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THE Culture ISSUE COLLABORATIVE MURALISM Life Is Beautiful artists plan to leave their mark Downtown
SEASON PREVIEW Highlights from this season’s performing arts calendar
ETHNIC CUISINE SPOTLIGHT Exploring local Japanese restaurants
NEVADA BALLET Two dancers offer a glimpse behind the curtain
OPENING OCTOBER 9, 2014 DILLARD’S • MACY’S • SHOPS & RESTAURANTS
Boulder City Hospital Foundation Presents the 52nd Annual
ART PARK e h t in
OCTOBER 4-5 / 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Boulder City’s Downtown Parks
Hundreds of Fine Art, Fine Craft & Traditional Craft Artists FREE ADmissiOn!
Benefiting Boulder City Hospital For more information maps and directions, please visit: www.artinthepark.org or call: 702-293-0214 Featured Artist: Connie Burnett Ferraro Booth # 202
WICKED IS FLYING BACK TO LAS VEGAS
OCTOBER 8 – NOVEMBER 9 THE SMITH CENTER
HURRY FOR THE BEST SEATS The Smith Center Box Office – 361 Symphony Park Ave. TheSmithCenter.com • 702-749-2000 TTY 800-326-6868 or 711 • Groups 20+ 702-749-2348
PUBLISHER’S LETTER For more information on all of the above venues, visit BLVDS Magazine’s comprehensive online calendar at blvdslv. com, or sign up for our email newsletter “Out On The BLVDS” for up-to-date listings of all of your favorite cultural events, delivered right to your inbox!
I love this time of year! The seasons are changing, there is a little chill in the air, the kids are back at school, and a new cultural season is just around the corner. Let’s begin the excitement with our fabulous cover! Tim Bavington and Sush Machia - both fantastic local artists – are collaborating to create the artwork for a Life Is Beautiful festival mural project, and for our cover. It is absolutely amazing! So much to see and do… Wicked is back for an encore at The Smith Center, and we have a new Maestro, Donato Cabrera, joining the Las Vegas Philharmonic. The Nevada Ballet opens their 42nd season with A Midsummer Night’s Dream Act 1. We have UNLV Performing Arts Center and Barrick Art Museum on the UNLV Campus, Cockroach Theatre at Art Square, Rainbow Company Children’s Theatre and the Historic Fifth Street School through the City of Las Vegas. It is a full schedule and we have something to do in the arts every day of the season!
As a way to support our local arts, BLVDS Magazine has an open house event showcasing the work of each issue’s featured artist. Invitations are emailed in “Out On The BLVDS”. It’s a great way to meet the cover artist and other likeminded locals who enjoy the art scene. Check out our Flavor Section for some great ideas on what to eat or drink before your Fall theater and performance outings. We highlight a different ethnic cuisine in each issue, and our dining advertisers who all offer a great experience for a night out on the town. Lastly, don’t forget about the Boulder City Art Festival the first weekend in October, an annual event that is great for the whole family and a terrific way to support the arts.
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Jan Craddock | President & Publisher Stephanie Pierotti | Editor In Chief Chris Cutler | Copy Editor Victoria Hart | Creative Director Derek Washington Social Media-Events Manager Editorial Board Brian Paco Alvarez Mauricia Baca Durette Candito Lisa Chasteen Chris Cutler Kendall Hardin Nancy Higgins LuAnn Kutch Dawn Labonte Rob McCoy Julie Murray
Jillian Plaster Willie Robinson Jason Roth Karen Rubel Dana Satterwhite Rick Sellers Eric Strain Kimberly Trueba Mark Vranesh Rachael Wadley Stephanie Youngblood
Contributing Writers Stefanie Van Aken Joy Bellis Durette Candito Jennifer Cornet Chris Cutler Temple Kinyon
PJ Perez Stephanie Pierotti Jillian Plaster Keli Myers Jeanette Schneider Sarah Vernetti
Contributing Photographers Chris Cutler Peter Harasty Anna Olga Hawkes Talbot Snow Kari Weisz Lucky Wenzel Analyst and Archivist Nancy Lee Craddock
Scan with your smart phone using a QR Code reader app
Interns Elisabeth Mast Andreas Quinones
The Cover Art work created by Tim Bavington and Sush Machida, see more on page 16.
BLVDS fans: Let us know what you think! facebook.com/blvdslv twitter.com/blvdslv
Copyright 2014 by BLVDS, Inc., all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written permission from BLVDS, Inc. Every effort was made to ensure the accuracy of
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the information in this publication, however, BLVDS, Inc. assumes no responsibility for errors, changes, or omissions. BLVDS, Inc. accepts editorial and photography submissions. Send all submissions to: editor@blvdslv.com.
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email editor@blvdslv.com call 702.386.6065 go to blvdslv.com mail 509 S. 7th Street Las Vegas, NV 89101
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The Culture Issue | September - October 2014 | 3
CONTRIBUTORS
Jennifer Cornet a Texas native, has lived in Las Vegas for seven years. She enjoys the family friendly side of Las Vegas. She, her loving husband and bouncing baby boy spend their time foraging Gilcrease Orchard, marveling The Smith Center, playing in the winter’s snow at Mount Charleston’s Ski and Snowboard Resort, and exploring Discovery Children’s Museum.
PJ Perez is a longtime Las Vegan freelance writer, comic book publisher and small business owner who writes about his adopted hometown for a variety of travel guides, websites and magazines, including the one you’re reading right now.
Joy Bellis is a native Philadelphian who came to Las Vegas in 2002 after spending 15 years in Florida. An account executive in advertising and public relations, she has a penchant for the game of golf (and several championships under her belt). Although she’s a late bloomer in the field, she wants to be a writer when she grows up.
Jeanette Schneider loves to write and negotiate with her very busy two year old when not concentrating on her career in finance. Active in the community, she enjoys opportunities to marry her passion for Las Vegas with her love for the art of storytelling. She also blogs and has included “sell manuscript” to her Top Ten Things To Do Before I Die list.
Chris Cutler holds an MFA in creative writing from Murray State University (KY). She believes everyone has a story to tell and founded The Las Vegas Memoir Project to help people write their stories. When she’s not traveling, Chris teaches at IADT and through DEO at UNLV, writes, and tries to keep her Welsh Terrier from updating his Facebook status on her iPad.
Durette Candito design aesthetic was ingrained at an early age. Starting off in fashion design, she now practices her design craft in all aspects of architectural design. Her showroom at Urban Ranch Lifestyle specializes in architectural door and cabinet hardware, lighting, interior accessories, gourmet food, clothing, and jewelry.
Jillian Plaster is a foodie.
Temple Kinyon moved to Las Vegas 11 years ago after enjoying life in rural Idaho. Embracing the diverse setting Las Vegas offered, she settled into her freelance writing life, pursuing both fiction and non-fiction. When she’s not writing, Temple creates with paper, paint, fabric and ink, and adores adventures with her husband and two ferociously funny bulldogs.
Keli Myers is a broadcast journalist and freelance writer. She studied with Second City and Nancy Wolfson of UCLA Entertainment studies. She is the creator of The Adventure Specialist, an artistic endeavor to bring enrichment to daily life. Keli recently became involved with The Nevada Preservation Society through her mid-century modern neighborhood.
Sarah Vernetti loves to write. When she isn’t writing about travel and the family-friendly side of Las Vegas, she’s busy crafting short stories and flash fiction. Sarah holds a Master’s degree in Art History, which, quite frankly, doesn’t come in handy very often. Feel free to say hi to her on Twitter: @SarahVernetti.
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She loves to cook, but she loves to eat even more. While attending Le Cordon Bleu in her hometown of Las Vegas, her passion for food lead to writing reviews of local restaurants. Plaster also developed her own line of fresh dog food which she sells at her unique pooch boutique, The Dog House, located at Town Square.
C O N T E N T S | BLVDS LAS VEGAS | NO. 46 | September - October 2014
THE Culture ISSUE COMMUNITY
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INTERESTING PEOPLE Juggle Vision Jeff Civillico pairs entertainers with charities to unify the community.
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BUSINESS Laughter And Tears Adam’s Place supports families coping with grief and loss.
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Events Calendar
ARTS
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MEET THE ARTISTS Collaborative Muralism Tim Bavington and Sush Machida join forces at Life Is Beautiful.
