DANGEROUS CURVES’ 2012 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Theatre Award Nomination!

OMG…my vocal trio, DANGEROUS CURVES, has been nominated for a 2012 BROADWAY WORLD LOS ANGELES THEATRE AWARD for “Best Female Cabaret Artist” for our cabaret show we premiered down in LA last December!!! We are SOOOOOO flippin’ excited, and now WE NEED YOUR VOTE to win!

CLICK THE LINK below to cast your VOTE for us! It is the first category and all you need to do is vote for Dangerous Curves (Lisa Smith, Karen Michaels, Margaret Menzies) and then if you don’t know the other categories, you can simply say, “no nominee” on each page and continue to the next. It only takes a few moments, but you MUST click through ALL the categories to the end where you enter your name and email address for your vote to count!

Please help us out…it is an INCREDIBLE honor just to be nominated, but how great would it be to actually WIN!?! :)

Thanks everyone!
Love, the Girls of Dangerous Curves (Lisa, Gret & Karen)

CLICK HERE TO CAST YOUR VOTE!

ONLY 3 DAYS LEFT!!!

As most of you already know, my vocal trio “Dangerous Curves” has been busy in the studio creating & recording our first Christmas CD (you can read all the latest on our BLOG and even see some video of us LIVE in the studio!). Now, as we head into the FINAL DAYS of our IndieGogo fan-funding campaign, we REALLY need your help spreading the word!

We have raised a little over $4000, which is AWESOME…but it also means we are still about $2,250 shy of our goal…with only 3 days left (campaign ENDS this Friday, October 5)! AGH!!!!

So, just a quick reminder…if you have been meaning to contribute and take advantage of some of our FABULOUS perks (advanced copies of the CD, show tickets, custom merchandise, VIP entrance to our CD release party with champagne celebration, “associate producer” credit on the album, etc), but just haven’t done so yet, PLEASE do so now…we could really use your help…here’s the link: www.DangerousCurvesMusic.com

Or if you would rather not or cannot afford to contribute (no pressure, we totally understand), or if you’ve already become a Curvy Contributor, please help us by spreading the word…it would mean a lot to us!!! Remember, campaign ends this FRIDAY…just a few days away!!! :)

Thanks so much!
Lisa, Gret, Karen
The girls of “Dangerous Curves”

TO CONTRIBUTE: www.DangerousCurvesMusic.com
VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.DangerousCurvesLasVegas.com
VISIT OUR BLOG: www.DangerousCurvesLasVegas.wordpress.com

HERE’S A LITTLE PREVIEW: We are almost 1/2 way through the album, and we can’t WAIT for you to hear the finished project! Here’s a little VIDEO we shot while in the studio recording our Christmas version of “Glow Worm” this past week…check it out (ps> the version of “Jingle Bells” you hear at the beginning is not actually part of the album…it’s just a little something extra we threw together…just for YOU, our Curvy friends):

Dangerous Curves’ Christmas CD – How YOU Can Be Involved!

As many of you know, my vocal trio “Dangerous Curves” has been busy working on our 1st Christmas CD! This project has been in the works for almost two years, and we’re finally ready to get in the studio, lay down the rest of the tracks and finish it up.

BUT WE NEED YOUR HELP! :)

We are sounding the call to our Curvy Community; the fans that have supported us in the past, and the new friends we hope to make as a result of this campaign! Please watch the video below and SHARE this blog post with all your friends & family…

Then choose your PERK and join us in our Curvy Christmas Adventure!

To contribute: www.IndieGogo.com/DangerousCurvesLasVegas

And here is the link to the YouTube video featuring our rendition of “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” from the album (mentioned in the video above), and our salute to the troops and their homecoming from Iraq this past Holiday Season: http://youtu.be/nctyr_ueku0

THANK YOU again for your continued support & LOVE…we couldn’t do any of this without you!

Sincerely,
Lisa, Gret & Karen
DANGEROUS CURVES
http://www.DangerousCurvesLasVegas.com
www.IndieGogo.com/DangerousCurvesLasVegas
702-518-CURV (2878)

“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/

"Dangerous Curves" with Dan Ellis (musical director) & Michael Sterling following our performance at Sterling's Upstairs at Vitello's

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!

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!!!

Life is Good!

