News Summary
Bill Murray delivered an unforgettable performance alongside the Blood Brothers Band at the Big Blues Bender, held at the Westgate in Las Vegas. With over 2,500 attendees, this year’s festival marked a record turnout. Murray engaged with the crowd, playing percussion and sharing humorous stories, while the Blood Brothers Band showcased top blues talent. The event celebrated its fifth year at this location, offering 53 shows across various venues and highlighting the community spirit of blues music lovers.
Las Vegas – Bill Murray delivered a memorable performance at the Big Blues Bender on Friday night, joining the Blood Brothers Band on stage. The event, held at the Westgate’s Paradise Mainstage, attracted a capacity crowd of over 2,500 attendees, surpassing previous years’ attendance and marking the festival’s fifth year at this location.
The festival, which offers 53 shows across four days and six venues, has been a highlight for blues enthusiasts. Music permeated from the International Theater, Westgate Cabaret, pool deck, two ballroom areas, and the International Bar at the entrance of the hotel. The event is set to conclude on Sunday.
Murray, who has appeared at the Big Blues Bender four times since 2022, engaged with the audience while playing percussion instruments and providing backing vocals for several songs. His performance included popular tracks like “My City Was Gone” by the Pretenders and a rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone.” He humorously acknowledged the tourist-heavy environment of Las Vegas, noting that visitors outnumber locals approximately 95-5% and playfully encouraged tourists to “beat up the locals,” eliciting laughter from the crowd.
During his set, Murray shared a light-hearted story about his experiences with minor-league baseball in Montana, showcasing his ability to entertain beyond music. After this brief storytelling, he returned to the stage as the Blood Brothers Band continued their intense 80-minute performance, featuring blues musicians Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia. The band delivered an engaging show that kept the audience on their feet.
Additionally, Devon Allman, the son of the late Gregg Allman, made a surprise appearance as an unbilled guest during the Blood Brothers’ set. He had earlier hosted his own blues jam at the festival. Following the Blood Brothers, festival favorite Tab Benoit and his trio performed, and Murray remained at the VIP deck for the entirety of Benoit’s set.
This year, the Big Blues Bender has proven to be a resounding success, with executive producer AJ Gross stating that this year’s crowd was the largest he had ever witnessed. Bob Tarver, a local entertainment expert, provided nearly all of the equipment for the event, with only a small percentage coming from other sources. The festival has reportedly seen an overwhelming turnout, with about 2,000 attendees participating in a jam session, leading to a packed standing-room-only atmosphere.
Murray’s enjoyment of this year’s performance was palpable, as he remarked on improvements since last year’s event, particularly in how festival-goers managed their drinks and social interactions. His presence and participation not only added star power to the festival but also reflected the camaraderie and community spirit prevalent within the blues music scene.
With the festival wrapping up soon, attendees continue to revel in the diverse programming, reinforcing the Big Blues Bender’s reputation as a premier event for blues music lovers in Las Vegas.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Las Vegas Set to Dazzle with Summer Music Events
Additional Resources
- Review Journal: Las Vegas Festival
- Wikipedia: Big Blues Bender
- Live for Live Music: Bill Murray Tour
- Google Search: Big Blues Bender 2025
- Bandsintown: Albert Castiglia Band
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Blues Music
- Review Journal: Top 10 Things to Do
- Google News: Bill Murray Blood Brothers Las Vegas
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
