12th Annual NF Hope Concert at The Smith Center

Celebrating 12 years of fundraising and fantastic performances by top performers, the NF Hope Concert returns to the stage! Las Vegas’ most celebrated performers and entertainment-loving philanthropists will again join forces against neurofibromatosis at the 12th Annual NF Hope Concert.  NF Hope Concert founders Jeff Leibow, formerly of “Jersey Boys,” and his wife Melody, are bringing the concert back to the prestigious Myron’s at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday Oct. 23.  The lobby opens at noon for silent auction viewing, with the entertainment portion of the afternoon beginning at 2 p.m.  Tickets start at $49 and can be purchased by visiting www.thesmithcenter.com/nfhope.   The NF Hope Concert benefits Neurofibromatosis Network, an organization dedicated to families and individuals suffering from Neurofibromatosis (NF).

 

Jeff Leibow

Since the inaugural event in 2011, the “NF Hope Concert” continues to grow leaps and bounds with every passing year, with more than $1.5 million raised for Neurofibromatosis research and advocacy and growing to three cities – Las Vegas, New York City and Chicago.  Hosted by consummate emcee and top radio personality, Chet Buchanan, 2022’s NF Hope Concert features legendary Vegas performer Clint Holmes, popular vocalist Michelle Johnson, Broadway star Brent Barrett, and LVA Grad, Future Broadway Star Runner-Up Breanna DeSantos, and more, along with Jeff and Melody Leibow with a special guest appearance by daughter Emma.

“For the first time since 2019, we had a full year of live events in Las Vegas, New York, and Chicago and once again back home at Myron’s at The Smith Center. The feedback we’ve received from NF families, our patrons, and the incredibly generous performers who contribute their talents, has been a beautiful reminder of how powerful these events are,” said Leibow. “This year, we are blessed to have the support of our national sponsor, SpringWorks Therapeutics and our presenting sponsor, Alexion Pharmaceuticals.”

Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a genetic disorder of the nervous system characterized by tumors that can grow on any nerve in the body without warning. The Leibows’ young daughter, Emma, was diagnosed with this condition in 2010 when she was just nine months old. As Leibow and his wife, Melody, learned more about the disorder’s devastating effects, they conceived the idea for the concert with the realization that they had an obligation to both their family and the 128,000 people living with NF to educate others about the disorder..

 

NF Hope Concert

Emma continues to inspire her parents and those around her with her courage and resilience. “For the last handful of years, we have been watching a large tumor in her leg that stretches from her hip to her knee. It has led to a few surgeries and carries with it a chance of becoming an incurable NF cancer,” said Melody Leibow. “As if simply having this tumor isn’t enough, this year, swelling in Emma’s knee caused by the tumor led to a dislocation of her knee cap. It almost took her out of dance, which would have been devastating since dance is her escape from the struggles NF causes.

 

For 2022, the NF Hope Concert honors longtime NF Hope Concert supporter and friend, Libby Hoover with the Advocate of Hope Award for her tireless efforts and endless generosity.  The Paul Bodner Memorial Award will be presented to Rachel Pereira, an inspirational member of the NF community who exemplifies what it means to turn life’s lemons into the sweetest lemonade.

 

The 2022 NF Hope Concert is sponsored by presenting sponsor Alexion Pharmaceuticals and national sponsor SpringWorks Therapeutics along with All Western Mortgage, Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters, PENTA Building Group and Findlay Toyota.

 

THIS AND THAT QUICKLY:

Michael Frey’s FAS44 gallery

Inspiring images from four internationally acclaimed artistic photographers will be on display at Michael Frey’s FAS44 Gallery, offering a rare opportunity to experience the mystique and allure of Paris just off the Las Vegas Strip. Presented by Frey and Michael Hulett of The Hulett Collection, the “Fall into Paris” exhibition will showcase the masterful works of esteemed photographers Louis Stettner, René Grobli, Alain Laboile, and Kit Young. the exhibition opens on Thursday, Sept. 29, and extends through Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022.

“This show features stunning black-and-white photography that evokes all your memories and vivid emotions from the first time you visited Paris,” said Frey, an avid collector of fine art photography for more than 30 years.

“These works allow you to smell the coffee and the croissants, marvel at the wide boulevards and the fashionable women in stylish skirts and Hermes scarves. They capture all the style and elegance of Paris, and you’ll be able to enjoy it right here in Las Vegas. I like to refer to it as ‘Fall into Paris … and fall in love.’ ”

The premiere of “Fall into Paris” runs from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sept. 29 at FAS44, 4044 Dean Martin Drive in Las Vegas. Attendees may RSVP to [email protected] or call (702) 735-8322.

