AccessVegas.com Las Vegas News

WHAT: The City of Henderson’s Shakespeare in the Park will make a stop at Lake Las Vegas this weekend. The Las Vegas Shakespeare Company will perform A Midsummer Night’s Dream on the waterfront, the third show for the event’s 25th anniversary celebration. Admission is complimentary.

After this performance, Shakespeare fans will have one more opportunity to see A Midsummer Night’s Dream as part of the series’ travelling tour. The Las Vegas Shakespeare Company will present the popular romantic comedy at the final neighborhood park in Henderson next week.

For additional information, visit HendersonLive.com or call the City of Henderson Cultural Arts & Tourism Department at (702) 267-2171. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

WHEN: Saturday, October 15 at 7 p.m.

WHERE: Lake Las Vegas, 15 Costa di Lago, Green show at 6 p.m.

UPCOMING SHOWS: Saturday, October 22 at 7 p.m., River Mountain Park, 1941 Appaloosa Drive

Comments(0)

Nevada Ballet Theatre is thrilled to announce Eva Longoria as its Woman of the Year. An actress, producer, philanthropist and activist, Longoria will accept this honor during the company’s annual fundraiser on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at ARIA Resort & Casino, CityCenter Las Vegas.

“Eva is a talented performer who maintains a giving spirit in her career,” said NBT Co-Founder and Co-Chairwoman Nancy Houssels. “Her charitable work is impressive, specifically her work with ‘Eva’s Heroes’ which she founded. We are excited to celebrate her many accomplishments, shed light on her philanthropic endeavors – a side not often seen by the public – and welcome her as a part of the NBT family.”

Touted as the ‘crème de la crème’ of society events by Luxury Las Vegas Magazine, the Black & White Ball is one of the most highly attended events of the social season, hosting an array of local celebrities, dignitaries, VIP’s and arts supporters. Since 1985, this star-studded gala has enabled NBT to present professional company dance productions, quality dance instruction within its affiliated Academy and expose students in at-risk communities to the art form of dance through its outreach program, Future Dance.

Past honorees of the Black & White Ball include luminaries of the stage and screen such as Debbie Reynolds, Chita Rivera, Celine Dion, Bette Midler, Marie Osmond and most recently Priscilla Presley. Nevada Ballet Theatre honored these legendary women for their dedication to the world of arts and entertainment and many of them have enjoyed a special connection to Las Vegas.

ABOUT EVA LONGORIA

Golden Globe-nominated, Screen Actors Guild Award-winning, and ALMA Award-winning, Longoria currently stars as ‘Gabrielle Solis’ on the ABC-megahit, ‘Desperate Housewives.’ The multi-Emmy, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award-winning show has more than 30 million viewers in the United States and is shown in over 208 countries around the world. Longoria has received numerous awards, including a People’s Choice Award for ‘Favorite Female TV Star,’ Teen Choice Award, TV Guide’s ‘TV’s Sexiest Star,’ People’s ’50 Most Beautiful People, People En Español’s ’50 Mas Bellos,’ Rolling Stone’s ‘People of the Year,’ and was ranked three years in a row in the prestigious FORBES Celebrity 100, as well as TWO years in a row as the ‘#1 Hottest Woman in the World’ on Maxim’s annual ‘Hot 100′ list. Additionally she was named ‘Philanthropist of the Year’ by the Hollywood Reporter, and was recently selected as an honoree for Variety’s ‘Power of Women Awards’ among many others.

Longoria stars in the upcoming film, BAYTOWN DISCO, alongside Billy Bob Thorton. She is additionally set to star in CRISTIADA, a period piece set in Mexico chronicling the historic Cristeros War, alongside Andy Garcia and Peter O’Toole. Longoria has been both host and executive producer of the National Council of La Raza ALMA Awards, which honors Latino artistic achievement in the television, film and music industry. Longoria is an executive producer in collaboration with Academy Award nominated Shine Global for the documentary film THE HARVEST (www.ShineGlobal.org). THE HARVEST, shot during the 2009 harvest season, focuses on the plight of the estimated 500,000 child farm workers, whose tireless efforts feed America. Additionally, Longoria was selected by Glamour Magazine to direct a ‘REEL Moments’ short film based on true-life stories of Glamour readers. Alums of the coveted Glamour project include Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Anniston, Demi Moore, Kate Hudson, Rachel Weisz, and Jessica Alba.

