Inside The Smith Center: Suzanne Chabre on Building Las Vegas' Cultural Cornerstone

In this Chic Compass conversation, Suzanne Chabre, vice president and chief experience officer for The Smith Center for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas, reflects on the vision, partnerships and community commitment that helped shape one of Southern Nevada's most important cultural institutions. From world-class performances to meaningful arts education, her insights reveal how The Smith Center became far more than a venue — it became a home for the arts.

Inside The Smith Center: Suzanne Chabre on Building Las Vegas' Cultural Cornerstone2026-08-30T16:56:29-07:00

Jam with Jazz Outreach Initiative Over the Summer

Young musicians can have a summer filled with opportunities to express themselves, build confidence and learn new skills. Through its expanded free summer jazz programs, the Jazz Outreach Initiative (JOI) is providing creative access points for all interested participants. As part of its annual “Jammin’ with JOI” program, JOI will offer two locations for students to jam this summer, thanks to support from the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Jam with Jazz Outreach Initiative Over the Summer2026-08-30T16:56:21-07:00

Nevada Preservation Foundation Hits a Home (+ History) Run

This year’s Home + History Las Vegas 2026 was something to write home about. The Nevada Preservation Foundation (NPF) recently presented its 11th annual four-day event in Las Vegas, continuing its mission to celebrate “the iconic lifestyle and architectural history of Southern Nevada.” The Las Vegas Valley once again transformed as the NPF spotlighted architecture, culture and community through more than 30 curated events for locals and visitors.

Nevada Preservation Foundation Hits a Home (+ History) Run2026-08-30T16:56:49-07:00

The Museum Where Filipino Culture Stretches From Here to the Philippines

The local Filipino community has a deep-rooted sense of pride and belonging in Las Vegas, which represents the largest Asian ethnic group in Nevada. The state’s Filipino population has grown from just over 51,000 to more than 208,000 in the span of 24 years, according to U.S. Census data. From community leaders such as Erica Mosca to world-famous comedians like Jo Koy, the Filipino community and its contributions to the valley range far and wide.

The Museum Where Filipino Culture Stretches From Here to the Philippines2026-08-30T18:47:33-07:00

Passport to the City: Where Music, Humanity and Philanthropy Converged

At the Chapel of the Holy Family at St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, an extraordinary afternoon unfolded where music, philanthropy and humanity converged in a way that felt almost transportive. The intimate opera experience reminded guests that some of life’s most profound moments happen not in grand arenas, but in sacred spaces where every note can be felt deep within the soul.

Passport to the City: Where Music, Humanity and Philanthropy Converged2026-08-30T18:53:58-07:00

Teach For America Brings Its 35th Anniversary Event to Las Vegas

Teach For America (TFA) is loading up its lesson plan and bringing tens of thousands of alumni from around the country to Las Vegas for its 35th Anniversary Summit in October. “Imagine a world where it’s part festival, part convening and part homecoming reunion,” said Niloy Gangopadhyay, vice president of the 35th Anniversary Summit.

Teach For America Brings Its 35th Anniversary Event to Las Vegas2026-08-30T18:54:46-07:00

The Night the Future of the Arts Took Shape at UNLV

Nancy Uscher, dean of the UNLV College of Fine Arts, took the stage first, grounding the 21st Annual Hall of Fame Gala in both legacy and vision. Her remarks carried quiet authority, honoring the institution’s history while pointing clearly toward its future. From the outset, something felt different. This would not simply be a celebration. It would be a turning point.

The Night the Future of the Arts Took Shape at UNLV2026-08-30T18:54:55-07:00

Notes and Brushstrokes

The night on April 8 couldn’t have been more ideal, with perfect weather by the lake as the intimate setting for a collaborative soiree of art, music, fine libations and delectable food. “Notes and Brushstrokes” debuted as a festive evening to support the third season of the Desert Roots Rising Stars Music Festival and Summer Academy occurring June 6–13 in partnership with the Rita Deanin Abbey Art Museum and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Notes and Brushstrokes2026-08-30T18:55:34-07:00

Queen of Reality TV to Woman of the Year, Lisa Vanderpump Reigns Supreme at the Nevada Ballet Theatre Black & White Ball

Lisa Vanderpump, aka the Queen of Beverly Hills and beyond, earned a new title when Nevada Ballet Theatre honored the businesswoman, author, TV personality and philanthropist at the 42nd annual Black & White Ball, its largest annual fundraiser. “To be honored by the world of ballet, by an art form that has given so much for so many centuries, I cannot tell you what that means to me,” Vanderpump said.

Queen of Reality TV to Woman of the Year, Lisa Vanderpump Reigns Supreme at the Nevada Ballet Theatre Black & White Ball2026-08-30T18:55:49-07:00

Passport to the Las Vegas Philharmonic

The Force is strong with the Alexis de Tocqueville Society! Members of the United Way of Southern Nevada's (UWSN) philanthropic group got a special behind-the-scenes look at Hollywood’s most famous film scores as the Las Vegas Philharmonic rehearsed "The Music of John Williams" inside Reynolds Hall at The Smith Center in downtown Las Vegas.

Passport to the Las Vegas Philharmonic2026-08-30T18:57:32-07:00
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