by Lola Rossi-Meza
People have lots of different opinions about Club Trinidad located at 1900 East Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs. However, the fact still remains, it was a favorite hangout of Frank Sinatra, who would enjoy the various entertainers performing in The Purple Room. Pianist and vocalist Roberta King was one of the many performers he would listen to, when in town and they both have a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars.
Yes, the lounge has had its ups and downs, but Club Trinidad is one of the few places in Palm Springs that has stood the test of time. “Club Trinidad was built in 1960 when there was nothing but sand all around except for the Smoke Tree Tack and Feed Store, where the Ralph’s is now,” said Art Brigman, CEO of Club Trinidad. “There is so much history in this place. I have a Wine and Cheese Social for the guests every Tuesday at 5 p.m. and tell them some of the many stories I have learned about over the years.”
Club Trinidad has been a time share since 1980 and is run by Brigman and Yona Aroesti, owners of the management company CTMM&E. “The Purple Room has always been a place for the guests to enjoy a cocktail, a bite of food and enjoy the music performed by many of the local entertainers.” Over the past few years, the kitchen has been leased to a catering company and no longer serves food.
However, Brigman has made arrangements with Smokin’ Burgers and Nicolino’s to have food delivered within 30 minutes, for guests wishing to dine while enjoying the music and dancing. “We want to continue to make this a fun place for all of our loyal locals who enjoy the quiet summers in the Desert. We have Happy Hour every Wednesday through Sunday from 4 until 7 p.m. followed by our new entertainment line-up through Labor Day Weekend.”
Starting on Wednesday, July 24, from 6:30 until 10:30 p.m., singer and Marilyn Monroe impersonator Cat Lyn Day will perform her show, “Marilyn M. and Her Cool Cats” every week. That evening features vocalists Fleet Easton and Paul Elia. There will also be a guest pianist performing throughout the evening. “It was nice having Marilyn sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to me last week. So many of my friends stopped by and it was nice having them enjoy my entire birthday weekend.”
Vocalist Lola Rossi and pianist and vocalist Denise Motto perform every Thursday from 6:30 until 10:30 p.m. “We invite all of our fans who came to see ‘Hitsville’ last season at the Escena Lounge and Grille to stop by. We hope to have vocalist Rob Carter join us after he finishes his touring schedule,” said Motto. “I’ll keep you posted on FaceBook.”
The Bill Baker Show has returned to the Purple Room every Friday and Saturday from 7 until 11 p.m. Pianist, guitarist and vocalist Bill Baker is now living in the Coachella Valley and is happy to be back at Club Trinidad. “I would love to have some other musicians stop by and sit it with me,” said Baker. “KPSP local 2 Meteorologist Patrick Evans is one of our featured guest singers along with Roberta King, Lilly Rose, Marge and Larry Harris and Mike Lerner, to name a few.”
Every Sunday from 7 until 11 p.m., bassist Tibor Lesko presents his Jazz Jam with pianist Larry Flahive and James Nation on drums. “Our regular jammers are saxophonists Rod Koko and Al Jackson,” said Lesko. “We have a world class instrumental jazz group, and jam with a lot of great musicians.”
Over the next several weeks, stop by The Purple Room at Club Trinidad and support their new entertainment line-up. Bartender John Sawtell will be there through July and then Tony Curreri will bartend during the month of August. (760) 327-1161 ext. 230. See you in The Purple Room!
On the other side of town, Billy Reed’s Restaurant located at 1800 North Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs, is now featuring entertainment for their diners to enjoy. On Thursday, July 18, pianist, saxophonist and vocalist Randy Malcolm performs from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Every Friday from 6 until 10 p.m. features pianist and vocalist Beverly Derby and trumpeter Bill Church. On Saturday, July 20, from 6 until 10 p.m. entertainers Ron and Peggy Zehel will perform. (760) 325-1946.
