DAVID

www.davidlv.com JUNE 2011

ALTERNATI ELY SPEAKING ...

Life as a Gay Jew in Sin City

ELVIS TO THE EXTREME Unique Ways to Say “I Do”

ICING ON THE CAKE An Inside View of One Sweet Bakery

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JUNE WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1 10:30 am: Jewish Culture Club Class 1:00 pm:

12:00 pm: Mah Jongg, Scrabble and other Games J-Vegas Socials – Single Social for 50+ Game Night

9001 Hillpointe Road • Las Vegas, NV 89134

MONDAY, JUNE 13 9:00 am:

Beginning Yiddish Class

THURSDAY, JUNE 2

6:30 pm:

@

“Art Starts Here” Camp Begins

10:00 am: Current Events Discussion Group 7:00 pm:

JCC Movie Night: “Yentl” starring Barbara Streisand

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15 Beginning Yiddish Class

10:00 am: Line Dancing Class Sponsored by Care More HMO for Seniors

7:00 pm:

Singles Night at RAVE Motion Pictures

10:00 am: Sports Talk

THURSDAY, JUNE 16

7:00 pm:

MONDAY, JUNE 6

FRIDAY, JUNE 17

JCC Book Club “Long Lost” by Harlan Coben

10:00 am: Line Dancing Class Sponsored by Care More HMO for Seniors

12:00 pm: Women Enjoying Leisure Lunch and Guest Speaker

10:00 am: Sports Talk

WED-THUR JUNE 8-9

9:00 am:

JCCSN Closed in Observance of Shavuot

10:00 am: Current Events Discussion Group

FRIDAY, JUNE 10

7:00 pm:

Beginning Yiddish Class

12:00 pm: Mah Jongg, Scrabble and other Games 6:00 pm:

Meet Your Counselor Night at the Adelson Educational Campus

6:30 pm:

Singles 55+ Dining Out Kosher Chinese at the JCC

FRIDAY, JUNE 24 10:00 am: Sports Talk

12:00 pm: Mah Jongg, Scrabble and other Games

10:30 am: Singles of all ages Puppy Picnic in the Park

TUESDAY, JUNE 7

1:00 pm:

10:30 am: Jewish Culture Club Class 1:00 pm:

10:00 am: Current Events Discussion Group

10:30 am: Jewish Culture Club

THURSDAY, JUNE 23

FRIDAY, JUNE 3

SUNDAY, JUNE 5

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22

MONDAY, JUNE 27 9:00 am:

Camp K’helah Begins

10:00 am: Current Events Discussion Group

TUESDAY, JUNE 28 7:00 pm:

MONDAY, JUNE 20

Wellness University – Mobile Weight Management Services with Dr. Dana Trippi, D.O. of Las Vegas Bariatric Physicians

“Just Dance” Camp Begins

Poetry Workshop

10:00 am: Sports Talk

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29 10:30 am: Jewish Culture Club & Beginning Yiddish Class End of Session Luncheon

THURSDAY, JUNE 30 12:00 pm: Mah Jongg, Scrabble and other Games

check out our new website www.jccsn.org call 702.794.0090 for more details

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www.twitter.com/jccsn

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June

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14 explore The month’s event listings to help plan your day or your stay 19 devour Where to find some of the best eats, drinks and foodie happenings in the Valley 20 desire Sin City abounds in world-class shopping ... these are a few of our favorite things 22 discover Hot spots to go, cool things to do, hip people to see — the Entertainment Capitol of the World, need we say more?

23 mingle Snapshots of the latest, greatest Vegas events

28 sense All about the buzz on the local arts scene

42 Holy Matrimony!

The Many Extraordinary Ways to Say “I Do” in Sin City

32 believe Demystifying the traditions of faith and devotion

46 An Opportunity Missed?

The Challenge of Being Gay and Jewish in Las Vegas

36 taste Inside view of some of the city’s top restaurants, cafés, diners and eateries

52 Our Very Own Cake Boss A Behind-the-Scenes Peek at One of the City’s Bakeries

Celebrity female impersonator Frank Marino poses with his life partner, Alex Schechter, in celebration of 18 years together. Marino, the selfproclaimed Queen of the Strip, performs as comedian Joan Rivers in his show, Divas Las Vegas, at Imperial Palace.

grill 58 Frank Marino, Female Impersonator The month’s spotlight on someone of interest

Copyright 2011 by JewishINK LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. DAVID MAGAZINE is protected as a trademark in the United States. Subscribers: If the Postal Service alerts us that your magazine is undeliverable, we are under no further obligation unless we receive a corrected address within one year.

The publisher accepts no responsibility for unsolicited or contributed manuscripts, photographs, artwork or advertisements.

Submissions will not be returned unless arranged for in writing. DAVID MAGAZINE is a monthly publication. All information regarding editorial content or property for sale is deemed reliable. No representation is made as to the accuracy hereof and is printed subject to errors and omissions.

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DAVID SIVAN/IYAR 5771

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“Energy independence... one roof at a time,” M

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Publisher Associate Publisher

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Max Friedland max@davidlv.com

Joanne Friedland joanne@davidlv.com

EDITORIAL

Managing Editor Editorial Board

Why Go Solar?

Paige Dailey editor@davidlv.com Andrea Behrens Stewart Blumenfeld Nancy Katz Ellen Kominsky Lori Nelson

No more increases in electricity costs

Contributing Writers

Jim Begley Marisa Finetti

Increase the value of your property

Jaq Greenspon

Reduce your carbon footprint

Chad Plummer

Pj Perez Brianna Soloski Pat Teague

We offer a wide variety of solutions to help you save money!

• Solar Power

ART & PHOTOGRAPHY

Graphic Designers

Steven Wilson

Contributing Photographers

Joshua Navarro Denise Truscello

• Wind Power

Steven Wilson

• Energy Efficiency Audits • LED Lighting

Andrew Benson

ADVERTISING & MARKETING

Advertising Director

• Solar Heated Water

Joanne Friedland joanne@davidlv.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS

• Variable Speed Pool Pumps

702-254-2223 | subscribe@davidlv.com

Volume 02 Number 02 www.davidlv.com DAVID Magazine is published 12 times a year.

Copyright 2011 by JewishINK LLC. 1930 Village Center Circle, No. 3-459 Las Vegas, NV 89134 (p) 702-254-2223 (f) 702-664-2633

To advertise in DAVID Magazine, call 702-254-2223 or email ads@davidlv.com To subscribe to DAVID Magazine, call 702.254-2223 or email subscibe@davidlv.com

The things that helped to get this issue out: Major collaboration!

Special thanks to: Everyone who has seen the magazine and has responded with honest criticism

702-227-9205 • apsolar.net

Let Nature Power Your Home, Business, and Investment.

6

DAVID Magazine sets high standards to ensure forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable manner. This copy of DAVID Magazine was printed by American Web in Denver, Colo., on paper from well-managed forests which meet EPA guidelines that recommend use of recovered fibers for coated papers. Inks used contain a blend of soy base. Our printer meets or exceeds all federal Resource Conservation Recovery Act standards and is a certified member of both the Forest Stewardship Council and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. When you are done with this issue, please pass it on to a friend or recycle it.

DAVID SIVAN/IYAR 5771

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Every

gift

makes a difference There is still time to make your gift to the 2011 Jewish Federation of Las Vegas Campaign.

Help make a difference by pledging before June 30th.

Thank you!

Your gift will make a difference. It feeds those that are hungry, supports our senior adults, a s s i s t s t h o s e a f f e c t e d by e co n o m i c c r i s i s a n d p rov i d e s programming that inspires a love of Jewish life, culture and community.

Get involved.

Donate. Volunteer.

To learn more and to make your generous gift please contact us at:

It’s what being Jewish feels like.

www.jewishlasvegas.com or 732-0556.

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contributors

Jaq Greenspon is a noted local journalist, screenwriter and author with credits on The New Adventures of Robin Hood and Star Trek: The Next Generation.

He also is a literary and movie critic, has taught and written about fi lmmaking but is most proud of his role in the fi lm, Lotto Love. A Vegas resident for most of his life, his native language is Hebrew, but he doesn’t speak it anymore.

Pj Perez is a writer, illustrator and musician who has lived in and written about Las Vegas for 20 years. A former magazine, newspaper and website editor, his work has appeared in such publications as Rolling Stone, 944 and Desert Companion.

Jim Begley is an avid food lover who has recently taken up food writing in a feeble attempt to defray his obscene restaurant spending. If you like what you’ve read, follow him at splurgemonkey.com or via Twitter@ splurgemonkey

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Pat Teague has been a practicing journalist, manager and editor for international and regional wire services, and has worked for several metropolitan daily newspapers. He also has worked for one of the world’s largest corporations and was one of five Southern Californians in the Los Angeles chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists honored in 2000 for career achievement.

Chad Plummer holds a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and has worked for 20 years in concert, radio and tv production, with the last 12 being at Las Vegas’ KTNV and UNLVtv. Plummer has taught K-12 at Clark County School District, Andre Agasssi Prep and Midbar Kodesh Temple and currently is pursuing a master’s degree in education at the University of Las Vegas, Nevada.

In his free time, Plummer performs volunteer work, and co-produces and co-hosts “Homegrown” on 92.3-FM.

Marisa Finetti is a local writer, marketing professional and blogger. The Tokyoborn Finetti has called Las Vegas home since 2005.

She has written for such publications as Spirit and Las Vegas and Nevada magazines and has a healthy-living blog at bestbewell.com.

When she’s not writing, Finetti enjoys family time with her husband and two boys.

Pj Perez photo by: Joshua Navarro

Brianna Soloski has loved to read and write since she was a kid. Today she can be found blogging at girlseeksplace. wordpress.com. She used to want to be the editor of Vanity Fair, but is pretty sure Graydon Carter is going to be editor forever. She also wanted to run the Library of Congress, but the same person has been doing it since 1982. So, for now, she writes.

DAVID SIVAN/IYAR 5771

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from the publisher ONCE AGAIN IT is my pleasure to bring your attention to the continuing evolution of DAVID Magazine. What you see on our pages is the product of a dedicated group of publishing professionals working together in the spirit of collaboration—all for one and one for all. As publisher, I am inspired by the potential of our creative dynamic. With all egos checked at the door, this unifying process has been a pleasure, and the product of these labors has brought, I believe, a greater polish to our publication.

This month, we observe the Jewish holiday of Shavuot (Weeks). This festival celebrates the receiving of the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai and the end of the seven weeks of counting of the omer, which starts on the second day of Passover and marks the grain-harvest time. For you esoteric types, here is a fun fact. DAVID Magazine has, in its short life, observed two such seven-week cycles and is now celebrating them in its 14th edition.

Numbers are pesky things; they attempt to create an order out of the seeming randomness of life. For those of us that care, we remember the fuss over Y2K or—as it was sold to us, incorrectly, I might add—the new millennium.

We were told the world’s computers would crash, planes would fall from the sky, industry would tank and life would cease to exist, at least in any recognizable fashion. If we weren’t out and about, we went to bed on Friday night as citizens of the 20th century and woke up Saturday morning firmly ensconced in the thrilling reality of a brand new 21st century. The new millennium actually was to begin a year later on New Years Eve 2001.

In reality, these were only numbers on the Gregorian calendar, ordained by Pope Gregory XVIII at the end of what became known as the 16th century. It also was the beginning of the Sabbath of Tevet 23 in the Hebrew year of 5760. I guess you could say that the Jews had been through this millennium stuff many times before.

Even though we all knew of the above, we wanted to feel the potential of that special occasion. We were being schooled with great optimism that that “bridge to the future” moment could bring great things. With the luxury of hindsight, we now see that as folly, but remain intrigued by a potential for renewal.

Numerology aside, man always has looked for signs to clarify his reality. I choose to take edition 14 of DAVID Magazine as proof that life is great, and, as evidenced by the team, all things are possible when you are in a positive creative zone.

Max Friedland max@davidlv.com 10

DAVID SIVAN/IYAR 5771

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pulse INSIDE explore @ 14

Joan Rivers, The Venetian

devour @ 19

Hotel California, Sugar Factory, Tommy Bahama Cocktail

desire @ 20

Dad’s Day Desirables

discover @ 22

Bonnie Springs Ranch, Las Vegas Film Fest, Neon Boneyard

Pssst ... Have You heard?

Rumor Boutique Resort hosts Sunkissed Sundays, the city’s first-ever gay-friendly weekly brunch and pool party featuring music by DJ Roger Ganji, a savory buffet and, of course, tasty libations.

10 a.m.-6 p.m., $10 locals; $20 nonlocals; $35 brunch; $25 bottomless Bloody Marys & mimosas. 455 E. Harmon Ave., Las Vegas.

