A Crowd of Small Adventures

A Crowd of Small Adventures, an indie rock band formed in Las Vegas in 2007, was a vibrant force in the city’s 2000s indie boom, known for their whimsical sound and dynamic live shows. Led by vocalist-guitarist Jackson Wilcox, with violinist Marie, bassist Joe Wright, and drummer Mike Weller, the band blended folk, indie, and carnival-like melodies, drawing comparisons to Arcade Fire and Wolf Parade. Their 2007 EP The Evil Archipelago and 2010 album A Decade in X-Rays earned local acclaim, with performances at The Bunkhouse Saloon and Neon Reverb festival cementing their status. Their music captured Las Vegas’s eclectic spirit, making them a key chapter for fans exploring the city’s indie legacy.

The band’s rise began with Wilcox’s home recordings, assisted by The Robot Ate Me’s Ryland Bouchard, leading to their debut EP that Las Vegas Weekly praised for its “shambling rhythmic grooves.” Their early gigs at Beauty Bar and Freakin’ Frog drew enthusiastic crowds, with peers like The Skooners calling them “a tough act to follow.” By 2010, the addition of bassist Ronald Corso and his production at National SouthWestern Electronic Recordings studio refined their sound for A Decade in X-Rays, supporting touring acts like Xiu Xiu. Their role in Neon Reverb’s 2008 launch highlighted their influence in Vegas’s indie scene.

A Crowd of Small Adventures’ connection to Las Vegas was rooted in their embrace of the city’s downtown revival, playing venues like The Griffin and El Cortez during Fremont East’s 2006 restoration. Their music, with Wilcox’s trembling vocals and Marie’s soaring violin, evoked the desert’s surreal charm, resonating with local fans. Their Pacific Coast tour and First Friday Arts District shows blended music with visual art, reflecting Vegas’s creative pulse. The band’s DIY ethos, from self-recorded EPs to handcrafted merch, embodied the city’s indie underdog spirit.

Live performances were a hallmark, with their Bunkhouse sets featuring epic violin swells and quirky energy that got “indie scenesters dancing,” per Las Vegas Weekly. Fans recall their 2007 El Cortez show, where a sparse crowd didn’t dampen their passion, as Wilcox’s acoustic strums filled the room. Their Neon Reverb gigs, alongside acts like The Warlocks, showcased their ability to captivate diverse audiences. These shows offered a raw, immersive experience, blending Las Vegas’s gritty venues with indie rock’s emotional depth.

The band’s discography, though limited, remains accessible on Bandcamp, with The Evil Archipelago and A Decade in X-Rays prized by collectors. Their influence persists in Vegas’s indie scene, inspiring acts and festivals like Best Friends Forever. Visitors can explore their legacy at venues like Swan Dive, where similar bands play, or through Neon Reverb archives at local record shops like Zia Records. A Crowd of Small Adventures’ brief but impactful run showcases Las Vegas’s knack for nurturing unique talent, perfect for music tourists seeking the city’s indie roots.

To dive into A Crowd of Small Adventures’ legacy, stream their music on Bandcamp or check schedules at The Bunkhouse and Neon Reverb’s website for indie shows. Their whimsical sound offers a nostalgic journey into Las Vegas’s 2000s indie boom, connecting fans to Fremont East’s creative heart. The band’s role in shaping Vegas’s music scene makes them a must-know for those exploring the city’s vibrant cultural history beyond the Strip.