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

Monday, August 29, 2011

Lots to do Labor Day Weekend in Fabulous Downtown Las Vegas...

No it is not cancelled!
For years I have gone to the New York & New Jersey metropolitan area during Labor Day weekend to visit my beloved mother, aunts, cousins and friends and of course to re-energize my cultural arts engine. There is something magical about the Big Apple. It has a ton of amazing history and it is amazingly cosmopolitan, with every culture, language, creed, religion, and background imaginable represented. It literally is the capital of the world! I make no qualms that New York is an awesome city, but Vegas can be just as awesome especially this time of the month. And no I am not from New York, I was actually born and raised in Vegas!

This year I have decided to postpone my yearly vacation to NYC/ NJ for a few months and focus on what Las Vegas has to offer during Labor Day. Though I do have to say it is a bit of a coincidence that I decided to skip NYC the very week they got hit with an earthquake and a hurricane! In either case I am in Vegas and ready to report about what is happening this week in this amazingly Radiant City we call home.

Looking over the list of events I am happy to report that there is a ton of things to do. Not just do we have Preview Thursday and First Friday there are also two music and cultural festivals happening all within walking distance. Thanks to my friends at the Arts Factory and beyond here is the list thus far. I will be updating it as more information comes in. So stay tuned.

Despite the rumors FIRST FRIDAY IS NOT CANCELLED!!! So come out and enjoy another great evening of arts and culture in fabulous Downtown Las Vegas...

Here is what Ryan Reason is reporting from the 
World Famous Arts Factory in Fabulous Downtown...

The Arts Factory has been bringing art and music festivals to the residents of Las Vegas since 1998. Open every day of the week, from the time we roll out of bed, until the time everyone has gone home.

Some parties are just bigger than others.

Last month's Culture Weekend was a huge success thanks to all the great art loving public who came out to enjoy a memorable evening in their 18b Arts District. This month promises to be even better.

Here are just a few of the amazing things you can see/do in/and around the Arts Factory during September's Culture Weekend. Spread the word.

At the Arts Factory

Special event this Preview Thursday!
Unveiling of Official Portrait of Mayor Carolyn Goodman
Join us at the Bar + Bistro inside of the Arts Factory on September 1st from 6pm to 10pm to see the unveiling of the mayor of Las Vegas Carolyn Goodmans official portrait. Painted by local artist and gallery owner James Henninger. The Mayor herself will be on hand for this historic occasion at 6:30pm.
For more information and updates about this event and James Henninger, please like his facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/303NorthStudio?sk=info

Artist James Henninger unveils
Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman's portrait
Jenny Valdez Inc. Gallery
Suite #160
First Friday and Preview Thursday at Jenny Valdez Inc. Gallery will feature mosaics by Lisa Fields Clark, pottery by Barbara Gomez, paintings by Theresa Lucero, Nicholas Walsh, and Jenny Valdez, plus Sarah Flake’s Flaky Friends.
Preview Thursday, September 1, 2011, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

First Friday, September 2, 2011, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
www.JennyValdez.comalettertojenny@gmail.com

Trifecta Gallery
107 E. Charleston Blvd. #135
SAFEWALLS extended through Sept 30 - 16 Cirque du Soleil commissioned paintings celebrating the art of the poster by leading lowbrow and street artists from around the world. High quality screen prints will be for sale of all the paintings.
Some of the artists include: Amy Sol, El Mac, Ron English, Sweet Toof, Miss Van, Travis Louie.
The Attachment Gallery- Inside Trifecta
Selina Davenport - 00:00:38
A sensory video examining if human memory exists outside of our bodies and/or if it is encoded in our DNA.
www.trifectagallery.com
702-366-7001 or ask.trifecta@gmail.com

PeaceNart Studio
Studio #230
Clowns Are People Too
3 Bad Sheep
This New Collection of Clowns Has Been Worked On For A Year Now, With the 3BS Familiar Style of Mixed Media, Found Objects and Individual Ideas, From Three Different Views of Life !! 10 New Clown Paintings Ready For Your Private Collection.
Opening Preview Thursday and First Friday Sept. 1,2

