Coffee with Kaizer... Musical happenings for the week of November 25...

Monday-Thursday November 25th-28th 5:00pm-6:00pm 

Paraguayan Harpist Mariano Gonzalez
Friday-Saturday November 29th-30th 5:00pm-6:00pm
Violinist James Harvey and Cellist Mert Sermet
in the beautiful Autumn Garden of the
Bellagio Conservatory (large garden near the front desk, and self parking)
Bellagio Las Vegas NV

Monday November 25th 7:30pm
Chamber Music concert by Doctoral Piano Student Otto Ehling joined by
cellist Lindsey Springer and violinist Laraine Kaizer-V program features
Tchaikovsky and Faure Piano Trios
UNLV Doc Rando Hall
4505 S. Maryland Pkwy
Las Vegas NV 89154
Free and Open to the Public
more info 702-895-3332

Tuesday November 26th 7:30pm
Mozart's Requiem and Symphony No. 38 "Prague" performed by
UNLV Symphony and Chamber Choir directed by Taras Krysa and
David Weiller, featuring Soprano Lillian Roberts, Mezzo-Soprano Stephanie Weiss, Tenor William McCullough and Bass Nathan Van Arsdale
UNLV Artemis Ham Concert Hall
4505 S. Maryland pkwy
Las Vegas NV 89154
$10, $8 military/seniors/staff, 1 free ticket per student with valid ID
more info 702-895-ARTS

Wednesday November 27th 7:30pm
Doctoral Chamber Music recital featuring
Micha Holt
UNLV Doc Rando Hall
4505 S. Maryland Pkwy
Las Vegas NV 89154
Free and Open to the Public
more info 702-895-3332

Saturday November 30th 3:30pm
Traditional Celtic Music and Dance presented by Desert Skye Pipe and Drums
Clark County Library
1401 E. Flamingo Rd.
Las Vegas NV
Free and Open to the Public
more info 719-339-0629

Sunday December 1st 4:00pm
Organ recital by members of the American Guild of Organists
Christ Church Episcopal
2000 S. Maryland Pkwy
Las Vegas NV 89121
Free and Open to the Public, donations for musicians accepted
more info 702-735-7655

upcoming

Thursday December 5th 7:30pm
Opera Scenes performed by UNLV Opera Workshop students
including Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel, Mozart's Idomeneo, Bizet's Pearl Fishers
and much more
UNLV Doc Rando Hall
4505 S. Maryland pkwy
Las Vegas NV 89154
$10, $8 military/seniors/staff, 1 free ticket per student with valid ID
more info 702-895-ARTS

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

Velocity of a Downtown…

"Many people see technology as the problem behind the so-called digital divide. Others see it as the solution. Technology is neither. It must operate in conjunction with business, economic, political and social system." 

Carly Fiorina

Velocity of a Downtown…

The stage has been set, the lights are on and the curtains have risen. A feeling of anticipation washes over the audience as the players take the stage for what is to be the next “movement” in downtown Las Vegas. What once was considered a backdrop to the flashy lights and shows of the Las Vegas strip is now making headlines. The tribes have gathered and the intensity of downtown accumulates with a velocity like none other. As I watch the growth of the city around me, I can only relish in the thought of how far DTLV has truly come. I remember my first time on the infamous Fremont Street in old town Vegas. I was fifteen years old walking to the corner of Fremont and Las Vegas boulevard. An acting student 2,ooo miles away from my home in Rochester, NY, I was shocked to see a homeless man shooting up heroine right in front of myself and others to see. I recall ringing my parents that evening back in New York to tell them they wouldn’t believe what a rough neighborhood I was living in. Seven Cities and many years later, I now find myself living just blocks away from that first memory. What was once a humble beginning has now come full circle to a community of progressive thinkers, movers and shakers, all of which have vigorously infiltrated the downtown scene. And so now as I walk the streets of old town, I can sense an intensity building, an intensity of what is yet to come…

Proof of such intensity is the buzzing photo exhibit “Who is Downtown”. A collaboration between Blackbird Studios and Nomic, a new start up company with a solid mission to get people more connected downtown. The exhibit will feature photos of the people that power our cities or in this case, Downtown Las Vegas. Co- founded by MIT alumni Nate Boyd, this San Francisco transplant is making waves in a very short time since moving to the bustling community of downtown Las Vegas. He has immersed himself into the culture of DTLV igniting inspiration among everyone from bartenders to dancers to business owners. And why? After working a decade for other start up tech companies Nate decided to travel the world. Upon returning he met Scott Yara and together they decided they wanted to create a company that would not only enhance lives, but change them.