Longoria opened Beso Hollywood (www.BesoHollywood.com). Beso, the Spanish word for kiss, is a steakhouse and bar that combines Longoria’s Latin heritage and passion for cooking. In December 2009, Longoria brought her world-renowned and famed restaurant to the gorgeous 8.5 billion-dollar CityCenter in Las Vegas (www.BesoLasVegas.com). Custom-designed chandeliers handmade from the Swarovski Crystal curtain created especially for the Academy Awards are the prevailing feature of the gorgeous dining room. On the second level, private parties are held in the exclusive EVE venue.

In April of 2010, Longoria launched her first fragrance EVA by Eva Longoria, available in upscale department stores around the world, and Longoria has plans to release a second fragrance. Longoria’s first NY Times best seller EVA’S KITCHEN: COOKING WITH LOVE FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS, was released on April 5th 2011. This flavor-packed cookbook of recipes reflects her passion for cooking, from her Texan roots to her close family ties and. Longoria is the international spokesperson for made L’Oreal Paris.

Longoria also serves as the national spokesperson for PADRES Contra El Cáncer (Parents Against Cancer) (www.iamhope.com), a nonprofit organization committed to improving the quality of life for Latino children with cancer and their families by addressing the needs of the entire family; the organization helps Latino families who have children with cancer by providing them with educational, financial and language resources. Longoria has been involved with the organization since 2003 and has been a national spokesperson for the organization since 2005. In addition to PADRES, Longoria founded the non-profit San Antonio based organization ‘Eva’s Heroes’ (www.EvasHeroes.org), which is dedicated to enriching the lives of young adults with developmental challenges by providing an inclusive setting built on the four tenets of interact, grow, learn, and love. Longoria was also selected as 1 of 12 female celebrities, including Sienna Miller, Milla Jovovich, Emily Blunt, Susan Sarandon, Helen Hunt, and Mira Sorvino to take part in the ‘Montblanc Signature for Good’ charity initiative to benefit UNICEF’s battle against illiteracy.

Longoria works closely with the United Farm Workers, the National Council of La Raza, the Dolores Huerta Foundation, and is on the board of directors of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund. In addition, she was appointed by Nancy Pelosi to the National Museum of the American Latino Commission. Longoria is invited to speak all over the country on issues pertaining to philanthropy, civil rights, labor issues, literacy, education, poverty and disabilities and proves that ambition can be applied to philanthropic ventures, as well as a successful career that knows no boundaries, both in the United States and around the world.

ABOUT NEVADA BALLET THEATRE

Under the artistic direction of James Canfield, Nevada Ballet Theatre is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and the largest professional ballet company and dance Academy in the state. Committed to the highest artistic standards, this classically-based company is at home in an eclectic repertory, moving easily from the classics to the high-energy contemporary ballets. The mission of Nevada Ballet Theatre is to educate and inspire statewide, regional and national audiences and vitally impact community life through professional company productions, dance training and education and outreach. Nevada Ballet Theatre will be a resident company of The Smith Center for the Performing Arts in 2012.

Related Links:

Beso Restaurant

ARIA Resort & Casino

Comments(0)

As First Friday Las Vegas approaches its nine year anniversary, new ownership promises to take the outdoor festival to a new level. The monthly event, which has anchored the 18b Arts District in downtown Las Vegas, will continue on Friday, Oct. 7, 2011, following its brief summer hiatus.

‘This event has been very positive for the city of Las Vegas and First Friday’s return in October is beyond exciting,’ said First Friday Las Vegas, LLC managing partner Joey Vanas. ‘We’re committed to a continuing investment in Downtown and to supporting the community that backs the growth of such a culturally-active, and historical, area of Las Vegas.’