702-369-5400. rumorvegas.com JUNE 2011 DAVID

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eXplore L A S

V E G A S A River Runs Through It

Joan Rivers brings her spicy attitude to Las Vegas for the first of three limited engagements.

Longtime comedian and Celebrity Apprentice winner, Rivers returns to Sin City this month.

June 2-4, 9 p.m., $56.

The Venetian, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas.

702-414-9000.

6.1

August: Osage County. Through June 12, times vary, $29-$85. Old Globe Theater, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego.

619-23-GLOBE. theoldglobe.org David Copperfield. Through June 22, 7:30 p.m.; 10 p.m. Sun.-Sat.; additional 4:30 p.m. show on Sat., $69-$99, all ages. MGM Grand, 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-8917777. mgmgrand.com DJ Zo. 10 p.m.-2 a.m., free, 21+. Bond at The Cosmopolitan, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-698-7000. cosmopolitanlasvegas.com Life of Riley. Through June 5, times vary, $29-$67. Old Globe Theater, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. 619-23-GLOBE. theoldglobe.org Louis XIV. Through June 4, 10:30 p.m.midnight, free, 21+. Book & Stage at The Cosmopolitan, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas.

702-698-7000. cosmopolitanlasvegas.com

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Much Ado about Nothing. Through Sept. 24, times vary, $29-$85. Old Globe Theater, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego.

619-23-GLOBE. theoldglobe.org Whiskey Wednesday Cocktail Tasting.

7 p.m.-9 p.m., $25-$35, 21+. Taste whiskeys from around the country in an ambient setting.

Andre’s Cigar & Cognac Lounge at Monte Carlo, 3770 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-7307777. montecarlo.com

6.2

Against the Grain. 10:30 p.m. Thursdays, free, 21+. PBR Rock Bar at Planet Hollywood Resort, 3667 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-785-9005. planethollywoodresort.com Chris Cutz. Through June 5, 10 p.m.-3 a.m., free, 21+. Bond at The Cosmopolitan, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-698-7000. cosmopolitanlasvegas.com

J-Vegas Socials Game Night. 6:30 p.m., $5-$7, 50+. Jewish Community Center of Southern Nevada, 9001 Hillpointe Road, Las Vegas. 702-794-0090. jccsn.org Rick Recht performs for Yom Yerushalayim. 6 p.m., free, all ages. Midbar Kodesh Temple, 1940 Paseo Verde Parkway, Henderson. 702-994-3962. midbarkodesh.org

6.3

Al Jarreau. 8 p.m., $34-$54, all ages.

Aliante, 7300 Aliante Parkway, North Las Vegas. 702-692-7777. aliantecasinohotel.com DJ Steve Aoki. $30-$40, 10 p.m.-4 a.m., 21+.

Surrender Nightclub, 3131 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-770-7300. encorebeachclub.com second annual Vegas Fringe Festival. Through June 12, times vary, $12-$110.

Casa de Nada by Erica Griffin: 6.3, 7:30 p.m.; 6.4, 4 p.m.; 6.5, 6:15 p.m.; 6.11, 6:30 p.m.; 6.12, 1 p.m. Local Celebrity by Charles Drew and Lalanya M. Abner: 6.3, 8:30 p.m.; 6.4, 1:15 p.m.; 6.9, 6 p.m.; 6.11, 9:30 p.m.; 6.12, 3:15 p.m. Pandemic!

A Killer Flu-sical! by William Waldrop and Robert Williamson: 6.3, 10:30 p.m.; 6.5, 3:30 p.m.; 6.9, 8:15 p.m.; 6.11, 5:30 p.m. Ruby of Elsinore

by Bruce Kane: 6.3, 6 p.m.; 6.4, 2:30 p.m.; 6.11, 2:30 p.m. & 9:30 p.m.; 6.12, 7:15 p.m. Sing to Me Through Open Windows by Arthur Kopit: 6.3, 9 p.m.; 6.4, 1 p.m.; 6.5, 7:45 p.m.; 6.11, 8 p.m.; 6.12, 2:30 p.m. The Wind in the Willows

by Kenneth Grahame: 6.3, 6:30 p.m.; 6.4 3:15 p.m., 6/5 8 p.m., 6/11 7:30 p.m., 6/12 1:15 p.m.

The Blue Hour by David Mamet: 6.4, 6 p.m.; 6.5, 1:30 p.m.; 6.10, 8:30 p.m.; 6.11, 1 p.m.; 6.12, 6:15 p.m. Home Free! by Lanford Wilson: 6.4, 6:15 p.m.; 6.9, 7:45 p.m.; 6.10, 8:45 p.m.; 6.11, 1 p.m.; 6.12, 4 p.m. I Am Not Batman by Marco Ramirez: 6.4, 9:15 p.m.; 6.5, 1 p.m.; 6.10, 7:30 p.m.; 6.12, 6 p.m. Love Stories During the Armageddon of a Citrus Fruit by Daniel Hamilton: 6.4, 8 p.m.; 6.5, 6 p.m.; 6.10, 6:30 p.m.; 6.11, 3 p.m.

My Best Dish by UNLV SATP: 6.4, 7:45 p.m.; 6.5, 2:15 p.m.; 6.9, 6:15 p.m.; 6.10, 6 p.m.; 6.11, 4 p.m. Las Vegas Little Theatre, 3920 Schiff Drive, Las Vegas. 702-362-7996. lvlt.org.

6.4

Blues and Brews Festival. 4 p.m.-8 p.m., $25-$30, 21+. Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd., Las Vegas. 702-822-7700. vegasbrewsandblues.com dinner and wine tasting. 7 p.m., $295, 21+. Presented by Williams Selyem and Le Cirque’s Gregory Pugin. Tuscany Kitchen at Bellagio, 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas.

702-693-7871. bellagio.com Fire and Rain Firefighter Bachelor Auction. 6 p.m.-10 p.m., $40-$80, 21+. Proceeds benefit Southern Nevada Burn Foundation. Rain Nightclub at Palms, 4321 W. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas. 702-942-7777. palms.com Fourth Annual Grand Poker Series.

Through July 4, times vary, buy-in varies, 21+.

Golden Nugget, 129 E. Fremont St., Las Vegas.

800-777-4658 x 8164. goldennugget.com

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THE TEMPEST. 6.5 & 6.15-6.19, 8 p.m., $29GOO GOO DOLLS. 9 p.m., $30, 18+. Sandbar $85. Old Globe Theater, 1363 Old Globe Way, at Red Rock Resort, 11011 W. Charleston Blvd., San Diego. 619-23-GLOBE. theoldglobe.org Las Vegas. 702-797-7598. redrocklasvegas.com UFC ULTIMATE FIGHTER FINALE. 6 p.m., HIT PARADE BRINGS NOSTALGIA AND $150-$375, 21+. Pearl Lounge at Palms, 4321 SHOW TUNES TO VEGAS. Through June 5, W. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas. 702-942-7777.

7:30 p.m., $15.95, 21+. Suncoast, 9090 Alta Drive, palms.com Las Vegas. 702-636-7111. suncoastcasino.com HOW I BECAME A PIRATE. Through June 12, 2 6.5 p.m. & 7 p.m., $3-$7, all ages. Presented by RainFARMERS & ARTISAN MARKET. 8 a.m.-1 bow Company Youth Theatre. Charleston Heights p.m. Saturdays, free. Tivoli Village, 302 S. Art Center, 800 S. Brush St., Las Vegas. 702-229Rampart Blvd., Las Vegas. 702-570-7400.

6553. artslasvegas.org tivolivillagelv.com LADY “J” HUSTON. 7 p.m.-10 p.m., free, all HANNI EL KHATIB. Through June 7, 10 p.m.-11 ages. The Village at Lake Las Vegas, 30 Strap.m.; midnight-1 a.m., free, 21+. Book & Stage at da di Villaggio, Henderson. 702-564-4700.

The Cosmopolitan, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las montelagovillage.com Vegas. 702-698-7000. cosmopolitanlasvegas.com THE MIGHTY DIAMONDS & HALEAMAJEWISH FAMILY SERVICE AGENCY TZEDANO. 7 p.m., $10, 21+. Sway Pool at Silverton, KAH BRUNCH. 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., $100, 21+.

3333 Blue Diamond Road, Las Vegas. 702-263Four Seasons Hotel, 3960 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 7777. silvertoncasino.com Las Vegas. 702-732-0304. jfsalv.org NITRO CIRCUS LIVE. 8 p.m., $39-$79, all ages.

PUP & I. 10:30 a.m., free, all ages. Bring your BMX bike and skate sports show featuring Travis dog and make some new friends. Kellogg-Zaher Pastrana. MGM Grand, 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Sports Complex, 7901 W. Washington Ave., Las Las Vegas. 702-891-7777. mgmgrand.com Vegas. 702-794-0090. jccsn.org PLANET LA RECORDS SHOWCASE: DJINN, NATIVE JUNE AND RED WINE 6.6 REWIND. Midnight, $10, 21+. The Lounge at DJ QUIRA. 10 p.m.-2 a.m., free, 21+. Bond at Palms, 4321 W. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas. 702The Cosmopolitan, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Visit usVegas. at ruthschris.com 942-7777. palms.com 702-698-7000. cosmopolitanlasvegas.com RESTLESS HEART. 8 p.m., $17-$28, all ages.

SINGER-COMEDIAN TONY PACE. Through Chrome Showroom at Santa Fe, 4949 N. RanJune 7, 7 p.m., $49.95. Clarion, 305 Convencho Drive, Las Vegas. 702-658-4900. santaftion Center Drive, Las Vegas. 702-467-1054. estation.com tonypace.com SHABBAT ALIVE! WITH RICK RECHT. 6:15 p.m., $12-$18, all ages. Midbar Kodesh Temple, 6.7 CELINE DION. Through June 29, 7:30 p.m., 1940 Paseo Verde Parkway, Henderson. 702$55-$250. Caesars Palace, 3570 Las Vegas Blvd.

454-4848. midbarkodesh.org S., Las Vegas. 702-866-1400. caesars.com SHAVUOS—DINNER AND ALL-NIGHT LEARNING. 7:45 p.m., $10-$20, all ages.

Young Israel Aish, 9590 W. Sahara Ave., Las Vegas. 702-360-8909. yiaishlv.com POOKIE. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Tuesdays, free, 21+.

Bond at The Cosmopolitan, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-698-7000. cosmopolitanlasvegas.com

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6.8

ART & WINE: A PERFECT PAIRING. 5 p.m.-7 p.m., $30-$38, 21+. Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art at Bellagio, 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas.

702-693-7871. bellagio.com YOUNG THE GIANT. Through June 11, 10 p.m.-11 p.m.; midnight-1 a.m., free, 21+. Book & Stage at The Cosmopolitan, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-698-7000. cosmopolitanlasvegas.com

6.9 SMOKEY BEAR AND WOODSY OWL: HOME SWEET HOME EXHIBIT. Through Sept. 25, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues.-Fri.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun., $8.50-$9.50. Lied Discovery Children’s Museum, 833 Las Vegas Blvd. N., Las Vegas. 702-382-3445. ldcm.org

DJ FRESH ONE. Through June 12, 10 p.m.3 a.m., free, 21+. Bond at The Cosmopolitan, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-6987000. cosmopolitanlasvegas.com

6.10

Private accommodations available for up to 150 guests.

702-791-7011 3900 Paradise Road Las Vegas, NV

DJ SIDNEY SAMSON RESIDENCY KICKOFF. $30-$40, 10 p.m.-4 a.m., 21+. Surrender JUNE 2011 DAVID

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8/10

ottom

Rotating Variety of Delicious Yogurt Flavors

Nightclub at Encore, 3131 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-770-7300. encorebeachclub.com PAUL MCCARTNEY. 8 p.m., $105-$262.50, 21+. MGM Grand, 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-891-7777. mgmgrand.com T.G. SHEPPARD. 8 p.m., $19-$35, all ages.

The Railhead at Boulder Station, 4111 Boulder Highway, Las Vegas. 702-432-7710. boulderstation.com

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Create Your Own Masterpiece!

Regular, Low Carb, Dairy & Sugar Free!

Fruit, Dry & Hot Toppings!