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Season Preview Highlights from Las Vegas’ performing arts calendar.
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LOCAL ESCAPES Gallery Row in The Crystals showcases the work of American Masters.
YOUNG AT HEART Dottie Do saves the planet, one craft project at a time.
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Barn Buddies Rescue The Linsenbardts nurture local abandoned farm animals.
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LOCAL CHEF Matt Andrews develops his style at Carson Kitchen.
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Artisinal Cheese & Wine Seven spots to enjoy our favorite treats.
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Making Las Vegas Home Meet four new Las Vegas residents from around the world.
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ETHNIC CUISINE Chef Lee’s Soho Sushi, plus six other local restaurants to explore Japanese fare.
LIFESTYLE
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Vegas Creates Showcasing every aspect of art and design by locals.
Dream A Little Dream Two Nevada Ballet dancers offer a glimpse behind the curtain.
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Cooking Classes Chocolate & Spice’s Megan Romano shares holiday baking tips and tricks.
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IMHO Amos Martinez, Project Manager for The Modern, discusses the arts and culture scene in Vegas.
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Regional Travel Santa Fe: The most European city in the United States.
The Culture Issue | September - October 2014 | 5
Community
COMMUNITY
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years-old earned first gold metal
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INTERESTING PEOPLE
JUGGLE
VISION
Jeff Civillico balances his passion for entertainment and philanthropy with Written by Keli Myers
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Win-Win Entertainment.
hen I was a kid, a magician pulled me on stage to be his assistant. In front of the entire audience, he asked me to be a good sport and chew toilet paper. Instead of searching for the nearest exit, I took a deep breath and got on that stage. Then, something wonderful happened. The lights, the stage, and the laughter in the crowd were exhilarating. I had a watershed moment.
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William Burroughs the late, great Beat Generation writer, calls a watershed a moment that changes you forever. “Watershed” is how Jeff Civillico described a similar experience when a street juggler in Harvard Square captivated him when he was 11. “It’s at that moment I knew I wanted to be an entertainer,” he declared to me before his comedy show. Apparently, Civillico changed forever too. He went on to form a Juggling Club at Saint Joseph’s Preparatory School, where he and other members would perform for nursing homes and provide entertainment for developmentally disabled children and young adults. Civillico didn’t stop there. He entered a national juggling competition at age 15 and earned a gold medal in the juniors division of the 1998 International Jugglers’ Association competition. The performer has come a long way from his early dreams of entertaining to developing his physical humor, his comedic stunts, and his quick comedic wit. Civillico now headlines his own show, Comedy In Action, in the newly remodeled Quad inside the Q showroom on the Las Vegas Strip.
Civillico is now the one pulling people on stage, maybe even changing lives. The night I attended the show, Civillico chose an 11-year old boy, Anthony, to join him in the spotlight. After a variety of feats in this high energy, interactive show, Anthony heard the roar of the crowd and went back to his seat with a T-shirt and a juggling kit. Ultimately, he also walked away with an autographed copy of Life Choices: Pursuing Your Passions, a book coauthored by 26 writers from around the world. Jeff Civillico is one of them. The writers talk about making dreams into reality and encourage people of all ages, not just kids like Anthony, to follow their dreams and do what they love. At that moment, I knew this entertainer was passionate about giving back to others, not only to his audience, but also to the Las Vegas community.
Charity organizations win by gaining access to professional event entertainment that expedites fundraising for the cause. The show came to a climactic end with what Civillico calls Juggle Vision. He strapped a GoPro camera to the top of his head, and as Ellie Goulding’s song “Lights” started and the lights went out, he juggled glow-in-the-dark items that appeared behind him on a big screen. The finale describes Civillico best: Juggle Vision, a juggler with a vision. I’d say that’s worth a little toilet paper to chew on. For more information or to volunteer, sponsor or donate your talent, visit winwinentertainment.org or jeffcivillico.com.
Win-Win Entertainment is Civillico’s contribution of considerable virtuosity. The non-profit organization places performers, charities, sponsors and volunteers with each other to join dedicated causes with distinguished entertainers. Both parties give and receive. The name Win-Win says it all. Performers win by gaining the opportunity to experience the fulfillment of giving back to the Las Vegas community. The non-profit handles the complete set up process for the entertainer including the venue, the lights, the sound and the right performer with the right charity.
The Culture Issue | September - October 2014 | 9
COMMUNITY
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BUSINESS
A PLACE FOR LAUGHTER AND TEARS T
he death of a loved one can be an devastating experience for anyone.
For a child, whose entire involvement in the world is defined by their connection to a handful of people, the death of one of those people can be isolating, confusing, life-altering… even devastating. While other family members are overcome with their own experience of grief and loss, children often become forgotten mourners. We are all about living,” says Board President Kelly Boyers about Adam’s Place. The program, which provides grief support groups for children, teens and families, is named after Boyers’ son whom she lost in a car crash while he was a senior at UNR. Concerned about her surviving child, she learned of a
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Adam’s Place provides support and education for children, teens, and families coping with grief and loss. program for childhood grief support in Reno, but could not find a similar program in Las Vegas. Boyers describes the center as a much needed lifeline. “It is about how to take life experiences and move forward; sometimes that includes tears and sometimes it involves laughter.” The nonprofit was founded 2010 with a grant from a Little Hope Foundation in New York and a donation from the Tony & Renee Marlon Charitable Foundation. Events like 9/11 and the Sandy Hook shootings have underscored the importance of providing support for the children and young families impacted by the unexpected loss of loved ones in the wake of such tragedies. Studies show that children who receive support within nine months after losing a sibling, parent or primary caregiver have better attendance and have a
Written by Andi Breesha Photography Courtesy of Adam’s Place
higher rate of achievement in school than those without support. Volunteers are a key to the program. About 60% of the volunteers lost a parent when they were a child and the mission of Adam’s Place resonates because many did not have support at their time of loss. Adam’s Place provides free sessions and there is no set limit on how long a child can participate. Boyers explained that children who experience a loss when they are especially young often remain in the program for a few years as they mature and gain additional verbalization skills. “The younger the child is, the longer they stay and we are there to support them through those transitions.” adamsplaceforgrieflasvegas.com
Inspire a love of reading through the world of seven beloved picture books in this literacy traveling exhibit. DISCOVERY Children’s Museum is collaborating with Spread the Word Nevada holding a Book Drive for this literacy-dedicated non-profit. Through January 4, 2015, the museum will collect books for the children of Southern Nevada. As part of your visit to the museum, please donate new or gently used books (Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade reading level) and receive .
Collaboration Partner:
Sept. 20 – Jan. 4 DiscoveryKidsLV.org
© 2012 Minnesota Children’s Museum. All rights reserved. Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites™ was created by Minnesota Children’s Museum. This project is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.
As the opening program for a special museum exhibit, “The Sands: A Place in the Sun,” four Las Vegas historians will hold a “Summit about the Sands.” Dr. Michael Green, moderator, with Sue Kim Chung, Dr. Larry Gragg and Dr. Eugene Moehring will share their thoughts about the impact of the former Sands Hotel on the Las Vegas entertainment, casino and tourism industries during the l950s and 60s. A reception will follow the program hosted by the Junior League and the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas Docent Council.
THE JUNIOR LEAGUE and THE NEVADA STATE MUSEUM PRESENT
THE SANDS: A PLACE IN THE SUN
A Special Museum Exhibit OCTOBER 25 - NOVEMBER 24 OPENING PROGRAM AND RECEPTION: SATURDAY OCTOBER 25 AT 1 P.M.
NEVADA STATE MUSEUM, LAS VEGAS THE SPRINGS PRESERVE, 309 S. VALLEY VIEW BLVD.
The opening program is complimentary with advance reservations. Call 702.822.8735 to register as a guest of the museum for the event. Nevada State Museum Las Vegas LAS VEGAS NEVADA
The Copa Connection Program Series is made possible by a grant from the Commission for the Las Vegas Centennial. For more information visit www.jllv.org, or call 702.822.6536. BLVDS ad.indd 1
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EVENTS
DO SOMETHING
DIFFERENT Explore the sights and sounds of our great city!
