Welcome to The Happy Hours

A Different Kind of Las Vegas Night Out

By Chanelle Hayes-Sessions
Photography courtesy of Heather McHardy

Las Vegas local Heather McHardy felt there wasn’t a place for people her age to go out, dance, enjoy the music and have fun without the usual nightclub chaos.

So she created one herself.

McHardy is the founder of The Happy Hours, a monthly event launched in 2025 that’s built around throwback hits, earlier hours (7 to 11 p.m.) and a more relaxed nightlife atmosphere.

“I wanted somewhere to go,” McHardy told Chic Compass. “The only place where I felt like people actually wanted to dance instead of standing around on their phones was a country bar. And I’m not a country girl.”

Originally from Vancouver, Canada, McHardy worked as a professional dancer in Switzerland and Portugal before joining Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. She moved to Las Vegas nearly 20 years ago and now works in real estate, fitness instruction and entrepreneurship.

The idea for The Happy Hours came after a frustrating night out in Las Vegas shortly after the pandemic. “It was so packed that when I was crossing from one bar to the other, my feet literally left the floor,” she recalled. “I thought, ‘What am I doing in here?’ I couldn’t even see the DJ, let alone know what he was playing.”

That experience pushed her to rethink what a perfect night out could look like. “We needed a 35-and-up club,” she said. “Lower the volume a little, don’t pack the place and play music we all know and can sing along to.”

When McHardy first launched The Happy Hours, she experimented with different spaces around the city, including Electric Playhouse at Caesars Palace. “During the day, it was used for kids’ birthday parties, but the entire venue was a digital screen,” she said. “I told the manager, ‘We could turn this into a nightclub and make it whatever we want.’ That’s when I really started thinking bigger.”

Today, it rotates between venues, including Grey Witch in Henderson and Notoriety downtown, with DJs playing everything from Janet Jackson and Madonna to Bon Jovi and Green Day, along with hip-hop classics. McHardy, who is a Xennial (someone who falls between Generation X and millennials), said the playlists reflect the generation the events are built for. “We grew up listening to everything,” she said.

She added that the concept remains a pop-up for now, though she eventually hopes to open a permanent venue designed specifically for the events.

Upcoming events include June 12 at Grey Witch, July 11 at Notoriety, Aug. 8 back at Grey Witch and Sept. 26 at Notoriety.

For more information, visit thehappyhourslv.com.

The Power of Us

Teach For America Brings Its 35th Anniversary Event to Las Vegas

By Stacey Gualandi

We’re going to need a lot of apples.

Teach For America (TFA) is loading up its lesson plan and bringing tens of thousands of alumni from around the country to Las Vegas for its 35th Anniversary Summit in October.

“Imagine a world where it’s part festival, part convening and part homecoming reunion,” said Niloy Gangopadhyay, vice president of the 35th Anniversary Summit.

To introduce this once-in-a-decade summit, Gangopadhyay led a recent gathering of spokespeople from Sin City’s social sector at Cashman Photo with TFA leadership, including Executive Director Tim Hughes and MGM Resorts International Senior Vice President of Entertainment Development & Strategy Daniel Bernbach.

For the first time in Las Vegas, TFA will unite educators, policymakers and community leaders to meet challenges and chart solutions for the future of education.

“No other entity since 1990 has produced more classroom teachers, school leaders, systems leaders, Ed entrepreneurs or civic leaders than our organization,” Gangopadhyay said. “Forty percent of our alumni and attendees are going to be noneducators.”

The nonprofit’s summit schedule, taking place Oct. 2-3 at Caesars Forum, could fill up a few chalkboards. There will be exhibits, interactive “houses,” brand activations, panel discussions, partnerships and a forward-thinking conference app, among other planned activities.

Ultimately, organizers want to build recruitment, training and integration in Las Vegas, utilizing what they refer to as the “5 C’s”: connect, celebrate, comprehend, co-create and commit.

“We want people to drink from the well of inspiration during this event, to get on a plane, or drive, or stay in Las Vegas and be fired up about what comes next for the next five, 10, 15 years,” Gangopadhyay said. “We really want to frame this summit through the lens of getting people to come to Vegas and fall in love with the place.”

Well, Las Vegas, how do you like them apples?

To learn how to sponsor, register or get involved in the 35th Anniversary Summit, visit TFA's website.

