Hollywood Lights, Liberace Nights

A Chic Launch at the Hollywood Cars Museum and Liberace Garage

By Laura Henkel // Photography by Cashman Photo

Chic Compass brought an unforgettable evening of glamour and gears to the Hollywood Cars Museum and Liberace Garage on March 20, 2025. Celebrating the newest edition of Chic Compass Magazine, the event was a delightful mix of luxury, history and entertainment. Guests were entertained by a jazz trio featuring Cocho Arbe on keyboard, Jeff Davis on bass, and Mike Candito on drums and vocals, adding a lively atmosphere to the evening, while delectable appetizers by Platinum Catering Productions kept everyone satisfied as they mingled.

First, guests entered the Hollywood Cars Museum, filled with fun autos used on Hollywood film sets over the years. After that tour de force, guests walked through the Liberace entrance, witnessing a spectacular collection of vintage cars that set the tone for the night ahead. With its opulent and larger-than-life collection of vehicles, the Liberace Garage was the perfect backdrop for the event. Among the most captivating exhibits were the bejeweled, bedazzled and blinged-out cars that Liberace used to make his grand entrances. It was a true testament to the flamboyant and extravagant nature of the legendary performer.

Of course, no visit to the Liberace Garage would be complete without exploring the incredible collection of Liberace’s costumes, memorabilia and décor. The items on display offered a glimpse into the life of a true cultural icon who was ahead of his time. Guests were treated to a mesmerizing journey through the world of Liberace, with his bold fashion choices and unforgettable style taking center stage throughout the evening.

The event was well attended by distinguished guests, many of whom are featured in the current edition of Chic Compass. Among the attendees were local business leaders, creatives and influential figures who helped shape the arts and culture scene in Las Vegas. The evening also marked the final event for the Forgotten Song Foundation, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to recognizing and sustaining the visual artists and performance artistry of live music for future generations.

Founded in 2015, the Forgotten Song Foundation has played a pivotal role in raising awareness about the arts in Las Vegas and supporting young adults pursuing degrees in music and arts at the college level. Over the years, the organization has awarded close to $200,000 in scholarships and grants to local artists, entertainers and institutions, including the Jazz Studies & Commercial Music program and the art department at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas; the Community College of Southern Nevada jazz studies department; Composer Showcase; Nevada Ballet; JOI – Jazz Outreach Initiative; The Smith Center; and many others.

The evening’s festivities were about celebrating past achievements and looking forward to the next generation. The Forgotten Song Foundation’s Midnight Muse project, which received two grants from the Centennial Grant Commission in 2015, continues to live on through its film, book and CD set. The film remains available to stream on Amazon Prime. Roxy and Skai Jones, both recipients of past and present grants from the foundation for their musical endeavors, held their own fundraising event, Youth for Youth Concert, this past December and raised $50,000. The Boys & Girls Club of Nevada and the Forgotten Song Foundation shared that gift. The young and talented women awarded the foundation a check for $25,000 that evening.

In conclusion, Hollywood Nights and Liberace Lights was not just a celebration of style and history—it was also a poignant tribute to the lasting impact of the Forgotten Song Foundation. The foundation’s dedication to preserving the arts and supporting the next generation of artists ensures that the magic of live music and visual arts will continue to thrive in Las Vegas for years to come.