Very Vintage Vegas

Some Holiday Cheer For Vintage Las Vegas

December 23rd, 2011 Categories: Las Vegas Real Estate News

First, the best holiday display among all the Vintage Las Vegas Neighborhoods. My dear friends Lee and Laura have really out-done themselves this year with their holiday wonderland.

Nighttime is best of all to see it. FRIDAY NIGHT DECEMBER  23 They’ll be serving hot chocolate to all who stop by from 6 to 8 pm.

You can find the largest collection of blow up Christmas Decor in all of Las Vegas at:

1901 Houston Ave, at the corner of Crestwood Drive. (south on Crestwood from Charleston or west on Houston from Eastern). It’s also in the begging to be re-discovered Mid-Century modern neighborhood called Crestwood.

All of Lee and Laura’s past and present displays can be seen at the twisted vegas website

BRING ME SUNSHINE

Secondly – as a holiday greeting and wish for all of you – I give you a little video from The Uk’s number one Jive and Swing Band – The Jive Aces.

A big thank you to Vegas Judy for sharing it with me. It brought a much needed smile to my face, and if Las Vegas needs anything right now, it needs a smile. Pass it on!

Make sure to catch the little homage that’s paid to Louis Prima right near the end.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

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Happy Thanksgiving

November 23rd, 2011 Categories: Las Vegas Real Estate News

I wanted to share a small message of thanks to all of you who have managed your way through this most challenging year and supported me through mine.  Thanksgiving is one of my favorite Holidays.  There is no division due to religion, it is not for one single group, and there are no conflicts.  Thanksgiving is for all of us.  All you need is to be thankful.  And there is so much to be thankful for, although it may not be so easy to see at times.

We sometimes stay focused on the things that are wrong or that need improvement…and yes, things can always be better.  And that view is needed at times, so we can constantly improve.  But we also need to take a breath, a step back, and count all of our blessings.  It’s not just the things we have; it’s also the problems, issues, or heartaches we don’t have…because things could be a lot worse.

I appreciate your friendship and loyalty, and I am truly thankful.

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Las Vegas Mid Century Modern Weekend - Tickets Are Still Available

October 21st, 2011 Categories: Mid Century Modern

There’s still limited tickets available for the remaining events of the Las Vegas Mid Century Modern Weekend.

This year, the weekend is called “POP, BOOM – A LIFESTYLE REVOLUTION”. It’s being put on by ADAS the Architectural and Decorative Arts Society of Las Vegas.

I will be personally conducting and narrating the Mid Century Modern BUS TOUR on Sunday Afternoon, and I’d love for you to go with us. This year – we’ll be touring thru the historic Mid Century Modern Neighborhoods of Las Vegas.

Tickets for the bus tour are $30.00 and you can get yours at the ADAS-LV website.

Saturday’s panel discussions and the Cuban inspired reception at the MORELLI HOUSE are FREE and are  co-sponsored by the Vegas Valley Book Festival.

Again – TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE ADAS WEBSITE – ORDER YOUR TICKETS NOW! Last year the bus tour sold out on the day before the tour.

Below is the agenda of the remaining events that start tonight.

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The Last Chance To See The “Hammargren Home Of Nevada History”

October 15th, 2011 Categories: Las Vegas History, Las Vegas Real Estate News

Dr. Lonnie Hammargren once again will hold his world famous open house on Sunday, October 30, from Noon to 5pm at the “Hammargren Home Of Nevada History”

If you’ve kicked yourself in the past for having missed it, or want to see it again, this could be the last chance. Neighbors and County Commission have tried to shut it down (and succeeded for the last 2 years). A recent court ruling has cleared the path for it to happen once again.

This year there will be a donation of $10.00 per person. Shuttle bus service is available from the shopping centers at Flamingo and Sandhill.

The address is 4318 Ridgecrest Drive. 1 block south of the corner of Sandhill and Flamingo

Lonnie made a little video to give you a taste of what it’s all about.

