THE MOST AWAITED YOUTH TALENT CONTEST IN VEGAS IS HERE!!!

If you are a singer, dancer, band, instrumentalist, magician/illusionist, juggler, ventriloquist, or have a talent that would inspire others, then THIS IS FOR YOU!

Leon Patillo, aka Mr. Leon, world renowned artist and former lead singer for the Hall of Fame group, Santana, has partnered with Findlay Toyota in search for hidden talent.

If you feel like you were made for greatness and are between the ages of 7 to 19,  2iNSPIRE Talent Contest is for you.

Over $1000 in Cash Prizes with a chance to perform in a variety show and tour with Mr Leon.

LEON S.I.N.G. will also provide a Scholarship program at one of the premiere talent schools in town—a professional Mentoring program to help with Personal and Career Choices and allow the winners to perform on a Mr. Leon CD.

Entries are now being accepted and auditions begin May 26th, 2012

For more information visit www.mrleon.org

Hot Club of Las Vegas to release “Summer Score”

We all have our favorite styles of music and here in Las Vegas, Entertainment Capital of the world, we get to enjoy those various types.

However, one type in particular is more than fascinating. In fact….… It’s explosive. Known as Gypsy Jazz, this phenomenal style of music brings out a foundation of musical character, innovation, history and just plain moves you.

These smooth grove sounds originating from the ever talented and pioneering innovator of Gypsy Jazz, Django Reinhardt, are immeasurably presented and delivered by the talents of Hot Club of Las Vegas.

Hot Club of Las Vegas is a Gypsy Jazz band that performs the music of Django Reinhardt, Bireli Lagrene, The Rosenberg Trio, and other Gypsy Djazz music past and present including, Gypsy Jazz Bolero, and Flamenco Rhumba songs.

Hot Club of Las Vegas debut self titled album, was no doubt a ground breaking project that brought much attention to Gypsy Jazz here in Las Vegas and what many cities around the world already experience.

And now, with much anticipation and eagerness, Hot Club of Las Vegas will release their second project titled “Summer Score” on May 1st, 2012.

With Seven of the sixteen tracks are originals, “Summer Score” continues to push the envelope; delivering a new progressive modern sound that embraces both vintage and new recording technologies! Always spring-boarding off the spirit of Django Reinhardt; “Summer Score,” will deliver and bring a new melodic pop and world beat energy, to the HCLV’s “Vegas Style” gypsy jazz sound. In turn will most assuredly draw a new genre of followers while satisfying their current fans.

Truly a “Vegas Supergroup” the Hot Club of Las Vegas is Led by Mundo Juillerat on lead guitar, Noybel Gorgoy on lead vocal, Chris Davis on Contrabass, Gabriel Falcon on Cajon, and Marlow Valentin on Rhythm Guitar. “Summer Score” produced by Mundo Juillerat and engineered by Mark Matson/Beatfarm Digital was recorded almost entirely at Ka Hale Studio. With “Summer Score’s” apparent virtuosity, the Hot Club LV will in fact continue to change the landscape of Vegas’ musical culture and lend our ears to this fascinating genre of music called Gypsy Jazz!

To learn more about Hot Club of Las Vegas and their soon to be released “Summer Score” CD, you can visit www.hotclublv.com for more information.

Elite Eye Care Hosts Spring Trunk Show To Benefit Project Teddy

On Thursday April 19, 2012 Elite Eye Care will host the Spring Trunk-Show from 6-8pm. An exclusive preview of the Tom Ford Sunglass Collection will be available and La Terr Designs are offering unique accessories for a limited time.

A portion of all proceeds are to benefit Project Teddy.

Elite Eye Care is an optometric practice founded by Dr. Tamara Gutierrez.  We offer comprehensive eye examinations for the whole family.  Our office offers a large inventory of designer eyewear, quality contact lenses, and the latest in high tech diagnostic equipment.

Dr. Gutierrez, a native to Las Vegas, has made a commitment to the community to provide excellence in eyecare.  She believes in giving back to the community by supporting local charities like Communities in Schools, Lion’s Club, and Project Teddy.  On April 19th, Elite Eye care will be sponsoring a Spring Trunk Show featuring the complete collection of Tom Ford sunglasses.  All proceeds will benefit Project Teddy.

Project Teddy is a non-profit organization that strives to bring smiles to children affected with cancer, by enriching their lives with meaningful experiences and providing emotional and educational support to those children and their families.

