REAL VEGAS PEOPLE - Singing Pilot Stephanie Goetz Soars To New Heights
Fasten your seatbelt as we take you on a flight through the amazing career of Sin City's latest multi-hyphenate sensation.
Some of our most fascinating REAL VEGAS PEOPLE columns have featured Sin City locals who lead double lives. From magician/mechanic Jeff Lockett to Matt Dorman, the "Construction Musician", our readers are fascinated by these amazing multi-taskers. Now we can add Stephanie Goetz, a "Singing Pilot" to our list of amazing citizens.
Stephanie Goetz has a career that resembles a wedding cake, each layer more fascinating than the one beneath it. A true multi-hyphenate, she excels in the realms of broadcasting, fashion, education, and inspiration. An award-winning broadcast journalist, Goetz has shared her forward-thinking perspectives in lectures and online presentations. And she's a scuba-diving enthusiast and private charter pilot who's also a flight instructor. Are you tired yet?
A born leader, Ms. Goetz participates in organizations such as Women In Aviation International, Imagine Thriving (a mental-health nonprofit), is an allied member of the National Gay Pilots Association, and formerly helped to oversee the American Heart Association's "Annual Heart Gala". She and her husband Endre Holen are dedicated to increasing the flight-career opportunities for under-represented individuals. They provide numerous flight scholarships annually to promising female and minority candidates.
Originally from the Midwest, Ms. Goetz achieved a perfect landing in Las Vegas and has rapidly become a recognizable name on the music scene. Her dynamic vocals, sexy stage presence, and boundless energy electrified the audience at a recent MONDAYS DARK. The theme was "Women Who Rock", a benefit for the National Association of Women in Construction.
In recent months, Stephanie Goetz has lit up the stages at Maxan Jazz, Southpoint Showroom, and The Stirling Club. Now she's ready to soar with VOCAL TAKEOFF, a showcase performance at Henderson hotspot GAMBIT. Led by famed musical director Joey Melotti (Barry Manilow) and a quartet of live musicians, Stephanie will cover the hits of Lady Gaga, Led Zeppelin, Lauren Hill, Cream, and even QUEEN.
VEGAS 411 was able to ground Ms. Goetz's flight schedule long enough to learn a bit more about this rising star...what fuels her engine, controls the turbulence in a complex life, and where she'd like to land next.
VEGAS 411 -When did you decide to make Las Vegas your home, and what drew you here?
Stephanie - "My husband and I had been living between Bellevue, WA (Seattle) and Minneapolis, MN for several years and we always wanted to make the move to a place that has a warmer climate. So we decided on Las Vegas after looking around Arizona and Florida."
"We chose Las Vegas because it has it all: Amazing nightlife, great entertainment, incredible outdoors, and so much more. And it's a place that everyone wants to visit! When we moved here, we discovered the bonus: The incredible and welcoming people of Las Vegas. We love it here!"
VEGAS 411 - Life in Sin City is unlike any other place. What has been the biggest surprise during your "adjustment phase"?
Stephanie - "The biggest surprise is that there wasn't an adjustment phase at all! We felt at home right away. Las Vegas is truly the most unique place. We love how you can get all glammed up in heels and sequins to see the hottest artists in the world one night then get your rock climbing gear on to scale some of the best terrain in the world the next."
VEGAS 411 -Your husband works closely with you in your aviation enterprise and charitable causes. Some relationships experience turbulence from too much time together. Is it always "friendly skies" for the Goetz crew?
Stephanie - "Ha ha! Good question. We're each other's best friends and buddies so it's easy to spend countless hours with each other and never grow tired of one another. We often say, "Wow, we've been together for almost ten years and we're still not sick of each other!" That's impressive. We also respect and admire each other VERY much so we're constantly learning from what the other person is better at or has more insight into. It's amazing...he's my soulmate."
VEGAS 411 - One brief look at your biography would have one wondering "Does Stephanie ever sleep?". So how do you do it....are there a few Stephanie Goetz clones attending to matters simultaneously?
Stephanie -"I would LOVE that! They could really help me get some things done I've been wanting to check off the list. I'm not sure how it gets all done - it just does. I'm not sure exactly where that drive comes from - partly it's from my mother and father who are both hard-working and driven individuals who set an example of what it takes to get things done."
"I don't want to waste anything I'm given and I take full advantage of the skills I have and the resources I've been given to fulfill my life's work and make the world a better place. I've also learned to become OK with failing and not being good at something at first."
VEGAS 411 -You've proudly stated that you became a pilot "later in life". Now your focus is set on dazzling Vegas audiences, where mature, attractive female singers are idolized. What iconic diva, if any, serves as your role model?
Stephanie - "There are so many!! My biggest role model in the world of music is Celine Dion. I've been listening to her since she put out her first English-language album. What I especially love is that she clearly takes her performances very seriously and practices, practices, practices until they're perfect."
"And, she's a genuinely kind and wonderful human. It's amazing to see someone who is one of the most recognized and famous people in the world also be down-to-earth and appreciative of her fans. What a legend. I feel unbelievably lucky to be performing in the same city where she's made such a big impact."
VEGAS 411 -You recently performed at The Space in an evening entitled "Women Who Rock". Is that the genre closest to your heart, or is the palette broader?
