David Riggleman | Director of Communications | 702.229.2207

Monday, Dec. 5, 2016 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT: MARGARET KURTZ | 702.229.6993 | 702.249.1828

City Of Las Vegas Cultural Arts February 2017 Calendar Of Events

PROGRAMS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

Facilities will be closed for holiday observance Feb. 20. Cultural Arts & Community Events programs: www.artslasvegas.org

West Las Vegas Arts Center Spring I 2017 Class Registration (all ages) Registration available Jan. 5 – Feb. 22 for six-week session of classes Feb 22 – Apr. 1, 2017. West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd., 702-229-4800. Cultural arts classes offered include Kemetic Yoga, Kemetic Yoga for Children, African Dance for Children, African Dance for Teens/Adults, African Drum, Ballet for Children, Ballet – Beginner/ Intermediate, Ballet – Intermediate/Advanced, Modern Dance – Intermediate, Hip Hop/Funk – Beginner, Hip Hop/Funk – Intermediate/Advanced, Capoeira/Martial Arts, Recording & Engineering - The Relationship of Mind Over Matter, Art Quilting for Art Sake, and the Cultural Arts Ensembles – Children’s African Dance & Drum and Performance Ensemble. To register online, visit www.artslasvegas.org or call 702-229-4800. Spring I 2017 Registration for Classes at Charleston Heights Arts Center (all ages) Registration available Jan. 18-Feb. 28 for classes that begin week of March 1-4. Classes meet Wednesday-Saturday. Cost: $15-$108, depending on the class selected. Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush St., 702-229-6383. Fine arts courses offered for youth, teens and adults during the Spring session will include select visual arts, adult drama, and dance classes. Private lessons in piano, voice or dance are taught by appointment. Information is subject to change. For more information, call 702-229-6383. To register for available courses online, visit www.artslasvegas.org. Alchemy of Kemetic Yoga (all ages) Facilitated by Master Yirser Ra Hotep Friday, Feb. 3, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Free and open to the public. West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd., 702-229-4800. This Kemetic Yoga master workshop, demonstration and lecture is to inform the African ancestry here in America and Las Vegas of the African origin of what has become known as yoga. For more information, call 702-229-4800 or visit www.artslasvegas.org.

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City Of Las Vegas Cultural February 2017 Calendar of Events Page 2 of 6

Las Vegas City Council Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman | Mayor Pro Tem Steven D. Ross

Lois Tarkanian | Ricki Y. Barlow | Stavros S. Anthony | Bob Coffin | Bob Beers City Manager Elizabeth N. Fretwell

Utah Shakespeare Festival's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" (ages 12+) Saturday, Feb. 4, 2 p.m. Cost: $10 in advance; $15 at the door. Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush St., 702-229-6383. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is one of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies and has long been a favorite for both professional and amateur productions. The play is a fantasy of folklore and fairies, a medley of poetry, song and dance. You’re invited to enjoy this condensed touring version with complete costumes, sets, and theatrical lighting. This program has been funded, in part, by the Nevada Arts Council, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. Visit www.artslasvegas.org for tickets and information, or call 702-229-3514 or 702-229-6383. Think For Yourself: A Restoration of Our True Selves (all ages) Saturdays, Feb. 4, 11, 18; 2 to 4 p.m. Free and open to the public. West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd., 702-229-4800. Final three workshops of a six-week multi-media conversation by Alfatari Richards. The workshops are interactive seminars that use creative writing, film, literature, and critical-thinking activities designed to develop and/or redevelop one’s perspective and understanding of self. Rainbow Company Presents “Recollections of the Silver State” (ages 5-adult) Feb. 10-11 at 7 p.m.; Feb. 11-12 at 2 p.m. Tickets: $6 all seats (includes tax). Historic Fifth Street School, 401 S. Fourth St., 702-229-6469. This is the latest installment of Rainbow Company’s award-winning Nevada Series of original productions, which travels to elementary schools throughout Clark County. The show incorporates lively music and nuggets from Nevada’s past, creating an entertaining and memorable show about Nevada history. Audience members can meet the actors and crew after the show. For tickets and more information, visit www.artslasvegas.org or call 702-229-6553. Film – “The Birth of a Nation” (2016) Hosted by Keith Brantley Saturday, Feb. 11, 2:30 – 5:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd., 702-229-4800. “The Birth of a Nation” is a 2016 American period-drama film based on the story of Nat Turner, the enslaved man who led a slave rebellion in Southampton County, Virginia, in 1831. The film is co-written, co-produced and directed by Nate Parker (in his directorial debut) and stars Parker as Turner, with Armie Hammer, Aja Naomi King, Jackie Earle Haley, Penelope Ann Miller and Gabrielle Union in supporting roles. For more information, call 702-229-4800. “Love Me or Leave Me — Letters of Longing, Loving and Leaving” Saturday, Feb. 11, 7 p.m. Admission: $10 + tax in advance; $15 + tax at the door. Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush St., 702-229-6383. What happens when an intimate letter is put on stage for all to see? These real letters by real people, including Mark Twain, Frida Kahlo, and George Carlin, offer a poignant look at the true meaning and nature of love. For more information and tickets, visit www.artslasvegas.org or call 702-229-6383.

