ;-)
Hahah! See?! :) Yes I know, you guys all live in Alameda! It really is a small world.
DeleteThank you for the compliments! I have found in the past that when I don't take a lot of photos I regret it - plus writing the blog has really gotten me into the habit of photo-taking.
The Riot will be a blast - it's such a great line-up this year!
Glad to hear that my timing was good with this post...! :) xx
Your bathing suit was really cute! And that green dress was also fabulous! This looks like so much fun. I would have loved to see Little Richard. He's always been such a fun, talented performer.
ReplyDeleteYou had a lot of great photos and it's great to see Viva for the first time through someone else's point of view. Here's hoping I get to go next year and meet you and lots of great people.
Thanks Mariela! I picked it up in LA the day before we headed to Viva! Little Richard was great - obviously it's not the same as if he would have been 50 years younger...but it's still an amazing experience to see a legendary musician, and be part of a very appreciative crowd.
DeleteI hope you get to go next year too - it's always great to make new friends! :)
NO MORE I CAN'T TAKE IT :-(
ReplyDeletexxxxx
Don't worry, that was the last post for this year!!!! :P xxx
DeleteAww, I miss Viva. :( Loved all your photos. :)
ReplyDeleteMeee tooooo! Actually, I also miss LA! :) Glad you liked the photos - I have really enjoyed seeing all of yours!!! xx
DeleteYou are a goddess in that green lurex dress! And your halter neck playsuit set! And your swimsuit....EVERYTHING!
ReplyDeleteIt's so amazing that you got to meet Doris Mayday, she is incredible.
Ahhh I loved looking at everyone's outfits and hair, Viva looks like heaven. I love that your hubby is into vintage too, I think if I ever go to Viva I may have to force my man to dress up :P
Wow, thank you Harlow! What a sweet thing to say!!! *Blush*!
DeleteYes Ashley (Doris) is incredible - I have known her for a few years, and I can tell you that she is every bit as gorgeous in real life as she is in all her photos!!!! Plus her hair is a-maz-ing!
Viva is definitely a delight for the senses - there's so much eye candy it's hard to concentrate! :) xxx
I've scrolled up and down through these photos three times and know I'll be going back for a forth viewing. There's just too much stylish VLV awesomeness to soak it all up with just one pass.
ReplyDelete♥ Jessica
Heheheheh it's pretty much like that at Viva, Jessica - there is so much to take in that I find it hard to concentrate, as it's easy to get distracted when you are surrounded by beautiful outfits and fabulous looking people! xxx
Deletei have viva envy .... aaaahhhhhh. thanks for sharing all those pictures!
ReplyDeleteHahahhaha! No problem - glad I could share!
DeleteNext year I'd love to go, it looks like you had such a blast! I bet it was just a big whirlwind!
ReplyDeleteYou should try to go - it is so much fun!!!
DeleteLets be honest that the best thing about Saturday was that Little Richard had feet...
ReplyDeleteLOL
HRF
Muahahahahhahah! I was soooooooo tempted to write about that in this post! ;) So funny that after the show Anne and I were like 'he had feet!'!!! :D
DeleteLoved all your photos. These photo are wonderful! Thanks so much for sharing! :)
ReplyDeleteWedding Dress Alterations - Tailor service provider in Las Vegas and Henderson