The Night the Future of the Arts Took Shape at UNLV

A landmark gift, global vision and a room filled with those who build what comes next

By Laura Henkel / Photography by Cashman Photo

The evening opened not with spectacle, but with intention.

Nancy Uscher, dean of the UNLV College of Fine Arts, took the stage first, grounding the 21st Annual Hall of Fame Gala in both legacy and vision. Her remarks carried quiet authority, honoring the institution’s history while pointing clearly toward its future. From the outset, something felt different. This would not simply be a celebration. It would be a turning point.

Presented by Wynn Resorts, the gala brought together a remarkable constellation of artists, philanthropists, cultural leaders and advocates. It was a gathering of arts supporters in Southern Nevada, each guest contributing to a shared understanding that the creative economy is not peripheral, but central to the identity and evolution of Las Vegas.

Then the room turned toward recognition.

This year’s honorees reflected the full breadth of that vision. Hall of Fame inductees included Cindy Doumani, Mat Franco and Francisco Menéndez, honored posthumously for his enduring impact as a filmmaker and educator. Torrey Russell received the Koep Dean’s Medal for his transformative work through Broadway in the HOOD. Jonathan Karrant was recognized with the CFA Limelight Award. Denise Wunderlich received the CFA Community Impact Award for decades of dedication to arts education and advocacy. Alumni of the Year honors were awarded to Wendy Kveck and internationally acclaimed pianist and composer Iñaki Sandoval.

The program shifted, and the room followed.

Sandoval, who flew in from Hong Kong to attend the honor, delivered a performance that was both intimate and expansive, reflecting a career that spans continents and cultures. There was a brief pause before the applause, the kind that signals recognition before reaction. Later in the program, Karrant took the stage, his rich, expressive voice bringing warmth and immediacy that settled across the room. Together, their performances grounded the evening in the power of live art.

The evening’s spirit of impact was underscored during Wunderlich’s acceptance of the Community Impact Award, when the gift of 86 Steinway pianos to the UNLV School of Music by the KJS Family Foundation was acknowledged. Facilitated through her leadership, the contribution will resonate for generations, shaping both the sound and the standard of excellence for every student who plays them.

Then, a moment of pure presence.

At 93, Doumani took the stage and captured the room entirely. With wit, charm and unmistakable vitality, she shared that she had performed as recently as December. The audience responded with admiration as she reflected on her arrival in Las Vegas and her role in shaping its artistic landscape. It was not simply an anecdote. It was a reminder that artistry is not bound by age. It endures, evolves and continues to inspire across generations. In that moment, she was not only an honoree. She was a living embodiment of the city’s creative spirit.

A defining highlight of the evening was the presentation of the inaugural UNLV Fine Arts Global Impact Award to Sphere, accepted by Jennifer Koester, president and chief operating officer. Leading business operations on behalf of Executive Chairman and CEO James L. Dolan, Koester represents a new era of leadership behind one of the most ambitious cultural and technological achievements in the world.

Sphere stands at the intersection of art and technology, redefining immersive experience on a global scale. Its presence in Las Vegas reinforces the city’s position as both an entertainment capital and a global leader in artistic innovation. It is not simply a venue. It is a new language for storytelling, expanding the boundaries of how audiences see, hear and feel art.

And then, the moment that will shape what comes next.

In a unified announcement, President Chris Heavey and Uscher revealed a significant gift from Jeri and Rick Crawford. The room rose before the applause fully caught up, a collective recognition that this was not just a contribution, but a turning point.

The gift will fund the development of a state-of-the-art facility for the College of Fine Arts, to be built on the current site of Grant Hall. Envisioned as a dynamic hub for creativity, collaboration and innovation, the new facility represents a bold investment in the next generation of artists, thinkers and cultural leaders.

This contribution is part of the university’s broader master plan for a $100 million arts building, signaling a long-term commitment to expanding the role of the arts within the institution and the region.

In a personal reflection shared beyond the stage, Jeri expressed hope that the gift would inspire others to step forward, invest in the creative development of the community and recognize the arts as a driving force within it. Her words reframed philanthropy as participation, a shared responsibility to ensure that creativity continues to shape and elevate the community.

