Contact:
Stephanie Fosse, 702-229-6713
Date: April 22, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Downtown Historic Post Office, Courthouse Opens in May for Centennial Events

In honor of Las Vegas' centennial, the city of Las Vegas will present a series of events in May at the POST Modern, the historic downtown post office and federal courthouse, located at 300 East Stewart.

The building, which the federal government transferred to the city of Las Vegas, is undergoing renovation and reuse as a cultural facility. It will be open for docent-led tours from May 2 through May 31, Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m., and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

On Friday, May 6, as part of the First Friday events, the city will host a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. for "Vegas VIP (Vegas Viewed in Postcards)," an exhibition of vintage postcards, historic photographs and artifacts that will remain on display through May.

In addition, there will be performances at 7 p.m., 7:45 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. by the award-winning Collage Dance Theatre. The company, which specializes in site-specific works, summons the audience to witness a satirical romp through the historic courthouse, made famous by Senator Estes Kefauver's hearings on organized crime. The company will swear in the audience and proceed to turn courtroom jargon and rituals upside down and inside out. Judge and choreographer Heidi Duckler will preside over this sideways glance at law and chaos. Company members Chris Stanley, Louis Becker, Marissa LaBog, Ryan Heffington, Lillian Bitkoff and Nina McNeely will be joined by dance students from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, who participated in a master class led by Stanley.

"The historic courthouse has a special place in my heart because I tried my first case there as a criminal defense lawyer," Mayor Oscar B. Goodman said. "It is exciting that the public can learn more about the cases that were heard in this historic building."

Free parking is available at the Clark County Government Center on Grand Central Parkway with shuttle service to and from the POST Modern.

"The downtown post office is one of the city's most historic buildings and these tours and events will showcase the city's beginnings," said Councilman Lawrence Weekly, who represents the area where the post office is located. "Especially during the Centennial, it is important that we reflect on the people and events that helped shape our city."

On consecutive Wednesdays, from May 4 through May 25, panel discussions will focus on the evolution of Las Vegas from the perspective of the legal community, African-American community, labor unions and women in commerce.

A special gala celebrating the distinguished career of the Honorable Lloyd D. George will take place on Saturday, May 14, from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. The building will be transformed into a supper club, with music by Count Basie's Orchestra and singer Nnenna Freelon and catering by Andre's French Restaurant. For ticket information, call 229-5902.

The events, most of which are free, are sponsored by the Cultural Affairs Division of the city of Las Vegas Department of Leisure Services. For more information on events at the building, call 229-6792.