blvds las vegas travel issue 13

Explore, Play and Learn on 180 acres of green museums, gardens, theaters and animal habitats. The Springs Preserve isn’t your ordinary attraction. After all, it’s Vegas baby—feel the rush of a 5,000-gallon fl ash fl ood, virtually suspend yourself over Hoover Dam or take in the views from the balcony of the Springs Cafe by Wolfgang Puck. You’re in the middle of the action and at the heart of the world’s premier attraction for sustainable living.

The Springs Preserve—another side of Vegas

Explore, Play and Learn on 180 acres of green museums, gardens, theaters and animal habitatsExplore, Play and Learn on 180 acres of green museums, gardens, theaters and animal habitatsAfter all, it’s Vegas baby—feel the rush of a 5,000-gallon fl ash fl ood, virtually suspend yourself over Hoover Dam or take in the views from the balcony

Y O U R G R E E N T H U M B I S S H O W I N G !

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c o m m u n i t y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

S p o t l i g h t s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1

A n d r e w C . L e v y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1

R i c h A n n B e n d e r . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2

B o b H o w a l d a n d K r i s t i n S a n d e . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 5

I r a q . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 6

S a n t a F e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2

O u t o n t h e B L V D S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 4

c u lt u r e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 6

L a s V e g a s C e l e b r a t e s F i l m . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 8

V i s i t i n g A r t i s t s R a i s e t h e B a r r e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 3

A r t s & E v e n t s C a l e n d a r . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 6

d e s i g n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 0

A B A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 2

E x p a n d i n g I t s H o r i z o n s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 8

f l a v o r . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 0

E n c o r e , E n c o r e ! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 2

N a t i o n a l A r t M u s e u m o f C a t a l o n i a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 6

S e n o f J a p a n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 0

ON THE COVER: Signpost to the World © Jerry Horbert

THis pagE: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Hotel ©ABA; Iranian palace © Jacqui Lang

b l vd s w h a t ’s i n s i d e A r t I c l e S & H I g H l I g H t S

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b l v d s contributors

I refuse to talk about it. In fact, my only acknowledgement of it is to say that I will not discuss it, not here in these pages and not anywhere else. I’m sure that you know exactly what “it” is, and I would be willing to bet money that you’re sick of “it,” too.

to that end, I have turned off the news, recycled my newspaper, turned up my music, and set my eyes on the horizon. I am ready for an escape.

that is what travel provides us with, right? A chance to leave behind our daily cares and experience a world outside our own. Sometimes that escape is just across town. Sometimes, it ’s on the other side of the globe. And sometimes, it ’s right there in our hands—in the beautiful photographs taken on someone else’s journey or in the heartfelt turn of phrase written by a fellow traveler.

And, hopefully, upon our return, we are able to look at our own lives in a fresh, clear light. And hopefully, we remember to focus on the good that is all around us, set our sights on the horizon, and leave behind the bad.

— Kimberly Schaefer, Managing editor

t H E t E A M

e d i t o r i a l B o a r d

Debra Bl itzer

Durette Candito

Rick Carpenter

Jack Chappell

Audrie Dodge

Nancy Higgins

Darin Holl ingsworth

Gina Jackson

Wendy Jordan

Debra March

Randi Chaplin-Matushevitz

Kimberly Maxson-Rushton

Karen Rubel

Kr isten Sande

Shaun Sewell

c o n t r i B u t i n g W r i t e r s

Jessica Campbell

Hektor D . Esparza

Pam Lang

Jacqui Lang

Patr icia Mar vel

Apri l McCoy

Sara Nunn

Kimberly Schaefer

P h o t o g r a P h y

Amir Khastoo

Jacqui Lang

Greg Warden

Mikayla Whitmore

Copyright 2009, by BLVDS, Inc ., all rights reserved . No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written permission from BLVDS, Inc . Every effort was made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, however, BLVDS, Inc . assumes no responsibility for errors, changes or omissions . BLVDS, Inc . accepts editorial and photography submissions . Please send all submissions to: editor@blvdslv .com .

t h e l o c a l s p o t l i g h t

b l v d s communit y t h e l o c a l s p o t l i g h t

ARTICLES

Spotlights

Andrew C. Levy

Flying High with Allegiant Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Rich Ann Bender

Full Speed Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Bob Howald and Kristin Sande

Making Connections, Cultivating Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Iraq

One American’s Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Santa Fe

Distinctively Different . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Out on the BLVDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

When Jacqui lang visited iran she found beautiful scenery,

cities steeped in history, and a Warm and hospitable people.

named by the national trust for historic preservation as one

of 2009’s dozen distinctive destinations in america, santa fe

delights and dazzles through preservation of its cultural

past and expression of its unique city style.

facing page: pol-e si-o-se, esfahan, iran © Jacqui Lang

It started with a promise...it will end with a cure.

THE 14TH ANNUAL KOMEN SOUTHERN NEVADA RACE FOR THE CURE®

Saturday, May 2, 2009 Fremont Street Experience

Join us in the breast cancer movement! Family, friends and co-workers... all are welcome to join our team!

For further details, call 702.252.RACE

or visit our website at www.komensouthernnevada.org

Thank You for your support. We hope to see you on Race Day!

Festivitiesbegin at

6:30 a.m.

Race

begins at

8:15 a.m.

It started with a promise...It started with a promise...it will end with a cure.

It started with a promise...it will end with a cure.it will end with a cure.

We hope to see you on Race Day!





It started with a promise...It started with a promise...

















b l v d s l v . c o m issue 13 t r a v e l b l v d s l a s v e g a s 1 1

andreW c. levyflying high With allegiant air

in an era of economic downturn and travel industry turmoil, las vegas’

“hometown airline,” allegiant air, is positioned to continue growing.

that’s right—growing. in fact, allegiant is the only mainline u.s. carrier

to post profits all four quarters in 2008. With its corporate headquarters

here in town, allegiant flies people to and from las vegas to 40 small

cities around the country and partners with more than 60 hotels in

las vegas to provide affordable travel options for our guests.

doing his part to foster that growth is andrew levy, chief financial

officer at allegiant. levy, a native of Washington, d.c., has traveled

in and out of the airline industry since graduating from law school at

emory university in atlanta and joining valueJet, which was a new,

small company at that time.

“they were looking for someone like me. someone right out of

law school. basically somebody cheap,” he says. he describes that

experience as formative for his career in that valueJet was

“an entrepreneurial environment. taking something that’s very, very

small and seeing it become very, very large and grow in terms of

revenue, become public.”

levy left the airline industry for a while and went to work with an

investment company in houston which focused a good deal of its

business in latin america. “that was of particular interest to me

because my mom is argentine. i was really excited to be able to

travel there,” he says.

it was at valueJet that levy formed a relationship with two of his

current colleagues at allegiant—ceo maurice gallagher and ponder

harrison, officer and managing director for marketing and sales. and

through his long-term association with them, he returned to the

airline industry in 2001. since then, they have grown allegiant from

50 employees and one plane to over 1,500 system-wide employees

and 41 planes, with plans to have 46 by early next year.

While times are tough now, they were tougher for airlines last year when fuel prices were astronomical. but those difficulties have helped allegiant to be prepared for current circumstances because they adjusted their

business model in ways to operate more efficiently. as fuel prices have dropped, those efficiencies have continued to pay dividends. as levy puts it, “We’re almost in a different universe. We’re growing and doing better than we’ve ever done.”

and they’re poised to lead the charge back to economic growth here in las vegas with a capacity increase of 16% on flights to and from the valley. “With lower hotel prices, it enables us to offer a lower price vacation product to our consumers and stimulate new ridership. this is a good news story. and it’s good for the community,” says levy.

What’s one thing you want to do before you die?play augusta national.

Why do you get out of bed every morning?one of my kids usually drags me out of bed.

With whom would you like to trade jobs?i love good food. i would love to be one of those people who rates restaurants—decide if you’re four-star or five-star.

Where would you most like to travel?i would like to go to asia. i would love to go. it’s one place that ihaven’t been, and i think it’s going to become more and more the center of the world.

12 b l v d s l a s v e g a s t r a v e l i s s u e 1 3 b l v d s l v . c o mc

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the chicago native relocated to las vegas in the 1980s, and is pleased with the growth and development of our city’s sense of community over the years. she retired last august, ending a 27-year-long career with the city of las vegas.

throughout her career, bender was involved in various projects that have permanently changed las vegas such as the development of the entertainment district and arts district downtown, and securing the air rights for the fremont street experience canopy. she also helped to plan events and execute the 2005 las vegas centennial celebration, which she describes as one of the most fun projects during her tenure with the city.

as her career with the city shows, bender is no stranger to change. and it’s change she is after in her current role as the executive director of the california-nevada super speed train commission. she has been working for over 20 years to make the dream of bringing to life the super speed magnetically levitated train that will connect las vegas to anaheim.

though this change has been slow in coming, bender isn’t slowing down. if realized, the proposed maglev train would travel at speeds of 300 miles per hour, cutting travel time from las vegas to anaheim down from five hours by car to approximately 86 minutes. despite the many challenges to the project’s completion, bender continues to make progress by “focusing on one thing per day that would move the project forward.”

While she continues working on the maglev train project, she also gives her time as a board member of als of nevada, a non-profit working to “deliver the highest quality of care possible in the management of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (als), while aggressively engaging in research opportunities leading to more effective treatment.” the organization services 72 patients and their families throughout nevada by simply trying to make their lives easier.

“the disease is devastating because of the quick decline in the patients’ health as they typically have only 12-18 months to live after they get it,” bender explains. als of nevada assists families with insurance claims and other issues they might have. the organization

also has a community closet, which allows them to provide wheel chairs, respiratory equipment, and other devices to patients at no charge.

despite her own high speed career, bender has been involved with als of nevada for the past 11 years. giving back to others fuels her in her ventures both personal and professional. “my philosophy in life is to live with the intention to do good things,” says bender. “Just do what you love, and you will have passion for what you do.”

What’s one thing you want to do before you die?see my grandchildren graduate from college.

Who is your favorite fictional character?princess leia from star Wars.

What’s the one thing people don’t know about you?that i would like to be able to sing like stevie nicks.