I first heard of Nomic (derived from eco-nomic) while browsing through a section of the Craigslist ads. The headline “Are you downtown”? Caught my eye right away. The sense of community inclusion and integrity of a project through passionate words on a page got my curiosity brewing. I checked out their website www.nomic.com and was intrigued by everything I read. And with that I landed myself a meeting with the fire starter himself Nate Boyd. At first glance, Nate has a burneresque kind of vibe. Tall with tussled hair he has a calm and welcoming demeanor. In conversation it is evident that Nate is a solid person with a clear and simple vision. To create a more personal economy…

“The idea behind Nomic is to simplify and amplify the communication that drives our cities”, states Nate.
“We have all these great ways to share with friends and family, but what about everyone outside our social circles? Where's the network to connect with coworkers, customers, and collaborators at the local level”?
And a local level it is. With over a 1000 invites on Facebook for “Who Is Downtown”, one can see how the vision of of Nomic is starting to spread like wildfire. One strong point that Nate makes in nearly every conversation in regards to Nomic, is simply about connection.

“And how do we connect with the people behind the local businesses we love”? Asks this driven co-founder. “Because it's not about the yoga studio, it's about the yoga instructor. Same goes for stylists, bartenders, doctors, artists, waiters, babysitters and all the people who help us out and hook us up on a daily basis”. “Nomic aims to be that connection” he says. “We're building software to connect our city”.

The road to Vegas seemed a natural step in the progression that is Nomic. Originally founded in San Francisco the crew found themselves visiting the eclectic city to check out The Downtown project. “DTLV is a community in transformation”. Says Nate. “Every day we meet people who are rewriting the rules and creating something new and needed. What sealed the deal was getting out into the community and meeting so many amazing locals”. He says. “Community-minded pioneers who instantly got our vision for a more connected city. We realized there was no better time and place than here and now to launch our business”.

A powerful statement of a positive vision… And what better City to launch than Downtown Las Vegas, where the culture emanates with a progressive mixture of art and business at every corner thriving to make an impact against the back drop of the tourist filled strip….

The ultimate vision for Nomic and DTLV?

“So our vision is for Vegas to be the best city in the world to start a new business or a new band. The easiest city in the world to get plugged into your scene, whatever that may be. The most personally connected city in the world, combining the feel of a small town with the richness of global culture”.

And a richness of culture it is…Nate and his crew of designers and photographers have created a velocity of economic inclusion and an awakened vivaciousness of a community. Flyers line the buildings of the entire arts district igniting a buzz like none other. On the tip of everyone’s tongue is now Nomic. A clever endeavor and one which creates an enticing foreplay for the curtain call of which is to come this Thursday evening at Black Bird Studios.

“WHO IS DOWNTOWN” PHOTO EXHIBIT & PARTY
November 21st, 7pm-10pm

Join us for a photography exhibit featuring the craft and soul of people making a difference downtown.
Mingle with people shaping culture and driving business across our community, and have some fun!

Incredible food from Slidin' Thru and cutthroat culinary will be provided. Drinks byEvents With A Twist LLC and...special live performances by Anna Duerden Music,Aziam and Joey Pero!!

A complimentary shuttle from The Odgen and The Juhl will be provided. First shuttle leaves the Ogden at 6:45pm, arrive at The Juhl around 6:55pm, and then drop off at the venue. The shuttle will be on loop for the duration of the event.

Complimentary on-site custom screen printing from Ink+Cotton Live Screen Printing, plus Hotmess Boutique will have their fashion truck open for shopping!

Blackbird Studios
1551 South Commerce Street #A 

(Located at the Commerce Street Studios)

Las Vegas, Nevada 89102

For more information on Nomic please visit www.nomic.com

Have an Iphone? Download the app today for free and get connected

-Onnoleigh Sweetman

Founder, Artistic Director
Nytronix Entertainment

The Project UrbanLandwww.nytronix.com

Contributing writer
Onnoleigh Sweetman

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

P. Moss' Stardust Rocket @ the Nevada State Museum!

When P. Moss, proprietor of the the Double Down Saloon and Frankie's Tiki Room took me over to his house in one of the historic neighborhoods in the greater Downtown area, I was shocked, I mean shocked at what was in his garage. Not just did it have an amazing classic Cadillac convertible but the Stardust time-capsule rocket too! But it was the rocket that really struck me. All I could do was smile. A great piece of Las Vegas History randomly sitting in a garage in Downtown. Well luckily after all that the rocket returns to the public eye for all to enjoy. 