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City Of Las Vegas Cultural February 2017 Calendar of Events Page 3 of 6

Las Vegas City Council Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman | Mayor Pro Tem Steven D. Ross

Lois Tarkanian | Ricki Y. Barlow | Stavros S. Anthony | Bob Coffin | Bob Beers City Manager Elizabeth N. Fretwell

Downtown Cultural Series: Margaret Bourke-White - A Chautauqua Presentation by Doris Dwyer Friday, Feb. 17, noon to 1 p.m. Free and open to the public Lloyd D. George Federal Courthouse Jury Assembly Room, 333 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Bring your lunch to enjoy a theatrical presentation by Doris Dwyer as she brings to life the story of Margaret Bourke-White, the first photojournalist for Fortune Magazine and first female photographer for Life Magazine. This Humanities on the Road presentation is produced through a partnership between the city of Las Vegas and Nevada Humanities, and supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities. For more information on the artist, visit www.nevadahumanities.org/humanities-road-speakers/doris-dwyer or call 702-229-ARTS. The Poets’ Corner (ages 17+) Hosted by Keith Brantley Friday, Feb. 17, 7 p.m. Free and open to the public. West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd., 702-229-4800. A monthly forum for established poets and open-mic participants featuring the best local talent. Brass Roots Quintet Concert Saturday, Feb. 18, 2 p.m. Free and open to the public. Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush St., 702-229-6383. Walt Boenig’s Brass Roots Quintet delivers a free concert experience with a wide-ranging repertoire that embraces both the classical and contemporary styles of music. For more information, visit www.artslasvegas.org or call 702-229-6383. Jester Hairston Music Association NANM Concert (all ages) Celebrates Its 24th Anniversary: “Let the Church Say Amen” Saturday, Feb. 18, 4 to 5:30 p.m. West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd., 702-229-4800. NANM, founded in Chicago in 1919, is a historical organization that supports and promotes all styles of music but especially music that has been composed and/or performed by those of African American descent. The Jester Hairston Music Association was founded July 1992. It was then charted as the Las Vegas Nevada Branch at the NANM National Convention August 3, 1992. BLACK WEEKEND 2017: Kemit in the Desert Series – Day 1(all ages) Thursday, Feb. 23, 7 to 10 p.m. Free and open to the public. West Las Vegas Library, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd., 702-507-3989. Featuring guest lecturer Yusef Salaam, along with a screening of the award-winning film documentary “Ken Burns: The Central Park Five.” The lecture topic will be “Speaking out against injustice: the effects of incarceration and the disenfranchisement of economically disadvantaged people and its overwhelming effects on both their families and the community at large.” Franklyn G. Verley III, host of “Like It Is Radio” on KCEP Power 88 FM radio, will moderate. Salaam is determined to educate the public and eagerly shares his story with others. In speaking out against injustice, he conveys the importance of continuing one’s education—whether formal or otherwise. He also touches on the effects of incarceration and the disenfranchisement of economically disadvantaged people and its overwhelming effects on both their families and the community at large. Salaam also advocates for drastic policy changes relating to the prison industrial complex.