Studio 120
Multiples
a collection of paintings by John Wayne Gacy
The largest collection and exhibition of Original John Wayne Gacy Art Works will be on display within the Arts Factory September 1 to September 18, 2011. The controversial exhibition features seventy paintings , original materials — handwritten letters, manuscripts and audio recordings. Proceeds from the sale of the artwork and admission fees will be used to benefit nonprofit organizations that lend support to our community.
September 1 to September 18, 2011
johnwaynegacyart.com

Joseph Watson Collection
Suite 115
SinOpsis / Art Exhibit
Joseph Watson will showcase a series of Las Vegas influenced paintings. The Go, Go, Greta childrens book and street artist Sharktoof will also be on display.
Friday, September 2, 6-10pm
info@josephwatsoncollection.com
858-733-2135

Jaikowski Studios
inside the Joseph Watson Collection Gallery #115

Showgirls around the World .....The Show Must Go On...
A Mixed Media Array of Showgirls ....
Thurs Sept 1 7pm-10pm Preview Night
Friday Sept 2 6pm-10pm First Friday
Jaikowskistudios.com
Karen Jaikowski
702-204-9335

Sin City Gallery
Suite 100
Macho Ma'am by Carlo Roncancio
Elusive, reclusive and exclusive photographer Carlo Roncancio comes out of the wood-work for a playful special engagement at Sin City Gallery. His Macho Ma'am series focuses on gorgeously fit buffed men in lingerie. A series of cocktail events are scheduled throughout the month.
September 1-26, 2011
www.sincitygallery.com

Macho Ma'am 
by Carlo Roncancio
@ Sin City Gallery


Hillary Salon
107 E Charleston Ave / Suite 250
Las Vegas' premier destination hair salon.
Transformational hair sculpting for Men and Women by appt.
Tue-Sat 10 am- 7pm
hillary.salon@gmail.com
(702) 525-1053

Blue Sky Yoga and Gallery
Studio 145
offering Yoga for the people at a "pay what you can rate" and displaying a variety talented artists on First Fridays and throughout each month
www.blueskyyogalv.com
702-592-1396

8 Martinis Gallery
Studio 205
"Overflow" Face Up Art by Dar Freeland / Mandala Sand Painting by Dar Freeland
Face Up Fine Art Giclees, Original Acrylics on Canvas, and Books by Dar Freeland. Also a live demonstration of a Tibetan Style sand mandala is being constructed in the gallery as a healing meditation for people with cancer.
First Friday, September 2, 2011 • 6pm - 10pm
www.8martinis.com
dar8martinis@aol.com

Cricket Studio & Face Up Gallery
Studio 210
In Cricket Studio: "Primitives" by Brian Swanson
Fine Art Acrylics and mixed media on board by Brian Swanson
In Face Up Gallery: "Helpline" Face Up Art by Dar Freeland
Face Up Fine Art Giclees, Original Acrylics on Canvas by Dar Freeland
Preview Thursday, September 1, 2011 • 6pm - 9pm
First Friday, September 2, 2011 • 6pm - 10pm
www.cricketstudio.com/primitives
brianswanson.studio@gmail.com
www.faceupstudio.com/press
faceupstudio@aol.com

Around the Neighborhood

222 Imperial gallery
222 Imperial Ave
"GEEK" A TRIBUTE
Over 20 local artists have entered pieces that defy “Geek”. So break out the lab coat it’s time for the ultimate geek show down.
September 2, 2011 7pm-12pm
Facebook.com/222imperial
Joel@happenstancestudios.com 702-271-2844

