Chic Compass Connection
Chic Compass Connection
Chic Compass Podcast
Chic Compass Podcast is a branch of the Chic Compass Connection Magazine. Chic Compass Connection aims to tell the stories of artists, musicians, designers, chefs based out of Las Vegas and beyond!
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.
Aug 2, 2021
46 min
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. www.JonathanKarrant.com
Jul 17, 2021
40 min
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. https://christophertodddesign.com
Jun 15, 2021
45 min
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. www.WhitneyPhoenix.com
Jun 1, 2021
39 min
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. www.AlphaOmegaWealth.com
May 17, 2021
45 min
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
May 2, 2021
1 hr 1 min
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. http://dennisblair.com/ http://dennisblairmusic.com/ "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
Apr 17, 2021
42 min
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.  https://empoweringhumanitytv.com/
Apr 4, 2021
46 min
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. https://www.nikijsands.com/
Mar 21, 2021
36 min
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.
Mar 7, 2021
36 min
Load more