Author David Perry presents his Novel at Orvieto City Hall
29 August 2022 — Orvieto News: On Friday, August 26, author David Eugene Perry read from and did a presentation of his award winning novel “Upon This Rock”, inspired by and set in Orvieto. The event was at the invitation of Orvieto’s Mayor. Currently, “Upon This Rock” is being developed as a screenplay which Perry hopes will result in a film being made of the book sometime in the next few years. Also this year, Perry and his publisher, Pace Press of California, are looking for Italian publishing partners to produce the book in Italian.
During the event, Perry read sections from three chapters, including a paean to Orvieto during the time of Medici Pope Clement VII, a chapter that local business owner, Massimo Aloisio of Orogami, translated and read in Italian to the delight of the large crowd gathered in the Council Chamber of the Orvieto City Hall. In Orvieto, the book can also be purchased / ordered at both Libreria Valente on the Corso and at Libreria Sovrappensieri in Piazza del Fanello, Ciconia. It is also available online via Amazon. Learn more about Perry’s book at www.davidperry.com/clients/upon-this-rock.
22 August 2022 – Palm Springs, CA: Last year, battered by COVID wave after COVID wave, two gay Palm Springs entrepreneurs got together and said – we’re coming out: out into the open and up on the mountain for the first ever Pride Under the Pines. Buoyed by rave reviews and good business for Idyllwild, they’re doing it again! On Saturday, October 1 (12pm – 9pm), PS HomeBoys presents the second annual Pride Under The Pines, bringing desert heat to the cool gay heights for a day of out-and-proud food, fun, artists, vendors and fabulous entertainment. Dancing is a given, with live trax spun by DJ Galaxy from K-Gay and an interactive screening of The Birdcage hosted by drag superstar Sabryna Williams and Transgender Singer/Songwriter Alexa Abraxas. Featured performer for the day is Thea Austin, known for the wildly popular German Eurodance sensation “Rhythm is a Dancer.”
Pride Festival tickets are $ 15; festival and movie pass (The Birdcage) packages are $ 30 and round-trip Palm Springs to Idyllwild luxury party bus plus an all-events inclusive tickets are $ 100. Special Channel Q VIP Lounge ticket includes complementary open bar. Vaccination for Monkeypox is strongly encouraged. Tickets may be purchased online at www.PrideUnderThePines.com
“Pride Under The Pines was created out of love for Idyllwild and a sense of community,” said PS Homeboys owners and event organizers Niels Kosman and Jeremy Taylor who fell in love with Idyllwild’s Rustic Theatre and its owners Gail and Graham during a trip in 2020. “Over several delicious beers the question was raised among the four of us, ‘How Come Idyllwild Does Not Have a Gay Pride Yet’ recognizing the LGBTQ-Presence in the town. So, we created one.”
Last year’s inaugural event on October 23, 2021 drew over 800 people to the town’s fresh mountain air and charming ambiance. Area businesses, restaurants and hotels were thrilled with the uptick in business.
“I saw this wonderful leopard print full length jacket walking down the street across from our theatre and just knew we needed to meet the owner, the rest is History,” said Gail Sutherland and Graham Sutherland, the definition of straight allies. “As the Entertainment Center of Idyllwild, our goal is to be diversified and all-inclusive so we are truly honored and excited to be a part of something as special as this event”.”
Partners for the 2nd Annual Pride Under The Pines include: PS HomeBoys, The Rustic Theatre, Roadrunners Print & Ship, GED Magazine, KGAY Radio and Gay Desert Guide, Oscars Palm Springs, DAP Health, Channel Q, Palm Springs Animal Shelter and FIGHT Magazine.
“Our LGBTQ+ rights are under attack,” said Jeremy and Niels in a statement noting the importance of Pride Under The Pines and similar events serving as a voice of the community to defend those rights. “With the Supreme Court overturning Roe vs. Wade and possibly Obergefell vs. Hodges under threat, we feel the need to defend our rights. Elections are a month after Pride Under The Pines so putting our rights into the spotlight is important. Pride is not exclusive to the LGBTQ+ community but an all-inclusive event to spread diversity awareness.”
Pick up for the KGAY Party Bus is at 11am in front of Chill Bar Palm Springs (217 E Arenas Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262) with return leaving at 9pm from The Rustic Theatre (54290 N. Circle Drive Idyllwild).
