Vegas and more: Off the Strip for free thinkers and adventurers » Afro-American

Genevieve nominated for American Black Music Awards

Sandra — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 19:28:59 +0000

Genevieve, one of my favorite local vocalists, has been nominated by the Black Music Academy Association Of America selection committee of music executives, radio station programmers, music journalists, fellow musicians and entertainers to receive a Black Music Award. Genevieve’s name was submitted by peers and music professionals for great contribution to the legacy of music. The American Black Music Awards formal “white-tie” attire event will be held Sun, Aug 26 at Cashman Theater complete with red carpet for nominees, honorees, special guests and celebrity hosts. Cashman Theatre 850 Las Vegas Blvd N Las Vegas NV.

Genevieve has been nominated in the following categories:

Best Female Jazz Vocalist
Best Female Jazz Performer
Best Female Neo Soul Performer

Black Music Awards 2007

Sandra — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 18:35:52 +0000

The American Black Music Awards Honors Las Vegas 2007 will be held Aug 26 from 5pm at the Cashman Theatre. The Red Carpet ceremonies begin at 5pm with the Awards Show at 6pm. VIP admission/activities and regular tickets are now available. Call 702-982-3390. Don’t miss this sparkling gala with a showcase of fabulous talent. Cashman Theatre 850 Las Vegas Blvd N Las Vegas NV.

Black Business Mixers @ Wildflowers

Sandra — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 12:19:05 +0000

Blacks in Vegas.com joins with the Wildflower Cafe to stage What about Wednesdays?, a “hump-day Happy Hour and Business Mixer for the Urban Professional.” There will be fun networking every Wednesday from 6-9 pm at the the Wildflower Cafe & florist. There is a full menu for the hungry, DJ, live entertainment, prizes, $2 beer and wine. No word on whether this is exclusive to the brothers and sisters only. A small cover charge of $5. Business attire is preferred. Call 702-813-9302 or 702-258-1554 Wild Flower Cafe 3818 Meadows Lane Las Vegas NV (Valley View Blvd – Meadows Mall).

Blacksinvegas.com is a great place to check out for all activities and businesses geared to the black community of Las Vegas. The website is also blackvegas.com.

Soul Food Farmers Market

Sandra — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 10:05:21 +0000

The last Saturday of each month, lovers of Soul Food delight in the pleasure of a Farmers Market that sells not only the customary fresh produce, but abounds with vendors of wonderful tasty soul food like BBQ, greens, catfish, potato salad and other mouth-watering sides. Couple that with live entertainment from singers, musicians and dancers and you have a sensory late afternnon from 4p-8p. Edmond Town Center Owens Ave & H St Las Vegas NV.

Free Juneteenth Festival

Sandra — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 17:22:28 +0000

The 7th annual Las Vegas Juneteenth Festival will be held June 15 & 16 from 4p-9p at Sammy Davis Jr. Plaza. Admission is free.

Look for educational activities, guest speakers, live entertainment, and food and beverages. R&B singer Howard Hewitt will be the headliner Friday night, with R&B soul legend Freddie Jackson Saturday night. Stand-up comedian LJ Brown is MC, with introduction by George Wallace. Proceeds go to benefit the Anthony L. Pollard Foundation to provide educational assistance and opportunities to community youth.

June 19, 1865 was the date Union soldiers landed in Galveston, Texas with news that the Civil War had ended and all slaves were free. The Juneteenth Festival commemorates the observance of June 19 as African-American Emancipation Day.

For more info call Diane Hughes 702-255-6659 or 702-255-3001. Sammy Davis Jr. Festival Plaza 720 Twin Lakes Dr Las Vegas NV (Lorenzi Park)

Original Steppers Reunion & BBQ

Sandra — Thu, 17 May 2007 16:58:45 +0000

Memorial Day Weekend concert and BBQ:

Sat May 26 from 9p-3a you can enjoy live entertainment by Carolyn Walden along with DJ Mark Mellow and others. Walden will perform numbers from her upcoming CD release “Chicago Steppin’ in the right direction.” Contact Tony Owens by email. Venue is Alexis Park Hotel & Resort 702-796-3354 375 E. Harmon Las Vegas NV.

