Kristin Merchant

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Countdown to EDC

June 5, 2012 in Client news | No comments

 In honor of the kickoff to EDC Week here in Las Vegas, it only seemed fitting to write about five things I can’t wait to experience or see at this year’s festival. 

1. The Ferris wheel:  A major component to creating the carnival-like atmosphere is the amusement rides. I am not a sucker for thrill rides as I am terrified of heights and don’t care for anything that moves at high speeds, but I am definitely looking forward to taking in the Speedway from a new angle; high above the grounds from a seat on the Ferris wheel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Art: My obsession with art and decorating is apparent to anyone who knows me. Though the art at Electric Daisy is not something that you can put in your living room, it is one of the most unique aspects of the festival that helps transform the Las Vegas Motor Speedway into another world. Festival goers will get to see everything from brightly colored misting flowers, to fire breathing serpents and for the ultimate sneak peak, check out this article from [Rolling Stone.] – Please hyper link  http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/blogs/gear-up/electric-daisy-carnival-amps-up-its-art-20120518 

3. Roaming entertainment:  I have been sitting on interviews for the last week about the roaming entertainment at this year’s festival and boy, do they have some fabulous things planned. Most of which are a secret but expect nearly 500 artisans walking around the grounds, interacting with fans, dressed in one-of-a-kind costumes that will truly make it seem like you are stepping out of Las Vegas and into an imaginative world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Discovery Project: Like most artists around the globe, all you need is that one big break and your talent can be exposed to the masses. Insomniac is helping garner attention to up-and-coming artists through the Discovery Project. Producers submitted a sample set and the lucky winners will get the chance to play live on the Discover Stage during EDC Vegas. How cool is that?  

 

 

 

 

 

5. Night Owl Experience: You’ll just have to come to EDC to find out just what this entails….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signing off for now! 

˜Kristin

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The Joy of Motherhood

May 15, 2012 in Kirvin Doak News | 1 comment

Yesterday, was Mother’s Day and as I ran around town finishing my errands clerks and servers wished me a “Happy Mother’s Day” – it sort of annoyed me as I am not a mother, I am not going to be a mother and I made a choice not to be a mother.  However, as I settled in for the evening I began to  realize that I am a mother of sorts.  I am the mother to my staff: Brad, Alison, Lindsey, Matt, Devin, Kristin, Shandi, Carolyn, Ryan, Wendy and Eleni at Kirvin Doak Communications.  If being a mother means glowing with pride for their accomplishments, cheering them on with their projects, giving them wings to fly and believing in them and their abilities – well then I am a pseudo mom.  If the joy of motherhood is anything close to the love, pride and happiness I feel for my staff then you can wish me a Happy Mother’s Day ever year.  

˜Terri Maruca

 

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The King of the Accordion is now the King of the Kitchen

February 23, 2012 in Client news | No comments

In honor of National Margarita Day it only seemed fitting to dish on a new restaurant that entered the Las Vegas dining sphere offering a killer tequila concoction. The world’s first Ramon Ayala’s Cocina & Cantina opened last Thursday at Primm Valley Casino Resorts in a true fiesta fashion. When I started on the project, I have to admit I was unaware of the stature that Ramon Ayala holds. The Mexican-American superstar has 50 years of experience in the music industry, producing 105 albums, gracing more than 150 stages across the United States and Mexico as well as starring in 13 feature films and winning four Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards. Now that is was I call a roster of allocates!

The grand opening began with a ribbon cutting ceremony shortly after 5 p.m. The buzz escalated as Ayala made his way across the casino floor, admiring fans stopping the proclaimed King of the Accordion for pictures and autographs. Upon arriving at his self-title restaurant, he was welcomed by a sea of Primm Valley executives and cantina staff surrounding a crimson ribbon accented with red hot peppers to offer a unique Mexican flare. Ayala and a Primm executive shared the honor of cutting the ribbon with oversized scissors and an eruption of applause filled the casino.

The highlight of my time with Ayala was taking him back to the kitchen to ceresin the chopping blocks.  The Head Chef donned Ayala with a chef toque and told him to whip up a signature dish. With grace, he prepared an order of taquitos as staff overlooked his techniques and eye for detail. He finished off the dish with just the right amount of his favorite garnishes and presented it to an applauding audience. Ayala made it very apparent that the kitchen was his second home.

