I am pleased to announce that my new Christmas CD entitled “Simply Christmas” is now available!

I have spent a lifetime recording edgy arrangements and complicated projects. But it’s Christmas, and I am feeling nostalgic. This year, I decided to go back to something simple and pure, with just a touch of whimsy here and there. My favorite Christmas music … laid down with just guitar and vocal. Kick back and enjoy this one with your loved ones, by the fire, with a glass of wine or whatever suits your fancy. May this year and every year bring you love, peace, and renewed joy.

Songs from the new Christmas CD will be featured on 97.1 FM at 8 AM on Sunday, December 18th on the “Sunday Side Up” jazz show with Ric Gould. It will be streaming live at http://werlv.com/pages/8478081.php. (My segment should start around 9:10 AM)

Vocals: Michelle Johnson Guitar: Mark Speights

Sample from “Simply Christmas”

COST: $17 including shipping and handling. Pay with Paypal or credit card. (Order by Monday, December 19th, and shipments will be sent via Priority Mail to ensure that you get it by Christmas.)

Track Listing:
1. Christmastime is Here
2. Do You Hear What I Hear?
3. I’ll Be Home for Christmas
4. Let It Snow
5. Mary Did You Know
6. Silent Night
7. The Christmas Song
8. White Christmas
9. Ave Maria

I had always heard that symphony gigs were the ultimate. Now I know it’s true. I recently had the absolute pleasure of performing in Canada with the world renowned Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, (conducted by the legendary Jeff Tyzik) as part of a newly formed vocal group called Kaleidoscope. The project is the brainchild of my good friend, entertainment producer and director Cushney Roberts, who also produces shows for the Motown tribute acts Spectrum and Radiance.

Our current show California Dreaming is a fantastic tribute to the music of the Baby Boomer Generation … music from the 1960’s and 70’s, featuring incredible orchestral arrangements by musical director Tex Richardson and others. Here is a link to the repertoire, which is listed on the Vancouver Symphony website, along with the performer bios. The other singers in the group are Sally Stewart, Mark Speights, Tex Richardson, and creator Cushney Roberts himself.

I cannot describe the thrill I experienced when I heard 73 outstanding musicians playing behind us in the gorgeous, historic Orpheum Theater, which was built in 1927. There were pin drop moments, booming glorious moments, and everything in between. We were so well received by the audience that it was almost dream like.

Cushney Roberts’ vision, focus, and overall execution of this project were such a treat to experience. As a fellow producer, I cannot say enough about his talent and work ethic. I am hoping we are booked by more symphonies soon, (Las Vegas Philharmonic … are you listening?) but in the mean time, I’ll always have Vancouver.

Take a virtual tour of the amazing Orpheum Theater here: Theater Tour

catch a re-run of my performance on ABC’s The Morning Blend on KTNV Las Vegas as part of the “Dating Divas” advice segment on dating. Married girls can give advice to single people too! Men e-mailed in with questions and we answered them on the air. WATCH BELOW.

Here is a fun interview I recently did with always funny and edgy comedienne, ventriloquist and talk show host Michele LaFong. She hosts Las Vegas Backstage Now every week, and has talked to countless celebrities and local entertainers in Las Vegas about their careers and their upcoming projects. I had a ball.

It’s about 20 minutes long … we chatted about everything!

You can catch Las Vegas Backstage Now on Thursday Night from 6:05pm-7pm Pacific Time on 970AM KNUU and on the web and smartphones at www.970KNUU.com

***Video may take a while to load if you have a slow connection… be patient or … or better yet, pause it until it is fully loaded and then press play.

More videos of my shows are at my YouTube Channel

PERFORMING WITH SONNY TURNER’S PLATTERS

ON PBS SPECIAL – “ROCK, POP, AND DOO-WOP”

I had the honor of performing with one of the all time greats last year as part of a PBS Special taping for the “Rock Pop and Doo Wop” tribute that aired recently.

Sonny Turner is a music legend, an incredible performer, and a remarkable person. Being one of his Platters is a dream come true for me. The PBS Special will be re-aired frequently, so heck your area for local listing. Missed it? You can see our portion here. The other two Platters with Sonny Turner are outstanding vocalists Daemine Lowe and Keith Blake. Sonny’s longtime Musical Director is the talented Steve Cantor. The group is based in Las Vegas.

Michelle Johnson and The Desert Angels can be seen regularly at the House of Blues inside Mandalay Bay every Sunday. The rotating roster of talented gospel artists features some of the best voices and musicians in Las Vegas, in a new headliner format. Part history lesson, part concert, and part classic floor show, this gospel extravaganza has something for everyone.

WATCH THE LATEST TELEVISION INTERVIEW BELOW

Music insiders have long known that legendary soul and R&B singers who recorded gold records for labels like Motown and Stax saved some of their best performances for church. Michelle Johnson and the Desert Angels will give some of the younger singers making up the “next generation” of iconic groups like the Coasters and the Temptations the chance to highlight their gospel roots.

This guest headliner approach is a new step for the House of Blues, and it promises to be exciting and fresh every week. (See images below.)