15 August 2022 – Palm Springs, CA: Keep Palm and carry on! Starting Tuesday, August 30, Michael Holmes’ Purple Room in Palm Springs (www.purpleroompalmsprings.com) is back with all your revered favorites plus some rising new stars, and that’s just on the cocktail menu! Throughout September enjoy jazz legend Rose Mallett on Tuesdays & Thursdays with Darci Daniels & Charles Herrera serving up classic Rat Pack Era stylings on Wednesdays. And, of course, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, the Desert’s best and most generous Happy Hour rules over Frank’s Bourbon Bar with no cover, 4pm – 6pm.
“We’re looking forward to really roaring into the ‘20s,” said Michael Holmes, owner and manager of the iconic Desert hot spot, having bought and refurbished the storied venue in 2015. “It’s been a challenging couple of years, but like that song in Follies goes: We’re Still Here!”
After the opening week, things really get worked up for Labor Day Weekend, Friday & Saturday, September 2 & 3 when Hollywood legend Marilu Henner makes her Purple Room debut in her acclaimed cabaret show Music & Memories that was such a smash at New York’s 54 Below. With the energy of a teenager, the wisdom of a sage, and the memory of a superhero, the star of “Taxi,” “Evening Shade,” and “Gettin’ the Band Back Together” takes you on a journey through her decades long career filled with Broadway shows, movies, two hit sitcoms, and three husbands! Hilarious and heartfelt, this is an evening you won’t forget!
Friday, September 9 Verve recording artist and Hollywood “It Girl” Brenna Whitaker returnsto the Purple Room with her signature sound and powerful vocals in an evening of jazz standards and classics from the American Song Book including songs made famous by Peggy Lee, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and more. Whitaker will also perform selections from her self-titled album released by Verve Records and her newest album recorded in Nashville.
On Saturday, September 10, another Purple Room Premiere as beloved American Idol finalist Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon takes our audience on a beautiful musical journey from his humble beginnings in Baltimore to his electrifying performances and “coming out” story as Top-6 finalist on the 17th Season of American Idol. Accompanying himself at the piano and with guitar, Harmon performs audience favorites from American Idol, songs that inspired his journey from Leonard Cohen to Fleetwood Mac, and his new original music set for release this year. You won’t want to miss this. To quote Sir Elton John: “Jeremiah’s performance took my breath away.”
Now, sit back for one of the Purple Room’s most popular artists, returning for the first time in more than two years for one show only on Friday, September 16: Clint Holmes in his Peter Allen tribute“Between the Moon and New York City”. The Grammy nominee is the consummate entertainer, writer, performer, recording artist, and one of the country’s finest vocalists. As the show’s director Will Nunziata says: “Clint is peerless when it comes to his acting, singing, and storytelling, and he also has a danger about him. Clint enters the stage and the molecules of the theatre change.”
Saturday, September 17 get ready to rock with Palm Springs’ favorite Scot Bruce in his acclaimed show Elvis: The Early Years – a rollicking, uncanny trip through the legendary songs of the King himself. As close as you can get to Elvis without visiting Graceland.
Beloved singer / songwriter Chadwick Johnson returns “home” to the Purple Room on Friday, September 23 in celebration of his new album ‘Unbreakable‘. Chadwick weaves together a message of love and resilience with both modern and classic songs from the Great American Songbook. With the voice of an angel, and the artistry of a master storyteller, Chadwick creates soul stirring compositions that unearth the complexities of the human experience. On Saturday & Sunday September 24 & 25, things get campy when New York City’s legendaryLady Bunny brings her new show “The Greatest Ho on Earth!” for a night of “udder mayhem” and filthy fun. A talented comedienne, actress and singer, Ms. Bunny has graced your TV screen on shows like Sex and the City and RuPaul’s Drag U, and she is the emcee and creator of Wigstock, the outrageous drag festival of drag and music which electrified New Yorkers every Labor Day for over 20 years. For “The Greatest Ho On Earth”, Ms. Bunny will titillate and maybe even traumatize you! Audiences can expect a hilarious night of comedy, storytelling and song. Armed with her glitzy outfits, sky-high wigs and razor-sharp wit, Lady Bunny will have you laughing uproariously in the Desert. NOTE: This show has mature content. No audio or video recording or social media postings will be allowed during the show.
The Purple Room closes out the month on Friday, September 30 as Broadway Barbara returns to Palm Springs for her Purple Room debut following a string of raucous, sold out shows in London, Los Angeles, and New York City! Everything’s Coming Up Barbarais the definitive Barbara Dixon experience, packed full of songs, stories, and (if you’re lucky) a Fosse dance move or two. You won’t believe your eyes (or ears) as Barbara over-shares her way through a whirlwind tour of her life and career, with ribald show biz tales and comedic interpretations of classic Broadway tunes. Leah Sprecher, as the fictional Barbara Dixon, satirizes the autobiographical cabaret shows of song-and-dance broads like Elaine Stritch, Liza Minnelli and Barbara Cook in this uniquely hilarious show.
