Ernie Hensley, an accomplished African American musician, was born in Washington D.C. on March 14 1940, the son of Ernest W. Hensley Jr. and Gladys Barbara Hensley. Both of his parents worked for the federal government in the nation's capital. Ernest W. Hensley Jr., was an employee at the Department of Defense and Gladys Barbara Hensley mother, who was an excellent pianist and drum major, ultimately set her musical career aside to provide for her family and worked for the National Labor Relations board. At the age of seven, after finding a saxophone in his grandmother's attic, Ernie embarked on his musical journey. He took lessons at the Modem School of Music in Washington D.C. Eventually acquired proficiency with the clarinet and the flute through long hours of practice. Ernie attended a historically black school, Armstrong High School in D.C., until he was transferred to integrated McKinley High School in 1954 following the Brown v. Board of Education ruling. Ernie recalls his experience in a new desegregated environment. After High School in 1957, Ernie joined the Air Force as a member of the 511th Air Force Band. In 1959 he resettled in France to play saxophone for the Air Force Band. Emie ultimately made a career in the Air Force. He had countless experiences of performing around Europe and in Washington D.C. at places like Constitution Hall. A dream came true when Emie was honored to become a member of the "Airmen of Note," the premier jazz ensemble for the United States Air Force. He retired from the Air Force in 1979. Because of his distinguished career in the United States Air Force, Emie had a number of opportunities once he retired from the military. He moved to Las Vegas in 1979 at age 39 and after living in area for just a few weeks, Emie started working with Johnny Haig 3 nights a week. Shortly thereafter, Emie found a long-term home working with Jimmy Mulidore's group at the Hilton for nearly a decade until 1995. Throughout Ernie's lifetime he has been fortunate to work with notable musicians such as Andy Williams, Sammy Davis Jr., Somers, Juliet Prowse, Steve an Eydie and his good friend Sarah Vaughn. Emie, along with his wife Carolyn, a retired UNLV faculty member, still resides in Las Vegas.

Dayvid Figler (1967 - ) is the quiet boy who became an insightful and creative contributor to the local culture of Las Vegas. The oldest of Barbara and Meyer Figler?s three children, he was four years old when the family station wagon reached Las Vegas in 1971. They moved in with Uncle Izzy (aka Big Irish) Figler for a few months. Having the ?juice,? Dayvid?s father soon became a Pan dealer on the Strip. As the family grew, Barbara eventually immersed her energies in her children?s activities, Hadassah and Temple Beth Sholom. In this oral history, Dayvid also recalls his awkward, but incredibly interesting youth, his bar mitzvah at Temple Beth Sholom, and path to a successful career as a criminal defense attorney. He also talks about embracing Las Vegas as his home, owning a home in John S. Park neighborhood and mentions a number of literary depictions of Las Vegas that he admires. Dayvid describes growing up a ?casino kid? who lived in an apartment near the Riviera Hotel. This, in addition to his slight stature and academic brilliance, may have set him apart from many of his childhood peers. He graduated from Valley High School at the age of 16 and by the age of 23 he was a rising star in the legal world. He looks back with appreciation to his list of mentors who encouraged him along the way. Dayvid is also a local favorite as an essayist and poet. For a number of years he could be heard on KNPR/NPR. He has been a performer in hundreds of productions that featured his comic wit and writings, from Lollapalooza to Tom and Jerry?s on Maryland Parkway.

On April 5, 1976, collector Broderick T. Ackerman interviewed Michael Miller who has lived in Nevada since 1910. In this interview, Mister Miller speaks about his time working on ranches and as a trapper in Northern Nevada. He also speaks about his time running nightclubs in Las Vegas, Nevada, as well as seeing much growth throughout his time living in Las Vegas.

On the corner of Eastern and Stewart, inside the East Las Vegas Community Center, lies an oasis of creativity and art. The halls ring with the sound of harmonious music coming from the meeting rooms, where children move violin bows up and down in a synchronized motion. They stare with concentration at the music sheets in front of them. They gracefully play together and fill the empty halls with classical music. For most of them, they are the first in their family to learn how to play an instrument. Like many in their neighborhood, they are also first-generation Americans. The students are rehearsing for their recital with the Las Vegas Philharmonic at the Smith Center in a few weeks. In the back of the room there is a man gleaming with pride and joy. The Foundation to Assist Young Musicians (FAYM) provides the rehearsal space, violins, and music lessons at the community center and allows these children to flourish despite their economic, social, or racial background through, “Building