Feb. 15 Daily Briefing: Modernism Week suggestions, police town halls coming, free theater seats, and more

Welcome to Thursday, where we’d like to make something clear: We edited our story from yesterday on what went down involving awards presented by a city commission to help clarify that the award presented to The LGBTQ Archives of the Desert was never in question, nor did complaints brought to the commission apply to any individual involved with or associated with that fantastic organization. We understand there’s a lot of curiosity over the story. Still, the article intended to address how the decision to rescind an award was made and not to encourage rumors and speculation about award recipients.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” by The 5th Dimension

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LEADING OFF

Our procrastinator’s guide to Modernism Week

Modernism Week in Palm Springs is getting into full swing, attracting over 100,000 enthusiasts from around the world. Many events sold out weeks ago, but there are still a slew of underrated events with tickets available.

Driving the news: Mark Davis, a representative for Modernism Week, went line-by-line through the schedule of more than 350 events over 11 days and hand-picked what he thinks are some of the most underrated events at Modernism Week and the Palm Springs International Jazz Festival.

Why it matters: Locals should take advantage of Modernism Week, Davis said, to learn more about the world-famous architecture that we drive by every day.

Dive deeper: Best known for its lectures and iconic double-decker bus tours, Modernism Week has expanded its repertoire to include cocktail parties, theater experiences, book signings, films, and much more.

Not to miss: Among Davis’s recommendations are, a public appearance by a celebrated ceramicist, a murder mystery musical, and a portrayal of Edith Head, a legendary figure in Hollywood costume design. 

• Dive deeper: Read all of Davis’s recommendations in our full story here.

The Direction of Sculptural Ceramics in Architecture by Stan Bitters
Saturday | 11 a.m. | Annenberg Theater | $25
At 89, Stan Bitters is traveling from Sacramento to give a rare presentation on his 65-year career in modern ceramic arts. “I’m just shocked this event isn’t full,” Davis said. 

Shag With A Twist: Hosted by Shag
Sunday & Monday | Annenberg Theater | $85 – $175
Watch the art of Shag come to life before your eyes in the “colorful cocktail of song and dance.” Davis said, “It’s basically a murder musical come to life and it all starts with a murder at Tupperware party in Palm Springs.” Say no more. 

A Conversation of Wit, Wisdom, and a Whisper of Gossip with Edith Head
Friday, Feb. 23 | 2 p.m. & 6 p.m. | Annenberg Theater | $45
Actor Susan Claassen isn’t merely an impersonator of Edith Head. Davis said she perfectly embodies the Hollywood legend with a full theater set production, including furnishings, photographs, dress forms, and costumes. “People were blown away with it last year,” Davis said.

BRIEFLY

👮‍♀️ Palm Springs police to host neighborhood town halls

Just like it did in 2022, the Palm Springs Police Department is hosting a series of neighborhood-level town hall meetings designed to encourage community engagement and public safety strategizing. 

• During the sessions, neighbors can discuss pressing matters so police can establish public safety priorities for the next two years.
  
  
• The department says the initiative will promote proactive dialogue between the police and the community regarding ongoing and chronic issues. Residents and businesses can share their views and concerns directly with the police leadership.
  
  
• There will be four different sessions, each focusing on a different district:
  
  
  • The North District meeting will be on Monday, Feb. 26, at 4:30 p.m. at Raymond Cree Middle School.
  • The Business District meeting will be on Tuesday, Feb. 27th, at 11 a.m. at the Palm Springs Convention Center East Lawn.
  • The Central District meeting will be on Wednesday, Feb. 28th, at 5:30 p.m. at the Hilton.
  • The South District meeting will be on Thursday, Feb. 29th, at 4 p.m. at the Indian Canyons Golf Resort. 
• Details: Curious which district applies to you? According to PSPD, the North District encompasses the Northern City Limits to Alejo Road.; the Central and Business districts include downtown between Alejo and Ramon roads; and the South District goes from Ramon Road to the southern city limits.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Rhythm & Hues Fashion Showcase
5:30 p.m. | Palm Springs Art Museum
Rhythm & Hues will showcase the exceptional talent of local fashion designer Aneka Brown, the jazz melodies of Wayne Cobham, and food curated by guest chefs Betty Berrysmith and Amber Evans. 

Measure J Oversight Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
According to the agenda, commissioners will discuss capital projects, an analysis of sales tax revenue, and get an update on the Measure J budget.

VillageFest
6 p.m. | Downtown Palm Springs
The weekly street fair features art, entertainment, shopping, and food. The Palm Springs Art Museum also has free admission tonight starting at 5 p.m.

“Witchland”
7 p.m. | Revolution Stage Company
“Witchland” combines elements of traditional theatrical storytelling with immersive haunted elements. The story is based on the author’s experiences growing up in Richland, Washington, deemed the most toxic place in the Western Hemisphere. ($25)

“Something Rotten!”
7 p.m. | Palm Canyon Theatre
In this mash-up of 16-century Shakespeare and 21st-century Broadway, brothers Nick and Nigel are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of the master playwright known as “The Bard.” ($38)

SAVE THE DATE

• Dann Foley Lifestyle Pop-Up Shop at Revivals opening Feb. 24.
  
  
• Palm Springs International Jazz Festival on Feb. 24 and 25.
  
  
• Mizell Center Third Wednesday Speaker Series on Feb. 28.
  
  
• An evening with PSIPC and Friends on Feb. 29.
  
  
• 26th Annual Hike 4 Hope at the Art Smith Trailhead on March 3.

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AND FINALLY …

The Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation wants you to grab a seat … literally! 

Driving the news: To make room for new, more comfortable seating, the Foundation will distribute the original seats of the Plaza Theatre at no cost. This event caters to theater groups, non-profits, and individuals interested in owning a piece of Palm Springs history.

Here’s why: When theater renovations are complete, a slight reduction in capacity will allow for larger seats and improved accessibility, enhancing the visitor experience.

Final glimpse: This giveaway offers the community a unique opportunity to see the interior of the historic venue before its anticipated completion in 2025.

How to participate: If you’re interested, head to the Plaza Theatre from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 25 equipped with a dolly or handcart for transportation.