Great Hollywood Cameramen - 01.11.09 1:00 PM

Between film showings from the Palm Springs International Film Festival, David Kaminsky will moderate a lively conversation with two Oscar-winning cinematographers about their art and how a cameraman’s work is only as good as the director. Understanding the visual language, an experienced director has to have the confidence to let the cameraman take what the script requires and create the visuals. It is an enormous thrill to look through the camera and see the performance and scene come together—that is the magic moment the audience is looking for. Kaminsky is the former Vice-Chair of the Palm Springs International Film Festival. His dedication to Italian cinema earned him the Cavaliere della Republica Award, Italy’s cultural Medal of Honor. Kaminsky executive-produced the Academy Award-nominated short documentary film, Still Kicking: The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies and produced Paint Me A Future, and is a recipient of a Special Jury Prize at the Palm Springs International Festival of Short Films.

Mary Ellen Mark - 01.20.09 6:00 PM

Photographer Mary Ellen Mark has achieved worldwide visibility through her numerous books, exhibitions and editorial magazine work. She is a contributing photographer to The New Yorker and has published photo-essays and portraits in such publications as LIFE, New York Times Magazine, Rolling Stone, and Vanity Fair. For over four decades, she has traveled extensively to make pictures that reflect a high degree of humanism—often depicting the unattractive reality of people who live on the seamier side of society. Today, she is recognized as one of our most respected and influential photographers. She has published 16 books, photographed major advertising campaigns and garnered many awards. Deputy Director for Art and Senior Curator at the Palm Springs Art Museum, Dr. Daniell Cornell will engage Mark in conversation about her work and experiences.

Opera Showcase of the Desert - 02.04.09 6:00 PM

33rd Opera Showcase of the Desert Concert

Opera lovers have reason to yell ‘Bravo!’ at this annual concert showcasing the winners of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Western Region Auditions. Concert features arias and operettas—a great introduction to opera. For tickets or information contact 760.323.0154 or visit operashowcaseofthedesert.org.

Tickets: $45

KT Sullivan - 02.07.09 8:00 PM

After studying opera this coloratura soprano developed a larky and luscious singing style and act most suitable for cabaret. Sullivan’s act has been featured several times at Carnegie Hall, Town Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Spoleto Festival and abroad at La Nouvelle Eve in Paris, the Chichester Festival in the U.K. and the Adelaide Festival in Australia. Her Broadway appearances include roles in The Three Penny Opera with Sting, the 1995 revival of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and the 2001 national touring company of Annie Get Your Gun.

Gold Seat $55, museum member $50; Silver Seat $45, museum member $40

View Video

Musical Chairs - 02.11.09 2:00 PM

Be My Valentine: The Lovely Love Songs of Lerner and Lowe

The popular educational/entertainment concert series Musical Chairs returns for their ninth season with three very special productions. Produced by entertainers Derrik Lewis and Vic Leon, the concerts feature a revolving company of local, regional and nationally celebrated artists from Broadway, cabaret and recordings. The series continues to salute the Great American Songbook composers and other productions that highlight the music of the 20th Century.

2 p.m. Matinee Performance: Gold Seat $40 Silver Seat $35

Musical Chairs - 02.11.09 7:30 PM

Be My Valentine: The Lovely Love Songs of Lerner and Lowe

The popular educational/entertainment concert series Musical Chairs returns for their ninth season with three very special productions. Produced by entertainers Derrik Lewis and Vic Leon, the concerts feature a revolving company of local, regional and nationally celebrated artists from Broadway, cabaret and recordings. The series continues to salute the Great American Songbook composers and other productions that highlight the music of the 20th Century.

7:30 p.m. Evening Performance: Gold Seat $44 Silver Seat $39

Fever - 02.14.09 8:00 PM

“FEVER! The Music of Miss Peggy Lee” stars the sultry Lezlie Anders, the legendary singer/musician Buddy Greco and The Benny Goodman Tribute Band in a exciting stage musical featuring the songs made famous by the iconic Miss Peggy Lee during a career spanning more than 60 years. “Fever!” has played in front of SRO audiences in venues across the United States. Greco is a masterful musician whose piano wizardry and vocal magic has thrilled audiences all over the world. If you love the sound of Big Band music, you won’t want to miss the artistry of the multi-talented Lezlie Anders and Buddy Greco in “Fever! The Music of Miss Peggy Lee” at The Annenberg Theater, February 14 and 15, 2009! Variety, the show business bible, raved, “Fever! has a lot going for it…. everyone involved is a real pro, with Greco leading the way with his relaxed stage presence and a sure way with lyrics. Lezlie Anders is Hot Stuff!”

