TRUE COLORS: LGBTQ+ OUR STORIES, OUR SONGS

Premieres on PBS Stations and PBS.org Beginning June 4
San Francisco Bay Area Area Date: Saturday, June 11, 8pm Pacific Time

Hosted by:

AMY SCHNEIDER

Featuring performances by:

 INDIGO GIRLS, BILLY GILMAN, MORGXN, PEPPERMINT, ALEXIS MICHELLE, JUJUBEE,
CHRIS COLFER, TREY PEARSON, BREANNA SINCLAIRÉ AND ANDRÉ DE SHIELDS;
WITH THE AMERICAN POPS ORCHESTRA CONDUCTED BY LUKE FRAZIER 

Interviews with:

JASON COLLINS AND CYNTHIA NIXON

Photos by Kevin Parisi (left to right): Indigo Girls; Peppermint, Jujubee and Alexis Michelle; André De Shields

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 16, 2022) – Nouveau Productions and PBS today announced a new collaboration, just in time for Pride Month. TRUE COLORS: LGBTQ+ OUR STORIES, OUR SONGS celebrates the stories and music that make us who we are. Offering a unique look at the history of the LGBTQ+ community in the United States, the special shares real-life stories of hope, resilience and triumph from people across the country, artistically represented through thematically relevant music. Exploring the personal journeys of remarkable individuals, the program connects these heartfelt stories with the history of the LGBTQ+ movement. TRUE COLORS: LGBTQ+ OUR STORIES, OUR SONGS is part of special programming premiering on PBS stations beginning Saturday, June 4, 2022 (check local listings). The San Francisco / Bay Area airdate is Saturday, June 11 at 8pm. It will also be available for free streaming on PBS.org and the PBS Video App. 

Hosted by Jeopardy! champion Amy Schneider, TRUE COLORS: LGBTQ+ OUR STORIES, OUR SONGS includes musical performances by: Indigo Girls (“Closer to Fine”); country-pop singer Billy Gilman (“For Our World”); indie-pop singer, songwriter Morgxn (“Wonder”); drag artists Peppermint, Alexis Michelle and Jujubee, performing “(A Little More) Mascara” from La Cage Aux Folles; Glee sensation Chris Colfer; celebrated Christian singer Trey Pearson (“Hey Jesus”); trans opera singer Breanna Sinclairé (“Somewhere” from West Side Story); and Tony, Emmy and Grammy Award-winner André de Shields (“The Colors of My Life” from Barnum). All performers are joined by The American Pops Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Luke Frazier. In addition, the special features interviews with former NBA player Jason Collins and Tony, Emmy and Grammy Award-winning actress and activist Cynthia Nixon and other individuals sharing their inspiring real-life stories.

About PBS

PBS, with more than 330 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and digital content. Each month, PBS reaches over 120 million people through television and 26 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS’s broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry’s most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. Decades of research confirms that PBS’s premier children’s media service, PBS KIDS, helps children build critical literacy, math and social-emotional skills, enabling them to find success in school and life. Delivered through member stations, PBS KIDS offers high-quality educational content on TV— including a 24/7 channel, online at pbskids.org, via an array of mobile apps and in communities across America. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the internet, or by following PBS on Twitter, Facebook or through our apps for mobile and connected devices. Specific program information and updates for press are available at pbs.org/pressroom or by following PBS Communications on Twitter.

About the American Pops Orchestra

APO was founded in 2015 with a mission to breathe new life into orchestral pops programming and inspire diverse audiences to discover the wealth of the material in the Great American Songbook in dynamic new ways. Seeing an opportunity to challenge the status-quo of the repertoire performed by orchestras, founder and music director, Luke Frazier, created The American Pops with the intent of breaking the mold of the traditional pops orchestra. This new distinctly “American” orchestra brings together versatile musicians and reimagined programming focused around the Great American Songbook, presenting it with an approachable, fresh spin to engage diverse audiences. Through non-traditional orchestral settings, APO aims to deliver popular American classics to those who already know and love them, while also introducing these timeless pieces to younger generations in approachable settings. To learn more, visit www.TheAmericanPops.org. 

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MEDIA CONTACTS

For Nouveau Productions and APO: For PBS:

Camille Cintrón Devlin Mary Lugo, Cara White, CaraMar, Inc.

571-317-9317 770-851-8190; 843-881-1480

pr@camillecdevlin.com lugo@negia.net, cara.white@mac.com

For Breanna Sinclairé

David Perry & Associates, Inc. / David Perry

415-676-7007
news@davidperry.com 

For images and additional up-to-date information on TRUE COLORS: LGBTQ+ OUR STORIES, OUR SONGS and other PBS programs, visit PBS PressRoom at pbs.org/pressroom.

