The Possibility Machine: Music and Myth in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a singular and star-studded writing on America's neon-lit playground, exploring how music-making and soundscapes shape the city. Contributors delve into how music and musicians factored in the early development of Vegas's image, the role of local communities of musicians and Strip mainstays in sustaining tensions between belief and disbelief, the ways aging showroom stars provide a sense of timelessness, the link connecting fantasies of sexual prowess and democracy with the musical values of Liberace and others, considerations of how musicians and establishments gambled with identity, and the echoes and energy generated by the idea of Las Vegas as it travels across the country.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 10 October 2023
Publisher: University of Illinois Press

Las Vegas, a vibrant and iconic city, stands as a captivating blend of Technicolor wonder and American mythology. It serves as the epicenter of a profound reverence for risk-taking and the awe-inspiring impact of a fortunate hand. In this captivating collection of short essays and flash ideas, Jake Johnson, the editor, delves into the intricate relationship between music-making and soundscapes, shaping the very essence of Las Vegas. The contributors explore a wide range of topics, from the influential role of music and musicians in the city's early development to the dynamic interplay between local communities of musicians and the iconic Strip establishments. They examine how aging showroom stars evoke a sense of timelessness, shielding visitors from the outside world's distractions. They also unravel the fascinating connections between fantasies of sexual prowess and democracy, as embodied by figures like Liberace, and the musical values that resonate within the city.

Furthermore, the contributors delve into the audacious gambles musicians and establishments have made with identity, creating a space where audience members can explore unique versions of themselves. They contemplate the resonant echoes and energy generated by the idea of Las Vegas as it traverses the country, inspiring and captivating diverse audiences.

This captivating collection features a diverse array of contributors, each bringing their unique perspectives and expertise to the table. From Celine Ayala to Brian F. Wright, the contributors offer a rich tapestry of insights and observations, painting a vivid portrait of Las Vegas and its enduring musical legacy.

Las Vegas, with its dazzling lights and endless entertainment options, remains a symbol of American dreams and aspirations. Through the lens of music and its profound impact on the city's culture, this collection invites us to explore the multifaceted tapestry of Las Vegas, a place where risk-taking, creativity, and the pursuit of the extraordinary converge.

Weight: 488g
Dimension: 155 x 236 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780252087530