Where would you most like to travel?on an african safari or to antartica.

What’s your greatest indulgence?spending a whole day by myself.

richann benderfull speed ahead

“A TASTE OF THE ARTS”University of Southern Nevada2 to 4 pm on May 30, 2009When

MortonÕ s, The Steakhouse at 400 E. Flamingo RoadWhere

Enjoy fine wines, mouth-watering food selections by MortonÕ s and an array of art.

What

To benefit the University of Southern NevadaÕ s community outreach programs, offering free health screenings and information to the public.

Why

WhoYou can see the amazing art of Cynthia Yosef, painter and paper sculptress; Romie Semenza of Swiss Star Jewelry with Swarovski crystal creations; and Sarah Grear, ceramic and glass artist.HowCall Barbara Wood at 968-2055 for your reservation. Tickets are $85 per person. Sponsor opportunities are available.

2 to 4 pm on May 30, 2009When

MortonÕ s, The Steakhouse at 400 E. Flamingo RoadWhere

Enjoy fine wines, mouth-watering food selections by MortonÕ s and an array of art.

What

To benefit the University of Southern NevadaÕ s community outreach programs, offering free health screenings and information to the public.

Why

WhoYou can see the amazing art of Cynthia Yosef, painter and paper sculptress; Romie Semenza of Swiss Star Jewelry with Swarovski crystal creations; and Sarah Grear, ceramic and glass artist.HowCall Barbara Wood at 968-2055 for your reservation. Tickets are $85 per person. Sponsor opportunities are available. THE STEAKHOUSE

¨


seasons, places, and people: these are the things that make valley

cheese & Wine one of the most engaging stores to visit in southern

nevada. to be sure, the many artisanal products offered here

represent the best of their kind on the planet. fine wines, hand

crafted cheeses, and superlative cured meats draw in a steady

client base of cultivated foodies. but this specialty food outlet is

not merely an exclusive retail destination for the well-heeled.

the business of specialty foods here is about sincerity and passion,

not labels and pretensions.

owner-operators bob howald and Kristin sande bring a combined

30 years of culinary experience to their store. they get out of bed

every morning not for the sake of the profit to be made (which both

confess is minimal), but for the warmth and camaraderie found in

relationships with food lovers and food producers. they may sell

exquisite edibles, but they deal in authenticity.

to that end, they spend their time educating and enlightening their

customers. over the years, the couple has cultivated many friendships

with people who have later become their suppliers. maintaining these

relationships allows them to have a connection to the foods they

carry. they then pass that connection on to their customers.

one of these relationships is with a sheep-dairy that valley cheese &

Wine uses as a cheese supplier. “for the past two years bob has gone

and helped a dear friend of ours lamb in the spring. they are up in

the middle of the night delivering the babies and we take photos and

share them in our newsletter, and then a few weeks later we’ll actually

have some cheese to sell. it’s a great experience and it brings people

closer to where their foods come from.”

relationships with wine and cheese producers aren’t the only ones

the couple has cultivated through their love of great cheese and great

wine. Kristin and bob met and became friends at an american cheese

society (acs) conference in Kentucky. the conferences are held at

different locations each year and when the asc returned to Kentucky

three years later, bob proposed and Kristin accepted.

“We find people who have a passion for what they do, and that is extremely interesting,” says bob. luckily, they found each other, too.

What’s one thing you want to do before you die?Kristen and bob: get some sleep and travel through europe. We have both traveled there separately, but we haven’t traveled there together.

What’s the one thing people don’t know about you?Kristen: bob does eat vegetables.bob: one of her comfort foods is Kraft macaroni & cheese.

Where would you most like to travel?bob: if i had one food trip it would be to italy. that’s where real parmigiano reggiano and other great cheeses come from.

What is your greatest indulgence? Kristen and bob: sleep! oh and dinner out at guy savoy or at lotus of siam.

What makes you say wow?Kristen: When i taste a food that i have had many times before and find something new to like about it. bob: When you taste a wine that is well balanced, complete, and it’s everything that it’s supposed to be.

What’s next? Kristen and bob: We are doing more special events like classes and custom classes. they are so much fun, and it’s great at the end of the night when we see that people have really learned something new.

bob hoWaldand Kristen sande maKing connections, cultivating community


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a glimpse of iranW H E n I WA S 5 y E A R S O L D, m y pA R E n T S S C H L E p p E D m E , m y y O u n g E R B R O T H E R , A n D E V E R y T H I n g W E O W n E D T O

S O u T H E R n C A L I F O R n I A F R O m T H E m I D W E S T I n A m O V I n g V A n . E A C H S u m m E R T H A T F O L L O W E D W E T O O K

C R O S S - C O u n T R y R O A D T R I p S W H I C H , I B E L I E V E , m A R K T H E B E g I n n I n g O F m y R E S T L E S S n E S S A n D AT T R A C T I O n T O

E x p L O R I n g . I g A I n E D A n A p p R E C I AT I O n F O R T R AV E L A n D T H E u n E x p E C T E D T H I n g S T H AT C O m E W I T H I T.

J a c Q U i L a n g

one american’s experience

having studied, traveled, and worked in europe, south america, and

africa, i jumped at the opportunity to travel to iran with my fiancé (who

was raised in california and hadn’t been back to iran since he was four)

and his parents in december. i was excited to experience a culture that

is represented quite specifically and often inaccurately in mainstream

media, and to have a unique, first-hand experience to share.

getting to iran is a bit tricky for americans. the united states has not

had diplomatic relations with the country since 1980 which makes

obtaining a visa and traveling itself quite difficult. americans traveling

to tehran must stop over and enter from another country, as there are

no direct flights. We flew through dubai, though it’s common from

los angeles, to stop in amsterdam, paris, or another gateway city.

after the plane landed at imam Khomeini international airport there

was a slow change in the dynamic of the passengers. Women who

boarded the plane in dubai, displaying an impressive collection of

designer wear and perfectly styled hair, began to cover their heads

and put on coats that covered their hips. i took a deep breath to curb

my anticipation, looked around, rechecked myself for any headscarf

mishaps, and got off the plane.

facing page: picknicking under the bridge © Amir Khastoo


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We waited for about 30 minutes at immigration for the officer working

the late-night shift to figure out what to do with me. he seemed

confused and hurried around to find someone who perhaps knew

more about what to do with an american passport than he did.

my fiancé’s father chatted with him, joking, trying to expedite the process.

eventually i was fingerprinted (which i am told by iranian-americans is

done only because all iranians entering the u.s. must do the same), and

then i was free to head toward the baggage claim.

as we exited the airport, we were met by crowds of cab drivers shouting

in attempts to gain a customer. their shouting over each other took me

back to my previous travels in an overwhelming rush of nostalgia. there

is something about the peace of landing in a new place, gathering your

things, and leaving the airport only to be confronted by the energy of a

crowd fighting for your business. strangely, this is comforting to me.

i found tehran to be not unlike other major cities i’ve visited. it is

a bustling city, accompanied by the requisite traffic and pollution,

underneath which you can find an unmatched taste of culture and

hospitality. With a population of 15 million, tehran is nestled between

the snowcapped alborz mountains, which provided a beautiful

backdrop for exploring during the cold winter weeks during which

our trip took place.

We enjoyed the outdoors with a small crowd of other locals at tochal,

a popular hiking and skiing destination in the northern part of tehran,

just at the base of the northern mountains. at each of several landings

along the hike, there are vendors and cafes where you can enjoy tea,

a snack of pistachios and pomegranate juice, and have a rest before

the next leg of the hike. from the hillside at the first landing i felt

removed from the chaos of the city, and got a great view of this large

city. at the second landing we watched group archery at a field below,

and a few brave souls bungee jump off a high tower close by.

as i began to know the city, i noticed the differences between

generations, and the way young people find to express themselves

in a society with very specific codes. Keeping in accordance with

islamic law, women must cover their heads and dress modestly when

in public—a form of dressing known as hijab. young women have

mastered the art of covering themselves as necessary, but perfecting

all that can be shown. their makeup is applied perfectly, and many

wear the scarf quite far back on their head, revealing a good bit

THiS page: visitors to niyavaran palace in traditional clothing © Amir Khastoo


of well-styled hair. i was fascinated with how they adjusted their

headscarves mid-conversation, fluently, smoothly, a perfect mannerism.

there is an abundance of beautifully constructed palaces, now

converted to museums, in tehran. niyavaran palace (also known

formerly as reza shah’s palace) is a lovely walk, even during the chilly

winter months. surrounded by a grove of oriental plane trees with a

river running down the middle, there are several museums to explore.

once we walked the entire length of the grounds, we followed a narrow

street lined with street vendors to a cluster of cafes.

families and couples enjoyed leisurely lunches of traditional kabob.

We sampled kabob of beef, lamb, and chicken with rice topped with

plain yogurt and shallots. most of the restaurants we visited in tehran

served similar, traditional fare. in the northern part of tehran we

sampled exceptional traditional caspian cuisine including vegetables

and meats stewed with spices at gilac restaurant.

after a few days in tehran we took a cab to the mehrabad airport to fly

domestically to esfahan. at the counter our tickets were the only item

checked. the employee looking at our tickets never asked to see any

type of id from me (and, for the record, it was never checked for the

remainder of the trip). Women and men entered separate partitions for

security screenings. my fiancé’s mother and i breezed through while the

men’s line took about 10 minutes.

esfahan, the capital of 16th century persia, brought us a welcome

escape from the energy of tehran. foreigners stand out a bit more here,

as the city’s history and culture brings more women wearing long black

chador to cover themselves for religious purposes. the stylishly dressed

young people that made up a good portion of tehran are seen less

frequently. a sense of calm and allusion to history linger throughout

esfahan. there are stunning bridges lining the zayandeh river, the

most notable being pol-e si-o-se, meaning “bridge of 33 arches.”

during an evening walk along the bank, i noticed that these bridges

serve not only as a visual focal point bringing this city together, but as

social gathering points. here, men sing in hopes of getting a tip and

families enjoy tea under the stone arches. the serenity of this scene is

something that can only be found in a city with such history.

the naghsh-e Jahan square, or imam square as it is officially called,

and stunning imam mosque might certainly be one of the highlights of

esfahan. the 500-meter-long square and surrounding mosques make

cLOcKWiSe fROM LefT: the author in esfahan; ancient zoroastrian fire temple © Amir Khastoo; nuts and dried fruit at street market © Jacqui Lang


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up a unesco World heritage site. surrounded by a market, visitors

can pick up souvenirs like gaz, sweet persian white nougat treats,

detailed hand-painted miniatures on small boxes made of camel

bone, or a handful of herbs that will do anything from cure baldness

to help with weight loss. the center of attention is the majestic imam

mosque designed with intricate blue tile work and an architecturally

stunning layout.

back in tehran, i was able to experience nuances of everyday life in

a culture different from my own before our return to dubai and then

the u.s. i attended a women’s yoga class, sampled freshly baked bread

from a tiny shop amongst a crowd of men on their lunch breaks, and

spent time in private homes for tea and conversation each night.

having been met with hospitality throughout my stay, i think about

what a treat it would be for more americans to experience iran in this

way, and hope that by sharing my intimate glimpse into this beautiful

culture, i might provide an accurate reflection.

