The Smith Center Announces Fall 2012 Season: Ben Vereen, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and More

The Smith Center for the Performing Arts today announced its Fall 2012 Season. Tickets for all performances go on sale August 17 at 10 a.m. Prices for individual tickets for the fall season begin at $24.

Highlights of the Fall 2012 Season include:

· Israel Philharmonic Orchestra - October 29, 2012, 7:30 p.m.
· Steppin’ Out with Ben Vereen - November 10, 2012, 7:30 p.m.
· Anita Baker - November 29, 2012, 7:30 p.m.

“The Fall 2012 Season further showcases The Smith Center’s commitment to bring culturally rich, diverse programming to Las Vegas,” says MyRon Martin, president and CEO of The Smith Center. “The season line-up truly offers a show for everyone, and the opportunity to experience something new as well.”

With the single purchase of five or more shows, there is a 10 percent discount and individual ticket fees do not apply, a savings that results in five shows for the price of four.

To purchase tickets for performances in the Fall 2012 Season, visit www.TheSmithCenter.com or call The Smith Center’s box office at (702) 749-2000.

FALL 2012 SEASON TITLES BY VENUE

REYNOLDS HALL

Dr. John & The Blind Boys of Alabama Performing “Spirituals to Funk”

October 16, 2012, 7:30 p.m.

“Spirituals to Funk” features Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Dr. John and 5-time Grammy® Award- winners The Blind Boys of Alabama. Under Dr. John's musical direction, the world premiere of “Spirituals to Funk” represents the first ever touring partnership between two icons of American music. Based on the legendary Carnegie Hall “Spirituals to Swing” concerts produced by John Hammond in the 1930s, "Spirituals to Funk" features an integrated show that explores the connections between jazz, blues and gospel.

A State of the Union Conversation: An Evening with Frank Rich & Fran Lebowitz

October 17, 2012, 7:30 p.m.

Forged in the belly of New York City, author and social commentator Fran Lebowitz leaves a cutting trail of wry and wit wherever she goes. Now with the presidential election heating up, she will take the stage alongside acclaimed journalist and Writer-at-Large for New York magazine Frank Rich. Together, they will kick off our illustrious Audi Speaker Series with a discussion on the current political climate, what is at stake and much more. This live, onstage conversation will conclude with 20-30 minutes of audience questions.

John Tesh: Big Band LIVE!

October 21, 2012, 7:30 p.m.

John Tesh and his Big Band Orchestra are “swinging” into town! On stage with 14 performers, John will play favorite big band tunes, including “In the Mood,” “I’ve Got the World on a String,” “Beyond the Sea” and many more. An all-around showman, John will treat you to piano solos, and will charm you with his engaging audience rapport. With three gold albums, two Grammy® nominations, and on the radio airwaves every day with the nationally-syndicated “John Tesh Radio Show,” John Tesh continues to be recognized worldwide as a leading and respected figure in the entertainment industry.

Pilobolus Dance Theatre

October 24, 2012, 7:30 p.m.

Pilobolus, an inventive, athletic, witty, collaborative performance company, performs on the stage and screen using the human body as a medium for expression. The 2012 season marks Pilobolus’ 41st year. In keeping with the energy and spirit of its biological namesake — a phototropic fungus that thrives in farmyards— the company has continued to grow toward the light, expanding and refining its unique methods of collective creative production to assemble a repertoire of more than 100 choreographic works. The Washington Post says, “ Pilobolus embodies a large part of what the best in contemporary dance is all about: discovery. Making something new with the same standard body parts the rest of us have.”

Israel Philharmonic Orchestra

Presented in association with The Jewish Federation of Las Vegas

October 29, 2012, 7:30 p.m.

The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra is one of Israel’s oldest and most influential cultural institutions. Since its founding in 1936, the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra has dedicated itself to presenting the world’s greatest music to audiences in Israel and around the world. Founded by Polish violinist Bronislaw Huberman, the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra represents the fulfillment of his dream “to unite the desire of the country for an orchestra with the desire of the Jewish musicians for a country.” Renowned music director Zubin Mehta and pianist Yuja Wang will lead the orchestra in a delightful performance including

the works of Schubert, Chopin and Brahms.

Ballet Folklorico de Mexico

November 4 & 5, 2012, 7:30 p.m.

On a single stage, an entire culture can be brought to life. Through rhythm, movement and music, Ballet Folklorico de Mexico takes audiences through time to explore Mexico’s rich history of tradition, folklore and social change. Created by Amalia Hernández over five decades ago, Ballet Folklorico today is known as the artistic ambassador of Mexico. They have travelled the world, showcasing a history that few know but all learn to love. So compelling, so distinct, they have received countless awards including the prestigious first place award in the Festival of Nations in Paris. Now you can see their passion and talent shine right here at The Smith Center.

Clifford the Big Red Dog ™ – LIVE!

November 6, 2012, 6 p.m.

In this new musical adventure, Clifford and Emily Elizabeth will take audiences on a journey to Birdwell Island with their friends Cleo, T-Bone, Charley, Jetta, and Mac. They will learn about Clifford’s BE BIG!™ Ideas -- Share, Play Fair, Have Respect, Work Together, Be Responsible, Be Truthful, Be Kind, Help Others, Believe In Yourself and Be A Good Friend -- with laughter, songs and dancing that the whole family will love. Clifford’s Big Ideas came out of the curriculum developed for the award-winning animated television series Clifford the Big Red Dog™, based on the books by Norman Bridwell, which airs on PBS KIDS®.

JAZZ ROOTS: BRAZIL meets FUNK featuring Sergio Mendes & Candy Dulfer

November 9, 2012, 7:30 p.m.

