Entertainer brings back the classic Vegas lounge act
By Shaké Ajamian
Skye Dee Miles
If there’s one thing that can be said for Skye Dee Miles, it’s that she follows her passion anywhere. From Boonville, Mo., where she sang her first solo in the church choir at age 8, to performing in Beach Blanket Babylon, a musical revue based in San Francisco, Miles was determined to let her talent and sunny disposition come through in each and every performance. After setting her sights on Las Vegas, Miles auditioned for a part in Menopause The Musical—and got the job. “It was so surreal realizing that I was auditioning in the same (city) where Sammy Davis Jr. and Elvis performed,” she said.
Five years later, she is on a mission to bring back the classic Vegas lounge act. “Basics always work. If I’ve made you laugh, cry, reminisce or dance, then I’ve done my job!” Bringing her signature sound to the Ambhar Lounge in the newly remodeled Tropicana (many have compared her look and vocals to the iconic Etta James), Miles and the Skye5 band (Reggie Johnson, Kevin Paige, George Rucker and Rhoney G.) entertain visitors with a variety of tunes from the genres of blues, jazz and rock—she even sings top 40 hits.
Miles recounts a time, not too long ago, when an audience member from Texas commented that she was like “black sunshine.” With a dimpled smile that draws you right in, the budding star sums it up: “The ‘e’ (in Skye) is for extra everything!” Looks like it’s nothing but sunny skies ahead.
Black Sunshine
On July 15, Miles and the Skye5 band help launch Show Off Sundays, an industry night that features singers, dancers and specialty performers from around town. While enjoying the sights and sounds, make sure to order Black Sunshine (Miles’ namesake drink), a concoction of Cruzan rum, fresh-squeezed lime juice and agave nectar, topped with champagne, shaken with ice and garnished with three lime wheels. Crisp and refreshing, this cocktail is the perfect summer libation.