CAKE. 8 p.m., $40-$50, 18+. Boulevard Pool at The Cosmopolitan, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-698-7000. cosmopolitanlasvegas.com GIN BLOSSOMS. Through June 12, 8 p.m., $29.95, 21+. The Orleans, 4500 W. Tropicana Ave., Las Vegas. 702-365-7111. orleanscasino. com MARK FARNER. Through June 12, 7:30 p.m., $15.95, 21+. Suncoast, 9090 Alta Drive, Las Vegas. 702-636-7111. suncoastcasino.com PageSKY 1 BLU OF LMFAO. 10 p.m.-4 a.m., $30$40, 21+. Surrender Nightclub at Encore, 3131 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-770-7300. encorebeachclub.com SLICK WILLIE ORCHESTRA. 7 p.m.-10 p.m., free, all ages. The Village Lake Las Vegas, 30 Strada di Villaggio, Henderson. 702-564-4700. montelagovillage.com THOMAS & FRIENDS LIVE! ONSTAGE. Through June 12, 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. & 6 p.m., $23-$118. The Orleans, 4500 W. Tropicana Ave., Las Vegas. 702-365-7111. orleanscasino.com

6.12

834-8200

Summerlin Plaza 7500 W Lake Mead Blvd Sun-Thurs 11am – 9pm Fri & Sat 11am – 10pm

Buy 1, Get 1 Buy 1, Get 1 Free Get 1,onGet 1get Free 50%1Off Buy pre-packs buy one equal or lesser value) ($25 value) on pre-packs elf serve yogurt

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AMADEUS. 6.12 & 6.21-6.24, 8 p.m., $29-$85.

Old Globe Theater, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. 619-23-GLOBE. theoldglobe.org ARIELLE VERINIS. Through June 14, 10 p.m.11 p.m.; midnight-1 a.m., free, 21+. Book & Stage at The Cosmopolitan, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-698-7000. cosmopolitanlasvegas.com WOMEN AND TRANSITIONS LEARNING PROGRAMS. Through June 13, $75, 21+.

Midbar Kodesh Temple, 1940 Paseo Verde Parkway, Henderson. 702-334-4085. noa@ theglobalmomentum.com

6.13

CAMP K’HELAH ART STARTS HERE SPECIALTY CAMP. Through June 17, 9 a.m., all ages. Registration required. Jewish Community

Center , 9001 Hillpointe Road, Las Vegas. 702794-0090. jccsn.org DJ CYBERKID. 10 p.m.-2 a.m., free, 21+. Bond at The Cosmopolitan, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-698-7000. cosmopolitanlasvegas.com

6.14

ACOUSTIC ASYLUM SHOWCASE. 9 p.m., free, 21+. Sponsored by Gibson Guitars. The Lounge at Palms, 4321 W. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas. 702-942-7777. palms.com

6.15

LIL’ JON. 10 p.m.-4 a.m., $30-$40, 21+. Surrender Nightclub at Encore, 3131 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-770-7300. encorebeachclub.com NIKKA COSTA. Through June 18, 10 p.m.-11 p.m.; midnight-1 a.m., free, 21+. Book & Stage at The Cosmopolitan, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-698-7000. cosmopolitanlasvegas.com SINGLES MOVIE NIGHT. Time TBA, cost of movie ticket and snacks, 21+. Rave Motion Pictures at Town Square, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd.

S., Las Vegas. 702-794-0090. jccsn.org

6.16

DJ MEL. Through June 19, 10 p.m.-3 a.m., free, 21+. Bond at The Cosmopolitan, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-698-7000. cosmopolitanlasvegas.com

6.17

B’NOT SIMCHAT CHOCHMAH PRAYER SERVICES AND CELEBRATION. Through June 18, 7:30 p.m. & 10 a.m., free, all ages.

Presented by Valley Outreach SynagogueP’nai Tikvah. Richard Tam Alumni Center at UNLV, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas.

702-436-4900.

COMMON SENSE. Through June 18, midnight, $10, 21+. Reggae music. The Lounge at Palms, 4321 W. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas. 702942-7777. palms.com DOOBIE BROTHERS. 8 p.m., $32.50$62.50, all ages. Sunset Station, 1301 W. Sunset Road, Las Vegas. 702-547-7777. sunsetstation.com FLAMING LIPS. 9 p.m., $40-$50, 18+. Boulevard Pool at The Cosmopolitan, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-698-7000. cosmopolitanlasvegas.com

One coupon per person.

Not valid with other offers or specials.

To advertise in the coupon book call 702-877-9477. ppplv-04

offers or specials.

Buy 1, Get 1 $1 off50% for spending Off $5

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self serve yogurt One coupon per person.

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16

Not valid with other offers or specials.

ppplv-04

Not valid with other offers or specials.

To advertise in the coupon book call 702-877-9477.

DAVID SIVAN/IYAR 5771

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HOT GLASS: ART AND ARCHITECTURAL GLASS FROM STACEY NEFF. Through Aug. 18, 12:30-9 p.m. Wed.-Fri.; 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Sat., free. Charleston Heights Art Center, 800 S. Brush St., Las Vegas. 702-229-1012. artslasvegas.org STEEL PULSE. 9 p.m., $30, 18+. Sandbar at Red Rock Resort, 11011 W. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas. 702-797-7598. redrocklasvegas.com

6.18

CARMINE MANDIA. 7 p.m.-10 p.m., free, all ages. The Village Lake Las Vegas, 30 Strada di Villaggio, Henderson. 702-564-4700. montelagovillage.com GREAT VEGAS FESTIVAL OF BEER. 5 p.m.9 p.m., $27, 21+ Tivoli Village, 1215 S. Fort Apache Road, Las Vegas. 702-370-5089. greatvegasbeer.com

JEWISH GENEOLOGY SOCIETY MEETING. 1 p.m., free, all ages. Features guest speaker Kahlile Mehr, manager of the Slavic collection of the Latter-Day Saints Family History Library. Sahara West Library, 9600 W. Sahara Ave., Las Vegas. 702-528-4334. jgssn.org

6.20

CAMP K’HELAH JUST DANCE SPECIALTY CAMP. Through June 24, 9 a.m., all ages. Registration required. Jewish Community Center of Southern Nevada, 9001 Hillpointe Road, Las Vegas. 702-794-0090. jccsn.org DJ SUPRA. 10 p.m.-2 a.m., free, 21+. Bond at The Cosmopolitan, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-698-7000. cosmopolitanlasvegas.com

6.21

COMEDIAN LOU MAGELOWITZ. 7:30 p.m., free, 21+. Firefly, 3900 Paradise Road, Las Vegas. 702-369-3971.

EMERGE INDIE SHOWCASE. 9 p.m., free, 21+. Features local and regional indie artists.

The Lounge at Palms, 4321 W. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas. 702-942-7777. palms.com

6.22

GREG GORMAN

AFROJACK. 10 p.m.-4 a.m., $30-$40, 21+.

Surrender Nightclub at Encore, 3131 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-770-7300. encorebeachclub.com J. RODDY WALSTON AND THE BUSINESS. Through June 25, 10 p.m.-11 p.m.; midnight-1 a.m., free, 21+. Book & Stage at The Cosmopolitan, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-698-7000. cosmopolitanlasvegas.com

6.23 LILY TOMLIN. Through June 19, 8 p.m., $39.95, 21+. The Orleans, 4500 W. Tropicana Ave., Las Vegas. 702-365-7111. orleanscasino.com THE MANHATTANS. Through June 19, 7:30 p.m., $15.95, 21+. Suncoast, 9090 Alta Drive, Las Vegas. 702-636-7111. suncoastcasino.com MÖTLEY CRÜE AND POISON. 7 p.m., $65$100, all ages. Red Rock Resort, 11011 W. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas. 702-797-7598. redrocklasvegas.com PREZIDENT BROWN AND ONE PIN SHORT. 7 p.m., $10, 21+. Sway Pool at Silverton, 3333 Blue Diamond Road, Las Vegas. 702263-7777. silvertoncasino.com RANDY TRAVIS. 8 p.m., $22.50-$52.50. Sunset Station, 1301 W. Sunset Road, Las Vegas.

702-547-7777. sunsetstation.com

6.19

CLOUDED VISION. Through June 21, 10 p.m.-11 p.m.; midnight-1 a.m., free, 21+. Book & Stage at The Cosmopolitan, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-698-7000. cosmopolitanlasvegas.com

BRETT DENNEN AND DAWES. 8 p.m., $15, 21+. Veil at Silverton, 3333 Blue Diamond Road, Las Vegas. 702-263-7777. silvertoncasino.com SINGLES DINING OUT NIGHT. 6:30 p.m., $12-$15, 55+. Jewish Community Center of Southern Nevada, 9001 Hillpointe Road, Las Vegas. 702-794-0090. jccsn.org SMALLTOWN DJS. Through June 26, 10 p.m.3 a.m., free, 21+. Bond at The Cosmopolitan, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-6987000. cosmopolitanlasvegas.com

6.24

DIEGO VERDAGUER & AMANDA MIGUEL. 9 p.m., $40-$60, 21+. Texas Station, 2101 Texas Star Lane, North Las Vegas. 702-631-1000. texasstation.com DJS STEVE AOKI AND SIDNEY SAMSON. 10 p.m.-4 a.m., $30-$40, 21+. Surrender Nightclub at Encore, 3131 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-770-7300. encorebeachclub.com HOME COOKIN’. Midnight, $10, 21+. Original soul, rock and funk music. The Lounge at Palms, 4321 W. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas. 702942-7777. palms.com RUSH. 8 p.m., $55-$150, 21+. MGM Grand, 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-8917777. mgmgrand.com

Wishing all Dads and Grads Happiness and Success 301 N. Buffalo Drive 255-3444 www.thebagelcafelv.com

WhereTheLocalsEat.com

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Britney Spears. 7:30 p.m., $29.50-$225, all ages. MGM Grand, 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-891-7777. mgmgrand.com Calvin Harris. $30-$40, 10 p.m.-4 a.m., 21+. Surrender Nightclub at Encore, 3131 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-770-7300. encorebeachclub.com Rocky Gordon & the Killer Groove Band. 7 p.m.-10 p.m., free, all ages. The Village Lake Las Vegas, 30 Strada di Villaggio, Henderson. 702-564-4700. montelagovillage.com

6.26

Cameron Rafati. Through June 29, 10 p.m.11 p.m.; midnight-1 a.m., free, 21+. Book & Stage at The Cosmopolitan, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-698-7000. cosmopolitanlasvegas.com Camp Mend-A-Heart. Through June 30,

free for children and teens with heart problems, ages 7-17. Rapport Executive Retreat, Alamo. 702-967-3522. chfn.org

6.27

Camp K’Helah. Through August 12, 9 a.m., all ages. Registration required. Adelson Educational Campus, 9700 Hillpointe Road, Las Vegas. Information and registration: 702-794-0090. jccsn.org DJ Reaction. 10 p.m.-2 a.m., free, 21+.

Bond at The Cosmopolitan, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-698-7000. cosmopolitanlasvegas.com

6.28

Wellness University: Mobile Weight Management with Dr. Dana Trippi. 7 p.m., free, all ages. Registration required. Jewish Community Center of Southern Nevada, 9001 Hillpointe Road,

Las Vegas. 702-794-0090. jccsn.org

6.30

Royal Bangs. Through July 3, 10 p.m.-11 p.m.; midnight-1 a.m., free, 21+. Book & Stage at The Cosmopolitan, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-698-7000. cosmopolitanlasvegas.com Vans Warped Tour. 11 a.m., $28, all ages.

Plaza Hotel, 1 S. Main St., Las Vegas. 702-4744000. warpedtour.com Wynter Gordon. 10 p.m.-4 a.m., $30$40, 21+. Surrender Nightclub at Encore, 3131 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-770-7300. encorebeachclub.com

To submit your event information, email calendar@davidlv.com by the 15th of the month prior to the month in which the event is being held.

Candlelighting Iyar/Sivan 5771 Fri., June 3, Sivan 1

Tues., June 7, Sivan 5

Fri., June 10, Sivan 8

Fri., June 17, Sivan 15

Fri., June 24, Sivan 22

Rosh Chodesh Sivan Light candles at 7:36 p.m.

Eve of Shavuot Light candles at 7:38 p.m.

Light candles at 7:40 p.m.

Light candles at 7:42 p.m.

Light candles at 7:44 p.m.

Sat., June 11, Sivan 9

Sat., June 18, Sivan 16

Sat., June 25, Sivan 23

Sat., June 4, Sivan 2

Wed., June 8, Sivan 6

Shabbat ends 8:44 p.m.

Shabbat ends 8:46 p.m.

Shabbat ends 8:39 p.m.

Shavuot Light candles at 8:42 p.m.

Blessing of the new month Shabbat ends 8:48 p.m.

Thurs., June 9, Sivan 7 Shavuot Yom Tov ends at 8:42 p.m.