Project Teddy workshops give hospital bound children the chance to create their very own “Teddy” Bear, including inserting a wish heart, recording a message to their loved ones, and shopping for their bear’s accessories. At Project Teddy our goal is to provide a fun and enjoyable uplifting experience that will (hopefully) help children with cancer forget about some of their pain or sickness for a while.

You can stay in touch with Elite Eye Care on Facebook and  http://www.eliteeyelv.com

For more information on Project Teddy visit http://www.projectteddy.org and  Facebook page.

Charity work leads to runway success

Here is an article that was written by Arnold M. Knightly of the Boulder City Review. It’s fascinating to see these ladies in action supporting their local charities and their community. Well done!

Boulder City sophomore Chelsea Williams used to run across the green grass of soccer fields, relishing in the fresh air and comradery of her teammates.

But due to health problems, the 15-year-old has turned her focus to the more solitary, but more rewarding, pursuits of modeling and charity work. “That’s pretty much my entire life,” said Williams, who has an undiagnosed low blood-pressure condition. “Pretty much every week I volunteer at Lakeview Terrace (a private assisted living and memory-care facility). I volunteer there as much as I can.”

It was her charity work that helped propel her to be named Nevada Teen Princess at the annual Nevada Princess Pageant at Suncoast hotel-casino on Feb. 26.

“They want to pick a girl who is going to make the most difference in Southern Nevada possible,” Williams said. “So you’re judged on community service, good grades, sports; pretty much being a good humanitarian.”

The honor came as a surprise to Williams, who is new to pageants. “I did this pageant last year and I didn’t even place,” she said. “Doing it last year really taught me what I needed to do to be better this year.” Williams’ interview skills “obviously improved” because going “from not even placing last year to being number one” took a lot of hard work, she said. “I did a lot of volunteering, which I enjoy doing,” said Williams, who first volunteered with Alzheimer’s residents at The Homestead three years ago.

She was also named the people’s choice “Model of the Year,” which was named from all four age divisions in the pageant.

The voting for the people’s choice was done online. Proceeds from the pageant go to Project Teddy, a charity that works with pediatric cancer patients.

“We take Build-A-Bear workshops to the chemotherapy center and sit with the kids ranging from babies to 16 years of age,” Williams said. “We make the Build-A-Bears with them so they’ll have a friend for life.” Despite her recent pageant success, Williams, who moved here from Buffalo, N.Y., three years ago, said she is not interested in entering the Miss Boulder City Pageant in May. “I try to stick with the pageants that if you have the title you have to do something with it,” she said. “You have to make a difference in your community.

It’s not about the pretty tiara or the fancy sash, it’s about really making a difference.”

Next year, Williams plans to enter the Miss Nevada High School America pageant, with the winner going to San Antonio, Texas, to compete for Miss High School America.

The Nevada Princesses pageants were sponsored by Las Vegas-based McKenna Models and Talent Agency.

While her health concerns changed her path in life, she is grateful for what the change has brought. “It’s opened up the doors for me to do volunteering so I’m very thankful that even though I’m unable to play soccer, it opened up my eyes to something more,” she said. “I love spending time with people and making them feel better. That’s really what I want to do for the rest of my life.”

Mrs. Nevada America 2012 Kristie Gulia-Jelinsky @ EKA

Kristie Gulia-Jelinsky – Mrs. Nevada America spoke at the Explore Knowledge Academy Grand Opening Event March 5, 2012.

As an advocate for youth, Kristie plays a big part in many outreach programs. Kristie is personally committed to education working with programs like Communities in Schools and HopeLink. She is also the founder of the Rock of Hope Scholarship/College bound program, and “I Can Do Anything” program for at-risk teens, as well as the Vice President of Project Teddy.

Kristie Gulia-Jelinsky has big plans since being crowned Mrs. Nevada-America 2012 on Sunday, February 26th. She’s committed to making an impact and helping Nevada youth stay in school and graduate.  With over 21,000 young people not graduating high school last year in Nevada and with the silver state ranking 49th in the nation in education, Kristie will focus on what matters most to her-raising graduation rates and making sure every child has the chance to succeed.  First up will be traveling across the state to promote her platform of dropout prevention and implementing a program she created called “I Can Do Anything,” a day where high school juniors and seniors get the opportunity to shadow local business leaders and professionals.  The pilot program is already in action at Canyon Springs High School, where Kristie partnered with Communities in Schools to bring a fellowship program to life-allowing high school students (grades 9-12) to participate in workshops, guest speaker presentations, lectures and more- focusing on career goals, college applications, leadership & responsibility.  From there, Kristie developed a scholarship called The Rock of Hope, a unique scholarship awarded to students based on careers goals, determination to succeed and obstacles overcome.

