City of Las Vegas Cultural Arts & Community Events
September-December 2011 Calendar Of Events
400 Stewart Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89101
Contact: Margaret Kurtz, (702) 229-6993 Aug. 9, 2011
PROGRAMS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Centers will be closed Sept. 5, Oct. 28, Nov. 11, 24-25 and Dec. 26 for holiday observance.
Ethnic Express International Folk Dancing (ages 8+)
Wednesdays, 6:30 to 8:45 p.m.
Cost: $4 dollars per person per week. Pay at the door.
Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush St., (702) 229-6383.
Have an evening of international fun learning Armenian, Bulgarian, Israeli, Arabic, Macedonian, Russian, Greek, Turkish,
Chinese and Serbian folk dances and more. No need to bring a partner. For more information, call 229-6383.
Scottish Country Dancing (ages 13+)
Fridays, 6:30 to 8:45 p.m.
Cost: $5 per person at the door; $4 for members of Southern Nevada Old Time Contra Dancers.
Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush St., (702) 229-6383.
Scottish country dancing celebrates the beautiful ballroom dance styles of Scotland and can be lively and joyful or gentle and graceful. From the first chord to the final bow or curtsey, participants will be inspired by the driving reels, jaunty jigs, snappy strathspeys or lilting airs. Dancers should wear comfortable clothes and soft shoes. For more information, call 229-6383.
Saturday, Sept. 3, 2 p.m.
Tickets: $10 in advance, $15 event day
Charleston Heights Arts Center Theatre, 800 S. Brush St., (702) 229-6383.
Call 229-6383 or go online to www.artslasvegas.org for tickets and information.
Tony Scodwell is a veteran of some of America’s greatest big bands such as Stan Kenton, Harry James, Tommy Dorsey, Jimmy Dorsey and the Buddy Rich Band. Scodwell has played first trumpet with Doc Severinsen, who was the great trumpet-playing bandleader for “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.” This concert will feature vocalist Lena Prima, who continues to pay homage to her legendary father Louis Prima, and a special guest performance by violinist Lauren Cordell.
Contra Dances (all ages)
Cosponsored by the Southern Nevada Old Time Contra Dancers
Saturdays Sept. 10, 24, Oct. 1, 22, Nov. 5, 19, and Dec. 3. Group lesson 6:30 p.m. Dance 7 to 10 p.m.
Cost: $7 adults; $5 members, students and military; $3 children under 16 and non-dancing adults. Pay at the door.
Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush St., (702) 229-6383.
Dance to the live music of an acoustic band playing joyful fiddle tunes, driving reels and a waltz or two. All dances are taught and called; newcomers and families are welcomed. No need to bring a partner. Wear comfortable flat-soled shoes and casual clothing. For more information, call 229-6383 or 656-9513.
Free Nathan Tanouye Sextet Concert (all ages)
Friday, Sept. 16, noon to 1 p.m.
Lloyd D. George Federal Courthouse Jury Assembly Room, 333 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Bring your lunch and enjoy this free Downtown Cultural Series concert that includes elements of jazz, fusion, impressionism and funk from some of the area’s finest musicians. For more information, call 229-3515 or go online to www.artslasvegas.org or www.nntmusic.com.
West Las Vegas Arts Center Community Artist Series (all ages)
Featuring Vanessa Williams-Jackson
Saturday, Sept. 24, 3 p.m.
Admission is free.
West Las Vegas Arts Center Amphitheatre, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd., (702) 229-4800.
Enjoy this concert in the outdoor amphitheatre by Vanessa Williams-Jackson, a native of Arkansas, who began to sing with her church choir at age 5. She continued to grow in her gift as a member of her family’s quartet group, the Starlight Jubilees, opening for gospel greats such as The Gospel Keynotes, The Williams Brothers, The Mighty Clouds of Joy and The Jackson Southernaires. Jackson has continued her singing career in Las Vegas and has shared the stage with such stars as Dorothy Norwood, Evelyn Champagne King, Skip Martin, DeWayne McCoy, Brent Jones and the T.P. Mobb and Tata Vega. After moving to Las Vegas in 1993, she won the 2008 Las Vegas BMA award for best female gospel singer and starred on Broadway in productions of “Hiram and Nettie” (as Momma Sue) and “Orphan Blues,” alongside national recording artist Kelly Price. Her most recent performances have been with stars Whoopi Goldberg and Maya Angelou. Her debut album, “Something To Talk About,” is due to be released January 2012. Call 229-4800 for more information.
