The Desert Scene

On this episode of The Desert Scene, Bonnie G. welcomes award-winning actress/musical director Jaci Davis. Jaci has several projects coming up, including handling the musical direction of Elf, the Musical at the Palm Canyon Theatre. For Tickets: https://www.palmcanyontheatre.com Later in the season, she'll perform her own one-woman cabaret show at Revolution Stage Company.

Green room Theatre Company Executive Artistic Director David Catanzarite joins Bonnie G. on this episode of The Desert Scene. He shares details on upcoming auditions for the theatre's next touring play, Maggie Magalita, their "Giving Tuesday" program, and their search for Ballet Folklorica teachers, as well as the search for a creative team for a soon-to-be-produced play on housing issues. For information: https://www.grtccv.org.

On this episode of The Desert Scene, Bonnie G. welcomes playwright Kirby Fields. He shares about his play, Summer Session with the Bones Brigade, which opens at CV Rep on December 7th. The play grew out of his experience skateboarding as a kid. Kirby also chats about how his career as a playwright has evolved.For more information: https://www.cvrep.org

Local blues/jazz diva Hope Diamond pays a visit on The Desert Scene with Bonnie G. Hope has two big events coming up. She’ll be appearing as guest vocalist with the Palm Springs Gay Men's Chorus holiday concert Ring! Swing! Sing! at the Annenberg Theatre in Palm Springs in December 14th through the 17th. Tickets are on sale at https://psgmc.com/On Wednesday, December 20th, join her for the 7 pm performance of Hope Diamond and Friends, a Bluesy Holiday, part of the Agua Caliente’s Desert Blues Revival collection in the Cascade Lounge at the Palm Springs casino. Tickets are on sale at: https://www.eventbrite.com

The Desert Scene with Bonnie G. welcomes Ann Greer to share information about two fun events happening soon. The online Designer Christmas Tree Sale benefitting ACT for MS including designs by George Turner and Barbara Sellers is upon us. As is the holiday fundraiser The Gift of Love & Laughter, which benefits the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute taking place at the Indian Wells Theatre on December 2. That performance features pianist Bill Marx and Broadway producer Cash Baxter. More information is available at: https://www.csusb.edu/olli/events

Award-winning artist Tysen Knight was recently bestowed with the Visionary Award honors at a large New York art expo and having his documentary film about homeless artists being named an official selection at festivals in Italy and Germany. He shares the news and talks about his journey to these accomplishments with Bonnie G. on this episode of The Desert Scene. Get more information by visiting https://www.tysenknight.com

Actor, director and creator of the Revolution Stage Company, Gary Powers, visits with Bonnie G. on this episode of The Desert Scene. He’s lighting up with enthusiasm about the recent success of Off The Street, an original stage production he wrote about the homeless population which has been getting raves. There’s also details on upcoming events you wont want to miss including cabaret shows starring Rose Mallett and Brian Scott. For more details, visit https://www.revolutionstagecompany.com

On this episode of The Desert Scene, Bonnie G. chats with with singer/entertainer/music teacher Candi Quaid. Candi gives us details on upcoming projects including her January 14th show, which is part of the Sunday Cabaret series at the Joslyn Center's Arthur Newman Theatre in Palm Desert.

Purple Room proprietor Michael Holmes joins Bonnie G. for this episode of Mutual111’s The Desert Scene. Holmes fills us in on what's coming up at Palm Springs' premiere nightclub, including special holiday editions of one of the Valley’s most-beloved performances: The Judy Show. He also talks about the return of Jane Monheit. For more information, visit the Purple Room website: www.purpleroompalmsprings.com

Well In The Desert President Matt Naylor joins Bonnie G. on this episode of The Desert Scene. He chats about the work the Well does to feed the homeless, and about Off the Street, a play about the valley's homeless situation he co-wrote with Jeanie Cunningham, which will premiere at Revolution Theatre. For info, go to: revolutionstagecompany.com

On this episode of The Desert Scene, Bonnie G. welcomes singer Kristi King, who begins a residency at the Indian Wells Resort Hotel on November 14th. Kristi began singing professionally at the age of 10 and spent many years performing in Las Vegas. For reservations, call 760-797-8700.

