VEGAS MUSIC NEWS: Dolly Swears She’s Not Partin’, Luke Combs Pledges Allegiant, Chicago Extends, 311 and SEMA Festivals

Posted on: October 9, 2025, 03:46h. 

Last updated on: October 9, 2025, 08:21h.

Corey Levitan Read More
Expertise: Commercial Gaming, Entertainment, Expert Insight, Las Vegas, Restaurants, Vegas Myths Busted.

Following a plea from her sister for prayers from her fans, Dolly Parton — who recently postponed her six-date Caesars Palace residency for 9 months due to “health challenges” — posted a video to Instagram and YouTube assuring everyone that “I ain’t dead yet.

Dolly Parton says she wants you to know she’s OK. (Image: YouTube)

“I know lately, everybody thinks I’m sicker than I am,” the 79-year-old said while seated on the set for a Grand Ole Opry commercial. “I wanted to put everybody’s mind at ease, those of you who were concerned, which I appreciate, and I appreciate your prayers…

“But I want you to know that I’m OK.”

Luke Combs is a Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum country singer-songwriter known for his chart-topping “Hurricane,” “Beautiful Crazy” and “Forever After All.” (Image: Live Nation)

Parton still didn’t specify what her “health challenges” were, and she shouldn’t have to.

All she said was that she was undergoing medical treatments near her home in Nashville for them.

Luke at That!

Luke Combs, who earlier this year became the first country artist to headline both the Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza festivals, is set to kick off his “My Kinda Saturday Night” world tour on March 21, 2026 at nothing less than Allegiant Stadium. (Yes, he’s that big already!)

The general on-sale beings 10 a.m. Friday October 17 via Ticketmaster, preceded by a presale at 10 a.m. Wednesday, October 15.

Does Anybody Really Know What Year It is?

Even more people will be in the audience than on stage at the Venetian Theatre when Chicago extends its Vegas residency into its ninth year. (Image: Live Nation)

We ask because Chicago is killing it in Vegas 55 years after its breakthrough hit, “25 or 6 to 4.”

The jazz-rock fusionists announced Thursday the extension of their Venetian Theatre residency to a ninth year with nine more shows: February 13, 14, 15, 18, 20, 21, 25, 27 and 28, 2026.

Tickets go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. PT Friday, October 17 via Ticketmaster. And, speaking of what year this is, they start at $49.95.

A CitiCard presale begins 10 a.m. Monday, October 13.

Jackpot for 311 Fans

DJ SA Martinez, drummer Chad Sexton, lead guitarist Tim Mahoney, singer Nick Hexum and bassist Aaron “P-Nut” Wills of 311. This year’s “311 Day” will feature performances with the Blue Man Group. (Image: Live Nation)

311 is bringing its fan celebration, “311 Day,” back to town March 7-8. (It’s actually two days: March 7 and 8.) The alt-rock reggae/funk vets will headline different live sets at Dolby Live at Park MGM on each night, including a collaborative performance with the Blue Man Group on select songs.

The festival will also feature a 311 museum and other yet-to-be announced Vegas-wide activations.

The band’s messaging says that this will be 12th “311 Day” held in Las Vegas, though we could only find documentation of eight (2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2024). Other locations have included New Orleans and aboard cruise ships.

For tickets and more deets, visit 311day.com.

Stock & Roll

Queens of the Stone Age, the Black Crowes and Neon Trees will perform at the third annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) festival, the major aftermarket auto event celebrating car culture and music. Engines start Friday, November 7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Tickets are available now at semafest.com.