Coffee with Kaizer... Musical happenings for the week of September 2...

September is the beginning of Las Vegas' Cultural Season chock full of events ready to bring in the cooler season in Southern Nevada. Here is Laraine's weekly update of musical happenings about town. 

Have a culturally filled week everyone!

Wednesday September 4th 7:30pm
Oboe recital by UNLV visiting faculty; Nathan Swain, program includes
Schumann's "Romances" and Britten's "Temporal Variations"
UNLV "Doc" Rando Hall
4505 Maryland Pkwy
Las Vegas NV 89154
Free and Open to the Public
702-895-3332
http://www.unlv.edu/node/25908

Friday September 6th 7:00pm
Music performed on glass instruments: Verrophone, Glass Harp, and Glass Pan flute
performed by the Siberian group: "Crystal Trio"
Igor Sklyarov, Vladimir Perminov, Vladimir Papros, program includes classical and popular music
West Charleston Library Lecture Hall
6301 W. Charleston Blvd.
Las Vegas NV 89146
Free and Open to the Public
702-507-3964
http://www.lvccld.org/events/event.cfm?nID=46085
http://crystaltrio.com/eng_video_orchestra.html

upcoming

Saturday September 14th 5:30pm
Organ Recital by Master's student Laurie Swain
UNLV "Doc" Rando Hall
4505 Maryland Pkwy
Las Vegas NV 89154
Free and Open to the Public
702-895-3332
http://www.unlv.edu/node/25907

Saturday September 14th 8:00pm
Henderson Symphony Concert features UNLV flute professor Jennifer Grim performing
Mozart's Flute Concerto No. 2 in D Major K. 314, also on the program: Diego Vega's "Red Rock"
and Smetana's "Ma Vlast: Vltava" ("My fatherland: The Moldau") Taras Krysa, conductor
Henderson Pavilion
200 S. Green Valley Pkwy.
Henderson NV 89012
Free and Open to the Public $10 donation suggested
702-267-2171
http://www.lvccld.org/events/event.cfm?nID=46085

Thursday September 19th 7:30pm
Chamber Music recital by UNLV faculty and guest musicians including UNLV's
violin professor Weiwei Le
program includes Bohuslav Martinu's ballet suite "La Revue de Cuisine," a great
piece that infuses elements of jazz and popular dance-from the Tango to the Charleston
UNLV Artemis Ham Concert Hall
4505 Maryland Pkwy
Las Vegas NV 89154
$25 all seats, discounts available
702-895-2787
http://pac.unlv.edu/calendar.php?event_id=2562

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 link http://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/common/psa/listNEW.cfm

Have You donated to KNPR? Pledge Now at http://www.knpr.org/index.cfm

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

Premeditated Burn - A Burning Man Journey

Onnoleigh returns to bless us with another journey into the land of Burning Man which she is about to return to. Onna will be leaving this weekend for the annual Northern Nevada festival that celebrates nature, art, culture and humanity. So with this said we wish Onna safe travels and many happy returns!

For more information on burning man please visit - http://www.burningman.com/

Premeditated Burn
By Onnoleigh Sweetman

There are two times at Burning Man; Hot, and Dark. And it was fucking hot. I stumbled out of the med tent in a complete daze, dressed in a sun dress and pink pajama bottoms that I had slept in only hours before. I humbly walked through the dust, back pack in hand, with dried up blood covered on my chest, and bandages covering a good portion of my once perfectly contoured MAC made face. The I.V. of fluids that were administered just moments before didn't seem to make a difference as the blaring sun beat its unforgiving rays upon me as if to burn whatever remaining

Karma I had left this last day of Burning Man. There were no stitches to the somewhat open wounds on my throbbing face. That would come later in the night when a portion of the skin on my nose and forehead was thankfully glued back together with medical grade glue. So here it was. Radical Self Reliance. A principal I was experiencing with great fortitude and great universal force...

That was Sunday morning of Burning Man 2011. Every time since then, when I saw the faint scar on my face, I recalled a neighboring camp member, DJ Zak J saying to me “Tattoos are bought, Scars are earned”. And earned it was. That particular burn, my soul seemed to graduate to a wise presence that never existed before. When I looked back on the pictures, I could undoubtedly see the difference in my eyes. I had, after a decade a burning, so eloquently, earned my Rite of Passage as a Burner.