SEPTEMBER 2014 Tokyo in Vegas: Vision Collision NOW - SEPTEMBER 27 Springs Preserve 702.822.7700 springspreserve.org
Reflections at Rose Reception featuring New Horizons Academy SEPTEMBER 20 St. Rose Dominican Hospital 702.267.2171 hendersonlive.com
Re-visualizing Las Vegas SEPTEMBER 15 - NOVEMBER 15 City Hall Chamber Gallery Exhibits 702.229.6511 or 702.229.6383 artslasvegas.org
Unnatural Selection SEPTEMBER 25 - JANUARY 15 City Hall Grand Gallery 702.229.6511 OR 702.229.6383 artslasvegas.org
Mix 94.1’s Annual Bite of Las Vegas Food & Music Festival SEPTEMBER 27 Desert Breeze Park 702.257.2936 mix941fm.cbslocal.com
OCTOBER 2014
Pinnacle Gallery Children’s Art Exhibit NOW - SEPTEMBER 30 The Pinnacle Building 3rd Floor 702.267.2171 hendersonlive.com
Boston Marriage Plau SEPTEMBER 5 - 21 The Las Vegas Little Theatre 702.362.7996 lvlt.org
Rockstar Energy UPROAR Festival SEPTEMBER 17 Hard Rock Hotel 702.693.6000 hardrockhotel.com
Molly Sheridan Book Signing SEPTEMBER 17 Boca Park 702.898.2547 mollysheridanruns.com
SEPTEMBER 20 The Smiths Center 702.749.2000 thesmithscenter.com
OCTOBER 4 - 6 Henderson Events Plaza thecowboybbq.com
Hispanic International Day Parade OCTOBER 4 Justice Park, Water Street 702.267.2171 | hendersonlive.com
Boulder City Art in the Park
42nd Annual Greek Food Festival SEPTEMBER 25 - 28 St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church lasvegasgreekfestival.com
Girl Scouts Dessert Before Dinner Gala SEPTEMBER 27 Palace Ballroom, Caesars Palace 702.385.3677 girlscoutsnv.org
Asian Heritage Celebration SEPTEMBER 27 Springs Preserve 702.822.7700 springspreserve.org
Nevada Sesquicentennial All-Star Concert SEPTEMBER 30 The Smiths Center 702.749.2000 thesmithscenter.com
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
The Cowboy BBQ
15th Annual Super Run Classic Car Show SEPTEMBER 25 - 28 Henderson Events Plaza 702.267.2171 hendersonlive.com
OCTOBER 4 Boulder City bchcares.org/foundation/ art-in-the-park
Clarity of Youth featuring artist Kevin Chupik OCTOBER 2 - 31 Brett Wesley Gallery 702.433.4433 brettwesleygallery.com
JETTISON featuring artist Sam Davis OCTOBER 2 - 31 Trifecta Gallery 702.366.7001 trifectagallery.com
Las Vegas Bikefest OCTOBER 2 - 5 Cashman Center lasvegasbikefest.com
Fall First Friday Las Vegas OCTOBER 3 Las Vegas Arts District firstfridaylasvegas.com
Grapes & Hops Festival OCTOBER 4 Springs Preserve 702.822.7700 springspreserve.org
Oktoberfest OCTOBER 4 Historic Fifth Street School 702.229.6511 or 702.229.6383 artslasvegas.org
2014 Ironman 70.3 Silverman OCTOBER 5 Green Valley Parkway 702.267.2171 | hendersonlive.com
Music Scholarship Concert OCTOBER 7 Nicholas J. Horn Theatre 702.651.5483 | csn.edu/pac WICKED IS FLYING BACK TO LAS VEGAS
Country Fresh Farmers Market OCTOBER 3 Green Valley Parkway 702.267.2171 hendersonlive.com
Wicked OCTOBER 8 - NOVEMBER 9 The Smiths Center OCTOBER 8 – NOVEMBER 9 702.749.2000 THE SMITH CENTER thesmithscenter.com HURRY FOR THE BEST SEATS The Smith Center Box Office – 361 Symphony Park Ave. TheSmithCenter.com • 702-749-2000 TTY 800-326-6868 or 711 • Groups 20+ 702-749-2348
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Cheyenne Jackson OCTOBER 10 - 11 The Smiths Center 702.749.2000 thesmithscenter.com
Haunted Harvest at the Springs Preserve OCTOBER 11-13, 18-20, 25-27 Springs Preserve 702.822.7700 springspreserve.org
Circle Mirror Transformation
Las Vegas Soul Food Festival
OCTOBER 10 - 19 BackStage Theatre 702.651.5483 csn.edu/pac
OCTOBER 18 Henderson Pavilion ilovesoulfood.com
ONE DROP Walk For Water OCTOBER 11 Springs Preserve 702.822.7700 springspreserve.org
WorldWide Photowalk
Vegas Valley Book Festival OCTOBER 16 - 18 Downtown Las Vegas and the Clark County Library vegasvalleybookfestival.org
OCTOBER 11 Coolidge & Casino Center 18b.org
OCTOBER 11 Barrick Art Museum projectdinnertable.com
Wine Walk at Town Square OCTOBER 11 Town Square mytownsquarelasvegas.com
Art at the Market OCTOBER 11 - 12 Bruce Trent Park vegasartwalk.com
Especially for Children OCTOBER 16 Clark County Library bjnovak.com
OCTOBER 11 - 13 Sunset Park lvrenfair.com
OCTOBER 18 Historic Fifth Street School 702.229.3515
Aimee Bender
Fall Concert by Henderson Symphony Orchestra
OCTOBER 18 Historic Fifth Street School 702.229.3515
OCTOBER 17 Henderson Pavilion 702.267.4849 hendersonsymphony.com
Sylvia Day in Conversation with Tracy Wolff
Safe Nest’s 31st Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) Luncheon
Age of Chivalry: Las Vegas Renaissance Fair
OCTOBER 18 Historic Fifth Street School, 401 S. Fourth Street 702.229.3515
OCTOBER 18 Historic Fifth Street School 702.229.3515
An Evening with B.J. Novak
OCTOBER 17 The Rio 702.877.0133 safenest.org
Vegas Art Walk OCTOBER 18 - 19 Anthem Highlands, Henderson vegasartwalk.com
OCTOBER 25 Equestrian Park South 702.267.4050 lasvegaszombierun.com
Largest Free Gathering of Young-Adult Authors in the Country
Nevada’s Waddie Mitchell
Project Dinner Table Fundraiser for Safe Nest
Zombie Run 5K and Family Fun Walk
OCTOBER 18 Historic Fifth Street School 702.229.3515
Champions Run for Life
Vegas Art Walk October 25 - 26 Boca Park, Las Vegas vegasartwalk.com
Halloween Spooktacular OCTOBER 26 Hollywood Recreation Center clarkcountynv.gov/depts/ parks/events
Informal Dance Concert OCTOBER 28 Nicholas J. Horn Theatre 702.651.4201
Howling Halloween Carnival (ages walking to 11) OCTOBER 28 Doolittle Community Center 1950 N. J St., 702-229-6374
OCTOBER 18 The Green at Town Square mytownsquarelasvegas.com
Smiles for Survivors Foundation: Annual Blow Out Breast Cancer OCTOBER 18 Square Color Salon & Spa smilesforsurvivors.org
FREE DAY Springs Preserve & Nevada State Museum OCTOBER 31 Springs Preserve 702.822.7700 springspreserve.org
The Culture Issue | September - October 2014 | 13
FINAL
Nevada Ballet Theatre
A Midsummer Night’s Dream Act 1 & Seasons Viewing of the Trees and Children’s Activities with Santa (open to the public) Wednesday, November 19, 3 -8 PM Thursday, November 20, 3 - 8 PM
love is extraordinary
The South Point - The Grand Ballroom
SEPTEMBER 20 & 21 Experience Shakespeare’s comedy told in one act by George Balanchine. Also featuring Paul Vasterling’s Seasons — both include orchestra with members of the Las Vegas Philharmonic.
Buy Tickets Now
(702) 749-2000 | NevadaBallet.org
ENTRY FEES: $6 — 13 & older $4 — Seniors 60+ $4 — Ages 2 - 13
• • • • •
Snacks with Santa Entertainment Gift Shops Crafts Raffles
No RSVP Required Call 702-648-1990 or visit www.dsosn.org Your donation my be tax deductible. Pacific Northwest Ballet’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Choreography by George Balanchine ©The George Balanchine Trust. Photo by ©Angela Sterling.