Kristie is no stranger to hard work as she worked two jobs to put herself through cosmetology school-eventually becoming one of the Top 10 Hairstylists in the nation according to In Style Magazine and has worked on countless A-list celebrities.  She’s been at AMP Salon at the Palms Hotel for the past ten years where she also serves as Outreach Coordinator where she rallies her co-workers together to become involved in charity and worthwhile causes.  This year Kristie looks forward to expanding her reach and getting all 5,000+ employees at The Palms Hotel excited and motivated to give back.

Kristie currently serves as Vice President of Board of Directors for Project Teddy, an organization committed to helping bring smiles to children with cancer through teddy bear building workshops.  She also volunteers for Ronald McDonald House Charities, Hope Link and Boys & Girls Clubs.

Kristie has been married for four years to her husband, Mike and they have two children, daughter Morgan (10) and son Brooklyn (4). Kristie enjoys volunteering with her family and setting the example that a “family that gives together, stays together!” In her spare time, she enjoys Sunday dinners with her family, scrap booking and collecting antique teacup.

About the Mrs. America Organization

The Mrs. America Pageant is the leading, nationally televised, competition for married women throughout the United States highlighting their personal accomplishments and service to community.

This renowned national competition is devoted to emphasizing that America’s 70 million married women are extraordinarily beautiful, poised, articulate and versatile. Learn more at www.mrsamerica.com

 

 

3rd Annual Joe Kidd Memorial Golf Tournament Benefiting the Nevada SPCA

This year’s event will be held Monday, April 2nd, 2012 at Painted Desert. Registration begins at 7 am, with tee-off at 8 am.

The cost for this event is only $100 per person or $400 per team. This price includes entry into all events, 18 holes of golf, riding cart, dinner, shuttle bus from the Kopper Keg North to and from the course and various awards.

There will be an awards presentation and dinner directly after golf at the Kopper Keg North at 8725 Deer Springs Way. To help us properly plan for this event, please pre-register at the Kopper Keg North.

Golf attire is required. Collared shirts & No jeans.
No steel spikes are allowed on the course. All participants must be at least 21 years of age.

Download Flyer Right Here

 

Sandra Huntsman – Las Vegas Performer

Many times we come across those who just simply make an impact on the lives of those whose paths they cross and it’s a pleasure to witness, or, to be in that path.

I met such a person and she is Sandra Huntsman. Singer, Performer, Mother, Wife and a Friend to many.

As I have the distinct pleasure of serving with those in the “Project Teddy Foundation”, I first met Sandra at the “You’ll Be In My Heart” benefit, for Project Teddy. A foundation she supports and believes in. Thanks Sandra!

Sandra and her team sang a great rendition of Disney Tunes and never missed a beat. They engaged with the audience and at one point had most of the crowd at The Ovation Room in Green Valley Ranch Resort, Las Vegas, NV,  on their feet, singing and dancing to these tunes. Better yet….What a voice that carried these tunes. Sandra was on target and made the evening a joy. Thanks Sandra.

So who is Sandra? Well here is more to share about her but take my advice, if you’re in Vegas take an opportunity to catch Sandra in one of her many ventures.  Whether with Smokey Joes Café,  singing with the Leadin Ladies or…..well just check out her site for upcoming performance dates and see what you can fit into your schedule and enjoy a fantastic singer and performer.

Sandra Huntsman is a singer, actress and musical theatre performer. Singing is her true passion and she loves to sing many styles of music, from opera to musical theatre to rock and roll!

Her stage credits include Mrs. Walker in The Who’s Tommy, Emma in Jekyll & Hyde, Eliza in My Fair Lady, Miss Dorothy in Thoroughly Modern Millie and Amneris in Elton John & Tim Rice’s AIDA and Andrea in Once On The Island.

Sandra currently performs in Smokey Joe’s Café at the Ovation Room in Green Valley Ranch and is a sub for Shades of Sinatra, performing at the Clarion Hotel/Casino. She recently recorded for Jack Kent Tillar.

Sandra is married to award winning local theatrical director, Steve Huntsman and also has a love for costume and design.

