In every neighborhood, there is someone who makes the Arts a part of their life, and our community. You'd be surprised to discover how many different people use the arts to improve the quality of life in or hometown. EAT MORE ART! VEGAS will feature them regularly in our series "10 Bites."
What performing art do you do?
I am a musician in the theater production of BAZ: A Musical Mash-Up at the Palazzo.
Why do you do it?
Whether it's BAZ or any other project or show, I always aim to build a connection with my colleagues and audience; communication through music is a direct pathway to spark something in someone, from sadness to anger to happiness to nostalgia and everything in between, and it's the best way I know how to. What’s your favorite production/performance so far?
BAZ has been my best experience! I had no involvement when the show was in LA, but I was in the production at Mandalay Bay's LIGHT Nightclub in 2015! It ran for a hot minute, and it's so interesting seeing the differences here at Palazzo. Besides keeping me on my violining toes, this show specifically allows me to develop other skills - I've been "acting" and have blocking and am running around being this beautiful and sort of tragic metaphor the entire show. Being a character has introduced a whole new set of challenges that I wouldn't be able to acquire anywhere else, and the involvement has also allowed me to step outside any usual social circles - I've never gotten to be around actors/singers/dancers in close quarters before and I have loved getting to know these other kinds of performers. Overall I have been learning more than ever by getting to be in BAZ.
What jobs have you done other than being an artist?
I haven't done any other work in technicality, but I've done odd jobs here and there like anyone else. I applied to the Mob Museum and I think I would still like to work there part-time. I would love to work at some kind of museum or art gallery.
What memorable responses have you had to your work?
I mean, I genuinely appreciate if anyone takes the time and energy to say hello or chat after a performance. I love talking to new people, and often find myself starstruck because they usually end up being incredible humans themselves.
What would you be doing if you weren't in your current field?
I like to think I would have become a physicist or linguist.
Name something you love about Las Vegas, and why.
I love, love, love the food and beverage industry. I am a big foodie/drinkie so I love adventuring around town... it's really boomed, and I believe we now have one of the larger Bartenders' Guilds. It's kind of like my Disneyland though, so I don't think I would ever want to work in the industry haha.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Show up on time (so earlier) with a smile. Work hard, be humble & kind. BE PATIENT. (that's the hardest one lol)
What superpower would you have and why?
Is there a superpower to be able to speak every language and dialect? Besides music and art, I think language is another key to human connection, culture, and trying to understand the world a little better.
Any future projects?
I am in a group called Vertex3, and I would like to do more work with them in the future! It's a trio with another violinist and a drummer. We play EDM music, which is a bit out of the comfort zone, but all the more reason to be a part of it! Aaron Ramsey (the drummer/composer) is so talented and works so hard on his charts and sounds. We hope to get a steady gig in town soon enough.
Are you a local artist of any discipline? Do you work with a company as a designer, stagehand or administrative staff? We'd love to get your 10 Bites to share. Fill out a form here, and you might be featured in a post!