Benjamin: Patrick, let's start from the beginning. Tell me a little bit about what you do here in Las Vegas, how long you've lived in the valley, and your journey getting here.
Patrick Frase: I've lived in Las Vegas now going on six years. I originally spent 20 years out in Bakersfield, California, working as a director of development, grant writer, and fundraiser for 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Before that, I moved out west in 2001 from Green Bay, Wisconsin, so yes, I am a diehard Cheesehead and Wisconsin sports fan through and through! But I have to admit, I've developed a massive love for the Vegas Golden Knights since making this city my home.
Patrick Frase: I actually used to come out to Vegas every single year to work out at South Point during the NFR horse shows, selling custom jewelry I make to the cowboys and cowgirls. Eventually, being single and living alone in California, I realized I just wasn't enjoying it anymore. I made the move to Vegas, and it has been the absolute perfect fit for my life.
Benjamin: You have a massive history with grant writing. How are you utilizing those skills within our local community today?
Patrick Frase: I've been professional grant writing now for 49 years, handling clients all across the United States. Since coming to Vegas, I've shifted into a part-time, semi-retired pace, which allows me to be incredibly selective. Right now, I'm working heavily with local arts organizations, independent artists, and groups dealing directly with homelessness issues in our city.
Patrick Frase: I tell artists all the time: even when it's a creative passion or a hobby, it is a business. A nonprofit doesn't mean you don't make money. You have to handle it professionally to keep the doors open. My job is to ensure these vital groups get the funding they need to focus on helping people.
Benjamin: I also saw some incredible photos of you behind a drum kit. Tell me about your musical side.
Patrick Frase: I've been playing drums for 59 years now, ever since the third or fourth grade, and I never gave it up. Early on, I spent two years on the road playing six days a week as a "lounge lizard" in Holiday Inns and Ramada Inns, but I eventually realized I didn't want that lifestyle forever. Today, I operate strictly as a freelance, on-call drummer here in Vegas.
Patrick Frase: I don't play regular bars anymore. Instead, local bands call me at the last minute when their drummer gets sick. I step in for high-end country club jobs and private parties. I throw the tuxedo on and go! I get about five or six of those calls a month, and it's fantastic. I call myself the joyful drummer because I genuinely love every minute of it.
Benjamin: Living out in Summerlin, what are some of your favorite local hidden gems to visit when you're off the clock?
Patrick Frase: Because I live right near it, Siena Trattoria on West Sahara is my absolute favorite place to go. Giancarlo is the owner there, and he does a phenomenal job. They have live music and bands four nights a week, they support great musicians, and the Italian food is unmatched. I hold a lot of my business meetings right there.
Patrick Frase: Beyond Summerlin, I love the history of downtown Las Vegas and what they are doing to rebuild it. I support the Arts District and the Container Park. As locals, we don't go out of our way to hit the Strip unless a legendary band like Chicago is in town. The real heartbeat of the city is in these local pockets.
Benjamin: If you had one major wish for our city and the community right now, what would it be?
Patrick Frase: My big wish is simply that we can learn to work together and get along. I worked as a voting supervisor at the polls for 20 years, so I am completely apolitical, as I have to be in my line of work. I am just tired of the constant "me against you" mentality in the world of politics. I wish we could sit down at the table civilized, leave the politics behind, and focus our energy on making this world a better place for children, the elderly, and the less fortunate.
Benjamin: Patrick, I absolutely agree with you. Before we wrap things up, I know you have a huge project coming up that you are incredibly passionate about. Tell us a bit about that so our community can support it.
Patrick Frase: I am incredibly fond of an organization called the Everybody Sings Project. It's led by a gentleman named JJ Midnight who goes around to local schools to promote music and arts education through the legacy of Freddie Mercury and Queen. We actually have two massive celebration concerts coming up on September 5th at the Hard Rock Cafe celebrating Queen. It's a beautiful project dedicated to keeping music alive for the next generation, and I encourage everyone to check it out!
Benjamin: Patrick, thank you so much for your time today. Your dedication to the arts, funding local causes, and music is exactly what living the goodlife is all about.