I’ll be volunteering, once again as a docent -  so seek me out and say hello.

j

Here’s the map. Even the street view is fun 

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First Friday Expands To Cover More Of Downtown Las Vegas

October 6th, 2011 Categories: Arts District, First Friday

It’s the 9^th anniversary of First Friday. With new leadership, the monthly flagship event of Downtown Las Vegas is expanded to include the Fremont East Entertainment District, as well as the traditional 18B Arts District.

Besides the expanded area into all of Downtown Las Vegas, there’s also expanded parking, expanded shuttle service, expanded food service, music stages, and much much more.

The “2 month hiatus”, though nerve-wracking at first gave everyone he breathing room to rethink what could be possible. Tomorrow night should be one of the most exciting First Fridays ever.

It looks like everyone is co-operating. Maybe even the weather will do it’s part.

For all of the information – visit the newly re-designed First Friday Website.

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The ADAS Mid-Century Modern Weekend Of Events In Las Vegas

September 27th, 2011 Categories: Mid Century Modern

The annual celebration of Mid-Century Modern architecture and lifestyle returns in October. I was thrilled that ADAS took total control of planning and organizing the event. My role this year is merely to conduct the bus tour. Last year it was the first event to sell out.

I hope you can make it to all or some of the events. Tickets to the Las Vegas Mid-Century Modern Weekend are on sale now.   

POP, BOOM LIFESTYLE REVOLUTION

ADAS Mid-Century Modern Weekend

Wednesday, October 19 – Sunday, October 23, 2011

ADAS (Architecture and Decorative Arts Society) celebrates all
things mid-century modern with an extraordinary five day event.
A pass for all five days is a very reasonable $100; $90 for ADAS
members. Included is the kick off mixer, general admission to
the Atomic Testing Museum, mid-century vendors; mid-century
architectural seminar; mid-century dinner; fashion show; silent
auction; three mid-century discussion panels; Morelli House
reception; four-hour mid-century neighborhood bus tour. Visit
ADAS website at www.adas-lv.com to purchase your tickets. Space
is limited on most events.

Wednesday, October 19

ADAS kicks off the mid-modern experience by hosting a mixer at the
Atomic Testing Museum, 5:30 – 7:30. Guests will have a lot to entertain
themselves for the evening. A ticket for admission to the museum will
be included in the price of the mixer. Guests can take the tour that
evening, or can return at a later date. The Museum store will also be
open for shopping. There will be food and wine in the main reception
area, along with vendors previewing products that were popular in the
50s and 60s.

Event price: $30.00

Thursday, October 20

Again at the Atomic Testing Museum, ADAS is hosting a seminar

primarily for homeowners on the evolution and care of these historic
buildings. Speakers with hands on experience in this genre of distinctive
houses will share their knowledge. Food and wine will be provided.
Vendors who specialize in mid-modern architecture will also be on
hand.

Time: 6:00 – 8:00 pm.

Event Price: $30.00

Friday, October 21

A mid-century dinner will be held at Holsum Lofts, catered by Lola’s
Restaurant. In addition to enjoying foods of the time period, diners will
enjoy mid-century fashions in a multi-generational fashion show. There
will also be a silent auction to tease the senses. Time: 6:00 – 9:00 pm

Event Price: $50.00

Saturday, October 22

The El Cortez Hotel will be the venue for this free event co-sponsored
by the City of Las Vegas. There will be food and drink, followed
by three expert panels. After the panel presentation there will be a
reception at the Morelli House.

1:00 pm “Mid-Century Life Style Evolution” Local author and
architect, Robert Fielden (Creating Place: Remaking America Green )
leads a discussion with author and architectural historian, Peter Moruzzi
and others on the profound impact of midcentury design and architecture
on American life in the middle of the 20th century.

2:00 pm “Family Feud: Havana vs. Las Vegas in the 1950s” Peter
Moruzzi, presents an illustrated presentation from his book, Havana
Before Castro-When Cuba Was a Tropical Playground. Before Castro’s
revolution, Havana and Las Vegas were rivals for the title of the “Monte
Carlo of the Americas.” Cuba’s exotic tropical setting, wild reputation,
close proximity, and supportive government inspired the mob to

invest heavily in fabulous hotel-casinos such as the Capri, Riviera, and
Nacional. Yet, many of these same investors were also among Vegas’
biggest boosters - Moe Dalitz, Sam Tucker, and front man Wilbur
Clark. In 1958, the Nevada Gaming Control Board forced them to
choose, Havana or Las Vegas, but not both.

