Free concerts from tribute bands offered most Friday nights through Sept. 1 at ilani
Paul Valencia
ClarkCountyToday.com
Call it the Triumph of the Tribute Bands.
They give music lovers the chance to go back in time, relive some amazing memories, and make new ones with passionate fans who share the same interests.
The musicians. The fans. They are all in this together, experiencing their favorite hits.
Clark County has a place for a number of music fans this summer with live music from tribute bands. The sounds of No Doubt, Prince, Pearl Jam, Alabama, Selena, Van Halen and more are scheduled for most Friday nights through Sept. 1 at ilani.
The Rooftop Tribute Parties series started last week when Appetite for Deception, a tribute band performing the greatest hits of Guns N’ Roses, played on the top floor of ilani’s parking garage. The series will continue with more bands, more styles, on Fridays at 7 p.m.
Some call these cover bands. But I believe that is mistaken. They are tribute bands. A cover band “covers” a variety of artists during a particular performance. A tribute band sticks with one band or one artist’s music.
And tribute bands are popular.
Why? Oh there are probably experts in the industry who can give the data. To me, it’s just common sense.
We, as consumers, like what we like. Or, in many cases, we love what we love.
We already know the sounds, the music that touches our souls. So when a tribute band comes to town, it’s a chance to capture those inspirational feelings once again, in person, surrounded by those who feel the same way.
Tribute band performers are musicians. They are not simply imitators. They are artists themselves. They just choose to perform music that fans already love, originated from someone else.
In turn, we, as fans, attend because we know what we’re going to get from that stage. Music that moves us, and memories.
We also like bargains. In the case of the rooftop series at ilani, the concerts are free. But even when paying for a ticket to a tribute band concert, it is usually fractions of the cost of an event concert from a famous touring artist.
Taylor Swift isn’t charging $25 for a concert.
I’m crazy enough for tribute bands to plan a trip to San Diego this summer to see The Purple Ones, a famous Prince tribute band. That’s a vacation destination for me.
Speaking of Prince and his music, ilani is hosting the Purple Experience on June 30. The Purple Experience is based out of Minnesota, Prince’s home state, and the band travels the country playing Prince music. They are already booked well into 2024.
This past week at ilani, I met folks from the Puget Sound area who traveled to see Appetite for Deception. The group, which has been performing for 18 years, started in Portland and is known throughout the region as a top draw. The band announced that this would be its last summer together. Their fans are making sure to see them at least one more time.
The people I met had seen Appetite for Deception dozens of times through the years. They told me that I was about to be blown away.
They were right.
I enjoy GnR music, but I’m not a die-hard fan or anything. Still, these guys in Appetite for Deception? They were incredible. I figured I’d stay for a few songs, to get a feel for the event. I couldn’t leave. They were that good.
I also met a family from Vancouver. There was mom and dad and their three children. They rocked out all night to the sounds of Axl Rose, or at least from the man who has Axl’s voice and style down perfectly.
Oh yes, there are no age restrictions for the rooftop concert series. The concerts are free, too. Organizers told me that people can bring in their own chairs. Kind of like going to a concert in the park, if you will. (Keep in mind that if you choose to sit, you’ll have to place the chair a ways from the stage in order to see. Fans stand near the stage to get the best look of the bands.)
Hamburgers and drinks are on sale just a few steps away from the action, too, at the rooftop concerts.
Folks should be reminded that there are age restrictions for gambling and in bars inside the casino. But on the rooftop of the garage? It’s a party for all ages.
The artists understand this is a two-way relationship, with performers and fans. “Axl” from Appetite For Deception played to the crowd all night. At one point, he walked into the crowd and shook hands.
Those in Tribute Bands love their fans because they share a passion: The music.
Organizers of the rooftop series have found a variety of music styles for this summer, too.
Me? You know I’ll be there for Prince music on June 30. Please join me! But I could also see myself going to the Alabama, Def Leppard, and Van Halen tribute performances.
Not going to say there is something for everyone, but there are a lot of different genres represented.
Here is the list of Tribute performances coming to ilani:
June 23: Tragic Kingdom (No Doubt Tribute)
June 30: Purple Experience (Prince Tribute)
July 7: Washed in Black (Pearl Jam Tribute)
July 14: Roll On (Alabama Tribute)
July 21: Los Chicos del 512: The Selena Experience (Selena Tribute)
July 28: Glass of Hearts (Blondie Tribute)
Aug 4: Third Stage (Boston Tribute)
Aug. 18: Hysteria (Def Leppard Tribute)
Aug. 25: Best of Both Worlds (Van Halen Tribute)
Sept: 1: Red Not Chili Peppers (Red Hot Chilli Peppers Tribute)
Again, all ages are welcome to the concerts.
Maybe because we all feel a lot younger when attending these tribute shows.
Also read:
- POLL: After hearing state leaders describe the I-5 Bridge as vulnerable in an earthquake, what is your reaction?
State and local leaders describe the I-5 Bridge as structurally at risk but recommend drivers continue crossing it while complex replacement plans unfold. - Opinion: Historical state income tax and another massive operating budget highlight the end of the 2026 legislative session
Rep. John Ley details the passage of a state income tax, an expanding $80 billion budget, and new Clark County infrastructure funding following the 2026 legislative session. - VIDEO: Legal challenges certain as Gov. Ferguson prepares to sign new income tax
Senate Minority Leader John Braun and other legislators expect legal challenges and initiative efforts to follow Gov. Ferguson’s signature on Washington’s new income tax law affecting high earners and businesses. - Vancouver Fire Department honors firefighters, community members at annual awards ceremony
Acts of bravery, including river rescues and life-saving interventions by both residents and first responders, were recognized at the Vancouver Fire Department’s annual awards ceremony. - ‘Cram the Cruiser’ to benefit Battle Ground and Prairie High Schools
Officer Phil Anderson’s food pantry at Battle Ground High inspired Prairie High to launch its own, providing snacks and building bridges between students and law enforcement. - Opinion: Fighting for transparency in Washington government
A recent court decision allows Washington lawmakers broad new secrecy over internal records, as advocates report rising obstacles to government transparency and public engagement. - New Washington law clarifies what is an ‘election’
After a court ruling challenged the state’s definition of “election,” lawmakers clarified the law to prevent double voting and maintain the integrity of Washington’s ballots.
