Women In Focus Presents “ILLUMINATE” at the Arts Factory

Women In Focus Las Vegas will open their first gallery exhibit, “ILLUMINATE” on October 5th as part of downtown’s First Fridays at the Arts Factory.

 

Tiffany Weems

Women In Focus is a group of female photographers that originally began in Atlanta, GA 25 years ago. Professional photographer Tiffany Weems has since formed chapters in the cities of Chicago, St. Louis, and now here in Las Vegas.  There will be 45 pieces of various subjects including portraiture, landscape, and still life on display at the Arts Factory, 2nd floor, downtown Las Vegas.

Tiffany Weems is a portrait and product photographer based in Las Vegas, Nevada. This reporter first me her when she was just a child. Her mother, Brenda Weems, has been a long-time friend since the day we first met in 1982.  I am so proud of her family: Rocky, Tiffany and Tia who have grown too become beautiful ladies with a ton of class—like their socialite mother

 

WIF is a non-profit, artist-initiated group of women photographers who have joined together to support and promote the photographic arts. WIF is designed as a non-competitive, nurturing environment for women who all love the same thing – photography. It doesn’t matter what camera the photographer uses or if the photographer is an amateur or making their living at photography. The women in WIF all share the same passion. They support each other’s successes and help each other through mistakes.

ILLUMINATE

Tiffany discovered WIF when she moved to Atlanta. The Atlanta chapter, under the long-time presidency of Gittel Price, is where Tiffany found a photographic home. When she moved from Atlanta to Chicago, Weems formed relationships with a few women photographers in the area and realized that her experiences in WIF in Atlanta could be replicated in Chicago. In 2014, Tiffany founded the Chicago chapter of WIF.  Life took another turn and Tiffany relocated to the St. Louis area, handing the reigns of WIF in Chicago to Karen Egerer. Tiffany started WIF in St Louis almost immediately upon her arrival in the city. “I didn’t know anyone in town!” She found a meeting space and began networking through the meet-up groups making connections with women photographers in the area. When Tiffany left for Las Vegas, Caren Libby took over as president of the St. Louis chapter of WIF. After 20 years, Tiffany is back in her hometown, Las Vegas with her little boy Heathcliff. Her life has come full circle.

 

 

First Fridays is a monthly art festival located in the downtown Las Vegas Arts district celebrating the work of various local artist, musicians, and culinary food vendors.  WIF’s exhibit opens on Friday, Oct 5 at 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. inside the Arts Factory, and is on the 2ndfloor. Just follow the signs to WOMEN IN FOCUS, 107 East Charleston Las Vegas, NV 89104.

 

THIS AND THAT QUICKLY:

Hall Sparks

Hal Sparks will be making a very special appearance this week at the Laugh Factory inside the Tropicana Las Vegas, opening Thursday evening, Oct 4th right through to Sunday evening.  Showtimes are set for 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. and sharing the stage will be Mike Faverman and Paul Scully.

 

Sparks is the multi-talented actor, comedian and musician and is also a political activist with his own weekly radio show.  He is a huge contributor to many great causes including involvement with the Humane Society and many LGBT causes where Hal continues to be one of their most involved supporters.  Along with having starred as the inventive scientist, Donald Davenport in Disney XD’s “Lab Rats,” Sparks also joined the DGA when he was chosen to  direct several episodes of the acclaimed and immensely popular show. Since the show’s premiere in 2012, “Lab Rats” has been the network’s most watched program.  Hal also delighted fans when he appeared on  Season 2 of Netflix’ “Fuller House” as Nelson, an old high school boyfriend of DJ’s.

 

Hal began his professional career as a teenager in Chicago. As a member of the famed Second City Troupe, his quick wit and affable personality quickly gained him recognition and acclaim and he was named the “Funniest Teenager In Chicago” by the Chicago Sun Times.  Sparks went on to host the Emmy Award- winning “Talk Soup” on E! Entertainment Television, winning rave reviews from fans and critics alike. He starred for five seasons on Showtime’s hit series “Queer As Folk” and appeared in the films “Extract,” “Spiderman 2” and “Dude, Where’s My Car?” Sparks also starred in his own one-hour Showtime comedy special, “Charmageddon,” which continues to be one of their best-selling DVDs.  Being a versatile talent, Hal is also an accomplished musician performing with his popular band, Zero 1 and hosting his own radio show.

He is currently shooting a new show overseas and travels quite a bit.  He has one young son, Camden, and resides in LA and Las Vegas.  He is also involved in many charities re: LGBT issues and organizations like Project Angel Food and the Trevor Project and animal rights/welfare such as the Humane Society US.  Tickets range from $34.95 to $54.95. Call 702-739-2411.

