Phillip-Michael Scales

Fifteen seconds into his latest album, "Good to Be Here," Phillip-Michael Scales sings, "Toes pointed toward the road / Hard times picking at my bones," before launching into the anthemic chorus: "I couldn't walk away if I tried / I'm gonna light up the sky." The song sets a determined tone for the album, reflecting Scales' journey as an artist.

Scales honed his craft in Chicago, playing 308 gigs in 2018 and crediting the city with teaching him how to hustle. This drive carried him to Nashville, where he gained traction on the radio station Lightning 100, released his debut album titled "Sinner-Songwriter," toured Europe, appeared on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" and opened national tours for Keb' Mo' and Caravan Palace. Grammy-nominated producer Dan Knobler (Lake Street Dive, Allison Russell, Bahamas) later joined forces with Scales to produce "Good to Be Here."

Without a label or viral hit, Scales has built his career through relentless effort—long drives behind tour busses, self-management and learning the business firsthand. His music channels the grit of Stax-era soul, cataloging the journey of building a dream brick by brick. Make no mistake, there is an undercurrent of fun throughout, whether he's finding love in "Can't Get Enough" or getting his swagger back in "Be My Own Man." As Scales puts it: "I wouldn't say that I've 'arrived,' but... it's good to be here."

You may also like the following events from The Smith Center:

• This Sunday, 22nd February, 03:00 pm, The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra with Nnenna Freelon in Las Vegas
• Next Tuesday, 24th February, 07:00 pm, Frankie Moreno in Las Vegas
• Next Wednesday, 25th February, 07:30 pm, Monty Python's "Spamalot" in Las Vegas

Also check out other Arts events in Las Vegas.