More than 100 people attended the 2nd Annual VIVA Awards presented by the Forgotten Song Foundation recently at the Fifth Street School in downtown Las Vegas.
The event recognizes local "activists in the arts" and the Vegas Icon Visionary Award is presented to those who have dedicated their lives to the arts.
This year's honorees were Keith Thompson and Ken JHanlon. Thompson has served as the musical director and conductor for the Jersey Boys and "The Producers" and is the composer for "Idaho!," which is coming soon to The Smith Center for the Performing Arts.
Hanlon will be retiring soon as Professor of Music at UNLV after almost 40 years. Hanlon was instrumental in creating the Nevada Symphony Orchestra, Nevada Ballet Theater, Nevada School for the Arts and the Las Vegas Jazz Society.
Las Vegas singers Clint and Kelly Clinton-Holmes entertained guests during the awards show along with Toscha Comeaux, Lisa Gay and Sophia Lelis, all backed by Rick Vittallo and Cook County.
The evening also included a silent auction and raffle.
