enculturating las vegas into the next millennium... art, dance, film, music, poetry, theater, history, nature and everything else that enriches the lives of those who live and visit southern nevada... Since 2003...

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Enculturate Las Vegas travels the state...

Please forgive my lack of posting for the last several days for I have been traveling the State of Nevada in search of great Cultural Arts happenings. Over 1200 miles have been travelled from my home base of Las Vegas to Cowboy Poetry and Art in Elko, The Nevada Museums Association Board Retreat in Carson City, to Breakfast in Reno and all points in between. Stay tuned for a recap of my travels and news from around the state including a look at the multitude of cultural happenings in Las Vegas this week.

Signing out somewhere between Tonopah and Goldfield...

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Wednesday, January 27, 2010

A Pavilion fit for a Pharaoh...

Have you ever wondered what happened to the King Tut exhibition at the Luxor Hotel? Well you do not have to wonder anymore. In what is probably one of the most significant donations any museum in the community has received the Las Vegas Natural History Museum will now be home to the famed King Tut exhibition. The exhibition called the "Treasures of Egypt" will be housed in a new Egyptian pavilion that was exclusively built at the museum to house this collection. The exhibition will feature hundreds of replicas of some of the most famous artifacts that were discovered by Howard Carter in 1922.

In 2008 I had the pleasure to sit down with Marilyn Gillespie, the Executive Director of the museum as she excitedly informed me of this significant donation. Goodness knows I was excited for her and the museum. For over 20 years Marilyn, the longest serving executive director of any museum in the State of Nevada, has persevered thanks to her unrelenting dedication to the Natural History Museum and the field in general. This donation is a crowning achievement to great leadership and I congratulate Marilyn and the museum.

The exhibition opens to the public on Saturday, January 30.
For more information about the Las Vegas Natural History Museum please visit - http://www.lvnhm.org/

The new Egyptian Pavilion was made possible by a significant donation from the Engelstad Family, MGM Mirage, Luxor Las Vegas and the State of Nevada.

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Sunday, January 24, 2010

Historic Paradise Palms "Mid-Mod" Home Restored & Open to the Public Today...

Paradise Palms is one of Las Vegas' jewels of history. A neighborhood that was built in the early 1960's around what was then the Startdust Country Club (National Country Club). The neighborhood is nestled behind the Boulevard Mall off of Desert Inn and Eastern.

Today one of these spectacular Mid-Century Modern Homes will be open to the public. The "ReVision" house, located at 3546 Pueblo Way, was completely retrofitted with all the latest state-of-the-art engineering in the spirit of sustainability while at the same time maintaining its vintage character. The home was a showcase of sustainability during the International Homebuilder Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center last week. This special tour of the house is being sponsored by my good friend Jack LeVine of VeryVintageVegas. Jack has been granted this exclusive one time opportunity to show the world that these great houses can be rehabilitated with the latest in technology, while at the same time preserving them for posterity. Come down to Paradise Palms where you will be able to experience Vegas as it was almost 50 years ago with latest in "Green" technology of today.

The house will be open to the public for FREE today from Noon to 3pm. For more information on this house please visit http://www.veryvintagevegas.com/

Please note that this is NOT an "open-house" nor is this home sale.

Photo courtesy of Jack LeVine

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Saturday, January 23, 2010

The Annual Las Vegas Jewish Film Festival 9th Season...

The Jewish experience in Nevada began well over a century ago when some of the first families arrived looking for better lives in the American West. From the Comstock Lode in Virginia City to the great resorts in the desert Jews have played an important and crucial role in the cultural diversity and economic development of the state. Today this community comes together to celebrate one of the great cultural traditions in Southern Nevada, the Annual Las Vegas Jewish Film Festival.

For nine years Nevada's longest and most popular film festival has brought some of the greatest and most heartfelt films from the Jewish Diaspora. This years festival features 17 films from various genre including history, family, faith, romance and contemporary themes.

The festival began Thursday, January 14 and continues thru January 31st. The film festival is produced by the non-profit Desert Space Foundation and the Jewish Family Service Agency. For more information about the festivals upcoming films, dates, times and locations please visit the festivals official site http://www.desertspace.org/film_festival/2010/index.html

Nevada Public Radio
For more information on the Cultural Arts in Las Vegas please visit Nevada Public Radio. NPR has detailed listings of many cultural and civic events hosted by area non-profits click on this link
http://www.knpr.org/common/psa/listNEW.cfm and if you are planning an event in the next few months, be sure to get your free listing in NvPR's Desert Companion magazine by submitting the information here at http://www.knpr.org/culture/eventaddnew.cfm

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Dr. Lonnie Hammargren and his Nevada Home of History...

Whether you love him or hate him Former Nevada Lieutenant Governor Dr. Lonnie Hammargren is indisputably one of this states most colorful individuals. For years Dr. Hammargren opened up his fabulous home during Nevada Day to throngs of residents who stood in line, sometimes for hours, just to get a glimpse of the treasures inside. Recently the flap over his home have ended up at the Clark County Commission with complaints from neighbors that his home has become a nuisance.

As a friend of mine and someone who I have admired since I first saw him on Robin Leach's Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, I have to say that it is unfortunate that Lonnie's neighbors have come out so forcibly against this icon of history. But my biggest concern are with the recent comments that were made by his neighbor Barbara Robinson at the Clark County Commission meeting on January 20 which was reported in the Las Vegas SUN. http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/jan/20/commissions-decision-probably-spells-end-hammargre/

It is one thing to complain about a persons home, what they have done with it and the parties they may host, but it is another thing to call someone a "racist" in such a public forum. That is exactly what former Las Vegas/ Clark County Library Trustee and Dr. Hammargren's neighbor Barbara Robinson did. As a gay American of Latin descent I will tell you this, Dr. Lonnie Hammagren is no racist and furthermore I challenge Barbara Robinson to prove her comments. Robinson should be ashamed for making such libelous comments when her record in this community can be very easily picked apart.

In the end I am most certain that this will not be the last we hear from Dr. Hammargren and he will always have friends that will support him and his Home of Nevada History.

If you have not had a chance to see Dr. Hammargren's "Castillo Del Sol" (Castle of the Sun) I would encourage you to drive by the Paradise Crest compound. The house is a Mayan Revivalist Modern that looks more like a temple to the G-d Quetzalcoatl then a mansion. The house is located off of Sandhill and Flamingo at 4318 Ridgecrest Drive.

Photo credit is http://www.vegasstranger.com/

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Friday, January 22, 2010

My love for electronic music & a cafe' dedicated to it...

Let’s cut down to the chase I will say this with pride that there is no better sound then that of House Music. As a graduate of the 1990's Rave scene I will admit that my penchant for electronic music is second to none and anyone who knows me well enough knows that fact. Granted I went through my phases of Trance, Techno, Jungle, Drum & Bass, Hardcore, Gabber and the myriad of off shoots that made up the scene but in the end I always came back to the mother of it all - House.


