media contact: David Perry & Associates, Inc. (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com 

Church & State by Jason Odell Williams
opens 11^th Season for Award-Winning Dezart Performs in Palm Springs
November 9 – 18

Michael Shaw directs serious comedy that is “funny, human, devastating, brave and powerful and speaks to the lunacy of modern politics.” – L.A. Theatre Bites

www.dezartperforms.org

17 September 2018 – Palm Springs, CA: In an age when life ‘trumps’ art and real drama seems more like a reality show, the award-winning Dezart Performs opens its 11^th season with “a serious comedy, honest to God,” Church & State, November 9 – 18, at the Pearl McManus Theater (at the historic Palm Springs Woman’s Club / 314 S Cahuilla Road, Downtown Palm Springs).  Directed by Dezart Performs’ artistic director Michael Shaw, the play by Jason Odell Williams, is “crackling, resonant, humorous. I wish every member of congress would see it!” (National Public Radio).

“Church & State is the perfect play for this political moment,” said Shaw who founded the company in 2008. “You’ll laugh, maybe cry, and certainly think about the richly nuanced and very human characters created by Williams.”

The plot reads like recent headlines. Three days before his bid for reelection, a Republican U.S. senator makes an off-the-cuff comment to a blogger that gets leaked on Twitter calling into question the veteran legislator’s stance on guns and God. As his devoutly Christian wife and liberal Jewish campaign manager try to contain the damage, the Senator confronts his own code of ethics and authenticity. The result: an unsparing look at how religion influences politics and how politics has become, to some, its own religion.

“On paper, the topics of this play seem heavy,” Williams writes in an intro to Church & State, inspired by the Virginia Tech massacre on April 16, 2007 that left 33 people dead. Williams was further motivated by subsequent mass shootings in Tucson, Newtown and Aurora.  “However, a heavy drama about heavy topics doesn’t interest me. What interests me is a play that gets to the heart of the people around these issues. And when you write about people, you can’t help but let them be funny and sad and honest, heartbreaking and uplifting all at the same time.”

Williams is an Emmy-nominated writer and producer as well as an award-winning playwright and novelist. He has been hailed as a “postmodern Clifford Odets” by the L.A. Times and “this country’s newest Eugene O’Neill” by the Santa Monica Daily Press.

The cast for Church & State features Beau Marie as Senator Charlie Whitmore; Kelley Moody as Sara Whitmore, the Senator’s wife; Tammy Hubler as Alex Klein, the campaign manager; and James Owens in multiple roles including the clueless and lovable page, Tom.

“At Dezart Performs, while we don’t shy away from controversy or serious subjects we also know how to have, and stage, a good laugh,” says Shaw.  “White Man on the Bus tackles racism, and white-privilege while Perfect Arrangement is a riotous comedy and Maytag Virgin is an endearingly funny love story of two hapless souls. Ultimately, our job is to entertain, but entertain in a way that, hopefully, leads our audience to leave the theatre thinking, and thinking about how they can contribute to a more civil society.”

Dezart Performs, one of the Coachella Valley’s preeminent theatre companies, recognizes that the performing arts enrich the life and culture of a community, promote greater understanding and provoke insightful discussion. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit theatre company, its mission is to provide an artistic home for bold and cutting–edge plays, creating an atmosphere of artistic growth for actors, writers, and directors who uniquely contribute to the diverse theatrical environment in the Coachella Valley.

Showtimes for Church & State are Fridays and Saturdays @ 7:30pm, Saturdays and Sundays @ 2pm.  Ticket prices are $45 Opening Night with Post Show Reception; $35 Evening; $30 Matinee. All performances take place at the Pearl McManus Theater (at the historic Palm Springs Woman’s Club) 314 S Cahuilla Road, Downtown Palm Springs. Season discounts are available. Tickets may be purchased online at www.dezartperforms.org 

11^th Dezart Performs Complete Season Listings

Church & State

A serious comedy by Jason Odell Williams
Directed by Michael Shaw
November 9 — 18, 2018

Three days before his bid for reelection, a Republican U.S. senator makes an off-the-cuff comment to a blogger that gets leaked on “the Twitter,” calling into question the senator’s stance on guns and God. As his devoutly Christian wife and liberal Jewish campaign manager try to contain the damage, this look at how religion influences politics and how politics has become a religion is simultaneously funny, heartbreaking, and uplifting.

