issue 20
community l culture l design l flavor
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Thank you for the opportunity to serve you... for decades as Nevada lawyers, and as Greenberg Traurig since 2005. As we celebrate our five-year anniversary as Greenberg Traurig in Las Vegas, we reflect on the involvement our attorneys and staff have had in helping shape our Nevada community. We are grateful to have been a part of our state’s colorful history, its many successes and its tremendous growth. Today, GT’s Las Vegas office is home to 40 attorneys with decades of experience working in the Nevada business, legal and governmental communities. We are proud to offer the resources of an international law firm to our international city.
builtforprogress | Celebrating Five Years in Las Vegas
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AT T O R N E Y S I N 3 2 L O C AT I O N S ° | U S A L A W F I R M O F T H E Y E A R , C H A M B E R S G L O B A L AWA R D S
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The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and our experience. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Greenberg Traurig is a service mark and trade name of Greenberg Traurig, LLP and Greenberg Traurig, P.A. ©2010 Greenberg Traurig, LLP. Attorneys at Law. All rights reserved. Contact: Mark G. Tratos in Las Vegas at 702.792.3773. °These numbers are subject to fluctuation. §Greenberg Traurig was selected by Chambers and Partners as USA Law Firm of the Year, 2007. 9730
Water should not be like a box of chocolates.
As SNWA Lab Manager, Linda Blish makes sure our water meets or surpasses federal drinking water standards – with no surprises. Linda oversees a busy, highly trained staff. Did we mention busy? Together, they analyze our water 500,000 times a year. If you have questions about water quality – or if you’re looking for a supplemental water treatment system – contact the SNWA. No one knows more about water quality than your local water agency. Go to snwa.com, or call 258-3930.
JUNE 13
TH
, 2010
|
HILTON THEATER
|
LAS VEGAS HILTON
ANNUAL ’S 24TH AINBOW R N E D L GO
Performances Including Casts From Phantom, Jubilee, Viva Elvis, Jersey Boys and many more! www.goldenrainbow.org
Dedicated to serving those living with HIV/AIDS in souther n Nevada
GOLDEN RAINBOW WOULD LIKE TO THANK:
ARTICLES & HIGHLIGHTS
COMMUNIT Y Spotlights K athleen Boutin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frances Mar y Michael . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 12
Cord Blood America, Inc. Bank ing on Parents’ Desire to Hedge Against Disease . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14
Roos-N-More An Ed-Zoo-Cational Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18
Roos-N-More 18
C U LT U R E Great Expectations: A New Musical A Beloved Classic Takes the Stage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22
The Downtown Children’s Cultural Series Affordable Ar ts for All . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27
Upcoming Events Check Out the BLVDS Events Calendar for Upcoming Local Events . . . . . . . . . .
Children’s Cultural Series 27
30
DESIGN Haute Dogs Vegas Rock Dog Makes Fido Fashion For ward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
34
F L AV O R Success is a Family Affair Local Businesses Thrive in Tough Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
40
Metro Pizza Kids Make I t—We Bake I t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
46
Haute Dogs 34
ON THE COVER: Photography contest winner Gavriella’s Playhouse ©Jodi Nelson-Springberg THIS PAGE: Snork ©Adam Shane; Historic 5th Street School ©City of Las Vegas; stylish pooches ©Greg Warden; milk and cookies cupcake ©James Tanksley
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issue 20 f a m i l y , k i d s & p e t s B L V D S L a s V e g a s 5
in th i s i ssu e
what’s inside
f ro m t h e p u b li sh er
THE BLVDS TEAM Jan Craddock President & Publisher Sherri Kaplan COO & Co-Publisher Pat Marvel Consulting Editor Kimberly Schaefer Managing Editor Randi Daniels Ar t Direction & Design Diane Bush Photo Editor
My dad and me, Father’s Day 1996.
EDITORIAL BOARD
This year celebrates our 4th issue of Family, Kids, and Pets at BLVDS, and I would like to dedicate this issue to my Dad, John E. Craddock II, who passed away on May 3rd after a well-lived life of 88 years. He was a father to seven children, a father fi gure to numerous neighborhood kids, and tolerated a wild range of pets that my sisters and I brought home. There were nights at our house when there were 12 to 20 people around the dinner table. I don’t know how he ever aff orded this, but all were welcome. My Dad was a large man who was always noticed when he walked into a room. He had a thirst for adventure and could recite a story, joke, or quip words of wisdom with a nod of his head and devilish smile. He loved Las Vegas, his home since 1952. He was a local dentist, aviator, sailor, chef, gardener, and a great citizen. Dad is survived by my mother, Nancy, who was truly his other half and an incredibly amazing woman in her own right. As we continue on, the things that I miss most are my Dad’s sense of humor, his friendship, and his belief in what I am doing …my Dad lives on. Go give your loved ones a big hug. Jan Craddock, Publisher
Brian Paco Alvarez Durette Candito Jack Chappell Audrie Dodge Rober t Dorgan Gina Gavan Nancy Higgins Wendy Jordan Wendy Kveck Pam Lang Debra March Randi Chaplin-Matushevitz Jason Roth Kimberly Maxson-Rushton Karen Rubel Kristin Sande Rick Sellers Shaun Sewell
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Becky Bosshar t Laura Coronado Hektor Esparza Brock Radke Kimberly Schaefer Eric Schellhorn Shaun Sewell
PHOTOGRAPHY
Adam Shane Tai Shane Jodi Nelson-Springberg James Tanksley Greg Warden
CONTAC T US
1000 N. Green Valley Pkwy, Suite 440-178 Henderson, NV 89074 (p) 386.6065 (f ) 386.6012 blvdslv.com
Copyright 2010, 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 eff ort was made to ensure the accuracy of 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.
6 B L V D S L a s V e g a s f a m i l y , k i d s & p e t s i s s u e 2 0
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b l vd s l v. c o m
CITY COUNCILWOMAN WHO BRINGS HER OWN EXPERIENCES WITH YOUTH HOMELESSNESS TO HER ADVOCACY FOR THE RIGHTS OF HOMELESS CHILDREN. FRANCES MARY MICHAEL IS A MOM WHO SHOWS US IT’S NEVER TOO LATE FOR DREAMS TO COME TRUE. MANY PARENTS ARE CHOOSING TO BANK THEIR BABY’S UMBILICAL CORD BLOOD. LEARN ABOUT THIS CONTROVERSIAL “BIOLOGICAL INSURANCE POLICY” AND LOCAL STORAGE FACILITIES. TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE AT ROOS-N-MORE, A ZOO OFFERING HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE WITH SOME OF NATURE’S MOST EXOTIC ANIMALS.
blvds communit y the local spotlight ARTICLES Spotlights Kathleen Boutin Fighting for the Valley’s Homeless Youth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Frances Mary Michael Living the Life Imagined . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Cord Blood America, Inc. Banking on Parents’ Desire to Hedge Against Disease . . . . . . . . . . 14 Roos-N-More An Ed-Zoo-Cational Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
THIS PAGE: Ian gets up close with Sayid ©Adam Shane
com m u n i t y
WE’RE PROUD TO SPOTLIGHT KATHLEEN BOUTIN, A HENDERSON
Find Your Passion! Cedar City
June 28 – October 23, 2010
Macbeth • The Merchant of Venice Much Ado about Nothing • Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps Great Expectations, a New Musical • Pride and Prejudice The Adventures of Pericles • Greater Tuna The Diary of Anne Frank
800-PLAYTIX bard.org
COMMUNIT Y the local spotlight
KATHLEEN BOUTIN
FIGHTING FOR THE VALLEY’S HOMELESS Sometimes a single traumatic incident in a
it was revealed that existing
person’s life can spark a fire so intense that even
institutions and charities were
after many years that fire burns just as brightly as
legally barred from providing
the day it was ignited.
vital services to homeless
Some people react to adversity with bitterness and resentment. Others accept defeat and cope with quiet resignation. Not homeless youth advocate and Henderson City Councilwoman Kathleen Boutin. Instead of accepting that indignity and injustice are part of life for Southern Nevada’s homeless young people, she has worked heroically
youth. With help from likeminded friends and colleagues she successfully lobbied to pass “Right to Shelter” legislation in 2001, allowing minors to receive services from homeless youth care providers.
