Oct. 6 Daily Briefing: Musical legends on stage, PSHS still undefeated, bullying play this week, and more

Welcome to Monday, everyone. Yesterday marked the start of Banned Books Week 2025 with the theme “Censorship Is So 1984. Read for Your Rights.” With book banning attempts on the rise across the country, George Orwell’s classic novel serves as a timely reminder that the freedom to read belongs to everyone. Over on its Facebook page, the Palm Springs Public Library plans to spotlight the 10 most challenged books of 2024 this week. Drop by and learn why defending our right to read is so important!

🎶 Setting the mood: “On The Sunny Side Of The Street” by Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Stitt, Sonny Rollins

LEADING OFF

Clive Davis, Barry Manilow reunite to share stories from 50-year partnership

Record mogul Clive Davis and singer Barry Manilow appeared together Friday at the Annenberg Theater to help raise the final $3 million needed to open the Plaza Theatre in December. The 93-year-old Davis participated in a Q&A with his longtime collaborator following a career highlights film.

Zoom in: Davis recounted discovering major acts after attending the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival, signing Janis Joplin for $200,000 when most artists received $10,000 deals. He revealed Joplin propositioned him to seal the contract, which he declined.

The Manilow partnership: Their 50-year relationship began when Davis spotted Manilow opening for Dionne Warwick in Central Park. Davis insisted on finding outside songs for Manilow, leading to “Mandy” — originally called “Brandy.”

• Manilow initially thought the song was “awful” but reworked it into a love ballad after Davis rejected his first version.

Extending his influence: Davis used songs he’d accumulated for Manilow to revive other artists’ careers, including Dionne Warwick with “I’ll Never Love This Way Again” after she hadn’t had a hit in four years.

The Whitney Houston story: Davis discovered Houston at age 18 or 19 performing at a Manhattan nightclub. Their partnership produced seven consecutive No. 1 singles, breaking The Beatles’ record.

• Davis initially opposed Houston’s role in “The Bodyguard” but wrote a famous letter insisting the film include songs, leading to the biggest-selling soundtrack album featuring “I Will Always Love You.”

Dive deeper with Bruce Fessier’s complete story

IN OTHER NEWS

🏈 The Palm Springs Indians continued their unbeaten streak by defeating La Quinta 32-13 in their league opener on Friday, improving to a 6-0 record. It’s a significant rebound from last season’s last place finish in the league. [Desert Sun]

🍽️ Since opening in June at Thompson Palm Springs, Bar Issi has become one of the desert’s hottest dining destinations, drawing packed crowds with inventive dishes that have made reservations nearly impossible to snag. [Palm Springs Life]

🎭 Revolution Stage Company has kicked off its third season with a play described as a chilling and darkly humorous take on ghosts. Previously produced Off-Broadway, the play runs locally through Saturday. [CV Independent]

---

TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Energy Matters Conversations Series
9 a.m. | Palm Springs Windmill Tours
We will discuss our energy future, share insights, and learn from one another in a relaxed and informal setting. No expertise or deep knowledge is required. Bring your questions!

Qi Gong
9 a.m. | Mizell Center
Qi Gong is an ancient Chinese health care system that integrates physical postures, breathing techniques and focused intention. ($8)

Mahjong Monday
1 p.m. | Social Cafe & Play Lounge
Come play the American version of Mahjong with others. Play Lounge has two mats and sets, but feel free to bring your own

California Community of Men’s Monday Coffee
4:30 p.m. | Social Cafe & Play Lounge
Join the group for coffee, chat, and chew! No RSVPs necessary.

Monday Night Dance Party with Leanna and Miguel
5 p.m.| V Wine Lounge and Martini Bar
Join Leanna and Miguel for a night of dancing to jazz, Latin, pop, disco, and more. ($5)

Architectural Review Committee
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
The ARC meets to review and make recommendations on building and landscape design to the Planning Commission, City Council and city staff.

See all events here

SAVE THE DATE

• Woodman Shimko Gallery Reopening on Friday
  
• Junior Ranger Expo at Indian Canyons on Saturday
  
• Architectural Preservation Awards on Saturday
  
• Modernism Week October starting Oct. 16
  
• Wet + Wild Party Benefitting Palm Springs Police and Fire at Desert Hand Car Wash on Oct. 23
  
• Pride Equality Walk on Oct. 25
  
• “Be A Hero For Kids” Halloween Bash on Oct. 26
  
• Pride on the Page on Nov. 1
  
• Palm Springs Pride Nov. 6 through 9

Submit your event here

---

AND FINALLY …

Ten local high school students will take the stage this week in a youth theater production that tackles bullying and gun violence, marking National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. 

Driving the news: Students from Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, and Palm Springs high schools were selected following auditions to perform the graphic and intense one-act play by Canadian playwright Lindsay Price.

• The cast from PSHS includes Rebeccah La Cour, Jessica Totten, and Jayden Bender.

What they’re saying: Technically, it’s a challenging piece. The play gives student actors the opportunity to do some really detailed character and physical action work,” Price said.

Why it matters: In a press release, director Howard Shangraw noted that at least one in five kids experience bullying, and 13% of tweens report being bullied in school or online — contributing to youth suicides and school shootings.

What else: Palm Springs youth empowerment organization Boo2Bullying will moderate post-show talkbacks after every performance, providing a resource for students and families to discuss the production’s themes.

Details: The play runs today through Friday, with performances starting at 10 a.m. at Coachella Valley Repertory in Cathedral City. Tickets are free for students, and $10 (plus fees) for the public. 

• Call 760-296-2966, extension 105, for detailed ticketing information.