Symphony Park Noteworthy News

Cleveland Clinic and Cleveland Museum of Art bring art series to Symphony Park

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:39:00 GMT

The Cleveland Clinic and the Cleveland Museum of Art have partnered to bring interactive art presentations to Las Vegas. Located right here in Symphony Park and open to the community, the ongoing art series is held the first and third Tuesday of each month from 11am – 12 noon, at the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, 888 W. Bonneville Avenue, Las Vegas, 89106. Interested individuals are invited to join with staff, families and clinic patients to connect with the world-renowned Cleveland Museum of Art collection through distance learning.

The Cleveland Museum of Art is the leading art museum in Distance Learning, offering live, interactive presentations, transmitted from the museum to Cleveland Clinic sites in Cleveland, Florida and Las Vegas. View art and artifacts, enjoy talks, and share in two-way conversations with museum educators about artwork from around the world, through live, high-definition videoconferencing. A sampling of previous lecture topics includes medieval masterpieces, the art of adornment and Gods and Heroes of India. Check the Keep Memory Alive website for a current listing of art lectures. For additional information or to RSVP, contact Susan Hirsch at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, (702) 483-6023 or hirschs2@ccf.org.

Photo: Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health lobby by Kabik.

CHEF CHARLIE PALMER'S RECIPE FOR SEPTEMBER

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 10:51:04 GMT

Recipe from Charlie Palmer’s Practical Guide to the New American Kitchen
Published by Melcher Media, 2006

Roasted Pork Tenderloin
+ Thyme-Roasted Apples
+ Sautéed Spinach

Serves 1

1              Pork tenderloin, silverskin removed
                Vegetable oil
1              Golden Delicious apple, unpeeled, cored and
                quartered
2-3 T        Unsalted butter
3              Spigs of fresh thyme
1              Big handful of spinach, washed
2 T           Toasted pine nuts
                Sea salt

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Season the tenderloin with salt and black pepper. Pour just enough oil into an ovenproof sauté pan to cover the bottom of the pan and heat it smoking hot. Sear the tenderloin on all sides, then reduce the heat to medium. Toss in the apple pieces with the butter and thyme and move the pork and apples around to coat them with butter and herbs.

Transfer the pan to the oven and roast the pork for 7 to 10 minutes, depending on how you like it cooked. Baste the meat occasionally with the pan drippings and turn the apples to keep them moist.

Take the pan out of the oven and transfer the pork and apples to a plate; cover loosely with foil to keep warm. If there’s enough butter left in the pan, go right in with the spinach; if not, add a little more butter. Sauté the spinach until wilted, toss in the pine nuts, and season with salt and pepper. Slice the pork, spoon the spinach and apples onto a plate, and arrange the sliced pork over the spinach. Spoon any remaining pan juices over the apples and sprinkle the pork with a little sea salt.

Photo: Charlie Palmer's Roasted Pork Tenderloin

REYNOLDS FOUNDATION GIFT TO FUND NEW HOME FOR CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY MUSEUM AT THE SMITH CENTER

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 14:22:48 GMT

On August 11, officials from the Lied Children’s Discovery Museum and The Smith Center for the Performing Arts announced a $56 million gift from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation to the Las Vegas Performing Arts Foundation that will be used to construct the future home of the Discovery Children’s Museum in Symphony Park.

The Smith Center will use $25 million of the grant to construct a 58,000-square-foot building and will award another $18 million directly to the museum to complete the building’s interiors and outfit its exhibit halls with completely new interactive exhibits. The remaining funds will construct a parking garage and provide for long-term building maintenance.

The project and its plans must first be approved by the Las Vegas City Council before construction can begin. Current plans call for the museum to open in fall 2012, shortly after The Smith Center’s grand opening earlier that spring. The museum will open as the Donald W. Reynolds Discovery Center but will shorten its name to Discovery Children’s Museum.

“We believe The Smith Center and the entire complex will have a transformational impact on the quality of arts and entertainment for families in Las Vegas,” said Donald W. Reynolds Foundation President Steve Anderson. “We couldn’t be more pleased with the direction the Performing Arts Center Foundation is taking in partnering with the children’s museum.”

The Lied Discovery Children’s Museum is currently located on Las Vegas Boulevard north of Fremont Street and is
celebrating its twentieth anniversary as an organization serving the Las Vegas community.

“In recent years, our board has been exploring the possibility of relocating the museum from its current location to allow for expansion and growth,” museum Executive Director Linda Quinn said. “Symphony Park provides the ideal synergy between cultural partners while furthering our plans to create a premiere children’s museum experience for the Las Vegas community. The new Discovery Children’s Museum will build upon the great foundation from its past 20 years and create an experience that is fun and engaging, while remaining relevant to the world in which children grow up, today as well as in the next 20 years.”