Sometimes a single traumatic incident in a person’s
for more than a decade to brighten the futures of
Today Kathleen is still a
children that systems and society have failed.
formidable (read: ferocious)
life can spark a fire so intense that even after many
champion for homeless children.
years that fire burns just as brightly as the day it
She is the Founder of Nevada
was ignited.
It all started when Boutin was 12 and was arrested for being a runaway in Henderson. As she recalls, “Back then it was illegal to be a homeless child, and when I was arrested they treated me horribly.” Although she was only a child in an absolutely desperate situation, she was treated
Partnership for Homeless Youth (NPHY) and serves as
What’s your greatest indulgence?
the Executive Director of the
Chocolate.
Foundation for Homeless Youth.
little differently than an adult being punished for
Since its creation in 1999, Nevada Partnership for
criminal behavior.
Homeless Youth has provided services to some
Two years later, after escaping an intolerable home-life, she found herself in Child Haven. It was a time she describes as “the two most peaceful weeks of my childhood.” Two years after that, at
What’s one thing you want to do before you die? Get a law degree. I could see myself taking a
5,000 different children across the Las Vegas
job as a prosecutor in L.A. County putting away
Valley. Why should you care? Aside from the
pedophiles when I’m in my sixties. I think that
obvious reasons, Boutin says that 50% of homeless
would be fun.
youth become homeless adults. Where would you most like to travel?
the age of 16, she was legally emancipated from
And why does Boutin still care so much? The
Italy to see the countryside. I would also love to
her mother.
answer is best expressed in her own words: “There
see the inner workings of the Roman Catholic
was a point when I said to the universe, ‘I get it.’
Church.
In charge of her own destiny, she powered her way through college earning a bachelor’s degree and other credentials. Early in her career, Boutin
And I am going to drive this thing through until it is finished.”
What’s next? Opening an NPHY drop-in center in Henderson,
developed an eye for spotting opportunities and
With whom would you like to trade jobs?
then setting up an office in San Diego where
solving problems. While working for the Southern
I would want to have been someone who
services are badly needed for the area’s many
Nevada Health District, Boutin saw a need for
worked with Abraham Lincoln.
underserved homeless youth.
services for homeless children in the city. When
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the local spotlight COMMUNIT Y
FRANCES MARY MICHAEL
LIVING THE LIFE IMAGINED “It is never too late to be what you might have been.” English novelist George Eliot’s words, although penned long ago, seem utterly apropos to describe the life and passions of Frances Mary Michael. Like many moms, Michael put her own dreams on the back burner to care for her family. But now, with her children grown and raising children of their own, she is following her own
The North Carolina native relocated to Las Vegas
to work with her on those projects. She is also
to remain close to her retired parents. Michael
currently working on a cookbook featuring
studied dance growing up and in college, all the
primarily vegetarian recipes that focus on utilizing
while writing poetry. While in graduate school, her
homegrown fruits and vegetables.
interests turned to music. “I had always wanted to be a singer. I thought, ‘I could be Madonna. I can dance like that and sing like that.’ So I started writing songs,” she recalls.
And then there is her passion for music. Despite her numerous other projects, Michael wants to create another children’s CD while her three grandchildren are still little enough to enjoy them. She sees
dreams—as a singer, as a writer of poetry and
The difficulties of the music industry, and her own
music as an opportunity to touch children’s lives
children’s books, and as a cookbook author.
changing life—raising two children as a single
and encourage them to follow their dreams. She
mother—led her to evolve
says that as adults, we should not stand in the way
from an aspiring pop star to
of those dreams. Instead, we should “nurture the
a writer and performer of
imagination and say ‘yes’ to their dreams.” Surely a
children’s music, a genre that
belief that can apply to children and to adults who
she says allows her music to
still have their own dreams to follow.
have more longevity. “It won’t go out of style. It’s classic,” she explains. So she wrote her own songs and sang
Why do you get out of bed every morning? I believe there’s a purpose for my life. I’m very purpose-filled. I believe that we’re here to do something to make a difference. I get a chance
them all. She did all of her
to make a difference in every moment with
own silly, kid-friendly voices
every interaction I have in the world.
on her CDs. She even got her young family members involved. Her nephews lent their voices to the recordings. Michael sells her CDs online
Who is your favorite fictional character? I was always very fond of Alice in Wonderland. I would read that book over and over and over again.
on her eponymous website
Where would you most like to travel?
francesmary.com.
Bali and Thailand. Thai massage. Thai food.
Michael’s poetry writing has
Flowers. I love photography and flowers are one of my favorite subjects.
The difficulties of the music industry, and her
continued throughout her
own changing life—raising two children as
life, too. Last year, she self-
What’s next?
published a volume of her
Completing some projects that have been going
poems. She has also written
on for a long time. Completing the cookbook is
a single mother—led her to evolve from an aspiring pop star to a writer and performer of children’s music. 12 B L V D S
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several children’s books
huge. I have been wanting to do that for years.
and is seeking illustrators
f a m i l y, k i d s & p e t s
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b l vd s l v. c o m
Recovery Isn’t Simply a Goal, It’s Our Mission.
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CONTINUE THE CARE LONG-TERM ACUTE CARE HOSPITALS • NURSING AND REHABILITATION CENTERS • ASSISTED LIVING CENTERS
the local spotlight COMMUNIT Y
FACING PAGE: Cord blood samples at CBAI ©Adam Shane
ERIC SCHELLHORN
CORD BLOOD AMERICA, INC.
BANKING ON PARENTS’ DESIRE TO HEDGE AGAINST DISEASE It’s tempting to view the 20 waist-high, cylindrical
There is little question that stem cells derived
Curry credits her success at surviving Fanconi
freezers lined up in a climate-controlled cryogenic
from cord blood may be valuable for therapeutic
Anemia, a chronic disease that ultimately leads
storage room at Cord Blood America, Inc.’s new
or research purposes. But private cord banks
to bone marrow failure, to the transplant made
Las Vegas headquarters near McCarran
like Cord Blood America have more than their
possible by her parents’ decision to bank her sister
International Airport as the stuff of science fiction.
share of vocal critics. The American Academy of
Emily’s cord blood stem cells. Curry’s mother,
Pediatrics, for one, generally discourages parents
Lea Ann Stiller—an equally impassioned advocate
from banking their children’s own cord blood
for private cord blood banking—was recently
stem cells. “There currently is no scientific data to
tapped to lead Cord Blood America’s business
support [self ] transplantation,” the organization
development efforts. The family’s experience
states. “Most conditions that might be helped by
serves as an unusually powerful testimonial to
cord blood stem cells already exist in the infant’s
the benefits of private cord blood banking.
