The Contemporary Arts Center presents its latest exhibition... The Garden of Forking Paths...

As I was walking through the Arts Factory I slowly made my way to the Contemporary Arts Center. Though I only "spied" through the door I was presented with an unusual exhibition. The exhibition by artists Katie Baldwin, Nichola Kinch, Katie Murken, takes its name from the short story by Argentine poet Jorge Luis Borges, "The Garden of Forking Paths." Though the relation between the exhibition and the story seems to end at its title, which will require me to spy some more, the show nonetheless demonstrates that the CAC still has the chutzpah to be innovative and fresh.

The Garden of Forking Paths
The Contmporary Arts Center
107 E Charleston Blvd, Suite 120
Las Vegas, NV 89104
702.382.3886
http://lasvegascac.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...

Yarnstormers take over Maryland Parkway pedestrian bridge!

Despite the city's efforts to curb graffiti there are a group of ladies and a few men too that are taking Las Vegas by storm, albeit yarn-storm. Across the country more and more gorilla public art is being produced by those knitting needle wielding ladies in an effort to beautify their surroundings. Whether it is a fence, a light poll, a fire hydrant or even a sweater for a tree, these "yarnstormers" are working to preserve this amazing art form and being very creative in their efforts.

Here in Las Vegas prominent local artist Diane Bush and her artistic friends have just completed a yarn-storm project on the Maryland Parkway Bridge. The old bridge has been a mainstay on Maryland Parkway since the 1980's, despite being a much needed bypass over the busy street next to Sunrise Hospital it is just damn ugly! But thanks to Diane and her efforts the bridge has some new clothes and looks very pretty. So as you drive down Maryland Parkway make sure to take a look at this new and exciting public art project in the heart of historic Winchester!

About artist Diane Bush please visit this site - http://www.dianebush.net/

The yarn storming team and supporters
from left Jane Pike, Bobbie Ann Howell,
Maryjane Dorofachuk, Diane Bush,
Clark County Commissioner Chris G, Victoria Hart

Clark County Commissioner Chris G cuts the
ceremonial yarn ribbon

(These photos have been provided by Diane Bush)

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

The Kaiser Report... Musical happenings for the week of June 25...

Okay it has been a couple of weeks since I posted up the Kaiser Report. Now that the summer is around it has been slim pickings so-to-speak but Laraine keeps me apprised of the events. I have also suffered a we bit of writers block so I have not been posting as much, so I do have to apologize for that. In either case the 4th of July is coming up as is the long slog of summer so be prepared for a lot of our hot arts happenings around this Radiant City we call home.

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

Every Tuesday and Thursday 5:00pm-6:00pm through September 6th
Classical Guitarist Ricardo Cobo performs in the beautiful
Bellagio Conservatory (large beautiful garden near the front desk, and self parking)Bellagio
3600 Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas NV 89109Free and Open to the Public

Wednesday June 27th 10:30pm
Composers' Showcase featuring new works by local musicians/composers including:
Clint Homes, Keith Thompson, Vita Corimbi, Roger Butteryley
Toney DeAugustine and many more, performed by artists from all the big Vegas showsSmith CenterCabaret Jazz, in the Boman Pavilion
361 Symphony Park Ave.
Las Vegas NV 89106
$20 available at box office or by phone, cash bar/late night Menu Available
more info 702-729-2000
http://www.thesmithcenter.com/events/genres/cabaret-jazz/or http://www.facebook.com/events/249142738529201/

Upcoming

Wednesday July 4th 8:00pm

Henderson Symphony Performs a fourth of July Concert complete with fireworks!
Mission Hills Park
551 E. Mission Dr. (at College Dr.)
free and open to the public
more info 702-267-2171other entertainment earlier in the day includes:

4th of July Celebration
The City of Henderson will celebrate our country's independence with their Annual 4th of July Celebration. This year's fireworks will be set off at Mission Hills Park.
There will be free shuttle service from:
Foothill High School
800 College Drive
Don't be late the fun begins at 6:00 p.m., with three stages of entertainment.

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...

Las Vegas Natural History Museum is throwing a Downtown Party!

Long before Downtown's Renaissance the Las Vegas Natural History Museum has been chugging along bringing our community a touch of the wild-side in a neon encrusted jungle. With dinosaurs a plenty and a little "Tut" or two the museum on North Las Vegas Boulevard has been a sleeping giant ready to awaken and party!

On Friday, June 22, the museum will be having the ultimate summer celebration with plenty of food, drink, and entertainment. The party is strictly a 21 and over event so leave the kiddies at home and head Downtown for an evening you will not forget. 

I even hear the wildly popular local band Kid Meets Cougar will be on hand to throw down a few sets...

Check out the flier below for more details. 

Las Vegas Natural History Museum
900 Las Vegas Blvd N.
Las Vegas, NV 89101
(702) 384-3466
http://lvnhm.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...

