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Diva Las Vegas Productions is in the process of putting together some new entertainment packages ... stay tuned for updates!
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DIVA ON THE WEB!!
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It's
official! I have joined the social media craze to keep you informed of my
goings on in real time.
 Blog: My new blog is at www.michellejohnson.com.
You can enjoy commentary, analysis and debate about the music industry and
about musicianship, check my upcoming appearances calendar (updated daily),
find out about my books, classes and speaking engagements, follow the Chick
Singer Bible thread (advice for chick singers!), see pictures and videos of
performances, and so much more. If you follow me anywhere, follow my blog
first! Click HERE.
Twitter: I am actually a pretty
private person, and I am not one of those who like to post my every move, but
when I am experiencing something fun, informative, inspiring, or even
controversial, I find that capturing it in the moment can be helpful or
entertaining to others. Most of my posts are about showbiz since I live it
24-7. So .... follow me on Twitter for updates in real time at http://twitter.com/divalasvegasinc.
Reverb
Nation: I just uploaded a sample recording, and will be uploading more music and gig calendar on this Fan Site soon. Please sign on as a fan to hear my music. Click HERE.
Facebook: This
has been a great way to get back in touch with countless friends from my
childhood and college days, and people I have worked with over the years. I am
a big fan of Facebook. I am also a big fan of privacy. It recently
occurred to me that I needed a more targeted profile that speaks directly to
fans, colleagues (not my friends from kindergarten ... lol), and people who are
generally interested in the entertainment industry.
To
that end I have created two new Facebook profiles:
For
news, advice, case studies, and commentary about event production, you can
access the Diva Las Vegas Productions Facebook page HERE.
For
specific news on my music career, you can access my Michelle Johnson - Vocalist
Facebook page HERE.
Both of these forums are good places to have an online conversation, since I can access fans
and friends directly.
Lastly,
female vocalists might be interested in a new forum I am moderating on
Facebook. As many of you know, I am a passionate cheerleader for
female singers, and other women who work or aspire to work in the music
business. Go to THE CHICK SINGERS FORUM page to enjoy
camaraderie, mentorship, conversation, stories, advice and so much more.
If
you aren't on board with the Social Media Revolution, I encourage you to join!
There are many controls to help you determine the amount of contact that is
good for you. I sometimes cross post between my Facebook pages and Twitter so
that I reach as many people as possible, but you will get the hang of it and
find what works for you. Let's stay in touch in real time!
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Happy
February! And March! Last month was so busy that I am
combining two months in one for this issue of the Diva Las Vegas Productions
Newsletter.
I
hope to connect with you soon at an upcoming event or online through my blog,
which features in depth commentary on the music industry, information about my
projects, and a real time schedule of my appearances.
I have also added information about my Social Media links on the left sidebar of this newsletter. Take a look!
In the mean time, enjoy this month's newsletter, and please keep in
touch. Hope you had a great Valentine's Day!
Cheers,
Michelle Johnson
Owner, Diva Las Vegas Productions
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Upcoming Appearances:
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SOLD OUT!! Bill Fayne Tribute At Suncoast
I will be part of an all-star Tribute to Bill Fayne featuring headliners on the strip! He is a great
musician who has done so much for the music community in Las Vegas. Bill
has undergone great financial and medical hardship in recent months due to a
bout with cancer. It's time to give back! I will be performing along with Clint Holmes, Lance Burton, Frankie Scinta, Lena Prima, and many others. 2 PM this Saturday at the Suncoast Hotel. The event is sold out! Read more HERE.
This Saturday!! - March 6 7:30 - 10:30:
Jazz at Ichabod's
I
picked up a wonderful new Saturday night gig singing standards at Ichabod's
restaurant alongside Las Vegas favorite Howie Gold.
Ichabod's is at Flamingo and Pecos. Please come out ... I need a good showing for my debut night this Saturday! Great food and a new dance floor! Free admission! 3300 East Flamingo #15, LV, NV 89121 ***Must be 21 and over for the lounge
 
Thurs, March 11 2:00 PM: Hit Parade
I will be doing a Spotlight Appearance at the popular Hit Parade show on Thursday the 11th at 2 PM at the Suncoast Hotel. Read HERE to find out more about picking up your FREE tickets to the show. (See more on the Hit Parade below.)
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Singing with Sonny Turner's Platters
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thrilled and humbled to have landed a spot with music legend Sonny Turner,
former lead singer of The Platters. Performing classics like "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes," and
"The Great Pretender," this showman consistently represents an era of
class and musicality that I think audiences of all ages are craving today.
See pictures and read about our most recent show
"A Rock and Roll Valentine's Day" alongside other legendary groups
including The Flamingos, The Edsels, and The Mystics by clicking HERE.
We are scheduled to be part of a PBS oldies special taping in May. |
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"Entrepreneur of the Year" Finalist
I am
honored to have been nominated and selected as a finalist for the Women of
Distinction Awards "Entrepreneur of the Year" award. The Woman
of Distinction Awards (WODA) is an annual event given by the Southern
Nevada Chapter of the National Association of Business Women.
An
11 AM silent auction and 12 PM luncheon honoring the finalists and determining
the awardees will be held at the Las Vegas Hilton on Friday, March 12.
For more information click here: WODA Awards
I am
flattered and humbled to be recognized by my peers, colleagues and community
members.
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Irene Bustamante Announces Candidacy
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On
Februay 9th, I was honored to be invited to sing "God Bless America"
at Irene Bustamante Adams' campaign kickoff at the MGM Grand Conference
center. She is running for Nevada State Assembly, District 42.
Irene
is a force for good!! Read more
about Irene and the kickoff event HERE.
 