But to company founder, chairman, and CEO Matthew Schissler, there’s nothing otherworldly or fantastical about the liquid-nitrogen units that store about 20,000 umbilical cord blood stem cell samples for individuals and families throughout the United States. To him, they’re simply tools of a highly competitive and growing trade. About 30 U.S. companies now offer such private
cord blood and would not be used.” The AAP recommends as an alternative that parents donate
To Stiller, the most compelling argument in favor of private cord blood banking is what science
Ultimately, parents who buy
may yet discover about the utility and value of
calls “biological insurance policies” that can cost
in are hoping that stem cells
umbilical cord stem cells. “I can’t stress enough
between $85 and $200 per year after a one-time
harvested from their infant’s
collection fee of $1,500 to $3,000. Ultimately,
umbilical cord blood at birth
storage services, which amount to what Schissler
parents who buy in are hoping that stem cells
that if someone doesn’t understand the potential, they should educate themselves,” she says. “It’s all about the future. You have one chance to do this.
could, if necessary, be used later
You can’t go back and get this [blood] later.”
at birth could, if necessary, be used later in the
in the child’s life to treat deadly
A penny stock publicly traded on the Over the
child’s life to treat deadly or debilitating diseases,
or debilitating diseases, including
Counter Bulletin Board, Cord Blood America booked
including various leukemias and anemias.
various leukemias and anemias.
$3.2 million in revenues last year and reported
to public cord blood banks, which make stem
company’s accumulated deficit to $34.7 million.
cells available to anyone in need of a transplant.
This precarious position has, by the company’s
The exception, the group says, is when parents
own admission, “raised substantial doubt about
know that “a full sibling in the family has a medical
our ability to continue as a going concern,” as its
condition that could potentially benefit from cord
2009 annual report states. At the end of last year,
blood transplantation.”
the company was entirely dependent on external
harvested from their infant’s umbilical cord blood
“This is a growth industry,” Cord Blood America states in its online investor prospectus. “Only a few years ago, 5 percent of the 4 million women in the U.S. giving birth knew about preserving their umbilical cord blood, and 2 percent of these took advantage of [the service]. The number of samples stored has since been growing by 50 percent a
its latest net loss of $9.8 million, bringing the
financing to fund its operations.
year, and more than 4 percent of all those giving
With these sorts of criticisms in mind, Schissler
birth now preserve the umbilical cord.”
recently scored a coup by hiring 25-year-old New
But Schissler insists he’s laying the groundwork to
Yorker Natalie Curry as a company spokeswoman.
make the company profitable. “Over time, we need
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the local spotlight COMMUNIT Y
to solve our market-cap issues,” he admits.
to survive, but to solidify its place among the
But he claims to have raised $30 million from hedge
industry’s top players and withstand the shakeout
funds. And his refusal to follow the pharmaceutical
he sees as inevitable. Earlier this year, the company
industry’s customer-acquisition model, as many of
inked a license agreement with AXM Pharma, Inc.
his competitors do, will facilitate a move into the
that will provide Cord Blood America with royalties
black, he says. Rather than assigning sales teams
and an equity interest in AXM’s Chinese subsidiary,
to visit obstetrician’s offices, Cord Blood America
which is building a massive cord blood storage
is working to forge strategic relationships with
facility in China. Cord Blood America also recently
health insurance providers. “While the sales cycle
acquired a large stake in Stellacure GmbH, a
is longer, once established, [this] approach builds
German cord blood banking concern.
loyalty and reoccurring sales,” the company notes in its annual report.
In addition, Schissler has taken aggressive steps to scale back costs even as he looks at adding to
A self-described “quintessential entrepreneur” with
his overall headcount, which stood at 21 employees
the rapid-fire patter and boundless confidence
at the end of 2009. Moving the company’s
you’d expect from a former sales executive and
headquarters from a 2,300-square-foot
ad agency owner, Schissler has engineered
Santa Monica, Calif., office space to the cavernous,
several recent transactions and acquisitions that
17,000-square-foot new Las Vegas facility on Helm
he believes will enable his company not only
Drive—accomplished with the help of incentives
16 B L V D S
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For more information about Cord Blood America, visit their website at cordblood-america.com. Another local option for storing your child’s cord blood:
CellFreeze 8851 West Sahara Avenue Suite 110 Las Vegas 89117 360.4855 24 Hour Hotline: 496.5425 cellfreeze.com arranged with the assistance of the Nevada Development Authority—gave the company the ability to process its own cord blood samples and provided ample space for growth. Ultimately, he says, he could add freezers that would allow for the storage of up to 500,000 samples for his company and others at the Las Vegas headquarters.
b l vd s l v. c o m
OB/GYN Care
with a personal touch
Dr. Haslett specializes in: – General Gynecology – General Obstetrics – Adolescent Gynecology – Abnormal Bleeding – Pelvic Pain – Abnormal PAPS – Menopause – Bioidenticals – Essure – Fibroids and Ovarian Cysts – Contraception, and educating women Accepting most insurances.
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WE ARE EXPLORING THE INNER WORKINGS OF THE MIND IN THE HEART OF L AS VEGAS T h e Cl eve l an d Clinic Lo u Ru vo Ce nt e r fo r B rain H e alt h is n ow s e eing p atie nt s an d co n du c ting re s e arch. T h e S mit h Ce nt e r fo r t h e Pe r fo r ming A r t s is un d e r co nst r u c tio n. A n d a luxur y b o utiqu e h ot e l by Ch ar lie Palm e r is in t h e wo r k s. Sy mp h o ny Par k is t ransfo r ming d ow ntow n Las Ve g as into a co mmunit y o f wo r l d - cl as s m e dicin e an d cult ure.
w w w.symphonypark.com ©2010 Actual development may var y from developer’s vision. No guarantee can be made that development will proceed as described.
the local spotlight COMMUNIT Y FROM LEFT: Charlie with coati ©Adam Shane; Ian holds a baby kangaroo ©Tai Shane; mama and joey; Caico gets in on the fun ©Adam Shane
K I M B E R LY S C H A E F E R
ROOS-N-MORE
AN ED-ZOO-CATIONAL EXPERIENCE Ever dream about stroking the striking, striped
feather, scale, and size, the Holts met while
in Moapa. They didn’t plan to have a zoo in their
hide of a zebra? Have you ever wondered what
studying to become veterinarians in Louisiana.
yard. They didn’t plan to share their love of animals
the inside of a kangaroo’s pouch looks like? Would
After graduation from Louisiana State University
with so many other people. But that is exactly
you want to have a monkey “groom” you? Well,
veterinary school, the couple found themselves
what they are doing now at Roos-N-More.
your dreams can come true, your questions can
in Las Vegas running their own clinic. But Valerie
be answered, and you really can have experiences
always knew that her true passion was the care of
that seem downright unreal. And you won’t have
zoo animals, not the average family pet.
to travel very far to do it.
The Holt family now shares their compound with nearly 200 animals including two camels named Sayid and Jafar, a zebra named Razbe, otters
A diagnosis of chronic lupus and a self-described
named Snork and Sushi, and so many kangaroos
You and your family can do all of this and much,
“pity party” led Valerie to follow her dream of
that you may just think you’re in Australia. Of
much more at the aptly named Roos-N-More.
raising exotic animals. It all began with a wallaby
course, there are also lemurs, llamas, emus, two
Located in the rural area between Las Vegas and
joey in 2002, followed by several more baby
types of porcupines, and a bearcat. Commonly
Mesquite, Roos-N-More makes the town of Moapa an
kangaroos. As Valerie explains it, “They’re like
known species such as pigs and goats share their
animal lover’s paradise. It’s also a dream-come-true
potato chips. You can’t have just one.” Jay got in
desert home with species you may have never
for veterinarians Valerie and Jay Holt and their family.
on the exotic animal scene when he set his heart
heard of before like kinkajous, coatis, and cavies.
on owning a camel—a decision that lead to the
And the ringleader of all this fun is a capuchin
family’s relocation to a larger piece of property
monkey named Caico who seems to run the joint.