Brett Wesley Gallery
1112 S. Casino Center Blvd. on the corner of Charleston Blvd.
Humanity by Jylian Gustlin
Gustlin's paintings are an ongoing exploration and celebration of the human form. Working with resin, oil and acrylic paints, charcoal, wax, gold leaf, pastels and graphite on board Gustlin draws, paints, scratches on her surfaces while remaining loose enough to maintain an organic and painterly presence. Gustlin is exceptional in her ability to combine rich patterns of shape and color to create original works that are beautiful, well crafted and dramatic.
Opening reception will be Thursday, September 1, 2011
from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
www.BrettWesleyGallery.com
702.433.4433 inquire@brettwesley.com

Retro Vegas
1211 S Main Street
Mad Ads
“Mad Ads” – a take off on the Mad Men series – consists of five vintage cardboard cutout ads created in the 1950s for display in pharmacies. They include products such as baby oil and hair color. While it is easy to discern their age, the less obvious to viewers is just how similar they are to today’s print advertising.
Opens First Friday, September 2, at 6:00 pm
continues through until September 30
retro-vegas.com

SATURDAY September 3rd

Talky Trees
On the Patio
Bar + Bistro @ the Arts Factory
Starting at 5pm
We are the Talky Trees: Free Arts & Entertainment Among Friends
What exactly is Talky Trees? It's a 7-hour Arts festival centered around two ideas:
1) Self-expression of the audience such that they and the performers are one and the same! YOU have the gift of art, and we encourage you to realize it.
2) Collaboration between mediums: painters coloring a piece to a poet who then gives his words to the music of others.The artist and the audience? Same people.
This is an art show all about collaboration of all possible mediums. Music, poetry, painting, performance art. What every you are into, bring whatever craft you love and share it with us.


Special Event Fliers and Links...











Sun Splash Caribbean Fest at the Stratosphere Labor Day Weekend
http://sunsplashfest.com/



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

Brian Paco Alvarez enculturating Las Vegas into the millennium...

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

The Kaiser Report... Musical happenings for the week of August 29...

Culture week has arrived and we are prepping up for what is expected to be one crazy and exciting First Friday and Labor Day weekend. Here is Laraine Kaiser's weekly report of musical happenings about down.

Have a great week everyone!

Monday August 29th, 10:00pm-1:00am
New Orleans Style Brass-Band Funk
Kyle Overly, Trumpet, Eddie Rich, sax,
David Phillippus, James Nelson, Trombone, Stephen Kunzer, sousaphone, Reggie Johnson, Keyboard
Mark Corbin, drums
Free parking, no cover, should be a great time!
The Arts Factory (Bar and Bistro)
107 East Charleston Boulevard
Las Vegas, NV 89104
Free and Open to the Public
more info: 702-383-3133

Friday September 2nd, 6:00-10:00pm
First Friday Vegas' Art and Music street festival!
Galleries all open to the public, food and fun!
downtown Las Vegas Arts District
Free and Open to the Public


Saturday September 3rd, 2:00pm
Tony Scodwell and friends including violinist Lauren Cordell and vocalist Lena Prima
Charleston Heights Center
800 S Brush St.
Las Vegas NV 89107
tickets $10 in advance, $15 day of
more info: 229-6383


Saturday September 3rd, 7:30pm
Viola and Piano Recital! Isadora Trinkle, viola and Eugenie Burkett, piano
Bach, Brahms and Schumann
Green Valley Presbyterian Church
1798 Wigwam Pkwy.
Henderson NV 89074
Free and Open to the public
more info: 702-454-8484


Saturday September 3rd, 5:00-10:00pm
NYC Fresh Fest-Power 88
Old school Legends!
Salt n pepa, Kool Moe Dee, Sugar Hill Gang, Whodini, Doug E. Fresh!
Henderson Pavilion
200 S. Green Valley
tickets $39 in advance, $49 day of
more info: 702-267-2171