 

SOL Mexican Cocina

SOL Mexican Cocina (“SOL”), from Xperience Restaurant Group (“XRG”), one of the nation’s leading operators of casual, polished casual and fine dining Mexican restaurants, today announced it will open its first location in Nevada inside The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas at 3500 Las Vegas Blvd S., Las Vegas, NV 89109. As a Southern California-based restaurant group, XRG is thrilled to provide ‘Sin City’ with a taste of SOL’s fresh take on Baja-style Mexican food and add to the city’s thriving culinary scene with its first Vegas location.

 

“Opening SOL in a city like Las Vegas, the entertainment capital of the world, is a milestone for XRG and we could not be more excited about it,” said Randy Sharpe, CEO of Xperience Restaurant Group. “By giving SOL a presence in Las Vegas alongside some of the best culinary concepts and chefs in the world, we believe we are in great company and cannot wait to welcome locals and visitors alike with quality, authentic cuisine, an outstanding beverage program, and exceptional service.”

Taking over the tenant space previously occupied by Border Grill, SOL will be located on level one near the spiral escalator inside The Forum Shops, a three-level fashion and dining marvel, conveniently located adjacent to Caesars Palace on the famous Las Vegas Strip. The restaurant will feature over 11,000 square feet with 305 seats in the dining room and will accommodate a wide variety of festive gatherings with SoCal’s beloved Baja-inspired handcrafted bites and drinks.

Influenced by the best of Baja California, SOL reignites coastal Mexican food with modern, fresh options from its talented culinary team. With locations in Scottsdale, AZ; Playa Vista, CA; Newport Beach, CA; Irvine, CA; and Denver, CO, SOL continues to create and share flavorful dishes lovingly made from scratch—accommodating each guest’s palate

 

With an eclectic menu of organic, seasonal dishes, SOL sources locally whenever possible and ensures each dish is made fresh daily, including over a dozen fresh housemade salsas. The beverage program highlights the restaurant’s famous hand-crafted margaritas along with over 100 of Mexico’s finest small batch mezcal and tequila-focused cocktails. Offering a wide variety of dining options such as SOL’s famed Taco + Tequila Tuesday, happy hour, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, along with vegan and gluten-free menu items

SOL Mexican Cocina Las Vegas will hold the same hours and special events as all other locations, including Happy Hour from 3-6 p.m. during the week, Weekend Brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, and Tacos + Tequila Tuesday from 3 p.m. to close on Tuesdays. For more information about SOL Mexican Cocina, please visit www.solcocina.com.

 

The Mob Museum

Every year, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) 56 field offices nominate individuals or organizations in local communities making a difference and exemplifying leadership. This year, the FBI Las Vegas Field Office selected The Mob Museum, the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, for the 2021 Director’s Community Leadership Award. This special award, presented on behalf of the Director of the FBI, was formally created in 1990 to honor individuals and organizations for their efforts in combating crime, terrorism, drugs and violence in America.

The award recognizes the Museum’s commitment to community, educating the public, promoting awareness and convening important conversations about law enforcement concerns and safety issues facing the state of Nevada. It was presented at The Mob Museum’s quarterly Board of Directors meeting, which took place on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2022. On hand to accept the award were Museum President and Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Ullman, Board of Directors Chair Steve Martinez and Oscar Goodman, the primary visionary behind The Mob Museum, former chairman of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and former mayor of the City of Las Vegas.

Throughout the Museum, the FBI’s role in combating organized crime and public corruption in America is highlighted through stories of success, further showcasing the agency’s important role in keeping communities safe. Over the last 10 years, the Museum has hosted a number of public events and programs to extend its mission of advancing the public understanding of organized crime’s history and impact on American society. These Museum programs have discussed high-profile cases spanning murders, cybercrime, bombings, kidnappings and political corruption.

Special Agent Spencer Evans; Primary Visionary of TMM, former chairman of the LVCVA and former Mayor Oscar Goodman; President & CEO Jonathan Ullman, BOD Chair Steve Martinez
Special Agent Spencer Evans; Primary Visionary of TMM, former chairman of the LVCVA and former Mayor Oscar Goodman; President & CEO Jonathan Ullman, BOD Chair Steve Martinez

Ullman is a graduating member of the FBI Citizens Academy and served as President of the FBI Las Vegas Citizens Academy Alumni Association (CAAA) from 2018-2021. Ullman played a vital role in the association by leading several committees and organizing the highest attended FBI National CAAA Conference held in Las Vegas in 2021.

“The Museum is proud of its relationship with local and federal law enforcement agencies. In particular, the Museum has always enjoyed strong ties with the FBI’s Las Vegas field office,” said Ullman.

“I’m so proud to present this award to The Mob Museum – a true gem in the city of Las Vegas,” said Spencer Evans, special agent in charge of the Las Vegas field office.

The Museum’s Board of Directors and Advisory Council includes numerous former and current FBI personnel and Citizens Academy alumni.

Well, gang, that’s it for another week or so.

I’m outa here!

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