RECKLESS IN VEGAS HOSTS RAT-PACK-INSPIRED COSTUME PARTY, CONCERT AT THE SMITH CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS,
FRIDAY, OCT. 30
Acclaimed Band, Reckless in Vegas, to Perform Alt-Rock Renditions of Rat Pack-Era Classics
On the heels of its first, sold-out engagement at Cabaret Jazz at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, Reckless In Vegas announces its next Cabaret Jazz show. On Friday, Oct. 30, at 8 p.m., the unique power trio invites the public to don its best 1950s and 60s-era fashions for a spirited costume contest to take place throughout the evening’s performance.
Deirdre Clemente, fashion history expert and associate director, public history program, University of Nevada, Las Vegas will judge the contest. The first-place winner will receive $250, the second-place winner will receive $150 and the third-place winner will receive a Reckless In Vegas swag bag.
Reckless In Vegas combines the imagery, banter and classic music from the 1960s “glory days” of Las Vegas with a contemporary rock band aesthetic. It’s not just a band—members Michael Shapiro (band founder, lead vocals, guitar), Ryan Low, aka Dr. Fu (drums, vocals) and Chris Nichols (bass, vocals) have created an exciting show that incorporates their live performances of modern versions of songs by artists such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Elvis, Sonny & Cher, Frankie Valli, Neil Diamond, Johnny Cash and Bobby Darin with dynamic production-show elements. Whether you remember the swinging Vegas lounge era days or were born later, Reckless In Vegas has something for everyone. Video montages, dialogue, humor, modern hard-rocking grooves and tender moments of balladry combine to create a truly original take on this classic genre. Think The Rat Pack meets Green Day.
“Playing Cabaret Jazz at The Smith Center for the first time is a thrill for us,” says Shapiro. “Its classic showroom vibe complements our show perfectly—we can’t wait to see our fans and make new ones in such a distinctive environment.”
About Michael Shapiro
Shapiro was raised in Las Vegas and, after a stint in California, came back to his old hometown earlier this year. He picked up his first guitar at age 13 and trained hard in guitar, vocals, piano and trumpet, attuning his ear to classical opera as well as rock. A chance encounter with a family friend struck the right chord and paved Shapiro’s way into music. At age 16, he had the opportunity to jam with Bruce Springsteen. The rocker’s energetic marathon performances spurred Shapiro to develop a taste for a raucous stage presence. After stints in various cover bands in his teens, Shapiro formed the band Trip, released a few CD’s and toured. Being part of the VH1 Rock Across America Tour, Trip opened for such artists as Edwin McCain, Duncan Sheik, The Romantics and Cheap Trick. It was during an ill-fated gig opening for Great White when a tragic fire struck, that moved Shapiro to deeply reflect on life’s vagaries and whims.
He bounced back, releasing his first solo album, Somehow, Someway, and toured nationally, opening for the band Live. After moving to San Rafael, Calif., he formed the power trio, Reckless in Vegas.
Shapiro’s style yields insight into his influences: Jimi Hendrix’s relentless guitar riffs, Journey’s Neal Schon, Carlos Santana and the melodic and powerful vocal styling of U2′s Bono. In fact, it is “Hendrix’s bluesy style” and wild “manipulation of the guitar” that Shapiro credits as a major early influence.
About Ryan Low
Born in Chinatown, San Francisco, Low is a high visibility drummer who is remarkable not only for his showmanship, distinctive and varying styles and driving rhythm, but also for how often he is seen playing with various artists. Low’s unique approach and explosive energy onstage brings him to the forefront of Reckless In Vegas’ performances. Besides being a performer and session player, Low is a committed teacher of drums and music. He applies his classical music training to his teaching, along with his love and passion for drumming. Although Low is a true lover of rock and funk drumming, he has explored a variety of musical styles from hip-hop to country, Latin jazz to R&B. He is always up for a challenge to expand his musical repertoire. Over the last 20 years, Low has performed everywhere west of the Rockies, and remains a solid Bay Area performer. He also has extensive recording experience, with almost 13 records under his belt to date. He has expanded his drumming credentials by working as co-producer on one of his recent projects.
About Chris Nichols
Born in Newark, Ohio, as the son of a piano teacher, Nichols studied the piano, cello, guitar, drums and bass. His early years led him to Nashville where he toured with several artists throughout the nation. His desire to “Go West” led him to Las Vegas when the mob still owned the town. He saw the Sands and the Dunes casinos fall to their demise. Since moving to Sin City, he has recorded on several records both as an artist and an engineer. Nichols actually shared the stage with Shapiro in Trip as they ascended to the height of that band’s career. With the help of several bands, he has also shared stages with Willie Nelson, Chris Isaak, Toto, Peter Frampton, Rick James and Lifehouse, to name just a few.
Tickets for “An Evening with Reckless In Vegas” start at $35 and are available at The Smith Center Box Office, located at 361 Symphony Park Avenue, by phone at (702) 749-2000 or (808) 326-6868 (TTY) and online at www.TheSmithCenter.com. For preferred seating and special rates for groups of 10 or more, contact 702-749-2348. For more information about Reckless In Vegas, visit www.RecklessInVegas.com or like them on Facebook.