Media contact:  DP&A, Inc., David Perry / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com 

Caravanserai Project Announces $ 2 Million Grant
from the Employment Training Panel of California

Funds Aimed at Over 200 Plus Inland Empire Spanish Speaking Startups
www.caravanseraiproject.org

27 May 2022 – Palm Springs, CA: The Palm Springs based Caravanserai Project (www.caravanseraiproject.org) announced a $ 2 million dollar grant awarded by the Employment Training Panel of California to provide training support and micro-grants to over 200 Spanish speaking startup and early-stage entrepreneurs in the Inland Empire.  The grant was announced at Caravanserai’s 6th Annual “graduation” and pitch competition held at the Palm Springs Art Museum. 

”It has been part of our core goal to marry the support Caravanserai Project is providing to Inland Empire based entrepreneurs to build sustainable and future-thinking organizational infrastructure with seed

funding. This infusion of capital into businesses owned by historically underserved entrepreneurs is not only timely but will have irreversible impact on the regional economy.” says Mihai Patru, Executive Director of the Caravanserai Project. “Together with our partners, our objective is to tap into the reservoir of incredible Spanish speaking entrepreneurs in the Inland Empire. Investing in them and their businesses is the only way to prepare the region and its people for the future.”

Caravanserai Project and its partners, Asociación de Emprendedor@s, Uplift San Bernardino – Make it Happen Foundation, and Get in Motion Entrepreneurs, will bring to the local entrepreneurs $1.5 million in direct Seed investments that will have positive mid and long-term impact on the Economy of the two counties and social fabric of our communities.

Caravanserai Project was founded in 2016 as a mission-driven hybrid venture whose goal is to support social impact entrepreneurs (for profit and nonprofit alike) strengthen their organizational infrastructure and build sustainable and relevant organizations that are working towards irreversible system change.

Caravanserai Project designs and implements technical assistance and capacity building programs with a particular focus on entrepreneurs and organizations in the Inland Empire and Southern California but works extensively across the nation and internationally as well. In 2020 and 2021, over 1200 entrepreneurs attended its programs. Almost 80% of Caravanserai beneficiaries identified themselves as women and 79% as BIPOC. To facilitate access to these specific communities of entrepreneurs, Caravanserai Project has established partnerships with regional and national organizations such as UC-Riverside, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Inland Empire Community Foundation, Inland Empire Community Collaborative, Making Hope Happen San Bernardino, Alianza Coachella Valley, The LGBTQ Center in Palm Springs and Coachella, Independent Sector among others.

The name Caravanserai is a metaphor for the mission and vision to provide a safe space for entrepreneurs to get the support they need and continue their journey forward. A caravanserai [KAR-AH–VAN–SE-RAY]was a well-known meeting place along trade routes from Asia, North Africa to Southeast Europe.

It provided merchants and travelers with a safe place to rest and opportunities to exchange and trade goods and acquire information about the challenges ahead. It had a crucial part in the cross-fertilization and exchanges of cultures by exposing travelers and locals to new ideas, beliefs, and languages.

Media contact: David Perry / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com

Thursday, May 26, 10am Pacific:

Manny’s presents an emergency online event with former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, who was almost killed by a gunman, and Peter Ambler, the Executive Director of Giffords (https://giffords.org/about/) anti gun violence organization.

The goal of the conversation will be to discuss Tuesday’s historic and horrific shooting, how to end gun violence in this country, what people can do right now, a report on the advocacy being done, and a call to action direct from Gabby Giffords herself.

Register at the link below:

Media contact:  DP&A, Inc. / David Perry (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com 

Another Planet Entertainment Welcomes Back
Frameline to Castro Theatre

Bay Area Small Business Sponsors Frameline VIP & Guest Services Tent Ensuring ADA Accessibility and Comfort for Filmmakers & Media

25 May 2022 – San Francisco. Bay Area small business Another Planet Entertainment (www.apeconcerts.com) is honored to welcome back the world’s largest LGBTQ cultural institution, the Framline International LGBT Film Festival, to its home, San Francisco’s historic Castro Theatre (www.castrotheatre.com) this year celebrating its 100^th birthday. As part of the partnership, Another Planet is sponsoring Frameline’s VIP and Guest Services Tent adjacent to the theatre, a first-time venture long sought after by the Festival to ensure greater accessibility for filmmakers, the media and community members.

“The Castro Theatre and Frameline are a forever couple, ”said Mary Conde, Vice President for Another Planet who is in charge of the overall Castro Theatre Project. “There is no more important event that we work on, and no more significant experience for the LGBTQ and film communities than this Festival. Welcome home.”

