The sound of music — and the sound of musicals.

In his legendary career, Leonard Bernstein played many roles: conductor, pianist, TV star, cultural ambassador.

The Las Vegas Philharmonic performs its second Spotlight concert of the season, titled "A Little Romance," on Thursday, March 15, 2018 at 7:30 PM in Troesh Studio Theater at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts featuring three of the Las Vegas Philharmonic's principal musicians: Janis McKay (bassoon), Bill Bernatis (horn) and Voltaire Verzosa (piano) performing classical works for duet and trio.

Who has better Las Vegas entertainment stories than the people who were backstage, and even onstage, with the stars?

A couple of recent books remind us of the big role supporting musicians played in the city’s show business history. Admittedly, I’m a little partial to both.