3:00 pm “Dolls, Dons, and Dictators,” Architectural historian,
Peter Moruzzi (Havana Before Castro – When Cuba Was a Tropical
Playground); author Wendy Watson (Vegas Rag Doll); Myer Lansky II;
and local author and historian Michael Green engage in a spirited and
expanded discussion about the parallel worlds of Las Vegas and Cuba,
drawing from their insights and some of their own personal real life
experiences.

4:00 pm - 6 pm “Cha, Cha, Cha” Cuban inspired reception with music,
drink and refreshment at the Morelli House, 861 E. Bridger.

Sunday, October 23

Hosted by well known realtor and mid-century modern real estate expert
Jack LeVine, guests will take a four-hour tour on an open double-decker
bus through iconic mid-century Las Vegas neighborhoods. In addition
to touring neighborhoods, the bus will make several stops to peek inside
select properties. Bus will depart and return to parking lot at Boulevard
Mall. Time: 12 noon – 4 pm.

Event Price: $30.00

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We Do Things Differently In The Las Vegas Real Estate Market

September 21st, 2011 Categories: Las Vegas Real Estate News

I’ve re-written this post several times. Each time it came out kind of “look how well they do things in LA– we suck”.

We don’t really suck. We do get homes sold – even in the toughest, worst Real Estate Market in the world. But, it’s a lot easier to market it well when the home is  almost a million dollars. And in Hollywood.  And your friends are movie people. However, Eric Lavey has raised the bar on how to show off a listing. I’d be remiss to not show it to you.

The story first appeared on AOL REAL ESTATE. I picked up on it from Inman News. Within hours it showed up on several real estate industry blogs that I folow. I think it should be shared with the readers of VeryVintageVegas for a couple of reasons.

First, in contrast to what we normally see in the Las Vegas MLS –  it wasn’t shot with the video camera on a cell phone.  It’s not out of focus. It wasn’t loaded sideways. The kitchen is clean and tidy. It’s not vacant and dirty and beat up. The landscape is alive. The bed is made. There’s no shopping cart on the curb in front of the home. It wasn’t shot on trash day.

Several years ago, we did a 3 year long series on the Worst MLS PHOTOS. In contrast to the below video, here’s the 2007 winner of the worst MLS photo contest. As you can see, there’s been other occupants who have had staring roles in the marketing materials.

Most importantly, it’s a very cool Mid Century Modern Home. Enjoy!

6816 Pacific View Drive, Hollywood Hills from Eric Lavey on Vimeo.

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Maryland Parkway Music Festival - The Main Drag of Vintage Vegas

August 30th, 2011 Categories: Huntridge

Labor Day Weekend In Vintage Vegas will really be rocking! 3 Different venues on Maryland Parkway. 3 days of non stop music.

Huntridge Circle Park To Host The Friday and Saturday evening events of the Maryland Parkway Music Festival

We’re especially pleased that the newly re-opened HUNTRIDGE CIRCLE PARK will have it’s first major event in the last six years. Having served on the original re-design committee 10 years ago, and as a leading proponent of getting Circle Park re-opened during the last 5 years, I’m happy to see it used for a major event.

For 60 plus years, Circle Park was a meeting place for all the now Historic Neighborhoods that surround the park. Hopefully this will generate renewed interest and lots of future events and programs.

The Sam Ash Music parking lot at Karen and Maryland Parkway will host the Saturday afternoon line-up.

UNLV will host the Sunday line-up from Noon to 9 PM, at Harmon Avenue and Maryland Parkway.

The complete calendar and list of acts that are performing are on the Maryland Parkway Music Festival Website

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Breaking News - Rick’s Restoration Now Open In the Downtown Las Vegas Arts District

August 25th, 2011 Categories: Las Vegas Real Estate News

First – on a personal note:

I’ll be appearing on the TV show “American Restoration” on FRIDAY, AUGUST 26 at 9pm. It’s on the History Channel – 43.

