Panels

NaNoWriMo

We talk about National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) with author Renee Jean, Marissa Hunt from Writing Addicts, and author Victoria Kaer. The panel begins at 3:24.

Going Professional

We talk about the journey of professional life, its obstacles, and overcoming imposter syndrome with Beyond the Neon founder Ms.AyeVee (aka Ashley Vargas), illustrator Shar Tuiasoa of Punky Aloha Studio, and award-winning author Lynn Crain. The panel begins at 0:48.

Performances

Guitar

University of Nevada, Las Vegas student Ralph Malabed plays his improvisational piece called, "Lake Wilcox."

About the Performer: Ralph Malabed (guitarist; singer-songwriter) has been involved with music from an early age, participating in a variety of vocal and instrumental ensembles. At age 15, he discovered a passion for blues guitar from listening to artists such as B.B. King and John Mayer. Ralph’s desire to improve his musicality has pushed him to gain knowledge in genres such as soul, R&B, jazz, neo-soul, and pop. His love for songwriting has also inspired him to begin writing his own records. Ralph hopes to one day play sessions and tours with other talented musicians in the industry.

Dance

Enjoy a self-choreographed performance from dancers and cirque performers Ashlyn Cahlan and Denia Fernanda.

About the Performers: Ashlyn Cahlan - Since childhood, Ashlyn Cahlan has fueled her passion for movement by playing numerous sports such as lacrosse, soccer, flag football, dance, track, and many more. Two years ago, she found her love for cirque through the art of contortion hand balancing. To improve her skills as a performer, Ashlyn trains and learns daily from world-class athletes from Cirque du Soleil, one of the largest entertainment companies in the world. She is also a work-study at Millenium Dance Complex LV who works behind the desk and trains there to fulfill her love of dance too. One of her long-term goals is to become a personal trainer to share her knowledge and abilities through her professional training as a performer in the near future. // Denia Fernanda - Denia Fernanda was introduced to the dance and theater world at 3 years old. Her mom, a dance choreographer, is her biggest role model and teacher. She fell in love with cirque at age 16 and started developing the discipline of contortion. An advantage was that her mom had always trained her as a contortionist without knowing she was going to dedicate her life to it as she grew older. At 17 years old, she decided to move to Las Vegas, all the way from Mexico, her hometown, to start her professional cirque career with the best coaches and companies. Today, Denia is training to become the biggest and most complete cirque performer she can be.

Singing

University of Nevada, Las Vegas students Robin Leuterio, Abigail Tamre, and Sieban Woldegiorgish sing Vulfpeck's "Back Pocket."

About the Performers: Robin Leuterio - Robin is a freshman at UNLV in the Business PRE Program. He's been singing since he was a kid and can play the Piano and Violin. Music genres he's interested in and influenced by include: Jazz, R&B, City Pop, Classical, and Rock. Robin probably would’ve forgotten singing and music production all together if it weren’t for Sieban and Abigail making their own music which in turn inspired him to create. Fun Fact: the three of them have actually been friends since elementary school. Robin hopes to continue writing and making music. // Abigail Tamre - Abi Tamre is a freshman studying Graphic Design at UNLV. She has always enjoyed creating and has been involved in the arts since she was young. She plays the guitar and the keyboard for fun and drawing is her favorite thing to do in her freetime. // Sieban Woldegiorgish - Sieban Woldegiorgish has been passionate about music ever since she was in elementary school. She joined choir when she was in fifth grade which became a huge part of her life as she continued to stay in choir until high school. From that and guitar lessons she received, she realized her interest in music, music theory, and performing. She started to play other instruments like the piano and the ukulele, intrigued by the new things she’s learned. Today, Sieban continues to write her own songs and, in the future, hopes that music will still be a huge part of her life.