This year marks my 12th burn, if you count the ones in spirit. And with every pre-burn, chaos and high emotions seem to find its way with great fortitude into my immediate experience. As a burner we test our limits, we push beyond any boundaries we thought we might have had. We endure a harsh and sometimes unforgiving desert. Why? Because the reward is oh so sweet. Now it wouldn't be Burning Man if it wasn't. It oddly enough often provokes thoughts of my teenage years in Bible Study. “I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it”…

And worth it, it is…

Burning Man has to be one of the only places that I have ever felt a true connection with the universe and existence. That reward itself is worth the scar on my face, the exhaustion, the dehydration, the drained bank accounts and any other adversity one might encounter to make it to the Black Rock Desert..My first experience of “oneness” is forever etched with fierceness in my soul. I stood at Soul System at 10.00 and Esplanade watching my first Sunday sunrise after the man burned. There were thousands of people gathering to the edge of the playa, dancing and welcoming the sun with such great joy and excitement. No need for words just a knowing, gratitude, a dance of celebration. I can only imagine that we, in our physical bodies were vibrating at a frequency that we experienced before we came to this earth. I cried with the knowing that I was home. This was it. What I had waited my whole life for... I didn't go to Burning Man and become a Burner. I was a burner searching my whole life, and I finally found Burning Man.

This year I will be attending the event as official Media. I’ll be documenting each day and every experience with as much authenticity and grace as my little writer heart can muster. More than a spectator, I’ll indulge, engage and contribute in every way possible.

Which leads us to this year’s Bucket List. First stop Media Mecca to sign in, tag cameras and get official. And along with being press comes some interesting perks. On Tuesday there is a Media-Only Tour; a guided tour with the artists to all Core Effigy projects, which great way to get an inside look from each region that created the projects.

On the music stand front, I’m very excited to announce my favorite Producer/DJ Neurodriver will be attending from the U.K. His mix from 2011 inspired my three month choreographic work of some of his best pieces. He slams the decks with a high energy mixture of psytrance, break beats and progressive house. He’ll be stationed at Camp Want It and I highly suggest anyone new to electronic music to take a trek to see him play. Desert Music at its absolute finest. Next up of course, my all time favorite Goddess of Music, my dear friend Tatiana Alvarez. Always a strong, reverent silence in her intense sets, Tatiana’s mysticism draws you in, wanting more. Included in the mix is the high energy electro-house interactive dance experience “The Dancetronauts”. I plan on performing with fellow Nytronix dancer Blaze, setting the stage on fire…And last but not least is The Temple of Whollyness. The sacred heart of the playa, I will be donating my time on Sunday’s temple burn working the burn perimeter. The only “silent” burn of the event, this is, in my opinion the highest calling of work at Burning man. “The Temple of Whollyness will offer Burning Man participants the space to reflect upon how to become more whole with themselves and the world. Its epic central pyramid – 87′ x 87′ at its base and 64′ in height – is designed with sacred mathematical proportions and constructed using innovative building techniques. Unbelievably, this majestic sanctuary is crafted completely out of geometric interlocking wood pieces that fit together without the use of nails, glue, or metal fasteners”.

With the force of the playa in my heart, and steadfastness to my soul, I now make my annual pilgrimage to the desert of dreams. I go with pure intentions to elevate the world through interaction, art, contribution, and my own personal Burning Man story.

“From the dust we came and to dust we shall return and emerge new beings of light”.

_______________________________________________________

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

Coffee with Kaizer... Musical happenings for the week of August 19...

Here we have Laraine's weekly update of musical happenings about town. Despite the summer there is still a lot of opportunities to take in the sounds. And by the looks of it there are sounds from all around the worlds this week.

Have a great and culturally filled week everyone!

Thursday August 22nd 7:00pm
Classical Crossover singer Marisa Johnson joined by a
string quartet performs pop songs in an classical (operatic) voice
the event is entitled "En Masse" and is part of "RAW" a local organization helping artists
The Act Nightclub - the Shoppes at the Palazzo
3327 Las Vegas blvd
Las Vegas NV
$15 advance $20 at door
must be 21 and older, must be in "cocktail attire"
www.RAWartists.org/LasVegas/EnMasse

Friday-Sunday August 23rd-24th 5:00pm-6pm
Paraguayan Harpist: Mariano Gonzalez
in the beautiful Spring 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

Saturday August 24th 3:00pm
Traditional Chinese Music by the Ling Hong Li Ensemble featuring
both Chinese folk music and contemporary pop performed on traditional instruments
including the Pipa, ruan, and erhu (plucked and bowed string instruments)
Winchester Cultural Center
3130 McLeod Dr.
Las Vegas NV 89121
Free and Open to the Public
must have a ticket, free at the front desk now!
702-455-7340

Saturday August 24th 6:00pm-11pm
Traditional Music, Theater, and Dance of India celebrating the birth of the Hindu god Lord Krishna
featuring the group: "Vrajavadhus Kirtan"
great vegetarian food at 10pm
Las Vegas Govinda Sanctuary (future site)
1325 E. Torino Ave.
Las Vegas NV
Free and Open to the Public

more info: http://govindassanctuary.com

Saturday August 24th 7:30pm
Flute and Piano recital by Anastasia Petanova and Dr. Timothy Hoft
they will perform some beautiful flute sonatas by Poulenc, Prokofiev,
and Strauss
Green Valley Presbyterian Church
1798 Wigwam Pkwy
Henderson NV 89074
Free and Open to the Public, a free will offering will be received
702-454-8484

