The annual celebration of Mid-Century Modern architecture and lifestyle returns in October. I was thrilled that ADAS took total control of planning and organizing the event. My role this year is merely to conduct the bus tour. Last year it was the first event to sell out.

I hope you can make it to all or some of the events. Tickets to the Las Vegas Mid-Century Modern Weekend are on sale now.   

POP, BOOM LIFESTYLE REVOLUTION

ADAS Mid-Century Modern Weekend

Wednesday, October 19 – Sunday, October 23, 2011

ADAS (Architecture and Decorative Arts Society) celebrates all
things mid-century modern with an extraordinary five day event.
A pass for all five days is a very reasonable $100; $90 for ADAS
members. Included is the kick off mixer, general admission to
the Atomic Testing Museum, mid-century vendors; mid-century
architectural seminar; mid-century dinner; fashion show; silent
auction; three mid-century discussion panels; Morelli House
reception; four-hour mid-century neighborhood bus tour. Visit
ADAS website at www.adas-lv.com to purchase your tickets. Space
is limited on most events.

Wednesday, October 19

ADAS kicks off the mid-modern experience by hosting a mixer at the
Atomic Testing Museum, 5:30 – 7:30. Guests will have a lot to entertain
themselves for the evening. A ticket for admission to the museum will
be included in the price of the mixer. Guests can take the tour that
evening, or can return at a later date. The Museum store will also be
open for shopping. There will be food and wine in the main reception
area, along with vendors previewing products that were popular in the
50s and 60s.

Event price: $30.00

Thursday, October 20

Again at the Atomic Testing Museum, ADAS is hosting a seminar

primarily for homeowners on the evolution and care of these historic
buildings. Speakers with hands on experience in this genre of distinctive
houses will share their knowledge. Food and wine will be provided.
Vendors who specialize in mid-modern architecture will also be on
hand.

Time: 6:00 – 8:00 pm.

Event Price: $30.00

Friday, October 21

A mid-century dinner will be held at Holsum Lofts, catered by Lola’s
Restaurant. In addition to enjoying foods of the time period, diners will
enjoy mid-century fashions in a multi-generational fashion show. There
will also be a silent auction to tease the senses. Time: 6:00 – 9:00 pm

Event Price: $50.00

Saturday, October 22

The El Cortez Hotel will be the venue for this free event co-sponsored
by the City of Las Vegas. There will be food and drink, followed
by three expert panels. After the panel presentation there will be a
reception at the Morelli House.

1:00 pm “Mid-Century Life Style Evolution” Local author and
architect, Robert Fielden (Creating Place: Remaking America Green )
leads a discussion with author and architectural historian, Peter Moruzzi
and others on the profound impact of midcentury design and architecture
on American life in the middle of the 20th century.

2:00 pm “Family Feud: Havana vs. Las Vegas in the 1950s” Peter
Moruzzi, presents an illustrated presentation from his book, Havana
Before Castro-When Cuba Was a Tropical Playground. Before Castro’s
revolution, Havana and Las Vegas were rivals for the title of the “Monte
Carlo of the Americas.” Cuba’s exotic tropical setting, wild reputation,
close proximity, and supportive government inspired the mob to

invest heavily in fabulous hotel-casinos such as the Capri, Riviera, and
Nacional. Yet, many of these same investors were also among Vegas’
biggest boosters - Moe Dalitz, Sam Tucker, and front man Wilbur
Clark. In 1958, the Nevada Gaming Control Board forced them to
choose, Havana or Las Vegas, but not both.

3:00 pm “Dolls, Dons, and Dictators,” Architectural historian,
Peter Moruzzi (Havana Before Castro – When Cuba Was a Tropical
Playground); author Wendy Watson (Vegas Rag Doll); Myer Lansky II;
and local author and historian Michael Green engage in a spirited and
expanded discussion about the parallel worlds of Las Vegas and Cuba,
drawing from their insights and some of their own personal real life
experiences.

4:00 pm - 6 pm “Cha, Cha, Cha” Cuban inspired reception with music,
drink and refreshment at the Morelli House, 861 E. Bridger.

Sunday, October 23

Hosted by well known realtor and mid-century modern real estate expert
Jack LeVine, guests will take a four-hour tour on an open double-decker
bus through iconic mid-century Las Vegas neighborhoods. In addition
to touring neighborhoods, the bus will make several stops to peek inside
select properties. Bus will depart and return to parking lot at Boulevard
Mall. Time: 12 noon – 4 pm.

Event Price: $30.00