First Friday inspires ‘Rock and Rise’ in downtown Las Vegas
It’s time to “Rock and Rise” at February’s First Friday.
Singer-guitarist Lita Ford leads the “Rock” half of the monthly downtown arts happening equation with a 9:30 p.m. performance.
The “Rise” focus, meanwhile, addresses female empowerment, stopping harassment and abuse and awareness campaigns including #TimesUp and #MeToo.
Liz Ortenburger, chief executive officer of Safe Nest — which provides shelter, counseling, advocacy and other services to those affected by domestic violence — will deliver an opening message at 6 p.m.
February’s First Friday will benefit Safe Nest through raffle ticket sales for (among other prizes) “Magic Mike Live” and Mob Museum tickets, helicopter rides, Pink Jeep tours and local restaurant giveaways.
On the music front, singer Michelle Rohl (who’s saluted Janis Joplin in everything from “Legends in Concert” to her own “Michelle Rohl Rox!” show at The Smith Center) will introduce female rockers during First Friday, which runs from 5 to 11 p.m.
The event’s main stage moves to the south end of the Art Way parking lot, while a majority of the artists and vendors move to First Street, extending to Hoover Avenue.
Other First Friday highlights:
■ Art Style, featuring emerging and established artists and artisans, plus interactive painting for First Friday visitors eager to explore their own creativity.
■ ArtWalk, showcasing work by emerging Las Vegas artists in the main festival area, along with Arts Factory and Art Square galleries and studios.
■ Kids Zone, in Boulder Plaza, featuring a planetarium presented by the Girl Scouts of America, plus other interactive projects supporting science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM).
■ Other First Friday staples, including painting by numbers with Jasmine Farro and Friends and the Community Productions Drum Circle.
■ More than 30 gourmet food trucks and artisan food vendors.
More details on First Friday are available at facebook.com/firstfridaylasvegas, on Twitter @FirstFridayLV or online at firstfridaylasvegas.com.
