Aug 27 & 28, 7:30 pm
@ The Huntington
Sep 4 & 5, 7:30 pm
@ Skirball Cultural Center
ABOUT
MUSE/IQUE Presents "Freedom at the Moulin Rouge: A Las Vegas Civil Rights Story"
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For one short year in 1955, the Moulin Rouge Hotel and Casino had its name up in neon lights. MUSE/IQUE presents Freedom at the Moulin Rouge, the incredible, under-told story of the first-ever fully integrated hotel and casino in the country. Nearly 10 miles from the Las Vegas Strip (which catered exclusively to white guests), the Moulin Rouge was a miraculous, vibrant place where people of all backgrounds could come together to relax, gamble, and of course, dance ‘til dawn.
Attracting a who’s-who of late-night patrons, including Nat King Cole, Sammy Davis Jr., Harry Belafonte, Lena Horne, Judy Garland, Dean Martin, and Frank Sinatra, the Moulin Rouge sparked a new vision of people living, working, and making art together.
Join Artistic & Music Director Rachael Worby and the magnificent lineup of vocalists in Crystal Starr, Ashley Faatolia, and Kenton Chen, tap dance by Jabu Graybeal, and a slate of incredible musicians for a show that will change the way you think about Las Vegas and its rich and complicated history. The Moulin Rouge became a symbol for a community that ignited a movement and left an everlasting mark on the city that reverberates today.
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Preshow Experience​
Guests at The Skirball and The Huntington are invited to arrive at 6 pm to explore MUSE/IQUE presents,
"Reframing Las Vegas: a Pop-Up Exhibit in conjunction with "Freedom at the Moulin Rouge: A Las Vegas Civil Rights Story." This exhibit highlights the Westside community's defiance of prejudice and fight toward liberation, integration, and self-expression.
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Guests at The Huntington are also invited explore the first floor of the Huntington Art Gallery before the show! Enjoy a private viewing of The Huntington's incredible European collection, as we open the gallery just for our guests.
Make Some Noise: Music and Stories of America Defiance and Hope
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In our 2024 season, MUSE/IQUE spotlights the transformative American artists and thinkers who rejected norms and limitations to forge a new and better future. When artists make loud choices and take bold stances, they teach us that nothing is impossible. Join us in a celebration of the stories and music that moved America.
kenton chen, VOCALS
Kenton Chen is a singer, actor, and writer based in Los Angeles. A native of Orange County, Kenton graduated from USC's Thornton School of Music in vocal jazz, and gained national attention on NBC’s The Sing-Off. Notable credits: Postmodern Jukebox, Scary Pockets, Billie Eilish, Katy Perry, The Simpsons, and Disney's Wish. He'll be releasing his first original
full-length album Sweetmouth in 2025.
ashley faatoalia, VOCALS
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Ashley Faaotalia has been singing for as long as he can remember. Opera News calls his singing “hauntingly beautiful” crediting him with “a voice of winning purity and variety of expression” and The San Francisco Chronicle calls him “Sweet-toned.” In these first few years of his professional career Ashley has become a sought-after vocalist for new works and experimental projects working closely with composers from across the country including Anthony Davis, Lewis Pesacov, Rand Steiger, Christopher Cerrone, Anne LeBaron and many more.
jabu graybeal, tap dance
From Pittsboro, North Carolina, award-winning artist Jabu Graybeal was a member for 9 years of the North Carolina Youth Tap Ensemble (NCYTE), one of the most renowned youth tap companies in the world. Jabu is a Jacob’s Pillow and YoungArts Foundation alumni who has worked and performed with a diverse group of companies, such as Caleb Teicher & Company, Emmy Nominee Chloe Arnold’s Apartment 33 and Americas Got Talent Season 19. He was the first tap dancer to be accepted into the Berklee Global Jazz Institute Workshop at the Newport Jazz Festival. Jabu Graybeal is a touring star member of Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox and half of East Coast-based music duo “SUMMERZOVR.”
CRYSTAL STARR, VOCALS
Crystal Starr is an award-winning recording artist, dubbed “The Girl with the Golden Voice” by Source Magazine. Crystal has shared the stage with major artists including Ariana Grande, Stevie Wonder, John Legend, Lady Gaga, The Jacksons, and more. She has appeared on Broadway in the musical “Baby It’s You!” and has also recorded two singles that landed in the Top 100 of iTunes and Commercial pop Charts internationally. She is also a songwriter, producer, CEO, philanthropist, and founder of nonprofit Little Voices. As seen on tour, Crystal Starr’s powerful voice and high-energy dynamic stage presence continue to captivate her fans worldwide.
L. Young, VOCALS
L. is a soul singer/songwriter who has toured and performed for sold-out audiences all over the world. He has worked with legendary artists including Stevie Wonder, Babyface, David Foster and Booker T. Jones, to name a few. L. Young also has two Billboard charting hits and two #1 singles on the UK Soul charts under his belt as an indie artist. His single “Love Is Verb” cracked Billboard’s Adult Contemporary Top 40. He is also known for his many viral videos across YouTube and social media, including his feature as the #1 trending pop news in America on ABC’s Good Morning America.
VENUE
The Huntington
Outdoors
1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108
Skirball Cultural Center
Indoors
2701 N Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049
PARKING
The Huntington
Free parking is available in The Huntington parking lots accessible at the intersection of
Allen Avenue and Orlando Road.
Skirball Cultural Center
Free parking is available in the North Lot. Take the elevator to the second floor for a short walk to the venue.
FOOD & DRINK
The Huntington
Cash Bar with light snacks
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Pie 'N Burger food truck will be onsite with food for purchase.
Skirball Cultural Center
Cash Bar with light snacks
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The Skirball food cart will be onsite with food for purchase.
ADMISSION / MEMBERSHIP
New to MUSE/IQUE?
MUSE/IQUE is a member-driven organization. Membership gives you admissions to 12 months of MUSE/IQUE events, beginning the moment you sign up! The more you give, the more you support us in our mission to bring life-changing live music to all.​
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Click here to find a membership level that best suits you.