In February, I had put out a call on this blog to help Rick and his team find stuff to restore for the TV show. I offered them up what had been a piece of yard art at my house. They accepted it, but I’m forbidden to reveal anything about what they restored for me, or anything about the filming of the episode. You’ll just have to watch to see.

It’s one thing to make regular tv appearance on local news shows, or at a City Council meeting, but his is a big time national cable broadcast. I’m dying to find out if I come across as nervous as I really was.  

They’re gearing up to start filming a new series, and you can still submit items to be restored.

And now…Let’s Welcome Rick’s Restoration as the newest addition to the Downtown Las Vegas Arts District!

While I was at their old “secret” location – they told me that they would be moving the entire operation to Downtown Las Vegas. I was sworn to secrecy, but the new location is now open, and I took the tour today with Tyler.

They’re now on Commerce Ave, 2 driveways south of Charleston. They’re open 9–5 Monday thru Friday and you can just walk in and take a tour, visit the show room, gift shop and see watch all the restoration work taking place thru huge picture windows into each workspace. 

Tours are given whenever you walk in during regular business hours. I’m encouraging them to be open for First Friday.

Rick’s Restoration Showroom and Shop is the newest reason to visit the Art’s District. I think having tourists lining up will help drive a lot of weekday traffic into the Arts District.

Welcome, Rick, as well as all of your crew – to Downtown Las Vegas and The Arts District.  

Posted by Jack LeVine | Currently 2 Comments »

Can The Veteran’s Memorial Be Built At Heritage Park In Cultural Corridor??

August 16th, 2011 Categories: Las Vegas Real Estate News

UPDATE 8/17/2011 2pm – At this morning’s City Council Meeting it was an unanimous vote to change the location of the proposed Veteran’s Memorial to Heritage Park in The Cultural Corridor.

Original post from 8/16/11 begins here.

Huntridge Circle Park is back in the news again.

The new Ward 3 City Councilman Bob Coffin has suggested that the proposed Veteran’s Memorial be changed to Heritage Park which is in the Cultural Corridor along Las Vegas Blvd.

The original proposal, to have the memorial at Huntridge Circle Park was not loved by the surrounding neighborhoods, but was accepted as a means to get the park opened again.

Since the discussion is to be held at tomorrow’s council meeting, there’s not a lot of time to give them feedback.

If you’d like the Veteran’s Memorial changed to Heritage Park in the cultural Corridor, please call Bob Coffin’s office, 229–6405 and tell him.

Or if you have the time, you can email to all of the City Council members from the webpage for the council. Unfortunately, there’s no way to send one email to all of them. You’ll have to click on each of the wards, and email separately.

Here’s the whole story:

On August 17, 2011 at 9am the Las Vegas City Council will convene. One of the items on the agenda will be the relocation of the proposed Veterans Memorial from Huntridge Park to Heritage Park on Las Vegas Boulevard North. The relocation of the memorial from Heritage Park would be a more fitting location to remember our fallen heroes than Huntridge Circle Park.

Here is a list of reasons why Heritage Park is a better location:

- Heritage Park is located on Las Vegas Boulevard, a designated National Scenic Byway
- The Veterans Memorial when built, will be located within walking distance of the Las Vegas Veterans of Foreign Wars Fred S. Pennington Post 1753
- The Veterans Memorial will be located within walking distance from Veterans Memorial Drive
- The Veterans Memorial will be located within walking distance from the American Legion Post #8 located on Veterans Memorial Drive
- It will be located near the historic neighborhood of Biltmore Bungalows. The bungalows were originally built to house airmen stationed at the Air Gunnery Range which would later become Nellis Air Force Base
- The memorial will be located near the US Vets Inc. Las Vegas housing center on Bonanza Road. US Vets provides services for veterans with comprehensive housing and employment services
- The memorial will be located in the heart of the Cultural Corridor. The Cultural Corridor is home to the world famous Neon Museum, Las Vegas Natural HistoryMuseum, Lied Children’s Museum, Las Vegas Library, Cashman Field - home of the Las Vegas 51’s AAA Baseball Team, the Mormon Fort, where Las Vegas began
- Heritage Park is located 1 mile north of historic Fremont Street and the Fremont East Entertainment District
- Heritage Park is located next to the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, which has ample parking. In addition the park is set back from the traffic of Las Vegas Boulevard where it allows for a quiet and more contemplative experience.