That vision is further amplified through a major pledge by Dale and Leslie Chihuly to UNLV, featuring the Fire Opal Chandelier, which will be displayed in the future UNLV Learning Center for the Arts. With the involvement of the Chihuly Studio team, the installation will serve as both a visual anchor and a defining artistic statement within the space, reinforcing the College of Fine Arts’ commitment to integrating world-class work into the daily experience of its students and community.

By the close of the evening, the energy in the room had unmistakably shifted. Conversations lingered, voices animated, ideas already in motion. Guests departed with a renewed sense of excitement and possibility, carrying with them a deeper awareness of what had just been set into motion.

Las Vegas continues to define itself as a neon metropolis, a beacon to the world where creativity, innovation and ambition converge. It is the people behind it, those who create, invest and believe in what is possible, who provide the spark and ensure that light continues to shine.

Ment'or (Scott Harris)

Ment'or Brings Top Young Chefs to Compete for Bocuse d'Or 2027

By Elaine & Scott Harris

Having cultivated an ongoing relationship with the Ment’or organization, we witnessed the arduous culinary preparation as young chefs across America competed for the opportunity to advance from Las Vegas to New Orleans and ultimately to the Bocuse d'Or in Lyon, France, for the final international competition. Once again, we were honored to attend the 2026 Young Chef and Commis competitions in Las Vegas at the UNLV College of Hospitality. For one long day, America’s most promising culinary students showcased their skills before some of the industry’s most respected chefs.

We spent the day with chef Thomas Keller, president of Ment’or. In a statement shared via press release, he said, “Great chefs are built through commitment, repetition and a willingness to evolve. These competitions provide a serious, professional environment where young cooks learn what is required to reach the very top of our profession. That experience stays with them for the rest of their careers.”

Seven Young Chef and five Commis candidates arrived, anticipating the 14-hour competition ahead. The Young Chefs, aged 28 or younger, selected an assistant to train and compete alongside them. The rules were stringent, with just 2 hours and 30 minutes to cook and plate a dish. For the Commis competition, cooks aged 21 and under had 90 minutes to demonstrate their technical skill and execution.

Each competitor developed an original dish centered on a signature protein from Snake River Farms, as selected by the jury: Young Chef (Kurobuta pork rack and pork cheeks) and Commis (teres major). Judges evaluated each team’s preparation, along with taste, presentation and kitchen organization.

An illustrious group of culinary leaders, including chefs Thomas Allan, Paul Bartolotta, Jérôme Bocuse, William Bradley, Gerard Craft, Steven Greene, Jeffery Hayashi, Gavin Kaysen, Thomas Keller, Timothy Hollingsworth, E.J. Lagasse, Alex Lee, Mawa McQueen, Kevin Meehan, Roland Passot, Mathew Peters, Melissa Rodriguez and Richard Rosendale, along with Dr. Tim Ryan and Robert Sulatycky, offered feedback as the candidates presented their labor-intensive dishes.

After a day of intense competition, the 2026 Young Chef title went to chef William Emery and his assistant, Paolo Escay, of Rose’s Restaurant Group’s Little Pearl in Washington, D.C. Philip Liu of Selby’s in Atherton, California, was named the winner of the Commis competition.

Afterward, we celebrated alongside some of the culinary world’s most respected figures and the day’s competitors. The event marks 18 years of Ment’or’s dedication to mentoring the next generation of chefs, reflecting a shared culture of excellence and culinary distinction with The Venetian Resort Las Vegas.

William Emery and Paolo Escay, Young Chef winners (Ken Goodman)

Notes and Brushstrokes

By Kendall Hardin

The night on April 8 couldn’t have been more ideal, with perfect weather by the lake as the intimate setting for a collaborative soiree of art, music, fine libations and delectable food.

“Notes and Brushstrokes” debuted as a festive evening to support the third season of the Desert Roots Rising Stars Music Festival and Summer Academy occurring June 6–13 in partnership with the Rita Deanin Abbey Art Museum and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Founded by violinist-educator Shakeh Ghoukasian, the festival brings in established world-class artists to mentor young aspiring musicians through concerts, master classes and community engagement.

Polish visual artist Katarzyna Kociomyk and her husband, Wojtek Pilczynski, hosted the event in their home and gallery in Desert Shores, where guests could view her paintings spanning realism, surrealism, portraiture and abstract work on the patio overlooking the lake. “The Quartet” by Kociomyk was commissioned expressly to benefit the festival.