Arts
ARTS
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M EET T H E ARTI S T S
Collaborative talented artists
MURALISM Two of Las Vegas’ most iconic artists will be among those transforming the aesthetic of
Written by PJ Perez Photography Kira Weisz
downtown once again for the second year of Life Is Beautiful.
nside an airy, sun-kissed studio located within a nondescript industrial building on the periphery of Downtown Las Vegas, local artists Tim Bavington and Sush Machida are poring over large-format prints spread across the surface of a spacious worktable. Bavington is sketching on them with colored pencils, adding to an illustrative fish motif mocked-up by Machida.
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The pair is brainstorming ideas for their first-ever collaboration, a massive mural that will adorn the exterior of the El Cortez Hotel and Casino’s parking structure at the corner of Fremont and Seventh Streets. It’s just one of several large-scale murals being created for the second annual Life Is Beautiful Festival, which brings back its celebration of music, food, art and learning to downtown Las Vegas October 24-26. Artists and collectives from around the world—including Los Angeles-based CYRCLE, Australia’s Fintan McGee, Irish graffiti icon Maser, Canada-spawned Li-Hill, and Spanish painter Borondo—will transform the urban landscape not only during the event, but also long after it’s over.
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“I think the art is probably the one vertical that lives on beyond the festival,” says Anthony Speigel, art curator for Life Is Beautiful. “I think about it as something that’s part of the downtown community, something that’s meaningful to the people who live and breathe here year-round.” The murals are not the only art component of Life Is Beautiful. A multitude of local artists, including Jerry Misko, Jevijoe Vitug, Linda Alterwitz, Matthew Couper, and JK Russ, will participate in a pop-up gallery at the former Western Hotel. Patrick Duffy, who orchestrated a similar art exhibit at last year’s festival, will curate the exhibit. For Spiegel, however, the Bavington-Machida collaboration stands out from the rest of the art programming at Life Is Beautiful. “In this case, it’s a little more unique,” he says, “because the El Cortez is a Vegas institution. These gentlemen are institutions. So, we think about this piece differently than the other pieces that are going to be far more ephemeral.” It’s Spiegel who thought to bring together the talents of Bavington and Machida, who are individually near-icons in the art scene.
Tim Bavington and Sush Machida reviewing designs for the El Cortez Hotel Casino parking structure on the corner Fremont and Seventh Street
Longtime friends and admirers (Both are graduates of UNLV’s Master of Fine Arts program), the two work in distinctive, yet complementary styles: Bavington is known for paintings and sculptures that typically feature vertical chutes of color inspired by music. Meanwhile, Machida’s Japanese-influenced work translates natural elements using graphic, minimalist lines, and curves. “I think Tim’s painting, his fuzzy lines, complements my painting, which has sharp edges,” Machida says. “It creates some sort of contrast that just fits perfectly.” As Machida and Bavington talk about ideas for the mural, they come to the agreement that whatever they create, it needs to not only work as a standalone piece of art, but it also should feel like a natural part of the existing building, creating a continuity with the El Cortez overall. It’s clear that both the artists, as well as curator Spiegel, want this particular mural to become an enduring facet of the downtown experience.
“If you’re an artist and you’re charged with an idea like this,” says Bavington, “you want to make it something people want to make permanent. And you want it to be something that people want as part of the community.” Sush Machida: sushmachida.com Tim Bavington: timbavington.com Life Is Beautiful: lifeisbeautiful.com
The Culture Issue | September - October 2014 | 17
ARTS
3 CHARLIE, CLARA, AND CABRERA
delightful stages
Written by Jennifer Cornet
Between Charlie and Elphaba, George Balanchine and The Sugarplum Fairy, and Donato and Voigt, this fall’s performance arts season is sure to delight!
The curtain will soon rise on The Smith Center’s third season, Las Vegas Philharmonic’s sixteenth season and Nevada Ballet Theatre’s forty-third season. Alone, each organization is spectacular, but together they have redefined the performing arts scene in Las Vegas. The architecture of The Smith Center creates the most unforgettable setting; the history of Nevada Ballet Theatre’s ballerinas is unparalleled in Las Vegas; and the Philharmonic’s musicians bring it all to life.
Nevada Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker, Choreographed by James Canfield. Ballet photos by VTP/Alicia Lee
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The Smith Center for the Performing Arts This season, The Smith Center’s Broadway Series will launch the national tour of Kinky Boots (September 4-15). Charlie Price has reluctantly inherited his father’s shoe factory, which is on the verge of bankruptcy. Trying to live up to his father’s legacy and save his family business, Charlie finds inspiration in the form of Lola. A fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos, Lola turns out to be the one person who can help Charlie become the man he’s meant to be. After seeing Myron Martin sporting his own pair of red, glitter thigh highs to celebrate the season opener, I knew this one had to be special. I can’t wait to tap my boring, black peep toes along to the award-winning Cyndi Lauper score. Other season highlights include Wicked (October 8 – November 9) and Pippen (November 25 – 30). thesmithcenter.com
Nevada Ballet Theatre In December, Clara will celebrate her third Christmas on the Reynolds Hall stage when Nevada Ballet Theatre presents James Canfield’s The Nutcracker. Each year this holiday classic has evolved, and I can’t wait to see what Canfield brings this season. From the mischievous mice to the moonlit snow, Act I will surely redefine the meaning of tradition. In Act II, I look forward to watching Clara dream through the divertissements with elegance and grace and tiptoe between imagination and reality. NBT will feature eight shows, all with musical accompaniment by members of the Las Vegas Philharmonic (December 13 – 21). Other autumn highlights include George Balanchine’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream Act 1 and Paul Vasterling’s Seasons (September 20 and 21) and A Choreographers’ Showcase in collaboration with Cirque du Soleil (October 26 and November 2). nevadaballet.com
Las Vegas Philharmonic On September 27, the Las Vegas Philharmonic will mark a new era by introducing Maestro Donato Cabrera as its music director. Cabrera shares, “As I begin my first year as music director of the Las Vegas Philharmonic… I’m thrilled and honored to be joining this talented group of musicians and to become a part of this vibrant musical community. As I think about future seasons, I am truly excited by the endless possibilities we have for creativity and something else that Las Vegas is known for— delivering spectacular, unforgettable performances.”
Photo by Anastasia Chernyavsky
I am excited to meet Maestro Donato through his musical dialogue this season. Highlights include Donato’s opener Masterworks Series I featuring special guest soprano, internationally renowned opera superstar Deborah Voigt (September 27). In addition, I look forward to the Pops Series II where Maestro Donato will lead the Las Vegas Philharmonic along with the men and women of the Las Vegas Master Singers and other special guests to present the annual holiday favorite celebrating with classics from Tchaikovsky, Vaughan Williams, and Leroy Anderson in a symphonic sleigh ride (December 6). lvphil.org
The Culture Issue | September - October 2014 | 19
Life’s better when we’re connected®
to potential
to talent
to inspiration Nothing helps people connect like the arts — to themselves, to each other and across cultures. It’s why we’re supporting a wide range of organizations, from leading, world-class art institutions to local, community-based programs, including Museums on Us right here in Las Vegas. It’s an ongoing effort that’s helping to inspire, strengthen and fuel the cultural and economic health of our communities.
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ARTS
VE G A S C REATE S
VEGAS CREATES
GRAp HICS
Showcasing every aspect of art and design from the talented and eclectic mix of people who make Las Vegas home.
