BY DIANE MARLIN- DIRKX
We attended a very spiffy and sartorially special luncheon the other day at one of our splendid desert eateries known for its toque-worthy chef, as well as its people-watching gustatory groupies. The head-swirling at the tables was mind-boggling. We were there to watch the roll-out of a new fashion collection labeled Grayse, designed by Marie Gray, iconic co-founder/designer of the Southern California fashion house St. John, and daughter creative director/signature model Kelly. Luncheon fashion shows starring congenial models skirting tables, encouraging the touchy-feel of fabrics, and so on, is a common and successful marketing ploy all season at upscale (literally) restaurants hereabouts to women, who mostly, live, eat and breathe fashion. You know that’s true. And don’t tell us your mantra-musing come morning is “Got to dust that fichus soonest,” when we know it’s “What am I going wear today?” All our gal-pals looked easy-breezy and ate heartily as if they meant it. Herewith, more events that encourage a dress code that’s summer-easy, coolly-confident. Life is good.
Friday, May 16, 8pm. Leave it to La Quinta! Why? Because they have the summer all planned out for family togetherness with activities that fill the bill for fun and for FREE starting with no-charge screenings of box office hit movies at various parks around La town unreeling at 8pm or later depending on when the sun slips behind the mountains for best viewing of all the action on the silver screen. Movie-delicious snacks are available and don’t forget to tote blankets, lawn chairs, a pillow or two for snuggling. Here’s the movie marquee line-up: “The Nut Job ,” May 16, Monticello Park at Fred Waring Dr., and Jefferson St., “Captain America – First Avenger,” July 11, Fritz Burns Pool, Ave. 52 and Avenida Bermudas, “The Avengers,” July 25, Fritz Burns Pool, “Man of Steel,” August 6, Fritz Burns Pool, “The Amazing Spiderman,” August 22, Fritz Burns Pool. For additional information put the Community Services Department at 760-777-7090 on speed dial, or go to communityservices@la-quinta.org.
Saturday, May 17, Cocktails, 6 p.m.; dinner, 7:15 p.m. A romantic tribute in the lengthening shadows of his Hopi-inspired museum will be celebrated as the legacy of Coachella pioneer Cabot Yerxa at “An Evening at the Pueblo.” The gala is the eighth annual event and this year will honor philanthropist/business leader Jim Casey, and community leader Lorraine Becker. Named to the National Register of Historic Places in 2012, the funds raised this evening will support the mission and its unique collection of historical artifacts, as well as the programs of Cabot’s Museum Foundation. Dress code? “Desert Chic,” including trendy flats recommended. Required? Only a joy for cultural education, a desire to salute historical significance and those who generously donate to its importance, stimulated by music for dancing, and a delicious dinner. Cabot’s Pueblo Museum, 67616 E. Desert View Drive, Desert Hot Springs. Tickets are $150, reservations required; limited seating is available. Sponsorships, $1,000-$10,000. For more info, call 760-329-7610, or go to www.cabotsmuseum.org.
Wednesday, May 21, 6pm. “I can’t explain it,” said Johnny Carson. He was talking about “Llyn Foulkes One Man Band, aka “The Most Famous Artist You’ve Never heard of.” Perhaps the biopic film that will be unspooled at the Palm Springs Art Museum with Q & A and special personal appearances of artist Llyn Foulkes, directors Tamar Halpern and Chris Quilty will be able to elucidate and expand on Johnny’s mysterious statement. Starring in the film with Foulkes is the late at-a-loss-for-words talk show host Carson, late actor/artist Dennis Hopper, Paul Schimmel and George Herms. During the seven years chronicled in the film, artist and musician Llyn Foulkes uses hammers and saws to create, destroy, and recreate a pair of large-scale, three-dimensional paintings, one that costs him his marriage, while trying to keep afloat in the fickle art market. The film reconstructs Foulkes’s uncompromising, see-saw career as he walked away from success. With music written and performed by Foulkes on “The Machine.” Emerging Collector’s Reception, 7:30 – 9pm with light supper and hosted bar, following the film. Ticket, $25. Purchase online or at Box Office, call 760-325-4490. Palm Springs Art Museum, 101 Museum Dr., Palm Springs.
Wednesday, May 21, 7pm. New York City not on your summer itinerary? Never mind, the award winning Cabaret Theatre West, now in its 5th season of performances to show-stopping applause, will take you across the country and back in time to the infamous Copacabana nightclub to be entertained by their production of a “At The Copa,” featuring familiar and new cast members, 40 fabulous songs from the heyday of the renowned and celebrated club and memories of Tony Bennett, Patti Page, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank “Ol’ Blue Eyes” Sinatra, and a ten-piece orchestra who know how to raise the rafters with music. Only 150 seats, so make reservations now. Seating tables of 8-10, with waiter service for dinner, cocktails, and at intermission. Group discounts, reservations, call Jane Treacy at 760-469-3366. Desert Willow Resort, 38-995 Desert Willow Dr., Palm Desert. For more info, call 760-346-0015, or www.desertwillow/cabaret.
Sunday, May 25, 3pm. Another chance at romance as the Steinway Society of Riverside County present violinist Clayton Haslop and pianist John Robilette performing two romantic sonatas by Brahms, ending with a finale by Liszt, (Sigh.) Clayton Haslop joined the professional world of music as a teenager when he was invited by Sir Neville Mariner to join the 1st violin section of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. John Robilette made his debut at the Kennedy Center in 1984. The Steinway Society is “Enhancing the Lives of Children Through Music Education” providing music classes in schools serving 20,000 each year. The all-volunteer 501 (C) (3) organization depends on donations at www.steinwayriverside.org or call 760-341-4130. General admission, $25. Student, $10. So Cal Piano, 74111 Hwy 111, Palm Desert.
Sunday, June 8, 4 – 6pm. Big night for Broadway! Big afternoon for Angel View! Toucan’s Tiki Lounge and Angel View will present the first annual pre-Tony Awards Party benefiting Angel View Outreach, a program providing free benefits and support to children living with disabilities. The party takes place before the live Tony’s telecast begins. “Last year, “Kinky Boots” garnered top awards for the best musical,” notes Walter Johnson, MD, president of Angel View. “The inspirational true story had a tagline that inspired us, ‘When you change your mind about someone, you can change your whole world.’ That’s so relevant for people who live with disabilities! Tickets are $35 to include a hosted bar, hors d’oeuvres, and entertainment; for $50, guests also get a walk down the runway and the chance to win the “Kinky Boots” trophy. Everyone is encouraged to decorate their highest heels, dress in “Kinky Boots” attire or desert casual. Each ticket includes a 20% coupon good from any Angel View Resale Store. Toucan’s Tiki Lounge, 2100 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. More info, call 760-320-2440 for tickets; 760- 413-3432 for sponsorships.
“Don’t Be Clueless” wants to remind you that press releases for inclusion should be in to the Coachella Valley Weekly at least two weeks ahead of the scheduled event! Thanks!
