The British invasion gets its Las Vegas encore in the turn of the new year. London-based talent ILONA is laying siege to the stage and speakers of Freedom Beat in 2017 over four nights – January 5th, 6th, 7th, & 8th at 8 p.m. This residency at Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino’s flagship venue for rock anthems and eats will set an emphatic tone for 2017 as ILONA prepares to embark on a worldwide tour. With her celebrated blend of influences to draw on, a strong lyrical presence, and a unique voice best likened to the Sheryl Crows and Shania Twains of the songwriting universe, ILONA’s early bid for best new artist begins with the crowds of Freedom Beat.
Land a table at Las Vegas’ best new restaurant for live music and Americana-inspired dishes and witness the rise of a phenom. Since beginning her musical career only a few short years ago, London-based artist ILONA has already achieved a wild amount of success – she’s won awards, jammed with Ed Sheeran, rocked sets at SXSW, and owned the airwaves of radio stations in Great Britain and abroad. She’s has been invited to perform in Malta, Bulgaria, Norway and France as well as all around the UK – and now has her sights on lighting up Downtown Las Vegas. Along with her own headline shows, ILONA has supported artists as diverse as Passenger, Adam Ant, Paul Rodgers, Willy Mason and Daniel Bedingfield.
ILONA got her start through a serendipitous encounter with Iron Maiden and Cutting Crew alum Tony Moore, who was bewitched by her voice. A creative relationship quickly flourished as more and more material was written, shows were played and music recorded. Moore, who has played a role in the early careers of many acts including Ed Sheeran, Paolo Nutini and KT Tunstall, said “I saw such great potential in ILONA, not only because of her powerful voice, but also her passionate attitude and work ethic, so I made a commitment to help her achieve as much as she could as an artist.”
The collaboration will take the stage at Freedom Beat as Moore joins ILONA as a special guest, playing guitar and piano in the band as well as performing music from his critically acclaimed past including, of course, the worldwide smash hit “I Just Died In Your Arms Tonight.”