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devour Welcome to the Hotel California Check in to the Hotel California for a Baja-inspired meal. Offering classic Mexican dishes, such as lime-marinated ceviche and Baja tuna salad with fresh ahi tuna and cucumbers, the Hotel California features a wide range of fresh flavors and ingredients. And, the restaurant offers two chef’s tables, which allow guests the unique experience of seeing their meal prepared from a front-row seat. Soon, Hotel California also will provide live entertainment and feature a cigar bar and an extensive children’s menu.

Hotel California Restaurant & Cantina, 1050 S. Rampart Blvd., Las Vegas.

702-463-5200. hotelcaliforniarestaurant.com Denise Truscello/WireImage

Sugar Buzz If you’ve got an insatiable sweet tooth, a trip to Sugar Factory at Paris Las Vegas is a must. With its ultrahip restaurant, candy shop, chocolate lounge, outdoor café, nightclub and outdoor patio overlooking the Bellagio fountains, this place has something for every craving. The restaurant serves up homestyle cooking with a twist, such as Red Velvet pancakes, and the retail side offers tons of candy—chocolate and fruity—and the lollipops, available with optional Swarovski crytal-encrusted stick handles, have been endorsed by the likes of Britney Spears and Kim Kardashian.

Sugar Factory at Paris Las Vegas, 3645 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-331-5100 parislasvegas.com

Have a Peachy Time Looking for a summer escape? Then look no further than Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar at Town Square. Presenting a great lineup of tasty libations just waiting to be enjoyed, you’ll find you’ll have A Berry Peachy Day when you give this new seasonal cocktail a taste. The combination of peach vodka, strawberries and lemon-lime soda will remind you of that summer you spent on the beach, lazing in the sun all day. Now, can you say, “Aaaah ...”?

Tommy Bahama, 6635 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-948-8006. tommybahama.com JUNE 2011 DAVID

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Who Could Forget Dear Old Dad? Hand-crafted in France crystal Tip Top bottle stoppers, available in three distinct styles, $100 each. Baccarat at The Forum Shops at Caesars, 3500 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas.

702-893-4800

Casual grey strip rope sole classic by TOMS, $54.

For every purchased pair, TOMS gives a new pair to a child in need. Whole Foods, 6689 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702589-7711

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The super-sleek iWatchz Carbon Collection band places your iPod nano right on your wrist, $49.95.

Apple Store at Fashion Show, 3200 Las Vegas Blvd. Las Vegas.

702-650-9550; Town Square, 6671 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-221-8826

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The Doulton casual check shirt features a soft collar and one button cuff, $150. Thomas Pink at The Forum Shops at Caesars, 3500 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-893-4800.

The Trilby hat by Gucci, made in Italy, features natural straw with camel brown leather, $395. Neiman Marcus at Fashion Show, 3200 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas.

702-731-3636.

The Novara Buzz One Bike has single-speed simplicity for sturdy road cruising, $399. REI at Boca Park, 710 S. Rampart Blvd., Las Vegas.

702-951-4488; The District, 2220 Village Walk Drive, Henderson. 702-896-7111.

JUNE 2011 DAVID

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discover Sign, Sign ...

Everywhere a Sign The Neon Museum, known affectionately as the Neon Boneyard, is a throwback to Old Las Vegas. Housing nearly 200 old hotel signs and other pieces of Las Vegas history, the site is a mecca for those fascinated by Vegas history. The signs, which typically are on loan or donated by local individuals and businesses, are available for up close and personal viewings. Popular with photographers near and far, the Neon Museum offers guided tours for those interested in exploring a hidden piece of Las Vegas. The Neon Museum is not open to general admission; tours must be scheduled in advance.

Tours: Noon & 2 p.m. Tues.-Fri.; 9:30 & 11 a.m. Saturdays, $15 per person.

Neon Museum, 821 Las Vegas Blvd.

N., Las Vegas. 702-387-6366. neonmuseum.org

Flick Fest It’s time once again for the Las Vegas Film Festival. The festival showcases a variety of excellent films by amateur and professional filmmakers.

In addition to film screenings, this highly anticipated event includes red carpet parties, a screenplay competition, panel discussions and a variety of other events. In addition to Oscar-winning films, the festival showcases television pilots, international films and Nevada filmmakers.

July 15-17, times vary, $8$150. Las Vegas Hilton, 3000 Paradise Road, Las Vegas. 702552-9330. lvfilmfest.com

Head Out to the Ranch Since 1843, Bonnie Springs Ranch has provided a stopover for wagon trains and modern tourists alike. Now serving as a tourist attraction, the Ranch has a restaurant, hotel and petting zoo. Horseback riding tours are available, and you can rent the Ranch, which accommodates large parties for private events, allowing you and all your rowdy friends to ride in and “take over the town.” A variety of events also take place throughout the year at the Ranch that offer fun and excitement for locals and visitors.

Bonnie Springs Ranch, 16395 Bonnie Springs Road, Blue Diamond. 702-875-4191. bonniesprings.com

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mingle

Missy Carpenter, Mrs. Nevada

Jim and Beverly Rogers

ST. JUDE’S GRAND GALA “An Affair of the Heart” Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas May 21 Boris Zheleznyak, Toni Chaltiel, Victor Chaltiel, Mala Zheleznyak

Tanya Amid and Mrs. Nevada

Photographed by Marc Frye marcfrye.zenfolio.com

Speaker Robyn Williams

Rosie Harsch and Jack kenn

David Cherry, Justice Michael A. Cherry, Sheryl Kogan, Michelle Buckman, and Alan Perrmutter

Heidi Glassman and Madison Rose

Lori Williams, Rosie Harson and Dorit Schwartz

Artist Jennifer Main

Patient Gavin Ambrose and his mom Heather Ambrose

Patient Claire Kinsey, mom Miriam Kinsey and friend Annelisa Polk

JUNE 2011 DAVID

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cosmopolitanconnections.com Sumita Beauty Salon May 20

Photographed by Corey Fields www.coreyfields.com

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ISRAEL INDEPENDENCE AFTER PARTY Hosted by J-Dub Marrakech Restaurant May 22

Photographed by Nili Braner and Yoni Leitner

JUNE 2011 DAVID

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Melody Stein, Nick Bembenek, David Lynn and Dominic Bembenek

Judy Stone, Lisa Skurow and Leslie Murdock

Talia Gavish, Rom Alon and Sivan Gavish

“Where Art Thou?”

Celebration

Presented by Jewish Community Center Dinosaurs & Roses May 19 Photographed by Tonya Harvey

Melody Stein, Nick Bembenek, David Lynn and Dominic Bembenek

Mitch Garshofsky, Jennifer Garshofsky and Noa Jensch

Donavin Britt, Omri Blit and Greg Stuhl

Moshav Band

Marisa Kohen, Odelia Duhel and Smadar Aryel

ISRAEL INDEPENDENCE DAY The Venetian May 22 Photographed by Tonya Harvey Staci Kohen, Amanda Kovatch, Joey Littmann, Shaince Tarter and Bailey Saxe

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Dana Yavitz, Melissa Krause, Annamel Medina, Georgette Cohen, Rachel Festenstein and Emily Conroy

DAVID SIVAN/IYAR 5771

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live INSIDE sense @ 28

Overcoming Life’s Roadblocks

believe @ 32

What the Heck Is All the Hoopla About Chuppahs?

taste @ 36

It’s Sink or Swim in the Desert

Keeping Tradition Representing a respect for Jewish law and tradition, the use of chuppahs in wedding ceremonies is a beautiful tradition that can give a couple a sense of community on the biggest day of their lives together.

JUNE 2011 DAVID

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Overcoming Life’s Roadblocks Local Writer Debuts Flick in Hopes of Gaining a “Film” Foothold 28

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Imagine being stuck in an unwavering major traffic jam, and you’re the business man with his entire career on the line, if he doesn’t make it to a meeting ... you’re the hit man taking his annoying “friend” Bobby “for a ride” that he mistakenly thinks will end up at a ballgame ... you’re on a weekend family trip, and your family is a lot like the Griswalds, complete with bladder problems, uncontrollable screaming, corny car games and bumbling antics.

Now—what would you do?

Rubbernecking, a feature-length, sliceof-life film by Ross H. Martin and Sean Kinney, stars Corbin Bernsen, Arye Gross, Renee O’Connor (Xena, Warrior Princess) and Debra Wilson (Mad TV). The dramatic comedy depicts numerous people who are all at the same event, from differing perspectives. The film addresses such themes as time, ego and interpersonal communication.

Rubbernecking was shown at the Independent Filmmaker Project Market in New York in October 2001, has been screened at various film festivals and premieres here, at Theatre 7, free of charge, on June 4 at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Further details of the event can be found at theatre7lv.com.

About the film, Martin muses, “Rubbernecking is about roadblocks in our lives—an ongoing theme in my career.

“You have to brush off the bad things and push forward through the traffic in your career to get to where you need to go.”

Martin also explains how it came about that his film has two titles.

“Our sales agent, who takes the film to various markets such as Cannes, thought people overseas wouldn’t understand the term ‘rubbernecking,’ so he changed the title (to Accidents Don’t Happen).

“I always think of the film as Rubbernecking.”

Although he had spent most of his life in Hollywood, where he earned a degree from

Columbia College Hollywood film school to go along with his English degree from the University of Hartford, Martin, also a filmmaker and freelance writer, took an opportunity to teach English as a Second Language in South Korea for a year.

But fate had other plans. Due to circumstances beyond his control, Martin’s tenure ended after only seven weeks, rendering him ostensively homeless.

Considering his options, Martin explains, “My parents had moved here (Las Vegas) six years ago, so I left all my worldly possessions with them while I was away.

writers group on Meetup that Martin became aware of Derek Stoneberger’s Theatre 7, a great venue located downtown on Third Street that offers great films to the public for free, and arranged for Rubbernecking to be shown there. The premiere serves a dual purpose for Martin: to jump start his film career here and also to give something back to the Valley’s film community.

During the course of his career, Martin has had many projects in various stages of development. He has been influenced by many of the greats, in film and in music, including Robert Altman, Stanley Kubrick,

“I sort of landed here when my time in South Korea was done.”

As far as adjusting to his whirlwind of relocating during the past year, Martin says, “It’s been a very surreal experience, in a very surreal place to begin with. Luckily, I have a supportive family here, and I joined several groups on Meetup.”

In fact, it was through the local screen-

Steven Spielberg, Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez, James Mangold, Francis Ford Coppola, Jason Reitman, The Who, Pink Floyd and Nirvana.

Martin feels that movies should have the correct mix of casting, effects and story, before putting the work into filming it.

“Of course, who wouldn’t have wanted to make Star Wars? I’m also curious why, JUNE 2011 DAVID

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3/1/11

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Ten Years of

Dedicated Service • Southern Nevada consecrated Jewish cemetery • Proudly serving all Jewish denominations • Elegant 250 seat Allen Brewster Memorial Chapel • Knowledgeable and caring Jewish staff • Special Veterans Pricing Plan • Special Synagogue Pricing Plan • Burials out-of-state and Eretz Yisrael

Endorsed by the entire Rabbinic community, meeting the needs of every denomination with tradition and compassion.

Nevada’s only Funeral Home and Cemetery combination dedicated exclusively to the Jewish Community.

Jay Poster Funeral Director Manager & Founder

Irv Weinberger Counselor Family Services

Sheryl Chenin-Webb Counselor Family Services

Page 1

when adapting movies from books, directors leave things out that, when you see the deleted scenes, (you realize) it would have explained so much.”

Consequently, Martin has tried to do works that, regardless of budgetary constraints or changes in technology, distribution, etc., address issues of societal import, mostly through comedy, but also through drama and reality.

Among Martin’s career highlights (links to which can be found on his website, rosshmartin.com) is Return of the Living Dead III. It was Martin’s first job in the business, and as an art intern, the experience proved to be invaluable in showing him how the inner workings of the business.

American Quest, another screenplay written by Martin that was developed before Sept. 11, 2001, is based upon people he once knew.

The script tells the story of Iranian male teenagers smuggling themselves out of Iran into Pakistan in the 1980s in hopes of getting to America and the American dream.

“It is inspired by real people and came to me after I’d been writing a bunch of comedy scripts and Rubbernecking, so doing something real and dramatic appealed to me. Normally, you have to pay for someone’s story rights. I got mine for free. It’s not clear why the film isn’t getting picked up. My thought mainly is that it’s a non-American- oriented cast; all the cast would have to be foreign.

That’s a tough sell. A lot of my projects are ambitious, but they are what inspires me.”

In 2001, Martin cofounded and was the festival director of the first-ever Screamfest Horror Film Festival, distinguished as the best and most well-known horror film festival in Los Angeles.

Traveling to the Middle East in 2006, Martin created Finding My Religion, a documentary about his experiences there. The trip

“Rubbernecking is about roadblocks in our lives—an an ongoing theme in my career.