Saturday September 3rd, 8:00pm
Simon Shaheen and his traditional Arab Orchestra perform a benefit concert of classical Arabic music including oud, violins, kanun, contra-bass, three vocalists and percussionists, these guys are really great!
Avriopolis
3060 N. Walnut Rd.
Las Vegas, NV 89115
Tickets: general admission $65 Gold Circle $150
proceeds go to the Emergency Medical Relief Fund for the Arab World 
more info: 248-646-3661



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

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

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Journey of Fire: Burning Man 2011 Rites of Passage

Guest blogger and fabulous friend Onnoleigh Sweetman shares her thoughts about the upcoming Burning Man festival. She will be traveling to the deserts of Northern Nevada to participate in the week long art, music, culture, and shamanic festival that brings out thousands of participants from around the world. Through the eyes of Onna we will experience a festival for the ages...

Burning Man 
August 29 through September 5, 2011
For more information - 

Journey of Fire: Burning Man 2011 Rites of Passage
A two part series of a journey to Burning Man
written by Onnoleigh Sweetman

Bins, boxes, fur and disco balls line the walls and hallways of my two story apartment in downtown Las Vegas. Reminder notes of last minute shopping and to do lists permeate my mirrors and numerous facebook invites surge my phone with reminders of the countless parties that will take place in a remote desert next week. It’s that time once again, a time when thousands from all over the world, will make a trek to the Black Rock Desert to create the only homegrown city and event of its kind. Burning Man.

I prefer to call Burning Man “Utopia”. A sort of magical place where the misfits and madmen go. A place where people of all kinds come to play, build, dance, burn and most importantly, renew. An almost ten year veteran of Burning Man I find every year to be a pertinent lesson in many areas of artistic and spiritual development. Each year the “playa” has graciously and not so graciously handed me a stern lesson in detachment. Not surprising coming from an event whose artists and performers spend nearly an entire year in preparation only to burn most the art and leave the desert with no trace of human existence at all. The “playa” (as most burners call it) has a way of downright kicking your ass at any sign of forced control, but will bless you in all its glory once you surrender within the dust. This has been evident every time I have gone searching for someone or something, gave up, and then less than a minute later was handed exactly what I originally was searching for on a dusty silver platter or electro thumping art car.

But behind this magical place and Utopic society, there must always be a mass intent for the gathering of the tribes. A reason for co-creation, a reason to provoke emotion and stir up the organized chaos…Which brings us to this year’s theme. “Rites of Passage”. This year, countless burners, performers, dj’s, artists, sculptors and participants will explore this theme of transformation and transition through all types of media and art. The vision? “To remove us from the context and the cares of daily life, confront us with our vital need to be, and then return us to the fellowship of a society.”- burningman.com

And at Burning Man you can do just that. With no cell phone service, no television, and no internet, “BM” is a perfect opportunity to deprogram one’s self from social media and the digital age.

With that being said, if you are one of the record breaking numbers of the 75,000 attending the festival this year, take heed. With extreme temperatures during the day, hour long white outs and extreme temperatures at night, you might want to read the survival guide and familiarize yourself of what it takes to survive a week with no running water and no corporate stands to purchase from. And with the ten principals solidly in place, principals of radical self expression and radical self reliance become a term of endearment. Burning Man isn’t for the weak of heart; I see it for those that are restless at heart. Most these burners are restless with the mundane life of the 9-5 job, restless with the mediocre, and restless with conformity. It takes a die hard to rough it in a tent for a week and a downright warrior to spend 2-3 weeks setting up camp only to tear it down and start over for next year.

Most notable Las Vegas based theme camp is Black Rock Syndicate headed up by Ronnie Brust and Brett Rubin-who in my opinion spearheaded most the spirited interest in bringing together the Las Vegas burner community the past couple of years. Ronnie Brust, or Chicken as he likes to be called, describes Syndicate as “A day sound oasis featuring some of the brightest music producers and DJ’s on the playa with climbable structures, shade, libations and one amazing sound system”! It’s also not a bad place if you like to listen to the live music stylings of artists such as DJ Dan and Donald Glaude. Another LV based camp is “Classic Candy” founded by the most solid of artists Mike Pierce. Classic Candy is a visual odyssey combining classic rock and cutting-edge visuals right in the heart of the esplanade.

