There can be second acts in American lives, sometimes more. Nancy Wilson launched the third act of her musical career with the May release of her debut solo album You and Me, following up with a stint as special guest for Styx’s five-show 50th anniversary engagement at Venetian Theatre (through Feb. 5). The Venetian shows not only mark the debut of her band, Nancy Wilson’s Heart, in Las Vegas but also create a historical moment as Styx joins Wilson mid-show for Heart songs, and Wilson jams along to Styx classics. 

The date of You and Me’s release alone indicates that Wilson managed to channel her creative energy during the height of pandemic panic. “I was kind of freaked out like everybody else,” she says. “I figured I’d better aim my focus on music because that’s going to keep me sane for one thing. ‘Do something productive and creative,’ because that’s all I really know how to do. My whole purpose for being here is to do something creative and meaningful to other people.”

That endeavor led her to reunite with songwriter Sue Ennis, who began collaborating with Heart on 1978’s Dog and Butterfly and wrote that album’s “Mistral Wind,” a favorite of Wilson’s. Ennis co-wrote You and Me’s title cut, a song dedicated to Wilson’s mother, but the first single from the album was a cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “The Rising” released last fall. It features stinging slide playing from Nancy Wilson’s Heart guitarist Ryan Waters, who shares the stage with drummer Ben Smith, bassist Andy Stoller and keyboardist Dan Walker.

Also on board is singer Kimberly Nichole, who handles the more powerhouse vocals on Heart songs from Act I (’70s) and Act II (’80s through 2013’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction) of Wilson’s career. Nichole made the playoffs of The Voice in 2015, and weaved her vocals with Wilson’s in a cover of The Cranberries’ “Dreams” on You and Me. Now she’s joining Wilson at The Venetian to harmonize along with Styx.

Wilson cites “Crystal Ball” as a song she’d like to perform with Styx, while Nichole enables her to include songs such as “Straight On” and “Crazy on You” in Nancy Wilson’s Heart sets. She’ll sing lead on “These Dreams,” of course, and likely choose from a selection of current favorite covers including Pearl Jam’s “Daughter” and Paul Simon’s “The Boxer.”

The Venetian shows with Styx also allows Wilson to envision a residency of her own in Las Vegas, which could easily have a “storyteller” element. Heart’s career is now part of rock mythology and Wilson, an inspiration to several generations of musicians, has a personable way of expressing herself that would translate well to headlining extended engagements in the city.

“I had this idea that it would be pretty cool to lean into a potential residency for Nancy Wilson’s Heart,” she says. “And Styx is an amazing band. They have so many big hits. … I think it’s all stuff that leads to other stuff that’s really fun to do.”

The Venetian, 8 p.m., Feb. 2, 4-5, starting at $45 plus tax and fees, 4+. 800.745.3000 Ticketmaster

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