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Meet Your Neighbor: Meet the Neighbor – Paul Davis
By Callie Thomas
With a lot of determination and a little luck, the smallest of dreams can open up a whole new world of experiences. Take Paul Davis, for example. The 89135 resident once began his career as what he affectionately calls “a bean counter” and eventually ditched his job in finance to nurture his passion for music and reach his dream of running an arena. He worked in a variety of entertainment positions, including general manager for the 7,000 seat Dodge Arena in Hidalgo, Texas. While living in the “big T,” Davis began to appreciate all that Vegas has to offer, and so the native son and his family moved back to his hometown, where Davis has also held positions at MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and Planet Hollywood. He currently serves as the Vice President of Entertainment at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
Davis oversees bookings for the Hard Rock’s entertainment venues, including the Joint, which has hosted legendary performers such as Paul McCartney and The Who. He’s helped to raise the bar on the music scene by creating first ever residency performances with bands such as Mötley Crüe, Santana and most recently Guns N’ Roses. Working with such world class entertainers might go to anyone’s head, but Davis doesn’t have much of an ego and often exhibits a good sense of humor. Even with all the “glamour” of the industry and his groundbreaking efforts in the field, his most prized accomplishment is being a solid husband to wife Cammy and a good dad to sons Connor and Trevor. He’s also big on giving back to the community through programs such as FEAT and Miracle League of Las Vegas. We got a glimpse into the world of Vegas entertainment and the man that also pays it forward to help others.
Why did you get into the entertainment business?
“I’ve always loved music and concerts and realized along the way that I could actually make a living in that field.”
Who’s the one performer you thought you’d never book?
“I never thought I’d ever be involved in producing a show where there was a Beatle on stage.”
You’ve broken new ground again at the Hard Rock with Vinyl?
“It is in our smaller venue and has an unpretentious vibe that goes with the Hard Rock brand. It’s like an ‘underground’ experience that offers everything from new and unheard performances to older classics.”
Where are you when you’re not working?
“I get sensory overload in my job, so I love to be home. As a family, we do help out a bit in the community through FEAT and Miracle League of Las Vegas.”
How did you get involved in those organizations?
“FEAT (Families for Effective Autism Treatment) is a nonprofit organization of parents and professionals designed to help families of autistic children. I have a close friend with an autistic son, which drew me to it. I also periodically take my sons to games at the Miracle League of Las Vegas. This is an awesome association where they pair you up as a buddy with kids and adults who are handicapped and you play a mock baseball game with them.”
What is that experience like for you and your sons?
“To be honest, I well up when I think of my ten-year-old son walking to first base with his hand on the back of a mentally disabled child his own age, cheering him along.”
Tell us something you think your friends might not know about you?
“I’ve been a guitarist most of my life and have played tons of gigs in different bands, but I don’t get a lot of time now.”
Do you have any life inspirations or affirmations?
“There are no short cuts. You have to work hard and grind out the details every day in order to do things the right way. The small things add up. Reach for the apple instead of the cookie.”
