Las Vegas Music Scene

Moksha enjoys a liberating feeling high above downtown Sin City

By Melissa Hernandez
Trade Show Expo

LAS VEGAS — Moksha members laughed as they communicated their goal for the future.

“World domination,” quipped keyboard player Brian Triola.

But seriously, the band is a group of passionate guys making passionate music in a liberated way.

Celebrating their third anniversary with a Binion's Horseshoe Hotel and Casino rooftop performance on a Vegas summer night with city lights and a dedicated fan base is an affirmation that they very well may be "Las Vegas' secret weapon."

In Indian religions, Moksha or Mukti literally means liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth.  Perhaps this explains their “take-no-prisoners” approach to their performance filled with keys, bass guitar and an occassional two-piece horn section. Audience members take part in the ritual by swaying to the music and enjoying their selection of original music and favorite covers high above downtown Las Vegas.

Along with Triola, the band’s keyboardist who also lends his vocals to the sound, the core group consists of Jeremy Parks on guitar and lap steel; John Heishman on bass and vocals; and Pat Gray on drums.  Sam Lemos recently joined Moksha as their new lead vocalist.  Although some band members aren't Nevada natives they have all lived in Las Vegas since they formed the band in 2007.

With Las Vegas roots since 1995 band members have worked trade shows while honing their sound and putting all the pieces together for their recently released debut album. Triola has played in many trade shows for the last six years.  He said it is that job that has allowed him the time to be a part of Moksha and contribute to its creative diversity.  

Although the band's music has been described as funk rock they all agree that they thrive on creative liberty with sounds and genres of music they incorporate into their original style. The creative openness fostered within the band is attributed with the ease in creative flow. Lemos attributes this collective collaboration as the element that allowed him to be welcomed and thrive in the band.

They really are a group of artists passionate about their music.  That would explain the fact that the third anniversary show is sold out, both nights, and many people bustling on the rooftop to assist in show preparations are volunteers.

Not to mention they are celebrating the release of their first album "Mammal or Machine."  All their positive energy seems to be the philosophy of the members and has translated into a lot of successful tour performances.

"It is a blessing to do what we love in front of people who love what we do," said Triola.  The band is also celebrating a successful run of tour dates.  They have played for eager crowds at the Hard Rock Café, The House of Blues, the Regional Burning Man, and some of "gorilla" style gigs. All have been positive experiences. 

When in Las Vegas for a trade show and looking for some original entertainment look up Moksha's tour dates on their Web site: www.mokshatime.com.  If it is the top of Binion's Horseshoe Hotel and Casino wear flip flops and shorts, no suits necessary, and dangle your limbs in the rooftop pool while sipping on a beverage and swaying to the music. 

While listening to their music keep in mind the quote, "Exuberance is beauty," by William Blake in your mind and you will know exactly what he meant.

Click here for more Moksha photos from the roof of Binions