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Historic Mid Century Modern Las Vegas Construction Photos That Need To Be Identified

August 15th, 2011 Categories: Mid Century Modern, Mystery House Series

Our Secret Mystery Historian needs our help again. Here’s 3 photos that we need to identify. All of them are from either the late 50’s or early 60’s during the heyday of what we now call Mid Century Modern Architecture. I’m sure some of you will recognize enough clues in each picture to help us figure it out.

These photos are not for reproduction, or for use in any capacity except by express written consent from VeryVintageVegas.

If you click the thumbnails, they’ll expand to a much bigger size, and may take a few extra seconds to load due to the size of the originals.

The first one is pretty easy, as it has a major element of Mid Century Modern architecture and design. It’s interesting to see the asymmetrical shapes of the homes, and some of the elements of the design starting to merge. I’m also fascinated by the depth of field that causes the mountains to loom so large.

Which direction are we facing? What are the 2 non-residential buildings that are in the picture? What streets might these be?

The second picture is one of our historic Mid Century Modern Schools in Las Vegas. It’s not finished enough to look like any school I recognize. I wish they’d taken the photo from above the chain link fence rather than thru it, but unless someone wants to photoshop the fence away, we’ll have to work with what we have.

 Our third picture is a mid century modern neighborhood somewhere in Central Vintage Vegas.

I’m totally baffled. The only thing I’ve decided for sure is that the open pathway between the homes is not the street, but is instead the area that will eventually be backyards. But I could be wrong.

These seem to be mostly ranch style homes, compared to the “desert modern” themes of the first picture.

Please use the comment button to give us your guesses, clues and observations.

If you’d like to see the other “mystery photos” that our secret historian has found over the years, they’re all here in this link. This post will show up first, but keep scrolling down.

Posted by Jack LeVine | Currently 8 Comments »

Helen Stewart - The First Lady Of Las Vegas

August 12th, 2011 Categories: Las Vegas Real Estate News

We haven’t done much about Las Vegas History lately. We’ll have to do more of it, since I’m now the newest commissioner on the City of Las Vegas Historic Preservation Commission. Most of the work regarding Helen Stewart and the Old Morman Fort has already been dealt with by the Commission. I’ll update you on the projects we’re working on as I get up to speed. I guess I should have made an official announcement about having been appointed. I’ll just pretend I’m a politician and announce that I’m going to announce it.

In case you missed this episode of Tom Hawley’s Video Bank on August 11, you’ll want to see it. It’s tells the story of Helen Stewart. Her ranch which encompassed 1800 acres was centered on what is now the Historic Old Las Vegas Morman Fort State Park on the corner of Las Vegas Blvd and Washington.

Most of the 1800 acres eventually became the original City of Las Vegas when it was sold to the railroad. There’s plenty more on Helen Stewart in the RJ’s excellent series on the “First 100” of those who shaped Las Vegas.

The new statue of Helen is scheduled for unveiling on December 3^rd.

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Vintage Las Vegas, Facebook and Jack LeVine’s Back

August 4th, 2011 Categories: Las Vegas Real Estate News

I’ve been happily blown-away swamped for the last 3 months or so. All my listings are under contract or closed. Lot’s of my buyer clients are already moved in, and lots of them are anxiously awaiting their turn. Lots of them are still in the search mode. Prices have stabilized and there’s even selective price increases in some of the historic neighborhoods. Sitting down to write blog posts on a regular basis is probably the only thing I’m not happy about.  

Though loathe to admit she’s right….Pam at Retrorenovation helped me realize why I’m so reluctant to sit down and type. I sit and type a lot, but it’s mostly email, these days. I actually miss writing for you on a daily basis, but my back is always hurting, and by the time I’m done with the daily work part of selling Vintage homes in Las Vegas, I’m usually too scrunched up and/or heat exhausted to start a new 2 or three hour typing session. But, once again, I’ll tell you that … I’m going to try to do better.