Winner of NBC’s The Voice Alisan Porter makes her Purple Room debut on October 1 and then hang onto your swizzle sticks as the legendary Marilyn Maye returns for three shows October 7, 8 & 9. Another Purple Premiere takes place October 14 & 15 withNiki Haris in Simply Classic in which this former Madonna backup artist owns the stage in a tour-de-force of pop, R&B, dance music and jazz. The high energy quintet Black Market Trust, Desert favorites, return October 21 & 22. On Sunday, October 23 (and again on November 20), Palm Springs JUMP! pays tribute to the legendary stars who called Palm Springs home or performed in Palm Springs — from Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby to Lucille Ball, Keely Smith, Elvis Presley, Sonny & Cher and many more featuring the talents of veteran singers Charles Herrera, Darci Daniels and Michael Holmes, plus the musical flair of Palm Springs celebrated pianist, Joel Baker.
Finally, no tricks, but a real treat on Halloween weekend for three shows, Friday, Saturday & Sunday, October 28, 29 & 30 the unforgettable and unstoppable cabaret and stage superstar Sam Harris in Openly Gray! What a great way to kick off Pride Week in Palm Springs! November 4 & 5 brings a bundle of cuddly cabaret royalty back to our stage with the incomparable Christine Andreas whose Manhattan performances at Feinstein’s/54 Below had the NY Times accusing her of “electrifying her audiences, transforming them with pure alchemy and delicately killing with the sheer beauty of her voice.”
On November 11 & 12, Amanda McBroom returns to the fabulous Purple Room (her Palm Springs home away from home), with her amazing musical director, Michele Brourman, in an evening of her very favorite songs covering the musical galaxy, from standards by such greats as Cole Porter, Stephen Sondheim, Jaques Brel and Joanie Mitchell, to brand-new McBroom tunes…with a few Amanda classics thrown in for good measure, of course. Amanda McBroom has been called “the greatest cabaret performer of her generation, an urban poet who writes like an angel and has a voice to match.” Her name first came to the attention of the music public when Bette Midler’s version of Amanda’s song THE ROSE hit number one all over the world in 1979.
Described by The New York Times as a “one-of-a-kind performer who combines the sass of a classic blues mama with the skill of a Broadway star,” Lillias White brings her “glorious” voice and “slightly superhuman” ability to communicate the heart of a song (The New York Times) to her Purple Room debut for two performances November 18 & 29. Her turn in Cy Coleman’s Broadway musical, The Life, won her the TONY® Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical.
The Holidays officially start on Friday, November 25 (and again on December 23) with Scot Bruce in Elvis’s Blue Suede Christmas followed on Saturday, November 26 with the suave, crowd pleaser Jonathan Karrant, returning to the Purple Room for the release of his special new Holiday album, a collaboration with The Joe Alterman Trio.On December 2 & 3, raise your glasses and drop your pants for the very naughty and very nice The Skivvies: Sleigh My Name, a night of eclectic seasonal tunes and comedic, genre-hopping mashups. Lauren Molina and Nick Cearley not only strip down the arrangements on cello, ukulele, glockenspiel and melodica, they literally strip down to their underwear as they perform.
Always a sensation, the incomparable and loveable Diane Schuur returns for two shows, December 9 & 10, with her show “Happy Birthday, Deedles!” in reference to her childhood nickname. Schuur captures the essence of Dinah Washington on her newest album with a reflective version of Washington’s well-known “This Bitter Earth.” Co-produced by Schuur and Grammy winning saxophonist Ernie Watts, the project entitled Running On Faith features Schuur’s piano performance throughout.
Handsomely attired and talented to boot, Branden & James with special guest Effie Passero from Postmodern Jukebox return to The Purple Room after their wildly successful festive shows last season. Come fill your spirit with the holiday season as the three powerhouse performers present classic Holiday songs, as well as some lesser-known carols and feel good hits! Youtube sensation Jonah Wei-Haas will join on the keys.
“It’s a season to put into your stocking and hang it up for Santa,” Holmes laughs. “As always, the Purple Room staff – front of house, back of house, onstage, off, in the wings, in the kitchen and behind the cocktail shakers say Thank You! See you at the bar.”