According to Rita Brandin, Senior Vice President and Development Director for Newland, who, along with the city of Las Vegas, is overseeing development at Symphony Park, the children’s museum is yet another significant landmark project for this emerging downtown community. “With two iconic cultural facilities – The Smith Center and now the children’s museum – Symphony Park is unquestionably on its way to becoming the epicenter of culture for Southern Nevada. We are both delighted and grateful to the Reynolds Foundation for their generosity and vision that ensures ongoing access to life-long learning for all current and future generations.”

Photo: Future Discovery Children’s Museum rendering

URBAN DWELLERS: MARCIA AND DAN TURNER

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 14:11:12 GMT

Marcia and Dan Turner moved from Summerlin to Las Vegas’ urban core about six years ago. They love its central location and enjoy being a part of the downtown revitalization movement.

Dan is a pilot and flies F-18s in the Navy Reserves. He also runs a real estate business that specializes in the “vintage Vegas” neighborhoods. Dan explained that after living in a vintage home in the Scotch Eighties for six years, he’s really grown to appreciate the classic beauty of these older neighborhoods with their ranch-style homes and big yards. “While we’ve had our share of renovation projects,” said Dan, “it’s been so fun to see the transformation of our home over time as we endeavor to bring out its original character.”

The Turners also enjoy watching the renaissance of downtown Las Vegas. In just the past six years since they became urban dwellers, they’ve witnessed the birth of the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health; The Smith Center for the Performing Arts; Suite Charity in the World Market Center; Downtown Vintage Guitars in the Arts District, and many other new urban-core gems.

For Marcia, who serves as a Vice Chancellor for the Health Sciences System of the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE), she’s not only witnessed but has helped manage the development of another great project in the neighborhood, the Clinical Simulation Center at NSHE’s Shadow Lane Campus. “We were able to renovate a space within an existing building the size of a football field to create a “mock-hospital” for nursing students from UNLV and NSC to train side-by-side, along with residents from the University of Nevada School of Medicine. This project adds critical training facilities for our programs, and it is a nice addition to the City’s Medical District. On a personal note, it was fun as a neighbor, to be able to play a role in the Center’s development,” Marcia added.

In addition to enjoying all the renovated and new additions to the neighborhood, they also love to see the preservation of the old downtown mainstays like Luv-its Frozen Custard, and as a result, are thankful for the arrival of the 24-hour Fitness in the Molasky Center just a mile away. They also appreciate the mix of long-time residents and newcomers to the neighborhood. Marcia said, “We are lucky to have such a great group of neighbors. Although we all come from different backgrounds, we all share a soft spot for our vintage neighborhood, and a desire to build a sense of community.”

Photo: Marcia and Dan Turner

SYMPHONY PARK GREEN AWARD

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 14:02:41 GMT

Symphony Park was recently recognized at the 2010 Las Vegas Business Press Green Awards. The community took top honors in the building category and is the only project in the state to be accepted into the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Neighborhood Development (LEED^®-ND) national pilot program. This program is defining what a sustainable neighborhood should be, so Symphony Park’s urban planning and design is helping to establish criteria for all other LEED^®-certified neighborhood developments throughout the country.

Not only does Symphony Park embrace environmentally sensitive development practices going forward, it embodies the very essence of land recycling by transforming a fallow brownfield site into a vibrant community. That’s because Symphony Park is taking shape on a 61-acre infill site that was a former railroad switching yard for Union Pacific Railroad.

“LEED-certified projects are friendlier to the environment and designed specifically to make efficient use of the planet’s resources,” said Rita Brandin, senior vice president of Newland and development director of Symphony Park. “Symphony Park is raising the bar in southern Nevada for responsible, environmentally sensitive development. More importantly, it’s a place that will resonate with environmentally responsible consumers committed to doing their part to help create a sustainable world.”

Photo: Bill Hughes (2010 Business Press Green Award Winners, including City Manager Elizabeth N. Fretwell (center) and Newland’s Sam Gladstein (in red tie) representing Symphony Park)

WHAT’S UP DOWNTOWN

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 13:39:09 GMT

At Bar + Bistro, Chef Franco G. Spinelli and his family bring the tradition of European gourmet cuisine to heart of the 18b Las Vegas Arts District. The bistro is a charming setting for lunch or dinner, with menu options including gourmet salads, Italian specialties and a variety of seafood dishes.

Bar + Bistro is located in the Arts Factory on the northwest corner of East Charleston Boulevard and Arts Way. The cozy bistro fits nicely in the Arts District, with art on display (and for sale) from the next door Trifecta Gallery and a special First Friday menu. Bar + Bistro also co-hosts Camp 107, a free weekly Friday night outdoor event featuring specialty cocktails, classic and cult cinema, costumes and games.