The new ownership group, First Friday Las Vegas, LLC, includes Zappos.com executives Tony Hsieh, Fred Mossler and Steve Hill, as well as downtown developer Andrew Donner and Vanas. First Friday founder Cindy Funkhouser and Whirlygig Inc. will consult on the event for the next two months to ensure a smooth transition.

The city of Las Vegas has been a longtime partner with the private sector for First Friday. The outdoor event is anchored around Casino Center and Charleston Boulevard and over the years has expanded to different areas of downtown. The new owners will bring the necessary resources and infrastructure to help the event grow into a larger, more diverse destination festival.

‘I want to thank Cindy Funkhouser and Whirlygig for helping kick start the Arts District by creating our monthly First Friday,’ said Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman. ‘What a sensational event that has now become a tradition and now taken on a life of its own.  It is enjoyed and attended by thousands. I am absolutely thrilled with this new partnership, which will infuse additional resources and new energy into this grand downtown festival.’

Councilman Bob Coffin, who represents this area of Ward 3, echoed the mayor’s sentiments, ‘I think this is a great idea to build on the success of First Friday and grow it into something even more extraordinary. My thanks to Cindy Funkhouser and the new team for making sure this wonderful event will continue.’

Comments(0)

In conjunction with The Beatles™ LOVE™ by Cirque du Soleil® 5th Anniversary, the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus is pulling up to The Mirage for public tours and recording sessions June 6 – 11.  Guests will be able to try out the latest in recording and video technology including products from Avid, Epiphone, Apple and more.  Additionally, guests will have the opportunity to bring the studio experience home by entering to win an Epiphone guitar signed by Yoko Ono. To enter, visit www.lennonbus.org/love.

The Lennon Bus is a non-profit mobile recording studio and HD production facility that travels the country year-round providing students of all ages with hands on multimedia experiences.   Pulling up to conferences such as NAMM and TEDActive, music festivals such as SXSW and Hangout Festival and touring with artists such as the Black Eyed Peas and The Warped Tour, the Lennon Bus offers the public access to the state-of-the-art technology used by the professionals. With the assistance of three on-board engineers, students learn how to write, perform, record and produce original songs, produce and shoot music videos and documentaries and complete a broadcast quality music video – all in one day.  For more of the Lennon Bus’ creations, visit its YouTube page at http://www.youtube.com/user/johnlennonbus.

Date: Monday, June 6 – Saturday, June 11

Times: 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Admission: Complimentary

Location: The Mirage Hotel & Casino, Main Porte Cochere, 3400 Las Vegas Blvd. South,  Las Vegas, NV 89109

About the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus

The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus is a non-profit state-of-the-art mobile Pro Audio and HD video recording facility that provides hands-on experiences for students of all ages. In its 14th year of touring, the venture is proud of its fully professional bus and its studios, which boast the latest audio and video technology, gear and products. The concept began as an offshoot of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, which is dedicated to providing opportunities for both professional and amateur songwriters around the world. The Bus travels across the U.S. and Canada year-round, providing free tours and workshops at schools, retailers, festivals, on tours with headlining artists, and at major industry conferences.

The Lennon Bus is made possible through an agreement with Yoko Ono, and the generosity of sponsors including Apple, Avid, Mont Blanc, NAMM, SAE Institute, Gibson, Epiphone, Neutrik, Sony, Audio-Technica, Sonicbids, Musician’s Friend, Music Player Network, Sonicbids, Litepanels, Reflecmedia, Disc Makers, Mobile Roadie, Ampeg, Roland, Boss, Mackie, Digital Media Academy, Aphex Systems, Apogee, Manfrotto Distribution, iZotope, Glyph Technologies, Harris Corporation,  Applied Acoustics Systems, Antares, McDSP, IK Multimedia, Adobe, Native Instruments, Slingerland Drums, Noise Industries, and Mad Mimi.

