Patti LuPone & Audra McDonald Set for Smith Center's Best of NY Stage Series

From the best of jazz and most celebrated classical musicians to the biggest voices from the New York stages, The Smith Center brings three diverse series to Las Vegas from October 2013 through May 2014. The three series bring patrons on a journey deep into the heart of American music to see the masters perform right before their eyes or visit the New York stage without leaving Las Vegas.

The Smith Center's popular "Jazz Roots" will be joined by two new series including "Classical & Beyond" featuring Renee Fleming, Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra and the Academy of St. Martin & The Fields with Joshua Bell, among others, and "Best of the New York Stage" bringing the likes of Patti LuPone, Michael Feinstien and Audra McDonald and more to the stage.

As a series subscriber, patrons enjoy exclusive benefits including first access to best available seating, keeping the same seats throughout the duration of the season and saving 20 percent when compared to buying individual show tickets. On sale dates for individual tickets will be announced at a later date.

Subscriptions for all three series go on sale to the public beginning Monday, July 15 and must be purchased by Monday, Sept. 30 at The Smith Center Box Office, located at 361 Symphony Park Avenue, by phone at 702-749-2000 or 808-326-6868 (TTY) and online at www.TheSmithCenter.com. For preferred seating and special rates for groups of 10 or more, contact 702-749-2348.

JAZZ ROOTS

"Ladies of Jazz" featuring Dee Dee Bridgewater and the Mosaic Project consisting of Terri Lyne Carrington, Esperanza Spalding, Gretchen Parlato, Gerri Allen and Tia Fuller

Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.

Dee Dee Bridgewater, the world's most highly acclaimed female jazz vocalist and host of NPR's award-winning "JazzSet with Dee Dee Bridgewater," has gathered the finest female jazz musicians alive today to create an unparalleled musical collaboration. For one night, see the 2011 Grammy's "Best New Artist" Esperanza Spalding, Grammy-winning drummer Terri Lyne Carrington, first place Thelonious Monk Vocal Competition winner Gretchen Parlato, Grammy-winning pianist, composer and educator Gerri Allen and sax star Tia Fuller.

"The Blues" featuring Keb Mo and Shemekia Copeland

Monday, Nov. 18, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.

Without the blues, there would be no jazz, R&B, rock 'n roll or hip hop. Blues is the link that ties modern music together. It is the sound of the American experience, raw and untamed and something worth celebrating. This November, two generations of blues stars will take the stage. Keb Mo, a living link to the delta blues and a three-time Grammy-winning singer/guitarist, will showcase the blues in all its heartfelt glory alongside acclaimed vocalist Shemekia Copeland, the daughter of guitar legend Johnny Copeland.

"Georgia on my Mind: Celebrating Ray Charles" featuring Take 6, Nnenna Freelon, Clint Holmes, Kirk Whalum, Shelly Berg, Raelettes and the UNLV Singers and Orchestra conducted by David Loeb

Friday, Feb. 28, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.

Frank Sinatra called him "the only true genius in show business." Ray Charles transcended racism, faced cultural upheavals head on and helped bring jazz, blues and soul to the rest of the world. In honor of Black History Month, an all-star cast of performers will celebrate Ray's life, music and undeniable spirit. You'll see ten-time Grammy winners Take 6, Clint Holmes, Vocalist of the Year Nnenna Freelon, Grammy-winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum, music director Shelly Berg and the UNLV Singers and Orchestra conducted by David Loeb as they honor the beloved genius from Georgia.

"Satin & Soul" featuring David Sanborn and Jonathan Butler

Friday, March 21, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.

"Satin & Soul" is a concert as smooth and sexy as satin and as deep and earthy as the roots of American music. This special performance brings together two award-winning stars to create a perfect blend of sounds that will touch the soul. David Sanborn, the six-time Grammy winner and multi-platinum alto sax star, will grace the stage alongside Jonathan Butler, the platinum-selling singer/guitarist and winner of the famed South African Sarie Award - where Africa, America, Jazz and Soul come together.

CLASSICAL & BEYOND

Kronos Quartet: Kronos at 40

Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.