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santa feS A n TA F E , n E W m E x I C O, I S A S H O R T F L I g H T A n D S E V E R A L C E n T u R I E S AWAy F R O m L A S V E g A S .

D e B R a B L i T Z e R

distinctively different

the sun shines in santa fe an average of 283 days per year, and the sky

is usually turquoise until the sun drops and sets the horizon on fire.

the noticeable incense of the city hangs in the air from the pinon and

juniper trees and from the burning of their wood.

the area has been inhabited by pueblo indians for about 1,000 years,

and 400 years ago the spanish established santa fe as their capital city.

resting among the foothills of the sangre de cristo mountains, the

oldest capital city in north america works its magic on visitors who are

caught up by the four seasons, the mix of spanish and native american

cultures, adobe architecture, exquisite restaurants, the visual and

performing arts, and the exciting shopping.

on the things-to-do scale, the city of santa fe rivals our las vegas . . .

but in a “city different” kind of way. schedule a guided walking tour of

the plaza and downtown area for a fascinating introduction to the city.

the plaza is the epicenter of santa fe—where you will want to shop for

designer clothing, leather goods, custom hats and boots, fine jewelry,

southwest memorabilia, and more. here, under the portal at the

palace of the governors, the oldest public building in america, you can

purchase authentic native american arts. this small city center is the

official site of the many annual festivals celebrating indian and spanish

contemporary arts, music, and foods.

every visit to santa fe must include a stroll up canyon road, a narrow

trail among art galleries, restaurants, boutiques, and centuries-old

residences. make a stop for lunch at el farol restaurant and lounge

for tapas. try the grilled romaine salad, aguacate, and posole clam

chowder. on Wednesday nights at el farol, reserve a table for an

THiS page: palace of the governors © Zack Frank


evening of flamenco music and dancing—audience participation is

encouraged here. the canyon road experience will surely become one

of your fondest memories of your santa fe excursion.

the santa fe opera has taken its place among the world’s leading

opera festivals; the season runs from late June through august.

it’s truly an unforgettable experience sitting in a high-desert, open-air

opera house when a summer thunderstorm rolls in as a backdrop to

the production on stage.

the lensic theater has become santa fe’s downtown performing arts

center, a venue for the santa fe symphony orchestra and chorus,

aspen santa fe ballet, and a full calendar of live theater, contemporary

musical, literary, and dance events.

don’t miss a visit to the georgia o’Keeffe museum. opened in 1997, this

is the only museum in the world dedicated to an internationally known

female artist. friday night is for gallery openings. meet the artists,

drink champagne, and wander from gallery to gallery. be sure

to reserve a table for 7:30 dinner at ristra, geronimo, a la mesa, fuego,

la casa sena, or vanessie’s for a truly delightful dining experience.

another fond memory will be created!

if outdoor adventure is what you crave when you get away, snow skiing

at the 11,000-foot santa fe ski basin, rafting on the rio grande river,

fly fishing in the pecos river, or hiking through the anasazi ruins of

bandelier national monument are among your many options.

Whatever your pleasure while in santa fe, remember this: wear

layers! the air can be cool, but the sun is intense, and the evenings

promise to nip at you year round. be casual (denim is a santa

fe standard), cover all bald heads with a hat or bandana, wear

sunglasses, and good walking shoes.

if santa fe becomes part of your dna, as it has mine, your

land-of-enchantment gene will pull you back to santa fe, the “city

different,” again and again.

for more information about santa fe, and to start planning your trip,

please visit the santa fe convention and visitors bureau website at

santafe.org.

THiS page fROM LefT: santa fe plaza © Jay Frey; santa fe ski basin © Debra Blitzer


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WHITE SQUARE/CONTEMPORARY ARTS CENTER

Congratulations to BLVDS Editorial Board member and artist Randi

Chaplin-Matushevitz. BLVDS was on hand, along with hundreds of other local

Randi celebrate her opening at White Square Gallery in

Summerlin as part of the Local Artists Rising exhibition. Chaplin-Matushevitz

and dozens of other local artists displayed their work as part of this new

initiative at White Square which primarily features contemporary works by

European artists. White Square held an opening reception on February 20th

and a concert on March 20th in honor of its new local collaboration.

Chaplin-Matushevitz is also set to exhibit new works at the Contemporary

Arts Center in The Arts Factory, April 2-26. An artist’s reception will be held

April 23rd at 6 p.m. Chaplin-Matushevitz’s work focuses on the deceptively

unrequited love. Her brilliantly colored canvases are visually whimsical while

delving into the complicated realms of love, loss, and the roles of women.

E

fantasy and reality. Shown here is Unrequited Love (detail), 2008-9 a work in

acrylic on canvas, 60” x 72”.

O U T O N T H E B L V D S

TOUC TRUCK/MDA STRIDE & RIDE

The BLVDS crew was busy on March 28th as we were among the sponsors of

Family to Family Connection’s 5th Annual Touch-a-Truck event was held at Orleans Arena. Tpolice cars, construction trucks, race cars, big rigs, and even a school bus. Families enjoyed climbing in and on these iconic vehicles while learning

Proceeds from Touch-a-T This outstanding

to age four including hospital visits, classes, playgroups, and more.

BLVDS was also on hand for Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Stride & Ride 2009 5K Walk. Stride & Ride is more unique than any other 5K walk because it allows participants the option of walking or “striding” in their wheelchairs to complete the course. This year’s Stride & Ride was held at UNLV and raised much-needed funds for MDA programs such as medical visits, special clinics, and the annual MDA summer camp for children like the ones shown here

Nevada.

Would you like blvds to join you at your event? send us an email at [email protected].

Call our team today.702.492.5700 • 866.213.2112 (toll free)

Securities, insurance products and financial planning offered through LPL Financial & its affiliates, Member FINRA/SIPC. Not FDIC Insured – Not Bank Guaranteed – May Lose Value – Not Guaranteed by any Federal Government Agency – Not a Bank Deposit

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26 B L V D S L a s V e g a s t r a v e l i s s u e 1 3 b l v d s l v . c o mC

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T h E L o C a L S p o T L i g h T

b l v d s c u l t u r e E n T E R T a i n m E n T & a C T i V i T i E S

ARTICLES

Las Vegas Celebrates Film

CineVegas Film Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Visiting Artists Raise the Barre

Nevada Ballet Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Arts & Events Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

ThE 11Th annUaL CinEVEgaS fiLm fESTiVaL pRomiSES CinEmaTiC

offERingS pRESEnTED wiTh LaS VEgaS fLaiR. ThE nEVaDa BaLLET

ThEaTRE EnDS iTS 2008-2009 SEaSon wiTh AmericAn mAsters,

a pRoDUCTion ComBining ELEmEnTS of TRaDiTionaL BaLLET

wiTh UnExpECTED aRTiSTiC TwiSTS, anD fEaTURing ThREE gUEST

pRinCipaL DanCERS fRom ThE nEw YoRk CiTY BaLLET.

facing page: nVBT rehearsing Up © Grace rakich


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LaS VEgaS CELEBRaTES fiLmW h o d o E S n ’ T L o n g F o R A L I T T L E E S C A p E T h E S E d Ay S ? R E A L I T y S E E m S T o B E g E T T I n g u p E A R L I E R A L L T h E T I m E ,

R E A d y A n d WA I T I n g F o R u S W I T h o u R m o R n I n g C o F F E E . W o u L d n ’ T I T B E n I C E T o j u S T I m m E R S E o u R S E LV E S I n

S o m E T h I n g , A n y T h I n g , o T h E R T h A n T h E L AT E S T E C o n o m I C C ATA S T R o p h E ?

pa m L a n g

CinEVEgaS fiLm fESTiVaL

Lucky for us, June is right around the corner and with it comes an

annual festival that offers up hours of being “someplace else,” a

chance to allow ourselves to laugh, cry, scream, or sigh while we

vanish into someone else’s story.

The 11th annual CineVegas film festival celebrates the newest and

most daring independent filmmakers, June 10-15, at the palms Casino

Resort and Brenden Theatres. an eclectic, artistic endeavor mixed

with the sizzling energy of Las Vegas, the festival attracts industry

professionals and film aficionados from all over the globe.

CineVegas has experienced rapid growth over the past decade.

formed by a dedicated group of movie-lovers and independent

filmmakers, it made its debut in 1998. Since then, with the nurturing

of the festival’s president, Robin greenspun, artistic director

Trevor groth, and associate director of programming mike plante,

tremendous strides have been made, making the festival the vibrant

and exhilarating event it is today.

groth also serves as senior programmer for the Sundance film festival

and plante as a programming consultant. Experience from such a high-

profile festival has enabled them to contribute an abundance of energy

and creativity to the Las Vegas program. The Creative advisory Board,

headed by actor Dennis hopper, strives to make Las Vegas a platform

for new works by “innovative, uninhibited, and renegade artists.”

facing page: CineVegas’ own Dennis hopper © Getty images


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Screenings at the festival are no ordinary movie experience. after

viewing world-premiere and cutting-edge films, the audience is

treated to a Q & a session with the filmmaker and other key people

involved in the process. “not only is it a unique opportunity for the

audience,” says kelly frey, marketing and public relations manager

for CineVegas, “it’s also extremely rewarding to the filmmaker.”