On Friday, November 22 the Nevada State Museum will be celebrating a book signing for P. Moss' latest book "Liquid Vacation" and an opening reception for the famed Stardust Rocket!

The event begins at 6pm. All are welcome!

For more information about the Nevada State Museum - 

http://museums.nevadaculture.org/index.php?option=com_content&id=427&Itemid=438

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

Coffee with Kaizer... Musical happenings for the week of November 11...

Monday-Thursday November 11th-14th and Sunday November 17th 5:00pm-6:00pm 
Paraguayan Harpist Mariano Gonzalez

Friday-Saturday November 15th-16th 5:00pm-6:00pm 
Violinist James Harvey and Cellist Mert Sermet in the beautiful Autumn Garden of the
Bellagio Conservatory (large garden near the front desk, and self parking)
Bellagio
Las Vegas NV

Tuesday November 10th 7:30pm
Chamber Orchestra concert featuring violin soloist
Ilya Korol and viola soloist Jason Bonham performing Mozart's Concertante.
Haydn's Symphony No. 99 in Eb Major also on the program, conducted by Taras Krysa
UNLV Doc Rando Hall
4505 S. Maryland Pkwy
Las Vegas NV 89154
Free and Open to the Public
more info 702-895-3332

Thursday-Friday November 14th-15th 7:30pm
One Act Operas by Puccini: "Suor Angelica" and Hindemith:
"Sancta Susanna" presented by the UNLV Opera Theater, and pianist Jae Ahn-Benton,
directed by Linda Lister
UNLV Beam Music Center - Doc Rando Hall
4505 S. Maryland Pkwy
Las Vegas NV 89154
$10, $8 military/seniors/staff
more info 702-895-ARTS

Friday November 15th 12:00pm noon
Baroque, South American, Impressionistic, Folk and Improvised music by
Harpist Kim Delibero-Glennie and guitarist Emanuel Schmidt
Lloyd D. George U.S. Federal Courthouse - Jury Room
333 Las Vegas Blvd

Las Vegas NV 89101
Free and Open to the Public, must have photo ID
more info 702-388-6355

Friday November 15th 4:30-6:00pm
Viola Master Class featuring USC and UC Fullerton professor of strings
Che-Yen Chen who will work with UNLV viola majors performing Bach and Bartok
UNLV - HFA building - Room 224
4505 S. Maryland Pkwy
Las Vegas NV 89154
Free and Open to the Public
more info 702-895-3332

Saturday November 16th 7:30pm
Chamber Music concert by UNLV violin professor Wei-wei Le along with and guest artists: violin professor at UC at Fullerton: Ernest Salem, and violist and winner of the 2003 Primrose International Competition Che-Yen Chen 

UNLV Doc Rando Hall
4505 S. Maryland Pkwy
Las Vegas NV 89154
Free and Open to the Public

more info 702-895-3332

Sunday November 17th 5:00pm
Boston Pops and Esplanade Orchestra conducted by Keith Lockhart
program includes Gershwin, Ellington, Dvorak and Copland, piano soloist
Michael Chertock performing "Rhapsody in Blue"
UNLV Artemis Ham Hall
4505 S. Maryland Pkwy
Las Vegas NV 89154
$39-$149
more info 702-895-2787

upcoming

Wednesday November 20th 7:30pm
Doctoral Clarinet Recital by Jennifer Iles, program includes Debussy,
Joan Tower, Alban Berg and Max Reger
UNLV Doc Rando Hall
4505 S. Maryland Pkwy
Las Vegas NV 89154

Free and Open to the Public
more info 702-895-3332

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

November First Friday has arrived!

Well the zany and cool First Friday arts festivities have arrived for yet another month and with the weather being as perfect as it has been tonight should be delightful. First Friday begins at 5pm and continues through 11pm. Bring comfortable walking shoes and a lot fun cheer. Be safe and see you tonight!

For more information on First Friday - http://www.firstfridaylasvegas.com/

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