Taking over management of the LGBT and film landmark Castro Theatre earlier this year, Another Planet has quickly put in place a series of signature events, including the annual Frameline Festival, returning to the Castro for the first time since the onset of the COVID pandemic, June 13 – 26. On May 22, Another Planet sponsored the annual screening of the Academy Award winning documentary “The Times of Harvey Milk” and the debut of “The Ruth Brinker Story” chronicling the life and legacy of the Project Open Hand founder. On May 15, Another Planet returned another community favorite, “The Sound of Music Sing-a-Long” to the venue, with future sing-a-longs to part of the schedule.  On June 3 – 12 brings a special celebration of films from each of the Castro Theatre’s 10 decades.  June 10 commemorates the 100^th birthday of Judy Garland with a special musical celebration on stage featuring Debbie Wileman. Later in the year, community favorites such as Peaches Christ and the annual “Home for the Holidays” Concert with Donna Sachet and the San Francisco Gay Mens Chorus are planned.

Another Planet Entertainment is partnering with Bay Properties, Inc., 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.

Media Contact:
David Perry / DP&A, Inc. / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com 

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi at San Francisco’s MNC Inspiring Success
To Celebrate Their 125^th Anniversary

Tuesday, May 31, 10am – 1pm

www.mncsf.org

24 May 2022 – San Francisco, CA:  In 1897, a foresighted group of San Franciscans came together to birth an organization dedicated to building, preserving and service families. The result: San Francisco’s esteemed MNC Inspiring Success (www.mncsf.org) (Mission Neighborhoood Centers) will mark its 125^th anniversary on Tuesday, May 31, 10am – 1pm with a special presentation by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Mexico Consul General Remedios Gomez Arnau. Kicking of a daylong celebration of community and music, Pelosi and Gomez Arnau will unveil the sign on the Main Campus for the esteemed Mission District nonprofit at 362 Capp Street, henceforth to be known as the MNC Wolfsohn Campus in honor of Eva and Rachel Wolfsohn, the original founders in 1897.

“For generations, MNC Inspiring Success has dutifully supported and empowered underserved San Franciscans,” said Speaker Nancy Pelosi.  “It is a privilege to join such an inspiring organization in celebrating 125 years of remarkable service to our City as it continues to provide our neighbors with the community-based care and resources they need to thrive.  As we mark this milestone, and every day, San Franciscans remain deeply grateful for MNC‘s devoted advocacy on behalf of our children, our seniors and our families.”

“From children’s services, youth, workforce development to healthy aging and disability, MNC Inspiring Success has been serving the community with empowering multi-cultural, cradle to rocking chair services for 125 years,” said Richard Ybarra, CEO for MNC Inspiring Success. “From the immigrant, low income, working families we serve, to our board of directors, we are honored to have our esteemed Speaker Pelosi with us for this occasion.”

According to Ybarra, other supporting founders of MNC Inspiring Success will be honorably mentioned during the event, and with a special plaque being inscribed with their names, storied San Franciscans such as: Mrs. Paola Diviechi, Mrs. Charles J. Durbrow, Mrs. Mortimer Fleishhacker, Sr., Mrs. Leon Guggenheim, Mrs. Moses Gunst, Sr., Mrs. I. W. Hellman, Mr. & Mrs. Jesse Lilienthal, Mrs. Eva Neubauer, Mrs. Leon Sloss, Sr., Ms. Aimee Steinhart, Mrs. Abraham Stern

MNC Inspiring Success provides much needed early care and education for low-income, working families at 10 campuses in San Francisco. According to the SF Child Care Planning and Advisory Council, 6,122 children (ages 0-2) and 5,567 children (ages 3-5) in the city qualified for subsidized early care and education; 93% of subsidy eligible 3-5 year olds obtain care, while only 27% of infants and toddlers (0-2)are able to obtain subsidized care.

“Access disparities exist based on race and ethnicity,” Ybarra said, noting that in 2017, 50.3% of childcare spaces were not available to children of working families. “2020-2021 has shown how critical early care and education and childcare are to supporting our workforce and is key to rebuilding a strong post-COVID economy.”

According to Ybarra, over 43% of Hispanic/Latino 3 to 5 year olds were not enrolled in preschool or kindergarten, compared with less than 33% of their Asian American, white, and multiracial peers. Recognizing this great need, MNC Inspiring Success partnered with Mission Housing Development Corporation to obtain the space in their affordable housing development and received funding support from the Low Income Investment Fund for construction costs. MNC Inspiring Success’ current year $32 million budgetis supported through funding from City of San Francisco, the Office of Head Start, the California Department of Education, and the San Francisco Office of Early Care and Education.

MNC Inspiring Success is a San Francisco preeminent community-based organization. For 125 years, in 62 of these years in early care, MNC Inspiring Success has been at the forefront of providing early childhood education, social and supportive services to low-income youth, families, and seniors in an engaging, inclusive, culturally appropriate environment that promotes community empowerment and economic prosperity.  For more info, please visit: www.mncsf.org