She explains that the responses from the audience and their specific

reactions to the film are invaluable to the filmmakers.

films are submitted for several months before the festival begins

with thousands of entries in the running. Every film is considered

until the final ones are chosen. Different categories are offered

including the extremely popular nevada Shorts. These films must be

about nevada or have been made by a nevada filmmaker. Last year,

Women in Boxes, a film about the ladies that perform in magic shows,

and a documentary about hank greenspun and his astounding

contributions to Las Vegas, were included in the popular category.

This year’s festival will kick off with the world premiere screening

of saint John of Las Vegas starring Steve Buscemi and Sarah

Silverman. in the film, Buscemi plays an ex-gambler turned

insurance investigator who returns to Las Vegas to investigate a

claim. Eight other films will make their premieres in the narrative

competition of the festival. known as “Jackpot premieres,” this

year’s entries include mercy written, produced, and starring Scott

Caan, winner of the 2003 festival.

most film festivals include an element of international flair and

CineVegas is no exception. “international films do extremely well

at the festival,” remarks frey. Last year, a french film entitled the

French mistress by acclaimed french director Catherine Breillat was

immediately sold out. “we thought that with that kind of response to

a foreign film we should expand that category,” frey continues.

memorable international films that have been included in past

festivals are La Vie en rose by oscar winning director olivier Dahan,

Lunacy by Czech filmmaker Jan Svankmajer, and the edgy romantic

comedy Phileine says sorry by Dutch director Robert Jan westdijk.

“This part of the festival is really a vacation in and of itself,” says frey.

“we don’t get a lot of foreign films in Las Vegas, so this is a huge

opportunity for people to enjoy this kind of entertainment without

going far from home.”

CineVegas makes a significant effort to offer the festival

experience at a relatively affordable price, especially for local

residents. “our locals package is $150,” explains frey. “with that

comes admission to 16 movies, eight parties with free drinks, and a

pass to visit our headquarters daily and join us for happy hour.”

of course, anyone who has ever attended CineVegas knows that it’s

not just about the films. in true Las Vegas style, the festival has made

a name for itself in the elaborate after-parties that run throughout the

six-day event.

This year’s theme is “Taking it Up to 11” from the movie, this is spinal

tap. “we are turning up the intensity, even though we have scaled

back to six days instead of the usual ten,” explains frey. “we will still

be showing the same amount of films, offering the same amazing

parties and also including some incredible musical acts that are tied

into the films.”

Celebrities add glitz and glamour to the festival at red carpet

events and as recipients of annual awards. The marquis award

is given as a lifetime achievement award in film. past recipients

include Dustin hoffman, Jack nicholson, Dennis hopper, Tony

Curtis, and last year’s winner, angelica houston. The half-Life

award honors actors in the midst of their career who have already

made a huge impact in the industry. honorees include Sean penn,

Charlize Theron, and Rosario Dawson.

in addition to making a distinctive cultural contribution to the city,

CineVegas makes “giving back” a priority through special events and

screenings. in 2007 the festival got off to an exhilarating start with

the premiere of Ocean’s thirteen attended by the star-studded cast

including george Clooney, Brad pitt, matt Damon, Don Cheadle, Ellen

Barkin, and andy garcia. The event raised more than $1 million for the

international Rescue Committee for not on our watch, an organization

that supports existing humanitarian relief efforts in Darfur.

b l v d s l v . c o m issue 13 t r a v e l B L V D S L a s V e g a s 3 1

in 2008 an advance screening of Get smart featured a special

appearance by Dwayne Johnson. a portion of the funds raised at the

screening helped establish the Rock foundation’s project knapsack

at Reynaldo L. martinez Elementary School in Las Vegas, providing

school supplies and educational resources for the school.

again this year, CineVegas is partnering with The Boys and girls Clubs

of Las Vegas. Young people making their own short films offers a rare

opportunity to view the world of filmmaking from the inside-out. with

several generous sponsors from the area along with the volunteerism

of local industry professionals, members of the club are taught

everything from the history of film to scriptwriting.

This year’s acting workshop will be taught by legendary Las Vegas

icon wayne newton, as well as Erich Bergen and Rick faugno, stars of

the hit musical Jersey Boys. participants will operate movie cameras

and learn about lighting, audio, wardrobe, hair and make-up, and

even stunts. high-school age members of The Boys and girls Clubs

can take part in this intriguing five-week experience culminating with

the once-in-a-lifetime moment of walking the red carpet with Dennis

hopper at the premiere of the completed project.

frey believes that CineVegas offers something for everyone and she

guarantees that the experience promises to be fun and enlightening.

She’s also excited about the direction both the City of Las Vegas and

the festival are taking. She explains, “. . . we’re all saying that culture is

here in Vegas and here to stay.”

frey is excited that locals are proud of the strides that have been

made in cultural arts. She encourages everyone to come out

and support not only the festival, but all that the city has to offer,

suggesting that now is as good a time as any to start re-exploring

Las Vegas, the festival, and all of its artistic offerings. CineVegas “is part

of recent and exciting cultural growth, and we are extremely proud of that.”

for more information about CineVegas or to purchase your own

locals’ package, please visit cinevegas.com or call 952-5555.

11th annual CineVegas film festival

June 10-15

palms Casino Resort and Brenden Theatres

4321 w. flamingo Rd.

Las Vegas 89103

cLockwise from Left: Erich Bergen and Jeff Leibow of Jersey Boys with Boys and girls Club members © cineVegas; Rainn wilson at the rocker premiere; Viggo mortensen © Getty images

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FREE Admission!Henderson Events Plaza

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Contemporary ArtLive Music • Food • Kids’ Activities

For information, visit HendersonLive.com or call 267.2171


ViSiTing aRTiSTS RaiSE ThE BaRREW I T h T h E I R u p C o m I n g p E R F o R m A n C E A m e r i c A n m A s t e r s , T h E n E VA d A B A L L E T T h E AT R E W I L L C o n T I n u E T o B R I n g

A F R E S h p E R S p E C T I V E T o T h I S C L A S S I C A R T F o R m .

s a r a n u n n

nEVaDa BaLLET ThEaTRE

if you’ve never attended a performance, you might wonder what

nevada Ballet Theatre has to offer. Just ask artistic Director James

Canfield who recently wrapped up his first year in the position.

“i think what i noticed when i first came here was this incredible facility,”

Canfield says. he explains that nevada Ballet also offered “a lot of

potential with the dancers, and a profound structure of support with

the Board of Trustees, and that’s always great.” he continues, “The icing

on the cake is the future and what it holds with our becoming a resident

company in the Smith Center for the performing arts. So that was all very

inspirational, and it made me inspired and excited at the same time.”

So inspired, in fact, that he decided to submit his name for a permanent

position after initially being hired as interim director. Since his arrival,

Canfield has been hard at work bringing his unique vision to the stage

and making the nevada Ballet Theatre a prominent fixture on the local

performing arts scene.

with an eye toward keeping the ballet emotionally and intellectually

accessible for all attendees, Canfield plans seasons that start out with

more traditional productions and become more progressive with each

performance. with that linear framework in mind, the nevada Ballet

Theatre has seen a season that began with the classical ballet Giselle

and moved into the traditional and much-loved holiday performance

of the nutcracker. That production was followed by an all-Balanchine

program spotlighting three memorable works from different points in

Balanchine’s legendary career. The creative crescendo of this season is

American masters.

cLockwise from Left: Rehearsing Up; Tutu box; preparing for American masters © Grace rakich


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“The season is building off the foundation of what was here, and taking

it forward. Elevating, educating, and entertaining,” Canfield says. one

could say the same of the upcoming program, American masters, which

combines the traditional pointe shoes and tulle you expect from the

ballet combined with artistic twists you might not, including the music

of philip glass and traditional african songs.

“The idea was that we’d show ‘master’ people, whether a dancer or a

choreographer. with that, we invited three guest principles from the

new York City Ballet. The importance of having these masters is to

expose the community to what we’re aspiring to become and the level

of dance that we’re really trying to build,” Canfield explains. “we get

really isolated here. artists really don’t have a lot of money to travel, and

so if we can’t go to them, let’s bring them here.”

it’s no rare thing to see outside talent brought into Las Vegas. Consider

the rise of celebrity chef-owned restaurants and world-famous marquee

names headlining at casinos. in Canfield’s mind, however, bringing in

the best is not solely a means to get more people in the seats. it’s to

benefit the nevada Ballet Theatre itself and the ballet company that

makes a home here. Says Canfield, “it’s important to expose not only our

community, but our artists and our school to even a higher level”

of artistry and technical ability.

Those of us fortunate enough to attend American masters will enjoy the

performance of five works starring wendy whelan, albert Evans, and

Sebastien marcovici of the new York City Ballet. Canfield choreographs

two of the pieces.

The first, Up, is set to seven different versions of the famous ballad

“Blue moon,” including versions performed by artists as varied as

Dinah washington and Cowboy Junkies. The debut of Canfield’s

neon Glass Pas de Deux is a not-to-be-missed performance inspired by a

collaboration between composer philip glass and famed glass sculptor

Dale Chihuly.

This will be followed by Liturgy and After the rain, a pair of works

choreographed by Christopher wheeldon who, Canfield notes, is

“the only non-american master in the work, but he is a master, and the

most sought after choreographer in the world today.”

The program ends with nevada Ballet Theatre’s reprisal of Lambarena

choreographed by Val Caniparoli. Lambarena is a stunning and

unexpected fusion of classical ballet and african dance set to the music

of Johann Sebastian Bach and traditional african songs.

Unfortunately, the nevada Ballet Theatre’s season will be cut short

because of current economic circumstances. in an effort to cut

operating costs, the group announced that it will postpone its may

performance of new Works ’09. The program will become part of the

2009-2010 season that will be announced in late april. nevada Ballet

also announced that an anonymous donor has pledged to match up to

$50,000 in new and increased contributions made before June 30.