“Crackling, resonant, humorous. I wish every member of congress would see it!” – NPR

“Funny, human, devastating, brave and powerful…Church & State speaks to the lunacy of modern politics.” – L.A. Theatre Bites

“A timely and thought-provoking piece of entertainment. Very funny… fast-paced and entertaining!”  – L.A. Splash

*   *   *

Perfect Arrangement
A comic tale of closeted lives by Topher Payne
Directed by Michael Shaw
January 11 — 20, 2019

It’s 1950, and new colors are being added to the Red Scare. Two U.S. State Department employees, Bob and Norma, have been tasked with identifying sexual deviants within their ranks. There’s just one problem: Both Bob and Norma are gay and have married each other’s partners as a carefully constructed cover. Inspired by the true story of the earliest stirrings of the American gay rights movement, madcap classic sitcom-style laughs give way to provocative drama as two “All-American” couples are forced to stare down the closet door.

“A clever canape of a comedy…Mr. Payne is a deft and witty writer.” – The New York Times

“Usually a playwright has to choose between writing a laugh-out-loud comedy and a very serious drama. Topher Payne has written both with Perfect Arrangement.” – TheatreMania

*   *   *

White Guy on the Bus
A new drama by Bruce Graham
Directed by Michael Shaw
March 1 — 10, 2019

Week after week, a wealthy white businessman rides the same bus, befriending a single black mom. As they get to know one another, their pasts unfold and tensions rise, igniting a disturbing and crucial exploration of race.
“A scalding take on race.” -New York Times

“White Guy on the Bus is a play with guts. This one goes for the jugular.” – Chicago Tribune

*   *   *

The Maytag Virgin
A southern love story by Audrey Cefaly
Directed by Deborah Harmon
April 5 — 14, 2019

Alabama high-school teacher Lizzy Nash is on a leave of absence after the sudden death of her husband when a mysterious new neighbor moves in next door. Jack and Lizzy, both hiding a world of secrets and pain, excite and confound each other. Maytag Virgin explores the ideas of moving forward and self-enlightenment, and the bridge between the two.

“….unflinchingly honest. Cefaly’s writing is richly-layered, creating compelling characters that must balance love and heartache, the safe with the unfamiliar.”– DC Metro Theatre Arts

“…it’s the emotional journey of Maytag Virgin gives it such a wallop. Cefaly writes with sympathy and a finely-sharpened wit.” – BroadwayWorld.com

media contact: David Perry & Associates, Inc. (415) 767-1067 / news@davidperry.com 

International Ocean Film Festival Present Bay Area Premiere 

Chasing the Thunder 

Thursday, August 23, 6pm -9pm at the Cowell Theatre

Controversial “Sea Shepherd” Ocean Activists Paul Watson & San Francisco’s Adam Meyerson are focus of documentary and will be on hand for Q &A

www.intloceanfilmfest.org 

26 July 2018 – San Francisco, CA: Like seafaring Spartans defying the invaders of Xerxes, Captain Paul Watson  and his Chief Officer Adam Meyerson have a similar message to ocean-going poachers: You Shall Not Pass. On Thursday, August 23, 6pm – 9pm at the Cowell Theatre, the San Francisco based International Ocean Film Festival (www.intloceanfilmfest.org) presents the Bay Area Premiere of Chasing the Thunder: an epic chronicle of the 110 day, 10,000 mile chase of the rogue fishing vessel Thunder by the controversial environmental activist ship Bob Barker. A Q&A with Captain Watson and Meyerson will follow the screening.

“Activism meets art meets ocean awareness in Chasing the Thunder” said Ana Blanco, Executive Director for the International Ocean Film Festival. “As a film, it is a breathtaking piece of cinematography. As activism, it is a gripping real-life drama of the battle being waged to preserve our ocean’s resources and shine a light on criminal behavior.”

Chasing the Thunder is a high-seas documentary about the Sea Shepherd’s epic 110-day, 10,000-mile chase of the Thunder, considered the world’s most notorious poaching vessel. Across two seas and three oceans, the marine activists hunted the fugitive fishing ship through massive ice floes, storm-tossed seas, a near collision and violent clashes until the Thunder dramatically sank, burying the evidence of its crimes on the bottom of the South Atlantic.  As the Thunder is about to sink at the hands of its own captain, a team of Sea Shepherds boards the vessel, racing to collect evidence of illegal fishing before the ship goes down. Following the dramatic events, the crew of Thunder is taken into custody by authorities São Tomé and Príncipe.

“In Chasing the Thunder we try to serve conservation as entertainment and not medicine,” says the film’s director Mark Benjamin.  “Sea Shepherd delivers direct action and that is what is needed to save the ocean, we believe.”