Lifelong lovers of animals of every stripe, spot,
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COMMUNIT Y the local spotlight
The Holt family now shares their compound with nearly 200
see into the pouch of one of the many kangaroos on site. In addition to their open zoo days each
Roos-N-More
month, Roos-N-More can also play host to school
746 Snowden Ranch Rd. Moapa, NV 89025 467.3585 roosnmore.org
animals including two camels
groups, family reunions, and birthday parties.
named Sayid and Jafar, a zebra
Keeping 200 animals well-fed and cared for is
named Razbe, otters named
a labor of love for the Holts, but it also requires
Snork and Sushi, and so many
a steady cash flow beyond the entrance and
kangaroos that you may just think you’re in Australia.
party fees that the organization earns. Friends of Roos-N-More is a 501(c)3 non-profit which allows them to accept donations from visitors or from
Make no mistake, this is not a zoo where you’ll
those interested in supporting the zoo’s mission.
be looking at animals from behind bars. Every
Donations can be made online via their website.
visit to Roos-N-More is an interactive, hands-on
Roos-N-More is licensed by the State of Nevada
experience where your guide will share not only
Department of Wildlife and is accredited by the
information with you, but also the chance to
Zoological Association of America.
TOUCH the amazing creatures in the zoo. You
So, load up your family and head down the
can pet a camel, feed a zedonk (a cross between
highway. You can make your own dreams come
a zebra and a donkey), stand face-to-face with
true in Moapa, just like the Holt family and all of
a sloth as it suns itself in a tree, and true to the
their furry and feathered friends.
June Open Zoo Dates Thursday, June 10 Tuesday, June 15 Saturday, June 19 Thursday, June 24 Wednesday, June 30 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Last tour begins at 2 p.m Entrance fee is $10 No reservations required
establishment’s name, you can even pet, feed, and
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AN AMBITIOUS MUSICAL PRODUCTION OF CHARLES DICKENS’ CLASSIC, GREAT EXPECTATIONS, THAT EXPRESSES THROUGH SONG AND STORY THIS BELOVED TALE OF FRIENDSHIP, REJECTION, FAMILY, AND LOVE. THE DOWNTOWN CHILDREN’S CULTURAL SERIES RETURNS WITH BANJO TO BEATBOX AT THE HISTORIC FIFTH STREET SCHOOL. CHECK IT OUT FOR A HIGH QUALITY CULTURAL EXPERIENCE THAT’S AFFORDABLE AND ENTERTAINING FOR ALL AGES.
blvds culture
entertainment & activities
ARTICLES Great Expectations: A New Musical A Beloved Classic Takes the Stage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 The Downtown Children’s Cultural Series Affordable Arts for All . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Upcoming Events Check Out the BLVDS Events Calendar for Upcoming Local Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
THIS PAGE: Randall L. Jones Theatre ©Utah Shakespearean Festival
cultu re
THIS SUMMER THE UTAH SHAKESPEAREAN FESTIVAL MOUNTS
e n t e r t a i n m e n t & a c t i v i t i e s C U LT U R E
FACING PAGE: Pip ©Utah Shakespearean Festival
BECKY BOSSHART
GREAT EXPECTATIONS: A NEW MUSICAL
A BELOVED CLASSIC TAKES THE STAGE Veteran Broadway and TV actress Ellen Crawford
her fiancé. Miss Havisham stops all the clocks in
He listened to the music on his drive back to Cedar
alights on the stage in an old lace wedding
Satis House at the time she first learned her fiancé
City, Utah, and couldn’t get it out of his mind. He
dress, a frizzy white updo and pallid skin, playing
was gone, and her heart turns bitter and vengeful.
enthusiastically petitioned the Board to bring the
the iconic Miss Havisham, one of the most manipulative characters in English literature. Not only does the audience see how she pulls the strings, it also hears her sing about it.
Despite its popularity in high school literature
musical to the Festival.
classes, Great Expectations, playing July 1st to
“It will be a phenomenal production, and it will
August 28th in the Randall L. Jones Theatre, is a
go on to another life beyond this,” Phillips says. “It deserves to be seen by other people on a
The Utah Shakespearean Festival’s world premiere
“It will be a phenomenal
of Great Expectations: A New Musical is based on
production, and it will go on to
Charles Dickens’ classic about an English boy in
another life beyond this,” Phillips
love with a girl trained to be heartless by a bitter
says. “It deserves to be seen by
In past years, about 30 percent of Festival
other people on a New York stage,
attendees have come from Southern Nevada.
spinster. Diabolical, indeed, but Miss Havisham also has her own sad story and dramatic arc. “She goes from being this weird arch-villainess to someone who reaches remorse, and one would like to think, redemption,” says Crawford, who has played her share of old, intimidating women. “You understand a little more of who she is when you understand what happens to her when she’s younger.” The audience learns Miss Havisham’s history in a song she sings with the younger, dewy-eyed version of herself, revisiting the day she is jilted by
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and it deserves to be in London.”
New York stage, and it deserves to be in London.” But first, it willl premiere in Utah. Phillips expects many theater fans will come up from Las Vegas.
The Utah company also produces three shows in the fall.
risky endeavor for the Utah company. Of its six
Nancy Slitz, a Las Vegas realtor, has made the Utah
summer productions, the Festival is investing the
city, with a population of 28,000 and 3,000 hotel
most into this one, about $900,000, because of
rooms, her retreat from high-priced Strip theatrics.
the large cast of 22, two-story set, and musical
“This is just such an incredibly affordable way to
arrangements.
be enriched,” she says.
Festival Executive Director Scott Phillips selected
Being a Festival supporter for the past 12 years has
Great Expectations for the summer season after
its perks. Slitz recently hosted four cast members,
seeing its developmental production in Los Angeles.
the lyricist, and music writer for a rehearsal session
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Great Expectations: The Musical Thursday, July 1st . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:00 p.m. Monday, July 5th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:00 p.m
before a Las Vegas fundraiser. She had her piano
10-year role as a nurse on the Emmy Award-
tuned for the occasion. Slitz is vice chair of the
winning show ER, believes this production will
nonprofit theater organization, which has an
give the audience a deeper insight into the novel.
annual budget of more than $6 million.
“I think every human being has been hurt and
“We try to do our best, so that Las Vegas
has experienced anger,” she says. “Every human
Friday, July 9th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:00 p.m.
understands we’re only a two-and-a-half hour car
has contemplated revenge of some sort. Every
Tuesday, July 13th . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:00 p.m.
ride from some of the greatest classical theater in
time you play a character like this, you go to
Wednesday, July 14th . . . . . . . . . . 8:00 p.m.
the region,” she says. “We won the Tony for best
those places where you understand her. You have
Friday, July 16th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:00 p.m.
regional theater in 2000. We really are a class A
to root for your own character, especially when
theater group.”
you’re playing a villain. You have to see it from that
Saturday, July 17th . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:00 p.m. Sunday, July 19th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:00 p.m.
Great Expectations has been adapted for stage and
Wednesday, July 21st . . . . . . . . . . 2:00 p.m.
screen more than 250 times. Work on the musical
Thursday, July 22nd . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:00 p.m. Saturday, July 24th . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:00 p.m. Sunday, July 25th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:00 p.m.
person’s point of view. It’s your job to make the case for that person.”
started about 15 years ago with school teacher/
“The challenge that came with
writer Margaret Hoorneman. The music was
this is also Dickens’ incredible
crafted by Richard Winzeler, with lyrics by Steve
plot,” he says. “As John Irving said
Lane. Director Jules Aaron believes this complex
Tuesday, July 28th . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:00 p.m.
plot, released as a serial novel from 1860 to 1861,
in an introduction to a newer
Wednesday, July 29th . . . . . . . . . . 8:00 p.m.
is perfect for a musical. It has hidden identities,
edition, it’s the greatest plot in
Saturday, July 31st . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:00 p.m.
unrequited love, and scheming relatives.
the English language.”
