Artists To Watch Las Vegas | Music Interviews, Live Performances & Rising Artists

byKUNV

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Discover new music, rising artists, and live performances from Las Vegas. Artists To Watch Las Vegas is a music interview podcast and video series from 91.5 Jazz & More KUNV—the best smooth jazz station in America—featuring conversations with emerging talent, established musicians, and standout performers visiting the entertainment capital of the world. Recorded at KUNV Studios on the campus of UNLV, each episode delivers artist interviews, live music performances, and behind-the-scenes conversations with musicians across jazz, R&B, soul, and contemporary genres. From up-and-coming artists to nationally recognized performers, this show highlights the voices shaping today’s music scene. If you're...

Episodes(40 episodes)

John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band on Artists to Watch Las Vegas with Carlaya | Live with John Waite at Cannery Las Vegas

Rock icon John Cafferty of John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band joins Carlaya on Artists to Watch Las Vegas on 91.5 Jazz & More KUNV ahead of this Saturday’s unforgettable live concert at Cannery Hotel & Casino with John Waite. From over five decades of rock history to the enduring chemistry of the legendary Beaver Brown Band, John shares stories about the band’s origins, life on the road, performing with John Waite, and what Las Vegas fans can expect from this powerhouse night of classic rock. If you love timeless hits, iconic vocals, and legendary live performances, this is a must...

Published: May 12, 2026Duration: 3m 2s

Jarez on Artists to Watch Las Vegas | Sunset Jazz Series at Sunset Station Benefiting 91.5 KUNV

Smooth jazz powerhouse Jarez joins Carlaya on Artists to Watch Las Vegas on 91.5 Jazz & More KUNV ahead of his highly anticipated performance this Saturday night at Sunset Station for the Sunset Jazz Series — a premier live concert experience benefiting 91.5 KUNV. Known as the “Mayor of J-Funk City,” Jarez discusses his musical evolution from “Mr. Sexy Saxy” to one of smooth jazz’s most dynamic live performers, his star-studded collaborations, his Coolio connection, and what fans can expect from this unforgettable kickoff concert in Las Vegas. If you love smooth jazz, saxophone excellence, funk, and live music, this episode is your backsta...

Published: May 11, 2026Duration: 9m 30s

John Waite on Artists to Watch Las Vegas with Carlaya | Missing You Legend + John Cafferty Live at Eastside Cannery Las Vegas

Rock legend John Waite joins Carlaya on Artists to Watch Las Vegas on 91.5 Jazz & More KUNV for an unforgettable conversation ahead of this Saturday’s live performance at Eastside Cannery with John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band. From “Missing You” and Bad English classics to stories about Tina Turner, Saturday Night Live, and a lifetime of iconic music, John reflects on his extraordinary career and what fans can expect live in Las Vegas. Don’t miss this powerhouse night of legendary rock. Tickets and show details here: https://cannery.boydgaming.com/entertain/entertainment-calendar/2026-john-waite-john-cafferty-cn

Published: May 11, 2026Duration: 7m 17s

Lao Tizer in Las Vegas | Live at Myron’s at The Smith Center | Artists to Watch Las Vegas

Lao Tizer joins Artists to Watch Las Vegas for an exclusive interview with Carlaya ahead of his highly anticipated live performance at Myron's at The Smith Center.Broadcast on 91.5 Jazz & More KUNV—the best smooth jazz station in America—this episode highlights Lao Tizer’s return to one of his favorite Las Vegas venues, where he and his all-star band will deliver a dynamic, high-energy performance blending jazz, soul, and contemporary influences. 🎟️ Get tickets here: https://thesmithcenter.com/smartseat/?itemNumber=10566#/The Lao Tizer Band features an incredible lineup of world-class musicians: Lao Tizer – piano...

