Jazz Outreach Initiative is keeping Las Vegas’ rich jazz tradition alive while cultivating the musicians of tomorrow. From free youth education and professional jam sessions to an exciting calendar of concerts and festivals, JOI is preparing for a busy season—and its approaching 10th anniversary. Discover how the organization connects music with life while reaching nearly 10,000 local young people each year.
Planning a night at The Smith Center or exploring downtown Las Vegas? Discover Mae Daly's Fine Steaks & Whiskeys' new three-course pre-theater dinner, seasonal happy hour specials, and the community-focused philosophy that makes this award-worthy steakhouse a standout dining destination.
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.
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.
I have never seen - nor heard - so many young (jazz) hands clapping with such appreciation as I did during Jazz Outreach Initiative’s (JOI) “Jazz for Young People” Concerts at Reynolds Hall at The Smith Center! Over three thousand enthusiastic students from the Clark County School District were bussed in to experience two back-to-back performances with the acclaimed Jazz Vegas Orchestra and world-renowned saxophonist and vocalist Camille Thurman. She definitely answered this year’s theme, “Who is Ella Fitzgerald?” and then some.
As The Composers Showcase of Las Vegas approaches its 20th anniversary, the milestone feels less like a measure of time and more like a testament to conviction. What began as an after-hours gathering of writers and performers took shape in a city celebrated for spectacle, yet quietly lacking space for original voices. From those early evenings grew an enduring institution, sustained by creative risk, shared belief and the courage to bring new work into the open.
Together, Mayors Carolyn and Oscar Goodman shaped a legacy that will endure for generations. Their vision transformed Las Vegas into a thriving center for the arts and created a cultural heartbeat that will inspire dreamers and creators for years to come.
I drove down Paradise Road to visit a client this week, and memories started flooding back to when I first walked into the Las Vegas Hilton in 1972 (or was it 1974? – my photos are sadly undated) but let’s say the early 70s for now! We stood in a long, snake-like line for hours to get our prize possession—tickets to see Elvis perform at what was then called The Las Vegas Hilton.
On Friday, Carmina Burana!—a massive production with over 120 operatic singers, dancers, and musicians, will make its official debut. The Las Vegas Master Singers are sending over 59 choristers who will remain on stage for the entire production. There will be a live orchestra featuring members of the Las Vegas Philharmonic, conducted by Donato Cabrera, and the company’s 18 dancers will be joined by three veteran vocal soloists flying in from Salt Lake City.
When I walked into the Smith Center on July 14th for the media members event, I couldn’t believe it had been almost 16 months since being at my “home away from home.” I felt my heart skip a beat as I walked onto the stage where the “Heart of the Arts”® has stayed quiet with just the ghost light illuminating the stage all this time.