Oktoberfest (all ages)
Saturday, Oct. 1, 2 to 10 p.m.
Free and open to the public. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
Centennial Plaza at the Historic Fifth Street School, 401 S. Fourth St.
Enjoy German music, dance, food and beer; children’s activities and games. Presented in partnership with the German American Social Club of Southern Nevada and featuring the music of Salzburger Echo and the DJ Sounds of Herbie Autobahn, with folk dancing by The Las Vegas Bavarians, this annual event is great fun for the whole family. Free limited parking will be available at the Historic Fifth Street School. Metered parking is available directly across the street. For more information, visit online at www.artslasvegas.org or www.germansocialclubofnevada.org, or call 229-3515 or 649-8503.
Girls & Boys Rites of Passage Mentoring Workshops (ages 10-16)
Saturdays, Oct. 1-Dec. 10.
Cost: $30 per person.
West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd., (702) 229-4800.
Boys and girls will travel a 10-week journey toward the path of adulthood. The Rites of Passage is a youth mentoring workshop designed to provide the necessary tools to help young men and women become responsible, caring adults, independent thinkers and outstanding citizens of the Las Vegas community. Community elders are encouraged to support this event as the youth prepare for their “crossing over” ceremony. Applications are available at the West Las Vegas Arts Center beginning Sept. 7. Advance application and registration are required. Call 229-4800 for more information. The Rites of Passage Workshop topics will include:
- Puberty / Maturation
- Decision Making
- Grooming Hygiene
- Morals/Values
- Role Models
- Understanding the Learning Process
Rainbow Company Youth Theatre Season Opens With “Charlotte’s Web” (all ages)
Oct. 7, 8, 14 and 15 at 7 p.m.; Oct. 9, 15 and 16 at 2 p.m.
Tickets: $7 adults, $5 teens/seniors/military; and $3 children age 12 and younger.
Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush St., (702) 229-6383.
Rainbow Company Youth Theatre will be celebrating the classics — as well as its 35th anniversary season — by opening with the universal favorite “Charlotte’s Web.” Literature’s most remarkable spider never fails to fascinate and charm, as she saves Wilbur the pig from an untimely demise. To purchase tickets, go online to www.artslasvegas.org or call 229-6383. For season ticket information and extra savings, call 229-6553.
Downtown Cultural Series Concert: Chris Caswell — An American Celtic Bard (all ages)
Friday, Oct. 21, noon to 1 p.m.
Free and open to the public.
Lloyd D. George Federal Courthouse Jury Assembly Room, 333 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Bring your lunch and enjoy this free Downtown Cultural Series concert of Celtic harp music. For more information, call 229-3515 or go online to www.artslasvegas.org or www.chriscaswell.net.
Rainbow Company Youth Theatre Auditions (ages 8-adult)
Saturday, Oct. 22, 1 p.m.
No cost to audition. If cast, there is a $5 participation fee for ages 8-18, and a $10 fee for adults.
Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush St., (702) 229-6383.
Auditions for the musical “Oliver!” will be held for challenging roles for ages 8 through adult. A prepared song is strongly recommended for the audition, and clothing that allows for movement should be worn. The show will be performed Dec. 9-18 at the center. For more information, call 229-6553.
West Las Vegas Arts Center Community Artist Series (all ages)
Featuring “A Beautiful Country” by Anthony Brady
Saturday, Oct. 22, 3 p.m.
Free admission.
West Las Vegas Arts Center Gallery Theatre, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd., (702) 229-4800.
A musical tribute to Louis Armstrong, reflecting his love for America.
Charleston Heights Arts Center Halloween Dance with the Jerry Tiffe Band (adults)
Saturday Oct. 29, 7 p.m.
Tickets: $10 in advance, $15 event day.
Charleston Heights Arts Center Ballroom, 800 S. Brush St., (702) 229-6383.
Get in the spirit of the season and “monster mash” at the annual Halloween-themed dance. Dress in your favorite costume and dance the night away. Featuring Las Vegas favorite Jerry Tiffe and his combo. Call 229-6383 or visit www.artslasvegas.org for tickets and information.