The Las Vegas Arts District neighborhood is having a gathering... TONIGHT!

Were you aware that 18b - Las Vegas' Arts District actually has an association that advocates for the well being of the neighborhood? Well now you know! Once a year the neighborhood association has a meeting to discuss the goings-on of the neighborhood. The open meeting will be a discussion about new developments and businesses in the neighborhood, First Friday and a myriad of other topics about one of Las Vegas' most creative areas. If you are interested in finding out about all the exciting news please join us on Tuesday for the informational meeting.

18b Neighborhood Association Meeting
Tuesday, June 19 at 6pm
Brett Wesley Gallery
1112 Casino Center Boulevard
702-433-4433
http://www.brettwesleygallery.com/

For more information about the 18b Neighborhood Association - http://www.18b.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...

The Kaiser Report... Musical happenings for the week of June 11...

After a relatively quite last week. Laraine Kaiser's report is back for another week of exciting musical happenings! Don Giovanni anyone?

Have a great and culturally filled week everyone!

Every Tuesday and Thursday 5:00pm-6:00pm now through September 6th
Classical Guitarist Ricardo Cobo performs in the beautiful
Bellagio Conservatory (large beautiful garden near the front desk, and self parking)

Bellagio Hotel and Casino
3600 Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas NV 89109Free and Open to the Public

Friday June 15th, 7:00pm
Don Giovanni, composed by Mozart, performed by Opera Las Vegas, presented with English subtitles
Metropolitan Opera's own Jonathon Loy: director
Soloists include:Metropolitan Opera's Jeff Mattsey, Philip Horst, Luana DeVol Amy Shoremount-Obra and Mark Thomesen, featuring a local full orchestra conducted by Gregory Buchalter pre-concert lecture at 6:00pm
Artemis Ham Hall 

4505 Maryland Dr.
Las Vegas NV 89119
55$-95$ (students half price off Section C)more info: (702) 895-ARTS (2787)
http://pac.unlv.edu/calendar.php?event_id=2090

Sunday June 17th, 2:00pm
"Firenze Sextet" will perform music for strings and voice by Bach and Vivaldi with special guest artists:
Voltaire Verzosa, contra-tenor, Svetlin Belneev, violin
Irina Chirkova, cello Geoff Neuman, Bass (see full program below)
Mountain View Presbyterian Church
8601 Del Webb Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89134
more info: 702-341-7800
http://www.knpr.org/common/psa/detailNEW.cfm?EventID=15499

Sunday June 17th, 2:00pm
Don Giovanni composed by Mozart, performed by Opera Las Vegas, presented with English subtitlesMetropolitan Opera's own Jonathan Loy: director
Soloists include:Metropolitan Opera's Jeff Mattsey, Philip Horst, Luana DeVol Amy Shoremount-Obra and
Mark Thomesen, features a local full orchestra conducted by Gregory Buchalter pre-concert lecture at 1:00pm
Artemis Ham Hall 

4505 Maryland Dr.
Las Vegas NV 89119
55$-95$ (students half price off Section C)more info: (702) 895-ARTS (2787)
http://pac.unlv.edu/calendar.php?event_id=2090]

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...

Painting the town Piet...

Downtown's latest attraction is taking shape in the heart of 18b (Las Vegas Arts District). The Piet Mondrian inspired facade of Art Square is looking up as the new center will open within the next few weeks. Located next to the renowned Arts Factory, this latest attraction only adds more positive momentum to the creative center of Las Vegas.

Stay tuned for more details and more photos!

Art Square 
1025 First Street
Las Vegas, NV 89104
(702) 308-8087
http://artsquarelv.com/

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

Vegas StrEATS returns to Downtown Las Vegas! TONIGHT!

Okay! So you couldn't secure tickets to EDC? Well guess what don't fret there is something just as fun and you can wear a costume too! The monthly festival of food, fun and music returns to Downtown to help those who cant make it to the big rave. I even hear the Savar Brothers are going to be there!

Vegas StrEATS begins at 6pm at the Jackie Gaughan Plaza right next to the Historic El Cortez Hotel and Casino.

And if you need to hear some awesome electronic dance music you can always head over to the Vanguard Lounge, Insert Coin(s) Videolounge Gamebar or the Downtown Cocktail Room for your EDM fix!

You know where I will be! : )

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

Las Vegas artist Wendy Kveck rocks The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas...

I do have to say artist Wendy Kveck can definitely throw a party. Last nights closing reception at P3 Gallery inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas was an amazing event with a large segment of the Downtown arts intelligentsia coming down and celebrating the culmination of Wendy's month-long artist in residency at the resort.

The show closes this weekend, so make sure to get down to The Cosmopolitan and see the amazing collection of art that Wendy has been working on. Make sure to bring your sweet tooth!

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
3708 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
702-698-7000
http://www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com/

Some impressions of the show...