Guests were treated to an outdoor concert with works ranging from Tchaikovsky and Piazzolla to Sammy Cahn and Chick Corea. In addition to Ghoukasian, professional musicians included violinists Scott Jackson, Grace Wride and Peter Goomroyan, along with Omar Shelly on viola and Lindsey Springer on cello. Graduating student violinists Manaka Kinoshita and Damon Hernandez Jr. entertained guests during the cocktail hour.

A spirited live auction conducted by Christian Kolberg followed, raising a whopping $10,000 for the festival's expanding mission. Items included three paintings by Kociomyk, a tasting dinner at Monzú Italian Oven + Bar by Chef Giovanni Mauro, a private concert experience in one’s home and a vintage bottle of Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2017.

Guests also enthusiastically “adopted” over a dozen young musicians at $500 each, underwriting their full-tuition scholarships to the Summer Academy and supporting them on their musical journey during the year ahead. Support for the next generation of artists is at the core of the organization’s mission.

“Desert Roots Rising Stars was created to mentor young musicians through the challenges of developing their careers,” Ghoukasian explained. “Through performances and direct access to accomplished artists, students refine their skills, deepen interpretation and gain insight into advancing their careers.”

Mark your calendars now for free performances at four festival sites:

June 9 – 7 p.m. “The Paris Reflections”

• Rita Deanin Abbey Art Museum

June 11 – 7 p.m. “Earth and Echoes”

• Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art at UNLV

June 12 – 7 p.m. “Student Chamber Concert”

• Arturo Rando-Grillot Hall (Doc Rando) at UNLV

June 13 – 2 p.m. “Side-by-Side Celebration Concert” with faculty and students performing together

• Arturo Rando-Grillot Hall (Doc Rando) at UNLV

To help, lend your support at desertrootsrisingstars.org.

Nevada Ballet Theatre Honors Lisa Vanderpump As Woman Of The Year 2026

Queen of Reality TV to Woman of the Year

Lisa Vanderpump Reigns Supreme at the
Nevada Ballet Theatre Black & White Ball

By Stacey Gualandi // Photography by Denise Truscello

Say hello to your 2026 Woman of the Year, daaaaahlings!

Lisa Vanderpump, aka the Queen of Beverly Hills and beyond, earned a new title when Nevada Ballet Theatre honored the businesswoman, author, TV personality and philanthropist at the 42nd annual Black & White Ball, its largest annual fundraiser.

“To be honored by the world of ballet, by an art form that has given so much for so many centuries, I cannot tell you what that means to me,” Vanderpump said. “To be recognized in this incredible city is one thing, but to be truly celebrated is just something else.”

Held inside the Encore Ballroom, with Wynn Resorts as presenting sponsor alongside Mikimoto, Vanderpump shared how important it is to celebrate the arts and support Nevada Ballet Theatre’s community education programs, which reach 20,000 students annually through free dance classes, scholarships and other essential arts programming.

She accepted her Richard MacDonald sculpture award following performances by NBT’s Future Dance and Dance Discovery scholars, the NBT professional company performing “Red Angels” and students from NBT’s award-winning competition group.

“I believe raising children to love the arts and find joy in music and movement, in the beauty that this world has to offer, is essential to a truly well-grounded education,” she said.

While Vanderpump is best known for appearing in more than 350 hours of television, as well as producing more than 200, she began her career in the spotlight as a young ballet student who went on to teach community theater as a young mother.

She said it was the most satisfying thing she’s ever done and admits dance shaped her more than perhaps anything else in her life.

“I fell in love with dance as a young girl, and what it gave me was so much more than the ability to move gracefully. It gave me discipline. It gave me dedication. It taught me that beauty, real beauty, is not accidental. It’s earned,” Vanderpump said.

“Those of us who have lived it, we know what that truly means … It means climbing into bed at night with bleeding toes. It means doing the same movement hundreds of times until it looks to the audience like you simply floated onto that stage, and it costs you nothing. That is the great illusion of ballet.”

Lance Bass, one-fifth of ^★NSYNC, gave a special tribute to his longtime “bestie,” calling her “the hardest-working woman.”