Just wanted to take a few minutes to update my blog on everything that’s been happening lately. As always, things have been busy…which is a good thing. The Gold Coast Showroom gigs with my jazz trio continue to go well (see my calendar page HERE for list of upcoming dates) and Ron and I have been gearing up for our 2 Valentine’s Shows (one at Hit Parade at Suncoast Hotel & Casino and one at Roadhaven Resort in Apache Junction, AZ).

And speaking of Roadhaven Resort, the girls of Dangerous Curves (Margaret Menzies, Karen Michaels, Lisa Smith) just took a ROAD TRIP down there for a gig of our own last weekend. So much fun!!! We presented our most popular show “Girl Talk” for the residents there and we had a blast…not just at the show, but also traveling together! We drove down on Saturday (3 girls in a car together for 6 hours each way lends itself to LOTS of time for great talks and productive goal-setting) and we stayed at the fabulous Courtyard by Marriott at Chandler/Fashion Center (which we got for only $60 a night on Priceline!) through Monday. Very, very fun!

Clarion Hotel & Casino Poster

This past week also saw the opening of our Shades of Sinatra (Carmine Mandia, Lisa Smith, Ryan Baker, Larry Liso) show in the Wolf Theater at the Clarion Hotel & Casino, formerly the Greek Isles (well, not our “official” opening…that will happen on Feb 15th…but our first of 2 preview nights). We didn’t have a huge crowd there, partially due to the freezing-cold weather, but it was a respectable turnout of incredibly supportive friends and fans. This Tuesday we will have one more “preview” at 6:00pm, and then the following week we move to our regular schedule of EVERY Tuesday & Thursday night at 8:00pm. Here’s a brief description of the show:

This exciting new musical production pays tribute to Ol’ Blue Eyes as these four dynamic performers lend their world-class vocal abilities to over 30 of his biggest hits, from touching, heartfelt solos to rousing group numbers. This non-stop, high-energy show is loaded with zany humor and off-the-cuff, good-natured ribbing, as well as poignant stories about the man and his music. So come and experience all your favorite, timeless classics performed by “Shades of Sinatra”!

Pretty cool, huh? You can visit our website at www.ShadesOfSinatra.com for more details and click HERE for a $10 off coupon toward General Admission!!

A Jazzy Christmas!

Happy Thanksgiving! Well, it’s been a full couple of weeks for Dangerous Curves as we’ve been getting ready for our upcoming show, “A Jazzy Christmas”, at the Clark County Performing Arts Center (also called the Flamingo Library Theatre). Lots of music to arrange, learn, and memorize…costumes and stage decor to search for and purchase…video multimedia to prepare…advertising to design and send out…special appearances to promote our show…whew, I’m exhausted just typing it all out! :)

First of all, we’d like to send out a big thank you to Tony Branco, Gina Raakin, Trini Garza, Stewart Daylida, and our wonderful husbands (Ron, Dennis & Michael) for all they’ve done to help us get this show ready…it’s gonna be great! Secondly, we want to make sure YOU have all the pertinent info so that you can come to the show! Hope to see you there…

“A Jazzy Christmas”
with Dangerous Curves & Friends

Sunday, Dec 5, 2010
2:00pm (doors open at 1:30pm)

The girls of Dangerous Curves (Karen Michaels, Lisa Smith, Margaret Menzies) have gathered together a few of the best vocal groups in Las Vegas to kick-off your swingin’ holiday season and set the mood for a sparkling New Year! Polished and brighter than ever, from vintage standards to contemporary jazz, this show will inspire and reacquaint you with all your favorite Christmas tunes done in a completely new and Curvy way…like an assorted box of Christmas chocolates, there’s a delicious something for everyone!

With special guests Fifth Avenue (Rob Hyatt, Jerry Jones, Bryce Robinson, Jeff Celentano), the Swing City Dolls (Robin Berry Vincent, Natalie Carson, Connie Murray) and a few extra special SURPRISE GUESTS(!!), this is a show you do NOT want to miss!

Clark County Performing Arts Center
Flamingo Library Theatre
1401 E. Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89119

Tickets only $15 at the door!

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!”

“Dangerous Curves” at Starbright Theatre!

QUICK ANNOUNCEMENT! Mother’s Day weekend, May 8th, 2010, at 7:00pm, Dangerous Curves (Karen Merstik-Michaels, Margaret Menzies, Lisa Smith) will be performing their show “Girl Talk” at the beautiful Starbright Theatre in Summerlin. “Girl Talk” is true potpourri of time-tested audience favorites. From classic songs by artists like the Andrews Sisters and Judy Garland to the Billboard Hits and Broadway melodies you’ve come to love…plus a special inspirational section dedicated to all the wonderful Moms out there!