The masses gather to celebrate Wendy Kveck @ P3 Gallery
inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

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

An art and culture filled weekend...

Here are a few photos that were taken on my trusted I-Phone during an amazing weekend of art and culture in Downtown Las Vegas and beyond. Investment in arts and culture creates and sustains community and helps grow the economy in wonderful ways. Beyond the Strip, Las Vegas has a viibrant community that everyone should explore!

Have a great and culturally filled week everyone!

Alexander Sky and Jennifer at Fanfest
Artisan Hotel Boutique

Hal Savar covering a little Gotye at Fanfest
Artisan Hotel Boutique

Paco at the Save the Huntridge
stage at First Friday!

Karen, Rudy & their fabulous family at
First Friday June

Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman
by artist Kathleen Strukoff
inside Emergency Arts

Rasone mural at Sin City Gallery
inside the Arts Factory

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

First Friday! Its all about the sound silly! TONIGHT!!!

Hello all you fabulous Las Vegas residents and visitors alike! With June arriving and summer just a few weeks away, First Friday is here to amaze the masses with a Cochlear Celebration of sounds that will celebrate Las Vegas' music scene and history. So with all this said I have provided below the press release that was sent to me that is full of information about this months arts filled festivities.

First Friday
Friday, June 1st
6 to 11pm

This month, First Friday is filling downtown Las Vegas with the sweet sounds of live music. Soapbox risers will be spread throughout the downtown streets, featuring soloists and local musicians performing acoustic music sets for patrons. The next First Friday Las Vegas takes place Friday, June 1, 2012 from 6 p.m. until 11 p.m.

FIRST FRIDAY LAS VEGAS HIGHLIGHTS:

ARTS DISTRICT HUB

Location: Casino Center and Colorado Ave.
Art Style: Emerging and established artists, arts, crafts

Activities:
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. The Kids Zone is bustling with activity. 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Roos-N-More exotic animals will set up a petting zoo and educate families about the natural habitats of these animals. The team from Oh Baby I Like It Raw will be giving demonstrations on healthy eating and sampling their deliciously healthy raw food creations. Carnival games provided by Fun For All gives kids and families even more options for interactive entertainment. A Student Stage will be set up with live performance by Children of the World, a dance competition, featuring young talent from around the Las Vegas valley from6:15 p.m. – 7 p.m. Sounds for the Kids Zone performance stage will be provided by DJ BABYCHINO, the world’s youngest DJ!

Entertainment: Two stages with live music and DJ performances from 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.

The Lyon’s Den Stage located on Casino Center just south of Colorado Ave. DJ Mongo has crafted an eclectic set of great music based on the popular format of his KUNV radio program The Lyons Den Radio Show.

Golden Nugget Stage located on 3rd Street just south of Imperial in front of Theatre7 is taken over by the Save The Huntridge movement. The legendary and iconic Huntridge Theatre has been the host to countless concerts throughout the years, and the movement is fighting to save the architectural landmark. The stage will feature local bands, and during brief intermissions patrons will share stories of their most memorable Huntridge experiences. A tent will be set up next to the stage with memorabilia giving context to the moving and often wild stories being shared.

DOWN 3RD
Location: Imperial and 3rd Street

Activities: Food trucks galore! Stop by the makeshift food court with Las Vegas’ finest mobile food trucks and vendors.

FREMONT STREET EAST
Location: Get Back Alley located just south of Fremont Street between 6th and Las Vegas Blvd.

Art Style: Street and Performance Art

Activities: Deriving its name from the long-running and hugely successful DJ funk and soul dance party held every First Friday, Get Back Alley is the newest part of the First Friday expansion to Fremont Street East. First Friday will transform the alley behind Downtown Cocktail Room, The Griffin, Beauty Bar and Le Thai into an arts hallway. This area will include live murals, street art, music and performance arts demonstrations.

Entertainment: Live DJ programmed in Get Back Alley from 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.

PARKING/SHUTTLE:
Shuttle service will run from 5:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m.

Four Open Top Sightseeing Shuttles and an additional handicap equipped shuttle will make a constant loop around the entire event route.

For Handicap Transportation to event, please call: 702- 739-7990

There will be ample free parking as well as $5 parking lots.*

*If you park in unauthorized parking areas, you may be subject to towing.

Fremont Route Shuttle Stops:
* El Cortez- pick up and drop off in front of Get Back Alley event
* Golden Nugget- lobby doors just south of Rush Tower
* Arts District Hub at Colorado and Main

Government Center Route Shuttle Stops:
* Government Center at Rotunda Gallery
* Commerce Street Galleries
* Arts District Hub at Colorado and Main

Additional free parking at City Hall Garage at Stewart and Las Vegas Blvd. (must walk to Fremont shuttle stops)

For more information on First Friday Las Vegas, please check back on the website www.firstfridaylasvegas.com or on the Facebook page www.facebook.com/firstfridaylasvegas.

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...