Vegas Valley Book Festival (all ages)
Wednesday-Sunday, Nov. 3-6
Free admission to most events.
Historic Fifth Street School, 401 S. Fourth St., and other locations.
The 10th annual Vegas Valley Book Festival will take place Nov. 3-6, with most programs scheduled at the downtown Historic Fifth Street School. The largest literary event in Las Vegas, the book festival will bring together more than 100 authors for panel discussions, readings, book signings, workshops, poetry readings, spoken word performances, exhibitions and other special programs. Most events are free and open to the public. The four-day festival will offer the Children’s Book Festival, Comic Book Festival, contests, awards, and the popular “Feasting on Words: The Literature and Food Fair” with Rick Moonen and other celebrated chefs. This year’s festival programs have special emphasis on our region, with panels focusing on fiction about Las Vegas, Las Vegas nostalgia, and the history of women as part of the casino work force. Free writing workshops will cover topics such as poetry, memoir, science fiction/fantasy and travel writing. In addition, a series of events is being planned for the months preceding the festival. The festival is produced by the city of Las Vegas; Las Vegas-Clark County Library District; UNLV’s Black Mountain Institute; American Institute of Graphic Arts, Las Vegas chapter; Las Vegas Review-Journal; and Nevada Humanities, a festival founder. A schedule of events and a roster of featured authors will be posted online at vegasvalleybookfestival.org as information becomes available. To receive updates on activities from festival organizers, sign up on the festival website. For more information about the Vegas Valley Book Festival, please call 229-5431 or go online to www.artslasvegas.org.
Vegas Valley Children’s Book Festival (all ages)
Nov. 5, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Free admission and open to the public.
Centennial Plaza at the Historic Fifth Street School, 401 S. Fourth St.
The annual children's book festival, the largest children's literary event in Las Vegas, presents local authors, informational booths, exhibitions, hands-on activities, theatrical performances, storytellers, free books, costumed characters and much more. Featured authors at this year’s festival include Loren Long, Barbara McClintock, Kathryn Otoshi, Anna Dewdney and local weatherman and children’s author Kevin Janison. There will be a musical performance by Grammy-nominated and winner of five Parents' Choice Gold Awards Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players. Free limited parking available at the Lloyd D. George United States Courthouse located at 333 Las Vegas Blvd. South. For more information, call 229-3515 or go online to www.artslasvegas.org or vegasvalleybookfestival.org.
“Pennies from Heaven” One-Woman Show by Nja Onê (all ages)
Saturday, Nov. 5, 2:30 p.m.
Free and open to the public.
West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd., (702) 229-4800.
Have you ever lost someone so close to you, it shook your very core? To the point that you began to question your own sanity? Then you found yourself like Alice in Wonderland, falling down a rabbit hole that turned into a dark and bottomless pit? How could you possible find your way back? This is what happens to Nja Onê in “Pennies from Heaven.” She meets the people who become her mentors and guides. In her darkest hours of despair, they share their stories and give her the courage to find her way home. Who are they really? Why did they come? Find out for yourself.
USA Ballroom Dance (ages 13+)
Saturday, Nov. 12, 7 to 11 p.m.; dance lesson at 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $5 for USA Dance members, military, and students ages 13-25; $10 for non-members.
Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush St., (702) 229-6383.
Cosponsored by the USA Dance Las Vegas Chapter #4038, a local chapter of the national organization USA Dance. The purpose of the organization is to promote ballroom dancing. USA Dance Las Vegas is a volunteer organization, dedicated to the promotion of ballroom dancing. Call 813-6694 or 229-6383 for more information or go online to www.usadancelasvegas.org.
Downtown Cultural Series – Bishr Hijazi Arab Ensemble (all ages)
Friday, Nov. 18, noon to 1 p.m.
Free and open to the public.
Lloyd D. George Federal Courthouse Jury Assembly Room, 333 Las Vegas Blvd. South.
Experience the beautiful and exotic sounds and sights of the Middle East through music and dance. A selection of contemporary and classical Arab music. Call 229-3515 for more information or go online to www.artslasvegas.org.
Jazz Preservation – Part 1 (ages 18+)
Saturday, Nov. 19, 3 to 5 p.m.
Free admission.
West Las Vegas Community Roots Gallery
Hosted by Chuck Carter, this event offers the opportunity to enjoy rare and vintage historical jazz films and recording artists while relaxing with a glass of iced tea or coffee.