Supporting our local arts has never been more critical, so purchasing

a ticket is important to ensuring the ongoing success of nevada Ballet

Theatre. To that end, special ticket prices are available for American

masters, which will premiere on friday, april 10 at 8 p.m. at UnLV’s

artemus w. ham Concert hall. a matinee performance is scheduled for

Saturday, april 11 at 2 p.m.

Standard ticket prices for these nevada Ballet Theatre performances

range from $35-$75. Special rates are being offered of $10 and $25 for

balcony seats at each performance. Subscriptions for the 2009-2010

season will be available for purchase in late april.

for more information or to purchase tickets:

nevada Ballet Theatre

nevadaballet.com.

895.aRTS (2787)


p u r e .

p o w e r f u l .

a r t s .

pac.unlv.edu • (702) 895-ARTS (2787)

2 0 0 8 – 2 0 0 9 s e a s o n

Roman Viazovskiy, Classical Guitar “Perfect Harmony of Emotion & Control”Thursday, April 23, 2009 · 8 p.m. $35

Neil Berg’s 100 Years of BroadwaySpeed-Dating for Broadway Lovers Saturday, April 25, 2009 · 8 p.m. $35 - $50 - $80

Lea SalongaTony Award-winning Broadway Star Friday, May 1, 2009 · 8 p.m. $35 - $50 - $80

ATTENTION: BLVDS Readers Save 15%!

Call the box office today and mention code: BLVDS

Assistance League® of Las Vegas

Saturday, May 9, 200911:30am

6446 W. Charleston BlvdLas Vegas, Nevada

870-2002

Assistance League of Las Vegasimplements programs and services

that enrich the lives of children in need.


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CU

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events

a p r i L

clifford the Big red Dognow - may 25, 2009Lied Discovery Children’s Museum

ldcm.org

“Liberace and me” cabaret series featuring philip fortenberrynow - june 27, 2009T-W-Sat 1 p.m.Liberace Museum

798-5595, liberace.org

second annual Las vegas film festivalApril 09 -12, 2009Eastside Cannery Casino & Hotel

lvfilmfest.com

american mastersApril 10 - 11, 20098 p.m. April 10 & 2 p.m. April 11Nevada Ballet

UNLV Artemus Ham Concert Hall

895-aRTS, nevadaballet.com

the Little mermaidApril 11 - 18, 20093 p.m. & 7 p.m.Missoula Children’s Theater

Henderson Convention Center or

Valley View Recreation Center

hendersonlive.com

usn spring Health festivalApril 11, 20099 a.m. - 1 p.m.University of Southern Nevada

Desert Canyon Rehabilitation

Hospital

968-2055, usn.com

2nd sundays at Liberace museumApril 12, 200912-4 p.m.Liberace Museum798-5595, liberace.org

30th anniversary Liberace museumApril 15, 20099 a.m. - 9 p.m.Liberace Museum798-5595, liberace.org

Jennifer Harman third annual celebrity poker tournament to Benefit nevada spcaApril 17, 20094 p.m.Venetian873-7722, nevadaspca.org

the goat, or who is sylvia?April 17 - 26, 2009CSN Performing Arts Center651-LiVE, csn.edu/pac

Henderson Heritage parade & festivalApril 18, 200910 a.m. - 8 p.m.Henderson Events Plazahendersonlive.com

Bc fine arts festivalApril 18 - 19, 200910 a.m.Boulder City Art GuildBicentennial Parkbcnv.org

foundation for recovery’s inaugural 5kApril 18, 2009Foundation for RecoveryKellogg-Zaher Sports Park880-8234, forrecovery.org/register

afan 19th annual aiDs walk Las vegasApril 19, 2009

8 a.m.

afanlv.org

Local artists rising curated by natasha YoungApril 20 - 23, 2009

White Square Gallery

458-5858, whitesquaregallery.com

8th annual golf classic for american red cross “contend for a cause”April 21, 2009

6:30 a.m.

DragonRidge Country Club

369-3674, redcrosslasvegas.org

roman viazovskiyApril 23, 2009

8 p.m.

UNLV Artemus Ham Hall

895-aRTS, pac.unlv.edu

Hawkins 100th projectApril 23 - 25, 2009

2 and 8 p.m.

UNLV Dance Department

Dance Studio One

895-3827, dance.unlv.edu

color us friends Luncheon “i Do, i Do”April 24, 2009

Sunrise Children’s Foundation

MGM Grand Conference Center

sunrisechildren.org

neil Berg’s 100 Years of BroadwayApril 25, 20098 p.m.UNLV Artemus Ham Hall895-aRTS, pac.unlv.edu

csn foundation Legacy of achievement galaApril 25, 2009CSNM Resort651-7301, csn.edu

clark county earth Day rendezvousApril 25, 20099 a.m. - 2 p.m.Sam Boyd Stadium’s Star Nursery Field and William Bennett Airfieldaccessclarkcounty.com

what on earth DayApril 25, 200910 a.m. - 4 p.m.Las Vegas Springs Preservespringspreserve.org

nevada child seekers 15th annual 5k Dash & 1 mile strollApril 25, 20097:30 p.m.The District at Green Valley Ranch458-7009, nevadachildseekers.org

chamber chorale High school outreachApril 26, 20094 p.m.Las Vegas Master Singerslvmastersingers.com

an afternoon with David gutersonApril 26, 20092 p.m.Clark County Librarylvccld.org

visit BLvDsLv.com for more DetaiLs on aLL events

b l v d s l v . c o m issue 13 t r a v e l B L V D S L a s V e g a s 3 7 b l v d s l v . c o m issue 13 t r a v e l B L V D S L a s V e g a s 3 7

grand finale, mahler iApril 28, 20097:30 p.m.UNLV Music Department

UNLV Artemus Ham Hall


Henderson symphony orchestraApril 28, 200910:30 a.m.Henderson Pavilion

hendersonlive.com

m aY

the Bermuda avenue trianglemay 01 - 17, 2009Thurs-Sat 8 p.m., Sun 2 p.m.Las Vegas Little Theater

362-7996, lvlt.org

csn spring Dance concertmay 01-02, 20092 p.m. or 7:30 p.m.651-LiVE, csn.edu/pac

Lea salongamay 01, 20098 p.m.UNLV Artemus Ham Hall


Brian Lewismay 01, 20097:00 p.m.Nevada School of the Arts

Historic Fifth Street School

384-2787, nsamusic.org

susan g. komen southern nevada race for the cure®may 02, 20098:00 a.m.Downtown Las Vegas

komensouthernnevada.org

for kids now 6th annual fashion show & Buffetmay 03, 200911 a.m.Eastside Cannery Casino and Hotelforkidsnow.org

csn orchestramay 04, 20097:30 p.m.651-LiVE, csn.edu/pac

csn concert Bandmay 05, 20097:30 p.m.651-LiVE, csn.edu/pac

sunrise children’s foundation 2nd annual golf tournamentmay 06, 2009Sunrise Children’s FoundationLas Vegas National Golf Coursesunrisechildren.org

elks Helldorado Days 75th anniversarymay 06 -17, 2009City of Las Vegaselkshelldorado.com

csn spring choralmay 07, 20097:30 p.m.651-LiVE, csn.edu/pac

csn Big Bandsmay 08, 20097:30 p.m.651-LiVE, csn.edu/pac

mother’s Day teamay 09 - 17, 200911:00 a.m.Child Focus, JW Marriott

436-1624

artfest of Hendersonmay 09 -10, 200910 a.m.-5 p.m.Henderson Events Plazahendersonlive.com

Jazz in the park: allen toussaintmay 09, 2009Clark County Amphitheateraccessclarkcounty.com

an afternoon with rita rudnermay 09 200911:30 a.m.Assistance League of Las Vegas870-1101lasvegas.assistanceleague.org

asian culture festivalmay 09, 200911 a.m. - 4 p.m.Clark County Librarylvccld.org

csn Jazz combosmay 10, 20092 p.m.651-LiVE, csn.edu/pac

2nd sundays at Liberace museummay 10, 200912-4 p.m.Liberace Museum798-5595, liberace.org

masterworks v - Beethoven’s ninth symphonymay 16, 20098 p.m.Las Vegas Philharmonic & Las Vegas Master SingersUNLV Artemus Ham Hall

895-aRTS, lvphil.com

Henderson symphony orchestramay 22, 2009

8 p.m.

City of Henderson

Henderson Pavilion

hendersonlive.com

a taste of shakespearemay 23 - 25, 2009

12 - 6 p.m.

Las Vegas Springs Preserve

springspreserve.org

a taste of the artsmay 30, 2009

2 - 4 p.m.

University of Southern Nevada

Morton’s, The Steak House

968-2055, usn.com

J u n e

Henderson symphony orchestrajune 05, 2009

8 p.m.

Henderson Events Plaza

hendersonlive.com

Jazz in the park: sax packjune 06, 2009

Clark County Amphitheater

accessclarkcounty.com

the 11th annual cinevegas film festivaljune 10 -15, 2009

Palms Casino Resort

and Brenden Theatres

888-8VEgaS8, cinevegas.com

visit BLvDsLv.com for more DetaiLs on aLL events

NevadaÊ SchoolÊofÊ theÊ ArtsÊInaugural Concert

Friday, May 1st, 2009

7:00 pm

Historic Fifth Street School

Auditorium

ConcertÊ TicketsStudents $10Adults $20VIP $75*

www.nsamusic.org

For ticket information call 384-2787

BRIANÊ LEWISÊ Ê Ê Ê Ê *MeetÊ theÊ ArtistÊ Reception

GuestÊ ArtistÊ SeriesÊ

Mother’s Day Tea“Hats of f toChild Focus”

Saturday, May 9, 200911:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

$55 Adult w $35 Child w $500 Table of 10(Registration Deadline May 1, 2009)

$75 Special Mother/Daughter Discounted Ticket(Registration Deadline April 24, 2009)

Valencia Ballroom JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa

221 N. Rampart Boulevard

Please R.S.V.P. to Child Focus(702) 436.1624 or [email protected]

by May 1, 2009

Celebrate the special bond between mothers, daughters, sisters and friends.

