BYLINE: DIANE MARLIN-DIRKX
Coachella? Stagecoach? Been there, done that, right? It was great, right? Okay, now let’s get real. Now that things have returned to normal (whatever that is)—you know the feeling of having lost one of two brain cells and sending the other out to look for it—we’re back to finding more entertainment, good causes to support and the appealing draw of kultchure, or culture in all its variety and venue that abounds in our Coachella Valley. And oh, my stars and garters, folks, this week coming up is a delightful doozy on all counts no matter how you spell it. Whatever tickles your fancy, pinches your fanny, places your brain cells all in a row and working together, you’re going to have a good time. Hey, we’re easy! We guarantee it!
Friday, May 11, 7 pm. High-brow music fans, the Rancho Mirage Public Library, courtesy of the Virginia Waring International Piano Competition, is going to rock out tomorrow night with an eclectic chamber music concert by the Ernst Krenek Ensemble from Vienna by way of the Austrian Embassy in Washington DC—one of only four performances in the United States. Born in Vienna in 1900, Ernst Krenek was acknowledged as a leading composer of music in all forms from jazz opera (Jonny spielt auf!) to the new twelve-tone method—very complex to perform and hear, yet beautifully evocative of the new Romanticism sweeping the music world at the time. When the Nazis took over Austria, Krenek came to the United States spending his last years in Palm Springs and passing away at 91 years of age. His widow, Mrs. Krenek will be in attendance. The concert is free. RMPL, 71-100 HWY 111, Rancho Mirage. For information, call 760-341-7323. www.ranchomiragelibrary.org
Thursday, May 10 through Sunday, May 13. Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival presented by the Palm Springs Cultural Center in screenings at the Camelot Theatres, 2300 E. Baristo, Palm Springs, unreeling from 10 am to last unreeling at 7:30 pm. It’s the 12th annual festival of the best of the genre. Writer/film historian and programmer Alan K. Rode says, “I’ve tried to keep the festival fresh by programming quality movies that either aren’t on DVD or otherwise haven’t been viewed on a big screen for many years.” This year’s classics include The Big Heat (1953) with star Glenn Ford’s son, Peter, discussing his Dad’s stellar career after the screening, a psychotic Joan Crawford stars in Possessed (1947), and Shield for Murder (1954) with special personal appearance of actor William Schallert. For more information about the films, special guest appearances and the complete schedule, call 760-325-6565, go to www.arthurlyonsfilmnoir.org
Saturday, May 12, 11:30 am to 2 pm. The Press Panel: How to Make the Media Work for You! Get the low down on how you and your business or organization can benefit at the Palm Springs Women in Film and Television (PSWIFT) luncheon at the IW Club 44-500 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells. Moderated by Pattie Daly Caruso, “Valley View” television host/producer. Local luminaries on the hot seat include Greg Burton, Executive Editor of The Desert Sun newspaper, Steven R. Biller, Editor in Chief, Palm Springs Life magazine, Karen Devine, News Anchor, KESQ TV 3 ABC, Gino Lamont, News Anchor, KMIR6 NBC, Brooke Beare, News Anchor, Local 2 CBS, Bruce Fessier, Special Projects Editor, The Desert Sun, and Gloria Greer, Social Editor/Palm Springs Life, Host/producer KVCR TV/Time Warner Cable. Patti Gribow, PSWIFT president says, “An opportunity to learn first-hand the workings of the media and get tips on how to get your message heard in the noisy hype of a crowded marketplace.” Get your questions ready! Also on the menu, scholarship presentations and honors for two organizations Tools for Tomorrow and BookPALS. Seating is limited. Tickets: PSWIFT members $30; Non-members $40. For more information or tickets, call 760-238-0306, or go to www.pswift.org
Now through May 20, The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies gets down with the universe’s über doo-wop meisters The Diamonds (Gary Owens, Jerry Siggins, Jeff Dolan and Shawn Stevens) who perform classic Rock ‘n’ Roll with an attitude so today, filled with such audacious joy and musicality it’s scary! Just a mention of the chart-topping songs by this quartette brings a smile to your face: “Why Do Fools Fall in Love?” “Little Darlin,” and “The Stroll” made famous by Dick Clark’s American Bandstand TV show. It’s been 55 years of gold records, TV appearances, movie soundtracks (American Graffiti ), tours and the Las Vegas, New York, Chicago dinner tour circuit, but they’re finally at the Follies. If you were into white bucks (boys), or a poodle skirt (girls), hang up the Hula Hoop and Bunny Hop to the Follies! For tickets, $50 – $90, and matinee and evening schedule, call 760-327-0225, www.psfollies.com, or go to the box office at 128 S. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs.