ARCH ITEC TURE
Hoogland Architecture believes in the positive effect of great architecture in peoples’ lives and the ability of architecture to heighten the senses, to nurture, and to inspire. They endeavor to create spaces and places that are original, authentic, and specific. Casa Sombra (Shade House) affords its owners refuge and respite, all while sustaining an experimental connection to the exterior. An intentionally austere exterior facade, punctuated only occasionally by windows openings, wrap itself around an internal courtyard delineated with floor-toceiling glass. This pocket of light can be experienced from no fewer than 6 interior spaces. A shade canopy with digitally generated patterns (recalling stippled light filtered thru a mesquite tree) provides transitional light between the extremes of exterior and interior, and speaks to the significance of the natural and man-made shelters desert dwellers have sought for millennia. hooglandarchitecture.com
Aid for Aids of Nevada (Black & White party creative shown above), DISCOVERY Children’s Museum, Three Square Food Bank, Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada. What do all these non profit companies have in common? Pink Kitty Creative! Pink Kitty provides video production, website design, branding and print design that builds brands, creates awareness, wins fans, and increases customer loyalty for non profits. With over a decade of experience in brand strategy and design... they get it! | pinkkittycreative.com
FASH ION
SCULP TURE
Somewhere between the acts of turning raw wood logs into fun and functional room décor, and showing his love of pop culture on hand-made wood “canvases” through various sources and treatments, Josh Edwards’ passion was born. The medium is always wood. The style is always minimalist. The art pieces he makes are always ones that he would personally put up in his home, and he often does. | nerdwooddesigns.com
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Upstate Empire Clothing Company is an LGBTQ and ally fashion line that signifies equality and unity in the community. As a member of the gay community I wanted to create a brand that anyone can identify with. Use promo code “pride” to get $5.00 off your next purchase. upstatempire.com
pAIN TING
Upon becoming a parent, one sees the world once again through young eyes. The fascinations of youth surge forward to reassert their rightful place of prominence in our collective memories. Planes, trains, and ships reaffirm their imposing silhouettes of substance, as we view them through the gaze of this second youth. Board games and figurines suggest a world of imagined histories unfolding as we orient our now adult vision to the simple perspective plane of a child’s view. In the revisitation of these moments, a surprisingly sophisticated connection through time becomes established between the generations of the young and aging. Through a diverse collection of materials and techniques, these paintings, drawings, and assemblages seek to pay homage to the legitimacy of these deceptively simple, yet profound moments of play. In doing so, one realizes that there was indeed a “Clarity of Youth”. quoting artist Kevin Chupik. after receiving his M.F.a. from the University of Colorado at boulder in 1995, Kevin moved to las vegas, where he has been living and teaching painting, drawing, and design at the College of Southern Nevada. a lifetime of interest in imagery, history, language, and travel has fed numerous bodies of work, spanning the last two decades. Kevin’s work is amongst private collections throughout the U.S. and Canada. His newest exhibition “Clarity of Youth” will be available at brett Wesley Gallery october 2 - 31. Meet Kevin at the opening exhibition on october 2, from 6:00 - 9:00pm. | brettwesleygallery.com
the Culture issue | September - october 2014 | 23
ARTS
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VE G A S C REATE S
FILM
AUDIO MUSIC
Talbot Snow has more titles than will fit on a business card: Musician, Producer, Director, Sound Engineer, Photographer, Videographer, and the list goes on. He has been shooting/editing photography and video for many years. His artistic eye, combined with solid technical skills results in a quality level that’s hard to beat. If you’re looking to create a project with a little more edge, or need an amazing recording studio, check out soundmasterslv.com. | talbotsnow.com
MAK ER
Ever daydream about having command over your own army of robots? You aren’t alone. Artist/engineer duo Sarah Petkus and Mark Koch are building a collective of miniature delta robots for an interactive light installation that can be controlled with a human’s physical gestures. By means of body motion, facial expression, and even potentially neural input, one will be able to choreograph this vibrant field of light as if the robots were an extension of the body. If you’re curious to experience this display of real-life mechanical sorcery, follow the project on Facebook/RobotArmyLLC and seek out the army in town once it’s deployed this fall! | robot-army.com
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Music Together© is the internationally recognized early childhood music and movement program for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and the grown-ups who love them. Melanie Ron, director of City Lights Music Together, has been singing, dancing and sharing the joy of family music in Las Vegas for the past 9 years. Music Together Classes encourage parents to expose their children to every possible opportunity to learn and grow. Join them this fall in Summerlin, Henderson, NW, SW and Downtown to experience this awardwinning program firsthand and discover the pleasure and developmental benefits of Music Together. | citylightsmusictogether.com
CURA TION
PHOT OGRA PHY
Downtown Project’s “The Window”, a multi-purpose space located at The Ogden (southeast corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Ogden Avenue), is a destination for live art installations, a co-working space, and also functions as a co-learning classroom. Downtown Project tours meet and start at The Window, and the space is available during the day for working or meeting. facebook.com/dtpwindow
photo: Talbot Snow
CULi NARY
Carson Kitchen, Kerry Simon’s downtown American gastro-pub, offers a menu focused on shared plates and also offers sandwiches, entrees and flatbreads. Unique dishes with striking presentations include devil’s eggs topped with pancetta and caviar, rootbeer-braised short rib sliders, veal meatballs with sherry foie gras cream, as well as the Butter Burger. | carsonkitchen.com
Richard Julio is a Las Vegas photographer who specializes in fashion and portraiture. Inspired by various art mediums Richard blends concepts to create unique and original photos for his clients. In addition, he also shoots a variety of other subjects from fictional characters for cosplay to a macro photography series based around the lives of Legos. | RJPLV.com
The Culture Issue | September - October 2014 | 25
ARTS
1892 DREAM A
Nutcracker first premiered
LITTLE DREAM
Two Nevada Ballet dancers offer a glimpse behind the curtain.
Written by Jeanette Schneider Photography Anna Olga Hawkes
t is the first class of a new season and Artistic Director James Canfield instructs the dancers as they move through barre, beads of sweat across muscles not yet hidden by tights and tulle. One dancer is healing from a sunburn, her shoulders peeling as she rises and falls into her plies. While the casual observer may see athletes and artists returning from a summer break, those who look closely will see the dreams of six-year olds who once sat mesmerized as they watched Clara dance with her Nutcracker.
O I
The moment Mary LaCroix and Krista Baker knew they wanted to dance, there was nothing else. They spoke of fearlessness in the studio and transcendence on stage. When the lights frame them and guests who don’t know of an injured knee fill the black void, they become hyper-aware with years of training and heightened senses to guide. When the curtain rose on Serenade no one knew of the tears that slid down Krista’s cheeks the moment she heard the audience gasp. They don’t know that at the closing of Romeo and Juliet a dancer ran into the wings crying. While a child at the edge of their theatre seat likely saw Mary as the person they most wanted to be, Mary had achieved a lifelong dream. She, a girl who saw Nutcracker at six and dreamed of being a ballerina, was dancing as Juliet. Canfield spoke of what dancers must accomplish to play these characters. “I have to take them through life faster than it has come to them. A dancer with little life experience has to fall in love, be betrayed, and die in one night. Then she’s reviewed.” The ballerinas must research and perfect character development
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for the theater aspect of the performance. Still, many refer to the dancers as athletes not actors. Krista smiled when I mentioned the most recent Under Armour ad featuring Misty Copeland, ballerina soloist with American Ballet Theatre, which knocks the image of ballet as a sleepy art form on its taut rear: “It’s time. Ballet isn’t going anywhere. We’re not just classical anymore. You’re going to like us.” The ballerina’s biggest fear is the day they have to stop dancing. Mary shared a quote from a former director, “A dancer dies two deaths. One is on the day they retire.” James doesn’t want them to worry about a short career and instead reminds them of their passion and all that they can accomplish through dance. He also insists they give everything, “You cannot let that little girl in the audience down on Sunday afternoon because you don’t feel like Clara today. You are her dream.” In a time when many people feel emotion through keystrokes and behind
screens, the dancers argue that we all long to connect on a human level. There is often delayed applause, and the dancers understand they have so transported the audience that they need to give them a moment to realize the act is over.
that you visit his “house.” I simply ask that you silence your phone, your week, and get lost in the blur of muscle, sinew. and story that remind us that we were all six once upon a time.
The reactions dancers anticipate most are when they showcase their own work in Studio Series. James questions them about their choreography and pushes them to a place that is uncomfortable. They are timid at the microphone while they explain inspiration and hint at experience that taunts. Their muscular bodies betray as they quietly slink away. The lights dim and limbs and storyline smack the audience in the face. Mary says, “Movement is my sentence.” I argue she punctuates her sentence with an exclamation mark that makes you wonder what she has done to leave you breathless. If Mary and Krista ask one thing, it is that people experience the magic of live performance. James would likely ask
The Culture Issue | September - October 2014 | 27
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Lifestyle
LIFESTYLE
4 MAKING
new residents
LAS VEGAS HOME
Non-gaming industries attract talent from around the globe.
