DIVA LAS VEGAS PRODUCTIONS

February / March 2010

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MICHELLE JOHNSON

Table of Contents
Upcoming Shows
Singing with The Platters
Entrpreneur Award
State Senate Race
Hit Parade at Suncoast
Hyundai Entertainment
Speaking Engagements
Dream Workshop
Jazz Nights Cancelled
Las Vegas Rocks Cafe
NBA Playoffs
Current Book
New Book Project
Sign up for this Newsletter
Info
Diva Las Vegas Website
Blog
Facebook for Event Production
Facebook for Fans
Reverb Nation
Twitter
Books for Sale
About Michelle
Latest Press
 







Diva Las Vegas Productions is in the process of putting together some new entertainment packages ... stay tuned for updates!
 
DIVA ON THE WEB!!

It's official!  I have joined the social media craze to keep you informed of my goings on in real time.

 

WP logo  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.


 

Twittter T Logo

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

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 Logo

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. 

 



CSB logo

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!

 

 

Diva Las Vegas Logo

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


WP logo     Twittter T Logo     Facebook Logo     Linked In Logo    Reverb Nation


Upcoming Appearances:

SOLD OUT!!  Bill Fayne Tribute At Suncoast

I will be part of an all-star Tribute to Bill FayneBill 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.

  Howie

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

     Ichabod's          Ichabod's inside


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.)Bill Fayne


Singing with Sonny Turner's Platters

Michelle Johnson and the Platters

I am 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.

WODA

"Entrepreneur of the Year" FinalistWODA logo


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.


NAWBO logo


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.



IreneBustamante

Irene Bustamante Announces Candidacy

Me and Irene Bustamante

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.


            With Guard 2             Irene Bustamante


"Hit Parade" Pleases a Loyal CrowdHitParade


Suncoast Showroom

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!



Hyundai Working for Hyundai in Orlando

                           Hyundai Logo

I coordinated some entertainment in February for Hyundai's private party at the National Automobile Dealers Association convention in Orlando, under the direction of Ice Bar ExteriorJack 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.


     Ice Bar Interior            Bar

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. 



Post Show Wrap Up

The Special Event - New Orleans


Back in January I gave a presentation on how to create TSE Logomeaningful 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.  
Jersey
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.



"Permission to Dream" Workshop Inspires WomenDreamWorkshop

My good friend Carolyn Stephens hosted a fPermission Workshop 1abulous, 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.


Permission Workshop 2






Brendans

Brendan's Pub Photo

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 alive.



Tony Sacca's "Las Vegas Rocks" CafeLasVegasRocks


Las Vegas Rocks


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 aSacca and Josettend 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 w tony sacca       Norm Crosby

            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.)


Phoenix Suns look good for PlayoffsPlayoffs

Phoenix Suns President and GM Steve Kerr hasAnthem Live Shot 2 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!                                     


 Anthem Live Shot 8
  Video of December 's Performance
(in case you missed it)

POP Michelle Johnson - featured Co-Author of Best Selling Book  (see buying options below)

POP Vertical

The Power Of The Platform:
The Las Vegas Convention Speakers Bureau, in the heart of the meeting capital of the world, delivers the best and brightest insights from leading motivators and personal development experts. 

Now, some of the most successful speakers in the industry have come together in one book to help you develop your greatness. The Power of the Platform will inspire you to achieve your dreams and goals!

Buy this book directly from Michelle, and you will receive a signed copy.  Click on the link below, and enjoy!



Buy Now


CSBUpcoming Book - The Chick Singer Bible

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." 


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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