Smith Center Blog

Performances and Artists

Ring In The Holidays Virtually With The Smith Center

There’s no place like home for the holidays, as the old song goes. That’s especially true this year amidst the pandemic as most families will gather individually at home instead of venturing out for large gatherings.

Performances and Artists

Audiences Nationwide Celebrate Civil Rights Icon

The Smith Center joins dozens of other performing arts centers nationwide in hosting a virtual screening and live panel discussion of the new documentary “John Lewis: Good Trouble.” This initiative aims honor the life and legacy of one of the country's most renowned civil rights leaders: legendary U.S. Representative John Lewis.

Performances and Artists

Classical Composers with Rock Star Lifestyles

Many rock stars earn reputations for scandal and battles against society that draw just as much attention as their music. But today’s artists didn’t invent this pattern. Believe it or not, classical composers from centuries ago launched this trend. Many of the greats who penned lasting masterpieces also dabbled in conspiracies, debauchery and rebellion.

Performances and Artists

How the Las Vegas Philharmonic Found Its Home at The Smith Center

The first time Anne Mazzola saw a Las Vegas Philharmonic performance at The Smith Center, it fulfilled her childhood dream of attending a world-class concert. “When the Las Vegas Philharmonic performs at The Smith Center, it’s sheer magic,” says the Vegas resident.

Performances and Artists

How Favorite Myron’s Cabaret Jazz Artists Are Keeping Their Groove

While Vegas headliner Frankie Moreno remains homebound with the rest of Nevada during the pandemic, that won’t stop his music. A regular performer at the 240-seat Myron’s Cabaret Jazz club at The Smith Center, Moreno continues to write and release new songs every week from his home studio.

Performances and Artists

How Homebound Performers Stay on Their Artistic Game

Many ballet dancers find it devastating to go long periods without activity, says Roy Kaiser, director of Nevada Ballet Theatre (NBT). “They spend hours a day rehearsing,” he says. “For every week a dancer takes off, it takes two weeks for them to get back (to their athletic standard).”

Performances and Artists

Lindsey Buckingham’s Condition for Joining Fleetwood Mac

Countless people know and worship the band Fleetwood Mac – but few likely remember Buckingham Nicks. That’s because this duo, comprised of guitarist-singer Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, didn’t exist long. Instead, it unexpectedly served as their stepping stone to joining Fleetwood Mac and bringing the group to international fame.

Performances and Artists

Garrison Keillor on Creating ‘A Prairie Home Companion’

Most Americans immediately recognize Garrison Keillor’s voice. That’s because millions listened each week to Keillor’s heartwarming stories and songs on “A Prairie Home Companion,” the acclaimed radio show he created and hosted for over 40 years. Many still feel close to the characters from his iconic, short stories of fictional town Lake Wobegon.

Performances and Artists

How This Dance Company Brings a New York Times Bestseller to Life

When Bill Wade first read the children’s book “What Do You Do With an Idea?” he finished it with tears in his eyes. “I was like, ‘oh my gosh, this is my story,’” remembers Wade, founder of Inlet Dance Theatre, a nationally acclaimed contemporary dance group. “This is me starting my dance company 20 years ago.”

Performances and Artists

The Inspiring Story Behind Creating The Supremes

Supremes cofounder Mary Wilson remembers that during her childhood, most African-American youths didn’t dare dream of becoming pop stars. “We had to focus on the jobs we were allowed to have,” Wilson recalls of 1960s America. But fortunately for Wilson, living in Detroit offered a rare resource: the Motown record label.