Stephanie - "Absolutely! It's a little of both. Classic rock is very close to my heart. Growing up with brothers, I listened to Led Zeppelin, The Who, Pink Floyd, Doobie Brothers and so many of the other famed classic rock bands (and plenty of 90s rap). I'm an old soul so my music taste fits nicely into the 60s and 70s classic rock and blues genres. I also like a broad range of musical genres. My voice fits well with classic rock, blues, jazz, and pop and I love how they all mix together nicely to bring a unique sound."
VEGAS 411 -Despite its reputation as a city built on scandal and sin, Las Vegas residents are unparalleled in their charitable and humanitarian efforts. Have you been attracted to any new causes as a result of your relocation?
Stephanie - "They sure are! That's another of the reasons why I love this city and its people so much. Philanthropy and giving back to our communities are such a core piece of who I am, so when I saw that Las Vegas residents are so involved in their community, I was thrilled. My husband and I give to all kinds of causes locally and nationally. We focus our giving on the aviation, mental health, and LGBTQ+ human rights areas."
"We'll likely be attending many more philanthropic events, but so far we've supported the Nevada Ballet Theatre. We love what they do for the arts community. We also give multi-engine flight scholarships to pilots who can't afford such flight ratings and we love supporting the men and women at the Nellis Air Force Base. We also love causes that the Golden Knights support. We look forward to getting more involved in the community!"
VEGAS 411 - On June 28th, you'll be performing 'VOCAL TAKEOFF' at GAMBIT in Henderson. You're dubbing it as your "official launch", with several cheeky aviation references. How does someone relatively new to the local scene score legendaryJoey Melotti (Barry Manilow) as your Musical Director?
Stephanie - "Good question! Maybe luck?! I feel incredibly fortunate to have Joey at the helm guiding the musical direction of the show. He is a true legend. I have never seen someone remix and refresh a song the way he can while STILL keeping the soul of the song that the original artist intended it to have. He has a gift and talent that is unlike any other. Joey and I mesh very well together. He has no ego about anything. He only wants the song and performance to be the most spectacular that it can be!"
VEGAS 411 -The past few years have been particularly tough on live entertainers, with some leaving the field entirely. Yet here you are, doing the opposite and quickly making a name for yourself. Are there other amazing Stephanie Goetz achievements waiting at the gate for take-off?
Stephanie - "There just might be! Time will tell. I have always lived by the belief that I will follow and run with the great opportunities in front of me and not take them for granted. Right now, I will focus on building my singing career, aviation career, communications business (executive coaching), and giving back to the community. Who knows, maybe a full-time show on the Strip someday?!"
VEGAS 411 -Desert air is notoriously brutal on singers. Celine Dion was known to require temperature and humidity controls at Caesars Palace Colosseum. Do you have any tips or advice for other performers to navigate through the challenges of our unique environment?
Stephanie - "I sure wish I could have a humidifier on my microphone for every performance! Yeah, it's not easy. I'm an athlete so I'm used to making my hydration a priority - ESPECIALLY to have electrolytes in my water at least a few times a week. That is a game-changer."
"You have to be OK with taking a sip of water every once in a while on stage. Everyone in the audience gets it - because they're probably feeling the same. And I'm sure no one will mind if one of those sips is of wine or a cocktail. That's hydration, right?!"
With all that she has going for her, Stephanie Goetz is sure to make an indelible mark on the Las Vegas entertainment scene. As our discussion came to an end, she wanted to close with a personal message:
"I want to thank everyone who has believed in me and pushed me to be better in this industry. I'm always striving to be my best and I keep those same kinds of people around me. One of those who deserve the highest praise is my Executive Creative Director Jeanne Bavaro. That woman is the hardest-working woman in show business and has been exceptional in guiding me, giving advice, and connecting me with the right people. She is a master at writing, directing, and producing shows. Her input in my show has been invaluable. My sincerest thanks to Jeanne!"
"VOCAL TAKEOFF with Stephanie Goetz" performs Wednesday, June 28th at 8 pm at Gatsby's Supper Club inside GAMBIT Henderson, 2031 W. Sunset Road. Tickets start at $25 (plus taxes/fees) and can be ordered here.
With all that she has going for her, Stephanie Goetz is sure to make an indelible mark on the Las Vegas entertainment scene. As our discussion came to an end, she wanted to close with a personal message:
"I want to thank everyone who has believed in me and pushed me to be better in this industry. I'm always striving to be my best and I keep those same kinds of people around me. One of those who deserve the highest praise is my Executive Creative Director Jeanne Bavaro. That woman is the hardest-working woman in show business and has been exceptional in guiding me, giving advice, and connecting me with the right people. She is a master at writing, directing, and producing shows. Her input in my show has been invaluable. My sincerest thanks to Jeanne!"
"VOCAL TAKEOFF with Stephanie Goetz" performs Wednesday, June 28th at 8 pm at Gatsby's Supper Club inside GAMBIT Henderson, 2031 W. Sunset Road. Tickets start at $25 (plus taxes/fees) and can be ordered here.
REAL VEGAS PEOPLE - Singing Pilot Stephanie Goetz Soars To New Heights
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