While Jami Jones might not be dancing onstage anymore, the Northern Virginia native hasn’t strayed too far away from the spotlight. Jones serves as director of front-of-house operations for the bawdy, talent-filled variety show Atomic Saloon Show at The Venetian and The Palazzo.
Jones had a long career in both entertainment and hospitality before joining the show in 2019. In her home state, she pursued dancing, specifically Middle Eastern belly dancing, which eventually led to professional and competitive ballroom dancing. While training in New York City, Jones auditioned for a show in Las Vegas, landing the role in Le Rêve at Wynn and moving to town in 2006. After three years there, she decided to take a break from performing and enrolled in TISHO: The International School of Hospitality and pursued a career off the stage.
“Las Vegas is just unparalleled, especially for someone who loves entertainment, hospitality and the arts–you really can’t get this level in another city,” she says.
After developing her skills through roles in special events management, hospitality and production, and even working as the festival manager for the Las Vegas Film Festival, Jones joined Atomic Saloon. Guests can catch her running around the theater—helping and greeting guests, taking care of VIPs, organizing special events, making sure the bars are fully operational and watching over the front-of-house operations from open to close of the show. “We’re a really rowdy, fun, raucous show,” Jones says.
But does she ever miss dancing and performing onstage? “Sometimes I still perform a couple times a year, just fun dancing side gigs and events,” she says. “But part of the performance I feel I’m still living is in this front-of-house experience. I love the connection I can still have with my guests.”
Libation: Where There’s Smoke
One of the cool things about attending a performance of Atomic Saloon Show is that guests can hang out preshow at the theater’s multiple bars. Bartenders are whipping up delicious and creative specialty cocktails that can also be ordered and enjoyed throughout the show. “A guest favorite is Where There’s Smoke,” Jones says. “It’s super refreshing; not too sweet. It’s a real crowd favorite.” The cocktail is a mix of tequila, chipotle, peach, cinnamon and lime. Or try Jones’ personal fave, Holy Water, a sweeter take on the classic Manhattan.
Benefit: When booking your tickets make sure to ask about the secret Disco Room. It’s seriously awesome!
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