Brazilian music and Funk find their roots in the drums and rhythms from West Africa. These organic elements form the musical DNA that is imbedded in all the music of the Americas. This performance brings together Grammy® Award-winning Sergio Mendes and Dutch-born alto saxophone star and Funk master, Candy Dulfer, to explore both incredible genres.

Steppin’ Out with Ben Vereen

November 10, 2012, 7:30 p.m.

Few entertainers today are as accomplished or versatile as Ben Vereen. His legendary performances transcend time and have been woven into the fabric of this country’s artistic legacy.Vereen is currently touring his one man show, Steppin’ Out with Ben Vereen, dazzling audiences throughout the world. Vereen’s show is a unique blend of artistry, combining a tribute to Broadway, Frank Sinatra, and a very special tribute to Sammy Davis Jr.

Jim Brickman’s On A Winter’s Night

November 12, 2012, 7:30 p.m.

With more than seven million records sold, Jim Brickman’s romantic piano sound has made him the best-selling solo piano artist of our time. The two-time Grammy®-nominated, platinum-selling pianist and songwriter’s On A Winter's Night weaves together holiday favorites of new and old, plus all his hits, in one spectacular concert. This live performance strikes the perfect balance between emotional, musical intimacy and audience interaction for the ideal winter’s night celebration.

The Irish Tenors – Wright, Kearns, Tynan - The Premiere Irish Holiday Celebration Tour

November 27, 2012, 7:30 p.m.

The Irish Tenors’ holiday celebration concert has become, over the past fourteen years, a firm family tradition, bringing together children, parents and grandparents into one audience. The performance blends the hauntingly beautiful music of Ireland and the glorious Christmas music that warms hearts, gets feet tapping, and lifts spirits high.

Anita Baker

November 29, 2012, 7:30 p.m.

Grammy® Award-Winner, composer and producer Anita Baker has returned from a long break from the music scene. Known as a musical “hotbed,” Baker will return to the stage to perform her “fireside love songs” and classics such as “Giving You The Best That I Got,” promising a soulful performance for the audience.

Classical Mystery Tour

November 30, 2012, 7:30 p.m.

Imagine The Beatles playing in concert with a symphony orchestra. What would that have sounded like? The four musicians in Classical Mystery Tour look and sound just like The Beatles, but Classical Mystery Tour is more than just a rock concert. The full show presents some 30 Beatles tunes sung, played, and performed exactly as they were written. Hear "Penny Lane" with a live trumpet section; experience the beauty of "Yesterday" with an acoustic guitar and string quartet; enjoy the rock/classical blend on the hard edged "I Am the Walrus."

TROESH STUDIO THEATER

Steve Solomon’s – MY MOTHER’S ITALIAN, MY FATHER’S JEWISH & I’M IN THERAPY

September 28, 2012, 7 p.m.; September 29, 2012, 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.; September 30, 2012, 3 p.m.

Steve Solomon’s three-time award-winning show has met with rave reviews and great audience acclaim throughout the United States and overseas, and is becoming one of the longest-running one-man shows in Broadway history. Once again, we meet the people that we’re all too familiar with; the family members that make you remember why you left home in the first place. It’s a laugh-filled fest of everybody you know, have known, and some you’d want to forget but can’t, all brought to life on stage by the comic magic of Steve Solomon.

Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel: Gershwin and Friends

October 7, 2012, 2 p.m.

Recently featured on PBS, Keyboard Conversations® is a unique concert-plus-commentary in which Jeffrey Siegel speaks to the audience about the music prior to performing each work in its entirety. Mr. Siegel presents an informal, accessible and highly entertaining introduction to the vast repertoire of the piano and to classical music in general.

Late Nite Catechism

November 30, 2012, 7 p.m.; December 1, 2012, 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.; December 2, 2012, 3 p.m.

This part catechism class, part stand-up routine is an interactive comedy and one of the longest running shows in Chicago and U.S. theater history. You, the audience member, are part of Sister’s class. She’ll take you back to the days of the Latin mass, meatless Fridays, and remind you about that good old ruler across the knuckles. Jeffrey Lyons from TV’s Sneak Previewscalls the show “…something to savor and enjoy…one of the most intimate, rewarding shows in town.”

SYMPHONY PARK

ZOPPÉ – An Italian Family Circus

November 1 & 2, 2012, 7 p.m.; November 3, 2012, 2 & 7 p.m; November 4, 2012, 2 p.m. & 5 p.m.

In 1842, Napoleone and Ermengilda Zoppé founded Circo Zoppé near Venice, Italy, and their vision lives on as Zoppé, a traditional one-ring European circus. Join the Zoppé family on their journey to an enchanted, thrilling world far from our digital age – to a world of acrobatics, equestrian showmanship, canine capers, clowns and lots of audience participation. Always charming, often thrilling, Zoppé is an intimate, involving experience. In their 600-seat tent, no one is more than 25 feet from the ring!

About The Smith Center for the Performing Arts

Located in downtown’s 61-acre urban development, Symphony Park, The Smith Center for the Performing Arts is a public/private partnership that is the new centerpiece of cultural life in Las Vegas, offering a blend of performances by resident companies, as well as first-run touring attractions. The 5-acre cultural campus features three performance spaces, the 2,050-seat main performance area in Reynolds Hall and Boman Pavilion’s 258-seat Cabaret Jazz and 250-seat Troesh Studio Theater, and is home to a 1.7 acre park, which can be used for outdoor concerts. Additionally, the campus will be the new location of the Discovery Children’s Museum. The Smith Center is the cultural center for Las Vegas – a place that educates, entertains and excites the citizens of the Las Vegas community. For more information about The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, please visit www.thesmithcenter.com. Keep up with news and events onFacebook.

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