Tom Donoghue / DonoghuePhotography.com
Clint Holmes performs during the Nevada Sesquicentennial All-Star Concert on Monday, Sept. 22, 2014, at the Smith Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Las Vegas.
By John Katsilometes
Published Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014 | 10:34 a.m.
Updated Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014 | 11:53 a.m.
For the first time in more than eight years, Clint Holmes will be back onstage at Harrah’s.
Holmes is the latest in the line of guest vocalists to join “Million Dollar Quartet,” as he’ll sing “All Shook Up,” the Elvis classic, at the end of the performance on Dec. 4. Holmes closed out a 6 1/2-year run at the hotel’s showroom in October 2006, calling the moment “bittersweet” at the time.
Today, he says, "It'll be somewhat nostalgic, because a lot of the people who worked there when I was at Harrah's are still there. But the stage has changed, with the set for the show, so it won't feel the same since I was there. I have been looking forward to this for a long time."
Holmes saw the show about a year ago and was duly impressed with the rich, powerful performances. He originally suggested singing, "Stand By Me," the Ben E. King classic released in 1962.
"It's a little out of the rockabilly thing, but from the same era. I thought g=that could be fun, but the response was much too slow," Holmses says. "So I came up with some ideas for Elvis songs I liked back when I was a kid, and I always loved 'All Shook Up,' so we picked that."
He added with a laugh, "Now I've got to learn it."
Holmes is currently headlining at Cabaret Jazz in the Smith Center, with his next set of shows set for Dec. 5-7, just after he joins “MDQ” for his one-night appearance.
“Million Dollar Quartet” has invited a series of guest stars over the past year or so, but none since Melody Sweets of “Absinthe” sang with the cast in August. Taylor Hicks, Veronic DiCaire, Frankie Moreno, Holly Madison and Pia Zadora also have joined the production.
In each instance, the singers are summoned to the stage after the encore performance, set as a fantasy concert performed by Elvis (Justin Shandor), Jerry Lee Lewis (Martin Kaye), Johnny Cash (Ben Hale) and Carl Perkins (Rob Lyons).
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
Harrah's Just as distinctive as it's famous neighbors Caesar's Palace and The Venetian, Harrah's Las Vegas has been entertaining guests since 1973. The 87,700-square foot casino is filled with 1,520 slot machines and 107 gaming tables. Outside the casino, guests are able to experience fun in a street-fair atmosphere at the Carnival Court, an outdoor lounge with live entertainment (including the bartenders), food stands and outdoor shops.
At Harrah's comedy is King, and that has never been more apparent then the comedy acts of Rita Rudner, the Mac King Comedy Magic Show and the Improv Comedy Club. After the show, guests are more than welcome to laugh at their friends at The Piano Bar, famous for its dueling pianos and karaoke. Most recently, Harrah's added tribute show "Legends in Concert" to its list of entertainment.
Restaurants like Ming's offers Asian cuisine, while Ruth's Chris Steak House offers guests fine steaks and fresh seafood. Toby Keith's I Love This Bar is a country-themed bar with a restaurant, live music and the occasional appearance from Keith himself.
3475 Las Vegas Blvd South Las Vegas,
NV 89109
702-369-5000
Follow John Katsilometes on Twitter at Twitter.com/JohnnyKats. Also, follow “Kats With the Dish” at Twitter.com/KatsWiththeDish.
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