Chasing the Thunder production credits:

• BRICK CITY TV  /  VULCAN PRODUCTIONS  /  DISCOVERY
• Executive Produced by: Paul G. Allen, Carole Tomko, Rocky Collins, Mark Benjamin, Marc Levin
• Produced by: Katie Carpenter, Sam Sielen
• Directed by: Mark Benjamin, Marc Levin
• A trailer for the film may be viewed / shared here: https://vimeopro.com/user21783508/chasing-the-thunder

“Having Paul Watson actually take part in this screening is an incredible and rare opportunity,” emphasizes Blanco, noting that Watson has become ‘environmental celebrity’ in his own right as star of television’s Whale Wars. “As the co-founder of Greenpeace and the founder of Sea Shepherds, Paul is arguably one of the most recognized ocean conservationist on the planet.”

Since its launch in 2004, the San Francisco-based International Ocean Film Festival has attracted thousands of spectators of all ages from around the world, including film enthusiasts, sea athletes, educators, and environmental supporters. Since then, the Festival has presented over 50 films from 15 different countries and featured post-film Q&A sessions with visiting filmmakers, special panel discussions with content experts, and the Annual Free Student Education Program. It was the first event of its kind in North America, inspired by the well-established ocean festival in Toulon, France, which has continued to draw large audiences for more than 40 years.

“Our mission is save our oceans one film at a time. Our films inspire people to appreciate and care for the ocean by revealing its wonders through the independent lens of filmmakers from around the world,” said Blanco, noting that the Festival is now recognized as the premier venue in North America for ocean-related films. “Our work is made possible by the spirit, passion, and hard work of numerous volunteers and artists dedicated to using film as a medium to increase public awareness of the environmental, social, and cultural importance of marine ecosystems and foster a spirit of ocean stewardship.”

The 16th Annual International Ocean Film Festival will take place March 7-10, 2019 at venues around San Francisco. The International Ocean Film Festival is a registered 501(c) 3 non-profit.

 MEDIA ADVISORY – JULY 17th, 2018 

Irish community celebrates Rugby World Cup Sevens coming to San Francisco and welcomes the Irish Women’s and Men’s national sevens teams to the Bay Area 

WHAT: Media are invited to attend two events organised by the Consulate General of Ireland to Western USA, the Irish Immigration Pastoral Center and Irish Network Bay Area to celebrate Rugby World Cup Sevens coming to San Francisco in AT&T Park from July 20-22 and to welcome the Irish Women’s and Men’s national sevens teams to the Bay Area. These events are also part of the first official visit to San Francisco by Ireland’s Ambassador to the United States, Dan Mulhall. 

The first event is a “Family Sports Day” which will be attended by the two Irish teams participating in the Rugby World Cup Sevens. SF Firefighters Local 798 will be on hand with their BBQ truck to feed attendees and there will be face painting and games. 

The second event is business focused with a panel discussion on “Leadership in Sports” with well-known names from the world of Irish and US Rugby. The panellists are: 

• Joy Neville, World Rugby Referee of the Year 
• Jack Clark, Cal Rugby Head Coach 
• Conor Coyne, NYAC Rugby Player 
• Chris O’Brien, USA Rugby 
• Padraig Power, IRFU Executive Team 

The panel is being moderated by Brian Murphy (KNBR, Murph & Mac) 

WHERE: “Family Sports Day” to welcome the two teams – Marina Green Drive, @ Scott Street, San Francisco, CA 94123 

“Leadership in Sports” – Golden Gate Yacht Club, 1 Yacht Road, San Francisco, CA 94123 

WHEN: “Family Sports Day” – 4.30pm – 7.30pm – teams due to arrive at 6.00pm with a formal speaking element to begin shortly thereafter. 

“Leadership in Sports” – 7.00pm – 9.00pm – panel discussion beginning at 7.30pm. 

CONTACT: John Callaghan, Vice-Consul, Consulate General of Ireland 

Cell: 415 370 4440, Email: john.callaghan@dfa.ie 

media contact: David Perry & Associates, Inc. (415) 767-1067 / news@davidperry.com 

Submissions Open for International Ocean Film Festival on July 9th

Filmmakers around the world encouraged to submit works that inspire people to appreciate and care for the ocean by revealing its wonders through independent films.

