Philharmonic concert is UNLV’s birthday gift to community

By Jerry Fink

Friday, June 6, 2008 | 2 a.m.

Jack Paar replaced Steve Allen as host of “The Tonight Show.” “West Side Story” debuted on Broadway. Michael Landon starred in “I Was a Teenage Werewolf.” And Jerry Lewis hosted the Academy Awards, where “Around the World in 80 Days” was named best picture.

The year was 1957.

On Sept. 10, the first classes were held at Nevada Southern University, which changed its name to the University of Nevada at Las Vegas in 1969.

UNLV has been celebrating its 50th birthday for a year. But the party comes to an end Saturday with a partly free concert featuring Broadway star Linda Eder and the Las Vegas Philharmonic.

“In the ’80s they used to do a similar concert on the Academic Mall. The Las Vegas Symphony (now the Philharmonic) used to perform a concert in the early summer,” says Schyler Richards, UNLV’s associate vice president of community relations. “This one is our gift, a way to say thank you to the community for 50 years of support.”

Fans are urged to bring blankets to the concert, but no lawn chairs, and to arrive early. The lawns aren’t that big and seating will be first come, first served. Food will be available at the new Student Union and at concession stands. There will be an activity zone for children, art galleries for adults.

The pops concert caps a long list of events, including Hal Holbrook portraying Mark Twain and violinist Itzhak Perlman conducting an orchestra of UNLV students, alumni and faculty. Officials also placed a time capsule at the new Student Union building to be opened when the school celebrates its 100th birthday.

Details: UNLV’s 50th Anniversary Picnic Pops Concert; 8 p.m. Saturday, preconcert festivities begin at 6; UNLV Academic Mall, north of Student Union; lawn seating is free, reserved seating $45, champagne table seating $150 to $300; 895-2787, pac.unlv.edu

‘Stomp’ for a good cause

“Stomp Out Loud” will stomp for a worthy cause Saturday afternoon.

The benefit performance will raise money for Youth United, which plans to build a home for a Las Vegas family this fall.

“We haven’t told the family yet, but it consists of a single mom and four kids,” says Tiffany Yanke, 21, president of Youth United.

The group, an offshoot of Habitat for Humanity, is made up of volunteers ages 5 to 25. Members 16 and over do the heavy labor; those under 16 do everything from gardening to painting. The Las Vegas chapter began in January and has 30 members.

“We’re looking for as many volunteers as we can get,” Yanke says. “This is our first project. Our goal is to build one house a year, but my personal goal is two houses a year.”

Youth United is trying to raise $30,000 for the project, and Habitat for Humanity will provide $70,000. The family must make the mortgage payments and put in 250 hours of sweat equity.

Details: “Stomp Out Loud” fundraiser; 3 p.m. Saturday; Planet Hollywood; $50 for adults and $25 for students; 474-4000; habitatlasvegas.com; ticketmaster.com

Burlesque stars reunite

Feather boas and hip-hugging, low-cut sequined gowns are the preferred attire for the next few days at the Palms, site of the Burlesque Hall of Fame’s annual All-Star Burlesque Weekend.

More than 100 burlesque performers from a dozen countries will be in town through Sunday.

Among those scheduled to appear during the gathering are reigning Miss Exotic World, Immodesty Blaize from Great Britain; the legendary Tempest Storm; Michelle L’amour (Miss Exotic World 2006); Kitten DeVille (Miss Exotic World 2002); and pinup favorites Sabina Kelley and Heidi van Horne.

Highlights of the weekend will be the 51st Striptease Reunion tonight and the 18th annual Miss Exotic World Burlesque Pageant on Saturday.

Details: All-Star Burlesque Weekend; through Sunday; Palms; weekend passes are $200 through ticketweb.com; tickets to Saturday night’s Miss Exotic World Burlesque and Tiger Army performance, $40-$45; 942-7777, ticketmaster.com