Smith Center Blog

Performances and Artists

Confessions of Two Tony-Nominated Sisters

“Music can be very healing,” Liz says. “I do what I do to meet with other people and collaborate.” So it’s only fitting that Liz will perform hit collaborative show “Sibling Revelry” with her sister, celebrated singer-songwriter Ann Hampton Callaway. Both have led sizzling careers, with Ann now a platinum recording artist and Liz a famous Broadway star.

Performances and Artists

A Day in the Life of an International Solo Violinist

Ever battle with insecurity, or worry about flubbing at work? Imagine living as a high-profile solo violinist like acclaimed virtuoso Francesca Dego, whose life since the age of 7 has involved a whirlwind of international competitions and performances at leading venues around the world.

Education and Outreach

Student Success Is Mariachi Music to His Ears

That’s because during each school day — plus two hours after school, as well as during school holidays and summer vacations — Benavides does the same thing: He helps the several hundred students in his mariachi program practice, rehearse and hone their skills.

Performances and Artists

Surprising Stories of The Everly Brothers’ Greatest Hits

When most people think of the catchiest tunes from the ‘50s and ‘60s, odds are good that they remember hits by The Everly Brothers. With a dazzling career that spanned over half a century, their stirring, two-part harmony churned out 21 studio albums that topped the Billboard charts and broadly influenced the path of American rock ‘n’ roll.

Performances and Artists

Five Things to Love About Grammy Nominee Alice Smith

Grammy-nominated vocalist Alice Smith remains well on her way to becoming a household name, with her soulful and heart-wrenching vocals dominating renditions of pop, jazz and R&B tunes — including her fiery originals that captivate audiences nationwide.

Performances and Artists

A Tribute Through Pictures in Sound

Of all the classical pieces penned by Russian composer Modest Mussorgsky, his most famous originated from a deeply personal connection. His evocative work “Pictures at an Exhibition” was inspired by the vibrant works at an art exhibition honoring the death of his close friend and fellow Russian, painter Vladimir Hartmann.

Family Programming

The Many Ways Kids Benefit from Live Theater

For Nicole Neal, taking her 6-year-old daughter to performances at The Smith Center serves as much more than just entertainment. Many of the shows provide fun learning opportunities, including reading the literary source material together beforehand, or discussing music and characters afterward. “That really helps build a connection,” the Las Vegas mother says.

Family Programming / Performances and Artists

Life Lessons From Nickelodeon’s ‘Double Dare’

Without a doubt, Americans gained true gems of wisdom from watching television’s messiest game show, “Double Dare” on Nickelodeon. Featuring tenacious children competing in brain-tickling trivia and deliciously disgusting stunts, the long-running series that taped over 500 episodes made an art of Slime soaking, pie plastering and booger busting.