Published: Mar 26, 2026Duration: 3m 56s

Najee Live in Las Vegas | Smooth Jazz Sax Legend Talks New Album & Aliante Casino Shows | Artists to Watch Las Vegas

Smooth jazz saxophonist and flutist Najee joins Artists to Watch Las Vegas on 91.5 KUNV Jazz & More to talk about his upcoming Las Vegas performances at Aliante Casino + Hotel + Spa, his latest album Under the Moon, Over the Sky, and collaborations with artists like Regina Bell, Will Downing, Eric Roberson, and Brian Simpson.During the conversation, Najee reflects on the inspiration behind the album, shares stories about performing in Las Vegas over the years, and hints that fans attending the show might see a special guest appearance—something that has become a tradition at his Vegas concerts....

Published: Mar 5, 2026Duration: 5m 3s

Marcus Anderson Live in Las Vegas Tonight | Serente Jazz & Wine Escapes Smooth Jazz Series | Bootlegger Bistro Copa Room

Smooth jazz saxophonist Marcus Anderson joins 91.5 KUNV Jazz & More to talk about his musical roots, growing up in a musical family, picking up the sax at age 12, and bringing charisma, romance, and surprise to every live performance.🎷 Tonight in Las Vegas Marcus Anderson performs live at the Bootlegger Bistro – Copa Room as part of the Las Vegas Smooth Jazz Series presented by Serente Jazz & Wine Escapes.He’ll be joined by powerhouse musicians:Darnell “Showcase” Taylor on guitarRishon O’Dell on bassMarcus promises a show filled with finesse, energy, humor, and romantic smoo...

Published: Feb 26, 2026Duration: 3m 20s

Behind the Edit of EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert — Jonathan Redmond on Restoring the King’s Lost Las Vegas Performances

In this special edition of Artists to Watch Las Vegas, we sit down with Jonathan Redmond, the Academy Award–nominated editor behind Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis and the new concert film EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert.Redmond takes us inside the extraordinary discovery that sparked the film: 69 boxes — nearly 60 hours — of unseen Elvis Presley concert footage, buried for decades inside Warner Bros. vaults stored deep in underground Kansas salt mines. Originally uncovered during research for Elvis (2022), the footage was so powerful and revealing that it ultimately demanded its own standalone cinematic experience.Rather than presenting a tradit...

Published: Feb 10, 2026Duration: 5m 3s

Kendra Erika on Artists to Watch Las Vegas: License to Thrill, James Bond Reimagined & Her Las Vegas Album Release Showcase

On this episode of Artists to Watch Las Vegas, host Carlaya sits down with genre-defying vocalist and songwriter Kendra Erika ahead of a major week of performances in Las Vegas. Blending elements of dance, pop, jazz, and cinematic orchestration, Kendra Erika discusses her artistic evolution, early musical influences, and the inspiration behind her bold new project, License to Thrill: James Bond Songs Reimagined.During the interview, Kendra reflects on discovering her voice through classical training, growing up equally inspired by Broadway legends and contemporary pop icons, and ultimately finding her creative sweet spot through reinvention. She shares...

Published: Feb 5, 2026Duration: 8m 35s

Chris Standring Headlines Las Vegas | A Time of Change, “Chocolate Shake” & Boulder Station Show

Smooth jazz guitarist Chris Standring joins Artists To Watch Las Vegas to talk about a major milestone in his career — headlining Las Vegas at Boulder Station Railhead. A longtime favorite on 91.5 Jazz & More, Standring spoke with KUNV's Program Director Jason Beatty while riding high with the Top 20 hit “Chocolate Shake” while preparing to release his upcoming album A Time of Change, a deeply personal and reflective project shaped by life transitions, new beginnings, and artistic growth.In this interview, Chris shares the story behind “Chocolate Shake,” discusses balancing new music with fan favorites in a live setting, and reflec...