“The challenge that came with this is also Dickens’
Performances continue through August. For additional dates and times or to purchase tickets, visit bard.org. Tickets may also be purchased by calling 800-PLAYTIX.
incredible plot,” he says. “As John Irving said in an introduction to a newer edition, it’s the greatest plot in the English language.” So what do you cut out? As a specialist in new musicals, Aaron says music heightens the emotion
All performances held at Randall L. Jones Theatre. Ticket prices are $30 to $65. Some shows feature two-for-one ticket pricing.
of a character, so he wanted to make sure the key moments happened in a song and that every scene led up to that musical crescendo. No major characters were cut, but many details had to be left out. The key characters and their stories were allowed to unfold, Aaron says. “Miss Havisham is so compelling because we love to watch manipulative characters do what they feel they need to do to get what they want,” says Aaron, a director for 30 years who has his theater doctorate from NYU. “There’s something fascinating with watching the machinations of what she does.” Crawford, best known for her
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Tickets range from $30 to $65, below the average price for a Strip show, where you may see a few wedding dresses, but not on a 19th century dramatic character. Visit the Festival online at bard.org or call 800-PLAYTIX for information. This summer, Utah Shakespearean Festival will also present a number of other productions. You won’t want to miss the Bard’s own Much Ado About Nothing, The Merchant of Venice, or Macbeth. Tickets are also available for Pride and Prejudice, Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps, The Adventures of Pericles, and the always touching and inspiring The Diary of Anne Frank. In addition, USF is presenting the comedy Greater Tuna beginning in September. During August and September, The New American Playwrights Project will also be presenting three new plays: Behold, The Zapruder Film, and Making Waves.
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C U LT U R E entertainment & activities
THIS PAGE FROM LEFT: Cathy and Marcy ©Irene Young; Bongo Billy ©Billy Jonas
SHAUN SE WELL
THE DOWNTOWN CHILDREN’S CULTURAL SERIES
AFFORDABLE ARTS FOR ALL While many often decry the lack of family-friendly
When seeking artists to perform in
also provide an educational experience, as well.
activities in the glittering adult playground that is
the series, Kendall says he “looks
Kendall notes that the Historic Fifth Street School
Las Vegas, with a little help and just a little work, parents can find fun, entertaining, cultural activities
Auditorium was also “made for just this kind of
for groups that don’t dumb down
performance. Even though it seats 400,” he says,
to enjoy with their kids— especially during those
their performances to kids, but
summer months when the kids are out of school.
that still perform to the kids’ level.”
and kids are close to the stage.”
The Downtown Children’s Cultural Series aims to
This summer, the series will present Banjo to
Cathy & Marcy, known otherwise as Cathy Fink
provide the kind of entertainment and learning
Beatbox with Cathy & Marcy and special guest
and Marcy Marxer, are a Grammy award-winning
experience that both kids and parents can enjoy. This
Christylez Bacon on July 15th. Billy Jonas Band (no,
duo that has been performing together since the
summer’s season will mark the series’ second year.
he’s not related to the Disney sensation, the Jonas
1980s and recorded their first children’s album
Brothers) will perform on July 22nd in the Historic
in 1984. One of the duo’s most popular songs
Fifth Street School Auditorium.
performed in Banjo to Beatbox is “Hip Hop Humpty
Brian Kendall, of the City of Las Vegas Office of Cultural Affairs, is in charge of the Historic Fifth Street School’s Downtown Special Events division.
When seeking artists to perform in the series,
He explains why the cultural affairs folks created
Kendall says he “looks for groups that don’t dumb
the series: “It’s another outlet for families and kids
down their performances to kids, but that still
to enjoy quality, affordable, cultural experiences.”
perform to the kids’ level.” He seeks artists that
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“it’s still a really intimate setting where the families
Dumpty,” a re-imagining of the favorite nursery rhyme. The song topped the Sirius-XM Kid Place Live channel’s hit parade for weeks. Hip hop artist Bacon uses beatboxing and freestyle rapping to
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Historic Fifth Street School 401 S. Fourth Street Las Vegas 89101 artslasvegas.org banjotobeatbox.com billyjonas.com Banjo to Beatbox with Cathy & Marcy and special guest Christylez Bacon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 15th Billy Jonas Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 22nd Tickets $3 or $10 for a family four pack. Children under 2 are free.
THIS PAGE FROM LEFT: The pensive bucketeer ©Billy Jonas
reach out to children. Kids are interested in hip hop,
of “homemade and found object” instruments like
Nancy Deaner, the manager of the Office of
and “People are pleasantly surprised at how well
a big, blue trashcan and giant paint buckets in
Cultural Affairs, says, “Our mission is to target our
these genres of hip hop and children’s folk music
his show while talking to kids about beats
communities, to know who our audiences are
mix,” notes Fink. Bacon’s beatboxing and Fink and
and movement.
around our facilities, and to bring our programming
Marxer’s banjos mixed well enough to earn the trio a Grammy nomination for the album produced as a result of their collaboration.
Ashley Farmer, one of Jonas’s band members, says one of their most popular songs is “What Kind of Cat Are You?” It’s a participatory call-and-response
to those audiences.” Years ago, Deaner reports, the children’s series was held at the various cultural centers around Las Vegas and it was discontinued. There was still a need for it, though.
Fresh from performing alongside Justin Bieber
song that gets the audience involved, and the CD
and the cast of Glee for the President, First Lady,
the song is on won the Parents’ Choice Gold Award
Even in the current budget crisis, Deaner says the
and all the kids at the White House Easter Egg Roll,
from the Parents’ Choice Foundation.
Office of Cultural Affairs will continue to fulfill its
Billy Jonas brings his fun, family show to Las Vegas. Jonas’s show might best be described as STOMP for kids and parents, and that’s not a comparison Jonas minds. He says, “We [STOMP and Jonas] began at the same time . . . What they have done has helped open people’s minds and ears to all manner of percussive possibility and sonic surprise.”
Parents will enjoy these performances, too, something which Jonas readily acknowledges. Jonas might sit down thinking a song he wrote was “for kids” or “for parents,” but when the songs
mission to bring quality, affordable, accessible arts programming to those who otherwise might not be able to access it. It’s a goal to which city leaders are committed, she says.
are performed, they “find a home with a different”
With ticket prices that are so inexpensive, the two
audience. “‘To Be One’,” he notes, “was a song I
productions of the Downtown Children’s Cultural
dreamed. I assumed it was for adults.” Later, with
Series should sell out!
Indeed, the possibilities of rhythm and the
the addition of sign language, the song became a
surprise of sound are what makes Jonas’s show so
nice one “for family audiences, as well.”
