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Monday, July 26, 1999
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal
COLUMN: ON THE SCENE: Dorothy Huffey
Performing Arts Center gets boost
Getting in step ... A Taste of New York was the title of a special evening that benefitted the Las Vegas Performing Arts Center. The theme was Get in Step With Us as the evening featured the production of "The Lord of the Dance" at the New York-New York.
Sponsors who kicked up their heels and delighted art center supporters with a special early show with all the proceeds going to the center were: New York-New York, Business Bank of Nevada, Cashman Cadillac, Fantastic Sam's hair salons, Harley Davidson/Buell, Joyce & Associates, Music World, KTNV-TV, Channel 13, Quad Graphics & Design Royal Printing, Stewart Title, The Dot Printing, Tower of Jewels, Visitel Network, and Yellow/Checker/Star Cab companies.
Following the show, guests and sponsors enjoyed a VIP reception featuring a Taste of New York complete with a Coney Island hot dog cart. Lord of the Dance cast members and marketing director Tom Crangle of Bill Graham Presents greeted Kay and Allan Browne, Milton Schwartz, Alice and Homer Rissman, Andy McArthur, Helen Mortenson, Robert Noggle, and Linda Shores.
Hosts for the evening were Cathy Ray of Channel 13, Johnny Seaton and Donald Kemp, president of Las Vegas Performing Arts Center Inc.
Donald and Dorothy Kemp were given congressional recognition for their work on behalf of the arts in the Las Vegas community. Gary Carlson of G.C. Wallace Engineering and Architecture gave an overview of the project and told the supporters how they are advancing toward their goals to start the construction of the new performing arts center.
Vera and Robert Goulet came onstage to give a few words of encouragement about the arts center project and how much it is needed in the community.
Throughout the evening, the musical entertainment was provided by Ronnie DiFillips and the New York style jazz trio playing great background music.
The balloon decorations of red, black and white were placed on each table along with favors for each guest of a chocolate music note tied with red ribbons. Trader Joe's and Seagrams teamed up to serve assorted wines and beer along with New York cheese cake.
Ladies of the board of trustees and the advisory board were dressed in black and silver sequined vests to depict the Broadway theme and they served as hostesses for the evening. Sondra Lynch received her Star in the Heavens and two more Stars were purchased to benefit the Performing Arts Center by Abby Schwartz celebrating a birthday, and for Mr. and Mrs. Jack Owens celebrating an anniversary.
Among those enjoying the evening were Gail Anderson, Shawn Suscie, Angie Wallin, Hal Weller, Ira David Sternberg, Kim Unger, Lia Roberts, Barb and Al Ogark, James Garvitt, Laura and Clive Kemp, Steven Fazekas, Linda Shoemaker, John Kuminez, Jean and Bob Kepler, Alfred Le, Mary Owensby and Gary Carlson.
Nuptials ... Georgia Irene Kalkas, daughter of Rena and John Kalkas of Las Vegas, became the bride of Robert Stephen Bingham, son of Jody and J. Lawrence Bingham of Las Vegas, at an early evening ceremony at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church. The celebrant was His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony of San Francisco and he was assisted by the Rev. Protopresbyter Ilias Katre.
The radiant bride chose a formal gown of white satin with cathedral train. The gown and train were accented with pearl and lace appliques; she carried a bouquet of stephanotis flowers. Koumbara was Eleni Eliades. In a Greek wedding, the crowning is the most prominent part of the sacrament and it is the koumbara who exchanges the crowns worn by the bride and groom three times. The crowns are made of stephanotis flowers, a small, fragrant white flower that is considered to be Old World Greek.
Bridesmaids were Krista Amos, Sandy Kalkantzakos, Tishe Leonis, Carla Molina and Maria Vasos. The bridal party wore sheath gowns in a deep purple color known as eggplant. The flower girl was Caroline LeKar. Best man was Roland Saludares and the groomsmen were Brent Bingham, Danny Kalkas, Lawrence Ovian, Mark Reece and Michael Seifer. The ring bearer was Yianni Kalkas. Ushers were Justin Bingham and Kyriakos Lambros.
A wedding reception and formal dinner and dance with music from the Island of Crete followed at Rainbow Gardens for more than 300 guests. The newlyweds honeymooned in Jamaica. The bride is a graduate of Green Valley High School and is enrolled at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The groom graduated from Chaparral High School and attended the University of Nevada, Reno and received his business degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He is employed as an independent insurance agent. The Binghams will reside in their new Country Crossing home in Las Vegas.
Border Grill ... "Too Hot Tamales" (which I thought was "two" not "too") refers to Mary Sue Miliken and Susan Feniger and their too-hot-to-handle Border Grill, which just opened at Mandalay Bay.
The restaurant has consistently ranked among L.A. Times' top restaurants and has been named "One of the Best Restaurants in America" by Gourmet. In 1985, this spicy duo packed a VW bug and took a road trip far south of the Mexican border to learn recipes and techniques of market vendors and home cooks, from street corners in downtown Mexico City to back road family barbecues and taco stands along the beach.
When they returned, they opened Border Grill in Los Angeles and Santa Monica, Calif., establishing a new standard for gourmet Mexican fare. Chefs Miliken and Feniger have since written cookbooks, appeared on Julia Child's PBS series, "Cooking with Master Chefs," and have had their own TV series, "Too Hot Tamales."
Their Las Vegas restaurant is located across from Mandalay Bay's Convention Center. It is two floors with an outdoor patio. Upstairs is a bar and cantina featuring a casual menu and guests can eat inside or on the outside patio with a view of the water park.
Downstairs, Border Grill presents a more upscale menu served in three incredible dining rooms as well as outdoors under the palm trees. Border Grill's lively interior was created by architect Josh Schweitzer. Artists Su Huntley and Donna Muir created the murals, inspired by the festivals and art of road signs and advertisements of Mexico.
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DOROTHY HUFFEY
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