The Electronic Music Cafe' (EMC) debuted on First Friday January 1 with a 12 hour lineup of Dj's beginning at 6pm that evening and ending at 6am. As I approached the café at 1308 South Main Street the unmistakable sound of bass permeated unto the street. Walking into the café one is quickly taken back to the exhilarating days of the underground establishments that popped up in industrial areas around cities. Interestingly enough the cafe' is located just a few blocks away from where the underground rave club the "Cande Factore" was located years ago. The café is painted in rich tones and sectioned off with steel piping and spandex coverings, creating small intimate areas where artwork and video come together. The concrete floors are painted with some of the most famous names in the House Music movement such as Frankie Knuckles, Larry Lavan, Donald Glaude, Colette and many others.

Though I did not stay the whole night, since I was still recovering from the New Year’s festivities, I did run into a few old friends and the lovely Evelyn Thompson who with her partner Jesse Saunders opened the cafe'. Yes you heard me right; Jesse Saunders the father of House music has opened a café in Las Vegas.

A few weeks later I had the opportunity to sit down with Evelyn to chat about her ideas and I quickly realized that her passion and dedication for the café would propel this project to new heights. The café is about community and art but always returning back to the music. How the music influences culture, art, fashion and design are all inextricably intertwined and that is the basis of the café. Evelyn likes to describe the café as a “Creative Emporium.”

Aside of the music the café is actually a café. The EMC plans on offering Vegan sandwiches, cookies and other goodies, they currently serve a selection of specialty coffees and hot cocoa. The café is open every Friday at 6pm with expanded hours coming in the near future.

This evening the Electronic Music Cafe presents LIVE Fridays! An
experience unparalleled by any other!

Evie, Jesse & Paco @ EMC
The Dj line-up is a follows;

Lenny Alfonzo
Jason Rios
DJ THinC & LP Sound
Edgar Reyes
Rob Alahn
Jesse Saunders
Doug Wilcox

Live Artist painting musically inspired ART! Models and Photographers
in a LIVE photo-shoot and more...

$10 Donation helps us keep the cause going!

Your donation includes:

* Your 1st cup of Coffee, Mochaccino, Cappuccino, Hot Chocolate, etc.
* Entry into the ART Raffle
*Live in-studio participation with the VJs, DJs, Models and Artists!

For more information please visit there site at http://http//www.electronicmusiccafe.com/

Nevada Public Radio
For more information on the Cultural Arts in Las Vegas please visit Nevada Public Radio. NPR has detailed listings of many cultural and civic events hosted by area non-profits click on this link
http://www.knpr.org/common/psa/listNEW.cfm and if you are planning an event in the next few months, be sure to get your free listing in NvPR's Desert Companion magazine by submitting the information here at http://www.knpr.org/culture/eventaddnew.cfm

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Tuesday, January 19, 2010

City of Las Vegas Town Halls and the Cultural Arts...

Over the next couple of months the City of Las Vegas will be holding a series of Town Hall meetings to discuss the economic impact of the downturn on the cities budget. It is extremely important that the citizens of Las Vegas participate in these meetings and express concerns over potential cutbacks to city services.

As someone who cares about the Cultural Arts in Las Vegas and understands the positive economic impact the arts has on a community I encourage you to engage your civic leaders about protecting this important asset. We are very fortunate to live in a community in which we can pick up the phone and talk to the very people we elected. We must remind our elected officials that the only way we can diversify our economy and bring creative businesses to Las Vegas is by our long-term sustained investment in the cultural arts.

Investments in museums, cultural centers, theater, public art and all the things that enrich the citizenry; these quality of life issues encourage economic diversification in a community. Creative businesses such as knowledge based companies, innovators, information technology and scores of others will not come to Las Vegas if we cannot demonstrate that we have the infrastructure that creative businesses demand for their workforce. Yes Nevada has a favorable tax environment for businesses to relocate here but have you noticed that they are not exactly flocking to the state nor Las Vegas for that matter? The reason is simple, we have a grossly underfunded educational system and the investment in our cultural infrastructure is minimal.

Whether you agree with me or not the truth of the matter is we cannot continue depending on one industry to sustain our economy. In addition it is not fair to that industry that we continue using them alone to sustain our budgets. These issues run far and deep in Nevada and will not be solved easily nor quickly but we can make a difference if we get involved.

Below is information related to the City of Las Vegas Town Hall meetings and how you can participate.

Town Hall meetings will be held in various locations throughout the city at various times with city council representatives from respective wards attending.

As part of the “Your City, Your Way” Initiative, Las Vegas residents weighed-in on city services and resources, and on what works and what doesn't through several forums including focus groups, a phone survey and on-line survey. The resident input is being used by city management and the City Council to help make informed, strategic decisions based on resident priorities. During the town hall meetings, city staff will present information on the city’s budget shortfall and potential reductions. Staff will also present information on Census 2010, followed by a question and answer period.

City of Las Vegas residents are encouraged to attend one of the Town Hall meetings scheduled at various locations throughout the city. Other Town Hall meetings will take place:

•Jan. 19, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. - Ward 5: City Council Chambers, 400 Stewart Ave.


•Jan. 25, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. - Ward 4: YMCA Durango Hills, 3521 N. Durango Drive


•Jan. 27, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. - Ward 3: East Las Vegas Community Center / Ballroom, 250 N. Eastern Ave.

•Feb. 9, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. - Ward 6: Centennial Hills YMCA, 6601 N. Buffalo Drive

•Feb. 16, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. - Ward 2: Veterans Memorial Leisure Services Center, 101 S. Pavilion Center Drive

•Feb. 18, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. - Ward 6: Northwest Career and Technical Academy / Training Room, 8200 W. Tropical Parkway

•Feb. 22, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. - Ward 3: Las Vegas Chuck Minker Sports Complex, 275 N. Mojave Road

•Feb. 24, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. - Ward 5: Southern Nevada Health District / Clemens Room, 625 Shadow Lane

•Feb. 27, 10 a.m. to Noon - Ward 1: YMCA Meadows Lane, 4141 Meadows Lane

•March 1, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. - Ward 4: Starbright Theater, 2215 Thomas Ryan Blvd.

•March 4, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. - Ward 1: Charleston Heights Arts Center / Theater, 800 S. Brush St.

For more information and to view the results of the recent phone survey and the focus groups, visit http://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/yourcity or call 229-6501.

To learn about the many services, events and facilities available to residents visit the city Web site at http://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/

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Poetry Tonight... Joan Paulette Dudley

There is nothing more refreshing then to listen to the spoken word and tonight is a perfect night to do so. Joan Paulette Dudley will be the featured poet this evening at the Word Up Poetry Reading at the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf across from UNLV on Maryland Parkway. The event takes place at 7pm.

Your hosts are Danna Nordin, Mark Snyder & Megan Milligan...

