11/12/2019
Inside the Theater
This has likely happened to you at some point: You’re sitting in a theater watching a dazzling, live performance… Only to suddenly be distracted by your neighbors’ crinkling wrappers, the piercing light of their smartphone screens, or the carrying sound of their voices as they converse.
11/12/2019
Performances and Artists
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.
11/6/2019
Supporting the Arts
Rarely do young professionals get public speaking tips from acclaimed artists who make their living in the spotlight. But members of Fanfare! — The Smith Center’s networking and engagement group for young philanthropists with a passion for the arts — experienced that and more this fall.
11/5/2019
Performances and Artists
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.
11/4/2019
Performances and Artists
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.
10/30/2019
Supporting the Arts
The holiday season is here, and many prefer shopping for gifts online. Making online purchases can even help support nonprofits like The Smith Center, thanks to AmazonSmile. “This offers a great option for those who want to take part in the season of giving,” says Carol Hollatz, director of Annual Fund at The Smith Center.
10/28/2019
Performances and Artists
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.
10/26/2019
Community Impact
As thousands of Southern Nevadans enjoy Broadway smash “Wicked” this month at The Smith Center, the show’s compelling characters come to life through the orchestra pit’s mighty blasts and whimsical melodic surprises from Stephen Schwarz’s Tony-nominated score. Three UNLV students experienced this wonder up close and personal.
10/21/2019
Performances and Artists / Community Impact
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.
10/21/2019
National Geographic Live / Performances and Artists
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.