If you are ever out in the Primm neighborhood, make sure to stop by the new Mexican restaurant that has a full menu of authentic cuisine. Plus 10 brands of tequila ready to be mixed into specialty margaritas and a live mariachi band beacons for one heck of a rowdy evening.

Cheers!

˜Kristen Merchant

 

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Photo Credit: Erik Kabik/Retna

 

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Stylish Supporters Splurge for Students

December 6, 2011 in Client news | No comments

What could be better than an afternoon of designer fashions mixed with some holiday cheer? If you are drawing a blank, then you’re on the right track!

On Sunday, I had the esteemed pleasure of attending a Communities In Schools of Nevada benefit that welcomed fashionistas and their children to Stella McCartney inside Crystals at CityCenter.  A unique take on a fundraiser, Stella McCartney transformed their store into a kid’s haven complete with cookie decorating stations, a photo booth and makeshift hair salon where little divas and studs could get a new do from Square Salon. Even a well known balloon artist was making creations from bicycles to Spiderman and even a flower bracelet that I happened to don during the event.

My obsession with fur was only teased as Stella McCartney donated an eco-fur handbag garnished with chain-link accents and allowed CISN to auction it off. If it wasn’t for my need to purchase Christmas presents for family and friends, I may have splurged on the trendy bag.

As children were sidetracked with ample activities, ladies were able to hit the racks and browse through the British designer’s collection. Dresses seemed to be the hot ticket item as the designs exuded femininity, perfect for the plethora of holiday cocktail parties one has the attend in December. The cash wrap remained busy throughout the entire three hour party and not a lady left empty handed.

By the end of the fashionable fare, supporters helped raise more than $5,000 for Communities In Schools as the store graciously donated a portion of all sales back to the nonprofit that helps at-risk children in Nevada.

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A Fashion Fix From Communities In Schools of Nevada

October 19, 2011 in Client news | No comments

A new client that I have been working on has recently allowed me to combine my loved for fashion and PR. Communities In Schools of Nevada held an exclusive preview of Oscar De La Renta’s 2011 resort collection that was presented in partnership by Vogue, Elaine Wynn, Susie Lee and Elizabeth Blau. The swanky evening invited Vegas elite out for cocktails and divine fashions for a great cause. 

Shortly after 6 p.m. 75 chic individuals arrived at ALEX inside Wynn Las Vegas as a buzz filled the room with anticipation surrounding the fashionable evening. The black tie affair was attended by Vegas royalty and longtime CISN supporters including PEEPSHOW stars Holly Madison and Josh Strickland.

After a short cocktail hour, Communities In Schools of Nevada’s Board President Susie Lee, addressed the intimate crowd sharing a heartfelt story of a child that was struggling in school. Through a CISN site coordinator it was determined that the student needed glasses; subsequently access to an optometrist was given to the family. After adjusting to his new specs, the young boy excelled in his academics, improving his reading by two grade levels in one month.  She then thanked the fashionably acclaimed for attending and shared that through their continuous support, students are able to excel beyond their imaginable reach, making stories such as the young boy receiving glasses possible.

Following the program, the runway show commenced as models ascended from the staircase to the sunken reception area working their way through groups of revelers, allowing for a close-up look at the stunning pieces. Ruffles and patterns were trending through the waves of models styled in Oscar De La Renta’s one-of-a-kind line, fitting for the woman who call Las Vegas home.

Applause erupted as the final look flowed down the stairway and mental notes of must-have pieces were reminisced. This evening was a taste of heaven to be a part of and I can’t wait to continue working with the Communities In Schools team on future endeavors.

 

 

*Photos courtesy of Denise Truscello /Wire Image.

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A Day Out of the Office

August 18, 2011 in Client news | No comments

It was not your average road trip. Alison Monaghan and I began our journey across California on last Thursday morning with the task of familiarizing ourselves with Inland

Empire publications that would be a great fit for our client, Primm Valley Casino Resorts.  My travel partner instantly made the trip across the desert full of life with her tidbits of nature facts and small town history. 

The first town we came upon was Baker. My trusty book of knowledge, AKA Alison, informed me that this is the home of the world largest thermometer and as we drove by the tourist trap, I found myself confused by a monument that did not work. After passing through various other small desert towns, we made our first stop in Victorville to find a pleasant journalist that was so eager to learn about Primm Valley, it left us both excited to continue on our journey.