Future poetry events at the Coffee Bean -
- January 26 featuring Brett Breeze
- February 9 featuring Erotic Poetry

For more information please visit -
http://www.meetup.com/lasvegaspoets/calendar/12156983/

For more information on the local poetry scene please visit -
http://www.lasvegaspoets.org/
Jorge Lara, Executive Director

Nevada Public Radio
For more information on the Cultural Arts in Las Vegas please visit Nevada Public Radio. NPR has detailed listings of many cultural and civic events hosted by area non-profits click on this link
http://www.knpr.org/common/psa/listNEW.cfm and if you are planning an event in the next few months, be sure to get your free listing in NvPR's Desert Companion magazine by submitting the information here at http://www.knpr.org/culture/eventaddnew.cfm

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Monday, January 18, 2010

The 28th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Day Parade takes place today in Downtown...

For 28 years the annual parade honoring America's great civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King has taken place in Las Vegas with floats, bands, dignitaries and lots of children. This years theme is "Living the Dream: Saluting Community Leaders."

This years parade is expected to attract more than 25,000 people Downtown to enjoy several hundred entries. The parade begins at 10am and should last for several hours.

The parade route begins in 18b (Las Vegas' Arts District) along 4th Street from Gass Avenue to Fremont Street. Expect street closures along the parade route and heavy traffic along Las Vegas Boulevard as parking is at a premium in Downtown.

Come down to the historic Downtown and enjoy a great American Tradition! Happy Martin Luther King Day!

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Saturday, January 16, 2010

Goldwell Open Air Museum Opens Up the Studio...

If you have not been out to the Goldwell Open Air Museum located near the old ghost town of Rhyolite you truly have not experienced life in Nevada. For me personally the museum and its extremely close proximity to Death Valley National Monument is a spiritual place like none other. The museum is centered around a spectacular collection of sculptures that were created by Belgian artists, led by the late Albert Szukalski in the 1980's.

The museum not only has fine sculptures to enjoy it is also home to one of Nevada's best Artist-in-Residency programs. The Red Barn Art Center located on the campus of the museum is a place where artists from around the world have come to practice their art in a serene and almost completely isolated environment.

This evening resident artists Raymond Ghirardo and Megan Roberts are having a viewing of their work in progress within the Art Center with projections on the ruins of Bullfrog mining camp just outside the Red Barn. This will be a fabulous and rare opportunity to meet these international recognized sculptors.

The museum is located approximately 115 miles North of Las Vegas near the small hamlet of Beatty. Take I-95 North to Beatty and at the Death Valley Junction in the middle of town make a left at State Highway 374 and drive for 5 miles to Rhyolite follow the signs.

This is the upper Mojave Desert so it is highly recommended that you dress warmly. Hot chocolate and munchies will be served.

For more information about the Goldwel Open Air Museum please visit their site at http://www.goldwellmuseum.org/index.html

Nevada Public Radio
For more information on the Cultural Arts in Las Vegas please visit Nevada Public Radio. NPR has detailed listings of many cultural and civic events hosted by area non-profits click on this link
http://www.knpr.org/common/psa/listNEW.cfm and if you are planning an event in the next few months, be sure to get your free listing in NvPR's Desert Companion magazine by submitting the information here at http://www.knpr.org/culture/eventaddnew.cfm

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Las Vegas Satin Saddle Jazz Orchestra entertains this afternoon...

There is one thing about Las Vegas that is never in short supply, Musicians and Entertainers and good ones at that. For years Las Vegas exclusively boasted live music at all the shows on the Strip. People like Jack Entratter at the Sands brought some of the most memorable acts to Strip including one of the finest band leaders that Las Vegas ever had, Antonio Morelli. Morelli led bands who accompanied the likes of Nat King Cole and of course the most famous group of all the Rat Pack. Las Vegas’ musical traditions did not end there and continued well into the future.

Today live music can be found in many venues around the city and great musicians can be heard. This afternoon the Las Vegas Satin Saddle Jazz Orchestra will be entertaining audiences in Henderson.

The three hour show begins at 2pm with a few intermissions. The show will be held at the E-String Grill & Poker Bar, 2031 W. Sunset Rd. in Henderson. The orchestra will be playing the likes of the big band jazz composers such as Thad Jones, Ron Myers, John Fedchock, John Clayton, Mike Tomaro, and others. A voluntary donation of 5 dollars is suggested at the door.

Nevada Public Radio
For more information on the Cultural Arts in Las Vegas please visit Nevada Public Radio. NPR has detailed listings of many cultural and civic events hosted by area non-profits click on this link
http://www.knpr.org/common/psa/listNEW.cfm and if you are planning an event in the next few months, be sure to get your free listing in NvPR's Desert Companion magazine by submitting the information here at http://www.knpr.org/culture/eventaddnew.cfm

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Thursday, January 14, 2010

Third Friday kicks off TONIGHT in the 18b Arts District Downtown...

Photo by Brian Paco Alvarez
For over 7 years First Friday has been an overwhelming success bringing in thousands of people every month to celebrate the arts in Downtown Las Vegas. Because of this success several galleries have independently come together to celebrate the arts again in the same month. If you cannot come on First Friday or just love lots of art and culture there is now a Third Friday for you to enjoy!

Third Friday runs from 6pm until midnight and will be located at these participating galleries -

The Box Office at 1129 S Casino Center Blvd - South of Charleston
The Funkhouse at 1228 S Casino Center Blvd and Colorado
City of the World Gallery at 1229 Casino Center Blvd and Colorado
Place Gallery at 1054 S Main Street North of Charleston
Gypsy Den at 213 E. Colorado
Damned Ink Studios at the Arts Factory 107 East Charleston

In addition the Electronic Music Cafe at 1308 South Main Street will be bringing you some flavorful House beats throughout the evening.
There will be live music at the Box Office... Please see flyer below for the lineup...

The promoters would like you to know

"Only with YOUR SUPPORT will things like this take off and we can all have more here than we have now, so please get involved and come participate in this NEW MONTHLY EVENT that needs your love!"

There will be no street closures for Third Friday.



Nevada Public Radio
For more information on the Cultural Arts in Las Vegas please visit Nevada Public Radio. NPR has detailed listings of many cultural and civic events hosted by area non-profits click on this link
http://www.knpr.org/common/psa/listNEW.cfm and if you are planning an event in the next few months, be sure to get your free listing in NvPR's Desert Companion magazine by submitting the information here at http://www.knpr.org/culture/eventaddnew.cfm

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Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Las Vegas' newest Neon Sign brightens the night sky over the Arts District...

I captured this amazing photo driving to the World Famous Arts Factory this evening and I was just moved by how beautiful it is.

The 18b Arts District Sign is located on Casino Center just North of Charleston. 18b is the official name of Las Vegas' Arts District which represents the original 18 blocks of the neighborhood.

A new era in the Cultural Arts begins...

Welcome to 18b

posted by Brian Paco Alvarez, Curator and Chronicler of Culture at | 1 Comments

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Haiti our prayers are with you...

