Show & Tell: Meet Lily Arce of ‘Show in the Sky’

Q: How long have you been with "Show in the Sky" (at the Rio)?

A: I've been with them for two years, but as lead singer for almost a year now. ... We do, like, a 10-minute stage show. Then, and it depends on what time of the night, I just get on a float and dance and throw beads to all the waiting spectators. And let me tell you, they go bonkers over those things (laughs).

Q: What's the best way to get you to toss some beads our way?

A: When I see somebody who's smiling and having a good time and doesn't look like they're threatening somebody's well-being, then you're definitely going to get a bead. (Laughs) Or at least a bead in your direction.

Q: Did you sing and dance when you were a kid?

A: I always sang, but I don't have a singing background. My mom was a special education teacher and my dad was a military guy. But I always knew what I wanted to do. When I was 14, I saw an audition for a kids' group and I asked my dad to take me. I put together a little (routine). Oh, it was terrible, because I'm really not a dancer; I'm a singer who moves well.

Q: Why do you say that?

A: Well, I never trained as a dancer. ... I have some movement, but no high kicks or jumps. (Laughs) No stretchy-bendy things coming from me.

Q: But you got the job?

A: I made the group. It was like a pro-education, anti-drug message school group, and we got picked up to be the opening act for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on their East Coast tour. From there, I went to singing with bands and that kind of thing, and six years ago I came to Vegas.

Q: You've been in several bands here, occasionally filled in for Dian Diaz at Bellagio, and performed in a bunch of shows, including "Sin City Kitties" in Primm.

A: I was very, very lucky. ... It wasn't smooth sailing all the time. There were little dry spots whenever (a job) would end. And I had a ragged little '93 Camry, and the engine was literally duct-taped, and I had to drive out to Primm and I was so nervous. I saved my money and got a little used car - a cute car, but a used car. When I went to fill out the license plate information, I decided, "Know what? 'Sin City Kitties,' " so I got a license plate (that said) "Meow" - there were, like, three O's - and two weeks after I got the license, the show closed and I'm stuck with this damn license plate (laughs).

Q: Then came riding the floats at the Rio?

A: The first time was scary. I remember the first time I was on a float, I was just holding on (laughs). What, if it's gonna fall out of the sky, it's gonna fall out of the sky; holding on to a rail isn't going to do much for me. But I remember having, like, a death grip on the thing with one arm and waving at people.

Q: This (story) will probably come out in a few weeks.

A: I can throw them from the float! (Laughs) Extra, extra, read all about it.