16^th annual celebration of features films about marine life, the ocean, coastal cultures and conservation takes place in San Francisco March 7 – 10, 2019

www.intloceanfilmfest.org 

2 July 2018 – San Francisco, CA: “It is a curious situation that the sea, from which life first arose should now be threatened by the activities of one form of that life,” said Rachel Carson author of the iconic and prescient book, The Sea Around Us. The warnings and wonder of that tome are brought to the big screen every year by the San Francisco based International Ocean Film Festival. Beginning on Monday, July 9, 2018, filmmakers from around the world are now encouraged to submit works that inspire others to a love – and respect – for our ocean home. The winning entries will be featured at the Festival’s 16^th annual celebration March 7-10, 2019. Entry details may be found online at www.intloceanfilmfest.org. 

“In this a crucial election year, we have many choices to make,” said Ana Blanco, Executive Director for the International Ocean Film Festival. “One of those choices is how we as a nation – as a planet – will continue to confront the issues of preserving our oceans. Our goal at the Festival is simple: saving our oceans one film at a time.”

Submissions may include films of all genres – documentaries, narratives, shorts, and animation films of all lengths. Subjects may focus on all oceanographic themes including but not limited to: ocean exploration, wildlife, environmental, conservation, oceanography, seafaring adventures, maritime issues, ocean sports and coastal cultures.

Since its launch in 2004, the San Francisco-based International Ocean Film Festival has attracted thousands of spectators of all ages from around the world, including film enthusiasts, sea athletes, educators, and environmental supporters. Since then, the Festival has presented over 50 films from 15 different countries and featured post-film Q&A sessions with visiting filmmakers, special panel discussions with content experts, and the Annual Free Student Education Program. It was the first event of its kind in North America, inspired by the well-established ocean festival in Toulon, France, which has continued to draw large audiences for more than 40 years.

“Our mission is to inspire people to appreciate and care for the ocean by revealing its wonders through the independent lens,” said Blanco, noting that the Festival is now recognized as the premier venue in North America for ocean-related films. “Our work is made possible by the spirit, passion, and hard work of numerous volunteers and artists dedicated to using film as a medium to increase public awareness of the environmental, social, and cultural importance of marine ecosystems and foster a spirit of ocean stewardship.”

The 16th Annual International Ocean Film Festival will take place March 7-10, 2019 at venues around San Francisco. The International Ocean Film Festival is a registered 501(c) 3 non-profit.

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

Musica Marin International Chamber Music Festival
Marries Gourmet Food & International Artistry
September 21, 22 & 23
www.musicamarinfestival.com 

First-of-its-Kind Effort by Violist Ruth Kahn and Chef Mark Furr at Old St. Hilary’s Chapel in Belvedere and St. Stephens Church Tiburon

18 June 2018 – San Francisco & Marin, CA: “There’s a friendly tie between music and eating,” opined Thomas Hardy. That tie is what binds together internationally-acclaimed violist Ruth Kahn and master chef Mark Furr: a culinary adventure given gourmet melody at the Inaugural Musica Marin International Chamber Music Festival (www.musicamarinfestival.com)   Over three days, September 21, 22 & 23, Musica Marin will unfold in Tiburon and Belvedere at Old St. Hilary’s Chapel (201 Esperanza Street), St. Stephen’s Church (3 Bayview Avenue) and at an exquisite nine-acre private estate overlooking San Francisco Bay.

“Magical music paired with delectable dishes in unparalleled private settings with world-renowned international artists is what we’re all about,” says Kahn, a Juilliard graduate known to legions of fans for her performances both in the Bay Area and in Europe including 20 years with the New York City Ballet orchestra. “Mark and I believe we have created a unique experience, for a unique audience: people who appreciate world-class food and world-class music in world-class settings.” 

Founded in 2014 by Kahn, the nonprofit Musica Marin executes a vision to inspire, educate and cultivate appreciation and support for the classical arts. For the last four years,  as part of Musica Marin’s in-home concert series, scores of fans have been treated to concert events, including world premiere commissions, with renowned musicians in private residences and other intimate settings. With the Musica Marin International Chamber Music Festival, the organization is expanding its artistic footprint.

“For the last several years I have been honored to participate in Ruth’s vision,” said Furr, for 20 years known to Bay Area foodies for his time at Radius, Broken Record and appearances on The Travel Channel. “My passion for creative cuisine with Ruth’s passion to create a music festival with global connections is even better than a marriage made in heaven. It’s a marriage made in Marin.”

The locale for Musica Marin is of equal importance to the artistry note both Kahn and Furr. 

“Belvedere-Tiburon is the ideal place for the Musica Marin Festival,” they said in a joint statement. “The area’s natural beauty, storybook neighborhoods, fine dining and breathtaking vistas provide an elegant setting for this first-of-its-kind experience. It is truly for those palettes both educated and curious.”

