Chic Compass Connection
By Chic Compass Podcast
Chic Compass Connection Oct 01, 2020
Ep. 29: Sarah Alhadithi
Massage Envy Franchising LLC is an American massage and skin care national franchisor, based in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Massage Envy franchise network is the largest provider of therapeutic massages and skin care in the United States, and has more than 1,100 independently owned and operated franchise locations, as of 2022. Massage Envy was established in 2002 and began franchising in 2003. Sarah Alhadithi is the Director of Operations over 2 franchises in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Ep. 28: D Train
James Nelson Williams, known by the stage name D Train, is an American singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, producer and actor. He rose to fame in the early 1980s with the release of his first album “You're the One for Me”, which spawned his first US Billboard Dance chart number-one hit, "You're the One for Me".
Ep. 27: Anna Billings
Ep. 27 Anna Billings. Anne Fontaine is an award winning designer who's clothing line can be seen worldwide. Anna Billings manages one of the designers store where she sat down with us for an interview in Caesar's Forum Shoppes.
Ep. 26: Sidro Garcia
Sidro Garcia is a guitarist, singer and composer who is best known for his band “Sidro’s Armada”.
Sidro’s Armada - originally called “The Sneakers” - formed in 1960 in Albuquerque, NM. In 1963 the band had their first appearance in Las Vegas, backing up singer Sue Thompson. The band began a long run opening for headliners like Louis Prima, Della Reese, Billy Eckstine, Jim Nabors, Barbara Eden, George Burns, among others.
Sidro’s Armada remained a top draw in Las Vegas, where they were the first to play Rock n Roll music in the lounges, and dressed more like rock stars than in the powder blue tuxedos of the day.
In 2011, Sidro’s Armada was inducted into the "Las Vegas Rock and Roll Hall of Fame"
Today, Sidro is writing and recording with former Armada musician Cliff Fields, publishing their songs through their own company, Ben Claw Publishing.
Ep. 25: Jonathan Karrant
Jonathan Karrant is a jazz vocalist who has been described as a storyteller, an interpreter, a singer who brings music and lyric alive. His album “On And On” hit number 4 on the jazz charts, and features a great array of jazz standards.
Jonathan was voted “Best Singer” in 2015 for the Bravo San Diego Awards and was honored in the 2014 New York City Jazz Cabaret Honors. He was also named one of the top 12 rising jazz vocalists by Downbeat.
Jonathan’s most recent album, released in May of 2021 is titled “Shadows Fall”. It is a collaboration between Jonathan and pianist Joshua White. The 13-track album is a collection of classic standards, but also features more contemporary songs not typically heard in the jazz genre.
Ep. 24: Christopher Todd
Christopher Todd is the owner of Christopher Todd Design, an interior design firm that specializes in upscale design for interiors, events and special occasions.
With 30 years experience, Christopher has become a visionary in the design industry.
He began decorating when he was 16 years old, in his native state of Arkansas. Christopher opened his first business in 1999, which was a florist. In 2005 MGM Resorts hired him as a special Events Design artist, so he moved to Las Vegas.
Then, in 2010 Christopher once again branched out on his own as a freelance floral and interior designer. His business grew, so he decided to open a retail store, aptly named Christopher Todd, filled with beautiful home decor and fine gifts.
Christopher is also the current President of The Interior Design Society of Las Vegas.
Ep. 23: Whitney Phoenix
Whitney Phoenix is a master of piano artistry. He studied piano from age 8, and spent many of his formative years practicing eight hours a day. Originally from Vermont, Whitney attended “The Buxton School”, a preparatory boarding school in Williamstown, Massachusetts, and took his formal study at Oberlin Conservatory in Ohio. He left school without a degree, however, as he was disenchanted with his academic study. Searching for direction and meaning, Whitney joined the Marine Corps as a musician.
In 1985 Whitey moved to Las Vegas, and quickly began playing in nearly every hotel in the city. His solo career began in 1993 with a position at the Imperial Palace Hotel. This led to extensive work at Caesar’s Palace, MGM Grand, and Bellagio, where Whitney has performed since the hotel’s opening in 1998.
Ep. 22: Joe Pantozzi
Joe Pantozzi is the CEO and Founder of Alpha Omega Wealth, a Financial Professionals Firm in Las Vegas Nevada. Joe first entered the field of financial preparation and management in 1976. Since then, he’s worked with countless individuals and families to help them unlock the keys to their own prosperity by building their wealth without Wall Street.
Joe’s advice is based on more than just his decades of experience. His suggestions are based on thorough, timely, and vetted research to ensure that when you work with Joe, you’re putting money back into your pockets and NOT the pockets of bankers or lenders.