So many things to see and experience in the magical dust of Burning Man and with only one week my ultimate Bucket list have been created. My picks for this year are Scott Kraske’s “Final Passage” art sculpture which will host a meet and greet created by my dance company Nytronix Entertainment and will be associated with a 60 person snail art car called the EZCARGO. (Had to throw myself in there). Next up is the movie premiere of Electronic Awakening directed by Andrew Johner, a movie screening that lifts the veil on an underground spiritual movement that has developed within electronic music cultures worldwide. Also on the list is Reno favorite The Rhino aka Johnno Lazetich who can be seen rocking the decks at the District, Black Rock Syndicate and sunrise sets on EZCARGO. In addition is the first ever CORE project and regional burn of effigies where the Vegas burners spent the summer constructing a Showgirl that will burn on Thursday night amongst other core projects.

And last but not least is The Temple. This year’s temple theme is most eloquently themed The Temple of Transition. For anyone that hasn’t been inside the temple at Burning Man, one word and one word only can describe this honorable art project and that is Reverence. Filled with pictures of loved ones that have passed on, letters and notes, the temple is sanctity of solitude and heartfelt tears with respect of all that pass through. Originally created by David Best, the temple is a perfect place to write on its walls your fears, your sorrows, your grief and let them all burn away the night of temple burn. This year I take a very personal trek to the temple. Within a three week time span in April my Mother, baby nephew, and dear friend passed away. This year I will make a heartfelt trek with two friends to honor them all and most notably say goodbye to a mother that raised me to be the artist and woman I am today. A mother that helped me pack and prepare every year for Burning Man and had hopes of attending the festival someday. With prior experiences in the temple, combined with this year’s theme, I know that this experience will be a transition and rebirth all of its own. The temple is a prime example that Burning Man itself is not just a party or drug fest but a cleansing of the soul. And as with the burning of the man, the ashes will undoubtedly rise again.

And so in five days, I make my next venture into the unknown and my own rite of passage where I will dance, laugh, cry and experience all the wonder and magic the desert has to offer all the while chronicling the entire experience day by day, and night by night. So stay tuned folks, the next article will be the after burn report. )’( From the dust we came and to the dust we shall return and emerge new beings of light- Onnoleigh Sweetman

Onnoleigh Sweetman is a Las Vegas based director, performer and writer. Founder of Nytronix Entertainment and The Sin City Fire Dolls she works throughout the valley constructing avant-garde events and boundary breaking performances. www.nytronix.com

Brian Paco Alvarez enculturating Las Vegas into the millennium...

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Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Left of Center Gallery hosts two art receptions...

Setting up an artist reception can be quite a task, take it from me I have hosted hundreds of them. Hanging and preparing the artwork in the gallery, sending out invitations, making sure the hors d'oeuvres are done, the wine is served, and most importantly that the artist shows up for his or her guests. Its all part of the game we play in the arts to make sure those artists shine while on stage.

Now can you imagine having two receptions in the same gallery concurrently! Well that is exactly what Left of Center Gallery on Gowan is doing this Saturday. Leave it to Vicky Richardson, Director of the gallery to keep the pressure on for what I suspect will be a fabulous opening for her amazing artists.

This Saturday Left of Center will be hosting two opening receptions beginning at 12 noon until 3pm. Click out the fliers below for more information.

Left of Center Gallery
2207 West Gowan
North Las Vegas, NV 89032
702-647-7378
http://leftofcenterart.org



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

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

Monday, August 22, 2011

The Kaiser Report... Musical happenings for the week of August 22...