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City Of Las Vegas Cultural February 2017 Calendar of Events Page 4 of 6

Las Vegas City Council Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman | Mayor Pro Tem Steven D. Ross

Lois Tarkanian | Ricki Y. Barlow | Stavros S. Anthony | Bob Coffin | Bob Beers City Manager Elizabeth N. Fretwell

He is a firm proponent of video surveillance in all police interactions with so-called suspects, banning solitary confinement for juveniles and staunchly opposes capital punishment. As an exonerated African-American man and an influential transformational speaker, Salaam has traveled all around the United States and the Caribbean to deliver powerful lectures and facilitate insightful conversations as he continues to touch lives and raise important questions about race and class, the failings of our criminal justice system, legal protections for vulnerable juveniles, and basic human rights. In September 2014, the Central Park Five received a multi-million dollar settlement from the city of New York. The presentation will be followed by a short Q&A session, along with cultural celebrations reflective of the African diaspora, to include dancing, music, spoken word, affirmations to the vast history of a people, in afro-ritualistic traditions observed in honor and recognition of African American heritage and Black History Month. Co-sponsored by Like It Is Radio, Nia Productions, Platinum Productions, Power 88 FM, and the city of Las Vegas. For more information, please call 702-507-3989. BLACK WEEKEND 2017: Kemit in the Desert Series – Day 2 Friday, Feb. 24, 7 to 10 p.m. Free and open to the public. West Las Vegas Library, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd., 702-507-3989. Franklyn G. Verley III, host of “Like It Is Radio” on KCEP Power 88 FM radio, will moderate. Ashra Kwesi, historian (griot) and lecturer on ancient African history and religion, and Merira Kwesi, researcher and lecturer on African history, fashion and culture, reveal and share firsthand information from the ancient temples, tombs and papyrus papers recorded when African people were teachers of the world. Ashra spent more than three decades studying and touring in the African Nile Valley, 14 of those years as an assistant to the noted kemetologist Dr. Yosef Ben Jochannan. Merira brings an exciting and educational, visually documented multimedia presentation based on her examination of the culture and history of the African continent, unmasking the facade of many western institutions to expose the ancient African roots of various icons and cultural practices used today. The evening will be accented with cultural celebrations reflective of the African diaspora, including dancing, music, spoken word, and more, observed in recognition of African American heritage and Black History Month. Cosponsored by Like It Is Radio, Nia Productions, Platinum Productions, Power 88 FM, and the city of Las Vegas. For more information, call 702-507-3989. Downtown Mardi Gras with Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys Friday, Feb. 24, 7:30 to 9 p.m. Tickets: $10 in advance; $15 event day. Historic Fifth Street School, 401 S. Fourth St., 702-229-3515. Enjoy an evening of New Orleans jazz, food, and music featuring Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys, an influential band at the forefront of the nouveau zydeco movement. Broussard’s accordion playing and vocals define this new style of Creole music, incorporating the soulful sounds of rhythm and blues into contemporary zydeco music and dance. He has retained those precious melodies and songs he heard at home, at social gatherings and on the bandstand. And with the creation of the Creole Cowboys, and as one of Louisiana’s newest Creole fiddle players, he captures the essence of this rich musical heritage. Go online to www.artslasvegas.org or call 702-229-ARTS for tickets and information. Refreshments will be available for purchase. The Las Vegas Academy of the Arts Jazz Combo will provide entertainment starting at 6:30 p.m. This program is supported, in part, with funds provided by the Western States Arts Federation, the Nevada Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

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City Of Las Vegas Cultural February 2017 Calendar of Events Page 5 of 6