Sun May 27 2p-9p at Wayne Bunker Park is the Steppin’-N-Dobbs Ladies & Gents BBQ Jam with food, games, eating contest, steppin’ and more. The BBQ is hosted by Super Dave, Mark Mello “D” and Big Tony. Kids 5 and under FREE. RSVP by May 20.

Tickets $20 members/$25 advance/$35 door. Buy at lasvegassteppers.com. Check out more info ringboyz.com. Wayne Bunker Park Tanaya Way & Alexander Rd. Las Vegas NV.

Clint Holmes in “Just Another Man”

Sandra — Mon, 14 May 2007 21:54:38 +0000

The long awaited and much talked about production by Las Vegas celebrity Clint Holmes premieres June 1 and runs thru June 24 at the Judy Bayley Theatre. Beginning in 1944, the story of the life of Clint Holmes and his parents is followed for sixty years. Holmes is the son of a black jazz singer and a British opera star, the autobiographical musical deals with the biracial issues central to his life. “Just Another Man” is a show that Holmes definitely wants to take on the road. Tickets are $35/$27.50/$20. Showtimes are 8pm with some matinees at 2pm. UNLV Performing Arts Box Office 702-895-2787 or online pac.unlv.edu. Judy Bayley Theatre UNLV campus Las Vegas NV.

Gospel with Blind Boys of Alabama

Sandra — Mon, 14 May 2007 16:30:30 +0000

Sat May 19 @ 8 pm The Blind Boys of Alabama will be at Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall to “spread the spirit and energy of pure soul gospel.” The original group was formed at the Alabama Institute for the Negro Blind in 1939. Present members are Joey Williams, Rickey McKinnie, Bobby Butler, Tracy Pierce, Clarence Fountain and Jimmy Carter. Tickets are $90/$60/$45. Buy tickets at UNLV Performing Arts Box Office 702-895-2787 or online at pac.unlv.edu. The Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall UNLV campus Las Vegas NV.

Registration Begins for Summer “Cultural Arts Classes”

Sandra — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:51:47 +0000

Lumped together under the broad category of “cultural arts classes” is a variety of wonderful activities sponsored by the City of Las Vegas. Check out website www.lasvegasparksandrec.com or call specific Center.

May 12-24 registration. Reed Whipple Cultural Center: pottery for all levels, youth certamics; ballet, hip hop, hula; private flute, guitar, piano. saxophone, voice; drama for children and teens. Classes are 7-10 weeks. Call 702-229-6211. 821 Las Vegas Blvd N. Las Vegas NV.

May 12-24 registration. West Las Vegas Arts Center: sewing/crafts, art; African dance & drum, ballet, hip hop, tap; tae kwon do; guitar, piano, music production, sutdio engineering. Classes are 7-10 weeks. Sat morning program: children’s 3 hour block classes at discount. Call 702-229-4800. 947 West Lake Mead Blvd. Las Vegas NV

May 12-31 registration. Charleston Heights Arts Center: ballet, ballroom, Latin club, salsa, tango, west coast swing; private dance; private piano, voice; Pilates; actors workshop ages 10-12. 6 week session begins June 5. Call 702-229-6383. 800 So Brush St Las Vegas NV

May 12-31 registration. East Las Vegas Community/Senior Center: classes in English and Spanish: ballet folklorico, salsa, world dance; computers; group/private msuic lessons; visual arts classes; cartooning ages 10-15, Chinese calligraphy, youth clay art, pottery, raku, ceramics; weaving. 6 week session begins June 5. Call 702-229-1515. 250 No Eastern Av Las Vegas NV.

For other summer activites for kids go to lasvegasnevada.gov

Tastes & Tunes in North Las Vegas

Sandra — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 17:39:13 +0000

This is the 5th Annual Tastes & Tunes Festival May 4-5 with free admission. The Mexican Village will showcase Cinco de Mayo festivities with vendors and live Latino music on the Findlay Toyota Fiesta Stage.

There will also be lots of action with boxing bouts provided by Barry’s Boxing. Look for a full-sized carnival by Royal West Amusements. Music will also be provided on the Budweiser Main Stage with headliner Con Funk Shun and Brick.