Please join Child Focus for the 6th Annual Mother’s Day Tea

Find YourPassion!

JuneÊ 29Ê Ð Ê OctoberÊ 17800-PLAYTIX • www.bard.org

Our 2009 SeasonAs You Like It • Henry V • The Comedy of Errors

Private Lives • The Secret Garden • FoxfireTuesdays with Morrie • The Woman in Black

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)

Michael David Edwards in Cyrano de Bergerac, 2008.

Cedar City

40 B L V D S L a s V e g a s t r a v e l i s s u e 1 3 b l v d s l v . c o mD

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b l v d s d e s i g n A R C H I T E C T U R E & S T Y L E

ARTICLES

ABA

Creating Timeless Elegance through World Class Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Expanding Its Horizons

McCarran International Airport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

LAS VEGAS-BASED DESIGN fIRm ABA HAS BEComE A pRomINENT

pLAYER oN THE INTERNATIoNAL DESIGN SCENE wITH pRojECTS

INCLUDING HoTELS AND RESoRTS, SpAS, RESTAURANTS, RETAIL,

AND ENTERTAINmENT. mCCARRAN INTERNATIoNAL AIRpoRT IS

UNDERGoING A BoLD ExpANSIoN DESIGNED To INCREASE THE

NUmBER of pASSENGERS IT CAN ACCommoDATE AS wELL AS ITS

INTERNATIoNAL CApACITY. LEARN moRE ABoUT THESE AmBITIoUS

pLANS AND wHAT THEY mEAN foR oUR REGIoN’S fUTURE.

facing page: The Spa at Encore designed by ABA © Russell MacMasters/ Encore


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ABAH o w d o E S A L A S V E g A S - B A S E d d E S I g n f I R m g o I n T E R n AT I o n A L ? f o R A B A’ S T o d d - AV E R y L E n A H A n A n d K I m B E R Ly

T R u E B A , T H E A n S w E R I S R E A L Ly q u I T E S I m p L E .

S a r a n u n n

CREATING TImELESS ELEGANCE THRoUGH woRLD CLASS DESIGN

“we were sought out!” Lenahan exclaims, smiling widely at the question.

“we didn’t market ourselves. people found us and through their learning

about us, or being in our projects, decided to work with us.”

It’s a well-known tenet of marketing that the best way to get

customers is to have a desirable product, and Las Vegas design

firm ABA has positioned itself as a shining example of this ideal.

with virtually no advertising or marketing, ABA has grown from a

Las Vegas-based business to a prominent player in the international

design market.

But it al l , of course, began r ight here. Headed by pr incipal

Todd-Avery Lenahan and managing principal Kimberly Trueba, ABA

just celebrated ten successful years as a unique fixture in

the Las Vegas architectural design scene. “one of the things that’s

different about us is that we’re the only international design firm

that’s not gaming dependent that’s in Las Vegas,” Lenahan says.

“our goal was to be much broader in our scope and to not be gaming

dependent. And so we’re the only firm that does luxury hotel and

resort design work that is exported to other cities and to big luxury

hotel companies around the world.”

Though neither Lenahan nor Trueba are originally from Las Vegas,

they were quick to catch on to the nature of their adopted hometown

and the Las Vegas architecture scene. Though Lenahan concedes that

Strip tourism will always center on casino resorts and the associated

gaming industry, he also sees a way for the city to reach out to

another class of tourists—the business class.

facing page: ABA’s design studio © ABA


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“There’s been a branching out into non-gaming independent

luxury hotels. They’re associated with the larger casino resort

complexes, but that’s something that Las Vegas has done to really

broaden its market, to have a hotel product that more discerning

savvy travelers around the world would like in this market,”

Lenahan explains. He cites the opening here of the Ritz-Carlton at

Lake Las Vegas and the upcoming opening of the mandarin oriental

property at CityCenter as examples of what those travelers seek in a

hotel. Another example he cites is the four Seasons, an ABA project

and “the first non-gaming independent hotel.”

This is not the only aspect of Lenahan’s extensive understanding

of what Las Vegas visitors are expecting. In addition to ABA’s work

on local projects as diverse as the mGm monorail station, the hotel

at Green Valley Ranch (ABA’s first Las Vegas-based project as a

company), and restaurants like Tré and wolfgang puck’s CUT, the firm

has worked on a number of projects at wynn Las Vegas, including the

Atrium, Country Club, and Broadway Theatre.

Their partnership with Steve wynn began, true to ABA’s style, when

the famed hotelier saw their work. ABA designed a park Towers

residence for marc Schorr, Coo of wynn Resorts, Limited, and soon

after wynn contacted ABA to find out about working with them.

This relationship led to several high-profile projects, including

designing much of the recently opened resort Encore at

wynn Las Vegas, including the hotel’s breathtakingly beautiful and

luxuriously appointed spa.

Encore, it seems, is a perfect example of Lenahan’s philosophy

toward Las Vegas design and what visitors to our city want in a hotel

experience. “I think they’re looking to see things that they don’t see in

their hometown and that they won’t see in any of their other travels,”

Lenahan explains. “So if we build a really slick modern hotel here that

is just another big city hotel, it really falls flat, because it just fades into

the background sounds of Las Vegas. They respond to the fantastical

beauty, if it’s got a sense of fantasy and levity, it’s unexpected, and you

don’t see that aesthetic delivered anywhere else.”

“There’s a broad appeal to beauty,” Trueba points out. “when people

state that not all markets and not all economic branches of society

will enjoy such a beautiful, fantastical environment, that is not true.

people who don’t live like that, that would dream of living like that,

that’s why they come here.”

ThiS page from LefT: mandarin oriental Chicago; four Seasons Resort Bahamas © ABA


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“Nothing is too nice. It’s never too nice,” Lenahan agrees. “You know,

if people are living in New York City or Chicago or Los Angeles, they

see very sophisticated, cutting-edge modern architecture all the

time. So why would you bring them to Las Vegas and give them

a repackaged version of what they just left in their hometown?

If they’re coming here for a vacation, give them the Las Vegas

experience.”

for Lenahan and ABA, it’s all about creating something timeless—as

timeless as one can get in an ever-changing city like ours. “we like

the reference to fashion,” he says. “Good fashion transcends. It’s like

a great Chanel suit from the ‘50s, which looks as beautiful today as it

did then, versus trend, which is appealing for a moment and gone in a

second. we like to subscribe to good fashion, not trends.”

In some ways, being based in Las Vegas has presented difficulties for

ABA, as Las Vegas-based companies can be reluctant to hire what’s

considered local talent. This is, according to Lenahan, an unfortunate

thing on many levels. “All that money goes elsewhere, it’s not

reinvested into our city because they’re paying people outside of our

market to do work here and those people aren’t invested in our city

like we are. It’s our own backyard. we like doing work here because

it’s our community, it matters to us.”

Lenahan notes the fact that while ABA is right here in town, local

developers often choose to hire New York or L.A.-based design

firms when building their new properties. Ironically, ABA often gets

new clients who have seen ABA’s work here and want to hire them

to bring that sensibility to international properties. “They like our

sense of theatricality. They like our sense of fantasy. They like the

drama,” Lenahan says, in a statement that could just as well align with

his view of the best in Las Vegas architecture. “Sometimes it’s very

contemporary work, but it still has a story, and it has an excitement to

it that separates it from everything else.”

ABA has brought their brand of excitement to design projects all

over the world. Their international work has ranged from a small

luxury resort in a portuguese village to an upcoming elite hotel in an

historical building in urban moscow. No matter what they’re working

on, the same philosophy applies.

Speaking of an upcoming ABA/Ritz-Carlton collaboration located

on the Red Sea, Lenahan says, “They want us to bring our sensibility

about design to their projects and unique locations. It looks nothing

like Las Vegas, you know. It’s a resort that has regional context, but

it’ll have the drama and excitement and the entertainment value that

we’ve become known for.”

when asked about the future plans of ABA—whether here in Las

Vegas or in international markets—Lenahan smiles again. “our future

is one great project at a time. we don’t aspire to be bigger. we don’t

aspire to have multiple offices. our aspirations are to do one great

project at a time, knowing that each time we do one, it brings us

goodwill that’s exponentially larger than what we ever imagined, and

it just keeps feeding us. we always aim to be best in the market in

whatever we do. That doesn’t always mean the most expensive. It has

to do with quality of execution, quality of thought, the integrity of

the idea.”

for more information on ABA and their projects worldwide, visit their

website at abalv.com. for project inquiries, call 888-5000.

C U S T O M U P H O L S T E R Y

Upholstery

Drapery

Wall Upholstery

Fabrics

Restoration

Caning

Design

Accessories

Call 702.385.7122Please visit us at

1218 S. Main Street Las Vegas, Nevada

alexr ivasupholster y.com

Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

Sat 11am-3pm

Closed Sunday


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ExpANDING ITS HoRIzoNST H E VA L L E y ’ S m A I n A I R p o R T I S B u S T I n g AT T H E S E A m S . I n o n E o f I T S m o R E p R o g R E S S I V E m o V E S T o K E E p L A S V E g A S

o n T o p, T H E A I R p o R T I S u n d E R g o I n g A B o L d E x pA n S I o n .

a p r i L m c c o y

mCCARRAN INTERNATIoNAL AIRpoRT

mcCarran International Airport’s Terminal 3 (T3) is the largest

component of the Clark County Department of Aviation’s ongoing

capital improvement plan. The expansion has been highly criticized

by many in the state because of its size, scope, and cost. But the

Department of Aviation, like many who pass through mcCarran on

a regular basis, says it is an overdue and much needed expense to

continue operating smoothly.

mcCarran is designed to process up to 450,000 passengers each

year. In mcCarran’s busiest year, which was 2007, nearly 48 million

people passed through the doors. “with Terminal 3, we’ll be able to

accommodate approximately 53 million annual passengers,” said

Randall H. walker, Clark County’s Director of Aviation. The new terminal

will span nearly 1.9 million square feet over three stories and will

include 14 gates, ticket counters, baggage claim, a multi-story parking

garage, retail, and restaurants, as well as TSA security checkpoints on

two levels. The project is estimated at $2.4 billion and expected to be

completed in mid-2012.

