Welcome To My Blog!

This is the place to come for all the latest news on my life and my performances, and any new and exciting Gluten-Free products or restaurants I come across.  I will do my best to update regularly (at least once a month), and keep you up-to-date on all my comings and goings.  I can’t guarantee it will always be fascinating reading, but…it will be what it will be.  So check out the various posts below (the most recent post will always be listed first) and feel free to drop me a note when you can. Love always, Lisa…

PS> CLICK HERE to find out where I’ll be performing next!

Find me at the following social networking sites:

“Finding Harmony on the Road Less Traveled”

Just wanted to take a few moments to brag about what’s been going on for my vocal trio, Dangerous Curves…it’s been a busy, successful couple of months! As you know, we’ve been in the studio recording our upcoming Christmas CD (to be released November 2012), and doing as many appearances around town as possible (Sun City Anthem, Ovations at Green Valley Ranch, Hit Parade at Suncoast Hotel, Tivoli Village in Summerlin, San Gennaro Feast, etc, etc…). We also have a newly REDESIGNED website (www.DangerousCurvesLasVegas.com) and BLOG (www.DangerousCurvesLasVegas.wordpress.com) to match our NEW photos & branding.

On top of all that, we premiered our new CABARET SHOW “Finding Harmony on the Road Less Traveled” at Sterling’s Upstairs at Vitello’s in Studio City, CA and received rave reviews! No, seriously, RAVE REVIEWS from 2 very highly respected cabaret guys!!! It’s so exciting!

The first was from Don Grigware of BroadwayWorld.com. Here’s a little snippet from his review:

“All three are distinctly different beauties in talent, personality and looks, and when they come together, what voices and what beautiful harmony! Not that easy to find nowadays amongst vocalists who strive to overdo style, and scream and screech to grab instant recognition. These gals can really sing and harmonize, and indeed they did with fabulous musical director Dan Ellis at the piano throughout.” ~ Don Grigware, LosAngeles.BroadwayWorld.com, Dec 6, 2011

You can read the full review here: http://losangeles.broadwayworld.com/article/BWW-Reviews-Dangerous-Curves-Deliver-Harmoniously-Sterlings-20111206##ixzz1iQqqluPj

The other review was by Robert Machray of BlogCritics.org…here’s just a little taste of what he had to say:

“These women are totally professional and are obviously skilled and experienced performers….Their voices blend together beautifully and one couldn’t help but be brought back to an earlier time when groups, male and female, were at the top of their game. They were reminiscent of the Andrews sisters but with a more modern sensibility….I look forward to seeing and hearing this group again.” ~ Robert Machray, BlogCritics.org, Dec 9, 2011

To read the FULL review, click here: http://blogcritics.org/culture/article/cabaret-review-la-dangerous-curves-at/

And if that weren’t enough, Don Grigware just published his “Best in LA Theatre” picks and named us one of the 4 BEST Female Cabaret Artists appearing in Los Angeles in 2011! Shu’ up…really?!? How cool is that! The 3 other artists chosen were Ann Hampton Callaway, Maxine Lapiduss & Freda Payne…nice company, huh? :)

Yes, indeed, things are very good in CURVY land right now!!

Follow “Dangerous Curves” on Twitter & Facebook!

Happy Holidays and NEW Recording/Video!

Ron & Lisa Smith, Christmas 2011

I absolutely cannot believe that tomorrow is Christmas day…this past year has gone by SOOOO quickly!!!!! Ron and I spent the day at my folks’ house (that’s where this picture was taken), and had a WONDERFUL day with them and our niece & nephew catching up, exchanging gifts, and eating WAY too much food (glazed ham, jambalaya rice & sausage, sauteed green beans, potato salad…yum, yum, YUM!!!!). Thankfully there are lots of left-overs, so I may not have to cook for a week. :)

In honor of the Holiday season, I have included a video below that my vocal trio “Dangerous Curves” put together. It is our tribute to our Military troops and their homecoming from Iraq, this Holiday Season 2011 (the recording of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” is from our upcoming Christmas EP). The video montage we put together is our THANK YOU to them, and their families, for all they have done and continue to do for our country on a daily basis (PS> grab a box of tissues BEFORE you watch…you’re gonna need it!).