Published: Jan 29, 2026Duration: 7m 8s

Nathan Mitchell Talks Vegas Debut, Big Band Energy, and New Music | Artists to Watch Las Vegas

Smooth jazz sensation Nathan Mitchell sits down with host Carlaya on Artists to Watch Las Vegas to talk about his music, creative journey, and what fans can expect from his upcoming Las Vegas debut performance. Recorded ahead of his show at the Access Showroom at Aliante Casino + Hotel + Spa in North Las Vegas, this extended conversation covers Nathan’s rise in contemporary jazz, the inspiration behind his hit songs, his experience hitting the Billboard Top 30 multiple times, and the unique energy he brings to live performance. Nathan also discusses bringing his Big Band—featuring the “Mo Horns”—to the stag...

Published: Jan 22, 2026Duration: 3m 57s

Kirk Whalum on Songs of Change, Epic Cool & Music as a Force for Unity | Artists to Watch Las Vegas

On this episode of Artists to Watch Las Vegas, host Carlaya sits down with Grammy-winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum to discuss Songs of Change, a powerful live concert experience celebrating music that shaped social progress, unity, and the spirit of the Civil Rights Movement.Kirk shares insight into the artists joining him on stage — including musical director John Stoddart and vocalist Jazzmeia Horn — and explains how these timeless songs inspired leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and continue to resonate in today’s divided world. The conversation also explores Whalum’s latest album, Epic Cool, a project that redefine...

Published: Jan 16, 2026Duration: 4m 36s

Artists to Watch Las Vegas: Saxophonist Jackiem Joyner on New Music and His Las Vegas Smooth Jazz CD Release Show

On this episode of Artists to Watch Las Vegas, host Carlaya sits down with nationally recognized smooth jazz saxophonist Jackiem Joyner ahead of his upcoming Las Vegas CD release performance.Jackiem joins the show to talk about his brand-new album Every Part of Me, sharing why this project is especially personal and how it explores deeper musical influences—from classic R&B and soul to vinyl-era nostalgia—while staying rooted in the signature saxophone sound fans know and love. He also reflects on his remarkable career moments, including performing alongside legends like George Duke and Angela Bofill, and...

Published: Jan 8, 2026Duration: 4m 26s

Syndee Winters Sings Lena Horne: A Theatrical Jazz Tribute Live at The Smith Center in Las Vegas

Tony Award–nominated performer Syndee Winters brings a powerful and deeply personal tribute to one of the most influential artists of the 20th century with Syndee Winters Sings Lena Horne, live at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas.Presented inside the intimate Myron’s Cabaret Jazz, this performance is far more than a traditional jazz concert. Winters describes the show as a theatrical jazz experience, blending music, storytelling, and character work to explore the many facets of legendary entertainer Lena Horne—from trailblazing activist and Hollywood icon to vulnerable artist and cultural pioneer.F...

Published: Jan 7, 2026Duration: 5m 5s

Adam Hawley Interview | Billboard 2025 Artist of the Year | Artists to Watch Las Vegas

In this episode of Artists to Watch Las Vegas, host Carlaya sits down with acclaimed guitarist, producer, and educator Adam Hawley, recently named Billboard’s 2025 Smooth Jazz Artist of the Year.Adam reflects on a landmark year that saw him become the most-played artist on the chart, driven by multiple No. 1 hits including “Automatic,” “Absolute Love,” and his current single “Roller Skates.” He shares what he believes connected so strongly with listeners and radio stations nationwide — consistency, collaboration, and a relentless commitment to making great music.The conversation also looks back at a defining career moment: being ha...

Published: Dec 12, 2025Duration: 4m 30s

Vegas Made: How Jason Tenner Built Purple Rain into a Strip Phenomenon

On this episode of Artists to Watch Las Vegas, host Carlaya sits down with Las Vegas’ premiere Prince tribute performer Jason Tenner, frontman of the award-winning production Purple Reign at Planet Hollywood. Recently named the “All-Time Best Tribute Show” by Las Vegas Weekly, Purple Reign has become a beloved staple of the Strip—complete with live musicians, the signature Minneapolis-sound energy, and absolutely no backing tracks.Jason shares how a Halloween costume unexpectedly launched his 28-year journey portraying Prince, the evolution of the show from a small club across from UNLV to national TV appearances on David Letterma...