Fever - 02.15.09 2:00 PM

“FEVER! The Music of Miss Peggy Lee” stars the sultry Lezlie Anders, the legendary singer/musician Buddy Greco and The Benny Goodman Tribute Band in a exciting stage musical featuring the songs made famous by the iconic Miss Peggy Lee during a career spanning more than 60 years. “Fever!” has played in front of SRO audiences in venues across the United States. Greco is a masterful musician whose piano wizardry and vocal magic has thrilled audiences all over the world. If you love the sound of Big Band music, you won’t want to miss the artistry of the multi-talented Lezlie Anders and Buddy Greco in “Fever! The Music of Miss Peggy Lee” at The Annenberg Theater, February 14 and 15, 2009! Variety, the show business bible, raved, “Fever! has a lot going for it…. everyone involved is a real pro, with Greco leading the way with his relaxed stage presence and a sure way with lyrics. Lezlie Anders is Hot Stuff!”

Fever - 02.15.09 8:00 PM

“FEVER! The Music of Miss Peggy Lee” stars the sultry Lezlie Anders, the legendary singer/musician Buddy Greco and The Benny Goodman Tribute Band in a exciting stage musical featuring the songs made famous by the iconic Miss Peggy Lee during a career spanning more than 60 years. “Fever!” has played in front of SRO audiences in venues across the United States. Greco is a masterful musician whose piano wizardry and vocal magic has thrilled audiences all over the world. If you love the sound of Big Band music, you won’t want to miss the artistry of the multi-talented Lezlie Anders and Buddy Greco in “Fever! The Music of Miss Peggy Lee” at The Annenberg Theater, February 14 and 15, 2009! Variety, the show business bible, raved, “Fever! has a lot going for it…. everyone involved is a real pro, with Greco leading the way with his relaxed stage presence and a sure way with lyrics. Lezlie Anders is Hot Stuff!”

Zephyr Trio - 02.22.09 2:00 PM

Each member of this trio has enjoyed a long and varied musical life, collecting an impressive list of personal achievements along the way. Together since 2000, Lady Jane Galway (flutist), Jonathan Feldman (pianist) and Darren Adkins (cellist) uses their varied chamber music and solo backgrounds to create interesting duo/trio programs. Their repertoire includes works of Haydn, Damase, Francaix, Villa-Lobos, Debussy, Ravel, Weber and Martinu.

Gold Seat $55, museum member $50; Silver Seat $45, museum member $40

View Video 

Lainie Kazan - 02.27.09 8:00 PM

Lainie Kazan made her Broadway debut in The Happiest Girl in the World in 1961 and served as Barbra Streisand’s understudy in Funny Girl. Kazan has appeared in numerous supper clubs and guest-starred on Dean Martin's TV variety series 26 times. Her feature films include My Favorite Year (1982), Lust in the Dust (1985), Harry and the Hendersons (1987), Beaches (1988), The Cemetery Club (1993), My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002), Gigli (2003), Bratz: The Movie (2007) and Beau Jest (2007).

Gold Seat $55, museum member $50; Silver Seat $45, museum member $40

View Video

Tony DeSare - 03.03.09 8:00 PM

Internationally renowned singer and piano player Tony DeSare is the cream of the crop of artists currently singing songs from the Great American Songbook with youth and style. He performs material that everyone can agree upon—selections range from Cole Porter and Gershwin to Billy Joel, Elton John and Ray Charles. Tony has performed at every major jazz club in the country and continues to play clubs and theaters throughout the world.

Gold Seat $55, museum member $50; Silver Seat $45, museum member $40

View Video 

Shut Up Sweet Charlotte - 03.05.09 7:30 PM

International Drag Diva Sensation VARLA JEAN MERMAN and co-star RICKY GRAHAM star in a hysterical stage rendering of the camp, horror classic film of the 1960's (Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte). It's a "Suthen"-drenched, whacked out, brilliantly twisted yet dead-on parody of the original film considered by many to be the quintessential cinematic Southern Gothic thriller. Jeffery Roberson aka Varla Jean is featured as both star and director along with a brilliant band of cross dressing co-conspirators as they ascend to zany new heights of comic madness. A must see for Bette Davis- Olivia De Havilland fans!

Shut Up Sweet Charlotte - 03.06.09 7:30 PM

International Drag Diva Sensation VARLA JEAN MERMAN and co-star RICKY GRAHAM star in a hysterical stage rendering of the camp, horror classic film of the 1960's (Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte). It's a "Suthen"-drenched, whacked out, brilliantly twisted yet dead-on parody of the original film considered by many to be the quintessential cinematic Southern Gothic thriller. Jeffery Roberson aka Varla Jean is featured as both star and director along with a brilliant band of cross dressing co-conspirators as they ascend to zany new heights of comic madness. A must see for Bette Davis- Olivia De Havilland fans!