Both Ron and I would like to wish you a VERY Merry Christmas (or Happy Hanukkah, or whatever special Holiday you celebrate this time of year) and an ever BETTER 2012! I have a feeling this next year is going to be FAB-U-LOUS!!!!

Happy Holidays Everyone!
Love,
Lisa and Ron Smith
Las Vegas, Nevada

Many thanks to Rob Hyatt & E3 Recording Studios, Dan Ellis (piano accompaniment on the recording), Rascal Flatts (for the amazing inspiration & arrangement) and the MANY video editors (like JDS773) and various uploaders on YouTube.com who gave us SO MANY incredible & touching video clips to use! We are grateful that so many of our troops have been able to come home for Christmas, and we look forward to the continued return of our other Military personnel around the world who are STILL fighting for our freedom.

CALIFORNIA Here We Come!

This weekend, my vocal trio DANGEROUS CURVES will be heading to Studio City, CA to premier our brand new cabaret show “Finding Harmony on the Road Less Traveled” at the well-known Sterling’s Upstairs at Vitello’s…and we are super-excited! Here are all the details:

ONE NIGHT ONLY!
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Sterling’s Upstairs at Vitello’s
4349 Tujunga Avenue, Studio City, CA 91604
(Just south of Moorpark Street and north of Ventura Boulevard)

Dinner Seating 5:30-6:00pm * Showtime 7:00pm
Reservations a MUST! (818) 754-8700

VIP PACKAGE: $43 Per Person
*Includes VIP Reserved Seating, Entertainment Cover, Show & $13 toward Food and/or Drink form the Chef’s Specially Created VIP Menu!

Valet Parking Available ($3.50 per vehicle) * Ample residential neighborhood street parking is also available

ABOUT DANGEROUS CURVES: Under the musical direction of Dan Ellis, this Las Vegas-based trio (Lisa Smith, soprano; Margaret Menzies, mezzo; Karen Michaels, alto) joins powerhouse vocals with their famously delicious harmonies and the result is nothing short of spectacular! Bringing their own take on the timeless music of yesterday as well as an eclectic mix of Broadway, jazz, contemporary pop, and even country, Dangerous Curves has become renowned for reinventing, or “curvify”-ing musical favorites in the dynamic way only these girls can!

Sterling’s Upstairs at Vitello’s seats up to 90 guests in a spacious “…yet intimate setting, reminiscent of the great cabaret supper clubs still existing today in the world renowned Broadway district of New York.” PLEASE join us for an evening of incredible music…we hope to see you there!!!

IT’S A PARTY! Join “Shades of Sinatra” for our 100th show!

On Saturday, November 5th, Shades of Sinatra (Carmine Mandia, Lisa Smith, Larry Liso, Ryan Baker) will celebrate our 100th show at the Wolf Theater, Clarion Hotel, and you are ALL invited to the party! For a limited time, tickets to the show will be offered via the theater website for 1/2 price(only $23.99 plus box office & convenience fees), and tickets are going fast! The show will be at 8:00pm and the party will be held in the Clarion Hotel Bar/Lounge immediately following.

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THERE!

Please feel free to email us directly at shadesofsinatra@gmail.com with any questions!

1/2 PRICE TICKETS available here: (www.WolfTheaterLasVegas.com)

“Bill Fayne and Friends” Celebrate SONDHEIM!

On October 8 & 9, Lisa & Ron Smith will be joining Bill Fayne and several other Las Vegas performers as they pay tribute to the music of the great STEPHEN SONDHEIM! Showtime, 7:30pm, Suncoast Hotel & Casino Showroom.

Tickets start at ONLY $15.95 and can be purchased through the box office (702-636-7075 / 877-636-7111) or online here: http://www.suncoastcasino.com/whats-new/events/bill-fayne-friends-celebrate-sondheim

PLEASE don’t miss this show! The TALENT in this production is INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bill Fayne & Friends...CELEBRATE SONDHEIM! Oct 8 & 9, 2011

PRESS RELEASE: On October 8 & 9 The Suncoast Hotel/Casino presents  BILL FAYNE AND FRIENDS…CELEBRATE SONDHEIM! Bill celebrates the music and lyrics of musical theater’s genius and treasure, STEPHEN SONDHEIM. The show will feature many of Bill’s friends, 30 of Las Vegas’ best singer/actors as well as a wonderful small orchestra. The music features highlites from shows like FOLLIES, COMPANY, WEST SIDE STORY, SWEENY TODD, A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, INTO THE WOODS, GYPSY, and more! It promises to be a gala show like never seen before in this city. Sondheim turned 80 years old this year and has had tributes in New York and in London. This is the Las Vegas version of those Birthday celebrations.