 

“The Slapshot”

As Vegas Golden Knights fever continues to rise in the valley, Shake Shack answers the need for even more hockey with the launch of The Slapshot, a provolone double cheeseburger topped with crispy pickles, onion, and garlic mayo on a potato bun. For those hockey fans looking to get their hands on the mouthwatering burger early…Shake Shack will have a pop-up location selling The Slapshot, our world-famous ShackBurger and crispy Crinkle-Cut Fries in Toshiba Plaza outside of T-Mobile Arena at this Thursday’s season opener so Shack fans are encouraged to arrive early and grab a bite before heading to the game!

 

The new burger slides into all Las Vegas and Henderson locations on Tuesday, October 16 (Downtown Summerlin, The District at Green Valley Ranch, Strip-side at New York-New York Hotel & Casino and North Premium Outlets. Shake Shack is a modern day “roadside” burger stand known for its 100% all-natural Angus beef burgers, chicken sandwiches and flat-top Vienna beef dogs (no hormones or antibiotics – ever), spun-fresh frozen custard, crinkle cut fries, craft beer and wine and more. With its fresh, simple, high-quality food at a great value, Shake Shack is a fun and lively community gathering place with widespread appeal. Shake Shack’s mission is to Stand for Something Good®, from its premium ingredients and caring hiring practices to its inspiring designs and deep community investment. Since the original Shack opened in 2004 in NYC’s Madison Square Park, the company has expanded to more than 180 locations in 26 U.S. States and the District of Columbia, including more than 70 international locations across London, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Dubai, Tokyo, Moscow, Seoul and more.

 

 

Foxtail Nightclub at SLS Las Vegas “THRILLER” night

Foxtail Nightclub at SLS Las Vegas® is turning back the clock for its Thriller – Everything ‘80s Annual Halloween Party, Friday, Oct. 26. The Strip’s nightlife hotspot will transform into a totally righteous ‘80s bash complete with the hottest jams from the decade by DJ Sean Essex. Renowned Michael Jackson tribute artist Santana Jackson will perform a live set of hits by the King of Pop. Costumes are encouraged, so bust out the bustier, oversized shoulder pads, and parachute pants and dance the night away on this “THRILLER” night, produced by Next Events in conjunction with Everything ‘80s Meetup Group.

 

A trance DJ at heart, DJ Sean Essex came up on the rave scene, where he learned early on the power of music to tell a story. His ability to read the room and interact with the crowd has made him a favorite among both ravers and clubbers. Influenced by ‘80s new wave and rock music, Essex has shared the decks and destroyed dancefloors with several renowned DJs including Armin Van Buuren and Paul Van Dyk.

 

Santana Jackson, Michael Jackson tribute artist

Renowned Michael Jackson tribute artist and star of “MJ Live” Santana Jackson has performed as the King of Pop for more than a decade. Bearing a striking resemblance to the global icon, Jackson dazzles audiences with his electrifying dance moves and stunning wardrobe that brings the spirit of the legend himself to audiences from around the world.

 

Whether inspired by iconic music videos from Jackson’s “Thriller” to Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” guests are encouraged to don their best ‘80s apparel and dance the night away on this radically tubular night. Masks are not permitted.  An upscale, exclusive destination that is at once indulgent and luxurious, Foxtail Nightclub is the culmination of style and edgy sophistication. The venue features a state-of-the-art lighting and sound system, complimented by an artistically designed interior seamlessly connected with a spectacular outdoor pool offering.

 

Doors for Foxtail Nightclub’s Thriller – Everything ‘80s Annual Halloween Party open at 9:00 p.m. with open well bar available until 10 p.m. Cover is $15 and VIP table reservations are available. All guests must be age 21 and older.

 

 

“Dia de los Muertos” (Day of the Dead)

The city of Las Vegas will host its annual “Dia de los Muertos” (Day of the Dead) festival celebration Friday, Nov. 2, from 5 to 9 p.m. in the Sammy Davis Jr. Festival Plaza, located in Lorenzi Park at 720 Twin Lakes Drive. The free event is open to the public and fun for all ages; parking is free.  This vibrant homage to life is a true community event and one of the most charming and colorful holidays celebrated by Mexican and Latin American cultures. This lighthearted and joyful tribute honors the memory of family and friends who have passed away in a fun and immersive atmosphere featuring special entertainment by Las Cafeteras,  interactive children’s activities, artisan vendors, face-painting, special décor, and an exhibition of altars created by community members, organizations, and groups. Food trucks will offer refreshments for sale.

 

“This festival is yet another opportunity to have an evening in Lorenzi Park enjoying family activities and sharing cultural traditions with neighbors and friends,” said Ward 5 Councilman Cedric Crear. “Everyone is encouraged to participate!”

 

Residents, community organizations and groups are invited to enter the ofrenda contest; call Jennifer Rabanes at 702-229-4924 or email [email protected] to have a contest application emailed to you or if you own a Food truck as vendors are needed.

 

 

Well, gang, see at First Friday and the group of ladies photographs exhibit.

I’m outa here!

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