What I HAVE been doing some of, is posting and sharing and commenting on facebook. I know a lot of readers just “don’t do Facebook” or have stopped. I stopped for a while when it got too confusing, but I think I’ve figure it out again.

I’m about to ask all my 1068 “facebook friends” to follow me on my VeryVintageVegas facebook page, which I think I’ve forgotten to mention.

It’s the LIKE button when you get there. I’m eventually going to stop posting on my personal page.

Here’s a few of the hot stories you might have missed if you weren’t following me on Facebook:

FIRST FRIDAY in the Downtown Las Vegas Arts District

It’s a go! Only the “official” First Friday is on Hiatus. There’s been a lot of confusion, but the most recent press – RJ, SUN, VIEW, and the TV news now has it right.

Come on out anyway. All the shops and restaurants and galleries and everything else is open.

There’s even a new First Friday South – car show, tents and more on 3^rd Street

First Friday has actually become an all night celebration of ALL of Downtown Las Vegas.  Huge crowds start out at First Friday in the Arts District and then move on to Fremont Street Experience, and Fremont East Entertainment District.

If you really need to know the background story, several of the Arts District business owners were on KNPR State of Nevada on Thursday morning to discuss it.

AND – this just in – An ART WALK EVERY FRIDAY! reported on Enculturate Las Vegas – which is where you’ll find the most comprehensive coverage of the arts and culture of Las Vegas. If you are on Facebook, Brian Paco Alverez is the best source for everything. He’s always posting everything that’s art and culture related.

Former Mayor Oscar Goodman To Open Restaurant In The Plaza Hotel On Fremont Street

from the Las Vegas Sun 

It was inevitable, of course. Former Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman is opening a speak-easy, and yes it will be named after him.

The mob lawyer-turned-public servant-turned-entrepreneur is opening a steakhouse and bar this fall in the Plaza downtown, in the space previously occupied by tapas restaurant Firefly…….

A Place In Paradise – A Photographic Retrospective of Paradise Palms, The Boulevard Mall, and The Celebrities Who Lived There

Yes, it’s Brian Paco Alvarez again – wearing his day-job-hat as Curator of the Las Vegas News Bureau.

The show is in the food court of the Boulevard Mall. It’s free, and open during all mall hours this month.

There’s a special gathering and showing on Saturday – August 6^th for the residents of Paradise Palms. 5 to 7 PM. It’s a public place and they can’t (and don’t want to) keep you away. If you’re curious about a VERY special neighborhood in Vintage Las Vegas, and want to meet a truly engaged and active group of neighbors, then this is a great opportunity to do so.

This link will take you to just about every post I’ve ever written about Paradise Palms.

If you want to see what a terrific neighborhood website looks like – check out Paradise Palms Las Vegas. It should be the template for every historic neighborhood. All it takes is someone like Clay Heximer to make it happen. If you want to see the Paradise Palms Facebook Page, just click away.

Clay Heximer and Brian Paco Alverez will be the guest on KNPR State of Nevada FRIDAY, AUGUST 5 to discuss the photo retrospective. The link will be up after the show on the KNPR website.

And if you want to see what all the Paradise Palms buzz is about in person, take a drive behind the Boulevard Mall. Paradise Palms is on BOTH sides of Desert Inn between Maryland Parkway and Eastern Ave.

And of course talk or email me if you’re buying and selling in any of the Historic Neighborhoods of Las Vegas.

This took 3 hours, my back is killing me, and still, I’m most pleased to have typed out a real blog post again.

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First Friday Will Happen No Matter What - The Downtown Las Vegas Arts District Is Better Than Ever

July 18th, 2011 Categories: Downtown Las Vegas, First Friday

Regardless of what Channel 8 reported last night – there will still be a First Friday in the Downtown Las Vegas Arts District.

What won’t happen for 2 months will be the “street fair” on casino center. No street closure. No bandstand stage. No fences. No tents. No Trolley buses. That part of First Friday is operated by the non-profit organization called Whirly Gig.

