Local artists showcase their work at 1CrazyHappyHour

Infused with the arts vibe of downtown Las Vegas, 1CrazyHappyHour invites established and rising musicians, poets and artists to showcase their work at venues around the valley.

"There is a lot going on downtown," said Hal Savar, co-founder of the event. "We want to bring all the artists, musicians and poets together under one roof. We want to bring the artists to the people instead of the people having to go to the artists."

And now, the craziest thing has arrived in Henderson from 6 to 9 p.m. every other Wednesday at Republic Kitchen and Bar, 9470 S. Eastern Ave. The next 1CrazyHappyHour in Henderson is scheduled for Wednesday.

Hal and his brother Evan Savar started 1CrazyHappyHour in Summerlin in 2011 as a way to make the arts scene more accessible and mobile.

The next Summerlin 1CrazyHappyHour is scheduled for March 27 at Baja California Cantina, 1050 S. Rampart Blvd.

Even though the first few events attracted fewer than 10 people, the Savar brothers learned what works and what doesn't.

"It is very different than when we first started," Evan said.

The Savars toyed with themed events, such as "Blues, Booze & BBQ." But the themes limited the type of artists who could be featured and strayed away from what the brothers were trying to create. Instead, 1CrazyHappyHour showcases musicians from different genres along with a mixture of painters, photographers, designers and people from countless other creative backgrounds.

"We have a guy who etches glass for a living," Hal said. "We have a 17-year-old girl who is just starting out with painting."

While some artists use this a stepping stone in their career, others take 1CrazyHappyHour as an outlet to be creative.

In January, the brothers added local musician Jessenia Paz to the brainstorming team to help expand the event.

Knowing they have built a product that has certain standards and expectations, each member now plays a part to make the event come together.

"We have three different minds able to look at everything," Paz said. "We are organized -- we know the lineup of who is playing a full week before the event. We work with our artists to make sure they want to come back."

The team calls what it has crafted "culturetainment" because the diverse collection of artists is entertaining people.

"Culture is here," Paz said. "We want to promote what is happening."

Paz said attendance has increased each time.

"People come to the venue just to eat," Hal said. "All of a sudden, they are hit with music and art. It was interesting enough that they come back and bring a friend."

Because both Paz and Hal Savar are in the music scene -- Hal has his band, The Hal Savar Band, and Paz is the lead female vocalist for the '90s cover band Empire Records -- they know how important it is for artists to get their work out in the community.

"The organizers of 1CrazyHappyHour are doing a huge service for the arts community," said Tommy Vinci, a featured artist at the event. "1CrazyHappyHour provides an outlet to established and up-and-coming artists."

Paz added that artists who perform are a part of a larger arts family that allows them to network and cross-promote their talents.

Even though there are other arts-centered events happening in the Las Vegas area, Paz said, there is nothing of the caliber of 1CrazyHappyHour happening.

"We are just getting bigger and better," Paz said.

In the future, the group hopes to turn 1CrazyHappyHour into a brand name.

"So when people see it, they know they are in for quality entertainment," Evan said. "We always want people to walk away and say, 'That was one crazy event.' "

Now, they are trying to secure donors to sponsor the event. Eventually, the group wants to pay the artists for their time.

For more information, visit facebook.com/1crazyhappyhour.

Contact Henderson/Anthem View reporter Michael Lyle at mlyle@viewnews.com or 387-5201.