A local guidebook hinted at untold marvels collected within the walls of The
Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, demanding investigation at this particular bit of
intrigue beyond the glaring light and noise of the casinos.
Turns out, contemporary art works by established and emerging artists from all
over the world appear throughout the casino, mall, and hotel areas. Some of the
art is simply the standard in Vegas, littering the walls, floors and ceilings of
the interior, though there are numerous unique works lounging about as well.
Large scale photographs, paintings, and other mixed media types are literally
everywhere, and around every corner. Additionally, Art-o-Mat machines
offer the opportunity to purchase smaller through recycled cigarette vending
machines at a reasonable price.
Sculptures abound as well, coupled with 3D wall displays and video walls,
capturing the imagination and causing even the most hurried to pause for a
moment of contemplation.
One is literally surrounded by art at every turn, observing and being
observed.
Even the most ordinary symbols require artistic presentation. Entries to
personal facilities are adorned with unique pieces, as well as the transport
between levels.
The entirety is a collaborative presentation with the New York-based Art
Production Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to commissioning and
producing ambitious public art projects, reaching new audiences and
expanding awareness through contemporary art.
The Saturday Open Jam has been missing from our agenda for quite some time now. It is one the best ways to burn up a Saturday afternoon in Kansas City, listening to some of the best rock and blues musician in town. This particular occasion featured the return of a longtime resident of the event who had been off the roster for more than year following multiple personal crises, one of which nearly ended his ability to perform at all. Taking his spot behind the drums once again for a couple of tunes, "D" picked up right where he left off, keeping cadence as if nothing had ever happened. There were tears among some of the crowd that were closer to him, understanding the extent of his dilemma. After playing, he admitted stumbling a few times, but everything sounded great from our side of the stage and we look forward to seeing him play again more often.
An afternoon focused on technology down at J. Rieger & Co. broke up the week nicely, offering a unique learning experience from Pomerol Partners. Lunch and presentations associated with machine learning and data stack modernization were followed by a discussion around large language models with a few Kansas City IT leaders. Immediately following that, Abstract Technologies talked about LATAM opportunities through nearshoring staffing services, followed by Black Khaki Brand Communicators discussing maintenance of organization cultural wellness. Topping things off like a cherry on top, we learned of a new podcast worth listening in on, entitled " Drinks and Data ," hosted by KC technology leaders Kanon Cozad and Shawn Helwig.
A random encounter found us in downtown Little Rock, anticipating a performance of Holst's "The Planets" by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra . The much-anticipated event included a vocal cameo from the University of Arkansas - Little Rock Women's Choir. An evening of colorful sound began with "Night Ferry" by Anna Clyne , exploring the extremes of manic depression. The chaotic range of emotional intensities seemed to leave the audience in a state of bewildered fascination. After an intermission wide enough to refresh mind and body, "The Planets" by Gustav Holst exploded in the mind's eye next. This particular space heptalogy is likely one of the most recognizable symphonies, enjoyed through a variety of inspirations like the score from Star Wars. The choir entered near the end, perhaps at Neptune, blending in imperceptibly with the violins and their accompaniment. Their voices appeared as if by magic from behind the sc
Spring is here and the world is emerging from it's winter slumber. Not only will the temperatures start to heat up, but so will the activity in the electronic music community. Fresh music from artists that were waiting to drop the new hotness at WMC will be out and ready for mass consumption. Dance floors are hungry for the latest tracks to fuel the frenzied masses of clubbers and party patrons. Soon enough the outdoor festival season will be upon us. I hope to see everyone out on the dance floors with much love and respect. Until then, please enjoy the picks and peace and safe journeys to all. April Featured Artist: Markus Schulz I won't waste your time by explaining to you how this man simply ROCKS!!! Artist/Remixer/DJ, is what we call a triple threat. Take the time out to find out more by visiting: MarkusSchulz.com or ArmadaMusic.nl April CD Pick: Global Underground: Shanghai Nick Warren Besides being one of my idols, Nick Warren is one of the most respected
The solar eclipse viewing from Arkansas turned out to be a huge non-event. Once again, the media hyped the situation beyond all recognition, forecasting unmanageable crowds, snarled traffic, and a shortage of resources. None of this happened or would have happened. It just does not work that way, no matter how badly the media wants it. Some got caught in their trap though. Many communities braced for the onslaught, along with the Arkansas Department of Transportation and Highway Patrol, with extra staffing and amenities for customers that never materialized. Churches and community organizations within the path of the eclipse brought in food trucks, cooked up their food for sale, and blocked off parking lots so that they could charge for parking. Large towns benefited, but the smaller towns were left wondering where everyone had gone to. Regardless, we walked away with a few good shots of the sun and enjoyed an uncrowded afternoon with friends and family.
A couple of folks from our crew participated in a run out at a local elementary school. The entire schools showed for this one, lined up and ready to be splashed with some colored powder or another. The more they ran the more colorful they became. Beats all around set a festive tone for everyone. Those of us participating chilled on the playground after a few laps, then joined back in for another lap or two to close out the day. Free drinks and snacks refreshed those otherwise banned from enjoying the ice cream truck.
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