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was highly significant for Martin because of his family’s origin and more importantly, who he is.

“I was raised Jewish but not religious. The history of the Jews and Israel always fascinated me,” Martin says.

“I went on a birthright trip, and, being a storyteller, I took my camera with me, not even knowing what I was going to do with the footage. But I did cut a trailer and put it on my website.

“It was not only a very spiritual experience, but, being raised in America, I wasn’t used to seeing soldiers with machine guns in the streets escorting us everywhere.

“Everything was very calm, but also, we were there right after Arafat died, so maybe that figured into it. Nothing came of it, but it

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Ross Martin and friend Chris Rogers, who is very involved in the film community here, attend the Motion Media Ball held in Las Vegas in April.

sparked my interest in editing as a career. So, perhaps God pointed me in the direction.”

Another of Martin’s creations, 2009’s Octo Circus, is a short film loosely based on the “Octomom” situation a few years back. The flick plays with the metaphor of her multiple births and the ensuing media frenzy that surrounded them; all the actors appear as clowns and are shot in a vaudvillesque manner.

Developed for a contest held by one of the local newspapers, Come Together is a short film that focuses on social media, which Martin ended up filming.

“The other people involved decided very late to shoot this film. I was asked the night before to show up and bring my Mini-DV camcorder,” says Martin.

“My first thought was that I’d be editing and just helping out on set. I ended up shooting and running the show. Then I had a crazy two days to edit before the deadline.”

Come Together was one of the contest finalists.

In regards to the juxtaposition of his former life in Los Angeles versus the one that he is developing here, Martin says, “You can do screenwriting anywhere; there are places online where you can submit a script.

“But as far as selling it to a studio, you have got to be in LA, because of the access to the industry. Here, not so much. Its’ always good to meet face-to-face, so they can see who you are. Many times, its not just the script they’re buying but also the person behind it, their personality, etc.”

These days, Martin keeps busy with freelance editing, most notably for a series of one-minute videos with music industry insiders asking and answering questions for blinkeractive.com, as well as for The Asylum theater’s War of the Worlds 2: The Next Wave, which was directed by and stars C. Thomas Howell.

Martin currently is learning additional editing software programs, because as he says, “It’s very competitive out there. The more knowledge you have the better off you are.”

He also spends time writing for his web page blog (hubpages. com/profile/Ross+H+Martin), mentoring aspiring filmmakers through a local Meetup group and preparing for the Las Vegas premiere of his film this month. – Chad Plummer

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What the Heck Is All the Hoopla About Chuppahs?

Understanding the Meaning Behind the Tradition 32

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ou may have seen chuppahs, or poled canopies, in movies or on TV shows. If you are a fan of Gilmore Girls, you may remember when Luke built Lorelai a chuppah for her wedding to Max. Chuppahs are traditionally used at Jewish weddings for the bride and groom to stand under, as they pledge their love to each other. A chuppah typically consists of a cloth stretched over four poles, but it also can be an elaborate structure made of wood or other materials.

Chuppahs first came into use in the Bible, but their role has changed to fit the changing times. During Talmudic times, a marriage customarily was consummated in the chuppah. While that is not the case today, the chuppah is still a symbolic and important aspect of a Jewish wedding. Many people purchase their chuppahs, so that they may rebuild them in the backyard of their new home after the wedding, as a reminder of the happiness they share.

Traditionally, Jewish weddings consist of two parts: the kiddushin (betrothal) ceremony, which is when the groom gives the ring to his bride. This ceremony also prevents the bride from permitting herself to any other men. The wedding ceremony permits the bride to her husband. Today, the two ceremonies are separated by the signing of the ketubah, or Jewish marriage contract.

When preparing to enter the chuppah, the bride and groom remove all jewelry and valuables, along with untying any knots in their clothing, such as shoelaces or neckties. The purpose of this is so that when the bride and groom tie the knot, there is nothing else binding them. Typically, while the groom is preparing to enter the chuppah, his father, father-in-law and any grandfathers present give him a blessing.

A chuppah is usually placed outdoors, under open sky, so that we may recall God’s blessing to Abraham that his seed be as numerous as the stars. Also in the chuppah, the groom wears a kittel, which is a white garment meant to symbolize God’s atonement and total purity. Because the bride wears a white dress, it is a sign that the couple is forgiven of their sins and is granted a fresh start in their new life together.

Although weddings are a joyous occasion, the time in the chuppah is typically solemn and is a time to reflect on the magnitude of the moment. It is also a time for prayer, usually silent, giving the bride and groom a chance to pray for the future and for anyone else among their family and friends. It is appropriate to ask the bride and groom to say a blessing for you in your time of need.

Wearing white also has significance, beyond the fact that it is a sign of purity and being forgiven for your sins. Being that a bride and groom bring a variety of colors to a marriage, the white canvas of the wedding gown and the kittel becomes the essence of the soul. If there are any color clashes, they will be resolved, because the connection the couple runs deeper than the colors appearing on the canvas.

Rabbi Malcolm Cohen, who currently serves as the rabbi at Temple Sinai in Summerlin, Nev., offered his take on chuppahs and, since he is from London, he gave his thoughts on how traditions vary between here and there. He compared the chuppah to a sukkah, which is a temporary hut used during the weeklong celebration of Sukkot.

“For the chuppah,” he said, “you have to have open sides to symbolize the future hospitality of the couple in their home. For the sukkah, you care more about the roof, ensuring it is partially open to the sky. Both of them symbolize God’s sheltering presence over those who dwell within them.”

Where to Purchase a Chuppah A variety of options are available when buying or renting a chuppah for your wedding. I Love Chuppahs offers chuppah rentals, floral design, lighting design and more. It is based in Los Angeles, Calif., but are able to handle out-of-state deliveries. 310529-3363. ilovechuppahs.com Action Party Rentals offers chuppah rentals and a variety of other items to help meet all your wedding needs. 4440 S. Arville St., Las Vegas. 702-2527368. actionpartyrentalsinc.com Las Vegas Event Rentals offers a variety of chuppahs and other wedding décor. 4695 Nevso Drive, Las Vegas. 702-251-1997. lasvegaspartytents.com Contact your local synagogue for more information. It may have chuppahs available for you to rent or know of other places where chuppahs can be rented or purchased.

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Concerning the traditions where he comes from, Cohen says, “Traditions are not particularly different in London. I like it best when the family makes their own chuppah, deciding both on the materials and, sometimes, the beautiful quotes from our tradition to weave into the design.”

When looking at the Orthodox aspect of chuppahs, Rabbi Yitz Wyne, of Young Israel Aish, says, “It’s most traditional for the chuppah to be made from the tallit (prayer shawl) the bride gives the groom prior to the wedding. The groom then uses the tallit in his daily prayers. Some couples use a quilt, which is then used in their home in some way.”

Wyne feels the most important thing is that couples understand why they are doing something and not just doing it because it’s tradition or law. When he is meeting with a couple to plan their wedding, he takes the time to go over each of the traditions with them, and from there he is able to help them create a wedding that is unique to their personalities.

“The point of Jewish traditions, mitzvah and commandments is to inspire a sense of

community and a better attitude towards life,” says Wyne.

Because prayer is so important to Jewish tradition, Wyne believes that when the husband uses the tallit his wife has given him, his focus will be on his family.

“He is no longer praying just for himself, but for his wife and children. He is completely wrapped up in his family and home.”

While using a tallit to create the chuppah tends to be an Orthodox tradition in today’s society, the rabbi mentioned there have been studies done that show when a couple has a true understanding of the symbolism and meaning behind a certain tradition, they are able to have a better marriage.

“It has been proven that there is a lower divorce rate among Orthodox Jews, and they have a higher rate of marital satisfaction,” says Wyne.

It’s important to note that, while some aspects of a Jewish wedding are required according to Jewish law, not all things are.

When it comes to their chuppah, couples are free to be as traditional or creative as they choose. The idea behind the chuppah, however, is to create a sense of community,

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just as Abraham and Sarah did when they opened their home to friends and strangers alike, welcoming into their protection all who needed love and support.

If someone was raised in a household with a sense of community, whether it was religious or not, they are more likely to create their future household with that same sense of community.

The Jewish community is one of openness and support, and that tradition is especially represented at a wedding.

Certainly, every rabbi and every couple is going to approach the traditions differently, and it is important to remember that you should do what feels comfortable for you, while honoring and respecting your religion and its commandments.

The chuppah is just one simple way to keep the tradition alive. The idea that a couple is creating an open, welcoming home is very appealing to many and keeps that sense of community alive. Also, ensuring that the family comes first gives a couple

something to focus on and helps create a happy and fulfilling marriage.

When it comes to purchasing a chuppah, the Internet is the best place to begin your search. However, it is not uncommon to create your own chuppah.

Many couples use the tallit that the bride gives the groom as a wedding gift. Other couples may create a quilt made up of squares decorated by family and friends; or they may use an heirloom quilt that has been passed down from generation to generation.

On the flipside, ornate chuppahs made out wood or other organic materials are available for purchase.

Whatever option is chosen, a chuppah should represent the family and the type of home they wish to create.

According to Rabbi Sanford Akselrad of Congregation Ner Tamid in Henderson, Nev., the best advice he can give a couple is that it is up to the couple to make their “house” into a “home” that is reflective of their hopes, dreams and values.

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taste

It’s Sink or Swim in the Desert Valley Chefs Take Precautions to Ensure Seafood Safety, Quality and Freshness Imagine having a talking heads moment.

You may find yourself dining on a meal of fresh fish somewhere in the Valley and ask yourself, “How did it get here?” Of course, I’m not talking about its trek from the kitchen to your table, but rather how it actually gets to Las Vegas.

Since it’s not likely the fish came from either Lake Mead or the Bellagio fountains, 36

it has to be coming from elsewhere. The truth is, it is actually much more simple and streamlined then you may think.

Seafood Travels To learn more about the timeline regarding seafood in the desert, we spoke with John Sands, the director of Fresh and Live Purchasing for Supreme Lobster. Sands is a

32-year veteran of the seafood distribution industry in the Valley and a veritable wealth of information on how pollock arrives on your plate and other fun seafood facts.

According to Sands, the ready availability of fresh fish in the Valley began in the early ’80s with the advent of wide-bodied jets.

Prior to this time, the only fresh fish available in the city were those species that could

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be driven in directly from Los Angeles.

The introduction of larger jets, which provide increased passenger capacity, resulted in increased cargo hold volume for additional shipping capacity that was made available for perishable products such as fresh fish. It was at this point that fresh seafood was made available to “inner cities” such as Las Vegas, Denver and Salt Lake City.

Sands indicates that during the past 15 years, the types of fresh fish available in the Valley went from around five varieties— primarily trout and salmon—to almost 100 different species, most of with which you may not even be familiar. This increased availability has coincided with a clientele that has become, in Sands’ words, “fresh savvy” with an increased culinary intelligence.

Surprisingly, we are able to get Hawaiian and European product just as fresh as fabled coastal seafood cities such as San Francisco, New York and Boston. This is a direct result of the proliferation of air travel routes throughout the world, since many flights come directly to McCarran International Airport from fish markets around the world.

Of course, fresh product native to the area is always fresher than that which is available in Vegas, although not that much fresher than you may think.

Take, for instance, species native to New England, such as haddock or scrod. The product available at a fish market in Gloucester, Mass., in the morning can be on diners’ plates near Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Bos-

RM-style cioppino calamarata pasta includes mussels, clams, king crab, shrimp and seasonal fish.

ton later that day, trucked directly from the fish market. The same fish arrives in Las Vegas later in the day via air and is available to us less than a day after our Boston counterparts, which is remarkable for a fish arriving from the other side of the country.

Certain species of fish actually are shipped alive, literally swimming their way to the desert. A limited number of species arrive from Los Angeles by tanker truck, including rock cod and other cod varieties, flatfish and

RM Seafood serves up a great selection of fresh sushi and sashimi and even provides a separate menu for the delectables.

trout. Surprisingly enough, this same tanker also delivers seawater to clients who need to maintain ocean environments, such as Mandalay Bay’s Shark Reef. Just think of that the next time you’re making the trek down to Barstow, Calif.

Seafood Safety Since fish aren’t native to the desert, you may have questions regarding seafood safety.

These concerns have been accentuated with recent disasters, such as the Gulf Coast oil spill and Japanese tsunami, that potentially compromise local seafood supplies. People in the industry are taking steps to ensure seafood safety here in the Valley.

Malcolm “Mal” Whittenburg, founder and chairman of the board of Safe Harbor, first broke into the business about 10 years ago. His interest resulted from increased publicity relative to seafood safety for high risk groups, such as pregnant women and children. As it happens, the Food and Drug Administration performs very little oversight of seafood distribution, thereby leaving a void for private enterprises.