Written by Sarah Vernetti Photography by Lucky Wenzel
ver 150 years ago, settlers began to flock in greater numbers to the springs that nourished what is now the Las Vegas Valley. Today, people still gather in Las Vegas, relocating from cities across the world. Like their predecessors, these talented newcomers are helping to shape the city’s ever-changing cultural landscape.
O
Marc Lineveldt, Executive Creative Director at SK+G, moved to Las Vegas in March 2014. In addition to getting up-to-speed on the firm’s clients, which include Baha Mar, Borgata Hotel and Casino, Vdara Hotel and Spa, and the Las Vegas-based Andre Agassi Foundation, Lineveldt also went about the task of transitioning to life in Southern Nevada. Adjusting to a different city was not a new experience for Lineveldt. Originally from South Africa, he spent the early years of his career in Johannesburg and Cape Town before moving to London. He also worked in Dubai for six years before he relocated to Atlanta and later Las Vegas. “I adapted pretty easily. The world has become a huge international city,” says Lineveldt of his experiences living around the globe and transitioning from one diverse city to another. It helped that Las Vegas reminded Lineveldt of Dubai since both cities offer its residents the chance to live among an eclectic group of people, many of whom have relocated from elsewhere.
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Who can thrive in a diverse, constantly evolving environment like Las Vegas? According to Lineveldt, “...people with an adventurous spirit.” When he came to the United States, it was that adventurous attitude that drew Lineveldt to cities like Atlanta and Las Vegas rather than following a more predictable career path to New York or San Francisco. “Las Vegas feels like home because it’s under the radar,” he says. Malcolm and Sarah Cohen moved to Las Vegas in September 2009. Rabbi Cohen currently leads the congregation at Temple Sinai in Summerlin. “I was a rabbi in a big synagogue in London, and we were looking at the next stage in my career,” he says of their decision to move from England to Southern Nevada. “We thought a rabbi in Vegas would be really hilarious,” says Sarah. However, what started out as an amusing idea became a real possibility after a successful weekend visit. In Las Vegas, the Cohens saw the opportunity to help a congregation grow. Partnering with other community leaders through Nevadans for the Common Good, the Cohens and Temple Sinai have worked on issues like human trafficking, the vulnerable elderly, and public education.
According to Rabbi Cohen, Las Vegas is the kind of place where change can happen quickly. “You can have an impact in a short period of time.” As for the transition to life in Las Vegas, the Cohens found it surprisingly easy to make new connections when they arrived since many people they met had also relocated from elsewhere. “I like the fact that it’s relatively easy to make friends because, in the sense, everyone’s in a similar situation. The friendships happen quicker,” says Sarah. Like the Cohens, photographer Kirsten Clarke found the people of Las Vegas to be welcoming and friendly. Clarke moved to the valley three years ago from Vancouver and has become an active member of the arts community. As a volunteer, she was part of the initial group of downtown professionals who helped Amy Finchem found COLAB, a local architecture and design gallery. Clarke also started the 18x18 speaker series through which local artists discuss their work. “The people we’ve met have all been supportive, welcoming, and friendly. If you want to do something crazy and unique, you have the opportunity to do it. There are people who are more than happy to support you and be there for you.”
Marc Lineveldt, Executive Creative Director at SK+G
The Culture Issue | September - October 2014 | 31
LIFESTYLE
9
- hour drive
|
R E G I O N A L T R AV E L By 1910, the Santa Fe city fathers
SANTA FE
realized that the centuries-old tradition of Pueblo and Spanish architecture was
Written by Durette Candito
no longer a liability, but an asset that would help attract tourism.
Upcoming Events in Santa Fe September 20 and 21, 2014 Santa Fe Renaissance Fair September 24 - 28, 2014 Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta September 27 - 28, 2014 Northern New Mexico Fine Arts and Crafts Guild Last two weekends of September High Road to Taos Art Tour
t has been described as the most European city in the United States, and I’d have to agree. Santa Fe is a truly unique place. Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, it is surrounded by breathtaking scenery and some of the oldest architecture in the country. The Spaniards settled here amongst the American Indian tribes, and the melding of style and culture is like no where else in the world.
I
My husband and I married in the First Presbyterian Church, the oldest Presbyterian church in New Mexico and Arizona. John Gaw Meem, one of the area’s most influential architects, designed the current structure which sits in the center of town. Meem was instrumental in the creation of the 1957 Historical Zoning Ordinance which guarantees Santa Fe will always preserve its historical architecture. Around the corner from the church is the Palace of the Governors. Originally built to serve as Spain’s seat of government in the 17th century, it is now a fabulous museum showcasing the history of the area. Native American craftsmen and women still peddle their wares on its porch every day of 32 | blvdslv.com
the year. Perhaps that’s why so many people consider Santa Fe to be so European. Everywhere you walk, there are wonderful old houses, old gates and doors, old patios, worn brick paths, and… Need I say more? Immerse yourself in the local scene by grabbing the PasaTiempo section of the Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper and mapping out your evening stroll to take in all off the galleries that are hosting receptions. Park your car, get out, and stroll along the Acequia Madre, an irrigation canal that dates to 1731 and still operates today. Running parallel to Canyon Road, it is one of the most famous spots for gallery hopping. This section of Santa Fe hosts arguably some of the best art in the world. Lift a glass to the spirits around you. The gallery you’re standing in was probably someone’s home 200 years ago.
DISTANCE: 632 miles - 9 hour drive CLOSEST AIRPORT: Santa Fe Municipal Airport, 14 miles away. santafe.org
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LIFESTYLE
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LOCAL ESCAPE
ART IN THE DESERT Written by Stefanie Van Aken Photography by Talbot Snow
L
Gallery Row in The Crystals showcases awardwinning art by American Masters.
ocals can escape from suburbia and get lost in the sophistication of a cosmopolitan city by viewing thought-provoking public art displays and inspirational works of art.
The architects and developers behind City Center wanted it to be just that—a beat in the pulse of Las Vegas for tourists and locals alike, located in the center of the city. Beyond glamorous designer shopping, dining, and world class accommodations, City Center offers locals the chance to escape from suburbia and get lost in the sophistication of a cosmopolitan city filled thought-provoking public art displays and inspirational works of art. Gallery Row at The Crystals in City Center contributes a unique array of beauty found in nature, glass and bronze by award winning American artists, all within minutes from any corner of the Valley. Leave the baron desert scape behind and explore wilderness through the lens of Rodney Lough, Jr. at the Rodney Lough, Jr. Wilderness Collections Gallery. The rich colors, use of lighting, and perspective are meant to evoke a feeling of standing in the image. For over 40 years, Rodney has captured scenic landscapes throughout North America with award-winning photos. Most recently, Rodney’s image of Swan Lake—shot at the Denali National 34 | blvdslv.com
Park and Preserve in Alaska—captured the Grand Prize in the Smithsonian’s Wilderness Forever Photo Contest. Swan Lake is now part of the Smithsonian’s permanent collection. In December 2015, Swan Song, a 200-page coffee table book filled with Rodney’s images and featuring Swan Lake as its cover image, will hit bookstores. Pre-orders are available now through the Rodney Lough Jr. Wilderness Collections Gallery. (theshopsatcrystals.com/rodney-lough-jr) Says Lough, “The world is a remarkable place full of beauty and splendor. To witness the simple grandeur of creation, the miracle of nature, is perhaps all that we need.” An explosion of color and an intrigue of the mind introduce the glass art of Chihuly at The Gallery featuring Dale Chihuly. Most Las Vegas locals and tourists know Chihuly for his famous flowers covering the ceiling of the Main Lobby in the Bellagio, but his work is on view in museums and as impressive architectural installations around the world. The Gallery featuring Dale Chihuly showcases 4,350 square feet of his sculptures, drawings and prints. Chihuly’s use of color and form with glass have made him an important contributor in the contemporary art world. (theshopsatcrystals.com/gallery-featuring-dale-chihuly)
2014 Artwalk ���� ��� & ������ ������ FREE ADMISSION & FREE PARKING
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A performer’s body is a work of art in itself. Through his bronze sculptures, Richard McDonald captures the swift movements, defined curvature, and minute muscular details of the Cirque du Soleil performers who climb, twist, and fly through the air with seemingly little effort. Of McDonald, author Tom Wolfe says, “(Richard McDonald is) one of those rare artists who can feel the body in motion from the inside out.� The Art of Richard McDonald presented by Cirque du Soleil embraces the beauty of the human body and physical feats as an art form with its sleek design concepts and 40-foot waterfall as the cornerstone. McDonald’s subjects come alive through his intricate production, and the final presentation is full of grace. The gallery features over 50 bronze sculptures by McDonald in over 3600 square feet in this world premier sculpture display. (theshopsatcrystals.com/art-richard-macdonald). theshopsatcrystals.com
OCTOBER 25 & 26 Boca Park Fashion Village ArtWalk Rampart at W. Charleston in Las Vegas
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LIFESTYLE
|
Y O U N G AT H E A R T
DOTTIE-DO
DOES it “People don’t realize all of the things we toss every day. It gives me passion to know that I created something.” says Dottie Do.