The House of Blues Las Vegas is located at 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. Las Vegas, NV. Tickets for show and southern-style buffet are $40 and $20 for children under 11. Doors open at 10:00 a.m. for 10:45 show and at 1:00 p.m. for the 1:45 show. Call (702) 632–7600 for tickets.

Bruce Williamson

Sunday’s gospel brunch also often features former Coaster Sandy Wyatt. Wyatt, whose agile tenor voice has been compared to that of Sam Cooke, is currently appearing in Hitzville at the V Theater inside Planet Hollywood.

Past singers include Avis Ellis (Hitzville) , Tim Wells (Bootlegger) , Skye Miles (formerly starring in Menopause, the Musical) , and Toni Morgan (Gladys Knight Show).

Tymara Spears

Future gospel brunches will showcase the talents of Smokey Robinson’s backup singer Serena Henry, and backup singers who have worked with Gladys Knight, Sheena Easton, Chaka Khan, and gospel star Yolanda Adams to name a few.

Serena Henry and Smokey Robinson

Elisa Furr and Chaka Khan

The gospel brunch tradition began in 1985 in New York City, when owners of Lola’s restaurant in Manhattan hired gospel singers from churches in Brooklyn and Queens to entertain brunch diners. The experiment worked: the brunches became so popular that Lola’s added two more seatings to accommodate crowds. The House of Blues has made its gospel brunch a world-famous stop in cities around the country.

Connect with the Desert Angels on Facebook by clicking here: GOSPEL BRUNCH ON FACEBOOK

(Diva Las Vegas Productions was contracted by Soli Concepts to produce a one of a kind Gospel Brunch for the House of Blues, as of Sunday, June 12th.) Come out and see what all the buzz is about!

You can view the Diva Las Vegas website in Flash or HTML by clicking here:

FLASH WEBSITE

HTML WEBSITE

An event producer is not the same thing as a booking agent. An event producer takes stock of the product, and is invested beyond a commission. A good event producer is hands on, and is almost always at the event in person, even if it means running from one event to the other.

A good event producer pays talent directly, and makes sure to know what talent is appropriate for a specific gig. A good event producer avoids cookie cutter acts, and doesn’t just throw things on the wall to see what sticks.

A good event producer gets back to talent (not just the client) in a timely manner, and goes to bat for them when a venue/client proves challenging or when logistical information is needed, no matter how hectic keeping track of it all may be.

A good event producer is concerned with building a brand – not just a financial empire. To me, that is the difference, though I am sure some booking agents do all of this too. I have worked with some great agents, but I am at event producer. That is what I do.

Find out more at www.divalasvegas.com

The month of December brings holiday music and live jazz to Grape Street Cafe and Wine Bar, featuring Michelle Johnson and guitarist Mark Speights, performing in an intimate, sophisticated setting. Reminiscent of the sound made famous by Ella Fitzgerald and Joe Pass,  their beautiful blend of guitar and vocals injects new energy into classic songs from the Great American Songbook, along with some adult contemporary pop, blues and classic rock songs. Stay tuned for details of a Christmas CD release party to be held soon, featuring Mark and Michelle’s new CD of beautiful Christmas music. You will be able to buy it right at their Grape Street shows on Thursdays.

Delivering the right mix of songs, the right volume, and the right mood every time, the duo has stumbled upon a refreshingly simple yet beautiful art form, and they do it with class, grace, and above all outstanding musicianship.

Soaring vocals and flying fingers … every Thursday from 6 to 9 pm, at the award winning Grape Street Cafe, Wine Bar and Cellar, your place for fine dining in a cozy and friendly setting. Order some wine, have some dinner, and breathe in the music. Enjoy.

CALL 702-228-9463 TO MAKE A RESERVATION TODAY. (Suggested for parties of 6 or more.)

GRAPE STREET IS LOCATED AT 7501 LAKE MEAD BOULEVARD, LAS VEGAS, NV 89128

Grape Street Cafe, Wine Bar, and Cellar offers over 80 glasses of wine by the glass, scrumptious dinner and desert, incredible wine bottle deals, a fantastic happy hour, excellent prices, and an intimate, cozy setting that has kept regulars (including Michelle) coming there for years. Celebrating their 14th year in business, the restaurant is a critics favorite. Add beautiful music to the mix and you are in for a wonderful evening.

Take a look at the wine list and the menu and check out owner Chef John and General Manager Daniel Bessent’s recent appearance on ABC’s The Morning Blend.

About Mark Speights

Mark Speights of Flint, Michigan, has traveled from coast to coast with numerous musical groups. The son of two musicians, he attributes his vocal ability to his mother, a singer, and his broad interest in music fundamentals and styles to his trumpeter father. Both his parents worked with some of the great big bands throughout the 1940′s. At the age of twelve he discovered the guitar by borrowing one from a friend. It took two years before he received his own as a Christmas gift from his parents. He has never looked back.