For more information about the situation in Haiti after the devastating earthquake on January 12 or to donate to the relief efforts please visit these sites.

United States Department of State
http://www.state.gov/

International Committee of the Red Cross

Clinton Bush Haiti Fund
http://clintonbushhaitifund.org/index.php

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Monday, January 11, 2010

After 25 years the Chamber Symphony still amazes...

There is something fitting to be said about any non-profit organization that has survived in Las Vegas as long as the Nevada Chamber Symphony. But make no mistake that the survival of this mainstay of Las Vegas' classical music scene has undoubtedly been attributed to its fans and of course to its colorful Maestro Rodolfo Fernandez. Sunday afternoons concert at the Clark County Library was a magical tribute to this longevity.

In celebration of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's 219 birthday the concert began with a celebratory happy birthday in which the audience sang along with the Chamber Symphony. As the birthday melody came to a close its ending immediately segued into Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusik Allegro in G Major (1787) which was composed by the prodigy no less then four years before his death.

The two hour concert composed of some of the most recognized and favorite pieces from the Classical to the Romantics like Beethoven's Minuet in G and Theme from the Symphony No. 6 by Tchaikovsky. Included in the repertoire was one my favorite contemporary movements, Adagio for Strings by Samuel Barber. There was also a gorgeous piece composed by Maestro Fernandez himself 25 years ago, when the Chamber Symphony was chosen to represent Las Vegas as ambassadors of culture at a concert in San Fransisco.

In addition to Mozart's birthday, a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King brought the audience several amazing African-American spirituals like, Nobody Knows, Where you There and Go Down, Moses! The concert finale was Toma a Sorrento by Giambattista de Curtis a fitting end to a wonderful beginning of the new year with the Nevada Chamber Symphony.

If you did not get an opportunity to see the concert the next shows are on February 7 and March 7 at 3pm at the Clark County Library Theater on East Flamingo. All the concerts are FREE. For more information on the Nevada Chamber Symphony please call 702-433-9280.

Nevada Public Radio
For more information on the Cultural Arts in Las Vegas please visit Nevada Public Radio. NPR has detailed listings of many cultural and civic events hosted by area non-profits click on this link
http://www.knpr.org/common/psa/listNEW.cfm and if you are planning an event in the next few months, be sure to get your free listing in NvPR's Desert Companion magazine by submitting the information here at http://www.knpr.org/culture/eventaddnew.cfm



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Sunday, January 10, 2010

The Nevada Chamber Symphony 2010 Dates...


Please join me this afternoon January 10 at the Clark County Library Theater for the Nevada Chamber Symphony's "Fanfare for the New Year." Maestro Rodolfo Fernandez does it again with his fabulous symphony celebrating 25 years of music with free concerts at the Library Theater 1401 E. Flamingo Road. The concert begins at 3pm. Though the concerts are free reservations are suggested and can be made at 702.507.3459.

Upcoming concert dates are January 10, February 7 and March 7.

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Thursday, January 07, 2010

Arts Digest for January 2010

January is already proving to be a busy month culturally in the Radiant City. Here is a small list of events coming up and as always we are prepping for First Friday in February. Remember to support your arts organizations for they enrich the community in fabulous ways...

Lied Discovery Children’s Museum brings Little Builders to Las Vegas

Lied Discovery Children’s Museum invites young children to become real movers and shakers when they explore Little Builders, an interactive exhibition based on the concepts of construction, motion and simple machines. Created and toured by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Little Builders will open in the Donor Gallery at Lied Discovery Children’s Museum on January 30, 2010.

Donning little hard hats and construction vests, children ages 2-7 will be able to create, play and learn with Little Builders. They can hand-operate a pulley and conveyor belt to explore cause and effect, turn the wheels of a crane to hook, lift and move objects and materials, or build with Duplo® blocks and gears.

“The nature of the Little Builders exhibition really allows creativity to flourish,” museum Deputy Director Tifferney White said. “Children are encouraged to use the activities in their own ways. That personalized learning experience is why this exhibition is such a perfect fit at Lied Discovery Children’s Museum.”

Little Builders will be on display January 30 through May 9. The museum’s renovated Donor Gallery is located just inside the new private museum entrance, west of the cone in the front of the building.

Lied Discovery Children's Museum is located at 833 Las Vegas Blvd. North in downtown Las Vegas and features over 100 interactive exhibits based on science, art and culture for children and families. For more information, visit www.ldcm.org or call (702) 382-3445.
media contact: Brock Radke / bradke@ldcm.org / (702) 382-3445 ext. 107

Afternoon Delight Titillates Audiences at the Erotic Heritage Museum

Theater Showcases Naughty and Nice Acts Every Third Saturday.
Las Vegas: Afternoon Delight comes to The EROTIC HERITAGE MUSEUM (EHM). Booked as “An Afternoon of Love, Laughter and Music!,” this variety show brings in talented acts from spoken word to music and shadow mastery. Naughty and nice, each act adds that Las Vegas flair to this exciting show.

Amanda Morgan, Graduate student and Events Director created the monthly feature in keeping with the museum known to promote sexuality through the arts. A gleeful Amanda told us; “The EHM is part of the community and we are opening it up for people to come and express their talents.” When asked how to be a part of Afternoon Delight Amanda, with a mischievous glint in her eye, said; “Any talented performer can contact me. If your performance is original and exciting I’ll want you featured on our stage.”

The museum is striving on being a hub of artistic creativity in Las Vegas, NV. The curator, Dr. Laura Henkel is proud to showcase local talent said; “The EHM is proud to offer Las Vegas talent a home for original expression. She continued saying; “We offer a space for freedom of expression which allows performers to push the envelope on their own artistic power.” Laura ended with; “With the freedom this show offers makes it even more fun for performers & audiences alike.”

This month’s featured performers include: Amanda Morgan- MC & Original Local Musician, Rudy Urseti- Shadow Master, Jessica Morgan-Original Local Musician, Joe Lawless- Original Local Musician, Dynamite Blaze-Local Spoken Word Artist, Andy a.k.a \"SIX PAK\" - Local Performance Artist, Kevin Kennedy- Original Local Musician and more Local Talent.

The next Afternoon Delight experience is Sunday January 16, 2010 at 3:00pm. Come enjoy Afternoon Delight for just $10.00 which includes admission to the non-profit museum’s cost. The variety show plays every third Saturday at the EROTIC HERITAGE MUSEUM located at 3275 Industrial Rd, Las Vegas, NV, 89109.

For more information please contact Amanda Morgan, Events Director 702.369.6442


Las Vegas Wind Quintet Concert at Charleston Heights Arts Center January 16

Everyone is invited to enjoy a 2 p.m. concert by the Las Vegas Wind Quintet on Saturday, Jan. 16, at the Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush St. Tickets are priced at $5. For tickets and information, call (702) 229-6383.