“She’s as funny as they come, an incredibly supportive ally and someone whose generosity and kindness know no bounds, even if sometimes she’s the most inappropriate person I know. She’s promised to behave tonight,” Bass joked. But that was short-lived.

“I do have many similarities with ballet,” Vanderpump said. “I have swans in my lake back home, and my husband [Ken Todd] says after 43 years of marriage, I’m definitely a nutcracker.” Ha!!

With a rich history of honoring female pioneers, icons including Debbie Reynolds, Chita Rivera, Celine Dion, Bette Midler, Marie Osmond, Debbie Allen, Olivia Newton-John, Vanessa Williams and Shania Twain, the Black & White Ball has grown into one of Las Vegas’ preeminent society and fashion events. It all began with the first honoree in 1985, billionaire businesswoman Elaine Wynn.

“I am truly humbled to be here tonight just by virtue of my predecessors,” Vanderpump said. “Elaine Wynn was somebody so welcoming and supportive from one woman to another as I joined Vegas. To me, the woman of Las Vegas was always Elaine Wynn. I loved Elaine, and I was getting to know her personally as a friend, and I absolutely adored her. So when she died [in 2025], it was such a loss to the city. Those are huge shoes to fill, and I doubt, however long I live, I will ever be able to fill her shoes.”

But Vanderpump is certainly taking Wynn’s lead on and off the Strip. She is a staunch advocate for LGBTQ+ causes and suicide prevention and runs the Vanderpump Dog Foundation.

Vanderpump is also a designer and award-winning restaurateur who has developed three highly successful Las Vegas venues, including Vanderpump Cocktail Garden at Caesars Palace, Vanderpump à Paris at Paris Las Vegas and Pinky’s by Vanderpump at the Flamingo. She now reaches a new milestone: her 40th location will be a hotel with the transformation of The Cromwell into The Vanderpump Hotel.

Her legacy is intact, but while she is proud to be the only person to have ever danced with the legendary Len Goodman on "Dancing With the Stars," she laughed when I asked if there was one ballet she would love to perform in now.

“Oh, good lord; nobody would come, and nobody would pay,” Vanderpump joked. “Everybody would be very disappointed; let’s leave it at that.”

For more information, visit nevadaballet.org.

Photography by Denise Truscello

Chattahoochee RiverWalk photo courtesy of VisitColumbusGA

ADVENTURES IN TRAVEL & DINING

A Quick Getaway to Columbus, Georgia

Article & Photography by Chanelle Hayes-Sessions

Beyond Atlanta, I hadn’t explored much of Georgia. On a recent trip, I traveled to Columbus for a couple of days and brought my husband along. We flew into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport from Las Vegas and made the roughly 90-minute drive south. Once we left the city behind, I-85 to I-185 opened into long stretches of greenery.

Arriving on a Saturday morning worked out perfectly, as we made it in time for Market Days on Broadway, a weekly farmers market-style event in Uptown Columbus that runs from spring to fall. Stretching across multiple blocks, vendors offered everything from Jamaican, Filipino and Korean food to handmade goods, jewelry and fresh flowers. Coming from Las Vegas and its fast-paced energy, Columbus felt different. There was an easy calm to it that made the entire area feel relaxed, almost like you had stepped outside a traditional downtown altogether.

Our stroll took us past Veri Best Donuts, where a steady line had already formed for fresh doughnuts, JudyBug's Books, an independent bookstore with new and used novels and vinyl records, and Rocket Fizz, a retro candy and soda shop. Along the way, we passed fountains, public seating areas and local artwork, including the "Reading is Fun" sculpture donated by the Kiwanis Club of Columbus.

Lunch was at The Mix Market at The Pearl, a casual food hall-style space with a bakery counter, pizza oven, high-top seating and a self-serve tap wall. With everything from tacos and burgers to pasta and Asian-inspired dishes, we kept it simple and shared a few appetizers.

Our next stop was The Columbus Museum, which showcased the city's history and culture, with displays on its founding, the Chattahoochee River and figures like artist Alma Thomas and blues singer Gertrude "Ma" Rainey, both born in Columbus. A standout was seeing work by Dale Chihuly, a familiar name to us, as his large-scale glass installation "Fiori di Como" is displayed on the ceiling of the Bellagio lobby in Las Vegas. We also explored galleries and rotating exhibits like "Monica Ikegwu: Through the Veil."