Thursday, May 19 through August 30, 5 pm on Thursdays. Relax in the quiet, cool peace of The Palm Desert Art Museum while you enjoy free screenings of Season 6 of the Peabody Award-winning series, Art in the Twenty-First Century. Each hour-long episode showcases living artists and their works. A great education in pleasant surroundings. Celebrating contemporary art, Art in the Twenty-First Century, Season Six, is sponsored by Art 21. When Season 6 is complete, the museum will revisit past episodes featuring artists from its collection, including Lynda Benglis (works on view at PD Art Museum) and Marina Abramovic (works on view at PS Art Museum). PD Art Museum, 72-567 HWY 111, open Thursdays 12-8 pm., free admission 4-8 pm. For information and other hours, call 760-346-5600.
Wednesday, May 16, 11:30 luncheon. The Women Leaders Forum will honor and present 13 young women from Coachella Valley high schools with college scholarships totaling $32,500 at the WLF’s last luncheon of the season which will be held at the Miramonte Resort & Spa in Indian Wells. All of the honorees are in the Young Women Ambassadors Program, which includes a monthly Education Series preparing them for future leadership, as well as one-on-one career mentoring opportunities. “We’re thrilled to have such a great representation of driven young women in our group of scholarship winners,” said Rebecca Kenary, WLF president. The luncheon event will include the installation of newly-elected WLF board members Amy Blaisdell, Beverly Chell and Dr. Sonja Fung to three-year terms. Members, $25, Non-members, $35, tickets at the door, $40. For more information and to register online, go to www.wlfdesert.org
Wednesday, May 16, 5:30-9:30 pm. “Hot Lips Houlihan” –that’s Major Margaret of M*A*S*H company to you civilian—heads for an encore to Vicky’s Supper Club for Sally Kellerman Live! A Little Jazz, A Little Blues, A Little Rock and Roll. To that, let’s add a lot of hot sexy style in harmony with Kellerman’s take-no-prisoners silky -smooth purr in the vocals department. The Oscar® and Golden Globe-nominated actress who caused a torrid tsunami among the sweating male troops at the drop of a shower curtain in the original 1970 film, has been singing in the rain and everywhere else since she was 18 years old and signed her first record contract. “She is easy to listen to easy to look at and uncompromisingly laid-back,” says Cabaret Scenes Magazine. Vicki’s of Santa Fe, 45-100 Club Dr., HWY 11 & Club Drive, Indian Wells, www.vickysofsantafe.com Dinner show, tax, tip, $75. Pre-paid reservations only. Call 760-345-0770.
Friday, May 18, 8 pm, through Saturday, May 19, 2 pm matinee and 8 pm. The 9th Tango at the McCallum Theatre raises the bar of erotica on stage between two lovers that can be felt in the last row. Trust us. If you’ve never seen, never felt the electrical lick of sensual heat and steamy desire of the provocative tango, get ready for the fire of what the French call a “frisson”—loosely translated as a tickle that’ll curl your toes—now’s the time. Performed by the husband and wife professional dance team of Terry and Bill Ott, The 9th Tango is a staged love story about relationships, a visual representation of a riveting romance novel with all the drama, passion and hopeful happy ending. At the McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Dr., Palm Desert. For information, call 760- 340-2787, or go to www.mccallumtheatre.com.
Saturday, May 19, 11:30 am. The 3rd Annual Above & Beyond Luncheon honors those in the community who have been nominated by their peers to receive this prestigious award from the Angel Light Academy (ALA) will be held at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar. Every one of the nine honorees has proven excellence in community leadership and service. ALA teaches leadership, team-building, problem solving, conflict resolution and communication skills to adults and youth in the Coachella Valley. Patrick Evans, Chief Meteorologist CBS Local 2 emcees the event which will honor the late Jackie Lee Houston, a recipient last year, with a special presentation by the organization’s founder Julia Wilmot. Fleming’s, 71800 HWY 111, The River, Rancho Mirage. Silent auction, seating is limited, gourmet luncheon, $75 per person. Reservations and information, call 760-861-5132. www.angellightacademy.org.
HEADS UP! ADVANCE NOTICE! SELL-BY DATES AHEAD—RSVP NOW!
Sunday, July 8-13, Calgary Stampede! The Western Arts Council of the Palm Springs Art Museum invites you to saddle up for a wild ride north to Calgary, Canada. Make your reservations now to attend the world-famous Calgary Stampede Centennial Celebration in July. Located in an area of foothills and prairie, east of the Canadian Rockies, Calgary is home to “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” with one of the world’s largest rodeos, parades, midway rides, stage shows, First Nations’ exhibitions, agricultural competitions, chuck wagon racing, and more once-in-a-lifetime experiences. It’s a hoot of a week! Space is limited, total cost without airfare, single $2790, double $3515. For more information, tour packet, reservations, call Alicia Gregory, 760-322-4888, or agregory@psmuseum.org
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