Viva #29, that’s the 29th year folks, let that sink in. Largest Rockabilly festival in the world and its right here just a few hours away from your front door. Now let that sink in , for those of you that have never been. Every April thousands of folks from all over the world save and plan for this particular week in April. It’s not just a bucket list item, for many it’s actually at the top of said list. Bands from all over the world have Viva Festival posted in their practice room as a benchmark . It is the festival of arrival; one can chalk it up as “we have played the Rockabilly Holy land” .
Let me paint a picture: the event now goes from Wednesday to Monday. Wednesday afternoon there is Rockin Bettys afternoon pre-party 11-5pm. After which you have a choice of a few clubs around town showcasing bands or at The Orleans (event Hotel) there is a record hop , with DJs from over the globe spinning rockabilly , swing, and jump blues. So just Wednesday alone you can dance straight thru your closes, there is that much happening. Every night the rest of the week is band after band after band then at midnight you grab a water and head straight to the record hop and dance until 4am. That’s correct folks, 3am the dance floor is packed with Jive, Jitterbug, and Lindy dancers absolutely having a blast. To put it point blank, Viva is non-stop! time has no place in the week of Viva. You push on and as you continue on you will notice The entire Orleans Hotel is engulfed with 1940-50s music and swag, just how life should be . The parking lot is full of classic blue collar hot rods folks have driven from as far as the east coast to be there. Just look at some of the pictures I have posted , this will give a good idea of the caliber of machines that filled the lot. This isn’t a cars and coffee donut run folks, this is a rally that friends and family have slowly planned for a year. Alot of these cars are built with one goal, “get it on the road for Viva!” It’s that statement alone that should give you the idea what this festival represents. It’s that degree of hot rod comradery that grips us. Another good example is the LA Roaster Show in Pomona, CA. Another event that guys build their cars with the statement of “get it on the road for ?”
Folks, Viva Las Vegas Festival is all and more , great bands, djs and thousands of people from all over the globe, 1940-50s music, fashion and cars everywhere you look, it’s a magical place, as Mr. Walt Disney would say.
Next year is the 30th year anniversary, April 6-12th 2027 The Orleans Hotel , Las Vegas, NV.
You gonna be there? Who is going to get their car on the road and drive it? I want to see more “VIVA or Bust” written on the back windows of cars next year. Everyone pitch in and let’s get these beautiful machines back on the road.
Photos & Story by
James Ward