At the time, mercury testing was time consuming and expensive. Working with a group of like-minded, technologically savvy peers during the span of a couple of years, Whittenburg was able to streamline the process from days down to seconds with a resultant cost reduction from hundreds of dollars to pennies.

The result of this research is the basis of the Safe Harbor process—the only real-time JUNE 2011 DAVID

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The downstairs dining room at Mandalay Bay’s RM Seafood offers an open and airy ambience.

process that is proactive and not reactive.

The current program screens not only for mercury, but also bacteria such as salmonella, Escherichia coli and histamines. In addition, Safe Harbor recently has begun screening for radiation in the wake of the nuclear plant leak

resulting from the Japanese tsunami.

The effectiveness of the process speaks in the results. Whittenburg relates a story in which the testing of swordfish in Boston resulted in the discovery that more than 95 percent of the fish exceeded the FDA safe threshold.

Results like this almost can be predicted, because three criteria primarily drive seafood mercury content: catch location, fish species and fish size. Safe Harbor’s testing only serves to confirm generally recognized trends in increased mercury content in larger feeder fish.

If there was any doubt locally, Sands was made a believer by a success story regarding a recent half-ton shipment of mahi-mahi from a very reputable supplier.

Upon arrival, all temperature and visual indicators seemed to point to the fact that the product was safe. Sands indicated it was some of the most beautiful seafood he had seen in some time.

However, after multiple Safe Harbor tests indicated positive results for salmonella, the fish was discarded. By doing so, hundreds of potential food sickness incidents were eliminated and a higher level of food safety maintained.

Whittenburg sums up the Safe Harbor process as follows.

“What we set up ourselves to do is to be the gatekeeper of seafood, just before it reaches the ultimate customer. To do this in real time in a laboratory, we’re able to act as the gatekeeper.”

Safe Harbor currently is in approximately 40 restaurants around the city, so look for their certification at your favorite local restaurants.

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A popular menu item, the gin-infused Oyster Six Shooter is available off the raw bar at RM Seafood.

Seafood Sustainability Another important factor in sourcing is sustainability. Of course, the best example of sustainable seafood in the Valley is at RM Seafood, where Chef Rick Moonen champions sustainable seafood sources.

Since 1994, when he was at Oceana in New York City, Moonen has been typecast as the “Seafood Guy.” However, his move into sustainable seafood has its beginnings in his

efforts to rally against genetically engineered foods. Moonen’s public efforts speaking out against genetic food modification caught the eye of organizers of a movement to save North Atlantic swordfish.

At the time, North Atlantic swordfish were facing extinction, and he had noticed that the size and color of the swordfish at the Fulton Fish Market had been changing.

This was a result of fishermen having to go farther in search of increasingly less abundant swordfish, ultimately resulting in catches of diminishing size and numbers traversing further distances from port.

Moonen agreed to help and immersed himself in the issues confronting the seafood industry, such as overharvesting, bycatch and habitat destruction, not to mention the aforementioned heavy metal concerns in larger fish. To say he became passionate about the situation is an understatement.

Running a 100-percent sustainable seafood restaurant can be difficult at times, since that imparts an additional burden of documentation that is necessary to ensure RM’s offerings meet his rigorous standards.

Through his experience, he has developed strong relationships with suppliers with whom he sources from on a regular basis.

“It’s a chef’s job to know your sources” says Moonen.

Moonen actually somewhat scoffs at the difficulties of sourcing sustainable seafood in the desert, because “we’re not far from the Pacific Ocean.” He even comments on the availability of other quality products.

“We’re not in the middle of nowhere, even though this is a forced community. Vegas is not supposed to be here,” he says.

Although, he proudly exclaims a little known fact, “Las Vegas is actually closer to more organic farms than LA”.

He is optimistic about continued availability of quality ingredients, both seafood and otherwise, in the Valley and foresees the increased availability of more homegrown products in the future.

Rest assured in knowing that any of Moonen’s offerings are environmentally friendly, while also being delicious. Species such as artic char (kin to salmon) and cobia may not be commonly known in most households, but he is doing his best to expose his clientele to seafood they might not otherwise encounter.

Now you can enjoy a dining experience that is healthy for both you and the environment without wondering anymore how it got there. – Jim Begley

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The Many Extraordinary Ways to Say “I Do” in Sin City

An Opportunity Missed? @ 46 The Challenge of Being Gay and Jewish in Las Vegas

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Extraordinary Exchanges If getting married in style has always been your dream, then there’s no better place to be than Sin City, Whether you desire a more traditional ceremony officiated by “The King” or want to take it to the extreme by vowing your forever love just before jumping out of a plane, Las Vegas can make your dream come true.

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Holy Matrimony!

The Many Extraordinary Ways to Say “I Do” in Sin City

By Jaq Greenspon

A

hh … June.

Spring is in the air, the sun is shining and the air has not yet grown oppressively hot—most years.

In popularity, June is the biggest month of the year for weddings. As the world once again comes to life around us, it seems like the perfect time to start a new life for ourselves as well; to take that person with whom we already share a bond and let the universe know how we feel about him or her by uttering those sacred words: “Let’s go to Vegas and get married!”

If you grew up in Las Vegas, then the idea of the “quickie” wedding is probably nothing unusual to you. From a very young age, you most likely were aware that Las Vegas, owing to the fact that neither a blood test nor waiting period is required, was where you came if you were in love and just couldn’t wait to get hitched.

Driving down the north end of the Strip, you were inundated with offers of long-lasting connubial bliss, just like that of the celebrities. According to the giant pink heart, I could get married at the same place Joan Collins had wed her true love.

And who could forget The King?

A few years ago, Holly Gold was in town with several colleagues for business. They had been traveling for a few weeks, and they would be traveling for a few more after their Las Vegas stop; her home, where she resided with her husband, was in Southern California. Gold thought it would be nice to invite him up for the weekend to renew their vows with Elvis officiating the ceremony.

The setup was exactly as one would expect: a cheesy, overly white chapel adorned with plastic flowers. It was completely unconvincing. And then …

ELVIS ENTERED THE BUILDING! All of the doubts, pessimistic attitudes, fears, trepidations and any other negative thoughts were washed away as a look-alike in a sequin-covered jumpsuit led us through vows to take this “Hound Dog” and to “Love Him True” and not let him wind up at “The Heartbreak Hotel.” The sheer exuberance and unabashed fun being had by everyone involved could sway any cynic to not stay “In the Ghetto.”

Of course, today, weddings in Las Vegas are a multimillion dollar business. While they always have been popular, recently the entire procedure has undergone a modernization in an effort to keep up. The simple hotels 42

that once populated the Strip and downtown are now mega resorts and weddings, a once simple affair with an Elvis in attendance has matched the growth step for step. Yes, there are still simple places to get hitched, not counting court houses and religious institutions, where a couple can say their “I dos” and be on their way … but really, you are in Las Vegas, still the undisputed entertainment capitol of the world. If you’re going to have one day to cherish, you might as well make it memorable.

Let’s start with Elvis.

At this point, it is almost harder not to have Elvis at your wedding than to have him. Nearly every chapel on the Strip offers some sort of Elvis package, but like any good buffet in a town built on a pick-and-choose lifestyle, the fun is in the add-ons.

You can simply have Elvis there, singing a couple of songs, walking down the aisle with the bride and running the ceremony, or you can bring him and the minister out to the Welcome to Las Vegas sign at the south end of the Strip. You can also add in a show girl, Marilyn Monroe or—and this is really getting a bang for your buck—add a second Elvis. Stereo serenading! And the vows are customized with song references, lip curls and, of course, a “Thank you, thank you very much!”

All in all, costs range from $195 to more than $1000, depending on what you want, tip not included. Nor is the license, but we’ll talk about that in a bit.

OK, with the standards out of the way, let’s talk about weddings only Las Vegas can offer. You are coming here to get married, and you don’t want to do something you can easily get at home, right? And yet, you just don’t have the time to really plan anything exotic. Don’t worry—Vegas has you covered.

“People would come to the chapel to get married, and I would see the stress on their faces, hot in this desert, not used to it and having difficulties getting out of their vehicles,” explains Charlotte Richards, owner and proprietor of The Little White Chapel. “So I would just ask them if they wanted to be married in their car!”

Thus was born the Tunnel of Love drive-up wedding chapel.

“The first day that I opened it, I think I did 19 drive-ups!”

For Richards, it is all about having fun. And although a few of the first visitors to the Tunnel of Love wanted to order a meal to go along with their marriage, Richards, who has been marrying people in Vegas for 53

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Top left: The City of Light is one of the most romantic places in the world, and Las Vegas features its own version, complete with Eiffel Tower. Top right: Your matrimonial ceremony will explode with excitement when held in front of The Mirage’s volcano. Bottom: If underwater adventure is your idea of a memorable wedding day, Mandalay Bay’s Shark Reef may be your “chapel of love.”

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Top left: The grand staircase of the Titanic exhibit at Luxor provides a beautiful backdrop for taking the plunge. Top right: Plying the Grand Canal in a gondola at The Venetian is another romantic option for your special day. Bottom left: For an extreme event, incorporate skydiving into your vow-taking at Vegas Extreme Skydiving. Bottom right: Grand Canyon Ranch offers tailor-made weddings in an awesome setting.

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years, would tell them, “We don’t serve any hamburgers or French fries here, but we do serve a lot of good love and good words for your marriage.”

The tunnel itself, which measures 165 feet long and 20 feet wide, can accommodate a full gang of bikers, a horse-drawn carriage or two, and even a couple of guys on stilts.

When Scott Hitchcock, a Vegas-based magician, finally decided to walk down the aisle with his girlfriend, Marissa, also an entertainer, they knew they couldn’t have a normal matrimonial affair.

“We definitely have to do a drive-through, and we have to do it in a convertible!”

Of course, being entertainers, they put out the word to their friends to show up however they would like; “two of our friends came on stilts, so we said, ‘OK, you’re going to process the limo!’”

Being an award-winning magician, Hitchcock had to pull off something miraculous. He created the wedding rings from two pennies (a private joke), which had been placed inside the ring box.

To truly make the wedding a one-of-a-kind event, Marissa created her own bridal outfit, based on the classic show girl motif.

If plunderers are more your speed than prestidigitators, that is OK, too. At Treasure Island, where a pirate-versus-sirens battle takes place every evening at 90 minute intervals in front of the property, mornings are set aside to lend you a ship and a captain, so you can “walk the plank” hand-in-hand with your significant wench or rapscallion!

Here the quarters are a bit tight, so most of the wedding guests are in a roped off section, with only the best man and maid of honor bearing upclose witness.

And, you can take the fantasy as far as you want.

Fallon Doyle, TI’s wedding chapel manager, remembers one wedding in particular.

“We had a bride and a groom who actually scripted out the entire wedding. The bride came out tied by ropes on her wrists. It was kind of more like a play; they scripted in different things.

“The groom was saving the bride from the evil groomsmen, who were the pirates. They got all dressed up; their family was all dressed up; it was much more of an event,” says Doyle.

Naturally, a show would not be a show without a little razzle-dazzle, so when it comes time to exchange rings, one of the pirate crew swings down from the crow’s nest, pirate treasure in hand, to seal the deal.

Now, if you actually have seen the Sirens of TI show, where the ships are used on a nightly basis, you may have noticed that the ship that the weddings take place on is not the one that sinks ... a good thing for those who prefer a “dry” wedding!

However, if you already have that sinking feeling—and for some, this may be apropos—look no further than Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition at Luxor.

Recently opened for public weddings, you now can feel like the “King of the World” and make your declarations of love on a replica of the Titanic’s intricate grand staircase. This “dramatic and opulent architecture of the 1900s,” is your backdrop as you say, “I do,” in front of 15 of your closest friends.

If you prefer a little more action in your adventure, you literally can take the plunge in Sin City. Whether you are an accomplished jumper or want to start your shared life together with a “leap of faith,” Vegas Extreme Skydiving offers a wedding package that suits your needs.

Warren “Google” McCray, assistant director of operations and jump

instructor, and the guys at Vegas Extreme make sure all of the details are covered.

If you choose to get married before you jump, then the newly minted bride and groom get on the plane, with their tandem instructors, for the “big newly-wed jump.”

Once airborne, the ground staff takes the nonjumping members of the wedding party to the drop zone to be there to “witness your dramatic entry into matrimony.”

If that is not exciting enough for you, the Vegas Extreme team has its own skydiving preacher who can perform the ceremony in the aircraft on the climb to jump altitude.