Hours of operation:
Lunch: 11am – 3pm Monday – Friday
Dinner: 5pm – 10pm Tuesday – Saturday
Closed Sundays
For reservations, call (702) 202-6060

Photo: Patrons outside Bar + Bistro

DOWNTOWN EVENTS BUILD COMMUNITY THROUGH MEALS AND MUSIC

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 13:20:19 GMT

PROJECT DINNER TABLE
On September 11, Project Dinner Table moves to the historic Fifth Street School. Each event in the farm-to-table dinner series features a local chef, a charity and local growers. The chef prepares a six-course meal made with locally grown ingredients, and guests enjoy the meal family style at one long dinner table. The September 11 dinner begins at 6pm and features six chefs from the MGM Grand. The event will benefit the Vegas Valley Children’s Book Festival.

The August 7 dinner was held at another downtown location, beginning with a social hour at The Beat Coffeehouse and finishing with dinner in the El Cortez corridor.

The goal of the project is to gather people in unique ways and create an unforgettable experience of sharing a meal. For those interested in reconnecting with the community around the dinner table, engaging in meaningful conversation, and giving back to local charities, tickets and further information is available at www.projectdinnertable.com.

NEON REVERB
At the forefront of downtown Las Vegas’ growing music scene is the biannual grassroots music festival, Neon Reverb, taking place for the fifth time, September 16-19, 2010. Performances take place throughout downtown at the Downtown Cocktail Room, The Beauty Bar, The Bunkhouse, The Aruba and Thunderbird Lounge, and several other venues, including a few all-ages options.

Neon Reverb was created by local, independent promoters who hope to build community and highlight Las Vegas as a national and international music destination for fans and performers alike. Day passes are priced at only $15 each; an All-Festival pass is $50 and includes entry to the Festival Wrap Party on Sunday, September 19.

The extensive lineup of artists includes The Walkmen, The Soft Pack, Abe Vigoda, Fu Manchu, and many more. For a full schedule and to purchase passes, visit www.neonreverb.com.

LABOR DAY WEEKEND: SUMMER OF THE 70s
Celebrating Labor Day Weekend and wrapping up the Summer of the 70s, Jefferson Starship will perform “Don’t You Want Somebody to Love,” and other hits of the decade at the Fremont Street Experience on September 4. Visit www.vegasexperience.com for details.

MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY
September 16 is Mexican Independence Day: the perfect excuse to indulge in fabulous Mexican cuisine downtown. Local favorites include Casa Don Juan on South Main Street and Doña Maria Tamales on Las Vegas Boulevard.
Casa Don Juan (702) 384-8070
Doña Maria Tamales (702) 382-6538

Photo: Project Dinner Table, August 7 in the El Cortez corridor

Pedaling for Parkinson’s: patients ride bikes in Ruvo Center study

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:31:26 GMT

An exciting discovery that simply riding a bike can reduce the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) sparked a new study at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. Dr. Jay Alberts is leading a clinical trial to learn more about the therapeutic effects of exercise on motor and brain function in patients suffering from the disease.

Although the cause or causes of the disease remain unknown, after cycling, some patients afflicted with the disease have regained motor skills and dexterity.

Alberts took an interest in researching the connection between exercise and PD after discovering that a friend’s handwriting was significantly improved after she spent time on the back of a tandem bike. Alberts conducted a small study in Cleveland with 10 participants and found significant improvements in PD patients after engaging in what is called “forced exercise,” in which the pedals on the stationary bike move at a rate 30% faster than the speed the cyclist can achieve on his own.

Since May, Alberts has been directing an expanded version of the study at the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. Participants complete three training sessions per week for eight weeks and are tested at various intervals for improvements in manual dexterity.

Whether or not the participants see a direct improvement in motor skills, engaging in consistent exercise has other empowering benefits, so no one has yet dropped out of the trial – a rare statistic for a clinical study of this kind.

For more information, call (702) 483-6047.

Photo: Kathy Nagle and Pete Becker in the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health

The Smith Center’s resident companies announce 2010/2011 seasons

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:20:27 GMT

While Nevada Ballet Theatre and the Las Vegas Philharmonic anticipate taking their places next year as resident companies at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, both groups are currently focused on making the 2010-2011 season their best yet.

Nevada Ballet Theatre
Nevada Ballet Theatre, a leading force in the establishment of live performing arts in Southern Nevada and the largest professional ballet company in the state, is preparing for its 39^th season.