The Las Vegas Wind Quintet members for this performance include flautist Bonnie Buhler-Tanouye, oboist Lisa Smolen, clarinetist Dave Hawley, bassoonist Sam Pisciotta and Doug Beasley on horn.

The program is expected to include “Aubade en Quintette” by Émile Pessard, “Variations Sur Un Thème Libre” by Eugène Bozza, “Partita for Wind Quintet” by Irving Fine, “Quintet for Winds” by Robert Muczynski, “Sinfonia for Woodwind Quintet” by Bernhard Heiden, and “Roaring Fork” by Eric Ewazen.

Buhler-Tanouye is a founding member of Duo Mystique Flute and Harp, and is an active freelance performer in the Las Vegas area. She regularly plays with the Las Vegas Philharmonic Orchestra, and is a regular substitute flautist for “Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular,” and many other pit orchestras and ensembles.

Smolen is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music College Preparatory Program, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Oboe Performance from Ithaca College.

Hawley is a former music professor at the University of New Mexico. He taught clarinet and saxophone as a part-time instructor at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). Hawley plays in shows on the Las Vegas Strip and in professional groups, such as the Las Vegas Philharmonic and the Nevada Symphonic Wind Ensemble.

Pisciotta has been a Las Vegas musician since 1967. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in music education with a major in bassoon. Pisciotta is a freelance musician, playing single reeds and bassoon in local bands and orchestras.

Beasley is the band director at Greenspun Junior High School in Henderson. In 2007, Beasley was named Music Educator of the Year by the Nevada Music Educators Association. He also enjoys an active life as a professional horn player. He is a member of the Brass Roots Quintet, the Las Vegas Philharmonic and the Las Vegas Wind Quintet, and has played many shows in Las Vegas. He holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in music education from UNLV.

Left of Center Art Gallery and Studio Presents “Heritage Translated”
Featuring: Jack Wilson & Mario Smith

January 18, 2010 - March 19, 2010
Reception for the Artists: Saturday, January 30, 2010 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Sponsored by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Las Vegas Alumni Chapter

Artists’ Talk: Saturday, February 27, 2010
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Gallery Location: 2207 W. Gowan Rd. N. Las Vegas, NV 89032
For further information, call: (702)647-7378 or email us at: leftofcentergallery@gmail.com

Visit us at our website Left of Center


Nevada Public Radio

For more information on the Cultural Arts in Las Vegas please visit Nevada Public Radio. NPR has detailed listings of many cultural and civic events hosted by area non-profits here http://www.knpr.org/common/psa/listNEW.cfm and if you are planning an event in the next few months, be sure to get your free listing in NvPR's Desert Companion magazine by submitting the information here - http://www.knpr.org/culture/eventaddnew.cfm

posted by Brian Paco Alvarez, Curator and Chronicler of Culture at | 1 Comments

Wednesday, January 06, 2010

Arts Brief - Erotic Heritage Museum Murals Garnering National Attention

The flap over the appropriateness of a mural exhibition at the Erotic Heritage Museum has reached national attention with a recently published blog in the New York Time Arts Beat section.

http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/05/las-vegas-orders-cover-up-of-topless-mural-figures/

The situation happened a few weeks ago when inspectors from Clark County Code enforcement sited the non-profit museum for violations regarding the display of the "areola" of the female breast. Though further research into the matter points to the counties heightened awareness of the DeJa Vu Nightclub recent stunt of having mobile stripper polls going up and down the Las Vegas Strip. The museum is housed in a building that belongs to Harry Mahoney the proprietor of DeJa Vu Showgirls. The museum and DeJa Vu are located approxinetly 100 feet from each other.

Whether you agree with the museums mission (sex education through the arts) or not the fact that the county is even attempting to censor art is quite questionable and brings up a whole series of First Amendment arguments. All around the United States and the world for that matter there is art work depicting the female and male genitalia; the most famous one that comes to mind is of course the Statue of David by Michelangelo. Not to mention the hundreds if not thousands of bare breasted statues of Lady Justice in front of court houses all over the United States.

In either case the museum and the county are poised for what could become quite an ACLU battle in the near future. Also the artists who created the murals could make a very strong case against the county. At a time when Las Vegas is promoting itself as a Cultural Tourist destination, especially with the recent opening of City Center, this current flap between the county and a museums art exhibition makes you wonder if Las Vegas has truly come of age?

The battle between the Erotic Heritage Museum, the artists and Clark County Nevada is far from over so stay tuned...

posted by Brian Paco Alvarez, Curator and Chronicler of Culture at | 0 Comments

Tuesday, January 05, 2010

Poetry in the Radiant City TONIGHT!

There is something to be said about Las Vegas' vibrant poetry scene and the mere fact that it has grown by leaps and bounds over the last several years is a testament to those who have persevered to nurture it. Remember the Enigma Cafe, Cafe Roma, Cafe Copioh? Ahhh those were the days. Well tonight is no different for there is poetry to be had in the university district.

Andy Hall will be the featured poet this evening at the Word Up Poetry Reading at the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf across from UNLV on Maryland Parkway. The event takes place at 7pm.

Your hosts are Mark Snyder, Megan Milligan & Danna Nordin...

Future poetry events at the Coffee Bean -
January 12; January 19; January 26

For more information please visit -
http://www.meetup.com/lasvegaspoets/calendar/12156983/

For more information on the local poetry scene please visit -
http://www.lasvegaspoets.org/
Jorge Lara, Executive Director

posted by Brian Paco Alvarez, Curator and Chronicler of Culture at | 1 Comments

Sunday, January 03, 2010

City of the World Presents an Artist Reception...


City of the World Gallery is one of 18b's great little art centers. With lots of great artists in a historic little bungalow in the heart of Las Vegas Arts District. Here is an upcoming exhibition for you to enjoy - Paco

The Art of SUE GARN and SANDY ZINKEVICH
Saturday, January 9, 2010
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

City of the World Gallery
1229 Casino Center Drive at Colorado
Las Vegas, NV 89104

located in 18b Las Vegas' Arts District south of Charleston Boulevard

Come and enjoy the works of Sue and Sandy as well as over 30 other artists at the City of the World Gallery.

http://www.cityoftheworld.org

posted by Brian Paco Alvarez, Curator and Chronicler of Culture at | 0 Comments

Friday, January 01, 2010

ZEN in TEN - What does it mean?

Many of you have recently been exposed to the ZEN in TEN that I started speaking of several months ago. Zen in Ten is a positive state of mind that I have created for the next decade, whether it is for myself or those around me. The last ten years for me personally have seen the ending of my years in college and the beginning of my career in the cultural arts. The development of my future and the places that I have taken myself too. The boards that I have sat on and have left. The ups and downs of my friendships and acquaintances and the great creative bursts of my art and exhibitions. But beyond what has happened in my life I have grown to look at what we can do collectively to enrich the lives of those in our community. The last decade has had great moments but it also has had its great downs. Learning from these phases what can we take from the last ten years and build upon for the next? What can we do better and what can we hope not to repeat?

