Pursuing Passion
Are you a singer or musician who is miserable and hating the music gigs and/or day gigs you do have, if any? Or ... did you just lose a gig you hated anyway, but now you are feeling like a failure? These are common dilemmas, especially for those of us who have many different skill sets. The only drawback to being mult-talented is that there are that many more paths to take, and for a while they seem deceivingly appropriate, easy, and practical. They also seem like responsible, neccessary options. That said, there is one thing I know for sure. ...
Singing Standards – This Saturday at Ichabod’s
Okay, I confess. I am a literature geek. That made it hard to resist an offer to sing at a venue named after the protagonist in one of the world's great fictions. In The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Ichabod Crane is said to have been chased away (or done away with) by the Headless Horseman. This Saturday, I will be singing standards with Howie Gold from 7:30 to 10:00 PM at Ichabod's Lounge in Las Vegas. The atmosphere is great, the food is delicious, and they have a new dance floor. What's not to love? No spooky stuff here, just ...
Courting Venue Support in Vegas
Lounges that used to have live music have become late-night velvet rope clubs. Radio and corporate sponsors are an endangered species. Venues are slashing their marketing budgets like never before, especially in entertainment. Celebrity DJ's are the new "bands" in Fabulous Las Vegas. So … what’s a would-be working musician to do? For starters, one would have to have a grasp on marketing trends. Let’s cut right to the heart of the way entertainment is being booked and marketed across Las Vegas. I am speaking particularly about supplemental, non-headliner entertainment. You know … what properties would call the fluff, the afterthought, the ...
Singing with Music Legends
I am thrilled and humbled to have landed a spot with music legend Sonny Turner, former lead singer of The Platters. I have been added on as the girl singer for a series of dates with this wonderfully dynamic and talented entertainer and his group, which includes Music Director Steve Cantor, and male singers Keith Blake and Daemine Lowe, who have been with Turner for several years. The magic created when Sonny hits the stage is truly like nothing I have ever experienced. Performing classics like "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes," "The Great Pretender," and "Only You," this showman consistently represents ...
Jazz Nights Cancelled
After a brief cancellation, the Orleans Casino and Hotel temporarily revived Jazz Tuesday’s at Brendan’s Pub. I performed on January 5th and again on February 16th, singing selections from The Great American Songbook and more. Unfortunately, it looks like the jazz series is on hiatus again. I am not sure why the series was cancelled, but I do know that low drink sales and low attendance has something to with it. Tuesday nights are always tough to market, especially during the winter months, and I applaud the Orleans for trying something new. Without sponsorship from a true jazz radio station, the series ...
Finalist for “Entrepreneur of the Year” Award
I just found out that I was nominated and am now a finalist for a "Women of Distinction" award given by the Southern Nevada Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). The award is for "Entrepreneur of the Year." How cool is that? I can't believe it! I am humbled and honored ... truly. The 12th Annual Women of Distinction Awards (WODA) program will be held at 11 AM on March 12, 2010 at the Las Vegas Hilton. WODA has 9 at-large awards that are open to the Southern Nevada community. The finalists in each of these categories ...
Taylor Swift Debate Continues
[caption id="attachment_591" align="alignright" width="225" caption="(Photo courtesy of Michael Caulfield/WireImage)"][/caption] So we've all heard about Taylor Swift's pitch problem at the Grammy's, and about her big win for Album of the Year. Despite the fact that the Grammy's were aired almost 2 weeks ago, the level of vitriol being spewed between Camp Taylor and Camp Anti-Taylor is at an all time high. I got my first taste of the debate after seeing MTV writer James Montgomery's February 2nd article "Why You Shouldn't Hate on Taylor Swift" and the ensuing comments. The debate is far from over folks. I seem to get an e-mail, Twitter ...
Michelle Johnson at Brendan’s Pub – Tuesday , February 16th!
Please stop by to see me and my band on Tuesday February 16! We are playing songs from The Great American Songbook at Brendan's Pub inside the Orleans Hotel and Casino (in Las Vegas) from 8 to 12 PM. Special surprise guests will be attending as well. The pub has become a popular local musicians hang, and you never know who will show up. See what Jerry Fink has to say about this jazz series. The program was just resurrected due to improved attendance. It's survival depends on attendance, so come on out and support live music! See you there! Vocals: Michelle Johnson Keys: Billy ...
Irene Bustamante Kickoff
Though I have always been an avid national political junkie, I rarely get involved in local politics or campaigns. Today changed all that. My new amazing friend Irene Bustamante just kicked off her campaign to run for Nevada State Assembly , District 42. Irene is the Director of Construction Diversity for MGM MIRAGE’s CityCenter. Ms. Bustamante is responsible for the establishment and implementation of all policies for minority construction business participation at MGM MIRAGE. This woman is an incredibly bright, compassionate, focused, and effective leader who will help to usher in a long overdue sea change in Nevada politics. I support her ...
Letting it all out – post Grammy venting
Something happened last Sunday. Well, there was the Grammy Awards telecast, and the NFL Pro Bowl .... but it was what happened later that night that got me thinking. I have never heard so many critiques and polarized opinions about the Grammy's. Uber cuber commentary from all corners. Fans and listeners gone wild. Who should have won. Who shouldn't have won. Who can't sing. This year's show has got 'em talking folks. The cry I am hearing the most? "I'm mad as hell ... and I'm not gonna take this anymore." More to come .....
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Pursuing Passion
Are you a singer or musician who is miserable and hating the music gigs and/or day gigs you do have, if any? Or … did you just lose a gig you hated anyway, but now you are feeling like a failure? These are common dilemmas, especially for those of us who have many different skill sets. The only drawback to being mult-talented is that there are that many more paths to take, and for a while... [Read more]
Singing Standards – This Saturday at Ichabod’s
Okay, I confess. I am a literature geek. That made it hard to resist an offer to sing at a venue named after the protagonist in one of the world’s great fictions. In The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Ichabod Crane is said to have been chased away (or done away with) by the Headless Horseman. This Saturday, I will be singing standards with Howie Gold from 7:30 to 10:00 PM at Ichabod’s... [Read more]
Courting Venue Support in Vegas
Lounges that used to have live music have become late-night velvet rope clubs. Radio and corporate sponsors are an endangered species. Venues are slashing their marketing budgets like never before, especially in entertainment. Celebrity DJ’s are the new “bands” in Fabulous Las Vegas. So … what’s a would-be working musician to do? For starters, one would have to have a grasp... [Read more]
Singing with Music Legends
I am thrilled and humbled to have landed a spot with music legend Sonny Turner, former lead singer of The Platters. I have been added on as the girl singer for a series of dates with this wonderfully dynamic and talented entertainer and his group, which includes Music Director Steve Cantor, and male singers Keith Blake and Daemine Lowe, who have been with Turner for several years. The magic created... [Read more]
Jazz Nights Cancelled
After a brief cancellation, the Orleans Casino and Hotel temporarily revived Jazz Tuesday’s at Brendan’s Pub. I performed on January 5th and again on February 16th, singing selections from The Great American Songbook and more. Unfortunately, it looks like the jazz series is on hiatus again. I am not sure why the series was cancelled, but I do know that low drink sales and low attendance has... [Read more]