Ep. 21: Earl Turner
Earl Turner says he cannot recall a moment without music in his life. Earl is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, musician, dancer and actor who has performed in many legendary Las Vegas Hotels such as The Dunes, The Sands, The Aladdin and The Desert Inn.
He has also been a regular performer at The Excalibur, Luxor, Caesar’s Palace and The Rio, where in 2001, the hotel took the unprecedented step of successfully converting Earl’s lounge show into a ticketed nightly event. His success at the Rio led to a string of headlining Showroom gigs, from the Showroom at The Rio in Vegas, all the way to headlining at Harrah’s in New Orleans.
Currently, Earl is performing and traveling the world as a headliner for Royal Caribbean International while still maintaining his residency in Las Vegas, the city he calls home. www.EarlTurner.com
Ep. 20: Dennis Blair
Dennis Blair can truly do it all. He is an accomplished screenwriter, award-winning songwriter and comedic actor. Yet he is probably best known for the caustic observations and musical satires of his live comedy performances.
Early in his career, Rodney Dangerfield made him his protégé. Dennis conceived and co-wrote Rodney’s hit movie, “Easy Money”, and also played two cameo roles. Dennis has opened for a multitude of celebrities such as Tom Jones, The Beach Boys, Garry Shandling, Joan Rivers, plus a 20 year run with George Carlin.
He has recently written and released a book titled “Touring With Legends”, which chronicles his life in show business.
"Touring With Legends": https://www.amazon.com/dp/1629336726/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_BZ8SZBNRWGY04T1DGS77
https://www.facebook.com/asd22213
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOK7wykGaVab0rvcfzkDaEA
Ep. 19: Aimmee Kodachian
Aimmee Kodachian is the Founder, Creator, and the Host of the “Empowering Humanity” TV Show. She is a Transformational Keynote Speaker, Life Coach, and the author of the book “Tears of Hope.”
Aimmee is deeply passionate about making a difference in the world. Her goal is to leave a positive and impactful legacy for many generations to come. Deep in her heart, she believes that her life was saved many times for a very good reason. Aimmee and Eric P. Granger, an award-winning screenwriter, are currently working on turning Aimmee’s book into an inspirational movie called “Light from the Shadows” and putting her story on the big screen.
Episode 18: Niki Sands
Niki Sands, an American artist, describes her paintings as being an expression of her life, her thoughts, and how the world affects her on a daily basis. Her figurative compositions often depict families, socialization, and the bringing of people together. Sands creates in a style that fuses both cubism and surrealism, which is sometimes translated as childlike and whimsical, yet also pensive and introspective.
Her paintings can be found in modern galleries as well as the dais’ of many charitable events. Niki has donated her time, energy and innumerable works of art to charitable causes including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Innovations Charter School and other worthwhile causes.
Episode 17: Mike & Durette Candito
Mike Candito is a professional drummer, educator, performer and singer, and is best known for his versatility and love of working in many of the more sophisticated musical settings from Jazz, R&B, Rock, Latin, Pop and Funk to Country. He has performed with major artists such as Wilson Pickett, The O'Jays, George Benson, The Spinners, among many others.
He is a member of the National Drum Association, the International Association of Jazz Educators (IAJE) and Jazz Alliance International (JAI). Mike offers private drum instruction for all styles of music at his studio in Las Vegas where students of all ages will learn technique, independence, creativity, reading and transcription for all musical settings.
Durette Candito is an interior designer, and the owner of Urban Ranch General Store in Las Vegas, NV. The store specializes in hand-selected, artful and sustainable details for homes and boutique hospitality projects, including specialty door and cabinet hardware, lighting, custom furniture, gifts and other decorative accessories. https://urbanranchgeneralstore.com
Durette studied architectural design in New Mexico, working as an interior designer before creating her own architectural design consultation business, first in Santa Fe and then in Las Vegas.
Ep. 16: Staci Alayvilla
Staci believes that a good story teaches a life lesson. It is her greatest hope that her book allows someone to see that, despite differences among the people in America, we should all feel united in our good fortune and celebrate the freedoms we have.
Staci and her husband live in Las Vegas, Nevada with their 3 beloved Pitbulls.
For more information about The Veterans History Project, and to hear the true account of her heroic grandfather, Stephen “Tebers” Swidarkski, as told by the late Tebers himself, visit memory.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/story/loc.natlib.afc2001001.15980/.
Ep. 15: John Parenti
John Parenti is a Southern California based record producer, composer and arranger. His first instrument and obsession were the drums and to this day, still considers himself a drummer first. He believes in songs with great melodies and is a champion for a well crafted lyric. You can count three #1 songs and six Top 10 Hits in the CCM market on his writing credentials. The most noteworthy was a national #1 hit for 13 solid weeks and is currently the longest running number one airplay hit in CCM history. He has produced over 70 artists involving every genre of music and has enjoyed many successes scoring original music for picture on network movies and advertising campaigns over the last 18 years.