After an hour, we checked into the Columbus Marriott, set inside a restored mid-19th-century cotton mill, where warm lighting and preserved details reflect the building’s past. A secluded M Club lounge offers complimentary breakfast and light bites, while the on-site restaurant and bar, Houlihan’s, provides an easy dining option. Our top-floor room was cozy and just the right size.

For dinner, we headed to The Goetchius House nearby. Originally built in 1839 as the home of architect Richard Goetchius, it still carries a strong sense of history. Inside, charming details, including a piano in the main dining room, added to the atmosphere. The menu was small but thoughtfully curated. We both landed on the petit filet with risotto and broccolini and a surf and turf with sautéed shrimp, herb-roasted potatoes and asparagus, paired with signature cocktails like the Blackberry Buck and the Kingston Bird.

From there, it was off to the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts for "Drumline Live" inside the Bill Heard Theatre. Before the show began, Executive Director Lee Foster noted that the center will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2027, with a special celebration planned. What followed was more than two and a half hours of nonstop performance, as the show leaned into an HBCU-style drumline and a soundtrack of hits from Michael Jackson, Prince, James Brown, The Temptations, Aretha Franklin and Beyoncé, blending old-school and modern sounds that kept the crowd engaged from start to finish. The momentum carried into the lobby and even outside afterward, where people, including us, lingered a little longer.

For a nightcap, we stopped at Stirrup Trouble, where a weekend DJ played as we sipped espresso martinis, an easy close to the first day.

The next morning started with breakfast before heading to the Chattahoochee RiverWalk. The trail alone is peaceful, but excursions like whitewater rafting and ziplining are also available through Whitewater Express. Even on a cloudy morning, the river views made the stop worthwhile. A short drive from there brought us to Highside Market for lunch at Nonic Restaurant & Rooftop Bar. The space felt bright and open, with a menu that leaned into comfort food. The Nonic’s Club sandwich, stacked with ham, turkey, bacon and cheese, came together with a tangy balsamic finish.

Before leaving, a bold mural reading “Good Times Rain or Shine” caught our attention. From there, we went to the Columbus Botanical Garden, where even in the rain, the paths felt quiet and reflective, lined with wildflowers, roses and structures like the Gin House.

We returned to the hotel to recharge before dinner at Houlihan's, where casual plates were paired with cocktails like the Cold Brew Bourbon Mocha and the Sunset Sour made with rum, strawberry-grapefruit juice, lime and cherry.

On our final morning, we stopped at Iron Bank Coffee Co. for tea and a latte, which my husband described as a "Starbucks with a small-town feel." Set inside one of Georgia’s largest cast-iron buildings, originally built around 1860 as the Bank of Columbus, the café still reveals glimpses of its past, including the original vault.

Afterward, we made our way to Banks Food Hall near the RiverWalk and sampled a few different dishes from the vendors inside. Our first stop was Angry Wings & Things, known for its Korean fried chicken and wings coated in a gluten-free rice flour batter that gives them an extra crisp, golden finish. For something savory with a different flavor profile, El Primo Taqueria delivered with carne asada tacos served on warm corn tortillas and topped with cilantro and onions. To finish, we grabbed dessert from Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, which was the perfect sweet ending to the food hall experience. Overall, it was an easy, affordable meal with a view from the wraparound patio overlooking the river.

From there, it was time to head to the airport and return to Las Vegas. It was a quick getaway, but Columbus left a lasting impression.

The band performing Larry Dunn's Anthology of Earth Wind & Fire at The Canyon Club Agoura Hills

Larry Dunn Brings the Soul of Earth, Wind & Fire to a Sold-Out Canyon Club

By Sheryl Aronson
Photography by Sherman Alford & Sheryl Aronson (Sasaphotos)

The Canyon, also known as the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, California, was transformed into a celebration of funk, soul and musical history on Saturday, April 4, 2026, as Larry Dunn, a Grammy-winning original member of Earth, Wind & Fire, brought his "Anthology of Earth, Wind & Fire" to a sold-out and electrified crowd. From the moment the band struck the first notes, it was clear this would not be a seated affair. No one could stay in their chairs as the room erupted into movement and reverence for a catalog that has defined generations.