The two day festival presented by theHeartofNLV.com and the City of North Las Vegas kicks off Fri May 4 from 5p-11p and continues on Sat May 5 from 11a-11p. Call 702-633-2650 or check the full shedule with all events at www.ci.north-las-vegas.nv. Opening ceremony at 5 pm Fri in front of City Hall 2200 Civic Center Dr North Las Vegas NV

Authenticity of Slave Narratives Debated

Sandra — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 17:31:20 +0000

History is constantly being written and re-written it seems. So much of what we think we know is based on the personal journeys, triumphs and failures of simple human beings, who through fate or will, succeeded in changing the course of events in some special way. We study those individual lives, often through letters, authoritative biographies and narratives to gain insight into what we then label as the true past. When the authenticity of those narratives and biographies is called into question, it threatens everything we believe, or have been led to believe. If the case for invalidity is proven, history is re-written.

One such case is the story of Olaudah Equiano, a 18th century Igbo ex-slave and abolitionist. Prof. Catherine Acholonu, the researcher responsible for the narrative of Equiano (also known as Gustavus Vassa), will be at the Horn Theatre at CCSN Cheyenne Campus on Tuesday, Feb 27 to defend her work against a book written by Prof. Vincent Carretta, “Equiano the Africa: Biography of a Self Made Man.” The debate transcends the issue of one man’s biography; the controversy over slave narratives casts shadow on such accepted accounts as the “middle passage” of Africans aboard the hellish slaving ships. This program is offered as part of Black History Month. Horn Theatre CCSN 3200 E. Cheyenne Ave.

related: Black History Month

An Evening with The Lost Boys of Sudan

Sandra — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 00:32:54 +0000

The screening last night of the The Lost Boys of Sudan was not as well attended as one would like, but that’s easy to understand. This ugly thing happening in Africa makes us all uncomfortable. We know it’s tragic and feel helpless about doing anything to change things. There are so many places in the world that are a mess, so much suffering, for reasons unclear and mysterious to us. We seem to have learned that sending in the Marines doesn’t work. The complicated factions and subplots produce unintended consequences no matter how noble our intentions.

The film introduces us to a group of southern Sudanese boys, who because they were tending cattle away from their villages when the attacks came from the northern militia, managed to escape the massacre to the safety of Kenyan refugee camps. This is the story of their journey to and in America as part of a U.S. government refugee program and their struggle to adapt to a culture that makes demands for which most are wholly unprepared to meet. It’s not anyone’s fault really. Imagine the difficulty any of us would have if transported to the refugee camp and expected to make our way. How difficult would it be for us to learn Swahili or Arabic? How useful would our skills be in an environment where the highest value is placed on interpersonal relationships? The American ideal of the individual making his own way in life can be as hard on many native-born as it is on immigrants.

This was an evening that prodded sore spots; the plight of the displaced refugee who leaves everything familiar, comfortable and cherished behind, the sad history of the Sudan and the civil war that has raged between Islamic north and Christian south for 40 years, the new conflict in Darfur, all rooted in the perpetuation of genocide as a political and military policy.

After the screening, which took place at the Horn Theatre, CCSN Cheyenne Campus, a panel consisting of Prof. Ted Gurr, Prof. Barbara Harff, Jon Shenk, director of Lost Boys of Sudan and Gabriel, a "Lost Boy?" now making a life in Las Vegas, gave their thoughts on genocide worldwide, its causes and triggers, and specifically the tragedy in Sudan. The audience posed questions, the most poignant from Sudanese who seemed unable to understand the world’s apparent indifference to the unholy events transpiring in Darfur on a daily basis.

How is it that the world believes that we, the United States, can solve everything? After I had asked Gabriel about his personal story, of family in Sudan and of his new American life, a tall, thin young man approached and took my hand. "My name is Agoot Akau. I too am a Lost Boy," he said, the innocence and fragility of a child still in his eyes and smile. After so many years in the States and yet still so pure and ingenuous, I wonder if those boys will forever be lost.

LV World Affairs Council Int’l Trivia

Sandra — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 19:46:42 +0000

Just to give you an update on some interesting events sponsored by the LV World Affairs Council:

Tonight Feb 21: Screening of “The Lost Boys of Sudan: An Understanding of the Sudan and the Situation in Darfur.” The award-winning filmmaker, Jon Shenk, Professors Drs. Ted Gurr and Barbara Harff and Sudanese refugees from the “Lost Boys” will be available for questions. Co-sponsored with Diversity Committees of CCSN, UNLV, Nevada State College. Horn Theater, CCSN Cheyenne Campus, 3200 E. Cheyenne Ave, NLV. 6:30-9 pm FREE admission.

