The city of Las Vegas to me signifies so much more than the “City of Sin” or the now legendary slogan “What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas.”
It means SO much more than that. Of course while living in L.A. years ago as a struggling artist, my cohorts and I would take the occasional road trip, lose what little money we had and drive home the next day with a pounding headache, but many years later, Vegas would have a greater impact on my life than just the obvious, stereotypical stuff that folks associate with the city.
I identify Vegas with the word “renaissance.” After a nearly 10-year career drought, I was newly remarried and with a new baby on the way, when a former manager of mine, Michael Caprio, extended an opportunity for me to host a show in Las Vegas. It was Chippendales at The Rio, of all things!
A male revue? What would people think? I didn’t have many options at the time, and with the encouragement and support of my new bride, I reluctantly accepted the opportunity. I was petrified that I would not be able to live up to expectations.
It turned out to be one of the greatest experiences of my entire life in a career that has been charmed and filled with amazingly unique and dreamlike experiences.
I was embraced by the community, the show was a complete blast and received great praise, and despite the reputation of Vegas being a place where careers go to die, it was quite the contrary. It became clear to me that it is a place where careers thrive.
I discovered there is so much more than the incredible Strip; the mountains, Lake Mead, great restaurants and, despite it being known as a transient town, a true sense of community among the locals. I ended up staying here permanently.
Performing here opened a bevy of opportunities for me and got me back on track both personally and professionally. It was the catalyst for getting my group 98 Degrees back together after an 11-year hiatus, and we’ve been going strong ever since. My wife and all my kids have absolutely loved it here.
I’m an advocate of the city and owe so much to Las Vegas and what it has done for our lives. I feel pure joy that it’s becoming what it is becoming and for the growth I’ve seen throughout my dozen-plus years here.
I am forever indebted and grateful for what the city has done for me and am riding the wave of the “renaissance.” Thank you, Las Vegas! Happy Holidays – and Happy New Year!
@jefftimmons on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok
