The Halloween Parade returns to Fabulous Downtown Las Vegas!

Everybody knows that Las Vegas is the place to party and Halloween is the perfect time to party in this Radiant City. With tourists and locals alike gearing up in their zany outfits the city becomes a veritable buffet of decadence and all that is absurd. From witches, to goblins and every Elvis imaginable the city comes alive like New Orleans on Mardi Gras. I suspect that Las Vegas will soon be the place to party on all Hallows Eve! Oh wait...

The 3rd Annual Las Vegas Halloween Parade will be taking place again in Fabulous Downtown Las Vegas on Wednesday, October 31. The parade is a perfect time to get in gear and bring the whole family down! The parade takes place in Downtown's official parade route on 4th Street and there are plenty of after parties to entice everyone.

The parade begins at 7pm and its FREE.

For more information please visit - http://www.thelasvegashalloweenparade.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...

Coffee with Kaiser... Musical happenings for the week of October 22...

Laraine basking in the glow of an amazing
performance of the Las Vegas Philharmonic
The Smith Center for the Performing Arts 

Music is the mediator between the spiritual and the sensual life. 

- Ludwig van Beethoven

My body is still buzzing from Saturday's opening night of the Las Vegas Philharmonic at the Smith Center. The Phil was on fire! Luckily I got a great shot of Laraine as she walked out of Reynolds Hall.

For more information about the Phil - http://lvphil.org/

Everyday 5:00pm-6:00pm 

Until November 24th
Enjoy live classical music by harpist
Kim DeLibero Monday-Thursday and
this Friday through Sunday hear
violinist James Harvey and cellist
Mert Sermet in the beautiful Fall Harvest Garden at the
Bellagio Conservatory (large garden near the front desk, and self parking)Bellagio
3600 Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas NV 89109Free and Open to the Public
http://www.bellagio.com/attractions/botanical-garden.aspx

Monday October 22nd, 4:00-6:00pm
Master class for chamber groups featuring the Grammy Award Winning String Quartet:
"Parker String Quartet" Unlv students will be performing movements from string quartets, piano trios etc.
and will then receive coaching from the Parker Quartet
UNLV Doc Rando Hall
Beam Music Center
4505 S. Maryland Parkway
Las Vegas, NV 89154
Free and Open to the Public
more info 702 895-3332

Monday October 22nd, 7:00pm
Piano recital of Mykola Suk and students including Otto Ehling,
Phillip Fortenberry and Jae Benton, program includes
Debussy's "Prelude to the afternoon of a faun" transcribed for four hands by
Ravel and Gershwin's Concerto in F
Christ the King Catholic Church

4925 S. Torrey Pines Dr.
Las Vegas, NV 89118
Free and Open to the Public
more info 702-871-1904

Tuesday October 23rd, 7:30pm
String Quartet, the Grammy Award Winning: "Parker Quartet"
New York Times-"something extraordinary" performs music of Avo Part, Benjamin Britten
and Schubert's famous string quartet "Death and the Maiden"Unlv
Doc Rando Hall
Beam Music Center
4505 S. Maryland Parkway
Las Vegas, NV 89154
$25, $22.50-seniors/military/disabilities/studentsstudent "rush tickets available at $10-1 hour prior to concert, (only 1 per student)
more info: 702-895-2787
http://www.unlv.edu/node/16157

Wednesday October 24th, 5:30pm
Oboe recital featuring the students of Dr. Stephen Caplan, Oboe professor at UNLV
program includes Beethoven and a work entitled "Oboi! Oboi!" by Stacey Berk Unlv
Doc Rando Hall
Beam Music Center
4505 S. Maryland Parkway
Las Vegas, NV 89154
Free and Open to the Public
more info: 702-895-3332
http://www.unlv.edu/node/16904

Thursday October 25th, 7:30pm
Piano recital of Mykola Suk and students including Otto Ehling,
Phillip Fortenberry and Jae Benton, program includes
Debussy's "Prelude to the afternoon of a faun" transcribed for four hands by
Ravel and Gershwin's Concerto in F

UNLV Doc Rando Hall
Beam Music Center
4505 S. Maryland Parkway
Las Vegas, NV 89154
Free and Open to the Public
more info: 702-895-3332
http://www.unlv.edu/node/16904

Saturday October 27th, 1:00pm
Music and dance of Senegal: Toumany Kouyate the Kora player from
the 'O' Show with his group "Bountaloo" (Black Scorpion), performers include several fantastic
'O' musicians and friends and family of Toumany, beautiful authentic costumes, amazing dancers, traditional African music and original compositions
Winchester Community Center
3130 S. McLeod Dr.
Las Vegas, NV
$12 at door $10 in advance
more info 702 283-0334

Saturday October 27th, 2:00pm
Japanese Fall Festival! "Aki Matsuri"
Traditional Music and Dance of Japan presented by Robert Higashinaka
Clark County Library
1401 Flamingo Rd.
Las Vegas, NV 89119
$10-$20 tickets in advance
more info 702 296-7451
http://lvakimatsuri.com/about.html

Sunday October 28th, 8:00pm
Cuban Charanga Orchestra,"arguably the best during 1950's-60's" according to Wikipedia
Orquesta Aragon includes violin, flute, timbales, guiro, and vocals, featuring music that will make you get up and dance from cha-cha to salsa
Hard Rock Cafe
3771 S. Las Vegas Bvd
Las Vegas NV 89109
$38.50 advance $44 door
21 and over must have ID
more info 702 733-7625
http://www.hardrock.com/locations/cafes3/events.aspx?LocationID=507&MIBenumID=3

Upcoming

October 30th 7:00 

Uncharted Winds, rarely performed classical chamber works for winds, brass and one string bass including composers: Francaix and Reichaperformers include Alexander Viazovtsev, Tina Hadley, Steve Caplan, Janis McKayBill Bernatis Sandra Donatelle Paul Firak and Taras Krysa (conductor)
Winchester Community Center
3130 S. McLeod Dr.
Las Vegas, NV
$12 at door $10 in advance
more info 702 283-0334

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 King of Spolia conquers Paintallica... Or Vice Versa!?!

Zach admiring the art!

If you ever get a chance to meet Zachary Delbex, the leader behind Repurpose America, you will be automatically electrified by his passion. The man knows his business and that business is simple; reuse what others consider trash and repurpose it. Whether its taking huge banners and making them into badge holders for conventions, toiletries for the poor, or handing over a ton of cardboard, canvas and let artists create, Zach is the man with a vision.

Just a couple of days ago we were standing at the windows of the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Zach looked up at a building next door that is supposed to be imploded and said, "I want all that glass"; referring to all it's windows. And I said what would you do with it? He just simply smiled. Goodness knows you could see the wheels spinning in his head as he looked up at the possibilities. This is the type of visionary Zach is. No challenge is too big for a man who literally sees treasure in other peoples trash.

This past week Zach and I went over to P3 gallery at The Cosmopolitan to see their latest artistic exploration and to visit one of the resident artists. Zach provided all the recyclable materials so the artists could create their vision. P3 is basically being transformed into a veritable fun house of regionally inspired art. Jay Schmidt who is one of the core artists of the arts collective Paintallica was on hand for the tour. You can tell this amazingly talented artist loves his work and what he and the Paintallica crew can create. As their website states:

Paintallica is a collaborative group of artists who make work that is intentionally confrontational and impulsive. Our installations emerge from a short series of rapid-fire all-night work sessions that incorporate drawing, painting, sculpture, and performance. The raw and uncensored nature of Paintallica is integral to the mission of addressing sensitive, immediate, and often taboo issues. 

We can easily deduce from that last statement Paintallica is perfectly at home in Las Vegas; the most amazingly taboo city in the world! And sticking with Las Vegas' motto What Happens in Vegas... Yada Yada Yada, Jay even got himself a tattoo right on his ______ (fill in the blank). I decided not to post that pic because I would be breaking the code. In any case Paintallica has taken Las Vegas by storm so make sure to hit up P3 Gallery at the The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Trust me you will not regret it!

For more information about Paintallica - http://paintallica.com/paintalica/Home.html

For more information about Repurpose America - http://www.repurposeamerica.org/

P3 Gallery at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

Do not touch Zach!

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

Artistic randomness #1...

Here are a few great things happening in this Radiant City we call home... Las Vegas that is...

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

Coffee with Kaiser... Musical happenings for the weeks of October 8 through the 15th...

Ha ha you thought I forgot!?! Well I did not and made it my priority this morning to make sure to give all of you Laraine's report. After a crazy and event filled weekend and exhibit installations I am driving myself crazy with so much art and culture! As they say... Too much of a good thing is Fabulous!!!

Have an amazing and culturally filled week!

Everyday 5:00pm-6:00pm 
until November 24th
Enjoy live classical music by harpist
Kim DeLibero Monday-Thursday
Friday through Sunday Kim is joined byviolinist James Harvey
in the beautiful Fall Harvest Garden
Bellagio Conservatory (large garden near the front desk, and self parking)Bellagio
3600 Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas NV 89109Free and Open to the Public
http://www.bellagio.com/attractions/botanical-garden.aspx

Thursday October 11th, 7:30pm
Civic Orchestra performance
UNLV Beam Music Center
Room 160
4505 S. Maryland Parkway
Las Vegas, NV 89154
Free and Open to the Public
more info 702 895-3332

Friday October 12th, 7:00pm
Mariachi Concert, the best of CCSD's Mariachi programs
Clark County Library
1401 E. Flamingo Rd.
Las Vegas 89119

Free and Open to the Public (no mention anywhere, assuming it's free.....)
more info: 702-507-3400
http://www.lvccld.org/events/event.cfm?nID=42389

Friday October 12th, 7:30pm
Wind Ensemble Concert by "Desert Winds" Shostakovich Symphony No. 5, 'Arabesque" by Hazo,
"Paris Sketches" by Elerby and an Irish tune arranged by Grainger
Life Springs Christian Church
2075 East Warm Springs Rd.
Las Vegas NV $10 adults
more info:
http://www.thedesertwinds.org/thedesertwinds/TheDesertWinds.html

Friday October 12th, 8:00pm
Henderson Symphony performs Mussorgsky's "Dawn on the Moscow River," Prokofiev's Symphony No. 5
and Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto with violinist Dimitri Berlinsky
Taras Krysa, Conductor
Henderson Pavilion
200 S. Green Valley Pkwy
Henderson NV 89012

Free Admission, donation of $10 suggested
more info 702-267-2171
http://www.hsorch.org/

Saturday October 13th, 2:00pm
Guitar concert-"Spanish Fusion" flamenco to Salsa performed by Ricardo Griego
West Charleston Library
Lecture Hall
6301 W. Charleston Blvd.
Las Vegas NV 89146Free and Open to the Public
more info: 702-507-3964
http://www.lvccld.org/events/event.cfm?nID=41687

Saturday October 13th, 7:30pm and
Sunday October 14th, 1:00pm
Las Vegas Philharmonic accompanies the Nevada Ballet Theater, Pacific Northwest Ballet and
Ballet West as they present Balanchine's "Jewels" set to the music of Faure
Stravinsky and Tchaikovsky
Smith Center - Reynolds Hall
361 Symphony Park Ave.
Las Vegas NV 89106
tickets $35-128

more info 702-749-2000
http://ev10.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventInfo?ticketCode=GS%3ATSC%3ANBT1213%3AR1013%3A&linkID=tsc&shopperContext=&pc=&caller=&appCode=&groupCode=&cgc=

Upcoming

Monday October 15 7:30pm
UNLV Cello Professor Andrew Smith performs music of Spanish composers with
Pianist Alfredo Oyaguez Montero
UNLV, Beam Music Center, Doc Rando Hall
Free and Open to the Public

Program:
Turina: Le Jeudi Saint a Minuit (de la Suite Sevilla)
de Falla: Suite Populaire Espagnole (arr. M. Marechal)
Montsalvatge: Cinco Canciones Negras (arr. A. Smith)
Chopin: Sonata for Cello and Piano in G Minor, Op. 65

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...

Rediscover Downtown TODAY!

Besides giving my third tour of Downtown neighborhoods for Rediscover Downtown I will be enjoying the day out and about. Downtown Las Vegas is reemerging as the place to visit when coming to Las Vegas. The great thing is that the area is full of amazing surprises. From great little restaurants, art galleries, history, museums and a whole gamut of things to do far too long to list. So please come Downtown and rediscover where Las Vegas began and where we are headed!

For more information check out Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/RediscoverDowntownLasVegas

http://downtownlasvegasalliance.com/

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

First Friday Celebrates 10 years of Art and Culture!

Located in just two locations, the Arts Factory and the Funkhouse Antique Shop, with no festival to speak of, First Friday was definitely a simple affair. Cindy Funkhouser and crew went as far as to paint a trail of orange sneaker prints between the Arts Factory and the Funkhouse just so people would know where to go. Back then the walk between the two locations was not as easy as it is today. There were few sidewalks to speak of along Casino Center Boulevard and very few street lamps were available to illuminate the way... 
Brian Paco Alvarez

Excerpt from a blog post I wrote in 2009 - http://lvartsandculture.blogspot.com/2011/10/first-friday-re-loaded-look-back.html

Carin, Paco and Pam at the
Very First First Friday
October 2002

Who would have thought 10 years ago that a little rag-tag event with a few hundred people would have lasted as long as it has. Looking back at those heady days one can only be amazed at how far we have come as an art scene and more importantly an arts destination. Though there have been a few bumps on the road First Friday never stopped, only growing bigger and bigger with each passing month and each subsequent year. With the 10th anniversary upon us we look back at the great memories that we have gained, but most importantly look forward at the memories that are yet to come.

October 5, 2012 marks the big 10 so come out and enjoy a side of Vegas that most people have no idea exists. There is Art and Culture here all you have to do is find it.

Happy Anniversary First Friday! It is a well deserved birthday...

First Friday Las Vegas
October 5, 2012
5 to 10pm
ALL AGES - ALL ARE WELCOME!

Galleries and businesses in the Arts District -

The Arts Factory - http://www.theartsfactory.com/
Cricket Studio - http://www.cricketstudio.com/
Trifecta Gallery - http://www.trifectagallery.com/
Contemporary Arts Center - http://lasvegascac.org/
Brett Wesley Gallery - http://www.brettwesleygallery.com/
The Corner Store - http://www.cornerstorefurniture.com

Cowtown Guitars - http://www.cowtownguitars.com/

Sin City Gallery - http://www.sincitygallery.com
Statement Art Gallery - http://www.statementartgallery.com/
Oryan Fine Art - http://oryanstudio.com/
Happy Panda Toys - http://www.happypandatoys.com/
Hiptazmic Studio - http://www.facebook.com/Hiptazmic
Jenny Valdez Gallery - http://jennyvaldez.weebly.com
Clay Arts Vegas - http://www.clayartsvegas.com/
Theater 7 - http://www.theatre7lv.com/
Joseph Watson Gallery - http://www.josephwatsoncollection.com/
La Chica Gallery - http://www.lachicaartnmusic.com/
Black Bird Studios - http://blackbirdstudioslv.com/
Retro Vegas - http://www.retro-vegas.com/
Skin City Body Painting - http://www.skincitybodypainting.com/
City of the World Gallery - http://cityoftheworld.org/
The Funk House Antiques - http://www.thefunkhouselasvegas.com/
Better Than New Boutique - http://betterthannewlv.com/
Electric Lemonade Boutique -http://www.facebook.com/electriclemonadeshop
Patina Decor - http://www.patinadecorlv.com/

In the Entertainment District -

Emergency Arts - http://www.emergencyartslv.com/
Tasty Space Gallery - http://tastyspacelv.com
Lit'l Art Bodega - http://www.lilartbodega.com/
Kleven Contemporary - http://klevencontemporary.tumblr.com/

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

Coffee with Kaiser... Musical happenings for the week of October 1...

Music, in performance, 
is a type of sculpture. 

The air in the performance 
is sculpted into something 
- Frank Zappa

Wednesday October 3rd 7:30pm
UNLV Chamber Symphony directed by directed by Jonathon Gorst
program includes: Handel Corelli and Mozart
UNLV Doc Rando Hall
Beam Music Center
4505 S. Maryland Parkway
Las Vegas, NV 89154
Free and Open to the Public
more info 702 895-3332
http://www.unlv.edu/node/16996

Thursday October 4th, 7:30pm
UNLV Wind Orchestra Concert featuring UNLV Horn professor
Bill Bernatis performing the Horn Concerto entitled "The Glass
Bead Game" composed by James Beckel
UNLV Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall
(very large building across from parking garage)

4505 S. Maryland Parkway
Las Vegas, NV 89154
$10 adults $8 Faculty/staff/military/seniors
UNLV/CCSD students FREE (limit one per person with valid ID)
more info 702 895-2787
http://pac.unlv.edu/calendar.php?event_id=2090
http://www.instantencore.com/work/work.aspx?work=5025656

Friday October 5th, 7:00pm
Classical Guitar duo featuring David Grimes and
Gregory Newton perform their program entitled "Many Faces of the Guitar"West Charleston Library
6301 W. Charleston Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89146
Free and Open to the Public
more info: 702-507-3940

Saturday October 6th, 2:00-6:00pm

Piano Forum featuring a lecture by pianist Malcolm Bilson: "Knowing the Score (DVD)" at 2:00
Mr. Jeffrey Siegel (in person) will hold a Q&A and introduce his program that he will be performing at the Smith Center on Oct. 7th at 2:15
followed by a performance of UNLV piano majors.
UNLV Doc Rando Hall
Beam Music Center
4505 S. Maryland Parkway
Las Vegas, NV 89154
Free and Open to the Public
more info 702 895-3332
http://www.unlv.edu/node/16996

Saturday October 6th, 8:00pm
Classical Guitar duo featuring David Grimes and
Gregory Newton perform their program entitled "Many Faces of the Guitar"Summerlin Library
1770 Inner Circle Dr.
Las Vegas, NV 89134
Free and Open to the Public
more info: 702-507-3864

Sunday October 7th, 2:00pm
American Pianist Jeffery Siegel, performs music of Copland, Scott Joplin
Bernstein, and Gershwin, including the rarely heard solo piano arrangement of
Rhapsody in Blue. Mr. Siegel has played with the wold's most esteemed orchestras including
the Berlin Philharmonic, London Symphony
and Moscow State Symphony. Smith Center
Troesh Studio Theater
361 Symphony Park Ave.
Las Vegas, NV 89106
$35 tickets
more info: 702-749-2000
http://www.thesmithcenter.com/events/keyboard-conversations-with-jeffrey-siegel-gershwin-and-friends/
Upcoming

October 15 7:30pm
UNLV Cello Professor Andrew Smith performs music of Spanish composers with
Pianist Alfredo Oyaguez Montero
UNLV, Beam Music Center, Doc Rando Hall
Free and Open to the Public

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...