Courtesy
Danny Seraphine, longtime drummer for the band Chicago, performs with David Perrico’s Pop Evolution show band at Cabaret Jazz at the Smith
Center on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2014. Doors open at 9 p.m., with the show at 10 p.m.
By John Katsilometes
Published Friday, Oct. 17, 2014 | 10:15 p.m.
Updated Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014 | 11:46 a.m.
There was a reason David Perrico injected the word “evolution” into his band’s name back in 2012. Pop Evolution continues to expand, artistically and in terms of power, as Perrico brings original Chicago drummer Danny Seraphine to the stage for Pop Evo’s show Wednesday night at Cabaret Jazz in the Smith Center (tickets are $19 to $45 and available at the Smith Center box office at 702-749-2000 or on the Smith Center website at TheSmithCenter.com).
Seraphine and the 20-piece band will play such famous Chicago hits as “Make Me Smile,” “Hard Habit to Break,” “25 or 6 to 4,” “Saturday in the Park,” “Introduction” and “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” The vocals are supplied by Pop Evo regular singer Naomi Mauro, with Jim Buck and Brian Triola chiming in (or roaring in, as the case may be).
During a phone conversation this afternoon, the great percussionist recalled his days with the groundbreaking band. He was not uniformly praising of that experience, either.
“I left in 1990, and I am a big part of the Chicago legacy, but the remaining original members are taking credit for the legacy that Peter Cetera, Jim Guercio, Terry Kath and myself helped create,” Seraphine said. “They try to act like they are responsible for everything, and one of the great mysteries in life is why they do that.”
Nonetheless, Seraphine says he appreciates listening to all that great music and does hold fond memories of playing in that band.
“When I hear that music, when it’s on, these days I am very grateful for what we accomplished,” he said. “It still sounds great, today, all the 1980s Chicago sounds great and even our first album still sounds fresh. Ultimately, I’m still proud of it, and I would wish that kind of success for every artist.
Perrico agrees that Seraphine is the most prominent guest yet to sit in with Pop Evolution. He was with Chicago for 23 years, recording five No. 1 albums and 21 Top 40 hits. Rolling Stone placed him No. 80 on its list of the Top 100 rock drummers of all time.
Seraphine also has a history in Las Vegas dating to the days of the Aladdin Theater for the Performing Arts, where Chicago played just after the venue opened in 1976. Most recently, in July 2012, he took over Troesh Studio Theater at the Smith Center with his band California Transit Authority (a play off Chicago Transit Authority, the original name of Chicago). Perrico played trumpet in that show.
“I’m excited. I remember playing Old Vegas, with Chicago, but I never got to play the new Vegas,” Seraphine said. “I’m really looking forward to playing this show for a crowd that really appreciates great music in a room that sounds great.”
The Society Inc The Smith Center for the Performing Arts offers a blend of performances by resident companies and touring attractions. The 5-acre cultural campus features three performance spaces, which includes a main performance area with more than 2,000 seats. This downtown cultural center of Las Vegas looks to educate, entertain and excite community members.
OUR MISSION
To provide and preserve a high-quality performing arts center that is embraced by the community and recognized as a vital force by supporting artistic excellence, education and inspiration for all.
OUR GOALS
To entertain, educate, enrich and inspire the southern Nevada community.
FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES
Thanks to the generous support of our dedicated founders, members, donors and community partners, The Smith Center continues to provide a wide variety of services for Southern Nevada residents, including access to world-class performances, inspirational Education and Outreach programs for students and teachers, and a unique space to host events, meetings and special occasions. Celebrating our fifth season, we depend upon public support to fulfill our mission and serve as the Heart of the Arts for many years to come.
With ticket sales covering just 75 percent of our operating budget for each season, the remaining 25 percent comes from the community we serve. Philanthropic support at all levels helps provide programming that entertains, educates, enriches and inspires. By giving to The Smith Center, you play a vital role in providing an important resource for our community.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
There are many opportunities to volunteer and play a direct role with your community's performing arts complex. Volunteers engage with staff and patrons to enhance experiences at The Smith Center, and can serve in various capacities including tour guide/docent, usher, security team member or community ambassador. As important members of The Smith Center team, volunteers help us remain financially sustainable and provide numerous services for the community. Please show your support for The Smith Center's mission by gifting your time and unique skills.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Members' annual support provides crucial resources for The Smith Center's artistic programming, education opportunities and cultural enrichment each year. There are a variety of giving options and levels, and Members receive exclusive benefits and behind-the-scenes opportunities based on their level of support. To learn more, please visit www.thesmithcenter.com/support-us/members.
The Encore Society recognizes those generous donors who have included The Smith Center as a part of their estate plan. Corporate Sponsorship is available to companies to underwrite all, or part, of a program, performance or event.
Fanfare! is The Smith Center's young progressional networking organization, open to anyone with an interest in the performing arts who is between the ages of 21-40. And our Show Dedication allows for the celebration of an individual or special occasion with unique recognition opportunities during a specific performance.
SERVICE AREA
The Smith Center provides world-class performing arts and outreach and education throughout the Southern Nevada region.
YEAR ESTABLISHED
2012.
The organization originally formed in 1996 as the Las Vegas Performing Arts Center.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Myron G. Martin President and CEO Donald D. Snyder Chairman Dr. Keith Boman Vice Chairman Mark Tratos Secretary Michael Yackira Treasurer David Dunn Alan M. Feldman Richard Haddrill Fred Hipwell Nancy Houssels Todd-Avery Lenahan Scott MacTaggart Jerry Nadal John Nelson Richard Plaster Rory Reid Kim Sinatra Roger P. Thomas 4104 Cathedral Falls Ave North Las Vegas,
NV
702-749-2000
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