Something Special - 03.07.09 8:00 PM

The legendary Billy Barnes – Platinum and Gold Record Recipient – has led a sparkling career spanning five decades writing for such celebrities as Barbara Streisand, Debbie Reynolds, Carol Channing and Liza Minnelli to name just a few. You’ve laughed with him watching his “special material” for the Carol Burnett Show, Laugh-In, The Danny Kaye Show, and The Sonny and Cher Show. A lyrical life told in the songs that have truly made him “something special.”

Music and Lyrics by Billy Barnes/Book by William J. Mann & Vince Lodato

Gold Seat $65, Silver Seat $55

Shut Up Sweet Charlotte - 03.08.09 4:00 PM

International Drag Diva Sensation VARLA JEAN MERMAN and co-star RICKY GRAHAM star in a hysterical stage rendering of the camp, horror classic film of the 1960's (Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte). It's a "Suthen"-drenched, whacked out, brilliantly twisted yet dead-on parody of the original film considered by many to be the quintessential cinematic Southern Gothic thriller. Jeffery Roberson aka Varla Jean is featured as both star and director along with a brilliant band of cross dressing co-conspirators as they ascend to zany new heights of comic madness. A must see for Bette Davis- Olivia De Havilland fans!

Shut Up Sweet Charlotte - 03.08.09 7:30 PM

International Drag Diva Sensation VARLA JEAN MERMAN and co-star RICKY GRAHAM star in a hysterical stage rendering of the camp, horror classic film of the 1960's (Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte). It's a "Suthen"-drenched, whacked out, brilliantly twisted yet dead-on parody of the original film considered by many to be the quintessential cinematic Southern Gothic thriller. Jeffery Roberson aka Varla Jean is featured as both star and director along with a brilliant band of cross dressing co-conspirators as they ascend to zany new heights of comic madness. A must see for Bette Davis- Olivia De Havilland fans!

Jil Aigrot - 03.17.09 8:00 PM

Discovered by Ginou Richer, a close friend of Edith Piaf, Jil Aigrot was chosen to be the voice of the singing legend in the movie La Vie En Rose. When Aigrot sings, it is not just another voice of the sparrow, as Piaf was called, but she brings a modern energy giving the old songs new life. It is indeed unusual to hear a modern voice reinventing these classics.

Gold Seat $55, museum member $50; Silver Seat $45, museum member $40

View Video

Desert Winds Freedom Band - 03.29.09 2:00 PM

Fascinating Rhythms: The Music of Gershwin and other “Great American Songbook” Composers

Desert Winds Freedom Band is a group of gay and gay-friendly musicians dedicated to providing cultural, social and educational enrichment to its audiences and members. Under the direction of Dean McDowell, tonight’s program will include Rhapsody in Blue and other popular songs in addition to a guest piano soloist.

Gold Seats $35; Silver Seats $25

Musical Chairs - 04.08.09 2:00 PM

Melodia Hispanica: Music of the Latin Cultures

The popular educational/entertainment concert series Musical Chairs returns for their ninth season with three very special productions. Produced by entertainers Derrik Lewis and Vic Leon, the concerts feature a revolving company of local, regional and nationally celebrated artists from Broadway, cabaret and recordings. The series continues to salute the Great American Songbook composers and other productions that highlight the music of the 20th Century.

2 p.m. Matinee Performance: Gold Seat $40 Silver Seat $35

Musical Chairs - 04.08.09 7:30 PM

Melodia Hispanica: Music of the Latin Cultures

The popular educational/entertainment concert series Musical Chairs returns for their ninth season with three very special productions. Produced by entertainers Derrik Lewis and Vic Leon, the concerts feature a revolving company of local, regional and nationally celebrated artists from Broadway, cabaret and recordings. The series continues to salute the Great American Songbook composers and other productions that highlight the music of the 20th Century.

7:30 p.m. Evening Performance: Gold Seat $44 Silver Seat $39

Kevin Spirtas - 04.18.09 8:00 PM

At age 18, Kevin Spirtas landed his first professional job on Broadway, the role of Mike (I Can Do That) Costa, in A Chorus Line. In the 90s Spirtas played the dashing and frolicking Dr. Craig Wesley on NBC's Days of Our Lives. Spirtas has appeared on Broadway in Meet Me in St. Louis, Chess, Company, Damn Yankees, and Into the Woods, among others. Spirtas recently starred as "Corny Collins" in the Las Vegas production of Hairspray.

Gold Seat $55, museum member $50; Silver Seat $45, museum member $40

View Video