interesting to kids. Like STOMP, he uses all manner
28 B L V D S
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Featuring Academy Award Winning music and lyrics by Phil Collins
Regional Premiere Exclusively at Tuacahn June 7 - Oct 15 • $22 - $56
(866) 321-5063
seeitoutside.org
Ivins UT, Just 90 minutes north of Las Vegas
Snow Canyon - Home of the Tuacahn Outdoor Theater
e ven ts
JUNE
Welcome to My Garden
NOW - JUNE 11, 2010 Randi Chaplin-Matushevitz Winchester Cultural Center 455-7340
Growing Up With the Berenstain Bears
NOW - SEPTEMBER 07, 2010 Lied Dicovery Children’s Museum ldcm.org
Nevada: The Photography of Cliff Segerblom NOW - JUNE 13, 2010 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Springs Preserve Big Springs Gallery springspreserve.org
Downtown Contemporary NOW - JUNE 19, 2010 Rosemary’s Restaurant West Wing Gallery 869-9002 rosemarysrestaurant.com
Burden of Ambition
NOW - JULY 27, 2010 Brett Wesley Gallery 433-4433 brettwesleygallery.com
Tarzan - The Stage Musical NOW - OCTOBER 15, 2010 Tuacahn Amphitheatre Ivins, Utah tuacahn.org/tarzan.php
Music on Main Street
Saturday Night Jazz on the Lake NOW - JULY 30TH 7-10 p.m. MonteLago Village montelagovillage.com
Outdoor Picture Show
NOW- OCTOBER 30, 2010 Dusk Fridays & Saturdays at The District at Green Valley Ranch shop-the-district.com
NOW - AUGUST 14, 2010 Tuacahn Amphitheatre Ivins, Utah tuacahn.org/cats.php
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The Randy Anderson Band
Islander’s United for Human Rights Luau
JUNE 12, 2010 5-9 p.m. Church of Scientology & Celebrity Centre of Las Vegas 731-1500
24th annual “Ribbon of Life” JUNE 13, 2010 1 p.m. Golden Rainbow Las Vegas Hilton 384-2899, goldenrainbow.org
JUNE 13, 2010 7-9 p.m. Church of Scientology & Celebrity Centre of Las Vegas 731-1500
Willy Wonka
JUNE 10, 2010 - JUNE 26, 2010 Super Summer Theatre Spring Mountain Ranch www.supersummertheatre.com
Linda Tillery & The Cultural Heritage Choir JUNE 11, 2010 8 p.m. City of Henderson Henderson Events Plaza hendersonlive.com
JUNE 12, 2010 7 p.m. City of Las Vegas Centennial Hills Park lasvegasparksandrec.com
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JUNE 18, 2010 7-10 p.m. MonteLago Village Resort montelagovillage.com JUNE 19, 2010 8 p.m. Dixie State College Tanner Amphitheater in Springdale, Utah 435-652-7994 dixie.edu/tanner/index.html
10th Annual Las Vegas Juneteenth Festival
JUNE 19, 2010 4-10 p.m. Clark County Government Center Amphitheater 255-3001, june19lv.com
Toto Zara Band
Open Mic
Jazz On The Green featuring Brian Blomberg Cats
Reggae in the Desert
NOW- OCTOBER 30, 2010 6-9 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays at The District at Green Valley Ranch shop-the-district.com
Friday Night Lakeside Music Series NOW - JULY 30TH 7-10 p.m. MonteLago Village montelagovillage.com
Annie Meadows
JUNE 12, 2010 Nevada Federal Credit Union Las Vegas Outlet Center nevadafederal.org JUNE 12, 2010 2-10 p.m. Clark County Amphitheater reggaeinthedesert.com
Jack and the Beanstalk
NOW - JUNE 13, 2010 2 or 7 p.m. The Rainbow Company Youth Theatre Charleston Heights Arts Center rainbowcompany.info
401 K Money Run
Anti-Drug Open House
JUNE 15, 2010 4-9 p.m. Church of Scientology & Celebrity Centre of Las Vegas 731-1500
JUNE 20, 2010 2-5 p.m. The Village at MonteLago montelagovillage.com
St. George Contemporary Dancers
JUNE 25–26, 2010 8 p.m. Dixie State College Tanner Amphitheater in Springdale, Utah 435-652-7994 dixie.edu/tanner/index.html
Michael Kaeshamer
JUNE 25, 2010 8 p.m. City of Henderson Henderson Events Plaza hendersonlive.com
Naked Eyes
JUNE 18, 2010 8 p.m. City of Henderson Henderson Events Plaza hendersonlive.com
Downtown Cultural Series Lee Hughes Trio
JUNE 18, 2010 12-1 p.m. City of Las Vegas Downtown Cultural Series Lloyd D. George U.S. Courthouse artslasvegas.org
Viva Rock Vegas
JUNE 26, 2010 4 p.m. Henderson Events Plaza 267-2171, hendersonlive.com
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Phil Wigfall Quartet
Open Mic
JUNE 27, 2010 7-9 p.m. Church of Scientology & Celebrity Centre of Las Vegas 731-1500
Utah Shakespearean Festival JUNE 28 – OCTOBER 23, 2010 Cedar City, Utah 800-PLAYTIX, bard.org J U LY
MonteLago 4th of July Celebration
JULY 4, 2010 2-9 p.m. The Village at MonteLago montelagovillage.com
The Way to Happiness Open House
JULY 06, 2010 4-9 p.m. Church of Scientology & Celebrity Centre of Las Vegas 731-1500
Infertility Seminar
JULY 7, 2010 6 p.m. Fertility Center of Las Vegas W. Sahara Office fertilitycenterlv.com
First Friday
JULY 02, 2010 6-10 p.m. Arts District firstfriday-lasvegas.org
JULY 07 – 24, 2010 Super Summer Theatre Spring Mountain Ranch supersummertheatre.com
JULY 2-24, 2010 Insurgo Theater insutgotheater.org
Red, White & Tunes
JULY 03, 2010 8 p.m. Springs Preserve springspreserve.org
Fourth of July Celebration JULY 04, 2010 6 p.m. City of Henderson Basic High School Henderson Events Plaza hendersonlive.com
Independence Day Celebration JULY 04, 2010 6 p.m. City of Henderson hendersonlive.com
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Legends of Classic Country
Target’s Arts & Wonder Free Family Event
Infertility Seminar
JULY 17 – 18, 2010 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Springs Preserve Museum and Lied Discovery Children’s Museum
AUGUST 11, 2010 6 p.m. Fertility Center of Las Vegas Henderson Office fertilitycenterlv.com
Slid’n and Scatt’n
Damn Yankees
JULY 17, 2010 8 p.m. Dixie State College Tanner Amphitheater in Springdale, Utah 435-652-7994 dixie.edu/tanner/index.html
JULY 18, 2010 2 p.m. Vegas Jazz Summerlin Library Performing Arts Theater vegasjazz.org
Anti-Drug Open House
Ain’t Misbehavin’
The Wild Party
Most Wanted
I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change JULY 09 – 25, 2010 Las Vegas Little Theatre lvlt.org
Tumblewings
JULY 9-31, 2010 Insurgo Theater insutgotheater.org
Citizen’s Commission on Human Rights Open House
JULY 13, 2010 4-9 p.m. Church of Scientology & Celebrity Centre of Las Vegas 731-1500
Banjo to Beatbox: Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer with Special Guest Christylez Bacon JULY 14 – 15, 2010 City of Las Vegas artslasvegas.org
JULY 20, 2010 4-9 p.m. Church of Scientology & Celebrity Centre of Las Vegas 731-1500
Billy Jonas
JULY 22, 2010 2 & 7 p.m. City of Las Vegas Historic Fifth Street School artslasvegas.org
AUGUST 07, 2010 8 p.m. Dixie State College Tanner Amphitheater in Springdale, Utah 435-652-7994 dixie.edu/tanner/index.html
e ven t s
JUNE 27, 2010 2 p.m. Vegas Jazz Clark County Library Theater (Flamingo) vegasjazz.org
AUGUST 11 – 28, 2010 8 p.m. Super Summer Theatre Spring Mountain Ranch supersummertheatre.com
Operation Medicine Cabinet
AUGUST 14, 2010 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Location TBD operationmedicinecabinetlv.org
Claudia Russell Quartet
AUGUST 21, 2010 8 p.m. Dixie State College Tanner Amphitheater in Springdale, Utah 435-652-7994 dixie.edu/tanner/index.html
Dance in the Desert Festival JULY 30 – 31, 2010 College of Southern Nevada csn.edu/pac AUGUST
Performing & Visual Arts Summer Camp for Kids 2010
Crazy for You The New Gershwin Comedy
First Friday
Mike Tobian Jazz Band
AUGUST 04, 2010 1 p.m. City of Las Vegas Clark County Library Theater artslasvegas.org AUGUST 06, 2010 6- 10 p.m. Arts District firstfriday-lasvegas.org
Macbeth
AUGUST 6-28, 2010 Insurgo Theater insutgotheater.org
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AUGUST 26, 2010 - OCTOBER 16, 2010 Tuacahn Amphitheatre Ivins, Utah tuacahn.org/crazyforyou.php AUGUST 28, 2010 8 p.m. Dixie State College Tanner Amphitheater in Springdale, Utah 435.652.7994 dixie.edu/tanner/index.html
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DOGS WITH THEIR HIP, FUN, AND HIGH QUALITY APPAREL FOR OUR FURRY BEST FRIENDS. FROM ASIAN INSPIRED GARB TO T-SHIRTS AND TANKS, VEGAS ROCK DOG IS FOR FASHION FORWARD CANINES AND THEIR PEOPLE.