We will be accompanied by some of the BEST musicians in town (Tony Branco on piano/keyboards, Jeff Davis on bass, and Gary Olds on drums) and are excited to be joined by special guests Fifth Avenue and singer/guitarist Ray Jon!

Here’s a quick run-down of the show as it stands right now:

• SING into LET LOVE BEGIN
• NATURAL WOMAN
• 1940’s RADIO MEDLEY (Sentimental Journey, Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen, Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Old Cape Cod, Lullaby of Broadway)
• HOLD ON (with special guest artist Ray Jon on acoustic guitar)
• CLOUDBURST
• FAITHLESS LOVE
• IS THIS ANYWAY TO FALL IN LOVE
• SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER ME (special arrangement by Trini Garza)
• IF YOU HADN’T, BUT YOU DID
• UNEXPECTED SONG
• JUDY GARLAND MEDLEY (Get Happy, You Made Me Love You, The Trolley Song, San Francisco, Rock-a-Bye My Baby, Smile, Mr. Monotony, The Man That Got Away, Over the Rainbow)
• I’M BECOMING MY MOTHER
• HOW YOU LIVE
• HEAR MY SONG
• GOD BLESS AMERICA (special acapella arrangement with special guests Fifth Avenue)
• MOON RIVER
• AIN’T NOBODY HERE BUT US CHICKENS
• I’M A WOMAN

Make sure you see this FANTASTIC show…it’s the PERFECT Mother’s Day gift!

Here’s all the info!

One Performance Only!
Starbright Theatre
Saturday, May 8, 2010
7:00-8:30pm

$15 Sun City Residents/$18 Non-Residents

TICKETS ON SALE 7 DAYS A WEEK FROM 8 A.M. – 9 P.M.
Show tickets may be purchased at Desert Vista, Mountain Shadows and Pinnacle community centers. All ticket sales are check or cash (exact change required). No credit cards accepted. (Ticket price includes LET)
Call the box office for more info: (702) 240-1301

Starbright Theatre, Sun City Summerlin
2225 Thomas W Ryan Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89134
Click HERE for Map & Directions via Google Maps

Las Vegas Entertainers SALUTE TO BILL FAYNE!

Yesterday, March 6, 2010, my vocal trio Dangerous Curves had the FABULOUS experience of singing with some of the greatest talent in Las Vegas at the Suncoast Hotel & Casino when we participated in the “Las Vegas Entertainers SALUTE TO BILL FAYNE!”

The rundown for the show read like a regular “who’s who” of the BEST talent in the city, and we were incredibly honored to have been asked to be a part of it! In addition to those pictured to the right (Michelle Johnson, Fifth Avenue, Lou Martinez, Swing City Dolls, Dangerous Curves), the AMAZING cast included: Clint Holmes & Kelly Clinton (who hosted the show together), Terry Fator, Louis Anderson, Rick Faugno (Jersey Boys), Jerry Lopez (Santa Fe & the Fat City Horns), Pete Barbutti, Robin Leach, Lance Burton, Mark Giovi (Bite at Stratosphere), Domenick Allen (former lead singer of Foreigner) and his daughter Cayleigh Capaldi, Susan Anton, Cast members from Menopause the Musical (Skye Dee Miles, Sandra Benton, Vida Corimbi), Lena Prima, Voce Vegas, Frankie Scinta, Las Vegas Tenors, Tina Walsh (Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular), Gayle Steele, Vinnie Falcone, and many, MANY more!!!! It was absolutely incredible!

Some of my favorite moments from the day include:

• Singing backups (with Karen, Gret, Lori & Michelle) for Mark Giovi on his original song, “Young Angels”…GREAT song, and the man can SANG!
• Rockin’ out and sharing a mic with the incredible Domenick Allen in the finale of the show…so much talent in one man!
• Spending time with so many of our talented, wonderful friends!!!!!!!

THANK YOU to everyone involved for a FABULOUS day!

If you don’t know Bill Fayne (amazing arranger and musical director for Clint Holmes, and member of Las Vegas Tenors) or don’t know the story behind why we were all participating in this benefit concert, you can read his story in this recent article from the Las Vegas Sun.