No one should end the journey of life alone, afraid, or in pain.
Written by Joy Bellis
Ms. Dottie Turner, also known as “Dottie Do” takes something old and makes it new again. Dottie says she probably came out of her mother’s womb recycling everything in site. It’s a family thing for her mother and her sister too. Dottie sees nothing that she can’t turn into an adorable gift item for friends or family.
I
When then-Senator Barack Obama was campaigning for the presidency, Dottie took several of the posters that campaigners discarded and turned them into place mats. She had the opportunity to present one to the President himself on one of his visits to Las Vegas. She has another one that she plans to give directly to Michelle Obama in person.
For three decades, Southern Nevada’s physicians have entrusted Nathan Adelson Hospice with quality in-patient and home care services for their patients. We have board-certified physicians in hospice and palliative care, on-site pharmacies, a full range of complementary therapies, physician visits to patient homes and the valley’s only comprehensive pediatric hospice program. As always, our primary concern is for our patients’ comfort, care and dignity.
Discarding “stuff” that can be made over into something desirable has become a way of life for Dottie. She encourages everyone to get involved in recycling, restoring, and redoing for the sake of the planet and for the appreciation of the people we’re gifting. For more information, contact Dottie at dmaecreativecrafts@yahoo.com.
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(702) 733-0320
www.nah.org
College of Southern Nevada Department of Fine Arts
BY ANNIE BAKER 2009 Obie Award for Best New American Play
BackStage Theatre October 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 • 7 p.m. October 12, 19 • 2 p.m.
702-651-LIVE(5483) www.csn.edu/pac Presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc.
@CSNTheatre
/CSNTheatre
CSN is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. For more information, visit http://www.csn./nondiscrimination
October 7 MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP CONCERT October 10-19 “CIRCLE MIRROR TRANSFORMATION” by Annie Baker October 28 INFORMAL DANCE CONCERT November 7 & 8 VOCAL JAZZ SOLO NIGHTS November 14-23 “THE SEA GULL” by Anton Chekhov December 1 ORCHESTRA December 5 & 6 FALL DANCE CONCERT December 7 JAZZ COMBOS & JAZZ SINGERS December 8 MARIACHI BAND December 9 CONCERT BAND December 10 BIG BAND & STEEL DRUM BAND CONCERT December 11 WINTER CHORAL CONCERT
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LIFESTYLE
HOW? NOW! Written by Temple Kinyon
H
ow does a cow named Ellie who is surviving in a Las Vegas dog pound end up living the ultimate farm life? Through Barn Buddies Rescue, of course.
Sharon and Glenn Linsenbardt started the non-profit in 2012, but their mission has been around since 1961 with the inception of their parent organization, The Las Vegas Farm. “We provide the best quality of life for abandoned farm animals,” said Farmer Sharon. “We don’t breed or butcher, so we’re really full. I’d love more adult volunteers to help us out. I’ll teach anything to anyone who wants to learn.” All revenue from visitors and events goes to provide shelter, food, and veterinary care for the animals, which include cows like Ellie, goats, pigs, peacocks, bunnies, and a snuggly corn snake. You can visit them weekends from 9:00 AM until dusk at 7222 West Grand Teton Drive. Be sure to check out The Farm Fall Harvest Festival the last three weekends in October. Interested in how you can help? Contact Farmer Sharon at 702.982.8000, or barnbuddiesrescue.org for more details.
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F L AV O R
6th street downtown
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LOCAL CHEF
MATT ANDREWS EXECUTIVE CHEF AT CARSON KITCHEN Written by Jillian Plaster Photography Peter Harasty
fter two months of business at Kerry Simon’s downtown Carson Kitchen, first-time executive chef Matt Andrews has found a steady rhythm in his kitchen. He gained possession of the space just five days before opening and crammed in everything from training to dish washing. Despite this challenge, the restaurant opened to stellar reviews and has been winning over customers since day one.
A
Though this is his first time as head honcho, Andrews is no stranger to Simon’s restaurants. He has been with Simon for seven-and-a-half years, working his way up from a line cook position at Simon’s Los Angeles restaurant, LA Market. Coming from a family of skilled home cooks, Andrews immediately felt in sync with Kerry’s cooking style of contemporary comfort food. The menu at Carson Kitchen was a true collaborative effort reflecting this style, with seasonal rotations of unique dishes like tempura green beans with pepper jelly cream cheese and black rice and oxtail risotto with parmesan cream. The gratitude Andrews feels because Simon has given him the opportunity to run his own restaurant is palpable. Though the famous chef has several other restaurants, Carson Kitchen has become his pride and joy. The restaurant’s design echoes the vibe of Simon’s home with the communal tables reminiscent of the large picnic table in his own kitchen. Andrews is thrilled to be a part of restaurant so near to Simon’s heart. No doubt this is not only an emotional journey for him but also a professional one as his friend and mentor Simon is battling a particularly aggressive form of Parkinson’s.
Veal Meatballs sherry foie gras cream
The patience and confidence Andrews has acquired throughout the process of opening Carson Kitchen will certainly help him achieve his goal of becoming executive chef of the newly formed Simon Hospitality Group, which controls five restaurants in both Las Vegas and Chicago. Currently, however, he is happy to be basking in the glory of a New York Times article praising the restaurant as one of the city’s better off-Strip restaurants. Carson Kitchen 124 S. 6th Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101 702.473.9523 | carsonkitchen.com “Devil’s” Eggs crispy pancetta, caviar 42 | blvdslv.com
7
cheese locations
Our favorite off-strip spots for artisanal cheese and wine
Whether you’re an aspiring cheesemonger, or someone who just knows there’s more to life than Tilamook but isn’t sure where to turn, this list of gems can be used as a guide for a fromage-inspired culinary journey through the Valley. DOWNTOWN Scullery 150 Las Vegas Blvd. N., Suite 190 (The Ogden Building) Las Vegas, NV 89101 702.910.2396 | facebook.com/scullerylv A minimum age of 25 to enter, booths that allow for total privacy, and a bar that encourages group discussions with strangers is a recipe for the perfect chaosfree night. Trust Scullery’s resident expert, Claudia Torres-Gomez, to create a custom cheese and charcuterie plate for your table, and prepare to be amazed. SOUTHEAST Double Helix Wine & Whisky Lounge (Town Square) 6599 Las Vegas Blvd. S. Las Vegas, NV 89119 702.735.9463 | doublehelixwine.com The owners’ picks of ten varietals make their daily happy hour a perfect place to explore new wines with friends. The aged gouda and manchego are not to be missed. HENDERSON Sunset & Vines 40 Costa Di Lago Henderson, NV 89011 702. 382.7900 | sunsetvines.com Savor the Brillat Savarin, a triple cream cow’s milk cheese, and a glass of bubbles at a table with a view of Lake Las Vegas.
WEST SUMMERLIN Vintner Grill 10100 W. Charleston Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89135 702.214.5590 | vglasvegas.com Enjoy the Sainte-Maure goat cheese and glass of earthy Pinot Noir on the Moroccan-light lined patio, and you’ll forget you’re in Vegas.
Written by Stephanie Pierotti
EAST SUMMERLIN Marché Bacchus 2620 Regatta Dr, Ste 106 Las Vegas, NV 89128 702.804.8008 | marchebacchus.com Discover a new favorite wine at their weekly wine tasting, every Saturday from 11:30am to 1:00pm, and stay for a lakeside lunch, complete with ducks and swans.