According to Vegas Extreme’s website, “Two ‘I dos’ and one kiss later, you’ll find yourself falling at over 120 mph as a married man and woman.”

When you are safely on the ground, flowers await the bride, and champagne is provided for all—the couple even gets to keep the custom flutes.

If you already have tied the knot and are really in a hurry to get the obligatory wedding party over, the roller-coaster ride at New York-New York can get the job done in a jiffy.

You, your spouse and 14 of your closest friends can buckle in, while being admonished to keep your hands and arms inside the marriage at all times, to spend the first two minutes and 40 seconds of your life together traveling at almost 70 mph and being inverted—twice.

About 45 minutes from Las Vegas, via helicopter, is one of the seven wonders of the natural world— the Grand Canyon. So when you’re tired of the lights and excitement of the city, a wedding amidst one of the most spectacular backdrops on earth doesn’t seem out of the question, or out of reach. Through Heli USA, you and your wedding party can fly to the canyon, dip below the rim, check out the wonders and then land not far away, where a horse-drawn wagon takes you to a private ranch house where the wedding ceremony takes place.

After the ceremony, on your way back to the city, the helicopter flies you over the lights of the Strip, so you can see the best of both worlds.

If the Grand Canyon is not really your cup of tea, but the thought of a helicopter-ride wedding sounds enticing, you can get married in the helicopter, as you fly over Las Vegas Boulevard.

“I start the wedding at the MGM Grand and have ’em married by the time we’re even with the Stratosphere Tower,” says Rev. Jim Hamilton, who does the bulk of the ceremonies for Heli USA. In Las Vegas, you can get married at the top of the Paris’ Eiffel Tower or in a white gondola on The Venetian’s Grand Canal. You also can have the exploding Mirage volcano heat up your ceremony or Shark Reef’s denizens of the deep at Mandalay Bay bear witness to your vows.

And that is the thing, really. Las Vegas is unlike anywhere else in the world. Other places may have casinos or shops or even beautiful nature, but Vegas has it all, and that makes it incredibly convenient.

Here, it is two-stop shopping for everything—the only thing you need to handle on your own is getting the license and even then, some places, such as Treasure Island, even will send you in a limo to make it easy. Once you are there, you must verify your name and age and away you go. This is one of the reasons Vegas is so popular for foreign couples as well as domestics … and speaking of domestic partnerships, while it is still not legal in Nevada to pronounce a same-sex couple as married, almost all of the venues listed here perform “commitment” ceremonies.

So come on down—the aisle, that is—and enjoy Vegas; not only for what it has to offer right now, but for what it will give you for the rest of your life!

“The groom was saving the bride from the evil groomsmen, who were the pirates. They got all dressed up; their family was all dressed up; it was much more of an event.”

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An

Opportunity Missed?

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The Challenge of Being Gay and Jewish in Las Vegas Story By Pj Perez

F

inding an accepting community in any context can be challenging. For Jews coming to or living in Las Vegas, it can be even harder. The city has a small, dispersed Jewish population with one of the lowest synagogueaffiliation rates in the country, despite hosting a variety of shuls of all denominations.

But for an even smaller subset of Jews—gays and lesbians—finding a comfortable place within the community presents an entirely different set of challenges.

The diverging movements of American Judaism take very different stances on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues. On top of that, many transplants to the Vegas Valley have lost connection, sometimes by choice, sometimes not, with their own sense of Jewish identity. And, the resources for establishing new connections are limited, if not impossible to find.

“A lot of us are here without our families,” says Steve Friess, a freelance writer and columnist who has lived in Vegas on and off for about 10 years. “For a lot of people, it’s as much about a family-social thing, as it is about religion.”

It is estimated the local Jewish population is about 75,000, only about half a percent of the city’s residents, compared to an approximate 2 percent national average. Reduce that down to a proportion based on the estimated gay population nationally—5 to 10 percent, at most—and gay Jews suddenly become a microscopic demographic.

Neil Popish, who has been involved with the Jewish Community Center of Southern Nevada for seven years and currently is the director there, says that, until recently, he has only gotten about four or five calls from gay community members asking for programming targeted specifically to them.

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Steve Friess

Tonya Harvey and Michelle Rothstein

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plan, and they each said, ‘No.’” So do gay Jews in Las Vegas want to be catered to? Is there interest in seeking out each other to form some sort of community? Friess seems to think there might be, if there was a more welcoming atmosphere.

“I might be more active or interested, if I had a feeling that the Jewish community in this town cared,” says Friess. “This is not a Jewish community that’s interested in lifting a finger at all for gay members.”

His frustration is understandable. When Friess searched for a rabbi to perform the marriage ceremony between himself and his long-time partner, Miles Smith, he naturally turned to the leader of the synagogue with which he had more than a passing familiarity: Congregation Ner Tamid. But Rabbi Sanford Akselrad politely declined to officiate the wedding, despite presiding over the largest reform temple in Nevada.

“The strangest thing about this is that Reform Judaism has been very progressive about gay marriage,” Friess says.

Indeed, the Reform movement has opened up rabbinical positions to gay Jews and allows rabbis the choice to perform same-sex weddings. However, that very freedom of choice forced Friess and Smith to have to look elsewhere.

They were eventually joined together in nonlegally-recognized matrimony by Rabbi Mel Hecht—himself a former rabbi at Ner Tamid—but Friess still was disappointed by Akselrad’s refusal.

“The experience of being rejected was kind of hard,” Friess says. “At the time, I knew that shul. I went to that shul.”

But while Akselrad may not have been ready personally to join together two men in wedded bliss, you would be hard-pressed to find evidence of Ner Tamid being anything but gay-friendly. Rabbi Ruth Adar, popularly known as the “Coffee Shop Rabbi,” was a part-time assistant at Ner Tamid for a few years, traveling regularly to the temple from her home base in the San Francisco Bay Area. The fact that she’s a proud lesbian was incidental to her time leading services, study groups and classes at the temple.

“I recall one Friday evening, when a visitor took me aside after services and was asking in a roundabout way whether the congregation was welcoming to ‘unconventional’ Jews,” recalls Adar. “I told her that my partner, Linda, and I had felt completely welcome from our first contact with the synagogue. The warmth of the response from Ner Tamid makes me smile whenever I think of it.”

While Adar got the impression word had spread about her orientation by the time she was hired, she didn’t specifically reach out to, nor was sought out by, gay Jews, at least not in her perception.

“While there were certainly a group of members with whom I connected while I was at Ner Tamid,” Adar says, “they included a wide variety of orientations and backgrounds.”

While for some such as Friess and Adar, a connection to the greater Jewish community at large is desired, others feel little connection to Judaism in general, let alone locally.

One of those is Leon Dekelbaum, who grew up in a Conservative, kosher home in Washington, D.C. In his youth, Dekelbaum didn’t know what to make of his different feelings.

“I don’t have any gay relatives, I didn’t have any role models or

examples of positive or accepted (homosexuality),” says Dekelbaum “I grew up on Three’s Company, so the idea of coming out was a joke.”

Dekelbaum didn’t act upon his homosexuality until after puberty, and he didn’t come out until his early 20s. Coming out to his parents was contentious, and he says he’s been “distancing himself ever since.”

Coming to Las Vegas about four years ago to work for a local advertising agency, Dekelbaum’s issues with being gay in Sin City had far less to do with finding other Jews than with the LGBT culture here in general.

“The gay community here is so polar,” Dekelbaum says. “I’m not a typical homo. It’s hard to find someone who breaks stereotypes.”

In his case, that meant people who like the outdoors and eschew the nightclub-drag scene. Dekelbaum eventually tired of life in Sin City, leaving the United States altogether last year to backpack across Asia, from which he recently returned. His trip included time spent in Israel, where he observed quite a different approach to homosexuality in the world’s only Jewish-majority state.

“Most gay Jews I met were proud of their identity but did not have any dissonance due to religious teachings,” says Dekelbaum. “Almost all were atheists.

“Secondly, all males spend three years in the army. I found that gay Israelis were more secure in their masculinity partially due to this.”

Despite his misgivings with the bulk of Judaism, Dekelbaum still considers himself a “cultural Jew.” “I’ll go to synagogue on Rosh Hashana,” he admits. “I taught for a year at a Reconstructionist Sunday school. That’s a sect of Judaism where the idea of God is abstract. For a while, that kind of reconciled it, but if you water it down enough, what’s the point?”

Though distanced from his family both physically and emotionally, Dekelbaum says his mother has accepted his orientation and understands his religious position, but “she still wants me to be involved in Jewish things. She said, ‘You still have to date Jews.’”

With gays such a small segment of an already limited population, however, even very devoted Jews such as Friess admit that finding a Jewish partner is less than an afterthought.

“We’re talking about a different dating pool,” Friess says of gay Jews in Vegas. “In a city like New York or Chicago, you might find more gays willing to be discriminate.”

Friess’ partner is what he calls a “lapsed Catholic,” but despite not choosing a Jewish companion, religion remains a strong part of Friess’ life.

“It’s always been understood that, if we have kids, they would be Jewish or learn the Jewish faith,” says Friess. “My large Jewish family, we have a series of Jewish events I would need my children to appreciate.”

Tonya Harvey is no stranger to such festivities. She and her girlfriend of eight years, Michelle Rothstein, celebrate all of the major Jewish holidays together. However, despite being what her friends call an “honorary Jew,” Harvey was actually raised Mormon.

“After coming out,” she says, “that was not going to fly.”

What Harvey found after meeting and falling in love with Rothstein was an experience completely unlike her upbringing.

“Coming from the Mormon religion, it’s a breath of fresh air to be accepted for who you are,” Harvey says of the Jewish community.

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Jacob Mitchell and Michael Schulman

Leon Dekelbaum

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“No one’s ever said anything to me negative or derogatory.”

A local special-event and portrait photographer, Harvey says that about 50 percent of her business is now Jewish-related, and though she hasn’t taken the plunge to convert yet, she is contemplating taking the first steps. Talking to her, however, she already feels like one of the tribe.

“The coolest thing about being gay and Jewish is that our (straight, Jewish) friends are very welcoming, laid-back and don’t treat us any differently,” says Harvey. “I don’t even think it’s ever thought about.”

Even Rothstein’s Conservative parents warmly accepted Harvey, though news of her relationship with their daughter came along with the revelation that Rothstein was a lesbian.

“I had dated girls before,” says Rothstein, “but I didn’t introduce them to my parents, because I wasn’t sure if I was going to stay in the relationship. I didn’t want to bring any undue stress on them, unless I knew it was going to be a lasting relationship. And with Tonya, I knew it was going to be.”

Although Rothstein’s family is Conservative, it wasn’t long before Harvey became part of the family—and her religious background became a nonissue.

“I think my parents would have preferred if I found a partner who was Jewish,” Rothstein says, “but as long as it doesn’t hinder my Judaism, that’s all that matters. I have not changed the way I lead my Jewish life.”

Local writer, artist and bon vivant Michael Shulman had a very different experience growing up and coming out, with family that he says was “almost too accepting.” Shulman and his brother were bar mitzvahed Conservatively, but their parents were raised from a Reform perspective, and he admits his family is basically “culturally Jewish.”

“It wasn’t so much a religion as it was social,” Shulman says. “I used to joke, if it involved food or gifts, we were all over it.”

Last October, Shulman celebrated his domestic partnership with Jacob Mitchell, who is a lapsed Catholic. But even though Shulman and his family are very active in the Jewish community, both in Las Vegas and around the country, he never felt any pressure to marry a Jew. “It was never an issue,” Shulman says. “It was far more important I find someone who is stable, makes me happy, gets me—whatever— than somebody who was Jewish.”

Living in New York City, about half of Shulman’s circle of friends was gay, but he says the only ones who were Jewish were “totally coincidental or family friends from a long time ago.” When he moved to Las Vegas, he noticed his social circle was quite different.

“I have a lot more Jewish friends in Las Vegas than gay friends,” says Shulman. “In the groups of people I’d run around with, I was kind of the token gay. It’s only recently that I’ve started developing relationships in the gay community.”

Those relationships are surely helped by the direction Shulman’s philanthropy has taken in recent years. While his family is a prominent supporter of the Jewish Federation and Anti-Defamation League, they are also one of the largest donors to the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, which works for LGBT equal rights.

“It’s interesting how, until it applies to you, it doesn’t make a difference,” Shulman says. “When you’re sitting there with a specific dollar amount, you have to show discretion with every year; where

do you say, ‘Yes,’ to this group and ‘No,’ to that group?

“It comes down to organizations you feel very strongly about, and those your friends feel very strongly about. Especially in the gay community, your friends become your family.”