blvds design
architecture & style
ARTICLES Haute Dogs Vegas Rock Dog Makes Fido Fashion Forward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
FACING PAGE: Three rocking dogs © Greg Warden
desi gn
TWO HENDERSON RESIDENTS HAVE TAKEN FASHION TO THE
architecture & style DESIGN
This level of design integrity is vital, as Vegas Rock Dog products are gaining popularity among the Las Vegas community and can be found in the homes of celebrities such as Howie Mandel, Kathy Griffin, members of the band The Fray, Eva Longoria, and Janet Jackson. for the piece to handle it. In addition, the apparel must fit well to avoid annoying the dog, and the fabrication or any added embroidery must not itch. Ratcliffe and D’Arrigo take special care to THIS PAGE: Kirby channels Elvis ©Greg Warden FACING PAGE: Tootsie strikes a pose ©Greg Warden
consider all of this.
L AUR A CORONADO
This level of design integrity is vital, as Vegas
HAUTE DOGS
Rock Dog products are gaining popularity among
VEGAS ROCK DOG MAKES FIDO FASHION FORWARD Fashion has gone to the dogs. Henderson
decided to create their own line of doggy wear
residents Samantha Ratcliffe and James D’Arrigo
after shopping for Galaxy and encountering
created Vegas Rock Dog for hip dogs and the
shoddily made pieces. Ratcliffe describes the
humans that love them. The brand features doggy
selection they found as, “. . . a bit lame. There
dresses, jackets, t-shirts, tank tops (also known as
was nothing rock and roll about them. There was
“cat beaters”), and a kimono—all designed with
nothing cool.” The enterprising duo already had
rock star flair.
plans to start an online business and D’Arrigo
But why do dogs need apparel? They are, after all, dogs. “It’s just an extension of the owner’s fashion
says, “This became the idea when Galaxy told us to do it.”
sense,” explains Ratcliffe. However, the husband
Product quality is an obsession at Vegas Rock
and wife business team clarify that dog apparel can
Dog. If the quality of the design does not meet
be functional, too, such as protecting a pooch with
their standards, the company will not sell it.
a skin rash from constant scratching or keeping a
Ratcliffe confirms that they test their products
shorthaired dog warm during the winter.
through wash and wear. “I don’t want it to be a
Established in 2005 and originally inspired by their own dog, Galaxy, Ratcliffe and D’Arrigo
34 B L V D S
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throwaway piece,” she states. Dog clothes require constant laundering, so the quality must be high
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the Las Vegas community and can be found in the homes of celebrities such as Howie Mandel, Kathy Griffin, members of the band The Fray, Eva Longoria, and Janet Jackson. In fact, Mandel’s son Alex recently posted a photo on Twitter showing off his Vegas Rock Dog for humans t-shirt. “Hey, look, I’m representing,” the up-and-coming actor tweeted. Originally, Vegas Rock Dog did not include human clothing, but after creating t-shirts for themselves to wear to promotions and events, customer requests for human Vegas Rock Dog items prompted Ratcliffe and D’Arrigo to extend their line. Vegas Rock Dog’s very first design, an embroidered logo dog t-shirt, also happens to be the brand’s most popular, more than likely due to its clean, classic look and tattoo-inspired logo. It’s the kind of shirt James Dean’s dog would have worn. Dachshund Max agrees. “He likes
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DESIGN architecture & style
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architecture & style DESIGN
wearing the clothes. Everybody looks at him and
While there is currently not a Vegas Rock Dog
asks questions about what he’s wearing and if
store, Ratcliffe says, “I’m just itching to have
they make stuff for humans, too,” explains Max’s
a store. We’re ready to go. I just don’t know
owner, Leilani Ehlers of the Las Vegas Hot Diggity
where it’s going to be.” Until then, dog lovers
Dauschand Club and Rescue.
can purchase Vegas Rock Dog products online
“People love their Asian inspired clothes line. They are beautiful. They look like kimonos. Some people want the clothes to fit them. They’re so pretty!”
at VegasRockDog.com, at Lulu’s located at 1000 North Green Valley Parkway in Henderson, or at pet events, such as Pet-a-Palooza.
exclaims Lulu’s Doggy Salon and Spaw Manager, Joni Akselrad. “Vegas Rock Dog’s quality is excellent. They have a very young, hip style which appeals to my customers. When a dog wears Vegas Rock Dog she or he doesn’t look like they came out of a chain store,” she continues. THIS PAGE: Galaxy, the original Vegas Rock Dog ©Greg Warden
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AFFAIR. WE FEATURE ENTREPRENEURS FROM A RESTAURANT AND TWO BAKERIES AND LEARN HOW MIXING TOGETHERNESS, TRUST, LOVE, AND LOTS OF HARD WORK IS THEIR RECIPE FOR SUCCESS. THE RECIPIENT OF NUMEROUS AWARDS FOR THE BEST PIZZA IN LAS VEGAS, METRO PIZZA HAS BEEN BAKING SMILES FOR GENERATIONS OF FAMILIES SINCE 1980.
blvds flavor dining & retail ARTICLES Success is a Family Affair Local Businesses Thrive in Tough Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Metro Pizza Las Vegas’s Neighborhood Pizzeria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
THIS PAGE: Retro Bakery cupcakes ©James Tanksley
flavo r
FOR SOME OF OUR VALLEY NEIGHBORS, BUSINESS IS A FAMILY
d i n i n g & r e t a i l F L AV O R
FACING PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Kari and Brian Haskell ©James Tanksley;
Freed’s fruit tarts; on the rocks; carne asada tacos ©Greg Warden
BROCK RADKE
SUCCESS IS A FAMILY AFFAIR
LOCAL BUSINESSES THRIVE IN TOUGH TIMES “A successful restaurant creates an environment
they know they can do even in their new home,”
a lot of our customers keep coming back because
of an extended family. No matter what you do, the
Ansara says. “The restaurant industry is definitely
they want to see local businesses survive. They
more successful you are in creating that family
fertile ground for nepotism.”
thank us for being open because they are so used
environment, the more successful your business will be. There is an intangible feeling, a spirit of togetherness and camaraderie that becomes essential to success.” These are the words of Bob Ansara, whose family
In the ‘80s and ‘90s, Ricardo’s blossomed into
to seeing us.”
four different locations, including one at the
One of the longest running local businesses of any
MGM Grand opened in 1997. Today the lone
kind is Freed’s Bakery, which started out in 1959
Ansara says the closeness of the
as a small bakery and café and has grown into one of Vegas’ favorite go-to shops for custom wedding
has been serving Las Vegas some of its favorite
staff, as well as faithful families
Mexican food since the first Ricardo’s restaurant
who dine there regularly, have
Max Fried’s grandparents, Milton and Esther Fried,
opened in the Meadows Mall in 1979. His
been key factors in keeping the
decided to go into business here when they were
daughter, Sara, is his right-hand-woman, handling everything from extensive catering to day-to-day
business afloat. Ricardo’s will be
operations. His wife, Nin, works on weekends.
celebrating its 31st anniversary
His brother, Jim, runs the kitchen graveyard shift.
in October by creating a
And he employs families, sons and grandsons
7,500-gallon margarita to set a
who work together, husbands who work in catering and wives who hostess. Ricardo’s is a
new Guinness World Record.
family affair in every possible sense, so it’s safe
restaurant is on the corner of Flamingo Road and
to say Ansara knows what he’s talking about.