Six of the new terminal’s 14 gates will be designed to accommodate

international air service with secured access to a U.S. Customs and

Border protection area capable of processing up to 2,000 international

passengers per hour. Also, up to five wide body jets could be serviced

simultaneously, allowing for greater foreign air service than is currently

possible at mcCarran’s smaller international facility at Terminal 2.

ThiS page: Rendering of T3 gates © Clark County Department of Aviation


So, what does this mean for Las Vegans and visitors alike? more traffic?

Arriving at the airport even earlier? Luckily for frequent travelers, a

plan was put in place to ease what could have been a huge headache

for many. In june of 2007, the Department of Aviation completed

a 16-month, $61.6 million construction project that shifted Russell

Road’s alignment approximately one-quarter mile to the north in

order to make room for the development of Terminal 3 near the former

intersection of Russell Road and maryland parkway. “while T3 is under

construction, there really won’t be much impact on visitors or local

travelers except that they will be able to see the work site,” said walker.

“It hasn’t had any noticeable effect on our operations since last year,

when we relocated our economy parking lot from the east side of

paradise Road to west of paradise Road.”

Currently, most of the airport’s traffic goes through one main

building which has seen more people than it was ever designed

to handle. “with T3, traffic seen in ticketing, baggage claim, the

security checkpoints, and parking will be split among two main

terminals, resulting in a better operation for everyone,” said walker.

This will greatly ease congestion throughout mcCarran, particularly

at Terminal 1. The airport hopes that the new terminal will increase

international travel to Las Vegas, and airport executives are already

talking with airlines about expanding services to the city using T3’s

international amenities.

The massive expansion has been carefully planned in hopes of making

the construction phase and transition easy on local residents and

guests. Construction has been divided into phases so that locals

aren’t dealing with traffic and visitors aren’t dealing with long lines in

the airport. The ultimate goal is to create an airport easy to navigate

and to streamline the processes so people will want to fly into our

city. According to walker, “more visitors means greater spending in

our casinos, restaurants, stores, and showrooms, and that ultimately

benefits those of us who live here in Southern Nevada, as well.”

ThiS page from LefT: Aerial photo of the T3 site; Aerial rendering of completed T3 building © Clark County Department of Aviation

50 B L V D S L a s V e g a s t r a v e l i s s u e 1 3 b l v d s l v . c o mF

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t h e L O c A L S p O t L i g h t

b l v d s f l a v o r D i n i n g & R e t A i L

ARTICLES

Encore, Encore!

A Staycation Unsurpassed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

National Art Museum of Catalonia

Serendipity in Spain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Sen of Japan

Heaven, But Closer to Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

think yOu cAn’t get AwAy tO An exOtic LOcALe FOR SOme much

neeDeD R AnD R? think AgAin! SteVe wynn’S neweSt VentuRe, encORe,

iS OnLy A ShORt DRiVe AwAy tO SOme SeRiOuS ReLAxAtiOn. SeRenDipity

iS DeFineD AS the OccASiOn OF mAking FORtunAte DiScOVeRieS By

AcciDent. ReAD ABOut One tRAVeLeR’S memORABLe expeRience OF

SeRenDipity in SpAin. Sen OF JApAn OFFeRS DeLiciOuS, FReSh DeLicAcieS

pRepAReD By the FORmeR heAD cheF OF nOBu LAS VegAS.

facing page: national Art museum of catalonia © MNAC


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encORe, encORe! W h E N yo u L I v E I N o N E o f T h E W o R L d ’ S p R E M I E R vA C AT I o N d E S T I N AT I o N S , A L u x u R I o u S E S C A p E I S J u S T A S h o R T

d R I v E AWAy. L u C k y L A S v E g A N S A R E W E .

K i m b e r ly s c h a e f e r

A StAycAtiOn unSuRpASSeD

many of us rarely venture down to the Strip unless we have visiting

friends or family or when our work calls for it—a circumstance that

makes it easy to forget that each year millions of people come here to

experience the fantasy and fun that we so easily take for granted.

there is no denying the reality of current economic conditions.

perhaps this year will be difficult for travels to faraway dream

destinations. nevertheless, there is also no denying the fact that right

in the middle of our own hometown are a multitude of opportunities

to get away without going away. So why not take advantage of one

them as an alternative to a full-blown vacation? why not save the cost

of airfare, drive to the center of town, and enjoy what’s come to be

known as a “stay-cation?”

Among the many glittering dream destinations on the Strip is

our newest, encore. Steve wynn’s latest creation adjacent to his

eponymous property may be new, but it is not a new idea for wynn

Resorts. in fact, encore was part of the original master plan for the

property that once housed the Desert inn hotel. Because it was part

of the initial plan, the two hotels fuse together in a way that seems

effortless, a seamless integration.

encore is everything that we’ve all come to expect from wynn resorts:

luxury, glamour, unparalleled service. yet, as encore chief operating

officer Rob Oseland explains, the hotel is a brand unto itself. “we didn’t

want to compete with ourselves,” he says. while the design of the casino

and public spaces incorporates elements from wynn such as natural

facing page: Lobby at the Spa © Russell MacMasters/Encore


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light and vibrant color, encore is a smaller, more intimate property that

Oseland describes as, “wynn’s younger sister, fun, hipper.”

cast aside the cares of the outside world in a “standard” room

that is anything but standard. A panoramic room is a spacious

700 square feet featuring floor to ceiling windows with a view

of downtown or the twinkling lights of Las Vegas Boulevard.

elegantly appointed in every detail and with a separate sitting

area, you may never want to check out. the bathroom feels like

a personal mini-spa complete with a tub that’s just right for a

relaxing soak and a 19” flat screen television, just in case your idea of

relaxation includes vegging in front of the tube. Of course there are

many higher-end accommodation options available for those who

wish to partake of an even more lavish environment.

For serious relaxation, the Spa at encore is not to be missed. it is a

destination in and of itself. As advertised, it truly is “a sanctuary of

surpassing beauty,” an environment for which words are completely

inadequate. the services offered at the Spa are also of surpassing

quality. while you can enjoy more traditional massages or facials here,

what sets this spa apart from others are the transformation Rituals,

in particular the signature good Luck Ritual. Based on the principles

of Feng Shui, the good Luck Ritual includes a 50-minute massage,

intensely moisturizing hand and foot treatments, and is finished with

a scalp massage using wild lime botanical oil. this is relaxation so

deep, that you just may forget that you haven’t left town. not able

to indulge in an overnight getaway at encore? the Spa is open to

non-resort guests. if a “stay-cation” isn’t feasible, a “day-cation” may be.

After all of that relaxation, a fine meal is unquestionably in order. Dining

options at encore are fewer than those offered next door because, as

Oseland explains, “there is still capacity at wynn.” As is the practice at

wynn Resorts, the restaurants are not leased to outside companies.

the chefs on the marquee are in the kitchen to prepare your meals.

Among the new offerings is Sinatra, an “old Vegas” italian restaurant

displaying portraits of “Ol’ Blue eyes” and the Oscar he received for his

performance in From Here to Eternity. Botero serves steaks, chops, and

seafood for the vacationing carnivore. named for colombian artist

Fernando Botero, the restaurant’s walls are graced with the artist’s

playful and sensual paintings while the dining room centers on the

monumental sculpture Seated Lady, in all her voluptuous splendor.

the brainchild of mr. wynn himself, Switch is a restaurant unlike any

other. As diners enjoy chef marc poidevin’s offerings, the décor of the

clOcKWise frOm lefT: eastside Lounge © Barbara Kraft/Encore; Botero bar; Shopping © Russell MacMasters/Encore


restaurant literally “switches” every 20 minutes. you simply have to

see it to believe it. Other choices include wazuzu for playful takes on

pan-Asian cuisine and the casual Society café encore.

For more foodie getaway fun, encore will be a venue for Vegas

uncork’d events presented by Bon Appetit may 7-10. encore is offering

special room packages for the event and has a dedicated toll free

number for those interested, (866) 770.7929. Be sure to check out

vegasuncorkd.com for more details about the event.

end your evening (or begin it, or don’t wait until evening) with a

signature encore cocktail created by wynn Resorts master mixologist

patricia Richards. every restaurant bar and hotel lounge has its own

signature libation, each like a vacation served chilled in a cocktail

glass. the bar at Botero offers the Seated Lady. named for the

sculpture, this effervescent delight blends rose nectar, elderflower

liqueur, and nicolas Feuillate Sparkling Rosé garnished with a

crystallized rose petal. the eastside Lounge with its views of the

pool is just right for enjoying a tropical beverage. the prickly pear

and ginger margarita is light, refreshing, tangy, and sweet. Or take a

seat at the Lobby Bar and enjoy an earl grey mar-tea-ni made with

plymouth gin infused with earl grey tea.

Let’s be honest. even in turbulent times, it’s important to take a break,

a moment to relax and enjoy ourselves. enjoying a day at a spa, a fine

meal, or even an enchanting cocktail can be a much-needed break from

an otherwise wearisome world. A night spent away from home, even if

it is just across town, can provide us with the respite that allows us to

return refreshed to our daily routines. yes, sometimes our grander plans

must be saved for the future. But for now, a truly fabulous escape is

waiting for us, practically right outside our own front doors.

encore at wynn Las Vegas

3131 Las Vegas Blvd., South

encorelasvegas.com

Room Reservations

877.321.9966

the Spa

770.4772

Restaurant Reservations

248.3463

clOcKWise frOm lefT: guest room © Russell Mac Masters/Encore; Sinatra; Swarovski crystal dragon at wazuzu © Barbara Kraft/Encore


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clOcKWise frOm lefT: mnAc; 12th century wood panel; Oval hall © MNAC

nAtiOnAL ARt muSeum OF cAtALOniAf o L L o W I N g A d E TA I L E d T R Av E L I T I N E R A R y C A N b E f u N A N d S AT I S f y I N g , b u T S o M E T I M E S I T ’ S T h E E x p E R I E N C E S o f

S E R E N d I p I T y T h AT R E S o N AT E M o S T I N o u R M E M o R I E S .

paT m a r V e l

SeRenDipity in SpAin

the red route of the open-air tourist bus wends its way to the

mountain park of montjuic in Barcelona, at the top of which is the

museu nacional d’Art de catalunya (the mnAc). while in madrid

earlier in the week, my friend, nancy, and i had spent many hours in

the “golden triangle of Art” that is the prado, the thyssen-Bornemisza,

and the Reina Sophia. By the time we arrived in Barcelona with our

spirits full of some of the world’s greatest art, the picasso museum

was the only one on our Barcelona “must-see” list. (we were tired, too,

and a little goya goes a long way). we had never heard of the national

Art museum of catalonia, and our Frommer’s listed it under the “if you

have 2 Days” category, but only “if time remains.”