As the principal architect behind many of Earth, Wind & Fire’s most enduring songs, Dunn led the evening not just as a performer but as a storyteller and musical historian. He carried the weight of legacy, yet the performance felt vibrant and immediate rather than nostalgic. Each song landed with renewed energy, reminding the audience why this music continues to resonate so powerfully decades after its creation.

Dunn was surrounded by an exceptional ensemble that honored the spirit of the original recordings while bringing their own fire to the stage. Vocalists Luisa Justiz Dunn, his wife and a commanding presence in her own right, and Procton Bonnell III delivered soaring, soulful performances that captured both the precision and passion the material demands. Their harmonies, along with contributions from the other vocalists, elevated the set, blending warmth, power and emotional depth.

The rhythm section was nothing short of formidable. Hilliard Wilson laid down deeply pocketed bass lines that anchored the music with authority, while Ty Fleming drove the band forward with crisp, dynamic drumming. Adding another essential layer, legendary percussionist Munyungo Jackson infused the performance with rich textures and polyrhythmic energy, bringing the unmistakable heartbeat of Earth, Wind & Fire to life.

What made the night truly special was the connection between the musicians and the audience. This was not a passive concert — it was a shared experience. The crowd sang along, danced freely and responded to every groove and breakdown with unrestrained enthusiasm. The band, in turn, fed off that energy, pushing the arrangements with confidence and joy.

Larry Dunn’s “Anthology of Earth, Wind & Fire” is more than a tribute. It is a living continuation of one of the most important musical legacies in popular music. At The Canyon, Dunn proved that the songs he helped create are timeless, not because they belong to the past, but because they continue to inspire movement, unity and celebration in the present.

The Larry Dunn Orchestra presents Larry Dunn’s “Anthology of Earth, Wind & Fire”

Performer: Larry Dunn, musical director, keyboards

Vocals: Procton Bonnell III, Luisa Justiz Dunn, Jarrett Johnson, Fletcher Sheridan, David Simmons Jr.

Guitar: Craig T. Cooper, Romy Geroso

Drums: Ty Fleming

Bass: Hilliard Wilson

Horn section: Bill Churchville, trumpet (section leader); Chris Gray, trumpet; Phillip Whack, saxophone; Brendan Kersey-Wilson, trombone

Percussion: Munyungo Jackson

Doc Phineas, Laura Henkel and Eileen Olmos enjoying Passport to the City, UWSN's curated programming integrating art, culture and philanthropy.

Passport to the Las Vegas Philharmonic

By Stacey Gualandi
Photography by Marta Poling Schmitt and Ann Parenti

The Force is strong with the Alexis de Tocqueville Society!

Members of the United Way of Southern Nevada's (UWSN) philanthropic group got a special behind-the-scenes look at Hollywood’s most famous film scores as the Las Vegas Philharmonic rehearsed "The Music of John Williams" inside Reynolds Hall at The Smith Center in downtown Las Vegas.

Williams, the 94-year-old composer and conductor, is known worldwide for his musical soundtracks to such blockbusters as "Star Wars," "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," "Raiders of the Lost Ark," "Jaws," "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," "Schindler’s List" and many more.

The Las Vegas Philharmonic

The orchestra continues to enrich the Las Vegas community through music and culture by dedicating two nights to Williams’ most popular compositions. Laura Henkel, UWSN’s major gifts officer, said they couldn’t have chosen a better preview performance.

"There is something universally nostalgic and powerful about John Williams’ music," Henkel said. "Whether it is film, memory or emotion, his compositions connect across generations. You could feel that shared excitement in the room, which made the experience even more joyful."

This experience was made possible by the Alexis de Tocqueville Society’s Passport to the City programming, designed to blend connection, culture and community.

Alice Sauro, Executive Director of the Las Vegas Philharmonic, Sam Rudd, President and CEO of UWSN, and Don Snyder, Chairman of the Board of UWSN

"Tocqueville is about more than philanthropy. It is about bringing people together in ways that are both memorable and enriching. Partnering with the Las Vegas Philharmonic offered a natural alignment, allowing members to enjoy a ‘date night with family and friends’ that felt both personal and elevated while highlighting one of Southern Nevada’s most respected cultural institutions."

Don Snyder, chairman of the board of UWSN, added: "I love it when organizations can collaborate to help make our community even better. As you have probably heard me say before, when you connect the right people and organizations, one plus one equals a lot more than two. That evening was a great example of this."

