10/8/2019
Education and Outreach
Juan Gonzalez, a special education teacher with Clark County School District, still remembers his astonishment at watching a Smith Center teaching artist incorporate musical instruments into classroom lessons with his students. “The response from my students was just amazing,” Gonzalez remembers.
10/7/2019
Performances and Artists
Emmy-winning actress Nonie Newton-Riley can describe her comedy show “Sister’s Christmas Catechism” with just a few words: “the audience is the costar.” While this one-woman show offers a loose script with Riley as a sardonic nun teaching her unruly Catholic school class (the audience), the production remains rooted in audience participation.
10/3/2019
Supporting the Arts
There’s little in Southern Nevada that Don Snyder hasn’t influenced. As the former president of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Don Snyder played a key role with launching its new medical school. He cofounded Bank of Nevada and served as president of Boyd Gaming. He even led the initial efforts to entice the Raiders to move to Las Vegas.
10/3/2019
Performances and Artists
From the first time Donato Cabrera experienced the Composers Showcase at Myron’s Cabaret Jazz at The Smith Center, he felt inspired to take part. Created by acclaimed Las Vegas music director Keith Thompson, the monthly event showcases all-new, original material by gifted composers and artists who call Southern Nevada home.
9/27/2019
Community Impact
Every two weeks, Las Vegas resident Mark Shunock and his Mondays Dark team pull off the impossible. They organize and present an entirely new variety show with a specialized theme, showcasing a fresh lineup of top Vegas entertainers — each time raising $10,000 in just 90 minutes for a different Southern Nevada charity.
9/17/2019
Inside the Theater
Many people wouldn’t see this coming – perhaps not even you. You’re eager to see an upcoming show at The Smith Center. You Google it, and click on the first link you spot that includes “Smith Center.” Maybe the website looks odd, or the ticket price stuns you. But you want the tickets… So you buy them. Little do you know, you’ve just been scammed.
9/13/2019
Broadway Las Vegas
Ever flirt with the idea that you might be a Parrothead? If so, hold this title with pride. With similar passion to Deadheads, these devoted Jimmy Buffett fans faithfully attend his concerts with his melodies memorized… And with parrot hats and Hawaiian shirts happily on display.
9/12/2019
Education and Outreach
Josiah Boyd admits that for most of his childhood, he thought performing on stage was just for “girly guys.” That is, until he saw "Wicked" at The Smith Center, shortly before he started high school. “I remember lying in bed and constantly thinking about it, like ‘that was awesome. I want to be a part of that,’” recalls the Las Vegas resident, now 20.
9/11/2019
These days, walking through downtown Las Vegas feels more like taking in an art exhibit than simply navigating streets. Vibrant murals transform building exteriors into mesmerizing patterns, while custom art pieces catch the eye at traffic intersections.
9/10/2019
Performances and Artists
When selecting the most electrifying artists to spotlight in an explosive tribute to British rock, Brody Dolyniuk knew he had his pick of several beloved groups and singers. But in the end, he says, it all came down to four bands: Queen, Pink Floyd, The Who and Led Zeppelin.