By the time the bus got to the top of the hill, our feet had recovered

somewhat and so had our attitude. the view of the city below was

stunning, and since we didn’t know when we’d be back we decided

we might as well check it out.

the museum’s collection of primarily catalan works represents 1,000

years of art ranging from the 11th century through the early 20th

century, and includes photography, drawings and prints, and coinage

with pieces dating from the 6th century B.c. the medieval panel

paintings from the 11th, 12th, and 13th centuries in the Romanesque

gallery are of such exceptional size and quality that they are

considered unique in the world.


the gothic period ranging from the 13th to the 15th centuries

is considered to be one of the most brilliant in the entire history

of catalan art. the museum’s gothic collection of goldsmithing,

sculpture, and paintings on panels, particularly those that form

altarpieces, is nothing short of breathtaking.

walking from one room to the next, i was dumbfounded by the

vibrant colors and the exquisite detail in the works. many of the

altarpieces are comprised of panels divided into “compartments,”

each telling a part of a larger story. The Altarpiece of Santa

Barbara,attributed to gonçal peris Sarrià from Valencia, circa

1410-1425, tells the story of Saint Barbara—her life, imprisonment,

suffering, death, and martyrdom. painted with tempera on wood, the

piece stands approximately seven feet wide by nine feet high, and is

an exceptional example of visual storytelling.

i explored the galleries like a columbus in a new world. From the

tenderness of pere Serra’s work to the explosion of color in Joaquim

mir’s landscapes, i was overwhelmed by the caliber of artists

completely unfamiliar to me, in a museum i almost didn’t visit.

On the day of our visit, the museum was preparing for a special event

in the Oval hall, a 1,200-seat venue for receptions, cultural, and

business events. From the balcony on the second floor, i could see the

workers below moving among linen-covered tables and chairs, setting

napkins and wine glasses, and fussing over the cutlery. it seems our

visit to the city coincided with the 19th annual Barcelona Bridal week,

a prestigious tradeshow for international bridal fashion. that evening

there would be a dinner and the presentation of the collection of

designer manuel mota, who would be premiering his wedding gowns

embellished with Swarovski crystals.

the evening unfolded in my mind: delicious food and perfect

service, elegant men and perfectly-coiffed women, beautiful models

wearing wedding dresses designed to turn an ordinary woman into

a princess. i heard laughter and saw the hall transformed by candles

and spotlights illuminating the runway, the crowd dazzled by the

reflection from the crystal-studded gowns. i wanted to be a fly on the

wall that night!

As we turned to leave, a museum staffer remarked, “the museum is

This page: The Altarpiece of Santa Barbara © MNAC


showing some of mota’s gowns for a short time, and the exhibit has

just opened. you’re welcome to go in.” with that she pointed us to a

room at the end of the hall.

At the door to the exhibit, nancy and i stopped and gave a collective

gasp. there were at least eight bridal gowns on mannequins, each

attended by its own security guard. the dresses had two things in

common–each was embellished with Swarovski crystals that sparkled

in the afternoon light, and each was spectacular. except for the

guards who never took their eyes off us, we were alone with these

magnificent creations.

A carpeted path allowed us to get close to each of the dresses, which

included the traditional ball gown style to contemporary sheaths and

sophisticated, one-shoulder designs. we moved among the dresses

as though in church, speaking in whispers, our vocabulary reduced to

variations of “ooh” and “ahh.” we had stumbled upon hidden treasure,

with each jewel of a dress more beautiful than the last.

when we plan ahead to see or do something, we have expectations of

obtaining a certain level of satisfaction. Serendipitous experiences, on

the other hand, those moments of happy chance, allow us to be in the

moment with no preconceptions to flavor our expectations. there are

many things to see and do in Barcelona, and i enjoyed them all. the

sweetest for me, though, is the museum i never intended to see and

the gowns of Barcelona Bridal week.

For more information about the national Art museum of catalonia

visit mnac.es.

clOcKWise frOm lefT: picasso’s Woman in Hat and Fur; pere Serra’s Our Lady of the Angels; St. Peter and St. Paul by el greco © MNAC

Sen OF JApAnK i m e r ly s c h a e f e r

heAVen, But cLOSeR tO hOme

A nondescript strip mall in Las Vegas may not be your idea of an

exotic escape. Like so many of our city’s culinary gems, Sen of Japan is

located in just such a place. Long known as a must-dine spot for valley

foodies, it is a dining experience that will transport you far away from

shopping center suburbia to sushi heaven. chef hiro nakano, formerly

of nobu at the hard Rock hotel and casino, and his knowledgeable,

attentive staff are ready to stamp your passport as you set off on a

gastronomic adventure.

the menu at Sen is filled with Japanese specialties both familiar and

new. Shrimp tempura with spicy orange aioli is rich and satisfying

yet dazzlingly light. in fact, all of the tempura here is enrobed in

a whisper-light batter that seems to deny any trip to the fryolator.

Don’t miss the tuna tataki, delicate and so fresh it’s hard to believe

that it wasn’t plucked from the ocean upon your arrival. Sushi

offerings include caterpillar rolls, dragon rolls, and favorites such as

spicy tuna. there is also a delectable selection of sashimi and nigiri.

chef nakano also offers the Omakase Special, a multi-course tasting

menu of the chef ’s own selections. this ever-changing menu includes

caviar, foie gras, kobe beef, and a sampling of sushi.

to accompany your meal, Sen offers a beverage menu that includes

the “go to” Japanese restaurant drink, hot sake. But if you’re interested

in continuing your journey to places unknown, forgo the hot sake for

a new experience. to that end, try one of the cool, refreshing nama

sakes. these young, unpasteurized sakes will broaden your beverage

horizons while tantalizing your taste buds. in particular, the Akitabare

is delicate and floral and should appeal to most western palates.

Also on the beverage menu are wines from around the world and a

selection of Japanese beers.

Sen of Japan8480 w. Desert inn Rd. #F1Las Vegas 89117871.7781, senofjapan.commonday-Sunday 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.


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Peanut PhotograPhy

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desert research institute

While tackling environmental issues globally and assisting our nation’s military, DRI is playing a key role in the preservation of Nevada’s Tahoe, Mead and Walker lakes. We’re also an economic engine for the state leveraging $60 million of state support between 1999 and 2006 into $227 million of research funding.

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NATHAN ADELSON HOSPICENo one should end the journey of life, alone, afraid or in pain.

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AMERICAN POOL SUPPLy

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canyon kitchensKitchens are madeto bring families together!

We offer stock and custom cabinetsat wholesale prices. Ten door stylesand colors. One week delivery. 35 years of design experience. Call for an appointment.

4533-4 W. Sahara Ave.Las Vegas, NV 89102740-2227

ELAYNE LAPORTA FINE ARTS• Biblical Naifs• Original Oils• Original Limited Edition Serigraphs, Lithographs, Etchings, Intaglios• Limited Edition Giclee Reproductions.

Net proceeds from all sales will be donated to charity.

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HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Habitat For Humanity’s ReStore sells new and used donated building materials at approximately 50% of retail. Open Monday & Saturday 9-4 Tuesday-Friday 9-6.

1401 N. Decatur Blvd.,Las Vegas, NV 89108638-6477habitatlasvegas.org


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durette studioOur studio destination offers exclusive door and cabinet hardware, lighting,hand-thrown sinks and accessory lines from Lithuania, France, Italy, England, South Africa- just to name a few. Come explore our unique showroom- we’ll put the coffee on! Design consultation available, courtesy to the trade.

1007 S. Main St.Las Vegas, NV 89101368-2601durettecanditodesign.com

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the Liberace museum

FREE Museum Admission forNevada residents on the 2nd Sunday ofevery month. See our Web site for entertainment options on 2nd Sunday.

1775 E. TropicanaLas Vegas, NV 89119798-5595liberace.org

MILO’S INN AT BOULDER

Nestle under the stars and share a

while listening to the sounds of a cascading waterfall on our private patio.

Our Amenities Include• Luxury thread count linens• In suite double whirlpool tubs• Milo’s Cellar cafe & wine bar and much more.

534 Nevada WayBoulder City, NV 89005294-4244milosinnatboulder.com

702 graphics.cOM

702 graphics is a full service graphics shop. Whether on the track, in the water or stuck in traffic, we turn heads. Our creative team of experts specializes in Graphic Design for Retail Visual Marketing, Custom Vehicle Wraps and Racing Graphics. We’re also known to turn out insane Trade Show Booths, Wall Murals, Signs and Banners. We’re here to help you create distinctive products that will draw attention to your business. We deliver quality products, on time, at affordable prices, “Nationwide”.

Offering special discounts for Las Vegas Valley Not-for-Profit Organizations.

6925 Speedway Blvd. C-101Las Vegas, NV 89115632-3352702graphics.com

Absolute PilAtes*Introductory Special 3 Privates for $150*(Offer valid for new clients only).

Offering:• Private Sessions • Semi-Private Sessions• Group Classes • Reformer Classes• Cadillac Classes • Cardio Classes

The District2225 Village Walk Dr., Suite 171Henderson, NV 89052914-99446841 S. Eastern Ave., Suite 102Las Vegas, NV 89119492-1687absolutepilatesnv.com

GIRLFRIENDS MEET UPA private social club for women with an exclusive focus on Friendships

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Rosemary’s RestaurantGreat Food. Great Drink. Great Service.

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blvds las vegas travel issue 13

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