Once a remote outpost nestled between sunburned valleys and wind-worn mountains, Las Vegas was never meant to be the North Star. As settlers moved onto Paiute lands, the springs of this desert oasis offered only a brief rest for dreamers chasing fortunes farther west. But something happened in the Mojave. People stayed. Drawn by its daring spirit and boundless possibility, they began to shape a city that would defy its desert origins.
In the story of American music, some careers are defined not by a single genre or moment but by the way they weave across traditions, cultures and eras. Laura Taylor's path, spanning classical roots, disco success, platinum-record songwriting and a distinguished career in jazz, embodies that journey. Her voice, once heard selling Buicks and beckoning travelers to "Fly the Friendly Skies," would go on to resonate in recording studios, concert halls and classrooms.
Inside the Rita Deanin Abbey Art Museum on Oct. 11, the atmosphere was a harmony of light, form and sound, showcasing the work of one of Nevada's most notable multidisciplinary artists. Within this stillness, RDA Performs, the museum's first concert series, presented "Piano Portraits: A Piano Duet Dialogue," featuring pianists Dr. Alexandria Le and Philip Fortenberry.
The future Las Vegas Museum of Art (LVMA) opens its first public exhibition, "Family Album," on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, marking a milestone for Las Vegas’ growing cultural landscape. Presented in partnership with the City of Las Vegas and organized by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the show transforms the brand-new Civic Center Gallery into a space of reflection, belonging and community.
On Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Caesars Palace, the Foundation for an Independent Tomorrow (FIT) honored Robert Dolan, owner and CEO of Cashman Photo Enterprises of Nevada Inc., with its Civitas Laurel Award during its annual gala, recognizing his leadership, business acumen and dedication to strengthening the Las Vegas community.
Each year, Black Rock City becomes the third-largest city in Nevada for one month of the year, complete with its own FAA-approved airport. Urban planners, architects and civic leaders from across the globe travel here to study its temporary yet highly functional design. Produced by the Burning Man Project, the event is as much about community and experimentation as it is about art.
This episode features an in-depth interview with Tiffany Chang, a Stanford student, nonprofit founder, and Miss Asia USA, exploring her unique journey as a changemaker. The discussion highlights her experiences navigating cultural duality, addressing moments of self-doubt, and redefining success beyond external validation. Chang also shares the origins and impact of her global nonprofit, Madhatter Knits, and reflects on the importance of self-compassion, integrity, and remaining connected to her roots amidst high-pressure environments.
Matthew Couper and Jo Russ of Couper Russ [...]
Chic Compass marked its 8th anniversary with a celebration that was nothing short of extraordinary. Hosted at the sleek and futuristic Otonomus Hotel, the evening reflected both the publication’s dedication to innovation and its commitment to spotlighting the people shaping arts, culture, and community.
Tiffany Chang is not your typical changemaker. She is something far rarer. A Stanford student, nonprofit founder and crowned Miss Asia USA, Chang is the kind of leader who navigates high-pressure spaces with both poise and purpose. But beyond the accolades lies a story of quiet grit, cultural duality and a deep commitment to creating meaningful impact.
