1/8/2020
Performances and Artists
Founding members Nolfi and Dominic Scaglione Jr. sparked the idea for the Doo Wop Project backstage at Broadway’s August Wilson Theater, where the pair costarred in “Jersey Boys.” Nolfi played Tommy DeVito, with Scaglione Jr. starring as Frank Valli. In between scenes portraying a gifted singing group, they created their own.
1/6/2020
Performances and Artists
Multiplatinum pianist Jim Brickman still remembers driving his piano teacher crazy as a boy. “My first teacher didn't appreciate the fact that I didn't like playing basic scales and beginner songs. I always wanted to play my own songs,” Brickman says. Clearly, his teacher lacked some vision.
1/6/2020
Performances and Artists
Southern Nevada audiences can experience true masters of musical instruments up close. World-renowned artists make their way to Myron’s Cabaret Jazz, the 240-seat venue at The Smith Center hailed as a leading space for live performances. And many of them strive to reimagine classical music in groundbreaking ways.
1/3/2020
National Geographic Live
World-acclaimed photojournalist Jodi Cobb clearly remembers the hardest story of her career: When she became the first photographer to ever document the cloistered lives of Saudi Arabian women. Her obstacles were endless. “It was illegal. That’s how hard it was,” Cobb remembers.
1/3/2020
Community Impact / Supporting the Arts
David Grayson estimates that at any given time, he has tickets for at least 10 upcoming Smith Center shows. “Ever since I found The Smith Center, I have been frequenting Reynolds Hall and Myron's Cabaret Jazz,” says Grayson, a 32-year-old software developer and Las Vegas resident.
1/2/2020
Performances and Artists
Growing up, internationally acclaimed violinist Lucia Micarelli had a unique introduction to music. “I never listened to anything but classical until I was about 16 or 17,” admits Micarelli, whose stunning career includes performing at the Hollywood Bowl and Lincoln Center, as well as recently taping her own PBS special. It’s not surprising that classical captivated her.
12/30/2019
Performances and Artists
Even after selling 65 million albums and earning two Grammys, Michael Bolton never allows himself to feel complacent. That’s because reaching this success was “an 18-year climb,” he says. “My first record deal was at 16, and I didn’t have a hit until I was 34.” This involved an exhausting journey that might have broken other artists.
12/18/2019
Education and Outreach
For one Las Vegas mother with a son on the autism spectrum, she often perceives her child as “not welcome” at public events, she says, due to his behaviors beyond her control. But at The Smith Center’s recent sensory friendly performance of “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical,” she didn’t have to worry.
12/16/2019
Education and Outreach
Math teacher Gayle Miller knew she faced a challenge several years ago when she started teaching Algebra 1 for ELL students (English Language Learners). Realizing that many ELL students had no more than a third-grade math education, she knew her Algebra lessons weren’t what they needed. That’s why Miller created a special ELL Saturday school.
12/16/2019
Broadway Las Vegas
Audiences can expect one undeniable certainty at Broadway musical Escape to Margaritaville, promises Aimee Lane, the tour’s dance captain: It will be a nonstop party. Featuring entirely Jimmy Buffet tunes, including beloved classics such as Come Monday, Volcano and Margaritaville, the show infuses these catchy melodies with full-blown, energizing dance numbers and an uplifting romantic comedy.