The next ten years will be an even greater moment in the development of our communities growth in the cultural arts. The hardships of the past recent years have demonstrated to all of us that we must step back and look at those things that enrich our lives beyond the infantile obsessions with the marketplace. We must look beyond that which gives us instant gratification and contribute more to the development of the things that will carry Las Vegas and our posterity into the future. Yes Las Vegas can and will be a great city and will rightfully take its place in the leagues of other great cities but what can we do to set it on the path of greatness? What can we do NOW to make this city everything that it can be? Simply, we must look beyond the pessimism of those who see a bleak outlook and grasp the things that make our city great. Las Vegas prides itself on being different, on being innovative, in thinking outside the box and setting itself apart from those who always said Vegas could never survive. Our libertarian streak will not end but rather it will mature and will cause not just our state, but our city to grow in ways that it has never grown before.

Looking back at the history of our state we look at a land of great contrasts, of booms and busts, of rags and riches. Though the times we are living now are difficult for our community we must look beyond the downs for there will be an "up" to carry us to the next phase of our development. Ultimately it will be up to us to decide what that "up" will look like.

I am proud to say I was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. I am also proud to say that I will be part of the "up" that our community will experience in the next several years. All this reminds me of the old axiom; for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. For what positive energy we put out into our community only good things will come from it. Lets us work together to make Las Vegas great; for the fruits of our labor will be so, that other communities will look at us and say - Why didn't we think of that?

May all of you have a wonderful and safe New Years and as always be ZEN in TEN and beyond...

posted by Brian Paco Alvarez, Curator and Chronicler of Culture at | 0 Comments

First Friday Las Vegas January 1st, 2010

Well I have to say I cannot remember the last time First Friday has fallen on the first of the year. Many of us will already be at the Arts Factory bringing in the New Year at the Galactic Dec-a-dance so we will just have to continue the celebration well into Friday night.

Here is a list of events that are happening and there is so much more too!



For more information please visit First Friday
Las Vegas @ www.firstfriday-lasvegas.org

January 1, 2010 6:00 pm -10:00 pm

Come down this month to enjoy both visual and performance art! . There will be tiki carving, video and djs on stage, live improv on the street, artist, vendors and more!

We will be hosting more than 100 artists on the sidewalks and in the gallery spaces within the outdoor festival area on Casino Center Blvd and Colorado.

Thanks to Frankie's Tiki Room (under after parties) and Cricket Studios (under Arts Factory) we have a new printed map which may be picked up in the Arts District area and on First Friday at the information table in front of The Funk House.

Be sure to stop by the First Friday info table (in front of The Funk House) to buy your raffle tickets for the great Premium Outlets gift basket we have for January, including a $100 GIFT CERTIFICATE, Guess and more! (do not have to be present to win)

Donate to support First Friday: http://www.firstfriday-lasvegas.org/fundraise.html

El Cortez/First Friday Express Trolley

The El Cortez Hotel & Casino joined with First Friday and is sponsoring an Express Trolley. The trolley will take patrons from the El Cortez, 600 East Fremont Street at the Cortez Garden Gateway (with 1,200 free parking spaces in the garage and also valet) to The Funk House Trolley Stop at First Friday (and back again). The bus will run from 6:00 p.m.(starting at the El Cortez) until 10:00 p.m. with the last First Friday stop at approximately 9:30 p.m. Take advantage of the convenient parking and avoid traffic after the event. You can also enjoy the Entertainment District's First Friday after parties when you arrive back at the El Cortez.

OUTDOOR FESTIVAL INFO

Buy a Best Friend of First Friday card and help support your favorite Las Vegas arts event ($25). We also have special "I 'heart' First Friday" t-shirts available for just $7 (for 7 years) at the Friends of First Friday Information Table.

City ordinance requires no glass bottles or cans!


ARTISTS SHOWING OUTDOORS:

Below is a partial listing of our Outdoor Artist Exhibitions:

Gina Quaranto--paintings

Larry Bennett--charcoal, drawings, paintings

Lucy Lee Alverson--paintings on wood and found objects


DJ AND VIDEO ON the LAND ROVER STAGE:

Digital Visual and Music Exhibition by David Chow


ART—CASINO CENTER AND COLORADO BLVD.

Art @ The Funk House
Showing Maranda Espinosa from Jan 1-Feb 2, 2010. Check out her sorrowful big eyed girls and whimsical animal paintings. 1228 S. Casino Center Blvd. LV, NV 89104 702.678.6278   www.thefunkhouselasvegas.com       

Brett Wesley Gallery
A Phenomenal Photography Show. Dec 3 - Jan 29. This amazing collection will feature world renowned and emerging photographers rarely seen in Las Vegas. Experience works from LaChapelle, Watson, Fuss, Joon, Drebin, Barbey, Stillman, Blackmon and more. This exhibition is not to be missed. Only at Brett Wesley. Exhibition Dates: Dec. 3, 2009 – Jan. 29, 2010 Gallery Hours: Tues. - Sun. 11 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.  702.433.4433, inquire@brettwesley.com, http://www.brettwesleygallery.com

The Box Office
Showing new artists each month 1129 S. Casino Center, one block north of The Funk House 6-10pm

City of the World Gallery
Sue Garn and Sandy Zinkevich, January’s featured artists, invite you to view and enjoy their art and photography. Sue, an art educator for over 36 years, and Sandy, an accomplished photographer, will be on hand to meet with you and show their artwork on First Friday.

ART—MAIN STREET and CHARLESTON

Gaia flowers • gifts • art
Through January, Gaia features recent and earlier works by local painter Dan Hooker, who describes his art as "a never-ending itch, a need to create..." Also showing, an exploration of global metaphysics by B.J. Lipari. Starting with canvas and prayer mats, Lipari combines paint, ink, dye, found objects and more into complex observations of belief systems. 702-997-0222.

Retro Vegas
Featured artist is Clifford James Klinkhammer. CJ is a native of Las Vegas and after many years in education and the hotel and casino business began his self taught art career in 2002. CJ creates abstract art utilizing techniques with oil and acrylic paint on glass metals, paper and canvas.. Open First Friday11am-10pm..1211 S. Main St. OPEN FIRST FRIDAY 6-10PM--Antiques--Furnishings--Accessories--Art. Call 702.384.2700 for more info.

S P A C E
Rooftops and Stoops: New York City featuring the work of photographer Travis Gluckler. Using very long exposures; Travis captures the vibrant glow of the city allowing a detailed look at a New York Minute. Authentic Stoops and vast panoramic views of New York's Night Skyline and traffic lit streets. The work is contemporary with powerful color saturation that really brings the city to life. Along with art on the walls visitors and guests will be able to enjoy the East Coast Vibe from B Boys to Pizza and music reflecting the feeling of the city. Mingle, purchase some prints, and soak up some New York swagger. at S P A C E studio 8 E. Charleston Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89104.

