In-Depth Interview with Derek Jones, Bassist for KÀ by Cirque du Soleil at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas

It use to be that, “What Happened in Vegas, stayed in Vegas.” But with the magic of technology and my most recent trip to Sin-City, what happened in Vegas is now on video for all to see!

What a thrill it was to sit down behind the scenes of KÀ by Cirque du Soleil at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, for an in-depth interview with bassist Derek Jones…

When Bass Musician Magazine launched back in August 2007, Derek was one of the first friends we connected with on Myspace. We chatted online, and as my wife and I had seen KÀ several years prior, Derek and I had something to talk about besides G.A.S. (gear acquisition syndrome). Derek commented that if we were ever in Vegas to, “look him up.” So this fall, we did just that, and Derek was kind enough to put us in conversation with Jeff Lovari from Cirque’s PR department. As KÀ performs twice nightly at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas (five nights per week) Jeff offered us a rare opportunity to view the show again from the audience, and then join the performers backstage where we could sit-in with the band and film live during the show, following which would be an interview with Derek. Who could say no to that?

For those that have not had the opportunity to see KÀ (yet), it is an unprecedented, gravity-defying production by Cirque du Soleil that takes adventure to an all-new level. Encompassing a colossal dynamic stage, 100 performers & musicians as well as 200 crew members, it is a captivating display of aerial acrobatics that envelops the audience leaving us asking the question, “HOW did they do that?”

The following are a series of videos of our time with Derek Jones and KÀ, the first being an opportunity to view clips of the show as well as Derek playing behind the scenes. As this is live, during the segments with Derek, you will get to hear the stage manager’s cues as well!

Behind the Score of KÀ by Cirque du Soleil at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas with Bassist Derek Jones

Interview with Derek Jones, Bassist for KÀ by Cirque du Soleil at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas

Derek Jones talks about the Bass gear behind the scenes of KÀ by Cirque du Soleil at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas

How he got to play Bass for Cirque Du Soleil’s KA

Derek Jones, summing it up…

KÀ by Cirque du Soleil at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas… “You can see it. You can experience it. But, you wont believe it!” For tickets, visit online at www.MGMresorts.com/KA. For more information on Cirque du Soleil, visit online at online at www.cirquedusoleil.com.

For those interested in audition opportunities for Cirque du Soleil, click here.

CD for KÀ available at Amazon.com.

A special thanks to:
Jeff Lovari
Publicist Resident Shows Division
Cirque Du Soleil