Help Liz & Melanie Get to Jury Trial — February 2, 2026
Liz and Melanie are suing Save Live LLC for destroying The Alibi — an independent venue and vital home for live music, artists, and fans.
They’ve already spent $500K of their personal savings on legal costs and now need just $150K more to reach their jury trial on February 2, 2026.
If you’ve ever played a small stage, fallen in love with a band in an intimate room, or believed in protecting independent venues, this fight matters.
Every donation goes directly to Sergenian Law Firm to cover the legal fees and court expenses needed for going to trial in LA Superior Court in February.
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The Alibi was Palm Springs’ beloved independent venue — created by Liz Garo and Melanie Tusquellas, two champions of LA’s Independent music , art, restaurant and cocktail community.
During the pandemic, they partnered with Save Live LLC (now rebranded as Gate 52) — founded by Marc Geiger and John Fogelman — a company that promised to “save” small venues. Instead, Save Live betrayed them, breached the contract, spread lies, and forced The Alibi to permanently close, even accusing them of exploiting #MeToo for personal gain.
Now, Liz and Melanie are fighting back — not just for themselves, but for every independent venue and artist facing corporate takeover.
⚖️ The Case
369 Palm Inc. v. Save Live LLC, Marc Geiger & John Fogelman
Jury Trial: February 2, 2026 — LA Superior Court, Santa Monica
Case No.: 23SMCV02093
They’ve have spent three years fighting and have spent $500,000 of their savings in legal costs. Please help them raise the final $150,000 to reach trial — the moment their story can finally be heard in front of a jury and the public .
Every dollar goes directly to Sergenian Law Firm to fund court fees, experts, and trial preparation.
If funds exceed costs, the remainder will be donated to the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA).
What Happened
Founded in 2018, The Alibi Palm Springs was a creative refuge for artists and fans.
When Save Live formed during the COVID crisis they were backed by $138M from major investors including Jordan Moelis, Breyer Capital, The Raptor Group and Shamrock Holdings. They were supposed to help save The Alibi venue from pandemic closure , they instead used predatory tactics and breached contracts to seize and destroy the venue. The loss devastated both Liz and Melanie and the entire fan and artist community that formed around The Alibi Plam Springs.
Why It Matters
This isn’t just about one venue — it’s about protecting the soul of independent music.
When corporations silence creative spaces, culture suffers.
Liz and Melanie’s stand sends a message:
Integrity isn’t for sale. Culture can’t be bullied. Community can’t be erased.
❤️ How You Can Help
Your support funds the final stage to get to trial on February 2, 2026.
Donate today — all funds go directly to Sergenian Law, PC for trial expenses.
Share this campaign — tell fellow music lovers, artists and independent business supporters.
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Together, we can make sure The Alibi’s legacy — and what it stood for — lives on.
Organizer and beneficiary
David Sergenian
Beneficiary