ART—COMMERCE STREET STUDIOS
1551 South Commerce

LIVE MUSIC OUTSIDE

COMMERCE STREET STUDIOS (LIMITED AVAILABILITY) FOR INFO PLEASE EMAIL: studios@commercestreetstudios.com  Be sure and check out the new studios and galleries already open at this location!!

Circadian Gallery Circadian Galleries 1551 S. Commerce St.
Will be showing new work by Daniel Pearson. These pieces are unusual for their size all around 4 feet x 3 feet and topics ranging from health insurance to life & death and beyond!
For information call 525- 2850 Commerce Street Studios, LV, NV 89102 TROLLEY STOP

The Fallout Gallery
1551 S. Commerce St. Las Vegas, NV 89102 702.678.6278 www.thefallout.net Open First Friday 6-10pm.

Naked CityTattoo
(1551 S. Commerce St, 1/2 block north of Wyoming, 1 block west of Main Street): Special shows on First Fridays. Open daily. 702-612-5516. 


ART—THE ARTS FACTORY
101-109 E. Charleston Blvd. 

Contemporary Arts Center
YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE the CAC’s 20th Anniversary exhibition featuring:
Charles Morgan
Suzanne Hackett Morgan
James Stanford
Mary Warner
Kathleen Nathan
Fred Sigman
Susanne Forestieri
Stewart Freshwater
Jeanne Voltura
Anne Mulford
Lisa Stamanis
Marty Walsh
Merrilee Hortt
Jerry Misko
David Sanchez Burr
Ginger Bruner
Sarah Vinci
Wendy Kveck
Diane Bush
Diane Butner. Through January 28th, 2010. OPEN FIRST FRIDAY JANUARY 1, 2010  First Friday Hours 6-10 
Contemporary Art Center
107 East Charleston Blvd. Suite 120 702-382-3886 
http://www.lasvegascac.org

Cricket Studio
Studio 203. Cricket Studio--107 e. Charleston Blvd. Studio 210--Upstairs in the Arts Factory--continuing thru Dec 31, 2009 "Primitives"--mixed media on board--by Brian Swanson--www.cricketstudio.com/primitives--"Bugspeak"
illustrations by Brian Swanson--www.cricketstudio.com/bugspeak --visit us during the week...12 - 4pm tues-fri. Open FF and Tues - Fri 12 noon - 4pm, Evenings/Wknds by Appointment, 24/7 on the web. www.cricketstudio.com 702-366-9077.

Face Up Gallery
107 E. Charleston Blvd. Studio 210 "FACE UP": the "TEXT" show, acrylic on wood and canvas featured artist: Dar Freeland July 3 - Sept 15, 2009. Open First Friday

Damned Ink Studios
Suite 204, showing the work of Mark T. Zeilman and Mike Biggs. There will be a sale on limited edition prints, t-shirts and more. Located in the Arts Factory upstairs. Jan 1, 2010 First Friday 6pm to ?? Fri/Sat 1-6pm and by appointment. www.damnedinkstudios.com (702) 480-9090.

The Joseph Watson Collection
Will feature a couple of new urban paintings from Joseph. Our guest artist for this month is Jennifer Main. We have new product available for all of those Christmas shoppers. Joseph Watson Collection Arts Factory Suite 115 www.josephwatsoncollection.com 

Laura Henkel Fine Art
A Delightful Paradox – December 1, 2009 to January 31, 2010 Francois Dubeau’s work is a delightful paradox. He combines the traditional techniques of engraver, illustrator, and painter with modern digital tools. With these tools and techniques, he rejects the growing complexity and accelerating pace of modern life to explore the simplest form of expression: black lines on a white background. First Friday 6-10 PM/Tuesday – Saturday 11 AM-2 PM Arts Factory Ste 100, 702.952.9656

Mark Jenkins Fine Art
Mark has just completed another painting..."The Beatles" which he will be displaying, along with a few of his figurative paintings, at First Friday. 107 E. Charleston, Suite 115 Las Vegas, NV 89102-- www.thewindowstothesoul.com and www.markjenkinsfineart.com 702-301-5492

Niki J Sands Contemporary Fine Art
At the Arts Factory Suite 105A. Featuring original oils, acrylics, giclees and prints by artists Niki J Sands and Eric Belanger...Meet the artists on "First Friday" January 1st, 2010 from 6pm until 10pm. Gallery is open Monday thru Friday 9am until 5pm.  Please call for an appointment 702.499.3984  We are located at 107 E. Charleston Blvd. Ste 105A  Las Vegas NV  89104

PeaceNart Studio
Presents "I Don't Wan't To Know The Rules!" Finished Artwork and Works In Progress By Alexander P. Huerta

Trifecta Gallery
January 1- 29, 2010 Trifecta Gallery ;   Anthony Freda -  Work makes you Free..Anthony returns with a new show of quirky assemblage illustrations.  Last years vintage chalkboard pieces from "all that Glitters..."  were a near sellout. Due to the New Years Eve party in the Arts Factory, Trifecta will be closed for Thursday Preview night. The official opening will be on First Friday, New Years Day.  6-10pm   www.trifectagallery.com   702.366.7001

ART-MAIN STREET
(NORTH OF CHARLESTON)

S2 Art Group
One East Charleston Blvd. Fine art publisher and gallery operator S2 Art Group, Ltd. has its world headquarters in Las Vegas’ burgeoning downtown arts district, in a renovated facility. S2 limited editions are hand-pulled on extremely rare, antique lithography presses at the company’s 22,000 square-foot Las Vegas atelier – the largest such facility in the world. Opening Reception on First Friday from 6-10 pm. http://www.s2art.com  702-868-7880.

ART 3RD STREET

3rd St. Revolution Art Gallery
Works by Juan Ybarra and Ezequiel Lee Orona ,Sculptures, Bronze ,Metal and Wood. Mixed Media pieces.Oil Paintings ,Drawings and Graphics. Contemporary Modern Art with Social and Political Commentary. Mon_Sat.10-3. 224 Imperial Av. Las Vegas, Nv 89104.702-380-8442-702-644-5388.

Cob4lt blu3 studio gallery
Ed Dominguez artist: This renowned artist from Puerto Rico is passionate about creating art that changes the attitude of any wall. His oil paintgings are vibrant in color; warm yellows, deep blues and intense reds! This architect-turned-artist takes urban cityscapes and adds a whimsical touch, be it Vegas or any other. 1400 S. 3rd St. 702.771.0032

Neon Venus Art Theatre live performances.

