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BRUTAL TRUTHS - Why Bronx Wanderers Is Closing Their Vegas Show

SamNovak

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BRUTAL TRUTHS - Why Bronx Wanderers Is Closing Their Vegas Show

"We, as a band, no longer wish to work this hard." - Vincent John, THE BRONX WANDERERS

Vincent John is the musical director and a star of The Bronx Wanderers. He's also a show business rarity. In an industry that's often dependent on kiss-ass complacency, the charismatic entertainer boldly speaks his mind...a lot. His outspoken nature most assuredly ruffles the feathers of those who work alongside him (and behind the scenes) for the family-based band.

Certain individuals are undoubtedly pulling at their hair today after Vinny's emotion-laden post on social media:

"Alrighty, let's address the rumors. Yes, The Bronx Wanderers' last show at the legendary Westgate is November 14th. They didn't want us to leave, our producers didn't want to leave, and on the surface - we DON'T want to leave. They are the best crew, room staff, and executive team we've ever had in Las Vegas. We were never treated like second-class citizens or a B-level show - they treated us like stars. We will forever love and cherish every memory and show we performed at Westgate. We think it's the best version of our show, ever."

"That being said, here comes the reality. In order to remain profitable, Bronx Wanderers need to go on the road, because most locals in Vegas don't pay for tickets. They go on House Seats. And luckily we sell a fair amount of tickets to tourists - but nowhere near as much as Golden Knights or Bruno Mars who we now compete with on a weekly basis (wasn't like this 5 years ago). So our six-day-a-week residency - turns into working 7 days a week, because we now have to jump on planes, do shows, and rush back for shows on a Sunday. Never having a day off."

"We, as a band, no longer wish to work this hard. We do not have to. We've built this incredible show and energy for 19 years and none of us wish to work this hard week in and week out. Hence, we're taking all of December off to prepare for our massive Florida tour in January."

"On a side note of reality, to let people in on how Vegas shows operate, we also have to pay an additional 6 people every night (4 techs and 2 ushers) because most hotels in town are union. And somehow, somewhere along the way, this burden of cost has been passed on to the shows. Back in the day, hotels would handle many of these costs. Nowadays, shows somehow support the multi-million dollar hotels that made the union contracts in the first place. Caesars included."

"So we work 24/7 and still see and hear, we're losing money as a show and locals expect free tickets. Honesty. It hurts. But it's the truth. How our producers kept us alive this long is a miracle on their part and a true testament to how awesome Alan Glist and Kathi Glist are. They always paid the band. God knows how much they have lost. We are Forever in debt to them as a band."

"Our final date in Vegas this year, will be the South Point for an awesome New Year's bash on December 31st. I'll be doing my Christmas show on Dec 18 at the Italian American Club. And we're traveling to Pitman, NJ, and Michigan in the meantime. Can't wait!"

"Future news and Vegas show info will be released soon by us, but not until we finish at Westgate so we can ensure we provide them the best shows, best sales, and best experience we can and know how to, out of respect to them. But we are certainly NOT done in Vegas."

"This post may be taken down soon due to the true honesty in it. And the powers that be never like my honesty. But that's who I am. I'm an artist. I want to give you all the truth. And nothing but.

VJ out."

The inevitability of this decision may have already been in place when Vincent contributed to my August 11th article, which covered much of the same ground. In it, he stated:

“Most of my friends have found refuge in the bars and lounges because there just aren’t B and C-level productions anymore in town. It’s turned into a giant headliner and sports town. A couple will go see Bruno Mars for $800 and maybe see a Golden Knights game, which leaves little to no extra income for a show like ours (The Bronx Wanderers). Luckily, we’ve been around so long (18 years) that we have a giant following across the country and can survive by traveling.”

“Most shows can’t just tour at the drop of a hat like us and I see them hurting. Traveling is where we can make a profit. If we stay here, between marketing costs, union costs, room costs – breaking even is a hard thing to do nowadays. Especially in the summer.”

It surely took a great deal of introspection for Vinny to post such a bold indictment. Yet it's a scenario that nearly all entertainers must face in contemporary Vegas. I reached out to him and offered the opportunity to elaborate on his statement. His impassioned response is right here in BRUTAL TRUTHS Part Two - An Op-Ed by Vincent John.

THE BRONX WANDERERS performs Monday through Thursday at 8 pm, Saturday and Sunday at 6 pm, through November 14th. Tickets start at $49.95 (plus taxes/fees) and can be reserved here.