A spirit of fearless exploration separates the Kronos Quartet from all others as they don't simply play music but create atmospheres of rich emotion. They conjure up powerful experiences that never quite fade from memory. The illustrious and Grammy-winning quartet will premiere a special new work from Philip Glass, alongside moving works from Laurie Anderson, Bryce Dessner of The National and composer Clint Mansell.

Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra

Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013 at 5 p.m.

"America's Orchestra" brings a delightful range of the world's first and most famous Pops orchestra to experience the majesty of Dvorak and Copland, swing with Ellington and Gershwin, get a little crazy with Queen and soar with the film music of John Williams. In addition, audience-favorite Michael Chertock joins the Pops for a performance of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue." It's music for the ages - and for all ages - that the whole family will treasure.

St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra with Nikolai Alexeev, Conductor & Vilde Frang, Violin

Saturday, March 1, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.

Founded in 1882, the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra, one of the world's greatest orchestras, is Russia's oldest symphonic ensemble and a beacon of the country's passion for art and music. It was with this orchestra that Tchaikovsky chose to premiere his Symphony No. 6 ("Pathetique") and share its cultural spirit with the world. This performance will be rising Norwegian violinist, Vilde Frang's, first appearance in Las Vegas.

Academy of St. Martin in the Fields with Joshua Bell, Director & Solo Violin

Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.

Master violinist Joshua Bell commands and directs this brilliant chamber orchestra, known worldwide for its polished and refined sound. Formed in 1958, they have come to represent the pinnacle of musicianship. The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields is purity put to music, perfection played out loud and every performance is a true treat for fellow performers and lovers of music everywhere.

Renée Fleming, Soprano

Thursday, May 1, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.

One of the most beloved and celebrated musical ambassadors of our time, soprano Renée Fleming is known for her sumptuous voice, consummate artistry and compelling stage presence. She has performed across the world, from the Beijing Olympics to Buckingham Palace to the Obama Inaugural Celebration. For her first-ever public performance in Las Vegas, she will sing beloved songs and arias ranging from grand opera favorites to Broadway and The Great American Songbook.

BEST OF THE NEW YORK STAGE

Audra McDonald in Concert

Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.

Broadway legend Audra McDonald returns to the concert stage after four seasons on the hit ABC television series PRIVATE PRACTICE and after winning a record-tying fifth Tony Award for her unforgettable performance in The Gershwins' PORGY AND BESS. Joined by a jazz ensemble, the two-time Grammy Award winner will perform an intimate evening of favorite show tunes, classic songs from the movies and original pieces written especially for this extraordinary artist who is at the height of her expressive powers. "Ravishing of voice and Olympian of stature, she's an overwhelming presence," The New York Times.

Michael Feinstein: The Gershwins and Me

Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.

This April Feinstein released a new CD, in collaboration with legendary composer-conductor-pianist Andre Previn, with an album celebrating Previn's repertoire from his catalog of pop songs. Previn's work is highlighted with four Oscars and 11 Grammy Awards. Gershwin's influence provided a solid base upon which Feinstein evolved into a captivating performer, composer and arranger of his own original music. Feinstein has received three honorary doctorates. Through his live performances, recordings, film and television appearances, and his songwriting, Feinstein is an all-star force in American music.

The Ten Tenors

Monday, Feb. 17, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.

Classical comes to life when The Ten Tenors take the stage with their wild blend of rock and classical music that has astounded audiences and powered them into stardom. Now, ever evolving and always entertaining, the tenors have crafted a special, limited-run performance featuring their favorite Broadway hits. Come see ten of Australia's hottest tenors and enjoy an evening of raw power, soothing beauty and the very best Broadway has to offer.

Patti LuPone in FAR AWAY PLACES

Thursday, March 20, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.

In her new, critically-acclaimed concert FAR AWAY PLACES, two-time Tony Award winner (GYPSY, EVITA) Patti LuPone shares her penchant for wanderlust by taking us on a musical journey with thrilling renditions of songs by an eclectic list of songwriters which includes Stephen Sondheim, Cole Porter, Willie Nelson, Kurt Weill, Edith Piaf, Frederick Hollander and the BeeGees.

For more information on the upcoming series, visit www.TheSmithCenter.com.

Photo by: Jennifer Broski

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