The Smith Center for the Performing Arts
Clint Holmes with Nneenna Freelon in “Georgia on My Mind: A Tribute to Ray Charles” on Friday, Feb. 28, 2014, at Reynolds Hall in the Smith Center.
By John Katsilometes
Tuesday, July 15, 2014 | 2:36 p.m.
Tom Donoghue/DonoghuePhotography.com
Clint Holmes and Kelly Clinton Holmes arrive at the red carpet for Cirque du Soleil's "Michael Jackson One" at Mandalay Bay on Saturday, June 29, 2013.
Clint Holmes’ most recent foray into a Strip production was his six-year run at Harrah’s in which he used music to tell a story — his own.
Now he’s focusing his creative energy on the life and music of Ray Charles.
In his first residency on the Strip since leaving Harrah’s in 2006, Holmes is part of the artistically robust lineup delivering “Georgia On My Mind” to the Venetian Theater from Sept. 18-Oct. 29. Joining Holmes in the production is the 10-time Grammy Award-winning vocal group Take 6 and the great jazz vocalist Nnenna Freelon.
Those singers will be backed by a full orchestra under the direction of UNLV Jazz Studies Department Director Dave Loeb, who has developed that school’s Jazz Ensemble band into one of the most prestigious in the country. The producer is Larry Rosen, co-founder of GPR Records, which happens to be the first major record label to issue its music in a digitally mastered format.
If this all sounds more than vaguely familiar, it should: Holmes, Take 6 and Freeman (and also sax great Kirk Whalum) performed this show splendidly at Reynolds Hall in the Smith Center in February. Holmes also fronted the production that played Atlanta this year and is to tour in Miami and Orlando in November.
Of course, the Smith Center is typically Holmes’ home court, as he performs at Cabaret Jazz the first weekend of each month. He is taking off September, October and November to focus his energy as a live performer on the Charles show. He’s also busy recording an upcoming jazz CD at Capitol Records in Los Angeles, and a story about his visit to Hollywood last week is upcoming.
Such details as ticket prices, show dates and availability for the shows at the Venetian will be released officially next Tuesday during a news conference at the hotel. But for now, know that Clint Holmes is back on the Strip.
Venetian Resort Hotel Casino In the spirit of Venice, The Venetian is a little piece of romantic Italy right here in Las Vegas. The Venetian is an "all-suite" hotel, with rooms accented with plush linens and Italian marble. The 4,027 suites are divided into two towers: The 36-story Venetian Tower that offers guests a taste of luxurious Las Vegas and the Venezia suites, which guarantee 12 floors of high-end elegance. The top five floors are the hotel's highest level of luxury with its private access, concierge lounge, upgraded features and even a dedicated staff.
Entertainment at the Venetian includes shows such as Tim and Faith - Soul2Soul, featuring Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, and Rock of Ages.
The flagship of Venetian nightlife is TAO, an ultra-hip nightclub located inside of TAO Asian Bistro. V Bar is The Venetian's super smooth ultra lounge, made by the owners of New York City's club Lotus and Los Angeles' super swank Sunset Room.
The Venetian features 19 restaurants including Thomas Keller's award-winning French restaurant Bouchon, Mario Batali's B&B Ristorante, Aquaknox for fresh seafood and the 42,000 square foot TAO Asian Bistro. There's also the food court inside the Canal Shoppes for those looking for a quick bite.
Guests can float along The Grand Canal Shops in an authentic Italian gondola ride and pass stores like Burberry and Kenneth Cole along the way. And if you haven't caught a real celeb, on the street in Vegas, you can head over to Madame Tussauds to check out a wax version.
3355 S. Las Vegas Blvd. Las Vegas,
NV 89109
702-414-1000
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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