ArtSmart’s Speakeasy Soirée Offers Enchanting Night with Soprano Nicole Car

The Palace Theater transformed into a sophisticated speakeasy for ArtSmart’s Summer Speakeasy Soirée, where prohibition-era pizzazz met contemporary musical excellence. International soprano Nicole Car captivated the audience with her moving interpretations of opera favorites and beloved classics including “Misty” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” supported brilliantly by pianist Yang Lin. The evening’s most touching moment came when ArtSmart graduate Emely Barrios, a Burton High School senior, delivered a powerful rendition of “My Man” from Funny Girl, showcasing the transformative impact of the organization’s tuition-free music education.

Guests savored an exquisite Spanish-inspired menu featuring traditional parrillada and vibrant paella hortelana, while sipping prohibition-era cocktails that perfectly complemented the evening’s theme. Board members Lilian Tsai and Kelly Clarke, along with longtime supporter Barbara A. Wolfe, celebrated ArtSmart’s remarkable achievement of delivering nearly 10,000 music mentorship sessions to Bay Area youth since 2017.