JoAnn Smith
Hi,
My name is JoAnn Smith and I've been a reporter/writer and photographer for more than 30 years. I received an Associate of Arts Degree from Cochise College in Douglas, Arizona, and a Bachelor's Degree in journalism from the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona.
I've worked on weekly newspapers for White Mountain Publishing on both their Apache and Navajo County editions.
For the past 16 years, I've been a writer and photographer with News West Publishing located in Bullhead City, Arizona, on the Mohave Valley Daily News and Weekender publications.
Currently, I am the associate editor, writer and photographer for the Laughlin entertainer, one of News Wests' sister publications. I've worked on this publication for about 13 years.
Our weekly magazine focuseson the gaming and entertainment scene of Laughlin, Nevada, located across the Colorado River from Bullhead City. That coverage includes special events, various aspects of gaming promotions, area attractions, activities and more. Part of my job is to conduct phone interviews with the many well-known, and not-so-well-known entertainers, bands, comedians, magicians and performers from just about every genre who perform here.
Over the years, there have been so many to the point some have become friends who look forward to our annual and semi-annual chats.
Some of the people I've interviewed include Tony Orlando, Bill Engvall, Tim Conway, Wayne Newton, Trace Adkins, Johnny Reid, Charo, Cosmo Clifford with Creedence Clearwater Revisited, James (JY) Young with Styx, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Charlie Daniels, Nancy Wilson of Heart, Jojo Garza of Los Lonely Boys, Terry Fator, Jonny Lang and the list goes on.
The eeriest interview - Bobby Hatfield, of the Righteous Brothers, two weeks before he died.
My biggest accomplishment this year was interviewing Bill Cosby. He doesn't grant too many interviews as a rule, but because of my professional relationship with Tony Orlando, he agreed to it.
Tony has been very complimentary of the many stories I've written about his shows over the years he's performed here and he and Mr. Cosby are represented by the same public relations firm, so he convinced him of my professionalism. That meant a lot to me and I took the opportunity to thank him in person.
I find it amazing that in our little corner of the world I've had the opportunity to talk to and get to know so many people who have passed through town. I love learning about the stories behind the words and music, career stories some of these people have never told anyone else and I love to come up with challenging questions...the ones that make them think.
Besides writing, my other passions are yoga, reading, travel, scrapbooking and good friends.
Latest Articles
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Keepers of the Wild Sanctuary
When it comes to the rescuing exotic animals Jonathan Kraft doesn't let his heart overrule his head for business -- and it saddens him to turn animals away.
Dec 2, 2009
- JoAnn Smith
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Dixie River Boys are Colorado Belle Mainstays
The Dixie River Band has the look and flavor of a group transplanted from a New Orleans jazz club, but these guys dig deep to play any kind of music.
Dec 1, 2009
- JoAnn Smith
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Convenience Foods Are Fast Foods
Fast food doesn't have to come from a drive-through window with all of the choices in grocery items taking the work out of preparation work in cooking.
Nov 29, 2009
- JoAnn Smith
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Keepers of the Wild
Animal behaviorist Jonathan Kraft has created a rescue sanctuary for more than 200 abused, neglected and abandoned exotic animals that he opens to the public for tours.
Oct 12, 2009
- JoAnn Smith
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Chefs Food Fest in Laughlin, Nevada
Chefs bring their creativity to the front burner and turn up the competitive heat in a two-pronged fund-raiser in Laughlin, Nevada called the annual Chefs' Food Fest.
Oct 11, 2009
- JoAnn Smith
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All Aboard the Polar Express
Make this holiday season one the family will never forget. Give them a train ride to the 'North Pole' to visit Santa aboard the Polar Express.
Oct 5, 2009
- JoAnn Smith
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Mitchell Caverns
When driving on the quiet stretch of Interstate 40 between Needles and Barstow, California, there's a little side road that leads to Mitchell Caverns.
Sep 20, 2009
- JoAnn Smith
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