LOCAL EVENTS FOR the next few weeks promise adventure in diverse cultural offerings. There are events for everyone, everything from a new dance company to a Triathlon to the rising star in the arts community, the ARTV Arts Awards, at the Pearl, the place to 'be seen' in late September. This month has become a hard month for many and, certainly, the cure for being Americans is to go out and celebrate our culture, its diversity and its artists—our finest statement and response.

There are definitely some fun times ahead. It's time to get outside and enjoy those evenings as the last of the summer inevitably heads to cooler evenings in September.


— SEPTEMBER 3 AND 4 —

(Cashman Theater, downtown, 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, or 2:00 p.m. matinee Wednesday)
Las Vegas Contemporary Dance Theater
'Premiere.' Opening night performance is at 7:00 p.m. at the Cashman Theatre, downtown, with a matinee at 2:00 p.m. on the 4th. LVCDT blends ballet and modern dance into a highly energetic presentation, hailing the addition of a brand new dance company in town…its multi-cultural programs have the flavor of stage and theatre on both coasts, undertaking a more progressive repertoire…those up for fresh new performances can catch them for two days only this fall. www.lvcontemporarydancetheater.org


— SEPTEMBER 7 —

(Downtown, make it easy on yourself and park at the Government Center, and take the trolley, just be sure to ask wherever you get off and on, when the last trolley will take you back to the Center.)
First Friday
The Las Vegas First Fridays are an ideal way to see lots of Art, people-watch, sample new restaurants and revel at area bars. This event has gotten huge, so if you are a newbie, start with a section at a time, so you don't feel rushed or get left behind by the trolley. Hit the Web site first for events and the maps! www.firstfriday-lasvegas.org


— SEPTEMBER 8 —

(MonteLago Village Floating Stage, Lake Las Vegas, 8:00 p.m., doors open at 6:00 p.m.)
Nevada Ballet Theatre Opens Their 2007–2008 Season
Lake Las Vegas presents, for one evening of their Stars on the Lake series, the Nevada Ballet Theatre program with Artistic Director's Bruce Steivel own work, NKH, as well as Balanchine's Taranatella Pas de Deux, Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux and Who Cares? www.nevadaballet.com/events.html

NBT Invites You to Dinner & The Ballet at Lake Las Vegas, Dinner at Ritz Carlton, Lake Las Vegas. Dinner package includes dinner and VIP seating for $250 per person. Call Director of Development Jeanne Frederick at 243-2623 ext. 228 to reserve your spot for dinner.

— SEPTEMBER 14 & 15 —

(MonteLago Village Floating Stage, Lake Las Vegas, 8 p.m., Pricing isn't too bad: $10 for Lawn seating (general admission), $25 for Reserved seats and $35 for VIP seats, children ages two and under are free.)
Spanish Nights On The Lake
The night is apparently going to come alive with musicians and dancers. They sent out a press release, which makes it sound like lots to see:

Born out of Spanish and Gypsy traditions, Flamenco is a high-energy form of entertainment that features sensual movement and fiery passionate music. World-renowned guitarists Adam del Monte, Pedro Cortes and Jason "El Rubio McGuier, along with captivating singer Jesus Montoya and a large group of talented musicians will provide the sultry sounds for dozens of flamenco dancers, including special guests Omayra Amaya and Emmy award-winning dancer "Yaelisa & Caminos Flamencos," to kick up their heels to in a one-of-a-kind stage performance on the lake.

We will have to see for ourselves! tmaruca@kirvindoak.com


— SEPTEMBER 15 —


(Hills Park, Summerlin, Gates open at 6:30 p.m.)
Nevada Ballet Theatre Presents: Ballet Under the Stars
Presented by the Howard Hughes Corporation and City National Bank, Co-Sponsored by G.C. Wallace, this program will include Fest Polonnaise, Taranatella Pas de Deux, Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux and Who Cares? http://www.nevadaballet.com/events.html


— SEPTEMBER 15 & 16 —

(Henderson Events Plaza, 200 Water Street, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
17th Annual Ho`olaule`a Pacific Islands Festival—always a fun event!
Las Vegas Hawaiian Civic Club—Kulia E Loa`a Ka Na`auao, "Strive to Obtain Wisdom" www.lvhcc.org


— SEPTEMBER 22 —

(Kellogg-Zayer Park, (Buffalo & Washington) 11 a.m.–4 p.m. $6 entry fee
Nevada Ballet Theatre All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival
Fun for the kids and every Ice Cream Lover…Sponsored by Jack 100.5 FM and the City of Las Vegas/Cultural Affairs Division with proceeds to benefit Nevada Ballet Theatre. www.nevadaballet.com/events.html


— SEPTEMBER 28 —

(Pearl, Palms Casino Resort)
2nd Annual Fine Art Awards
Audrey Roberts, one of Las Vegas' dynamic, larger than life characters, continues her crusade for Art and accessibility to Art for children, especially those in the public school systems where Art is not high on the academic agenda. She has organized another smashing evening to 'be seen' and to mingle as part of the Arts community. Las Vegas is becoming part of that "2.5 million fine artists labor force, our nation's greatest resource." LeRoy Neiman will be on hand to receive his lifetime achievement award. A good many of the artists nominated hail from Las Vegas…so be there for them!
www.artvawards.com

George Bernard Shaw said it well:
"Without art, the crude realities of the world would become unbearable."
ART PEACE
Have a creative day!
Audrey Roberts

— SEPTEMBER 29 —

(Summerlin Centre Community Park, 1800 South Town Center Drive (between Sahara and Charleston, entry free, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Summerlin Arts Festival. Academy of Nevada Ballet Theatre will be performing! The day is planned with all sorts of artistic and cultural activities:
La Strada dell'Arte, a colorful street painting festival adopted from Italian tradition.
Celebration of the Arts, a popular outdoor art festival offering a wide variety of arts and crafts for sale from more than 125 artisans.
Presented by Howard Hughes Corporation. www.summerlin.com/news/events.php


— OCTOBER 5, 6 & 7 —

(Monte Lago Village Floating Stage, Lake Las Vegas and Sonata Park, 1660 Seven Hills Drive, Henderson)
Shakespeare in the Park
Lake Las Vegas Resort in conjunction with the Henderson Arts Council presents Shakespeare on the Lake.

Henderson hosts two of the evenings at their own Sonata Park.
Twelfth Night will present the 5th at Lake Las Vegas, but will also be on stage at Sonata Park at 7 p.m., the 6th and then on the 7th at 4 p.m.
Friday, October 5 — Lake Las Vegas — 7 p.m.
Saturday, October 6 — Sonata Park* — 7 p.m.
Sunday, October 7 — Sonata Park* — 4 p.m.
www.artscouncilhenderson.org


— OCTOBER 20 & 21 —

(Lake Las Vegas MonteLago Village, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Hawaiian Isle Festival and Outrigger Regatta
You can compete in this race—the 6th Annual Hawaiian Isle Festival and Outrigger Canoe Regatta. For more information on competing in the races, contact the Las Vegas Hawaiian Civic Club. www.lvhcc.org


— NOVEMBER 3 —

(West Charleston Library, 6301 W. Charleston Blvd.)
Las Vegas 4th Annual Latino "Short" Film Festival
jrothmp@aol.com