About Michael Holmes’ Purple Room The sophistication and glamour of the Rat Pack era comes alive at Michael Holmes’ Purple Room, the desert’s premier supper club. Tucked away in the Club Trinidad Hotel, The Purple Room is where Frank, Sammy, Dean, and their pals cavorted on and off the stage in the swinging 60s. Step in and you’ll be transported back to the elegance of the era: an intimate and inviting room, classic cocktails with a modern twist, world-class cuisine, and the best in live entertainment – six nights a week! Hobnob with celebrities, locals, and visitors alike at Michael Holmes’ Purple Room — where Palm Springs plays! Michael Holmes’ Purple Room Supper Club can accommodate any type of event from Birthday celebrations to Anniversary parties to corporate buyouts. For parties of 10 or more, please call (760) 322-4422.
Media contact: DP&A, Inc. / David Perry (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com
WHO: Another Planet Entertainment hosts
WHAT: A Community Dialogue to discuss renovation and programming at the Castro Theatre
# Details Below
WHERE: The Castro Theatre: 429 Castro Street
San Francisco
WHEN: Thursday, August 11: 6pm – 7:30pm
(doors open at 5pm)
COVID: Vaccination & masking recommended but not required.
WHY: Another Planet Entertainment is partnering with Bay Properties, Inc. / The Nasser Family, builder and owners of the Castro Theatre, on an evolution and preservation of San Francisco’s world-renowned entertainment and LGBTQ community landmark. With a long-standing history of working to preserve and improve historic buildings such as the Fox Theater in Oakland, the Greek Theatre in Berkeley and the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco, Another Planet seeks to enhance the Castro Theatre by implementing significant improvements to the sound, lighting, production, HVAC and the theatre’s trademark marquee, among other facets of the building: all of this, always, with an eye to honoring its unique place in the lives of the Castro and celebrating its communities and residents.
This community dialogue will present plans for the renovation from architects and historic preservationists working with Another Planet in addition to updates on the timing of the project. Additionally, community members and stakeholders will be present to ask questions and voice their opinions.
DETAIL: ## 5 PM Doors open. Brief tours available, first come – first served 6 PM Welcome by Bevan Dufty 6:05 PM Video Presentation from Another Planet Entertainment 6:15 PM Presentation by the Castro Theatre Conservancy 6:20 PM Presentation by the LGBTQ Cultural District 6:25 PM Presentation by Christopher Wasney, CAW Architects 6:30 PM Audience Q&;A by Slido* 7:30 PM Closing Remarks
Q & A AVAILABILITY with:
● Mary Conde | Senior Vice President, Another Planet Entertainment
● Dan Serot | Vice President of Business Affairs, Another Planet Entertainment
● Christopher Wasney, FAIA | CAW Architects (Lead Architect)
● Elisa Skaggs, AIA & Carolyn Kiernat, AIA | Page & Turnbull (Preservation Architects)
*SLIDOTo encourage a more efficient Q&;A and discussion, Slido will be utilized to field questions and comments during the community meeting. At the start of the meeting, information on how to access the unique Slido event will be displayed. Users will just need to go to slido.com on their smartphone, input the event code (to be distributed at the meeting), and submit their questions and comments directly. No app download required. Users will be able to view and upvote their favorite questions or comments. Submitted questions and comments will be addressed by the speakers. There will be on-site support to access and utilize this functionality.
Media contact: David Perry & Associates, Inc. (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com
Grand Central Palm Springs Heats Up Special Event Offerings in Cool Air-Conditioned Art Gallery Setting for Summer featuring groundbreaking work by local artist Lucia Grossberger Morales
9 August 2022 – Palm Springs, CA: EST? PST? What time is it? The answer at Palm Springs’ iconic Grand Central (www.grandcentralcafeps.com) is #GCT-PS. It’s always “Grand Central Time” for brunch, munch, lunch, dinner or the new “nibbles and bites” offerings at the restaurant that is, literally, at the center of everything in Palm Springs, smack dab in the middle of the classic downtown gathering spot, La Plaza. Starting this week, “Tequila Thursdays” offers a wide range of high end Mezcal food & drink. “Palm Springs is now a year-year destination,” said Rita Capponi, founder and co-owner of Grand Central. “That means that Palm Springs is also a year-round food destination, so we’ve expanded our hours, and our offerings to meet the demand.”
With a patio, dining room and bar long known as the place “to see and be seen” by Palm Springs and Hollywood’s weekend glitterati, Grand Central also boasts a true “hidden gem”: its spacious special event space, complete with separate entrance, for the perfect Instagram-able wedding, bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner, birthday or business gathering. With a regular rotation of local artists, the “Art Gallery” special event space is quickly becoming a “go to” spot for this year’s post-worst-of-COVID Holiday parties.