Trinity Schlottman celebrates his 33rd
Birthday with performers from La Cage
@ Artfice Bar Downtown
this past Saturday
After an amazing weekend that included stops at almost every single lounge, art event, party and goodness knows what else, here is more to start your week with. Honestly who can keep up! There will be a day in the near future that there will be so much to do Downtown that it will take a super hero to keep up. But before I start donning the spandex here is Laraine Kaiser's report about happenings about town.

Have a great week everyone and don't forget September First Friday is two weeks away!

Monday August 22, 7:00pm-11:00pm
Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word 21+ only
The Beat Coffeehouse
520 Fremont St. inside Emergency Arts Building
6th and Fremont St.
Las Vegas NV 89101
Free and Open to the Public
more info: 702-409-5563

Saturday August 27, 2:00pm
Lena Prima sings jazz including some hits by her father Louis Prima
Winchester Cultural Center
3130 McLeod
Las Vegas NV 89121
$15 in advance $20 at door
more info: 702-455-7340

Sunday August 28, 2:00pm
Gary Oakes and Lou Garcia sing pop, standards and show tunes
Presented by Performing Arts Society of Nevada
Clark County Library
1401 E. Flamingo
Las Vegas NV
$15 box office opens at 1:00
more info: 702-658-6741interesting ongoing window of opportunity for violinists and violists next week

Thursday August 25th-Wednesday 31st
Professional and Student Violins and Violas from around the world
available for sale along with certificates and appraisals
by appointment
1305 Vegas Valley Dr. Suite E
Las Vegas, NV 89109
call 702-733-0482
www.ocarrescia.com


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

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

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Some things to entice you on a Saturday Night...

If you have nothing to do this amazing Saturday evening you should definitely make it Downtown for lots of amazing activities. Painters and Poets Jam at the Arts Factory happening as we speak.  Chad Stolarick's Hacienda at Vanguard Lounge with the sultry House sounds of Rob Dub & Sotto. Artifice Bar for Trinity Schlottman's birthday celebration, all are welcome! And the soft opening of The Lady Silvia, Downtown's newest night spot located at Soho Lofts (900 Las Vegas Boulevard South).

So get out of the HOUSE and get your A@@ to Downtown! Drive safely and party responsibly...






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

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

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Insert Coin(s) rocks it with artist Gearboxxx...

One of Downtown's newest and most exciting attractions Insert Coin(s) Videolounge Gamebar is shaking it up with a new art exhibition to entice the masses while they partake in a little 8-bit heaven. For video game aficionados this 21 and over arcade is the place to have a blast, and when you add art to the mix, it makes the experience oh-so-special.

Keri Schroeder, Insert Coin(s) Art Director has out done herself this time by courting none other than Gear Duran aka Gearboxxx. I am almost afraid to say what type of artist he is without insulting this genius; Fantasy? Street? Comic Book? So lets just say he kinda reminds me of one of my favorite artists HR Giger mixed into a video game being played inside a rave! I was first introduced to Gearboxxx by Dr. Laura Henkle at the Erotic Heritage Museum and I immediately fell in love with his work. This guy rocks  and I can only imagine what is in store for us at Insert Coin(s). 

Here is a taste of what to expect...

The opening reception for Digital Alchemy will run from 9pm to midnight on August 19th, and will include the unveiling of GEARBOXXX's new large-scale paintings, pulsating with saturated UV reactive color under black lights. The artist himself will be creating live digital illustrations on Insert Coin(s)' enormous flat-screens, while DJ Step Correct of Santa Babylon Sound System electrifies the venue with the underground beats tailored specifically for the event. Insert Coin(s) and GEARBOXX promise that the opening reception for “Digital Alchemy” will make Friday, August 19th a night to remember.

So if you have a penchant for the finer things in life like Pacman, Galaga, Dig Dug, a good cocktail and amazing art you know exactly where to be on Friday night...

Insert Coin(s) Videolounge Gamebar
512 East Fremont St.
Las Vegas, NV 89101
702-885-9366
www.insertcoinslv.com

For more information about Gearboxx
www.gearboxxxrox.com

The Art of Gearboxxx

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

Brian Paco Alvarez enculturating Las Vegas into the millennium...

