COMMUNITY WRAP

NIGHTTIME FUN

Springs Preserve plans Thursday activities

Beginning this week, the Las Vegas Springs Preserve will fill Thursday evenings with concerts, a farmers market and a two-for-one ticket offer for the exhibit galleries.

The events will run from 4 to 8 p.m. every Thursday at 333 S. Valley View Blvd.

"We're excited to offer these exclusive Thursday nighttime activities for people of all ages to enjoy during the spring and summer months," said Jay Nichols, general curator and director of the Springs Preserve. "Our goal is to provide not only a vision for a sustainable future, but also a cultural hub for the Las Vegas community."

The concerts at the Springs Cafe by Wolfgang Puck will feature a variety of music including the Raj Rathor Quartet and the Las Vegas Youth Philharmonic.

The Cafe Concert Series will feature a special theme each month, accompanied by signature drinks and seasonal appetizers. For instance, the theme for May is "Mozart and Mojitos," while "Jazz and Juleps" will be the highlight in June.

The Las Vegas Farmers Market, which will be in the Crossroads Commons of the Springs Preserve, will offer fresh fruits and vegetables from the Southwest and handcrafted European-style breads and pastries, as well as locally grown produce such as blood oranges, strawberries and tomatoes.

Local artists also will be on hand with arts and crafts.

For a complete schedule of performers and special menu offerings, check the agency's Web site at www.springspreserve.org.

LEARN AND ENJOY

Dutch oven cook-off part of Scout Expo

The local chapter of the International Dutch Oven Society will host its first cook-off and cooking demonstrations during the Mega Scout Expo Friday through Sunday at Sunset Park, 2601 E. Sunset Road.

This year's expo theme is "What Happens in Scouting Lasts a Lifetime" and the Las Vegas Dutch Oven Society will introduce Dutch oven cooking to more than 1,500 local Boy Scouts.

Demonstrations will include Dutch oven cooking designed for cast-iron Dutch ovens over open fire. Traditional and gourmet recipes will be offered.

The cook-off will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. There will be four categories:

* Boy Scouts (age 14 or older)

* Beginners (participants' first cook-off competition)

* Experienced Dutch oven cooks

* Professionals in the food industry

Judges will be culinary professionals.

The events will be open to the public to participate in or view.

ECLECTIC MIX

Concert features folk and classical music

Classically trained guitarist Brad Richter will be joined by cellist Victor Uzur; dancer, actor and percussionist Erik Stern; and vocalist Carly Pedersen in a concert of traditional and original compositions at 3 p.m. Saturday at Reed Whipple Cultural Center, 821 Las Vegas Blvd. North.

Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 on performance day and are available by phone at 229-6211 or at the cultural center's box office.

The concert will feature an eclectic mix of music, from classical works such as "The Flight of the Bumblebee" and a Macedonian folk song to traditional songs, including "The Water is Wide." Several of Richter's original compositions will be performed as well as a collaborative work, "Mining with Olive," with partner Stern that involves movement, music, theater and video.

Richter began performing and composing while a student at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago and also received training at the Royal College of Music in London. He has performed internationally as a soloist and in duos. He performs bluegrass, jazz and folk music and often finds inspiration in the American Southwest and American Indian cultures for his original compositions.

Uzur, formerly a cellist and soloist with ARCO Moscow Chamber Orchestra, has performed internationally.

Stern has toured with Tandy Beal and Company, starred in Repertory Dance Theatre's production of "Outside Blake's Window," and co-directs the Dr. Schaffer and Mr. Stern Dance Ensemble, which tours throughout North America.

Pedersen has a music degree in vocal pedagogy from Utah's Weber State University, where she performed with big band and jazz ensembles and the university's symphony orchestra and toured with Weber State's concert and chamber choirs.

The concert is presented by the Arts and Community Affairs Division of the city of Las Vegas Department of Leisure Services.