Tom Donoghue / DonoghuePhotography.com
Jeff Leibow, Travis Cloer, Graham Fenton and Deven May of “Jersey Boys” at the Paris arrive at the 2014 Fighters Only World Mixed Martial Arts Awards on Friday, Feb. 7, 2014, at the Venetian.
By John Katsilometes
Monday, July 21, 2014 | 6:36 p.m.
Myron Martin was around for one of the greatest events ever in Strip entertainment, the USO benefit show from November 2001 titled “Las Vegas Salutes the Spirit of America.”
To say Martin was “around” for the event is not quite giving full credit, actually. He helped produce the event, which sold all 7,500 tickets made available to the public at $25 apiece.
The show drew an array of headliners who (at that point) had strong ties to Las Vegas, including Wayne Newton, Clint Holmes, Earl Turner, The Scintas, Lance Burton, The Amazing Johnathan, Siegfried & Roy, Robert Goulet, Carrot Top, Rich Little, Bill Acosta and Bob Anderson.
Nearly every name performer turned out to help raise money for the USO just two months after 9/11. It was thought that we would not see such a show again, but we will, and Martin, who was a guest columnist for the Las Vegas Sun on Sunday, is again at the center as he is helping amass the talent and providing the stage for the “Nevada Sesquicentennial All-Star Concert” set for Sept. 22 at Reynolds Hall in the Smith Center for the Performing Arts.
(Tickets go on sale Friday and are $25 to $100; go to the Smith Center website for information.)
Acts, individuals and shows to be represented thus far include Las Vegas entertainment legend Jerry Lewis, Cirque du Soleil, “Jubilee,” “Jersey Boys,” “Million Dollar Quartet,” Penn & Teller, Human Nature, Clint Holmes, Frankie Moreno, Bob Anderson, Susan Anton, Antonio Fargas and Mark Shunock of “Rock of Ages.”
The house band is a dandy: The Lon Bronson All-Star Band, boosted by the Las Vegas Mass Choir. Cowboy poet Waddie Mitchell will hearken to the state’s infancy, and tributes to Frank Sinatra, Mark Twain and Liberace (separately, we can expect) will be performed.
More acts and celebrities will be added, to be certain, as there are some big stars not on that list. But Martin, president and CEO of the Smith Center, already has a fantastic, freewheeling lineup.
“Nevada has a rich and eclectic history that started with President Lincoln during the Civil War,” Martin said in a news release. “What better way to commemorate the state’s 150th anniversary than by inviting the entertainment community to come together to celebrate Nevada’s cultural heritage in Las Vegas, the Entertainment Capital of the World?”
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
Follow John Katsilometes on Twitter at Twitter.com/JohnnyKats. Also, follow “Kats With the Dish” at Twitter.com/KatsWiththeDish.
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