For more info contact Bill Fayne @ faynemusik@aol.com, 702-683-9065

Best Resources for Learning Acoustic Guitar!

As some of you know, I’ve been trying to learn the acoustic guitar (you know, in all that spare time I have…lol) so I thought I would take a moment to write a quick post regarding a few of the BEST online resources and iPad/iPhone apps out there for the beginner.  Now, let me preface this by saying that I am obviously no expert on the subject of guitar…hence, the first sentence saying that I am LEARNING the guitar…but the “tools” I’ll be recommending have helped me, and I thought they might help you too. So here they are, along with a description of each app from the iTunes app store page:

GUITAR TOOLKIT (iPhone & iPad): Essential guitar utilities, including an amazingly accurate tuner and a library of over 500,000 chords, all on your iPhone or iPod touch. One of the highest rated applications in the App Store.
FEATURES
- Direct support for 6- and 12-string guitar, 4-, 5- and 6-string bass, banjo, mandolin, and ukulele with a full chord library, standard and alternate tunings for each instrument.
- Highly accurate chromatic tuner using the iPhone microphone (or iPod touch with microphone headset).
- Precisely accurate metronome with a visible flash option, tempo tap pad, 13 sound effects and 12 time signatures.
- Massive chord library (over 500,000 chords) for quick and easy reference: strum chords to hear what they sound like. Includes chords for alternate tunings.
- Chord finder: simply touch the notes on the fretboard that make up a chord, and GuitarToolkit tells you what that chord is! This is a lot of fun and a great way to learn about those great-sounding chords you’ve been playing.
- Scales references in standard or alternate tunings: use the interactive fretboard to touch each note and hear what it sounds like.
- Supports “lefty mode” which adjusts chords and scales to reflect a left-handed instrument.

SONGBOOK CHORDPRO (iPhone & iPad): SongBook manages your song collections (free song downloads available via Chordie.com) complete with lyrics and chords.
FEATURES
- Tap on any chord name to see its definitions.
- Comes with comprehensive, extensible chord libraries for guitar, ukulele and mandolin.
- Transpose songs on the fly.
- Define playlists (sets) for performances or practicing.
- Auto-scrolling, metronome and much more.
- Based on the popular chordpro format. Automatic conversion of tab/crd files.
- Songbook has a simple Internet search for chordpro files built-in. You can use one of the two main search providers, or type a URL of your own. If the displayed page contains a pre-formatted song, the Import button in the lower right will become active and open the song editor. You can then save the song in the song list or cancel the edit and get back to the search view.

YOUTUBE (Web, iPhone, iPad): This has been one of my FAVORITE online resources for learning the guitar. There are literally HUNDREDS of free lessons and tutorials on there…tons of different styles, from beginner to advanced…did I mention it’s TOTALLY FREE?!?! Just do a YouTube search for the name of the song you want, along with “acoustic guitar” or “tutorial” next to it. Some of them only teach you a portion of the song, but they are a great way to get you started!

Here are a few of my favorite songs that I learned on YouTube:

“I Hope You Dance” – http://youtu.be/8j9Tx40rQN4
“You Were Meant For Me” – http://youtu.be/vz1_WPZwyXQ
“Mad World” – http://youtu.be/HZ8tIClSuGk

MY SONG LIST: Here’s a list of some of the songs I am currently working on using my Songbook Chordpro app…easy songs that for the most part ANYONE can play using the following EASY chords: A, Am, Amaj7, C, D, Dm, D7, E, Em, Em7, F, G, G7…learn those chords (and if you want to sing along, simply use a capo to put it in your key) and you can play virtually ANYTHING!