Mr. Speights has written and performed music for television and radio ads, two short subject movie scores, has accompanied Little Anthony and the Imperials, Chuck Berry, Chuck Mangione, Charo and a diverse host of others. When Clive Davis began his own Arista label Mark’s band was signed along with Barry Manilow, Melissa Manchester and the Outlaws as one of the new hot acts. That led to touring as opening act for Lynyrd Skynyrd .

Mark moved to Las Vegas in 1980 and worked with bands and shows up and down the Strip. He later did a stint in entertainment management at Walt DisneyWorld in Orlando, Florida where he booked and managed talent, and he contracted musical acts for Tokyo Disneyland as well as Tokyo Disney Seas. Seven years ago he returned to Las Vegas and a full-time performing career. He would tell you he has worked in many music related fields over the years, but performing is his niche. His advice to young people who wish to make a living in music – “Listen to everything and learn to play multiple styles of music convincingly.”

What happens when a world class guitarist and a local diva get together?  Electricity! Headliners in their own right with Broadway, touring, recording, television and radio credits, John Wedemeyer and Michelle Johnson have consistently graced audiences with their talent, musicianship and versatility.  

The two sought after performers met through mutual acquaintances in the music industry, and have now teamed up on a new project that is perfect for intimate, sophisticated settings. Reminiscent of the sound made famous by Ella Fitzgerald and Joe Pass,  their beautiful blend of guitar and vocals injects new energy into classic songs from the Great American Songbook, along with some adult contemporary pop, blues and classic rock songs.  

Delivering the right mix of songs, the right volume, and the right mood every time, Wedemeyer and Johnson have stumbled upon a refreshingly simple yet beautiful art form, and they do it with class, grace, and above all outstanding musicianship.

In addition to Mr. Wedemeyer, Michelle will also be appearing at Grape Street with other phenomenal guitarists on a rotating basis. More on these fine musicians soon.

Soaring vocals and flying fingers … every Thursday from 6 to 9 pm, at the award winning Grape Street Cafe, Wine Bar and Cellar, your place for fine dining in a cozy and friendly setting. Order some wine, have some dinner, and breathe in the music. Enjoy.

CALL 702-228-9463 TO MAKE A RESERVATION TODAY. (Suggested for parties of 4 or more.)

GRAPE STREET IS LOCATED AT 7501 LAKE MEAD BOULEVARD, LAS VEGAS, NV 89128

Video of Michelle and John

About Grape Street:

Grape Street Cafe, Wine Bar, and Cellar offers over 80 glasses of wine by the glass, scrumptious dinner and desert, incredible wine bottle deals, a fantastic happy hour, excellent prices, and an intimate, cozy setting that has kept regulars (including Michelle) coming there for years. Celebrating their 14th year in business, the restaurant is a critics favorite. Add beautiful music to the mix and you are in for a wonderful evening.

Take a look at the wine list and the menu and check out owner Chef John and General Manager Daniel Bessent’s recent appearance on ABC’s The Morning Blend.

About John Wedemeyer

John Wedemeyer of Los Gatos, California, has played guitar professionally since age 19. John developed a devoted following and garnered awards and accolades in the Bay area before moving to Las Vegas in, where he is one of the city’s most sought after live and session players.

An outstanding musician who plays anything from blues and rock to jazz and avant garde music, Mr. Wedemeyer has toured worldwide and has played/recorded with a variety of artists including: America’s Got Talent winner and Sony recording artist Michael Grimm, Donny and Marie Osmond, Martin Nievera, Lani Misalucha, Susan Anton, Mickey Thomas (Starship), Phil Lesh (Grateful Dead), Bonnie Raitt, blues harpist Charlie Musselwhite, Wayne Newton, Clint Holmes, Curtis Salgado (formerly with Santana) , and many more.

In the Bay area, where he is somewhat of a legend and a “Blues Rock” hero, his band W.H.a.T won the 1992 KOME Best of the Bay Competition Award, and opened for artists such as BB King, John Haitt and the Dixie Dregs. In Las Vegas, his band “The Other Guys” offers a refreshing take on live music on the strip, and has received rave reviews for shows at the Palazzo and other casino properties.

John is a man of few words. On paper, that is. When he is not on tour or on stage, he is recording or contributing to music projects of those who are lucky enough to have him. His sound is unmistakable, his passion for the blues and jazz irrepressible, and his ability to bring just the right touch and flavor to any kind of musical event remarkable.

“… jaw-dropping fretwork in support of Michael Grimm, winner of America’s Got Talent.” — KeithHollandGuitars.com

“His over-the-top fretwork invariably raises the roof”

– Nicky Baxter, Metroactive Music

I will be performing with Sonny Turner (former lead singer of the Platters) at Sam’s Town in Las Vegas this Saturday, July 30th. He is an amazing performer and a true legend. If you have not seen his show, you do not know what you are missing!!! The concert is entitled “Sam’s Town Presents An Evening of Pop and Doo Wop” and other performers include The Flamingoes, and Danny and the Juniors. Click here for more information and for ticket sales: http://www.vegasnews.com/51656/sam’s-town-presents-an-evening-of-pop-and-doo-wop-july-30.html

I will be going on tour with Sonny (all across Japan) for three weeks, starting August 27th.