FREE FAMILY FUN TAKES CENTER STAGE IN HENDERSON
With kids nearly out of school and wallets nearly out of money across the valley, the city of Henderson and Target have a free family outing suggestion. On Friday evenings this month and next — and again in September and October — ArtBeat places a live band, 20 visual artists and food vendors on the Henderson Events Plaza.
The festival, which began April 24, also boasts crafts for the little ones, each week’s adhering to a different show theme. (Since this week’s is Western night, kids will learn to rope-weave and get to take their attempts home.)
“We didn’t want families to come and the kids to say, ‘What’s there for us?’ ” said Sally Ahlstedt, program specialist for the city of Henderson Cultural Arts and Tourism Department.
ArtBeat — made possible by a Target grant of more than $20,000 — is obviously distinguished from the recent annual ArtFest of Henderson because it’s ongoing. In addition, all visual artists will hail from the valley. (ArtFest’s were mostly out-of-staters.)
“We want it to generate more activity for downtown and local artists,” Ahlstedt said. “And we want to place even more emphasis on cultural arts with this series.”
Friday’s live music will be provided by former Golden Nugget headliner T.J. Weaver, who is scheduled for two 45-minute sets in the amphitheater beginning at 8 p.m.
“We’re trying to make it a full evening for families to come down, at no cost except for their food,” Ahlstedt said.
Families who don’t wish to buy vendor food can bring their own in coolers, including wine — although they’re asked to properly dispose of their garbage.
Target Presents ArtBeat will run from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Friday at the Henderson Events Plaza, 200 S. Water St. It repeats on May 29, June 5 (featuring the Henderson Symphony Orchestra), and June 12, 19 and 26.
After taking July and August off, it returns Sept. 4, 11 and 18 (featuring classical pianist Alpin Hong), and October 9 and 23.
Admission is free; call 267-2171 for further details.
Contact reporter Corey Levitan at clevitan@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0456.