Can classically trained blonde-bombshell violinist and DJ Lydia Ansel achieve fame in Las Vegas?
This is a story that epitomizes never judge a book by its cover. Take one look at blonde bombshell Lydia Ansel, and the reaction would be that the leggy beauty is just another curvy creature seeking fame and fortune on the Las Vegas Strip.
Lydia, however, is a talented violinist who in her bid for stardom has turned years of music studies into the most unlikely of locations for a violinist. She didn’t choose an obvious route that would take her from the University of North Texas to a symphony orchestra in New York. Instead, she vowed to wow in this awesome arena of amusement that we call home.
There’s nothing shy about Lydia. There’s no modest ankle-length dress or librarian glasses. She has a heart of gold and a powerful punch when she picks up her incredible instrument. Here are highlights of my conversation with the most unlikely violinist:
If someone would have told me four years ago that I would move to Las Vegas, perform with Rod Stewart at Caesars Palace, play at the Billboard Music Awards, perform at the Latin Grammys, entertain on the Strip and have my own show, I would’ve said, “I wish!”
I’m so grateful for how fully and quickly Las Vegas has embraced me. Despite what many people might think life is like here, Las Vegas has a small-town feel, and there’s pretty much only one degree of separation between knowing someone else. Living only about 15 minutes from the Strip, the suburbs are the same as anywhere else, except the grocery stores and pubs are only 24 hours — perfect for an entertainer.
However, the contrast of the Strip is astounding. Even though I still feel like a newbie, it’s been fascinating to see how quickly things change in Las Vegas. And I don’t just mean watching the implosion of historic casinos.
The constant turnaround of shows, restaurants and travelers (tourists and conventions) gives Las Vegas a fast-moving, exhilarating atmosphere. People often wait all year or longer in anticipation of what they will experience when they visit, and the vibe is infectiously wonderful.
As an entertainer, not only are there a variety of opportunities, but also the chance to experience shows, headliners, major events, new restaurants and other activities like hiking, boating, sky diving, hot air ballooning and helicopter tours. It’s astounding. Sometimes I can hardly believe that this world has become mine.
But if there is one consistent thing about Las Vegas entertainment, it’s change. When I moved here from Texas, I would perform with bands, shows, groups, then go see other performances on my time off. Although live entertainment is still prevalent, I’ve watched bands lose their venues, shows switch to recorded tracks or close, groups go smaller or turn solo, and live performances cut to just weekends.
Some of that has to do with the DJ phenomenon that has become so popular and successful. And to be fair, the incredible sound/light production, cool remixes, new music genres and sexy nightclubs of these DJs all contribute to a very hip and alluring option.
But even that scene is on the verge of transforming. And just as the entertainment scene changes, I’ve found that I need to do the same, which inspired me to create a high-energy show merging live music performance, dancers and audience interaction while DJ’ing.
It was so exciting to premiere my show last year with a mini-residency at Rockhouse at The Venetian. Shortly after, I also created a chill ultra-lounge version for the lavish Ultimo events at The Venetian, high-roller events, lounges and private events.
It’s been a very interesting journey with challenges. For example, as a stranger approaches, they see an animated blonde girl performing in sexy nightclub attire and make assumptions, sometimes asking if my strange-looking electric violin is real. It’s fun watching their shock and realization that not only am I performing live, but I also am a classically trained violinist.
I’m still learning how to balance Las Vegas’ need for a glamorous, sexy entertainer while still being taken seriously as a performer and entrepreneur. Many don’t realize that being an independent contractor means running a business, but I can’t exactly show up to work in Wall Street banker’s attire.
Nevertheless, challenge is what inspires us to develop, create and improve, and I’m sincerely looking forward to experiencing and sharing how Las Vegas and I will continue to change for the better.
Follow Lydia’s journey on social media: Facebook: Lydia Ansel, Instagram and Twitter: @LydiaAnsel, Snapchat: LydiaMuse and website: LydiaAnsel.com.