Related Links:

The Beatles™ LOVE™ by Cirque du Soleil®

The Mirage

Comments(0)

Internationally-acclaimed conductor and musical director, Taras Krysa, will lead the Henderson Symphony Orchestra in a performance of the original musical score from Charlie Chaplin’s City Lights, Friday, June 3 at 8 p.m. at the Henderson Pavilion, 200 S. Green Valley Parkway. As Krysa conducts the talented musicians, the classic movie, celebrating its 70th anniversary, will be projected on a giant screen above the orchestra. All tickets are just $10 and can be purchased at HendersonLive.com.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to add my musical expertise and artistic touch to one of the most highly regarded films in cinema history,” said Taras Krysa, Henderson Symphony Orchestra conductor and musical director. “I, along with the talented musicians of the Henderson Symphony Orchestra, will produce an entertaining evening for all to enjoy.”

Born in Kiev, Ukraine to a musical family, Krysa began his formal studies as a violinist at the Moscow Conservatory. He later moved to the United States, where he continued his education in violin and conducting at Indiana University and Northwestern University. As a violinist, Krysa has performed with the New World Symphony Orchestra and St. Louis Symphony Orchestras.

Krysa’s artistic vision and commitment to classical music is apparent through his various performances serving as lead conductor for a multitude of ensembles around the world. His appearances have included National Ukrainian Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra van het Osten, New World Symphony, St. Petersburg Symphony, Moscow Soloists, Slovak Sinfonietta, Spoleto Festival Chamber Orchestra, Kiev Chamber Orchestra and the Lublin Philharmonic Orchestra. In addition, Krysa has served as principal conductor of the Ukrainian State Symphony Orchestra, which he led on several European tours with an appearance at the Concertgebouw Hall.

The Henderson Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 25th anniversary in September. Of those 25 years, Krysa has led the ensemble as conductor and musical director for the past five. In addition, he is currently serving as the Director of Orchestras at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

For more information or to purchase tickets for the live orchestras screening of Charlie Chaplin’s City Lights, visit HendersonLive.com, call (702) 267-4TIX (4849)

Comments(0)

Circus Couture presents a unique and extravagant evening called “The Revolution,” a performance, fashion and art event inside The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 26. Comprised of performers and employees of shows on the Las Vegas Strip, Circus Couture will donate the proceeds from the event to benefit St. Baldrick’s Foundation.

Circus Couture’s “The Revolution” features both a silent and live art auction as well as explosive circus performances intertwined with runway fashion. Circus Couture was born when team Cirque du SoBald, fundraisers for St. Baldrick’s, envisioned a rock ‘n’ roll charity event that would be hip, spectacular and original. In 2010 Circus Couture’s efforts yielded a $105,000 grant to Children’s Specialty Center of Nevada. They are the only clinic in the state that treats kids with cancer regardless of their family’s ability to pay for services. The event was an unprecedented fundraising and experiential success.

“This is a city built on entertainment; it’s what Las Vegas does best. It is also a community with a heart that cares about its children. Circus Couture is a natural extension of both,” said Circus Couture Artistic Director, Erica Linz. “Last year we invented the Circus Couture wheel. This year we send it spinning with a bigger and bolder spectacle to benefit Las Vegas kids. Wait until you see “The Revolution” we have planned.”

Tickets for Circus Couture’s “The Revolution” may be purchased online at www.circus-couture.com. Tickets are $35 in advance and $45 at the door. VIP reservations may be made by contacting Brett Palmer at vip@circus-couture.com or by calling 702.217.0429. For additional information on Circus Couture, visit www.circus-couture.com.

Related Links:

Hard Rock Hotel Casino

Comments(0)

If you’ve ever wondered how the building wraps (the ones that generally advertise shows) go up in Las Vegas, watch this time-lapse video capturing the new Donny and Marie wrap on the Flamingo Las Vegas completed by Off The Wall Signs in eight days.

Comments(0)

WHAT: Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art (BGFA) will showcase “A Sense of Place: Landscapes from Monet to Hockney” beginning Saturday, April 16. Organized in partnership with the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) and Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), the exhibition will showcase landscapes by artists including Claude Monet, Marc Chagall, Helen Frankenthaler, David Hockney, Sylvia Plimack Mangold, Robert Rauschenberg, Christo, Vik Muniz and many others.