Mar 07: Political Luncheon with Terry McAuliffe, former DNC chair and now campaign chair for Hilary Clinton in her quest for the White House. Author of “What a Party! My Life in Democratic Politics,” Terry McAuliffe will speak at a LVWAC luncheon Mar 07, 11:30 am -1:30 pm at the Four Seasons Hotel. Members $40, Non-Members (very welcome) $50.

Mar 21: due to events in North Korea, The Ambassador was forced to cancel his appearances and return to South Korea. Foreign Affairs Dinner with the Ambassador from Korea to the US, His Excellency Lee Tar-sik and the CEO of the Korean Economic Institute, Dr. Jack Pritchard. The topic of the evening is “The Future of Korea.” 7 – 9 pm. Four Seasons Hotel. Members $50, Non-Members (very welcome) $75 and Korean Community $50.

Mar 29: Space and Military Dinner with Lt General Klotz, Vice Commander, Air Force Space Command will discuss the future of the space program and the role of the military. “The Future of Space” is at the Four Seasons Hotel, 7 – 9 pm. Members $45 Non-Members (very welcome) $60.

Mar 30: International Trivia Challenge. This fun evening is the 2nd annual challenge and will be held at McMullen’s Irish Pub, one of my favorite spots in town. Prizes! Fundraising for LVWAC scholarships! Open Bar and Appetizers! Individuals $30 Teams of 5 $150. Get together a team and compete in a mind-expanding event full of laughter and good fun. 7-9 pm.

Darfur, One Story Behind the Headlines

Sandra — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 00:08:15 +0000

Continuing its mission to bring the world to Las Vegas, The Las Vegas World Affiars Council is co-sponsoring with the Diversity Committees of the Community College of Southern Nevada, UNLV and Nevada State College an evening with award-winning film director Jon Shenk to give an insider look at the situation in Darfur and Sudan. Part of a series of Black History Month events at the three schools, Shenk will screen his documentary, “The Lost Boys of Sudan,” and be avaliable for questions. The event is Feb 21 at 6:30 pm at Horn Thearter, CCSN Cheyenne Campus 3200 E. Cheyenne Ave, North Las Vegas. FREE Admission. The public is encouraged to attend. Pls go to www.lvwac.org for more details.

Celebration of Black Female Artists

Sandra — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 17:18:16 +0000

The Gallery at Summerlin is celebrating Black History Month with a showing by three talented Black female artists: two painters, Synthia Saint James and Barbara Wesson with Sculptress Manuelita Brown. The Artist reception with be Sat, Feb 17 from 2-6 pm at the Gallery. You can have a conversation with the Artists on Sun, Feb 18 from 1-3 pm. This should be a very special event with the opportunity to engage the artists and explore their striking and fascinating paths to a successful life as creators of visual sensory awareness. The location is Sahara & Fort Apache in Village Square. You will need to RSVP: scannon@the galleryatsummerlin.com. For more details see www.thegalleryatsummerlin.com

T & T Soul Food

Sandra — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 01:50:23 +0000

If you want GREAT SOUL FOOD with all the homemade trimmings, check out the family-owned and operated T & T’s. Prices are great and the portions plentiful. You can dine in or carry out. Delivery is offered locally. They do breakfast until 11:30 am and have a great lunch menu including Catfish Sandwich w/fries. The Bar-B-Que is downhome and generous with the sauce. The Pork Ribs were amazing. Dinner selections include 2 side dishes – choose among mouth-watering yams, beans, black eyed peas, salad etc etc. You have never eaten CORN BREAD like this. It could pass for dessert if the homemade cakes and pies weren’t so delicious. The caramel cake was so fresh, I don’t think it had been out of the oven more than a few hours.

Hours: Sun-Thurs 8am-6pm Fri & Sat 8am-7pm. Homey indoor dining room with TV. Outdoor tables too.
Call first for speedy pick-up: 702-647-SOUL (7685)

1100 N. Martin Luther King Blvd (one block north of Washington before Lake Mead). Look for a white strip mall with the restaurant on the end, signage in black letters “T&T’s Soul Food.” Easy parking.