Rainbow Company Youth Theatre Presents “Oliver!” (all ages)
Dec. 9, 10, 16, 17 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 11, 17, 18 at 2 p.m.
Tickets: $7 for adults, $5 for teens/seniors/military, and $3 for children age 12 and younger.
Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush St., (702) 229-6383.
A favorite of all musical theatre lovers, Oliver, the young orphan made famous by author Charles Dickens, comes to life — enchanting audiences of all ages. To purchase tickets, go online at www.artslasvegas.org or call 229-6383. Call 229-6553 for season ticket information – and extra savings!
Downtown Cultural Series – Firenze Sextet (all ages)
Friday, Dec. 16, noon to 1 p.m.
Free and open to the public.
Lloyd D. George Federal Courthouse Jury Assembly Room, 333 Las Vegas Blvd. South.
Enjoy a bouquet of fun classical and holiday music. Call 229-3515 for more information or go online to www.artslasvegas.org.
Kwanzaa – Rites of Passage Graduation (all ages)
Thursday, Dec. 29, 7 p.m.
Free admission.
West Las Vegas Library Theatre, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd., (702) 507-3989.
A community ceremony to witness the graduation and embrace the participants in the girls and boys Rites of Passage mentoring workshops, and celebrate “Ujamaa” – co-operative economics. For more information, call 229-4800.
Exhibitions
Desert Spaces Art Exhibition (all ages)
Through Sept. 11, by appointment.
Free public artists’ reception, July 14, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Historic Fifth Street School Gallery, 401 S. Fourth St., (702) 229-1012.
This will be an artist invitational, with a mixture of media and styles of work to be showcased. Artists Edwin Hoag, Leslie Fox, Jane Marquez, David Mazur, Suzanne Hackett-Morgan, Gary Reese, Susanne Reese and Kathleen Strukoff will be featured. The artwork focuses in on the beauty, colors, detail, and changing nature of the awe-inspiring expanse of our desert environment. For more information, call 229-1012.
The Best Little Pet Show In Vegas Exhibition (all ages)
Sept. 1-Nov. 3, Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., excluding holidays.
Free admission.
Bridge Gallery, City Hall, 400 Stewart Ave., second floor.
Participating artists Chieko Amadon, Dawn Anderson, Montana Black, Bert Hornbeck, Marty Kreloff, Clare Little, Scott VanderMolen and Mary Warner showcase images of pets. For more information on this exhibit, call 229-1012.
Art Coming to Life / Visual Arts Exhibit (all ages)
Artist Nja Onê
Sept. 14-Nov. 5, Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Free and open to the public.
West Las Vegas Arts Center Gallery, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd., (702) 229-4800.
View the art of Nja Onê and see the artist’s love of history and the world’s cultures in her works. For more information on this exhibit, call 229-4800.
Rumor de Lobos Grandes: Endi Poskovic Selected Prints
Oct. 31, 2011 – Jan. 9, 2012, by appointment and Nov. 3-6 during book festival hours.
Free admission.
Historic Fifth Street School Gallery, 401 S. Fourth St., (702) 229-1012.
The prints of Endi Poskovic invoke influences as disparate as devotional pictures, early cinema, classic Japanese woodcuts and Eastern European propaganda posters. Reminiscent of youthful whimsy and playful fantasy, hybridized narratives in Poskovic's prints imply stories from personal and social histories, referencing themes of displacement, shifting cultural identities, environmental transformation and alienation.
“Mama’s Fabric” Visual Arts Exhibit (all ages)
Artist John Broussard
Dec. 7, 2011-Jan. 28, 2012; Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Free admission.
West Las Vegas Arts Center Gallery, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd., (702) 229-4800.
"Mama’s Fabric" centers on Beatrice Dixon, an extraordinary mother who was a community organizer and who believed deeply in the goodness of people and in the American dream. She became a mother figure to people from all walks of life, and once it became known that she had a passion for sewing, people began providing her with beautiful pieces of fabric. She passed away in 2002, at the age of 90. As a result of her passion for people and sewing, the artist combined her collection of fabrics with his photographic skills to bring more than 30 Americans from diverse ethnic backgrounds together to tell about their family's journey through America and how they feel about being an American. For more information, call 229-4800.