The biggest part of First Friday will go as usual. The Arts Factory, Gypsy Den, Retro Vegas and the shops and galleries and venues on Main Street, Casino Center, Charleston etc will all be open.

Facebook is all a buzz on the topic (especially on Brian Paco Alverez’s page. Primarily the chatter is that First Friday is SO MUCH BIGGER AND BETTER than just the fenced off street fair of Casino Center and California. There’s going to be a big push to make the August 5^th and September 2 First Friday’s into the biggest and best events ever.

Among the more poignant comments:

Brian Paco Alverez says – “Like I said earlier I will report on First Friday as usual and encourage everybody to come down and have some fun. Lets brand the next First Friday Hot August Nights in Downtown…

David Moses says – “Most of the art-loving public doesn’t draw a distinction between those parts of First Friday that Whirly-gig produced versus all the rest of the parts that are produced by local business and gallery owners in 4 or more separate and distinct…areas of downtown. The local business and gallery owners throughout downtown, including those south and west of the 18b Arts District, those in the 18b proper, and those in the Fremont East Entertainment District and most notably, Emergency Arts, will all be open for business and receiving visitors on First Friday as well as Preview Thursday. ONLY the Whirly-gig stuff is on hiatus. Everything else lives on. The noted absence of those “security” gates will only help to ensure the inclusion of those businesses and galleries located on the outside fringes of the “official” Whirly-gig zone. The only truly big net loss to the business and gallery communities is the trolley that shuttled visitors between El Cortez and the 18b on First Friday. Oh, but never mind, we still have the ACE and Deuce buses doing just that. As much as I appreciate 8NewsNow, this was pretty poor reporting because none of the actual businesses or galleries in and around the 18b Arts District were even featured in the still shots they screened.”

Earnest Hemmings says: It will still exist. The fence wasn’t there before.The fence just meant more children. Without the fence it will be a much more adult event. It will actually have a greater impact for the artists AND the patrons.

Ann Davis Mulford says: “THERE WILL BE NO “HIATUS” of FIRST FRIDAYS….As the President of the Board of Directors of the Contemporary Arts Center, located in the Arts Factory and 22 YEARS STRONG; we are also the CORNERSTONE of the Arts Community and First Fridays, …long before First Fridays was a glimmer in several peoples eyes…let me just say, OFFICIALLY, we will be hosting PREVIEW THURSDAYS AUGUST 4th and FIRST FRIDAYS AUGUST 5th as usual, at the ARTS FACTORY; and EVERY Preview Thursdays and EVERY First Friday from now until the last art patron in Vegas goes looking elsewhere for interesting art and individuals to interact with…not in my lifetime I hope! Media people and anyone else who wants to hear the TRUTH; PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, from now on PLEASE, seek a comment at the very least from one of us who are truly involved in the day to day, let alone help make this monthly celebration of the Arts in Las Vegas grow and flourish as it has done and will continue to do, for many months and years and decades into the future.

And I SAY: Channel 8 makes it sound like First Friday “as a whole” will be on hiatus. Obviously from the buzz I’m getting and certainly based on the comments here…..the next two First Fridays might well be the biggest and best ever. There’s going to be lots of other stories done, and perhaps even the most publicity ever during the next 18 days. I vote for Paco’s branding of it as “HOT AUGUST NIGHTS” in the Downtown Las Vegas Vegas Arts District.

Tags: whirly-gig, arts+district

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Happy 4th Of July

July 1st, 2011 Categories: Las Vegas Real Estate News

It’s always my favorite holiday. I can’t really explain it, unless it’s about there being no gifts, cards, flashing lights, endless commercials, religiousiosity, sappiness, overeating, candy, masks, visitors, or hangovers.

It’s “just” a simple celebration of one of the most important events in human history - AND we get fireworks, one of my favorite things in the world.

When I was a kid, my mother not only gave us birthday parties, she also gave us half birthday parties. She always said that there just couldn’t be too many reasons to have a cake. I’ve always treated the 4^th of July as the half birthday of the year. Have some cake this weekend as an extra special treat!

All my best to all of you for a safe and happy 4^th of July

Uncle Jack

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