If Shulman’s experience is any indication, bonds exist between those in the gay community and between those in the Jewish community. But, obviously, the two aren’t mutually exclusive; it stands to reason there would be a point of convergence. If there is, however, Shulman doesn’t see it.

“There is no overlap,” he says.

Friess has had the same experience in Vegas. He said that he’s tried attending Jewish singles mixers but never encountered any gays there. However, when Friess lived in Southern Florida, it was a different beast altogether.

“It’s sort of like a haven,” says Friess. “There’s a gay synagogue there. It was a way of connecting with other people at the time. It was social; it was all those things.”

Friess feels there might be a stronger connection between gay Jews in Southern Nevada, if local synagogues and organizations took a more active approach.

“Why doesn’t the Jewish Federation take out an ad in QVegas? A booth at Gay Pride events?” Friess says. “There are ways to reach out to gay people and let them know you’re welcome here.”

One organization that has recently made such an effort is the Jewish Community Center, which finally received enough demand from interested constituents to launch a monthly Friends of Dorit chavurah in February. The meeting, held the second Thursday of each month, is targeted to gays and lesbians and has been steadily growing in attendance.

“It has been a small but lively, dedicated group,” Popish says. “Each person has been trying to spread the word and get others to attend.”

As for the Jewish Federation of Las Vegas, Elliot B. Karp, president and chief executive office of the center, says, “As a Jewish community, we must strive to be more inclusive.

“Welcoming Jewish gays in our community and embracing them within our organizations, congregations and agencies is not only the right thing to do, it will help our Jewish community grow and prosper thanks to their involvement, leadership and generosity.”

For some people, however, such outreaches may not be enough to overcome past negative experiences with formal Judaism.

“What turns me off about Judaism and religion in general is the misogyny,” says Dekelbaum. “Everything in Judaism seems to validate the idea that gay people don’t exist, and women are baby machines.

“I’m far more likely to have more in common with an agnostic Muslim or agnostic Catholic than someone who believes in God.” But for those whose attachment to the Jewish faith completely hasn’t been strained, Friess thinks there is a world of opportunity to reinforce that connection in gay and lesbian Jews.

“Gay people are very used to being rejected when you try to mix any kind of religion with homosexuality,” he says. “When a religion makes an effort, they will frequently get a really strong and enthusiastic response. It’s an opportunity missed.”

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Our

Very Own

Cake Boss

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A Behind-the-Scenes Peek at One of the City’s Bakeries Story By Pat Teague

M

usician Milton Fried’s decision to stop over in dusty Las Vegas more than 50 years ago during a trip to Los Angeles was providential for his family and heirs to come.

Back in 1959, the city’s population was 17,000, until Friday afternoons, when the desert watering hole and gambling spot would swell to 35,000 people.

Fried, a woodwinds master from Hoboken, N.J.—he and Sinatra knew each other as kids—fed his family by playing evening gigs on Broadway and selling Hortense Spier’s pies during the day. The son of immigrant parents, he knew plenty about hard work.

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And he also had a keen business sense. He and his wife Esther quickly saw that Las Vegas was “a place like no other,” an exciting outpost with a need for great desserts.

They decided to stay in the desert and opened an 11-seat snack bar in a thriving upscale supermarket at West Charleston Boulevard and Hinson Street, a tiny slice of a business that eventually would become Freed’s Bakery.

Fried, through his delivery route work in Manhattan, N.Y., and his Broadway exposure, had been introduced to the finest foods New York had to offer.

He was no baker, but he had an educated

palate. When bakers from Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia and Miami, even Europe, came looking for work in Las Vegas, he would ask them to “make me your favorite thing.” Those who could pass muster made the Freed’s team.

As it was with the hiring, Fried made sure the quality was always there in the ingredients and the final products. He and Esther and their employees threw in the work ethic, friendliness and dedication to customer service for free. Fried also kept working as a musician, as ready to play an oboe, bassoon or flute for Barbra Streisand, as he was to make a cake.

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That recipe for business success has endured to this day. Now, his daughter Joni and grandson Max Jacobson-Fried and a staff of 40 are making sure the Fried family legacy continues as well.

Max, 27, is general manager. Joni, his aunt, is owner and chief executive officer.

Neither looked the part during a recent visit to the latest iteration of Freed’s, a large store in the bustling Target shopping center at Silverado Ranch Boulevard and Eastern Avenue, near the Henderson-Las Vegas border. In early February, the Frieds closed their Eastern-Tropicana and Richmar stores and moved the two businesses to the one location at 9815 S. Eastern Ave. Max and Joni’s casual, friendly demeanors evince a humility that belies their company’s growing reputation around the world for fabulous cakes.

With a staff that includes seven full-time decorators, Freed’s has received mention in Condé Nast Traveler magazine, The New York Times’ food section, segments on Food Network’s $40 a Day with Rachael Ray and Roker on the Road and recently on TLC’s Fabulous Cakes.

The bakery churns out 22,000 cakes a year and receives orders from England, South Africa, Australia, Singapore, China— virtually all around the globe, Max says.

After all, Las Vegas is “really a wedding destination, so we get a lot of international clientele,” Max says. These days, he adds, if someone goes to an Internet search engine and types in “Las Vegas wedding cake,” more than likely, the person is taken to the Freed’s site.

Max, who grew up in Oregon and never saw a bakery career coming, nevertheless remembers the “informal family reunions” around Christmastime each year, when all the Frieds would come back to Las Vegas, many to help with the family business.

“Some would do gingerbread houses and cookie trays. That was when my grandmother (Esther) was alive. And she was a worker. She would have us on the floor, scraping floors. That’s where we started, scraping floors. She was really sharp.

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entitlement (for the Frieds’ kids) from my grandmother. We got the jobs no one else wanted; the jobs that didn’t take much skill, just brute force,” Max says, smiling at the memory.

He says the people running the company—they thought from the start that Freed looked better than “Fried” as a restaurant name—have been too busy through the years to get a formal mission statement written down.

“I think (Freed’s has) always been family-oriented (about) customer service.

You know, make the customers feel like family, make the employees feel like family. And always maintain quality, no matter what the cost.

“You don’t take butter and replace it with shortening, because it’s going to cost less,” Max says. “Because you’re very quickly going to lose a huge percentage of your customers. Let’s be honest: It doesn’t taste as good. ... I think what we’ve always kind of thought ... is what we’ve built here is memories and not cakes.

“And it’s true. When you see photos of a birthday, the photos are (taken) next to the cake. There’s the birthday person blowing out the candles, there’s the birthday person with their cake, and so it really isn’t just a dessert. It’s memories that people are going to forever cherish.

“Same with the wedding cakes, same with the baby shower cakes. These are the things that we build. And we always keep that in mind when we build these pieces,” he says.

Some of their “pieces” look as though they belong in museums, such as the artistry of former accountant-turned-cake decorator Van Thuy Trinh.

“She’s a world-class decorator,” Max gushes. “She is absolutely incredible ... just wonderful work. That really delicate look— those are her cakes.”

Virtually all the celebrities working in Las Vegas, or those traveling here to celebrate achievements elsewhere, have come to Freed’s throughout the years to get their cakes, Max says.

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Benjamin Harrison from History Channel’s Pawn Stars, was a recent recipient of a 70th birthday cake that mimicked his classic black fedora. Joni also remembers doing cakes for Red Skelton, Johnny Carson and Engelbert Humperdinck.

Recently, Freed’s turned out a stunning 300-pound “cake” for Strip ventriloquist Terry Fator, which included likenesses of Fator, his brother Jeff and Fator’s puppets. It was featured on TLC’s Fabulous Cakes program. It took 36 hours—no sleep allowed, Max says—and an estimated 200 man-hours to produce. The value?

Roughly $25,000.

The biggest cake Freed’s ever created was a 50-foot-long, 24-foot-wide “guitar” cake for the Hard Rock Hotel’s opening. The cake, essentially 55 sheets weighing about 25 pounds a piece, totaled some 1,350 pounds and was meant to serve more than 5,000 people, Joni says. But a concert was scheduled at the same site that evening and not everyone in line got a slice of cake before the hour’s serving time ran out.

“We ended up having to take it apart and move it back to the kitchen area,” she recalls.

It was another marathon production, which nearly ended in disaster when one of the vans carting some of the cakes to the build site ran into a curb. A large bin was brought out to carry away the cake-cabinet carnage.

“His whole vehicle was covered with chocolate cake, white icing,” Joni says, chuckling at the thought.

After the bin was filled with the busted-up gateaux, “people were just coming by and grabbing bites of cake. It was so funny.”

But Freed’s relies on everyday customers, who just want to bring some fun to those they love with birthday and wedding cakes, for the bulk of its business.

The big, TV-attraction creations are labor-intensive, and no one would buy them if the company charged what they are worth, Max says.

“So they’re not considered the most profitable part of the business. But they are very cool, and they are fun to do,” he adds.

But it’s the memories that count the most, and after 52 years, Freed’s is still counting on that.

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grill Frank Marino Female Impersonator

DAVID: Has the real Joan Rivers ever seen your show; what does she think of your onstage portrayal of her?

MARINO: I first met Joan in Atlantic City, when she was performing at Caesars Palace. When I first came to Vegas to do the show (La Cage), Joan thought that was a little too close for comfort and sued me for $5 million. We settled it, thank God, because I was like 80 bucks short ... at the time! We have since become great friends again.

DAVID: As a celebrity, you support many local businesses and charities. How have you supported the gay-lesbian community here?

MARINO: Over the past 25 years, I’ve probably been involved in every function and organization, whether it be Golden Rainbow or going to the Black & White party, National Coming Out Day, all the Gay Prides— two years ago I was the grand marshal in the Gay Pride Parade. So I try to maneuver my schedule to do as many things as I can—for any organization. Vegas has been so good to me, I try to give back as much as I can.

DAVID: Gay marriage in Vegas—yes or no?

MARINO: I’ve been my life partner, Alex, now for 18 years—July 4th will be 18 years—and we basically have a marriage. I don’t need a piece of paper stating that. I understand that the people who are against it want to save the sanctity of marriage, but what they’re not realizing is, it’s not just saying that “we’re together,” it’s about insurance benefits and other domesticity issues.

As Las Vegas’ longest-running headliner, Frank Marino, performing as Joan Rivers, not only starred in the Riviera’s An Evening at La Cage for 25 years, he now stars in his own show, Divas Las Vegas, at Imperial Palace. And, according to the hard-working Marino, he is “the best person to talk to about being both male-female and gay in general, because I spend eight hours a day as a man, then I go to work and spend eight hours as a woman and ... hopefully, eight hours sleeping!”

DAVID: What most excites you about being a female impersonator?

MARINO: Being onstage and being a female impersonator allows me to wear these flamboyant costumes and outrageous wigs and give audiences something more than they even expected a Vegas show to be.

DAVID: Why Joan Rivers?

MARINO: When I first started doing female impersonation, my favorite entertainer was Diana Ross ... but I couldn’t sing, and I wasn’t black. So I said to myself, ‘Who does comedy and is white who would be much easier for me, and that was Joan Rivers and Phyllis Diller at the time. Joan Rivers was just the more glamorous of the two, and that’s actually the truth of how I really got to do Joan Rivers.

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DAVID: What preparations do you go through, and how long does it take you to metamorphose from Frank into Joan?

MARINO: The funny part is, it takes me about an hour to turn into Joan but about an hour-and-a-half to turn back into Frank. I use so much theatrical makeup, like waxes and putty and stuff, that getting it off is an even bigger process. I use nose putty wax to get rid of my sideburns and to get rid of my eyebrows, so I can arch the eyebrow higher. So I erase my face with all this makeup, and then I draw on the Joan Rivers or whatever character I’m performing. I do it all myself ... I work like it’s choreography.

DAVID: As “Queen of the Strip,” you already have achieved so much here ... what do you hope to conquer next in Sin City?

MARINO: Actually, in my book, my autobiography, Her Majesty the Queen, I said that I’ve achieved all my goals, and anything else from here on out is gravy. But, one more goal I wanted to make was to have a wax figure at Madame Tussauds. ... they have a Vegas room, and I’m the longest-running headliner—they should have Frank Marino.

DAVID: What do you think of the local gay-lesbian community? Do you think the city adequately supports the LGBT population here?

MARINO: In the past 25 years, I have seen it grow tremendously, and I’ll tell you, at first I didn’t think it was a very tight community, but that was because Vegas was such a transient town. Very few people were here long enough to make a difference. Today, I’ve noticed that the community has gotten much tighter, and the people who were political and fought to get things changed, got things changed. If it keeps going in this direction, we’re going to have one of the strongest gay communities in the world. I really feel that way; I have honestly seen it.

DAVID SIVAN/IYAR 5771

5/25/11 2:38 PM

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