2700 Club

This is a review of the band Jumping Jack Flash that recently performed in the 2700 Club inside the River Palms Casino Resort in Laughlin, Nevada. I had never heard of this Rolling Stones tribute band before, but they rocked a full house, and, based on this 90--minute performance, I expect people will have many chances to hear them again in Laughlin and Las Vegas in the very near future.

First of all, the price of the tickets was ridiculously low: $10, $5 for locals with proof of residency in Clark County, and $4 with a basic green TROP player's card. Seating was typical non-plush lounge: small round tables with a light and two ash trays, and straight, high-backed chairs. Liquor is served, and no food, but since this was a paid show with attendees all in close proximity to each other, I would have greatly preferred a "no smoking" policy inside this enclosed 270-person capacity venue when it is used as a showroom. Fortunately, no cigarette smoke drifted our way.

Smoking aside, this is a gem of a room in which to watch and listen to high energy bands. The stage is well lit for spectators, and acoustics are loud and clear without assaulting spectators' eardrums. There was a funny/scary moment just before the band started playing when Young Hutchinson, who is a very believable Keith Richards, flat out fell off the raised stage just after the band members came out for the first time in the dark. Fortunately, he landed on his feet on the wood dance floor below, and, while he said it really hurt, he only appeared to be a bit shaken up, and the show went on without another hitch.

David Rettich is a charismatic and believable young Mick Jagger, who has the sound of the famous band's front-man down pat, along with the swagger, the strut, the full lips, and the sass. He also played a pretty mean harmonica. Gary Roach looks like Stones' drummer Charlie Watts, and handled the drums with flair on the exact same drum set. And, the other two band members looked suitably British rather than American. Guitar riffs were great. Most memorable songs were "You Can't Always Get What You Want," "Brown Sugar", "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction," and, of course, "Jumpin' Jack Flash." At first the dance floor was empty. But by the third song, several members of the audience could hold back no longer, and they surged onto the small dance floor, quickly filling it. Most never returned to their seats. The dancers played off the band, and the band seemed to get re-energized by the rockin' dancers. It was a win-win for all!