Published: Dec 2, 2025Duration: 5m 18s

Dee Lucas: Sax, Soul & the Vegas Groove - Birthday Bash w/ Serente Jazz & Wine Escapes

In this episode of Artists to Watch Las Vegas, host Carlaya sits down with acclaimed contemporary jazz saxophonist Dee Lucas for an intimate, inspiring, and soulful conversation. Known for his smooth tone, emotional phrasing, and chart-topping success, Dee opens up about his creative process, his evolution as a self-made independent artist, and the passion that drives his signature sound.Recorded in the heart of Las Vegas, this interview goes behind the music to explore Dee’s early influences, his approach to songwriting, the stories behind his most beloved tracks, and how he continues to innovate in the mo...

Published: Nov 13, 2025Duration: 3m 35s

RuPaul’s Drag Race - Asia O’Hara: Drag, Dazzle, and the Power of Representation

In this vibrant episode of Artists to Watch Las Vegas, host Carlaya sits down with Asia O’Hara, the celebrated star of RuPaul’s Drag Race and the dazzling emcee of RuPaul’s Drag Race Live! at the Flamingo Las Vegas. Asia opens up about her journey from Texas stages to the Las Vegas Strip, reflecting on how the hit show transformed her craft, expanded her horizons, and elevated drag into mainstream art.Listeners will get an inside look at what makes RuPaul’s Drag Race Live! so electric — from its live “mini challenges” and “lip syncs for your life” t...

Published: Oct 17, 2025Duration: 3m 38s

Lenny Williams - Still Loving You even after 50 Years of Music

Carlaya give us an unforgettable conversation with Lenny Williams, the legendary R&B and soul icon known for timeless hits like Cause I Love You and So Very Hard to Go. Ahead of his highly anticipated appearance on The Blues Is Alright Tour at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Lenny opens up about his decades-long career, performing with Tower of Power, and why fans still connect with his signature voice after more than 50 years in music.In this exclusive Las Vegas interview, Lenny shares stories behind his biggest songs, talks about the magic of performing the blues live...

Published: Oct 1, 2025Duration: 3m 17s

Chieli Minucci & Special EFX All-Stars Live in Las Vegas

In this special Artists To Watch interview, we sit down with Grammy-nominated guitarist and Special EFX founder Chieli Minucci ahead of the band’s upcoming Special EFX All-Stars concert at the Aliante Casino’s Access Showroom on Saturday, November 15th. Chieli shares how his musical journey began with the piano before a love of the guitar—and its chrome-shine allure—took over. He gives us an inside look at the stellar all-star lineup joining him on stage, including Greg Adams (Tower of Power, East Bay Soul), Rebecca Jade, Lao Tizer, Joel Rosenblatt, Anthony Crawford, and Carl Cox.From rev...

Published: Aug 27, 2025Duration: 5m 7s

The Women Behind Nevada’s Most Empowering Film Festival

In this episode of Artists to Watch – Las Vegas, host Carlaya welcomes the visionary team behind the 11th Annual Nevada Women’s Film Festival—Executive Director Nikki Corda, Events Director Hannah Utech, and Community Liaison Breanna Kennedy—for a live conversation from Carlaya’s Café on 91.5 Jazz and More.Together, they discuss how NWFFest champions underrepresented voices in film, celebrates female and non-binary storytellers, and fosters inclusion across the Nevada creative landscape. From dynamic screenings and filmmaker panels to community outreach and the prestigious FEMI Awards, the festival continues to push boundaries and empower the next generation of filmmake...

Published: Jun 13, 2025Duration: 10m 38s