Today his interests are in producing and collaborating with select singer songwriters who inspire him. He keeps a small roster of talent focusing complete attention to the artist and their craft with the sole purpose of making music that is impeccable, thoughtful and memorable.
Episode 14: Michael Peterson
Michael Peterson is a million selling, Grammy nominated, country music star whose songs have hit #1 on the charts 13 times, including the fourth most popular Country wedding song of all time, “From Here To Eternity”, and the iconic “Drink Swear Steal & Lie.”
Michael has written songs that have been recorded by Hall of Famers and Grammy winners in multiple music genres including Travis Tritt, Timothy B Schmitt of The Eagles, Pop Superstar Denise Williams, The Imperials, and many more..
He his also a contributing author for 8 books, including the #1 New York Times best selling "Chicken Soup For The Soul" series.
Michael has received the prestigious Bob Hope “Spirit of Hope” medal from the USO following his 11 tours and over 150 performances for Service men and women deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and South Korea.
Episode 13: Thomas Burger
Episode #13:
New York City Designer, Thomas Burger, has been celebrated internationally for over 30 years as one of the top, most exclusive designers to the Who’s Who of the World. Since the launch of his New York City firm in 1987, Mr. Burger has composed a broad spectrum portfolio which includes HRH King Hussein of Jordan, The Royal Family of Monaco, foreign ambassadors, Rod Gilbert of New York Ranger fame and other American sports’ heroes, Tony award-winning playwrights including Joe DiPietro of “I Love You, You’re Perfect Now Change,” television and film celebrities, and CEOS/CFOS of Fortune 500 companies such as Ernst and Young, Northrop Grumman, MGM, Bed Bath and Beyond, Japan Airlines, Atlantic Container & Shipping, Sotheby International, and many others. Mr. Burger is a major force in designing and refurbishing interiors of many landmark buildings, including 100 United Nations Plaza, Lincoln Towers, Galaxy Towers, Lakeside Towers, The Oxford, The Savoy, The Carlton Regency, Nathan Hale Tower, 36 Gramercy Park, 10 West 74th Street, 941 Park Avenue and many others in New York City.
Although Thomas works globally with projects in Dubai, London, Hong Kong, Palm Beach, Los Angeles, and Dallas, he has recently opened new offices in the Las Vegas World Market Design Center where he plans to focus more of his time these days to better serve his west coast clientele.
Thomas’ mission is more than creating beautiful spaces and introducing his clients to a world of resources, but to positively impact the human soul and the total human experience through his designs. He ultimately is committed to his vision of sanctuaries that soothe his clients’ souls, call them to be more peaceful, loving, productive and joyful inside environments that cause a rebirth of their connection to something higher.
Recently, Thomas was asked to design and create “The City of the Future” in China for The Chinese government.
http://www.thomasburgerdesign.com
Episode 12: Jerry Lopez
Jerry Lopez is a singer, guitarist, songwriter, producer and bandleader who has performed with some of the most recognizable names in music. Ricky Martin, Bill Champlin, Tom Scott, Marc Anthony, Donny Osmond, and Wayne Brady are just a few of the names on the list of who Jerry has worked with.
He comes from a musical family from Santa Fe, New Mexico. In November of 2020 the Lopez family was inducted into the New Mexico Music Hall of Fame.
His 15 piece band, Santa Fe & The Fat City Horns has been performing every Monday night in Las Vegas for 20 years, and has released 2 studio and 2 live albums.
Episode 11: Michael Cavanaugh
Michael Cavanaugh has been called “the new voice of the American Rock & Roll Songbook” by Billboard magazine. He is a charismatic performer, musician and songwriter made famous for his piano and lead vocals in the Broadway musical Movin’ Out. Handpicked by Billy Joel to star in Movin’ Out, Michael appeared in the show for three years with over 1,200 performances and received multiple accolades. The show culminated in 2003 with both Grammy and Tony award nominations.
Michael was also recognized by Reuters as Entertainer of the Year for the private events market.
Episode 10: Ava Mucikyan - The Salt Room and NV Float Therapy
Ava Mucikyan is the founder of The Salt Room and the owner of NV Float Therapy. The Salt Room offers massages, facials, maderothearpy, halotherapy, tarot card readings, reiki, yoga classes, and meditation classes. You can also enjoy their Himalayan Salt Cave free with every service. Bonus: get a sneak peak of a mediation exercise taught in their classes. You can also escape to NV Float Therapy's float room and salt room.