Sunday August 25th 2:30pm
Harp and Guitar recital by harpist Kim Delibero-Glennie and guitarist program includes
"fusion of Baroque, South American, Impressionistic, Modern European, Folk and Improvised Music"
Gateway Arts Foundation
"Hattie's House"
9109 Lazy Hill Circle
Las Vegas NV 89117
$15 limited seating
702-738-3007
info@emanuelschmidt.com

upcoming

Friday August 30th 7:30pm
Traditional Music of India by singer Pankaj Udhas
social hour at 6:30pm
Clark County Library
1401 E. Flamingo Rd.
Las Vegas NV 89119
$50-$100 "Elite" (with dinner:) $150
702-807-1737
email: Amar.s.chadha@gmail.com
www.desiclub.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 link http://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/common/psa/listNEW.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 Kaizer... Musical happenings for the week of August 15...

For those seeking a little music in their lives this week. Here is Laraine Kaiser's weekly update of musical happenings about town. So go out and get a little enculturated this week!

Enjoy!

Wednesday August 14th 2013 4:00pm
Benefit variety show for "Friends for Life" Humane Society hosted by
comic magician Murray includes
violinist Jennifer Lynn from the Frankie Moreno show
Tropicana
3801 Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
$19.50-$29.50
more info: 1800-462-8767

Click on image to enlarge

Sunday August 18th 2013 2:30pm
Harp and Guitar recital by harpist Kim Delibero-Glennie and guitarist program includes
"fusion" of Baroque, South American, Impressionistic, Modern European, Folk and Improvised Music"
The Las Vegas Shakespeare Company
821 Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas NV 89101
$10
more info: 702-738-3007
info@emanuelschmidt.com

upcoming notables:

Saturday August 24th 7:30pm
Flute and Piano recital by Anastasia Petanova and Dr. Timothy Hoft
they will perform some beautiful flute sonatas from the Late Romantic Period
Green Valley Presbyterian Church
1798 Wigwam Pkwy
Henderson NV 89074
Free and Open to the Public, a free will offering will be received
702-454-8484

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 link http://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/common/psa/listNEW.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 Cooler side of First Friday did not disappoint...

The folks at First Friday were not kidding when they said they were going to cool things off a bit. With chalk in hand and dozens of artists and volunteers braving the warm temperatures they transformed one entire city block into a glacial odyssey. One could only walk away in awe of what we witnessed in Downtown Las Vegas. I would say that this massive perspective chalk painting was probably one of the largest the city has ever seen. Actually come to think of it I cant remember ever seeing one here period. In either case this massive work of art was replete with sea lions, whales,  and penguins too! Live ones at that! 

Optical allusions aside this past August First Friday did not disappoint! Ah the cultural arts are alive and well in Fabulous Las Vegas. I cant wait to see what they will do next month!

Culturally yours Paco...

Paco surfing an iceberg in
Downtown Las Vegas!!!

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

A little AntARTtica in the middle of a HOT August Night!

Boy its going to be a Hot August Night at First Friday TONIGHT with artists collaborating to bring down the temps to celebrate art in a cooler way. This evenings event is one not to be missed as artists are transforming a section of Casino Center in the middle of the 18b Arts District into an iceberg full of penguins, ice caps and goodness knows what other creatures from the polls. In addition dozens of musical acts will be featured north of Charleston next to the Arts Factory as a preview of the Life as Beautiful festival that will be coming to Downtown this October.

With all these great events and art this months is most certain one that should not be missed. So get out of the suburbs and get your butts Downtown and come celebrate Las Vegas Arts and Culture at its best!

First Friday
Charleston and Art Way in the heart of the 18b Arts District!

Click on image to enlarge

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 link http://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/common/psa/listNEW.cfm

Have You donated to KNPR? Pledge Now at http://www.knpr.org/index.cfm

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

Preview Thursday Tonight! In 18b - Las Vegas' Arts District!

If you are trying to avoid the congestion and wild fun of First Friday. This evening in the Arts District is the way to go. All the galleries in and around the Arts Factory off of Charleston and Main will be open from 6pm to 9pm. Offering a glimpse to the latest collection of artistic wonders Las Vegas has to offer.

Besides its a great way to spend an otherwise mundane Thursday evening! So get out of the house and muse with some art. And remember what I always say... Artists make great pets!

@ Trifecta Gallery

Click on the Image to take you to the site

@ Brett Wesley Gallery

Click on the Image to take you to the site

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