Houghton Hoot Peterson played trombone in his high school band in northern Minnesota where he grew up. That same instrument would lead him to be a member of the highly regarded Air Force jazz band called Airmen of Note after enlistment. Then during a short tour at Nellis Air Force base, Hoot decided that the Las Vegas entertainment scene might have career opportunities for him. He moved to Las Vegas in 1962, an era of celebrity performers and tourists who enjoyed the crowds and nightlife. Hoot's point of view was as a musician in the band, most often a Strip relief band. But he also has tales of famous musicians and late night jam sessions. Hoot's career spanned 20 years. Eventually the Las Vegas scene for live musicians began to change. When times got tough for Hoot, he worked as a carpenter and at a music store. In this interview he discusses his fascinating past and offers advice for today's musicians.
Part of an interview with Irwin Molasky, April 23, 2014. In this clip, Molasky describes constructing his first property in Las Vegas: a motel called the Pyramids on the Las Vegas Strip. He then talks about the sanitation district as the reason that the city could not annex the county into its borders, and the related issues of a growing city.
Brief interview with Hank Greenspun by student Tony Bleeker. Greenspun speaks about changes in southern Nevada over the years, including politics, gaming and the economy. He mentions the role of the newspaper industry to provide "balance" in society.
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