Decatur Boulevard. Ansara says the closeness
When considering the teamwork and togetherness that exist within a restaurant’s staff, and the passion for cooking, baking, service, and management so many Las Vegans bring to their businesses, it’s easy to understand why families dominate the food and beverage world. “It’s also one of the safe havens for immigrant families, one
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of the staff, as well as faithful families who dine there regularly, have been key factors in keeping the business afloat. Ricardo’s will be celebrating its 31st anniversary in October by creating a 7,500-gallon margarita to set a new Guinness World Record. “Our people are what help us distinguish ourselves and survive tough times, and
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cakes and other decadent, delicious creations.
traveling to Los Angeles from New Jersey. “My grandpa was a musician, and when they were passing through he was playing on the Strip,” Fried says. “Like a lot of people at the time, they decided to stick around. And when they first opened the bakery, they were running around town buying all the best stuff and re-selling it.” Of course, they soon bought ovens and started cranking out their own goodies. From the very beginning, they spelled the business name “Freed’s” so people wouldn’t mispronounce the name (like “fried chicken.”) That slightly altered family name came to represent the company’s mission of tremendous customer service, essential to establishing loyal repeat customers.
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d i n i n g & r e t a i l F L AV O R THIS PAGE FROM LEFT: Freed’s custom cake ©Greg Warden; crazy baker Kari ©James Tanksley
Following in the founders’ footsteps, the new
to be a part of something big. And it’s a challenge.
operates Retro with her husband and custom
generation of Frieds continue to work as a team to
It’s important that we don’t lose sight of the vision
cake specialist, Brian. “For us, our whole family is
adapt their business for continued success. “Trends
my grandparents had.”
invested in this, this is our whole life savings. There
come and go as far as baking is concerned, and
are no back-ups or safety jobs, so that’s why we
the fact that we are still doing well attests to the
“It’s funny because there are so
foundations of Freed’s,” Fried says. “We’ve been
many kids working on cookie
are together and it could be worse.”
able to weather a string of big changes and do
trays, it’s like Santa’s little elves.
different things. Now it’s cupcakes, before that it
It could be a lot worse for Retro, which has
But I didn’t always plan to be the
become well-known since opening in early 2008.
general manager.”
A big part of the business’s success is the family’s
was croissants, before that it was cookies. But no matter what the demand is, our values of quality, consistency, and good service stay the same.”
work 24/7. It’s hard, but in the end we know we
personality, which, thanks to Internet outlets like Across town, there’s a different, younger
Kari’s blog and Twitter, seems to be on display
There are plenty of Frieds at Freed’s. Max’s aunt,
bakery, but the theme of family is proving
as much as the bakery’s colorful cupcakes. Take,
Joni, is the owner, her daughter helps out, and
equally important for success. Retro Bakery has
for example, this recent Tweet: “You know you’re
Max’s wife, brother, sister, and brother-in-law all
established a unique niche with creative cupcake
a family business when you’re writing orders in
contribute to the baking bonanza. “As children, we
flavors and an edgy style, but it’s a classic Vegas
CRAYON.”
were all expected to work at the busiest times, the
family business—mom, dad, everyone else—
holidays,” he says. “It’s funny because there are so
they’re all in.
many kids working on cookie trays, it’s like Santa’s little elves. But I didn’t always plan to be the general manager. It just turns out that I really like it here, and I like it in Las Vegas, and it’s awesome
42 B L V D S
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The Haskell kids may not be old enough to chip in as official employees, but they’ve found other
“I think at the start, the only people who truly
ways. “Abby turns 12 in September, and she helps
believe in you and what your business is, is
out a lot behind the counter, and Lucy . . . well,
your family,” says Kari Haskell, who owns and
everybody knows Lucy,” Kari says of her 5-year-
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Are you ready for an icy cold margarita and some spicy fresh Mexican food? Is your sweet tooth bedeviling you? Craving a cupcake? Have we whetted your appetite for some of these family-run foodie havens? Then here’s your guide to their locations. Ricardo’s of Las Vegas 4930 W. Flamingo Rd. Las Vegas 89103 227.9100 ricardosoflasvegas.com
Freed’s Bakery
THIS PAGE: Retro Bakery ©James Tanksley
“In our initial planning I thought
which might be easier when it’s your husband.
it would be me and a couple of
“In our initial planning I thought it would be me
friends going into business, but
and a couple of friends going into business, but
they had their own jobs. And Brian has so much restaurant
4780 S. Eastern Ave. Las Vegas 89119 9555 S. Eastern Ave. Suite 250 Las Vegas 89123 866.933.5253 freedsbakery.com
they had their own jobs. And Brian has so much restaurant experience, we realized, wow, we can really do this on our own,” Kari says. “So it was him
experience, we realized, wow, we
doing the business and me doing the creative, but
can really do this on our own.”
after that first year we evolved from cupcakes into
old. “Lucy is actually quite talented in the fondant department, believe it or not. She rolls and cuts it herself. I see her as a baker for sure. But we have
a cake shop, and now it’s pretty equal between the two. But Brian didn’t know he could be such a cake master. He’s amazing, and what he does is an integral part of what Retro is.”
customers who come in just to see Lucy. They have children her age.” Besides Retro’s cherubic
All the entrepreneurs agree that trust is the main
young mascot, Kari’s retired mother also helps out,
ingredient. Ansara sums it up: “In our business, it’s
balancing books and even doing deliveries. “She
all hands on deck all the time, and you need to
says she feels like a florist,” Kari recounts.
be able to trust and rely on each other to make it
Retro Bakery 7785 N. Durango Dr. Las Vegas 89131 586.3740 retrobakerylv.com
work.” And if you can’t trust your family, then who Since Retro is still new and still small, the owners
can you trust?
have had to take on duties that weren’t part of the business plan. But that’s just part of doing business and being able to count on your fellow employees,
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to p pick
d i n i n g & r e t a i l F L AV O R
BROCK RADKE
METRO PIZZA
KIDS MAKE IT—WE BAKE IT Is pizza the quintessential American family dinner? Think about it. It doesn’t matter if you’re waiting together for Domino’s delivery, tossing a fresh or frozen pie in the oven, or taking turns reaching across the table at your neighborhood pizzeria for that magnificent first slice—pizza just might be the most convenient meal around. John Arena knows pizza, and he also knows how important food can be in strengthening and maintaining the family dynamic. As co-owner and co-founder of Metro Pizza, he’s been in business with his cousin for decades, and Metro’s longevity and popularity in the Valley have resulted in a family-based clientele that now spans generations. “We have customers that were in high school when we first opened in 1980, and now they’re coming back and they have grandkids,” Arena says. “It’s a unique responsibility, to be here for multiple generations of the same family and to live up to those expectations.” So how does Metro Pizza stay family friendly? On alternating Wednesdays, all five locations offer “Kids Make It—We Bake It” days. Children get to create their own pizza, from stretching the dough to choosing their favorite toppings, right at their own table with mom and dad helping out. Here’s the kicker: the kid-made pizza is free. It’s nothing new: “Kids Make It—We Bake It” has been around for about 10 years. It evolved out of the adult pizza-making classes Metro has been holding for years. “A lot of people have stopped passing down family traditions, and one of the big ones is cooking and learning how to make your own food,” Arena says. “In my family, we’ve always done it, so we have taken it for granted. But now, we’ve got 8-year-olds who’ve been making pizza for a couple of years, they expect to do it when they come in, and they’ve got it down. It’s great, because they are having fun and learning to make food with their own hands and be tied into the culture of what we do.” For locations and information on upcoming events and classes and dates for “Kids Make It—We Bake It” night can be found online at metropizza.com.
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