Musica Marin Festival attendees can choose from a variety of performances, food and wine options and ticket packages. In addition, for a limited time, Founding Festival Member packages are available with special VIP add ons. A portion of the proceeds benefit Musica Marin, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving musical culture for all ages through unique music programs and concert events throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

“This will be a unique international chamber music and culinary experience,” sums up Kahn. “It will be a weekend festival promising stunning settings, exquisite food and chamber music both intimate and profound.”

About Musica Marin:
Musica Marin is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving musical culture for all ages through unique music programs and concert events that benefit young musicians throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. The organization award grants to Bay Area schools and nonprofit organizations that promote musical education and culture and also offers world-class concert events with internationally-renowned musicians in intimate settings that cultivate and grow audiences’ awareness and participation in musical arts. Additional programs include the Young Artists Performance award, the Young American Composer’s Award, the Composer-in-Residence Program and educational fund. In addition, Musica Marin partners with such esteemed organizations as The Juilliard School, Mill Valley Film Festival, San Francisco Boys Chorus and Merola Opera Program.  

A detailed schedule of the Musica Marin International Chamber Music Festival follows:

Friday, September 21
3pm
San Francisco Bay Yacht Cruise *

The Musica Marin International Chamber Music Festival kicks off with a Festival Founding Members Yacht Cruise around San Francisco Bay. Guests aboard this intimate cruise will experience a private concert by celebrated German-Italian Baritone, Marco Vassalli. Gourmet hors d’oeuvres will be provided by elite “Best of the Bay” Chef Mark Furr along with perfectly paired wines.

5:30pm *
Pre-Concert Dinner

After the Bay Cruise, Founding Festival Members will enjoy a private four-course dinner with wine pairing prepared by one of our celebrated guest chefs.

7:30pm
Opening Night Concert
St. Stephen’s Church

World-renowned musicians will perform masterpieces from the chamber music repertoire including Mozart’s viola quintet in B-flat minor and Johannes Brahms sextet in G-major.

Saturday, September 22
1pm
Afternoon Symposium and Concert, String Trio Giacometti
Old St. Hilary’s Church

Festival guests are invited to take part in an informative discussion on the music to be performed this afternoon lead by our Festival master musicians from Europe. Trio Giacometti will perform Mozart and Sibelius.

5:30pm
Chef and Vintner Reception hosted by special guest
Liam Mayclem, KCBS “Foodie Chap”
St. Stephen’s Church

Award-winning chefs will present beautifully prepared food alongside select exceptional local wines while renowned harpist, Krista Strader, serenades with an auditory backdrop that will complement and enhance the exquisite dining experience. Our special guest host for the evening is Liam Mayclem, known to legions of fans as KCBS “Foodie Chap.”

8pm
Saturday Evening Festival Concert
St. Stephen’s Church

The last concert of the day will be held in St. Stephen’s magnificent sanctuary. We invite you to enjoy an informative Q&A with Musica Marin’s Composer-in-Residence Clint Borzoni and Baritone Marco Vassalli. Our esteemed guest Marco Vassalli joins our Festival strings in the inspired performance of Samuel Barber’s “Dover Beach”, and Clint Borzoni’s two songs for Baritone and String Quartet. The concert will end in grand style with Festival musicians performing Mendelssohn’s B-flat viola quintet.

Sunday, September 23
12pm
Garden Luncheon & Intimate Outdoor Concert

Our venue is a spectacular nine-acre Tiburon estate that has played host to many memorable events over the years, opening its gardens for a truly memorable afternoon. Founding Festival Members are invited to this special afternoon performance and al fresco lunch served on the grounds of this expansive estate. World-renowned Festival Cellist, Jeffrey Solow, will give a lively discussion and concert on the life and music of J.S. Bach and perform a selection his Cello Suites.

1:30pm
Wine Tasting on the Terrace

The terrace of this spectacular nine-acre Tiburon estate is the venue for an afternoon of fine wines and special performance given by Simple Harmonic Motion, an a cappella quartet performing a range of music from barbershop to pop.

3pm
Festival Concert Finale

The Festival concludes at a gorgeous Tiburon estate with a combined concert by all of the Festival musicians, concluding with the magnificent Mendelssohn octet.

4:30pm
Closing Festival Party

After the concert, guests will enjoy a festive soiree to celebrate, mix and mingle with fellow attendees, chefs, festival musicians and Founding Festival Members. Enjoy scenic views of the estate, outstanding wines, and delectable bites by Chef Randy Gardner.

*Founding Festival Members Only