• Ain’t no Sunshine
• Amazing Grace
• Before He Cheats
• Big Yellow Taxi
• Bridge Over Troubled Water
• Bubbly
• California Dreamin’
• Colors of the Wind
• Country Roads
• Cowboy Take Me Away
• Danny Boy
• Forget You
• Gravity
• Have You Ever Seen the Rain
• Here Comes the Sun
• House of the Rising Sun
• I Can See Clearly Now
• I Hope You Dance
• I’m Yours
• Jambalaya
• Johnny B Goode
• Landslide
• Leaving on a Jet Plane
• Lesson in Leavin’
• Love Song
• Lucky
• Mad World
• Margaritaville
• Sitting on the Dock of the Bay
• Soak Up the Sun
• Stand By Me
• Sweet Home Alabama
• Up On the Roof
• What’s Up
• Wonderwall
• You Were Meant For Me

HAVE FUN!!!!!!!

Singing at San Gennaro Festival in Las Vegas!

Just a quick note that I will be singing at the San Gennaro Feast NEXT week, 3 different evenings! Wednesday, September 14th I’ll be appearing with DANGEROUS CURVES, Friday evening, the 16th, I will be singing a few songs with the fabulous Michael T. Orchestra, and Saturday, September 17, I will be performing with SHADES OF SINATRA following our show at the Clarion. Live entertainment begins at 8:00pm on the main stage each evening and ends at closing. Here’s all the info you’ll need…hope to see you there!

WHAT: The 32nd Annual San Gennaro Feast will take place Sept. 13-18, 2011, at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino Las Vegas in the northeast parking lot. The festival celebrating the spirit of San Gennaro features more than 70 restaurant food booths, amusements rides, arts and crafts and complimentary entertainment coordinated and hosted by Tony Sacca, who has been part of the event for more than 20 years. Every night, hundreds of dollars of San Gennaro Chips will be given away for food purchases, amusement rides and more.

WHEN: Sept. 13-18, 2011

TIMES: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 4 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Friday 4 p.m. – midnight
Saturday 11 a.m. – midnight
Sunday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

WHERE: Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino Las Vegas northeast parking lot
3700 West Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89103 – 702-777-7777
This location provides a fabulous view of the Las Vegas skyline.

PARKING: Free Parking Masquerade Garage and Rio Pavilion Self-Parking
Can enter off of Twain or Flamingo Road between Valley View and Dean Martin Drive.

SHUTTLES: There will be free shuttle service from Caesars Entertainment’s seven sister Strip properties.

HIGHLIGHTS

FOOD: More than 70 restaurants and added renowned eatery representation including:
Rao’s at Caesars Palace
Chef Steve Martorano with Café Martorano’s at the Rio
Carmine’s Pizza Kitchen
Chef Luigi – his famous Shrimp Scampi over Risotto
Chef Peter Mastrioni – Mastrioni’s Café – Hualapai Way
Chefs Sam and Steve Montesano from Montesano’s

Food is traditional Italian fare including Italian sausage and peppers, linguine and clams, fried calamari, calzones, baked clams, pizza, braciole, Italian fried dough, pasta, pasta and more pasta.

RIDES: More Rides Than Ever – Over 29 rides and 30 Games Featuring The New – The Zillerator 140-foot roller coaster

POP – Pay One Price to ride all rides endlessly
$25 Tuesday – Thursday / $30 Friday-Sunday
$5 coupon on Website

Moms ride free on Tuesday, Sept. 13 (a free $25 wristband on opening night)
Dads ride free on Thursday, Sept. 15 (a free $25 wristband)

TRADITION: The Traditional Italian Procession will start at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept.14 at 7 p.m. with Father Dave Cassaleggio giving the blessing over The Feast and featuring the Knights of Columbus Honor Guard, military color guard, city dignitaries and Mayor Carolyn Goodman.

TALENT: Complimentary entertainment starting at 4 p.m.

4 – 5 p.m. – Philly Cuzz
5 – 8 p.m. – Traditional Italian Folk Entertainment
8 till closing – Tony Sacca and Top Line Performers, backed by the Michael T orchestra!

TICKETS: $8 for adults / $7 for seniors at the door
$6 coupons on Website – Two adults $12 (Seniors & Military)
Children 54 inches and under are free
Discount tickets, visit www.sangennarofeast.com
For Group Rates call 702-227-0295 during regular business hours.