For more information on Sandra Huntsman, please visit www.sandrahuntsman.com

Mr. Leon’s “RISE ABOVE IT” Event

The RISE ABOVE IT Concert is an outreach to our community to assist in reversing this youth debilitating and destructive trend.

Part of the vision of Mr. Leon is to partner with various faith-based organizations, community clubs, churches and corporations who are interested in making an impact on the next generation. He also aims to collaborate with the music and arts department in the schools to interest them in this mission.

The goal for the Concert is to:

  1. Make it affordable for those who really need the help. Therefore, we reduced the general admission price from $50.00 to $5.00.
  1.  Include youth participation from all corners of the city, such as High School Marching Bands, Dancers, Singers, and a Combined City Choir.  The night will also feature Mr. Leon, former lead vocalist from the Santana Band, who will perform his hits.
  1. Interview Bullying survivors who will give their story of struggle and survival via pre-taped video and Mr. Leon’s own brush with death because of bullying.
  1.  RISE ABOVE!!! The night will end with all entertainers and Marching Band performing a song written by Mr. Leon—called-“RISE ABOVE IT”.
  1. 5.       ALTAR CALL - toward the end of the concert, we will have an altar call and give an invitation to the youth who are at the event.

Findlay Toyota, who also has a heart for our youth and understands the pressures of this present economy, is going to donate a car (one year free lease) to one fortunate ticket holder.  The company has graciously agreed to do advertising, in such a way that it will be the premier concert for inspirational music lovers and for those who would love to assist in the redirection and healing of our fragile youth to let them know we care. It’s our first in many planned events to help them, “RISE ABOVE IT!”

Recently, there have been a lot of organizations that have been formed to fight or stop bullying, such as Pacer Teens Against Bullying, The Bullying Academy, Stomp Out Bullying and many others.

The mainstream media like CNN, ABC, Fox News, CBS and others continuously  talk about bullying, human trafficking, social dysfunction and other related topics in an attempt to create awareness of our current situation.

Entertainment has a great influence on our culture and we can use it in conjunction with all these projects that are poppin’ up to help reshape our children’s future.

If I could have spoken to an earlier version of myself and told me that “The Sky Is the Limit”, I could have avoided a lot of my own identity issues.

For more event and ticket information, please visit www.mrleon.org.

Stephanie Sanchez, Winner of Competition at Vegas Unplugged Music Festival

It is hard to believe that is was just over two weeks ago the Vegas Unplugged held its first Music Festival. I still don’t think the dust has settled yet because the event was outstanding, the talent never ending and Las Vegas is still talking about it.

We are pleased to announce that MATTRIXX-N participated in the recent Vegas Unplugged Music Festival held in the downtown area adjacent to the Downtown Cocktail Room.  The event was co-sponsored by Mundo Juillerat, lead guitar player and founder of The Hot Club Las Vegas gypsy jazz group, and, Stuart Carter-Smith of the Gypsy Fire gypsy jazz group from the UK.  It featured Frank Moreno, UBERSHALL, and both gypsy jazz groups along six other groups in addition to Stephanie Sanchez, the winner of the 1st Acoustic Idol Competition held on Friday, Oct 21, the day before the festival on Saturday, Oct 22.  We congratulate Stephanie on winning the competition and look forward to following her career.

Stephanie Sanchez, singer and acoustic guitarist, has performed for over 20 years in a wide range of Vegas show and venues, starting with the Hallelujah Las Vegas show in Bob Stupak’s Vegas World Casino.  In 2009 Stephanie decided to quit the Vegas shows scene and released her studio album “Rainbow”.  Her music is a blend of acoustic, southern rock and hard rock with driving vocals that combine intensity with emotion.  Born in Las Vegas, Stephanie’s performance at the Unplugged festival was a crowd pleaser delivering a combination of powerful vocals and eclectic guitar work.

The SanGreal TM Instrument Amplifiers, including the new Gold series were used throughout the festival and the competition.  Other sponsors included the Downtown Cocktail Room, The Beat coffee shop, Holly’s Cuppa (Love the espresso smoothie) and the Beauty Bar.

Versions of You Benefit Concert

Versions of You is very proud to announce our involvement in a Benefit Concert for Locks of Love & The Phoenix Children’s Hospital on December 16th. Please take a moment to check out this link, it would mean a lot of to us for everyone to make it out to this concert, it is a very worthy cause and an exciting opportunity for us to be involved in. http://www.evilartsentertainment.com/Rock-4-Locks.aspx?EventId=1

http://www.facebook.com/VersionsofYou