Smith Center Blog

Performances and Artists

How World-Renowned Artists Are Reinventing Classical Music

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.

National Geographic Live

Risking It All to Reveal Hidden Worlds

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.

Community Impact / Supporting the Arts

Making a Difference While Making New Friends Through Smith Center Networking Group

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.

Performances and Artists

How a Violin Prodigy Broke the Classical Mold

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.

Performances and Artists

Michael Bolton’s Long, Hard Road to Success

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.

Education and Outreach

1,000 Southern Nevadans Attend Performance for Audiences with Disabilities

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.

Education and Outreach

Vegas Teacher Supports Students New to America

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.

Broadway Las Vegas

How ‘Escape to Margaritaville’ Combines Jimmy Buffett With Rollicking Surprises

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.

Performances and Artists

Holiday Gift Ideas for Every Taste

Holiday shopping can prove challenging — especially finding gifts to fit loved ones’ unique needs and interests. Check out gift ideas here from The Smith Center’s upcoming season that will appeal to a wide variety of tastes, spanning theater, music, speaker series, comedy, family shows and more.

Supporting the Arts

End-of-Year Giving to Support the Arts in Las Vegas

Regardless of having no performance background, when Dr. Ron Koe saw his first musical “The Phantom of the Opera” as a college student, he was permanently hooked as a performing arts fan. Preserving such uplifting live experiences remains a top reason Dr. Koe contributes to The Smith Center, a nonprofit organization, as a donor.