SOUTH SUMMERLIN Due Forni 3555 S Town Center Dr, Ste 105 Las Vegas, NV 89135 702.586.6500 | dueforni.com Although Due Forni is best known for their Neapolitan and Roman pizzas, don’t be surprised to find chefs from around town - still in their whites - who have traversed the city just to enjoy the phenomenal stracciatella from Due Forni’s “mozzarella bar”, while sampling from the impressive collection of Italian wines on their by-theglass list. WESTSIDE The View Wine Bar & Kitchen (MarketLV at Tivoli Village) 420 S. Rampart Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89145 702.280.7390 | viewwinebar.com A nice spot to take a break when you want to switch gears from shopping to peoplewatching. Visit the View Cheese Shoppe across the hall and take home yummy late-night snack. A delightful assortment from Scullery on the corner of 6th and Ogden downtown Las Vegas.
The Culture Issue | September - October 2014 | 43
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Joyce tells her clients, “we are not just the sum of our possessions, or even our accomplishments. Everything is temporary and there is always a higher purpose.” She has applied that several projects throughout the valley helping to organize free community festivals and vegetable gardens for veterans in honor of her son who recently passed away. For more about Joyce Sgro Sportsman head over to her website to see the properties she represents joycesportsman.com or call 702.727.7182 The Russell Group 7560 W. Sahara #101, Las Vegas, NV 89117 Liscense # S-0169809
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F L AV O R
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locations
ETHNIC CUISINE
CHEF LEE BRINGS STRIP QUALITY
CUISINE TO LOCALS AT SOHO SUSHI
Angus Beef Gyoza
Written by Jillian Plaster
t’s been almost a year since Chef John Chien Lee opened his Southwest restaurant, Soho Sushi after leaving his position as executive chef of Social House. In that short period of time, he’s captured the attention of critics, foodies, neighbors, and industry workers with the simple mission of offering Strip-quality dishes at off-Strip prices. Chef Lee’s jovial personality and hospitality are equally as enticing a reason to return as the food, justifying his recent award as Best New Sushi Spot of 2014 by The Las Vegas Weekly.
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Chef Lee was born in Taiwan but made his way to Las Vegas via San Francisco and Stockton, California, where he began his career as a sushi chef. He worked his way up from sushi cook to executive chef at Social House over the course of seven years before deciding to fulfill his lifelong dream of opening his own restaurant. Grateful for the opportunity Social House afforded him, ethical Chef Lee did not poach employees from his former place of business when he left on good terms. In fact, he paid tribute to his ex-employer in his new restaurant’s name; Soho is an abbreviated version of Social House. Soho’s offerings are all delicious and of great value, but the rolls in particular are unsurpassed by any local sushi spot. The fish is superior, fried ingredients—such as tempura shrimp—are appropriately located on the outside of the roll so they don’t get soggy, and there is no imitation crab anywhere. Other favorite offerings include Ocean Going Trout Sashimi with pop rocks and citrusy yuzu juice, Miso Marinated Black Cod, and Bone-In Short Ribs with pee-wee potatoes and wasabi cream. At Happy Hour you can get Sashimi Tostadas for a dollar or Hydro Bibb Black Cod for four. NO matter how full you are, don’t miss trying the Matcha Green Tea Tiramisu made by Chef Leonard Phay of Social House.
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12 5 lbs. Angus ground beef 15 oz. Nira (or chives) 5 tbs. freshly grated ginger 5 tbs. sesame oil 5 tbs. soy sauce 5 tbs. oyster sauce 1 tbs. white pepper Combine all ingredients. Form into patties, and pan fry or grill. Another option is to wrap the patties in wonton wrappers and pan fry or steam.
Our Favorite Japanese Restaurants Osaka JAPANESE BISTRO 4205 W. Sahara Ave., Las Vegas 702.876.4988 10920 S. Eastern Ave., Henderson 702.616.3788 | lasvegas-sushi.com Don’t-Miss Dish: Teppan Grill Tiger Shrimp
SWEET TALK Spice up your holidays with Chocolate & Spice holiday cooking classes.
Kabuto 5040 Spring Mountain Rd., Las Vegas 702.676.1044 | kabutolv.com Don’t-Miss Dish: O-toro Raku 5030 Spring Mountain Rd., Las Vegas 702.367.3511 | raku-grill.com Don’t-Miss Dish: Foie Gras Custard Tip: Don’t miss Sweets Raku next door Yonaka Modern Japanese 4983 W. Flamingo Rd. Las Vegas 702.685.8358 yonakajapaneserestaurant.com Don’t-Miss Dish: Pokuyaki JJANGA 3650 S. Decatur Blvd., Ste 31, Las Vegas 702.453.3377 | jjangas.com Don’t-Miss Dish: Monkey Burrito Monta Chaya 9310 S. Eastern Ave., Ste 116, Henderson 702.331.5151 Don’t-Miss Dish: Shoyu Tonkatsu Kiyoshi 7780 S. Jones Blvd. Las Vegas 702.837.7300 tonkatsukiyoshi.com Don’t-Miss Dish: Donbur
hen Chef Megan Romano isn’t busy developing a her line of desserts sold to local and casino restaurants, competing in local cooking competitions, donating her talents to local charities, writing cookbooks like “It’s A Sweet Life” (amazon.com), or expanding her nationally distributed signature line of cookies, she offers monthly cooking classes at her bakery cafe.
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Decorating Class for Children Tuesday, October 21, 2014 - 4:00-5:00 p.m. Join the Chocolate & Spice team for some hands-on, fun-filled Halloween decorating class for children. Your kids will have the opportunity to channel their creativity and learn to add some Halloween spookiness to small individual cakes and cookie lollipops, with guidance from Chef Megan Romano. The $25.00 class also includes an afternoon snack and small beverage. Also available: Pie Making Class for Adults Tuesday, November 4, 2014 - 4:00-5:00 p.m. Cooking Class for Children Tuesday, December 9, 2014 - 4:00-5:00 p.m. Chocolate & Spice is located at 7293 W Sahara Ave., open from 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. daily, and offers breakfast and lunch in the cafe, as well as off-site catering services. chocolatenspice.com
The Culture Issue | September - October 2014 | 49
I n M y H u m b l e O p i n io n Written by
Amos Martinez
Project manager for The Modern
I have been an art lover all my life, and my parents raised me to appreciate the arts. I have visited art galleries and watched theater as long as I can remember. I always plan vacations around museums and art shows and will continue to do so throughout my life. After moving to Las Vegas in 2007, I immediately toured UNLV and sought out the local artists, art galleries, and museums. I became a member of the Las Vegas Art Museum and took in every First Friday downtown. I am thankful Las Vegas provides so many things for me to love and enjoy. In my search for art and culture, I have found many incredible, like-minded people who have become my friends.
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In conversations about art over the years, many people raised the concern that there is a lack of culture in Las Vegas. I, however, would disagree. Las Vegas does indeed have culture and has for quite a while. The definition of culture is “the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively.” The key word in the definition is ‘collectively.’ Las Vegas has had many manifestations of art culture: The Contemporary Arts Center (CAC), The Arts Factory, UNLV’s Marjorie Barrick and Donna Beam Galleries, The Charleston Heights Arts Center, The Las Vegas Art Museum, and so on.
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These institutions would not, and could not, have existed if demand from Las Vegas locals was nonexistent. No one institution, person, or event can create a society’s interest in the arts. However our tastes and discernments foster growth in creative outlets and establishments where artists and galleries can emerge. Every artist, every gallery, every performance, and every attempt, no matter how successful, has helped write the pages of our valley’s creative arts culture story. It is important to remember that our community is very young and that our population inflated quickly under unique circumstances. We cannot artificially manufacture an artistic and creative culture. It has to grow organically and will evolve through perseverance and dedication by those who desire such experiences. We need to realize that collectively we can encourage the process in our own way. One way to participate in the growth of Las Vegas’s arts and culture scene is through support for The Modern, a contemporary art museum which developers want to build in the downtown arts district. While the plan is still in the early development phase, with rallied support from our community, this project will indeed give our great city the museum it deserves. | themodernlv.org
The Culture Issue | September - October 2014 | 51
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Cover by: Tim Bavington and Sush Machida