We pressed on to the city of Rancho Cucamonga, which Alison could not say without using a crazy voice. I determined I would never be able to live in this city because I couldn’t say the name without laughing. The beautiful town of Riverside was our next stop, where we grabbed a quick bite to eat on Main Street before our next appointment. Main Street was as picturesque as a postcard, with cobblestone streets and to die for architecture. For a moment we lost ourselves within the quaint town before realizing we had venture on.

After making our final stop in San Bernardino, we packed ourselves back into the car for our three and a half hour drive back to Vegas.  Pulling into our hometown was bitter sweet as I was eager to finally be out of the car, but realizing a really fun day was coming to an end. To wrap up the bizarre material I learned on our 500 mile trip, I now know what an Early Man Site is, discover that donkeys exist in the desert, and the Ghost Town in California is in fact not a ghost town but a thriving city.

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Counting down to AFAN’s 25th annual Black & White Party

August 1, 2011 in Client news | No comments

 

Last night, we kicked off the 30 day countdown to AFAN’s Black & White Party with a unique take on a Tweetup. With the goal of amplifying partygoer’s excitement surrounding the party, we devised a scavenger hunt Tweetup throughout The Cosmopolitan.  Beginning at 6 p.m. we asked attendees to check-in at The Cosmopolitan’s Book & Stage where they received their first clue directing them to a second location within the property.

After handing out a few clues, we had an overwhelming response that found the first location, Hidden Pizza. I may have made this one a little too easy, giving them the exact floor the restaurant was located on.

Upping my game, the second clue directed people to DROOG, an avant-garde furniture store that sits Strip side.  This one posed a slightly more challenging task as it took people down three floors to a store that may have been unfamiliar to some. Pictures of the unique furnishings began circulating the twitter-sphere as the location was discovered.

The final clue played off the famous 007 character as guests we directed to Bond bar. Once they cracked all the clues and found AFAN’s secret location, they were rewarded with signature cocktails created by Kristin Schafer, Master Mixologist and GM of Bond. She concocted The Tuxedo, featuring Montecristo Rum exclusively for the Black & White Party. The drink was a huge success and gave the event some flare.

Our presence on Twitter was recognized when both the event hashtag, #BWParty and Twitter handle, @AFANLV were trending in Las Vegas. Overall, this event was a great way to build buzz surrounding the Black & White Party and excite supporters for one of the summers most talked about events.

For those interested in attending the Black & White Party on August 27 at the Boulevard Pool can visit www.afanlv.org to purchase tickets and obtain additional information.

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Dining for a Cause

May 2, 2011 in Client news | No comments

The inspirational partnership between two Kirvin Doak clients panned out picturesque on the evening of April 27 as BRIO Tuscan Grille and Aid for AIDS of Nevada coincided to host a grand opening celebration at Tivoli Village that raised more than $8,000 for people battling HIV/AIDS in Southern NV. Located in the shadows of the Strip, the Tuscan inspired retail Mecca plays home to BRIO’s second location in Las Vegas.

The community came out in full force to support the cause, filling the restaurant with more than 400 bodies. Raving about the Tuscan inspired venue, attendees enjoyed authentic Italian delights while sipping on specialty cocktails.

A hand carved ice sculpture, incorporating both BRIO and AFAN logos, acted as both a centerpiece and serving tray to chilled shrimp. Without being able to resist, I nibbled on toasted ravioli, beef Carpaccio, fresh fruit and couldn’t pass up the tiramisu elegantly displayed on the living desert tray (pictured below.) Living up to all my expectations, the food was spectacular!

Local artist, Jeremy James played hit tunes on the patio as guest mingled with new and old friends on the beautiful evening.  The raffle was the hit of the benefit, with prizes ranging from Penn & Teller tickets, a spa package and even lunch and dinner at BRIO for a year! Everyone came out a winner as BRIO offered complimentary bruschetta tickets to all attendees who entered the raffle.

As we toast to a successful event, we can look forward to watching the synergetic relationship blossom and hope for many partnerships like this to form in the future.

 

 

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Not Your Ordinary Charity Walk

April 19, 2011 in Client news | No comments

Government officials, community leaders, Las Vegas performers, local celebrities and 8,500 Las Vegas locals arrived all in one place on April 17. This could only mean one thing…Aid for AIDS of Nevada’s annual AIDS Walk. After weeks of prepping for an event that people raved about, I had to say my expectations were set quite high for the 2011 Walk. To my surprise, the Walk turned out to be much more than I expected!  Phenomenal performances by Las Vegas’ elite, quality sponsors from the community and an amazing staff that worked ruthlessly to create a spectacular event.