Learn about NV Float Therapy at www.nvfloat.com and The Salt Room at www.saltroomlv.com
Episode 9: Clint Holmes and Kelly Clinton-Holmes
Clint Holmes is a legendary singer, songwriter, performer, and Grammy nominee. Whether he is singing selections from the Great American Songbook, contemporary classics, or stirring original pieces, every performance is a one-of-a-kind, mesmerizing and unforgettable experience.
His 40-plus year career has taken him to the top of the charts, to concert halls, on TV screens, and also cemented his legacy as a veritable Las Vegas institution.
http://www.clintholmesmusic.com/
Kelly Clinton Holmes is a singer, actress, comedienne, impressionist and television personality. Her TV credits include "Vegas Live" alongside Sheena Easton and Clint Holmes, and she was a winner on ABC's "America's Funniest People”. Broadwayworld.com nominated her as “Best Comedic Actress” in 2011 and 2012. She has worked with Wayne Newton, Engelbert Humperdinck, and her “Open mic cabaret” at The Bootlegger Bistro in Las Vegas has become a legendary Monday night event. Catch her and her best friend Lena Prima on their web series “Coffee Time With Lena and Kelly”.
Episode 8: Mundo Juillerat
Mundo Juillerat is a guitarist based out of Las Vegas, NV. He his known for leading the gypsy jazz group, The Hot Club of Las Vegas. He played guitar in the show 'Le Rev' at the Wynn Hotel, which was set in an aquatic theater-in-the-round stage. The show featured diving, gymnastics, and stunt performances. He is a well-versed musician who has professionally played a wide-range of musical styles like, jazz, musical theater, rock, metal, gypsy jazz and more! He is also the owner of Fly'n Hawaiian Music.
Episode 7: Joan Peck
Joan Peck is an editor and author of short stories, spiritual books, and has a mystery book series called The Death Card Series. Her book, Prime Threat – Shattering the Power of Addiction, has helped many who are looking to understand addiction in a whole new way. She is also a contributing writer for Choices magazine and serves as the Editor in Chief for Chic Compass magazine.
Joan lives in Las Vegas, Nevada, with her dog, Sweet Pea.
Episode 6: Nancy Good
Nancy Good is a multi-disciplinary artist with an incredibly diverse background. Her creative pursuits over the past three decades have been heavily influenced by: travels to Australia, Africa, Vietnam; childhood residency in Japan; adult life as an artist, photographer, musician, fly-fishing guide, backpacker, writer, and teacher in Montana, Nevada, California, Tennessee and Illinois, along with her eclectic DNA revealing connections with cultures the world over. A common thread through Good's work is how she employs materials and tools of modern times while playfully utilizing aesthetics of ancient ancestries, including symbols and primitive mark-making. The late Ed Fuentes (Paint This Desert, Arts & Culture Blog) described Good's art as Hockney-esque in color and aboriginal in expression.
Most recently, Good has received three Congressional Commendations for her artistic contributions.
Episode 5: Wassa Coulibaly - Baobab Boutique
The Baobab Boutique, Theater and Cafe is a creative manifestation of the Ex-Zumanity Cirque Performer Wassa Coulibaly. Inspired by her love of performance, African cultural upbringing and a significant interest in fashion design, this dream has steadily become a reality. The boutique features a plethora of unique, handmade, one of a kind designs, which fits all body types. The boutique has a whimsical cultural flare, which features custom lighting, a warm, inviting atmosphere, that differentiates itself from the sterile look of other boutiques. Baobab Café will continue with Wassa's culturally inspired design, relaxing seating areas, vibrant entertainment, and food fare that features a healthy take, mixed with some café inspired favorites. Space will feature indoor and outdoor live entertainment, and complement the soon to be completed, Baobab Theater. Once completed, The Baobab Theater will feature a multitude of performances, including, but not limited to Jazz, Cultural Dance, Fashion Shows, Burlesque, Acrobatic Performances, Cabaret, and traveling acts. The Boutique, Theater, and Café will work together, providing an uplifting cultural experience to the Town Square Shopping Center.
Episode 3: David Tupaz
David Tupaz is an artist and a fashion "couture" designer. He is the only established designer in Nevada, representing Las Vegas in every major Fashion week in the country. He is a regular on the red carpet, dressing celebrities and movie stars during award seasons. He is the founder of the "Las Vegas Fashion Design Council," a non-profit that mentors local designers, creative youth, students, artists, and others. David is also the Creative Director of the Chic Compass magazine. Learn more at www.DavidTupaz.com
Episode 1: Jamie Hosmer & Amy Crosley
In this premiere episode of Chic Compass Connection, our 2 hosts interview each other! Get to know your Chic Compass Connection hosts with this fun, casual conversation.