Performances begin October 15-17 with the Fall Series, in which NBT will share the stage with a selection of dancers from fellow dance companies: Ballet West, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. December 17-26, NBT returns to the Paris Theatre for eight performances of Tchaikovsky’s timeless holiday classic, The Nutcracker. The Spring Series takes place March 4-6 and includes George Balanchine’s Donizetti Variations, At the Border, by Pennsylvania Ballet’s resident choreographer, and an original work created by James Canfield, NBT artistic director. The 2010-2011 season winds down April 7-17 with an intimate “black box” style performance showcasing new works inspired by literary works, cartoons, fairy tales and fables, sure to delight children, adults and veterans of the ballet community, alike.

For more information on Nevada Ballet Theatre and to purchase tickets, please visit www.nevadaballet.org.

Photo: Nevada Ballet Theatre dancers by Brooks Ayola

Las Vegas Philharmonic
Now in its 12^th year, the Las Vegas Philharmonic is the third largest arts organization in Nevada and the six-time recipient of the Best Performing Arts Group award from the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s “Best of Las Vegas”.

Under the leadership of Maestro David Itkin, the nationally recognized orchestra’s 2010-2011 season includes the crowd-pleasing Pops Series that launches with a “Tribute to Frank Sinatra” on October 2, “A Christmas Celebration” on December 11, and “An Evening with Rogers and Hammerstein” on March 26. The Masterworks Series features internationally acclaimed artists performing a variety of popular orchestral works, including Berlioz’s “Symphonie Fantastique,” Max Bruch’s “Violin Concerto,” and Mozart’s “Concerto for Flute and Harp.” The Series also includes a “Rising Star” concert on February 12 featuring 17-year-old phenomenon Alexander Prior as guest conductor and the return engagement of one of the premiere cellists in the world, Zuill Bailey, on April 16. The Las Vegas Philharmonic will also introduce fun Connoisseur Chef events and a new Cabaret series.

Las Vegas Philharmonic concerts take place at Artemus W. Ham Hall on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. For more information on the Las Vegas Philharmonic and to purchase tickets, please visit www.lvphil.com or call (702) 258-5438 ext. 228.

Photo below features Julie Albers, guest artist for the opening night Masterworks I concert on September 11^th. She plays cello and will be performing Elgar’s Cello Concerto.

URBAN DWELLERS: Trevor Hayes and Erin Russell-Hayes

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:15:27 GMT

Trevor Hayes and Erin Russell-Hayes have made careers of being at the heart of the action. Trevor is an attorney with Cooper Levenson and Erin is a lobbyist for Kaempfer Crowell Renshaw Gronauer and Fiorentino. This young power couple recently purchased their dream home in Rancho Nevada Estates in the heart of downtown Las Vegas. Living close to great dining and shopping spots truly makes them feel their neighborhood is indeed at the heart of the action.

Married just two years ago, Trevor and Erin wanted to live some place that felt more like a true neighborhood. “We love the big trees in our new neighborhood. There is a nearly 50-year-old mulberry tree in our backyard that shades the entire lawn,” said Trevor. “The houses are set back farther from the street so our neighbors actually use their front yards. There are always kids playing out front and neighbors frequently walk their dogs. We love that our neighbors actually talk to each other and don’t shut the garage after they pull into the driveway. We received holiday gifts from many neighbors less than one month after moving in, and we’ve attended many neighborhood barbecues. Our experience here is markedly different from what we experienced living in the suburbs.”

Both Trevor and Erin enjoy the convenience of nearby locally owned restaurants that have been around for decades, such as the Egg and I, where they have breakfast most Sunday mornings, Broadway Pizzeria, El Sombrero (Las Vegas' oldest Mexican restaurant), Luv-it Frozen Custard and newer places such as Firefly in the Plaza and Lola's in Holsum Lofts. “In the suburbs, most of the restaurants are national chains and we love the experience, the ambiance and the food of locally owned restaurants,” said Erin. “We can get to most any place in the Las Vegas Valley in less than 15 minutes, and we’re just minutes from our offices, shopping on the Strip, the Meadows Mall, or the Las Vegas Premium Outlets. Our central location also makes our home a great meeting place for friends who live throughout the valley.”

With the opening of The Smith Center and other downtown developments in Symphony Park, plus the existing Springs Preserve, neither Trevor or Erin have looked back after moving to central Las Vegas. “In the next few years, there will be even more to do just down the street,” said Trevor. “The people who choose to live downtown are different from those we met in the suburbs. They want to connect with their neighbors and enjoy their community. Erin fondly refers to our neighborhood as ‘Pleasantville,’ after the movie of that name. She says it’s like walking through the television screen into a different era when neighbors were friends, rather than just the people who happen to sleep ten feet away.”

All in all Trevor and Erin could not be happier in their new found home in downtown Las Vegas. They are true urban-dwellers who will be living downtown for many years to come.

Photo: Trevor, Erin and their dog, Riley