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Well, it was that time of month.

No, not the time of month that most men fear.

Yesterday was the first Friday of the month.

Many cities nationwide have “First Friday” events to promote their Arts Districts, and Las Vegas is no different.

While I am not a huge fan of the “loft” concept they are trying to push Downtown, I am a big fan of The Arts District.  It’s one of the few places on the West Coast that reminds me of my  neighborhoods back east.  From Dino’s to the Outlet Mall, it’s one of my favorite “hang out” areas in town that don’t have anything to do with casinos whatsoever. It’s actually a human-scaled, pedestrian/bike friendly area that I pray never becomes gentrified  (read: ruined by yuppies).

Last night was cold and windy.  It was about 45 degrees, and we were getting solid 40Mph gusts.  First Friday is usually packed, but the weather made for an anemic turnout.   It’s hard to blame people.  Las Vegas in April is usually about as nice as it gets anywhere in the world, but last night was indistinguishable from our typical January weather.  Still, I would rather have this than triple digits.   I am actively dreading summer.  Luckily, Vegas winters are long, and this one is longer than usual … so I’m not complaining.  I know what’s coming.

Because of the way the term has been misused and politicized,  I hate the word “diversity”.  Every time I hear it I want to jam an ice pick into my temporal lobe.  Typically, when I hear the word, I don’t walk, I run away from the person saying it.

However, I think those of us who don’t misuse it should be allowed to take it back.

First Friday is a cool event, exactly because of its “diversity”.  It is a beautiful thing.  And I mean real diversity.

Consider what I witnessed last night …

A Hispanic band with a female drummer playing Nirvana covers before launching into rock music with Spanish lyrics.

A younger white guy strumming a guitar while singing original ballads.

An older white guy sticking a cassette of his favorite old tunes into the PA system, then jumping up on stage and enthusiastically singing and playing along on his acoustic guitar.

A reggae band with a singer who has one of the most unique voices I have ever heard.

A multi-racial breakdance crew who tried their best to showcase their moves as the wind tried its best to disrupt their routine.

Now that’s diversity.

From a creative standpoint, First Friday is a microcosm of Las Vegas residents as a whole.  Beyond the huge facades of castles, beyond the cavernous Fremont Street Experience … there is a city of 2 million people.  These are people with hopes, dreams, interests, and talents just like everywhere else.

Although it may never occur to you, the lady bringing your cocktail may also be an avid painter on her days off.  The guy dealing your Blackjack cards?  His kid just started a garage band in an effort to be the next big alt-rock group to come out of Las Vegas since “The Killers”.

Your cab driver?  He used to be a drummer in a band.  They actually opened for L.A. Guns at The Troubadour back in the early 80’s.  It just so happens that his son is practicing for the national B-Boy championships.  The 50 year old guy holding the door open?  He always wanted to be a singer-songwriter.  He idolized Neil Young, but he just didn’t get the breaks he needed.  Even though the opportunities never materialized when he was young, his passion for the art never died.

What’s my point?

There is a lot of stuff going on past the neon lights.  You never see it, but it’s there.  I promise.  Las Vegas may be plastic, but the people … well, we’re actually real.

And there is no better place to see Las Vegas residents pursuing their dreams in their natural habitat, than the First Friday event. Especially those residents with interests that extend beyond bringing you your next cocktail or driving your car around.  It’s very much a “come as you are” event, and weirdness is not only tolerated, it is expected … if not actively encouraged.

The event is quite popular on less windy days, and it even has its own transit system.  One or two of the old trolleys that used to shuttle people up and down The Strip are put into commission during FF to shuttle attendees between galleries.  It’s a whopping $2 per person to get a First Friday admission sticker, and the venues have everything from paintings to drawings to pop-art, and pretty much anything else you can imagine.

Since I am more into the  performing arts, I usually hang out in the Casino Center/Colorado area, but I do like going into the Funk House and looking at the nostalgic items and pop-art.  When you go into the Funk House, you never know what you are going to find.  The ghost of Andy Warhol inhabits this place.  Where else are you going to find a stuffed ostrich mounted on a wall?

I realize that most tourists want to drink and gamble, and of course … there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.  That’s what we’re here for.  We’re glad that you like it.

However … If you happen to be here on the first Friday of any given month, and you want to see a glimpse of the real Las Vegas … the man behind the curtain, if you will … then by all means, hop off the Deuce about two stops after the Stratosphere, and walk west two blocks. Anytime between 6pm and 10pm will do, and there will be a trolley that will drop you off  Downtown when all is said and done.

Remember that buffet server you had during your last visit?  The one that was really attentive and cleared your plates within 60 seconds?

Well, she appreciates the hell out of the tip that you left, but do you know what would be really cool?

If you took the Vegas road less traveled, hopped off the bus in the hood, and supported her 18 year old kid’s band as they break in their new bassist.

Who knows, you may just find a new favorite hangout.   That wouldn’t be the first time.  The event has developed a small-but-loyal tourist following.

You could be one of them.

It truly is an entertaining and worthwhile event, and I highly recommend giving it a shot at least once.

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