CSN features art, cultural events

By Dave Clark

Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2008 | midnight

College of Southern Nevada's Henderson Campus has begun hosting its annual collection of cultural events featuring musical performances by faculty and students and a lecture on the art and architecture of the Las Vegas casino.

The series began four years ago as a way to bring the school's musicians, who are based at the Cheyenne Campus, to the Henderson community, college spokeswoman Penny McCollum said.

The first event, billed as Friday Night Jazz, will feature college faculty members Walt Blanton, Chris Davis, Bob Bonora and Matt Taylor showcasing their jazz talents as the group Blues Connotation. All of them are veteran Strip performers who will be playing a mix of new pieces and covers, McCollum said.

On Oct. 24 musical instructor Mark Wherry will host the CSN Vocal Showcase, including the College Singers and Jazz Singers.

"It's just a really cool group when they bring them in," McCollum said. "The audience seems to really get into it."

The music will take a respite Nov. 7 when professor Fred Sigman presents "Architainment," a lecture on Las Vegas' blend of resorts, hotels and casinos.

"It should be a fascinating program," McCollum said.

The series will close Nov. 14 with the 50- to 60-piece CSN Concert Band performing marches from renowned composers like John Philip Sousa, Richard Wagner and John Williams.

"We get them every semester," McCollum said. "They do a different theme each time they come to campus."

Dave Clark can be reached at 990-2677 or [email protected].