KB Home community hosts jazz artist

The Tommy Thompson Project, a jazz ensemble, heralds the debut of KB Home's Shadow Springs community in North Las Vegas today with a live performance.

"Visitors to the jazz concert at Shadow Springs will experience a soulful, passionate performance," Tommy Thompson said. "Jazz is the passion of my life."

A friend and student of recording artist Grover Washington Jr., Thompson has been playing the saxophone for more than 30 years. He toured with major show bands and recording groups including the O'Jays and the J. Geils Band. He has opened for Spiro Gira, Chicago, Aaron Neville and Tower of Power before making Las Vegas his home.

"Las Vegas is a great place to live. I can settle down and perform in one place," Thompson said.

Today's gig at Shadow Springs starts at 4 p.m. The free outdoor concert includes refreshments and seating. There will also be a prize giveaway.

The community will feature 10 model homes showcasing water-efficient landscaping. Models are anticipated to open in June 2004.

"This is our first community to feature synthetic turf in the landscaping. And it's truly something to see," marketing director Bonnie Hernandez said. "The turf looks incredibly natural. It's a great investment in water conservation, which ultimately saves homeowners money."

The 120-acre community is situated near the Shadow Creek golf course. It comprises three series of homes: Constellation, Aurora and Sanctuary. Combined, they will offer 21 floor plans ranging from 1,384 to 2,784 square feet. Home prices start in the $160,000s.

The Constellation series offers 11 floor plans ranging from 1,536 to 2,325 square feet. Prices start from the high $140,000s to the low $190,000s.

Seven Constellation floor plans are two-story homes with three to five bedrooms, and 2 1/2 or three baths. Each home features a two-car garage.

The Aurora series offers single-story homes complete with four floor plans that range from 1,384 to 1,861 square feet. Plans offer three or four bedrooms, two baths and two-car garages.

The Sanctuary series features six two-story designs with three to six bedrooms, and 2 1/2 or three baths. Each home offers a two-car garage.

Amenities include a 5-acre park with a walking trail, sand volleyball courts, covered and uncovered pavilion areas, barbecue grills and a playground. Two smaller neighborhood parks are planned.

To visit, take Interstate 15 north, past Craig Road, to Interstate 215 and head west. Go south on Losee Road, then turn left on Azure Drive and follow the signs.

The sales office is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. except Friday, when it opens at 11 a.m.

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