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

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.

I am thrilled to announce my upcoming show, this Tuesday in the Ovation Room in Green Valley Ranch. Here is the accompanying press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Ragtag Entertainment Presents Michelle Johnson in An Independent Woman:

A Salute to The Great American Songbook

June 30, 2011 – Las Vegas, NV– On Tuesday, July 5, Michelle Johnson will perform a special Independence Week cabaret show honoring The Great American Songbook, in the Ovation Room inside Green Valley Ranch. An Independent Woman will feature songs by Duke Ellington, Cole Porter, and Irving Berlin to name a few. Accompanying Johnson will be a full band with horns. Green Valley Ranch is at 2300 Paseo Verde Pkwy, in Henderson, Nevada. Admission is $10, with half of the proceeds going to Golden Rainbow of Las Vegas. Show time is 8:00 p.m., and doors open at 7:30 p.m. For tickets, simply buy at the door, or visit Green Valley Ranch or call (702) 617-7777.

Johnson’s first encounter with jazz standards (the classic popular songs of the ‘30s, ‘40s and ‘50s), took place when she was a young child. She learned how to use her parents’ record player at age four, and would spend long hours sitting under the stairs with their albums, listening to Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald and others. “I was fascinated by the way each singer had her own distinct way of interpreting the same song” she says. Johnson was singing “Misty” around the house by age five, but it would be another five years before she made her onstage debut singing “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” from Jesus Christ Superstar in a school program.

On her website, www.michellejohnson.com, Johnson is known the “diva” of her production company, Diva Las Vegas Productions, but onstage she views herself as a member of the ensemble. “I try to emulate Ella Fitzgerald, who ‘sang like a trumpet’ and who approached songs more as an instrumentalist than as a typical frontwoman.”

Johnson is looking forward to her first time as a headliner in Green Valley’s Ovation Room, which is particularly suited for a show with a large band. Despite the size of her band, Johnson intends to create a sense of intimacy with her audience by tying the evening together with a narrative thread that celebrates themes of female independence. In a typical nightclub show, Johnson said, “you come watch someone sing, they do a bunch of songs, and everybody goes home,” whereas at a cabaret show, “I’ve done my job if the audience gets to know me by the end of the night.”

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Art Laboe has been around almost as long as radio has, and in the 1950s he helped usher in the Rock ‘n’ Roll era as one of the first DJs to play the new kind of music. Now you can get Art Laboe Show tickets to see him live and in person along with some great artists. The upcoming Las Vegas show’s lineup includes Zapp, Peaches & Herb, The Temprees, MC Magic, Sophia Maria, Blue Magic, Aalon, Barbara Lynn and Sly, Slick & Wicked.

I am thrilled to be singing backups for Barbara Lynn (You’ll Lose a Good Thing) and Aalon (Rock & Roll Gangster) at the upcoming concert, which will be at Planet Hollywood on Saturday, May 14th. The show is sponsored by 105.7 The Oasis. Go online for tickets or check out the show’s Facebook Page.

BARBARA LYNN AND AALON – RIGHT CLICK PICTURES BELOW FOR MORE ON THESE ARTISTS – OPEN IN A NEW WINDOW

ABOUT ART LABOE

From Wikipedia: Art Laboe (born Arthur Egnoian August 7, 1925) is an American pioneering disc jockey, songwriter, record producer, and radio station owner who is generally credited with coining the term “Oldies But Goodies.” Through his “Original Sound Records” company, Laboe put together the first-ever record album to feature hit songs by various artists from more than one label. Titled “Oldies But Goodies,” the album stayed on Billboard magazine’s Top 100 LPs chart for over three years.

For decades, Laboe was at the heart of the West Coast music scene, and worked on such pioneering stations as KPOP, where he broadcast a live show from Scrivners’ Drive-In in Los Angeles, and KRLA in the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, all the way through to the present. The city of Los Angeles declared July 17, 1981 to be “Art Laboe Day” when he received a star on Hollywood Walk of Fame. Art Laboe memorabilia can be seen at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum’s interactive Rock and Radio exhibit in Cleveland, Ohio. Today, Art Laboe continues in music as an MC, promoter, and Internet disc jockey. His “Killer Oldies” show can be heard every Sunday night in select cities across the West Coast.

Don’t miss the LIVE Art Laboe show this May in Vegas!! Get tickets HERE.

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