Artists to Watch: Las Vegas goes beyond the music for a special edition exploring the artists, designers and creators shaping another side of Las Vegas culture.

Students from Rebel Media Group sit down with Kai (Kevin) Cao the COO of DesignerCon for a conversation about the world of independent art, designer toys, collectibles and creative entrepreneurship.

DesignerCon brings hundreds of independent and emerging artists and brands together, giving fans the opportunity to discover new work—and giving creators a place to get noticed. In this special episode, we explore how DesignerCon has grown over more than two decades, why Las Vegas has become part of its story, and how young artists can turn their creativity into a career.

The conversation covers the rise of designer toys and blind boxes, Labubu and Pop Mart, trading cards, graffiti and independent art, as well as upcoming DesignerCon collaborations and exclusives. Most importantly for aspiring creators, we hear how artists can build an audience, promote their work, find mentors and put themselves in position to be discovered by major brands.

DesignerCon returns to Las Vegas November 13–15, 2026.

Whether you're a musician, visual artist, designer, content creator, marketer or simply someone fascinated by creative culture, this special edition of Artists to Watch: Las Vegas is about what happens when creativity, community and opportunity come together.

Artists to Watch: Las Vegas spotlights the people, ideas and creative voices shaping Las Vegas and beyond.

Guitarist, producer and contemporary jazz artist Adam Hawley joins host Carlaya on Artists To Watch Las Vegas from 91.5 Jazz & More KUNV.

In this Las Vegas interview, Hawley talks about his new album Electric, the fast-rising single “Power Move,” the guitar influences that shaped his sound, the energy of Las Vegas jazz audiences, and why vinyl remains an important part of his connection with fans. He also previews what audiences can expect when he and his band take the stage for the Sunset Jazz Series at Sunset Station.

Adam Hawley has released seven albums and, according to Sunset Station, has earned 19 Billboard No. 1 hits. His recent accolades include being named Billboard’s No. 1 Artist of the Year for 2025 and Mediabase’s No. 1 artist of the year in 2024.

See Adam Hawley live in Las Vegas:
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Sunset Jazz Series
Side Lawn at Sunset Station
1301 W. Sunset Rd., Henderson, NV
Doors: 7:00 PM | Show: 8:00 PM
General admission seating: $25 plus tax and fees

Tickets and official event information: stationcasinoslive.com. Tickets are also available through Station Casinos Rewards Centers or Player Services and online through Ticketmaster.

Artists To Watch Las Vegas features interviews, live performances and conversations with rising and established artists from Las Vegas and beyond, produced by 91.5 Jazz & More KUNV at UNLV.

On this episode of Artists to Watch – Las Vegas, New Guy Rob sits down with award-winning, multi-platinum songwriter, vocalist, producer, and vocal coach Melanie Andrews. Melanie shares the remarkable story of growing up as the granddaughter of legendary jazz trumpeter Snooky Young and how her teenage friendship with Janet Jackson led to her co-writing the hit “Let’s Wait Awhile” for the landmark Control album. She also reveals that she’s the voice heard with Janet at the beginning of “What Have You Done for Me Lately.”

Melanie takes Rob inside her work with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Maurice White and Earth, Wind & Fire, and a career whose songwriting and vocals have contributed to records selling millions of copies. She also discusses three decades as a vocal coach, her book Built to Last: The Vocal Handbook, her upcoming Platinum Pen: The Writer’s Handbook, and her smooth jazz/R&B solo album Soulmate Live.

Plus, hear what’s next as Melanie expands into songwriting and music supervision for film and television, including her new song “New Chapter.”