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

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Rave Bad Boy Chad Craig returns to Downtown...

Long before the Arts District painted its first stroke and the Fremont East Entertainment District opened its first lounge, the bad boy of the local Rave Scene Chad Craig started a small party inside a warehouse along Downtown's railroad tracks. Located at the very north end of Industrial Road and Utah, the Cande Factore would be the home to some of Las Vegas' most amazing warehouse parties.

The Cande Factore would add to the milieu of parties that came before it like Ali Babas Magic Carpet Ride (1991), Big E and Mr. Ed's Illusions (1992), Downtown's Club X2C (1992), the Electric Highway Tour (1996) and Club Utopia (1996) to name a few. Though the Cande Factore is no longer around Chad and his company AWOL (A Way of Life Productions) have continuously thrown amazing parties all throughout the community.

It is without a doubt that Chad and his raver minions would be a quintessential part of an electronic music renaissance that is being felt to this very day, and at the ripe-ole-age of 35 he shows no signs of slowing down. This evening Chad returns to Downtown to celebrate his 35th birthday and inaugurate SONIKBOOM, a new night of electronic music at Brass Lounge located inside the "pint" above Hennesey's.

With an amazing lineup of DJ's, Chad wants the community to come down and celebrate his special day with amazing beats and spectacular views of historic Fremont Street. The party starts at 10pm... Must be 21...

For more information about AWOL -
http://www.awayoflifeproductions.com

Brass Lounge
425 Fremont St
Fremont St. and Las Vegas Boulevard
702-382-1182

Happy Birthday Chad!




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

Brian Paco Alvarez enculturating Las Vegas into the millennium...

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

Monday, August 15, 2011

The Kaiser Report... Musical happenings for the week of August 15...

Here is this weeks musical lineup of happenings about town thanks to Laraine Kaiser. Unlike last week I got this up on time! Keeping up with the arts in Las Vegas is never easy but at least something is happening all the time!

Have a wonderful and culturally filled week!

Monday August 15th, 9:00pm-12:00am
Jazz performance and Jam session, to follow after first set
with Julian Tanaka, Reggie Johnson, Austin Pooley and Jeff Davis
The Arts Factory
107 East Charleston Boulevard
Las Vegas, NV 89104
Free and Open to the Public
more info: 702-383-3133
http://www.theartsfactory.com/

Tuesday August 16th, 7:00pm
Marimba artist Nebojsa Zivkovic performs with the UNLV Percussion Ensemble
Doc Rando Hall (Beam Music Hall)
UNLV
4505 Maryland Dr.
Las Vegas NV 89154
Free and Open to the Public
more info: 702-895-3011


Thursday August 18th, 5:00-9:00pm
Art Festival family friendly, music, art, food, art galleries all open their doors
Water Street Art District (Water and Basic Road)
Henderson NV
Free and Open to the Public
more info: 702-267-1516

Thursday August 18th, 7:00pm
Janet Sue Mason Foundation presents symphony concert to benefit local breast cancer victims
Doors open at 5:30pm, hors d'oeuvres and silent auction, performance at 7:00pm
Horn Theatre
CSN Cheyenne Campus
3200 E. Cheyenne, one block west of Pecos.
Las Vegas NV 89030
$100, $150 for special seats
more info: http://daretolive.us/

Saturday August 20th, 2:00pm
Classical Guitarist Michael Nigro performs Lauro, Villa-Lobos, Cardoso and other South American composers
Clark County Library Theater
1401 East Flamingo
Las Vegas NV
No ticket info given, assuming it's free
more info: 702-507-3400


Sunday August 21st, 5:00pm
Award winning Philippine Dance team performs
Gold Coast Casino
4000 West Flamingo Rd.
Las Vegas NV 89103
$25
more info: www.danceportcebu.org


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

Brian Paco Alvarez enculturating Las Vegas into the millennium...

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