Members enjoyed cocktails and conversation alongside Star Wars Collective characters Princess Leia, R2-D2, stormtroopers, Chewbacca and Darth Vader. (Yes, even the "dark side" likes good music!) Then they listened as the orchestra rehearsed memorable pieces from "Star Wars," the "Flying Theme" from "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" and "Raiders March" from "Raiders of the Lost Ark," among others.

Tocqueville Members: Don Snyder, Dee Snyder, Karen Alonso, Sarah Schmitt, Paul Schmitt, Marta Poling Schmitt, Stefan Schmitt

For some society members, this was their first time experiencing the Philharmonic.

"Introducing members to the Philharmonic in this way created a welcoming and approachable entry point. It demystified the experience and allowed people to engage with the music in a more relaxed, behind-the-scenes setting," Henkel said.

An opportunity for like-minded institutions to come together like this creates a deeper appreciation and, Henkel said, will continue to strengthen relationships in a meaningful and authentic way.

"When members engage through shared cultural moments, it strengthens their connection not only to one another but to the broader community. It reinforces United Way’s role as a convener of leaders who care deeply about Southern Nevada. These moments build trust, inspire continued involvement and open the door for future collaborations with cultural partners that elevate both impact and engagement."

For many at the rehearsal, including myself, it was an inspiring experience to witness the creative process in real time.

"It created a better understanding not only of the musicianship of the Las Vegas Philharmonic but also of the discipline, collaboration and artistry required to bring a performance to life. Many shared that it felt both intimate and elevated — exactly the kind of meaningful experience they value as part of Tocqueville," Henkel said.

Tocqueville’s Passport to the City continues this spring with an even more exclusive, bespoke experience in May at the Chapel of the Holy Family at St. Jude’s Ranch for Children in Boulder City. In partnership with Vegas City Opera, the afternoon will offer a rare and intimate setting where seating is limited.

For more information about the Alexis de Tocqueville Society and its Passport to the City curated programming, contact Laura Henkel at laurah@uwsn.org.

For more information about the Las Vegas Philharmonic, visit LVPhil.org

Marta and Stefan Schmitt with characters

Pole Fitness Studio

A League of Their Own

By Ann Parenti

I met Fawnia Mondey at an eWomen Network event I attended recently. She graciously invited me to attend one of the classes she teaches. Her charisma convinced me to take her up on the offer. Now, let me tell you what her class was, and for those who personally know me, here is where you get to have a great laugh … pole dancing!

When I filled out her paperwork prior to the class, we discovered we had the same birthday, just the month and day, not the year. We are both Libras, and that explained why I was lured so easily. Libras have a way of convincing you to do things you wouldn’t typically do. A fellow Libra turned the tables on me after all this time! Ha!

The class was for beginners, and it was filled with a dozen or so women of all shapes and sizes, but all younger than me. Let’s just say some of them could have been my granddaughters! I did better than I thought I would, but as we approached the end of the class, she had one last routine that I had to bow out of gracefully and let the others finish.

Mondey has had quite a career teaching and running her own studio. In 1994, fresh out of high school, she immersed herself in exotic dancing and began teaching in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. In 1998, she produced the world’s first instructional video on how to pole dance. This gained her worldwide attention and established her as a pioneer in pole dancing instruction. She has performed throughout western Canada, Belgium and Las Vegas. Las Vegas eventually became her home, and Mondey opened Pole Fitness Studio in 2006 and hasn’t stopped dancing since.

Students ages 18 to 65 participate on a daily basis. She has had students as young as 7 and as old as 72. Glad to hear there was one more brave soul like me who had me by a mere few years! Her operation is quite impressive, with more than 440 classes per month. They offer pole dancing for beginners and advanced students, as well as classes in belly dance, Latin dance, yoga, sound healing, aerial silks, lyra, trapeze, hammock yoga, burlesque, escape and defense, and full-body fitness. They can also help with unique events or private parties, and they even rent poles.

I left with the knowledge that there are some things I still can do and some things not so much! Ha!

So, if you’re looking for an opportunity to get outside your comfort zone, I recommend Mondey and her studio. She made it a fun morning, and no grandmas were harmed during the class, and thankfully, there was no filming of it!

To learn more, visit PoleFitnessStudio.com or call 702-878-7653.