The morning started with an early arrival to the seemly destitute parking lot covered in tents. Within a half hour, hundreds of supporters began filling the venue, electrifying the area into a full-fledge celebration. Walkers perused through sponsor booths, enjoying Mexican small places from Rubio’s, and spinning a giant prize wheel at the QVegas tent. My teammate Alison and I melted at the sight of everything fluffy and furry as dogs seemed to be just as common as humans at this event.

9:00 a.m. hit and local news personality, Chris Saldana kicked of the morning by introducing the Vegas Glee Club, leaving the audience speechless with their impressive remediation of Bon Jovi’s Livin on a Prayer and Bonnie Tyler’s Holdin Out for A Hero. The crowd erupted when the next performance was announced and inched as close   to the stage as allowed. Highly recognizable by their white masks, the Jabbawockeez’s were mind blowing as the men robotically moved across the stage to their mixed track. By the end of their alluring five minute performance, I found myself planning a date to see their entire show at the Monte Carlo.  

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Various politicians took the stage thanking not only AFAN for its dedication to the city but for the community’s efforts.  The entertainment lineup progressed as another Las Vegas resident prepared for their first AIDS Walk performance. The Jersey Boys sang a collaboration of songs from their famous strip production which meshed perfectly with the event, leaving the crowd screaming “Walk!”

Penn & Teller closed the opening ceremony by thanking participants that joined the Penn & Teller Challenge as well as giving the crowd a few laughs. The duo made their way to the start line taking the first few steps as grand marshals then the barriers were removed and thousands of walkers joined in. Local celebrities, Holly Madison and Josh Strickland we spotted among the crowd, walking in honor of Josh’s team Strickly Strollin. I can truly say this Sunday morning was the perfect combination of excitement and celebration for an amazing cause here in Southern Nevada!

My final thoughts – sunscreen. This Minnesota girl takes the hue of red to a new level and will be packing SPF for next year’s festivities.

Photo Credit:  © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ erikkabik.com

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Las Vegas Participates in an International Twestival Event

March 30, 2011 in Client news | No comments

Thursday, March 24th I had the pleasure of attending the Las Vegas Twestival that benefited Aid for AIDS of Nevada. Twestival, standing for Twitter Festival, was designed to use social media to connect communities around the world and highlight a charity during a social event. Twestival began as a single event in London back in 2008 and now has grown into a global movement, covering 45 countries and raising close to $1.2 million for 137 causes.  This year, more than 200 cities in the United States hosted a Twestival event that benefited local charities.

Nominations poured into the local Twestival coordinators once Las Vegas was announced as a participating city. After weeks of deliberating, they chose AFAN as the beneficiary. The viral announcement of the recipient created a buzz within the social media realm resulting in the #LVTwestival hash tag to trend in Las Vegas. Local businesses caught wind of the Twestival and donated prizes that were to be used for the silent auction as well as signed on as sponsors for the event.

Ready to tweet away the evening, I arrived at the stunning Caramel Bar & Lounge inside the Bellagio Hotel where I was surprised to find a line of local community members, donors, and social media influencers awaiting to enter the venue.  Once inside, the cocktail hour had begun and guests were treated to complimentary Stoli drinks, while they mingled with other tweeps and bid on auction items. Televisions around the lounge streamed tweets from a variety of Twestivals happening simultaneous. This gave guests the opportunity to see what local participants were saying about the event as well as gage the success of other cities’ events. As the evening closed, AFAN representative, Theresa Mayet thanked the crowd for their continual support and invited everyone to attend the upcoming AIDS Walk.  Eager to know the outcome of the silent auction, bidders hovered around the auction table and as the clock struck 9:30 p.m. event coordinators circled the winners and delivered the prizes to their news owners.

After a successful evening of fundraising and tweeting, AFAN patiently waited for the announcement of the grand total. Finally, on March 28 the total was publicized, raising close to $1000 for AFAN and its effort to fight HIV/AIDS within Southern Nevada.  This event ultimately proved how powerful social media is after the success of an event that was virtually promoted through Twitter and Facebook. Twestival is definitely an organization to follow over the next few years as they gain recognition and make a difference for hundreds of charities not only nationally but globally. 

Photo credit to Ryan Shewchuck

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