Huntridge Theater Adapative Re-use Plans to be Unveiled



For those who have been following the saga of the wonderful Huntridge Theater building I have good news.

As many of you know, I have been working with the Save the Huntridge Steering Committee which includes Brian Paco Alvarez, Jack LeVine and Pam Hartley.  Over the last few months we have been working with Eli Mizrachi, the owner of the building, in  attempts to find a solution to saving the building.

Eil visited Southern California where there are a number of old movie theaters that have been saved and undergone adaptive re-use.  When he returned to Las Vegas he was inspired by what he saw and began working with an architect on new plans. 

We met with Eli earlier this summer and he showed us the plans.  They are wonderful and we encouraged him to have a public unveiling so that he could begin to build support for the project.

Well, that part of the puzzle is becoming a reality. 


On Wednesday, August. 13th at Rainbow's End, 1100 E. Sahara Avenue, Eli will unveil the plans.  From 6:30 - 8:00 pm, the public and the press can stop by, see the plans and learn more about how this wonderful building can be saved.

So, if you love this building, we hope to see you there!

Las Vegas Strip: The Early Years

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Everyone thinks they know the real history of the Las Vegas Strip. 

But did you know that Bugsy Siegel didn't build the Flamingo Hotel from scratch? 

Do you know who the first nude showgirl was? 

Do you know who Jakie Freidman was? 

Do you believe that Tommy Hull was inspired to build the El Rancho Vegas because his car broke down and he counted the cars that passed him on the old highway?

Well, if you don't know the real answers to these questions or if you think you do and want confirmation of that, then come out to the Springs Preserve on Thursday evening, July 3rd for our next installment of "Untold Stories' where we explore the real history of the early years of the Las Vegas Strip.

Joining us will be:

Betty Bunch: a dancer who came here in the early 1950s and is still dancing on the Strip today.

Lisa Medford; the first nude showgirl (okay, we gave you one answer)

George Stamos: writer of the original Strip Hotel histories for the Las Vegas Sun in 1979.

Dr. Michael Green: historian and Professor at the College of Southern Nevada.

It all happens on July 3rd at 7:00 pm at the Springs Preserve.  Gas is over $4 a gallon so if you are spending the 4th of July weekend in town, then come join us for a great night of history and stories.

Come early for the Farmers Market and the Mojitos and Mozart in the Wolfgang Puck Cafe.

Untold Stories:  The Las Vegas Strip: The Early Years

Thursday, July 3rd

Las Vegas Springs Preserve

7:00 pm

Admission $12.00 

 

We hope to see you there! 

 

 

Beneath the Neon Exhibit

Our good friend and FCLV member, Brian Paco Alvarez, is unveiling his latest exhibit this evening at the CAC.

We encourage everyone to go!

 

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The city's underground flood channels are the background for Matthew O'Brien's adventures in his book, "Beneath the Neon: Life and Death in the Tunnels of Las Vegas." Now, the channels are also the inspiration for the Contemporary Art Collective's latest exhibition opening Thursday, June 26th—Beneath the Neon: The Exhibition.

 

The month-long exhibit provides locals and tourists the ability to explore the underground channels of Las Vegas through the eyes of local artist Brian "Paco" Alvarez, who has recreated the storm drains in the CAC's gallery using water, gravel and graffiti.

 

The comprehensive exhibit includes artifacts as well as a video with footage from O'Brien's adventures in the tunnels, and black-and-white photography from Danny Mollohan.

 

The grand opening reception is at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 26 and the pre-First Friday reception is at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 3.

 

At 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 17, O'Brien is scheduled to be on hand for a book signing and panel discussion regarding his experiences in the storm drains. Former drain-dweller William Wieland will also be on hand for the discussion.

 

Armed with a flashlight, tape recorder and expandable baton for protection, O'Brien explored the Las Vegas storm drains for more than four years. He discovered bizarre miscellaneous items, art and architecture and—most interestingly—people. His adventures in this uncharted underworld are chronicled in "Beneath the Neon," which was published by Huntington Press in June 2007.

 

Established in 1989, the Contemporary Arts Collective began as an extension of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Department of Fine Arts, providing a venue for students to share ideas, concepts and exhibit their work. In 1993, the CAC became a non-profit organization to further expand the promotion of contemporary art through outstanding exhibitions featuring both local and national artists and educational programs. Located in the heart of 18b— the Las Vegas Arts District. Today, the CAC is dedicated to promoting contemporary art through avant-garde exhibitions and educational programs within the Las Vegas arts community. The CAC is funded in part by the Nevada Arts Council, Nevada Community Foundation, The Arts Factory and benefactors, patrons and CAC members. The CAC is located within the Arts Factory at 101 E. Charleston Blvd., Ste. 101. For member