Through a juxtaposition of images, “A Sense of Place” will present more than 30 artworks ranging from paintings, photographs and a video installation that contrast and compare both approach and expressionism in art.

WHEN: Guests are invited to view “A Sense of Place: Landscapes from Monet to Hockney” at BGFA now through January 2012.
Hours of operation: Sun. – Tues. and Thurs. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Wed., Fri. and Sat. 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

WHERE: Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art
3600 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89109

Related Links:

Bellagio Resort and Casino

Comments(0)

WHAT: In collaboration with the UNLV Department of Art, City of Las Vegas Office of Cultural Affairs and the Las Vegas Arts Commission, the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art (BGFA) proudly presents a special discussion with “Figuratively Speaking: A Survey of the Human Form” featured artist, Nick Cave. A fabric sculptor, dancer and performance artist, he is the creator of a series of full-body works titled Soundsuits, named for the sounds made when the sculptures are worn. Inspired by the worlds of fashion, cultural and ceremonial concepts as well as politics, Cave’s pieces are reminiscent of African and religious ceremonial costumes as much as they are of haute couture. His works are a collection and reconfiguration of elements that conceal the identity, race and gender of those who wear his Soundsuits – allowing their amorphous and undefined bodies to become apparitions, hovering between human form and abstract painting.

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 25 – 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Gauguin 1 Ballroom at Bellagio
3600 Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109

OTHER: Ticket prices for the artist lecture by Nick Cave are $10 for BGFA members and $15 for non-members. To experience both the BGFA exhibition and the lecture, admission price is $23 for non-members and guests must arrive by 5:30 p.m. UNLV and CSN students receive complimentary admission with a valid college I.D. (limit one per student). Tickets are available at the BGFA or by calling (702) 693-7871.

“Figuratively Speaking: A Survey of the Human Form” will be on view through March 27, 2011. BGFA is open Sunday through Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $12 for Nevada residents and seniors 65 and older, $10 for students, teachers and military with valid ID. Children 12 and younger are free. Tickets and information are available by calling (702) 693-7871 or (877) 957-9777, or online at www.bellagio.com or www.ticketmaster.com. Audio tours are included in the price of admission.

Related Links:

Bellagio Resort and Casino

Comments(0)

The City of Henderson, in conjunction with the Missoula Children’s Theatre, will present King Arthur’s Quest, Saturday, March 12, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Henderson Convention Center, 200 S. Water Street, in the Water Street District, as well as Saturday, March 19, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Henderson Multigenerational Center, 250 S. Green Valley Parkway. Tickets start at $5 and can be purchased at the door. Cash and checks will be accepted.

“We’re thrilled to continue our long-standing relationship with the Missoula Children’s Theatre people,” said Andrea Primo, Director of the Cultural Arts & Tourism Department. “The group has expressed the importance of arts education amongst our youth through performing arts opportunities and workshops for the past 24 years.”

King Arthur’s Quest puts an original twist on a familiar story. Set in medieval England, the musical follows the historical legend, King Arthur, on a journey full of surprises from dragons to sorcerers and knights. Audiences will be entertained as their favorite characters from Camelot – Arthur, Guinevere, Merlin and Lancelot – wrestle with the challenges faced by the people of their kingdom.

Local children will star in King Arthur’s Quest. In order to fill roles, the Missoula Children’s Theatre will hold open auditions for kids, Kindergarten-12th grade, for both performances. Auditions will be held March 7 at the Henderson Convention Center and March 14 at the Henderson Multigenerational Center, both days beginning at 4 p.m. Children wishing to audition must be registered by a parent or guardian on-site between 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. Registration is mandatory.

The Missoula Children’s Theatre, the nation’s largest touring children’s theatre, has amazed audiences, from Montana to Japan, for nearly four decades by providing quality education, entertainment and enrichment for all ages through the performing arts. Additionally, the company continues to captivate fans with its fantastic ensemble of Broadway musicals, poignant comedies and original children’s productions of classic fairytales and stories.

For additional information, visit HendersonLive.com or call (702) 267-2171.

Comments(0)