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"Hit Parade" Pleases a Loyal Crowd
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I
had the pleasure of co-hosting the "Hit Parade" show inside the
beautiful Suncoast Hotel Showroom alongside my colleague, vocalist Robin
Vincent in both January and February. The January show featured an
unprecedented all-female cast, and people were treated to additional
performances by special guests Richel Kompst and Vita Corimbi.
I
will be there again on March 11th. If you have never seen this weekly FREE show
at the Suncoast, you are really missing out! The Hit Parade is modeled
after classic "Old Vegas" variety shows, and it is literally put together
with one mega rehearsal the day before the Thursday afternoon 2 PM performance.
More info on tickets HERE. Hope to see on Thursday, March 11th at 2 PM!
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Working for
Hyundai in Orlando
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I
coordinated some entertainment in February for Hyundai's private party at the National Automobile Dealers Association convention in Orlando, under the
direction of  Jack Morton Worldwide. The theme was "Fire and Ice," and
the event was held at the Ice Bar. Guests enjoyed great food, a gorgeous décor,
a great live band, and entry into a separate ice locker where delicious vodka
was served at frigid temperatures.
 
I coordinated an
Atlanta based band that performed "live Karaoke." Beyond that, my job was to get automobile dealers to loosen up and sing in front
of their peers. To my delight the guests were more than willing, and we
had a great time. What a fun night with great people.
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Post Show Wrap Up
The Special Event - New Orleans
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Back in January I gave
a presentation on how to create  meaningful and relevant corporate entertainment
at "The Special Event" conference in New Orleans. (The Special
Event is a well attended event industry conference.) The presentation was
well received, and I enjoyed the conference immensly. I reconnected with
old friends from the event industry, and made several new friends as well.
I also came away with great ideas and tools for creating new, cutting edge events.
Being in New Orleans a week before the Super Bowl was an electric experience.
I applaud the city for its resilience and heart, even though my Colts lost the
Superbowl. (I am a Peyton Manning fanatic. I wore his jersey for good
luck hours before my wedding in October.
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"Permission to Dream" Workshop Inspires Women
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My
good friend Carolyn Stephens hosted a f abulous, inspiring workshop entitled
"Permission to Dream" The workshop was attended by a diverse, powerhouse group of amazing women.
I
highly recommend this workshop to anyone who knows the meaning of the Langston
Hughes poem "A Dream Deferred." I left feeling focused and energized,
and I made great personal and professional connections with some awesome women.
For more on attending or facilitating a "Permission to Dream"
workshop, contact Carolyn Stephens through me at divalasvegasproductions@gmail.com.
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Tuesday Jazz Nights Cancelled at Brendan's
After a sudden cancellation, the Orleans Casino and Hotel temporarily revived Jazz Tuesday's at Brendan's Pub. I played there in January and February, singing selections from The Great
American Songbook and more.
Unfortunately it looks like the jazz series is on hiatus again. Find out why and what can be done about show cancellations in general by clicking HERE.
The
setting at Brendan's is intimate and spacious, and the series had turned into
something of an "after-show" hang for musicians and show people.
Guests such as Clint Holmes, Lena Prima (daughter of the late great Louis
Prima), trumpeter Michael Ray Tyler, singer Serena Henry (Smokey Robinson's
band), singer Jerry Jones (5th Avenue) and many others have sat in with me at
Brendan's.
I am proud to have shared the stage with pianists Cocho Arbe, Peter Radd, and Billy T.,
bassists Frank Fabio and Bob Sachs and drummers Mike Mechem and Mike
Tramontana. My special guest in February was saxophonist
Dave Stambaugh. These gentlemen
are not only outstanding musicians, but they are also my friends. We all love
what we do, and we are hoping to keep the tradition of classic American jazz
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Tony Sacca's "Las Vegas
Rocks" Cafe
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Defying the odds of operating a venue in
Downtown Las Vegas, local TV personality and entertainer Tony Sacca has opened
his Las Vegas Rocks Cafe, located on Fremont Street.
I am
hoping the venue brings some life a nd excitement back to the downtown area. It
may take a while to tweak the marketing and develop a consistent following
during this difficult economic period, but the venture is a promising one and I
applaud Tony for taking a chance. He is bringing classic Vegas
back, and he is pulling in some really good entertainment.
On
January 30th, legendary comedian Norm Crosby entertained a sold out crowd in
the new showroom that Tony Sacca personally designed. Our audio partner Traver
Concert Services provided sound.
 
Lena Prima & Tony Sacca Norm Crosby
More
about the food, the weekly entertainment, the grand opening with Lena
Prima, and my recent appearance at the Sunday Champagne Brunch in the next newsletter.
(Las Vegas Rocks is located downtown at the Neonopolis at 450 Fremont Street. There is easy
access parking on Fourth Street between Fremont Street and Ogden in
the underground Neonopolis Parking Garage.)
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Phoenix Suns look good for Playoffs
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Phoenix
Suns President and GM Steve Kerr has extended another invitation to me ... this
time to perform the National Anthem at a Suns playoff game ... assuming they
make it to the Playoffs. So far they look great!
Video of December 's Performance
(in case you missed it)
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Upcoming Book - The Chick Singer Bible
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The
book is coming along. I am writing a book about my experiences in the
music business. Part humorous commentary, part career guide, the book and
the upcoming blog will feature advice, anecdotes, industry analysis and
strategic planning for women entering or already in the music business.
Stay tuned for more about "The Chick Singer Bible."
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Thanks for
taking the time to check in. Hope to see you or hear from you soon!
MICHELLE JOHNSON
DIVA LAS VEGAS PRODUCTIONS
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