(info found at AccessVegas.com)

THIS WEEKEND at Rhythm Kitchen with Blu Flame 6!

Quick Announcement:

THIS WEEKEND, Friday, August 19 & Saturday, August 20th, I will be singing with Blu Flame 6 at The Rhythm Kitchen in Las Vegas!

Here’s all the info….HOPE YOU CAN MAKE IT! :)

BluFlame6 featuring Jazz Vocalist Lisa Smith
2 nights ONLY, special appearance, at The Rhythm Kitchen!

Blu Flame 6 is a Retro-sonic Jump R & B band, with a generous amount of Soul, ladled into a mélange of steamy Latin, Delta-Blues, and Funky rhythms. Blu Flame 6 has all burners on high…

Don’t miss this EXCITING evening of INCREDIBLE MUSIC!

9:00pm – 12:00am
GREAT FOOD….DRINK SPECIALS!

The Rhythm Kitchen
6435 S. Decatur Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89118
(702) 767-8438

Tickets $10 at the door
(or contact Eddie Sasso, of Blu Flame 6, to purchase advanced tickets @ 702-496-1547)

NEW Gluten-Free Bakery in Las Vegas!!!!

I had a chance to visit the NEW totally-gluten-free bakery here in Las Vegas, Beau Monde Bakery, twice in the past week (they just opened last Tuesday) and the place is awesome! Really, really delicious baked goods…you’d NEVER know they were gluten free! I haven’t had a chance to try everything yet, but 2 of my favorites so far are the banana bread and the coffee cake…so good! I also got to try some of their artisan bread…REALLY good, and light (not heavy, like so many other gf breads out there). I was really blown away. They also have hamburger buns, pizza crust, cinnamon raisin bread, brownies, cookies, cupcakes, etc, etc, etc!

Please, PLEASE go by and check them out, and give them as much business as possible. And then tell all of your friends! I would love to have this bakery be around for a long time…and like all businesses here in Las Vegas (particularly those who cater to gluten-free), they need community help and support to get the word out there! It’s located at Smoke Ranch and Buffalo (Smoke Ranch is a smaller street located between Cheyenne & Lake Mead). And for those visiting Las Vegas, it’s only about a 20 minute drive from the strip! On a side note, they’ve also done a BEAUTIFUL job with the decor…it’s really nice in there. The owner is named Melissa Zimmerman and she’s super sweet…introduce yourself and get to know her!

Business hours are Tuesday – Saturday, 10am-5pm.

Beau Monde Bakery is the first international subsidiary of GF Patisserie (THE most well-known, most delicious GF Bakery in Canada)!!!

BEAU MONDE BAKERY
2380 N. Buffalo, Suite 110
Las Vegas, NV
(702) 331-1515
www.beaumondebakery.com

Really GREAT Gluten-Free Pizza: Radio City Pizzaria at Tivoli Village!

YUMMY Gluten-Free Pizza!

Those of you who need to eat gluten-free (or simply choose to once in a while for health reasons) will hopefully be as excited as I was to find a TRULY SPECTACULAR Gluten-Free Pizza here in Las Vegas! I found it at the newly opened Tivoli Village at Queensridge (across from the Suncoast Hotel & Casino) at Radio City Pizzaria. Okay, let me start by saying, my husband is the HUGE pizza fan in our family…honestly, I can take it or leave it. Never have been a big fan…even before I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. BUT I AM NOW! Wow, sooooo good! I have been back 4 times in the past 3 weeks…and am hoping to visit again this weekend! Now, if you like a really thick, greasy crust, then this may not be the pizza for you…BUT if you like a relatively thin, crispy crust with fresh, healthy ingredients…YUM! Aside from gluten-free pizza, they also have a full gluten-filled regular menu (for those “lucky” members of your family who don’t have to watch everything they eat), but they take all the necessary precautions against cross-contamination and I haven’t gotten sick once…not even a little bit (and as many of you know, I am REALLY sensitive to gluten). Plus they serve Coca-Cola in REAL glass bottles!!!! Um, hello…love that!

You can check out their FULL menu on their website:
www.RadioCityPizza.com

Radio City Pizzeria
410 S. Rampart
Las Vegas, 89145
At Tivoli Village at Queensridge