Las Vegas City Council Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman | Mayor Pro Tem Steven D. Ross

Lois Tarkanian | Ricki Y. Barlow | Stavros S. Anthony | Bob Coffin | Bob Beers City Manager Elizabeth N. Fretwell

Charleston Heights StorySlam: Close Calls Saturday, Feb. 25, 2 p.m. Free and open to the public. Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush St., 702-229-6383. A story slam is a celebration of words and experiences that shape and define who we are. Members of the Las Vegas community are invited to share their own seven-minute personal, genuine story connected to the theme of “Close Calls” with the audience. For more information, visit www.artslasvegas.org or call 702-229-6383. Exhibitions

Chinese New Year - Year of the Rooster Through March 4, 2017; open Jan. 26 for reception and by appointment only. Artists’ Reception Thursday, Jan. 26, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Free admission. Historic Fifth Street School Mayor’s Gallery, 401 S. Fourth St., 702-229-1012. Local and non-local artists explore the cultural heritage of Chinese New Year for 2017, the Year of the Rooster. In the artwork, each artist is asked to include and highlight the animal associated with the year as well as investigate more information about Chinese heritage. Call 702-229-1012 for appointment and information. Public Employee Art Exhibit Dec. 8, 2016 – Feb. 2, 2017; hours Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; closed weekends and holidays. Free admission and open to the public. Las Vegas City Hall Chamber Gallery, 495 S. Main St., second floor. Artwork by public employees displayed. Curated by a private local arts professional. Call 702-229-1012 for more information. Reclaim Exhibition Artist Shelbi Schroeder Dec. 20, 2016 – March 9, 2017; hours Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; closed weekends and holidays. Free admission and open to the public. Las Vegas City Hall Grand Gallery, 495 S. Main St., first floor.

“My work is informed by societal standards set for women. Working within the constraints of feminism and formalism, I make work that challenges the viewer to look beyond the façade of repetition and decoration, into a deeper understanding of female desire. Through visual pairings of stereotypical feminine symbology creating new meaning about female desires, I stress it is important that women are able to extricate themselves from domestic standards. By using textiles as material representation of female complacency, and addressing feminine experiences through photographic imagery within that material, I create a dialogue about the double standards women are expected to live by: pure and provocative. Providing a physical reclamation for females to determine their own standards, I've created flags out of my textiles. By providing an expression of female desire through decorative form I am facilitating a discussion about individual needs. Female desire can’t be defined by society and instead should be defined by self.” Shelbi Schroeder

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City Of Las Vegas Cultural February 2017 Calendar of Events Page 6 of 6

Las Vegas City Council Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman | Mayor Pro Tem Steven D. Ross

Lois Tarkanian | Ricki Y. Barlow | Stavros S. Anthony | Bob Coffin | Bob Beers City Manager Elizabeth N. Fretwell

From Black Kings & Queens (all ages) Artist Frank McBride, Sr. Feb. 4 – March 25; center open Wednesday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Gallery hours vary; call 702-229-4800 for best information. Meet-the-Artist Reception, Saturday, Feb. 4, 2-5 p.m. West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd., 702-229-4800. In Honor of African-American Heritage 2017 Featured Artist: Sylvester Collier Feb 16 – April 6; hours Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; closed weekends and holidays. Meet-the-Artist Reception Thursday, Feb. 16, 4 to 6 p.m. Free admission and open to the public. Las Vegas City Hall Chamber Gallery, 495 S. Main St., second floor. This year for African-American Heritage Month, we highlight artwork by local artist and retired Clark County teacher Sylvester Collier. His paintings’ focus is on African-American history and is known to be very colorful with a combination of realism combined with abstracted spaces. His figures float in grounds that are collaged with images that stand for the past history of the person highlighted in the image.

# # # Editor’s Note: High-resolution photos are available for download at ftp://ftp.lasvegasnevada.gov/ls/files/Exhibitions/, ftp://ftp.lasvegasnevada.gov/ls/files/February_2017_Events/; no password is required.