Smith Center Blog

Performances and Artists

Deana Martin Recalls Her Childhood with the Rat Pack

Deana Martin still remembers witnessing Las Vegas’ glamorous days of the 1960s and ‘70s. That’s because she often accompanied her father, legendary Rat Pack member Dean Martin, for his performances in the hotel-casinos’ decadent lounges. Now an acclaimed performer in her own right, Deana strives to give audiences the same thrill her father did.

Performances and Artists

Megan Hilty Shares Stories from Starring in ‘Smash’

Looking back on her starring role in NBC’s hit musical series “Smash,” Megan Hilty describes the show as “everything I've ever wanted to do, wrapped up in one job.” Portraying a powerhouse performer gunning for a starring role in a new Broadway production, Hilty showcased her stunning vocal, dance and acting skills as a real-life triple threat.

Performances and Artists

How Boney James’ Career Nearly Came to an Abrupt End

Four-time Grammy nominee Boney James nearly saw his career end 10 years ago. As the multiplatinum artist chatted on speakerphone with his wife while driving home from his performance at the Newport Beach Jazz Festival, a drunk driver rammed his car from behind.

Performances and Artists

The True Story Behind ‘Driving Miss Daisy’

Alfred Uhry’s moving, Pulitzer-Prize-winning play “Driving Miss Daisy” remains an important commentary on race relations in America, hailed for its heartwarming use of comedy and friendship to reveal the common humanity between an elderly Jewish widow and her African-American chauffeur. Read about the real life inspiration behind the play.

Performances and Artists

How Reality Show Fame Rocked the World of Vocalist Storm Large

Storm Large has finally reached just the right level of famous. After building a national fanbase as a finalist on CBS’ reality singing show “Rock Star: Supernova,” Large says she was hit with a wave of stardom she felt unprepared for. This feverish fandom has eased up at last, allowing Large to focus on touring nationwide.

Performances and Artists

The Story Behind Danny Elfman, Composer for ‘Batman’ and ‘Beetlejuice’

Composer Danny Elfman’s life story sounds almost as fantastic as the films he scores. He unleashed his creativity in the ‘80s with his new-wave band Oingo Boingo, hailed for its wildly experimental and genre-defying tunes spanning ska, world music and rock. His quirky inventiveness then caught the attention of emerging film director Tim Burton.

Performances and Artists / Community Impact

Meet the Vegas Dancer Who Won ‘So You Think You Can Dance’

Las Vegas dancer Bailey Munoz knows about feeling pressure on stage. The 19-year-old has performed with Justin Bieber and Bruno Mars. He made it to the semifinals for NBC show “America’s Got Talent.” Yet he still describes competing on hit Fox show “So You Think You Can Dance” as challenging in a way he never experienced before.

National Geographic Live / Performances and Artists

The Odd Couple Takes On the Grand Canyon for National Geographic

Many close friends share exciting experiences through the years — but few that compare to those of longtime pals author Kevin Fedarko and photographer/filmmaker Pete McBride. Across their 20-year friendship, this intrepid pair has covered the world’s most stunning wonders on assignment together, spanning Africa, Mt. Everest and remote gems in between.

Performances and Artists

How Bobby Bones’ Fake Band Became a Comedy Sensation

When acclaimed comedian and radio personality Bobby Bones first started stand-up comedy, he billed his act as “Bobby Bones and the band The Raging Idiots.” But for every gig, the band never showed up. “Mostly because they didn’t exist,” Bones explains. This became the hilarious introduction to his act and set into motion a whole other facet of his career.

Broadway Las Vegas / Performances and Artists

Four Facts That Will Stun You About the Grinch and Dr. Seuss

The Grinch sneaks into most people’s childhoods one way or another. Many kids read about his uplifting transformation in Dr. Seuss’ classic children’s book. Some families celebrate the holidays by watching the hit 1966 animated film together. The Broadway musical is bound for Vegas as well. But there is more behind The Grinch than most people know