“As they used to say at our namesake Grand Central Station in New York City, ‘meet us under the clock’,” said co-owner and founder John Diskin. “It may be the height of the summer, but we’re already seeing a real pick-up in bookings and inquiries for the Holiday Season, so call us now to reserve your spot.”
Currently, highlighted is the work of local artist Lucia Grossberger Morales, whose unique creations are based in her groundbreaking career at the forefront of personal computer graphics.
“I remember vividly in 1979 seeing my first Apple II computer,” recalls Lucia. “That night I dreamt that I was a ten-year-old boy walking on the shore, and embedded in the sand, I found a black box. When I opened the box, small dots of light danced in the night sky. When I woke up, I knew the computer would become my medium.”
In the ’80s, Lucia coauthored the Designer’s Tool Kit, a graphics program published by Apple Computer. Lucia’s software and artwork on the Apple II computer work are archived at the Rochester Museum of Play.
As computer technology exploded, Lucia innovatively used images, text, animation, and interactivity to tell her story of leaving her homeland at three to emigrate to the United States. In 1969, starting at sixteen, she returned to Bolivia. The experience was overwhelming. Lucia created a CD-ROM Sangre Boliviana that has been shown around the world and is stored in perpetuity at the National Library in Paris. Lucia’s work can be seen online at www.Lgmanimation.com and www.lgmappleii.com.
“As a LatinX artist, Lucia blends cutting-edge technology with themes of social justice and gender equality,” said Grand Central husband and wife team Rita and John. “This is exactly the sort of art and perspective we want to highlight and celebrate in our restaurant gallery space.”
In addition to its artistic backdrop, the spacious “Art Gallery” special event space can comfortably accommodate 150 for a seated dinner or over 200 for standing cocktail reception. Additionally, Grand Central is open for a full buyout of the restaurant with the “Art Gallery” room set up for dancing either with live music or a DJ.
What makes Grand Central Café Palm Springs unique?
“Our brunch is very much based on California cuisine with influences of the coffee cafe culture of Auckland, New Zealand, Dublin, Ireland and Melbourne, Australia,” John explains. “Our goal and our mission are to bring those flavors to Palm Springs.”
“For dinner, we expand our offerings to bring a fine dining experience in a more casual and relaxed environment,” says Rita, known for her personalized touch as hostess and creator of Grand Central’s iconic and seasonally-changing “Book Holiday Tree” in the main dining room. “Good food doesn’t have to be overly complicated, and lovely surroundings don’t have to be stuffy. At Grand Central, we stand for approachable elegance.”
Why the name Grand Central?
“In cities and train stations throughout the years, people have been meeting ‘under the clock’,” explains John. “Grand Central’s iconic clock is a reminder to take a breath. Take some time to relax and enjoy innovative food and drink at our table.”
“Most importantly,” reiterates Rita. “Take some time to be with family and friends.”
Grand Central opened in May of 2018 after extensive renovations to the previous Palm Springs Institution, Desmond’s Department Store. After sitting vacant for over a decade, owners and husband and wife, John and Rita, revitalized and reimagined the space as a place for friends to gather and share good conversation, great cocktails, and a wonderful meal. The space was updated to a modern open concept with a large opening to the kitchen that helps bring the restaurant to life and ensures a one-of-a-kind experience, voted “Best of the Valley” 2020 by the Desert Sun
# # #
Below is Grand Central’s “Tequila Thursdays” special menu: Tequila & Mezcal inspired drinks and food
DINNER Yucatán Steak Steak, asparagus, rice served with a Mezcal mole sauce $29
Chipotle Tequila Shrimp Penne pasta, chipotle tequila sauce, shrimp, bell peppers, onions and garlic bread $24
FLATBREADS CHEF’S CHOICE Changes Daily Depending on the Market $10 (Sourdough Flatbread Dough by ‘Bread and Flours’ Palm Springs based Artisan Micro-Bakery)
SHORT RIB SLIDERS Two sliders, Pretzel Bun, Creamy Horseradish, Sauté Onions, Natural Au Ju, Fries $12
GRAND CENTRAL BURGER 8oz Ground Australian Grass-fed Wagyu on Brioche Bun with Fries 19 Add Sautéed Mushrooms +$2, Cheese +$2, Bacon +$3
GCPS House Wine Program $8 Alias Sauvignon Blanc, Alias Chardonnay, Napa Valley CA Alias Pinot Noir, Napa Valley CA Alias Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley CA