Southern Nevada Center for the Arts
An innovative and creative mix of artist studios, galleries and teaching facilities featuring paintings, ceramics, sculpture, fiber arts, jewelry and more. Come joins us for our first open house this First Friday! Having a meeting or party? Contact us at 702-888-3400 for details. 1310 S. 3rd St. “Where Culture and Community Come Together”

ART--HOLSUM LOFTS

D’Arte Designs POP-UP Galleries presents
“An Eclectic Collection”, works by Sigrid Brunel, Denise R. Duarte, Anita Getzler, Walt Heron, Arthur Jabob and Mikel Patrik. Experience the energy of this confluence of artists who articulate their world visually by a variety of media. Abstraction to reconstructed realities flow from their creative centers to this place in time, the first day of 2010. Experience the new decade and new year in a refined and artful environment. ONE NIGHT ONLY, First Friday, January 1st from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. at Holsum Design Center, 241 W. Charleston Blvd., Suites 140 & 150.

Open at Holsum Lofts----Stephen Jackson,382-9200-----Lola’s (the restaurant),227-5652, www.lolaslasvegas.com------ Las Vegas Contemporary Dance Theater,878-1227,www.lvdance.org-------DIGS Studio,651-6000,www.digsstudio.com
ART— NEARBY

Art Gallery at Not Just Antiques Vintage ART
Established artists as well as new talent. Combine a cup of tea and ART. Open First Friday until 10pm. www.NotJustAntiquesMart.com. PARKING LOT IN FRONT OF NOT JUST ANTIQUES.

The City of Las Vegas Employee Juried Art Exhibit
Opens on Friday, Dec. 4, 2009, at the Bridge Gallery in Las Vegas City Hall , located at 400 Stewart Avenue . This exhibit is free and open to the public. The exhibit runs through February 5, 2010. CLOSED JAN 1, 2010

REED WHIPPLE CULTURAL CENTER 
821 Las Vegas Boulevard N Las Vegas, NV 89101. Open until 9 pm on First Friday. Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Reed Whipple Cultural Center, 821 Las Vegas Blvd. North, 229-6211. Local artists explore the title of the exhibit through their artwork. Free admission


SHOPPING—MAIN STREET

The Attic
On First Friday The Attic offers a special discount. Open till 8pm.

Durette Studio
1007 S Main (1 block N of Boulder) will reopen for First Fridays starting September 4th! In addition to our fabulous knobs and knockers, we have the most incredible lighting, accessories, and now introducing- custom wine cellars to grace your space! Join us for the festivities and see what's new! Open FF 5-9PM. 702-368-2601.

J J C Clocks & Antiques 
MAIN SOUTH OF COLORADO. Open First Fridays 6-10pm. We can do all of your clock repairs. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10-5pm. 702-384-8463.

Opportunity Village Thrift Shop
First Friday store hours 9:00am till 10:00pm. Sales throughout the entire store. 50% off selected items. Collectable items and wild funky items for sale.

Retro Vegas
Located at 1211 S. Main St. OPEN FIRST FRIDAY 6-10PM--Antiques--Furnishings--Accessories--Art..Call 702.384.2700 for more info.  http://www.retro-vegas.com/


SHOPPING-COLORADO AND CASINO CENTER

The Funk House
1228 Casino Center Blvd. Open First Friday 6-10PM. Discounts up to 30% with your ‘I Heart First Friday 2!’ sticker. Also, Rick on the didgeridoo, FF only. Hours: Mon-Sat. 10am-5-pm. www.thefunkhouselasvegas.com 

Confetti's--Antiques
Open for First Friday on 3rd street next door to William's Costume


SHOPPING—NEARBY 

Gaia flowers • gifts • art
Through January, Gaia features recent and earlier works by local painter Dan Hooker, who describes his art as "a never-ending itch, a need to create..." Also showing, an exploration of global metaphysics by B.J. Lipari. Starting with canvas and prayer mats, Lipari combines paint, ink, dye, found objects and more into complex observations of belief systems. 702-997-0222.

NO TROLLEY STOP HERE; BIG PARKING LOT IN FRONT

Not Just Antiques
1422 Western Avenue. 12,000 sq. ft. filled with Antiques, Collectibles & Art. Voted Las Vegas Review-Journal Best Place to Buy Antiques & Collectibles 2007. Open daily. Holsum Loft Lamp Showroom Liquidation. Open late First Friday. www.NotJustAntiquesMart.com

Valentino's Zootsuit Connection
WEARABLE ART at it's best, "for the COOL in you". Featuring a great selection of fine suiting, classic clothing, and stylish fedoras. Inside the Arts Factory--107 East Charleston Boulevard,Suite 135--Las Vegas, Nevada  89104,702-383-9555 

RESTAURANTS AND CAFES

Casa Don Juan
on Main Street 

Lola’s
(the restaurant),227-5652, www.lolaslasvegas.com

Paymon's Mediterranean Bistro
107 E. Charleston Blvd. #155, located in the Arts  Factory. Open M-F 11am-3pm. First Friday 5pm-9pm. 272.0200 

AFTER PARTIES 

The Get Back
Will be moving to the night before (Thurs) for a Special New Years Eve Party**

Beauty Bar
Features The Get Back, funky soul dance party w/ deejays: John Doe, Danny Boy, Phoreyz, Aurajin, 8-bits and special guests. 10pm until the wee hours. $5 for girls, $10 for guys. A funky good time guaranteed!! http://www.thegetbackvegas.com/

Dino's Lounge
Drink Specials! Karaoke with host Danny G 10pm. 382-3894  www.dinoslv.com   

Downtown Cocktail Room
111 Las Vegas Blvd. South (100 feet south of Fremont). On First Friday: Soulful House, Downtempo by DJ Carlos Sanchez. Live Percussions by Cayce Woody. Valet Parking provided in adjacent alley after 8pm ($5 all night). Seating is limited and may require reservations, so arrive early. Please dress appropriately. 702-880-DOWN (3696) for questions or reservations.  

Frankie's Tiki Room
A unique combination of South Seas exotica and modern primitivism with just a hint of Las Vegas kitch. Frankies is the place you can escape to the fantasy any hour of the day or night. Enjoy the exotic rum drinks from the menu and traditional cocktails. 1712 W. Charleston Blvd. 385-3110 www.frankiestikiroom.com 

NEW AFTER PARTY

Electronic Music Cafe
Mark your calender for an important date in HOUSE MUSIC: January 1, 2010 the RAW opening of the Electronic Music Cafe in Las Vegas! Non-stop DJs, DJ HERO, DANCE MACHINE and gourmet COFFEE for FIRST FRIDAYS at 1308 S. Main Street, Las Vegas! 12 DJs-12 hours! Starts @ 6pm!

NOISE
network of immersive sensory entertainment=NOISE !  
we present a  Forum for local art and music to inter-weave an impulsive synergistic event for all to be a part of .First Friday at the Aruba and  Thunderbird lounge 1215 Las Vegas Blvd. ABSOLUTELY FREE! 10pm- till? 

To be added to our email list please contact: 

info@firstfriday-lasvegas.org   

ENJOY FIRST FRIDAY

posted by Brian Paco Alvarez, Curator and Chronicler of Culture at | 0 Comments