The Desert Scene welcomes Michael Fietsam, creator and director of PS Underground, a one-of-a-kind Palm Springs culinary and musical experience. Fietsam talks about how the project has blossomed over the last 10 years, and describes upcoming shows, including "Light" and "Songbirds," which features music of female pop divas of the 70's. For info: psunderground.com

On this edition of The Desert Scene, Bonnie G. chats with Bob Farran of ONE-PS, the organized neighborhoods of Palm Springs. He's the chairperson for the Lip Sync Battle event on November 12th to raise money for local charities. Hosted by Shann Carr and held at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, it features prominent local residents presenting their best lip sync performances. Judges include singer Keisha D and drag personality Tommi Rose. For info: www.ONE-PS.org.

Bonnie G. welcomes Broadway veteran Lisa Vroman to this episode of The Desert Scene. Her credits include a long run as Christine in Phantom of the Opera. Lisa is part of the cast of The Fantasticks - A Love Story Reimagined, which opens November 1st at CV Rep. For info, go to cvrep.org.

On this episode of The Desert Scene, Bonnie G. chats with Palm Springs event producer Jeff Hocker about a couple of must-attend happenings. This year's Halloween bash on Arenas Road In Palm Springs features Jessica Von Rabbit and her band, and a costume contest. In November, it's the Palm Springs Food and Wine Festival with great wineries from throughout the USA and around the world, plus some of the world's finest chefs with cooking demos and food tasting parties, too. For info, go to palmspringsfoodandwine.org.

On this episode of The Desert Scene, Bonnie G. chats with Elaine Church, Executive Board Member of Amy's Purpose, and Chair of the organization's upcoming fundraising fashion show and luncheon. The mission of Amy's Purpose is to raise awareness about pet safety and the threat of coyotes in the desert, AND to provide scholarships to students planning on entering the veterinary field. For more info, CLICK HERE.

The Desert Scene welcomes Steve Fisher, Artistic Director of Script2Stage2Screen, to chat about the group's upcoming season of staged readings of original works. Opening in late October, the season features eight plays, including comedies, dramas and a bit of science fiction.  Performances are held at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Desert in Rancho Mirage. For more info, CLICK HERE.

This episode of The Desert Scene, Bonnie G. welcomes actor, director and acting coach Terry Ray. His theatre company, The Bent, is offering its first full season of plays, presented at the Palm Springs Cultural Center.  Terry has also opened a Palm Springs branch of the famed Actor's Lab, offering acting classes for all ability levels.  For more info, go to [email protected].

On this episode of The Desert Scene, Bonnie G. chats with author and professional speaker Carolyn Gross.  To help celebrate her 20th year as a cancer survivor, she's putting on a local wellness event. It's called the 3-Day Palm Springs Retreat - (Restore, Relax, and Redefine Your Life). Attendees can spend time in the sacred healing waters & get tips on how to clear out old emotional patterns. For information, go to gravitatetohealth.com.

This episode of The Desert Scene with Bonnie G. features Desert Ensemble Theatre Company Artistic Director Jerome Elliott, speaking about the season opening fundraiser, Singing with the Desert Stars. The event features 7 veteran professional singers coaching seven local business leaders.  The audience votes on their favorites at the end of the evening. All proceeds go to DETC's scholarship program. For more info, go to desertensembletheatre.org.

On this episode of The Desert Scene, Bonnie G chats with Dimitri Halkidis, founder of Boo2 Bullying, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about bullying and finding a way to end it. He shares information about a Free  Community Wellness Event at Sunrise Park on September 30th that will celebrate the 10th anniversary of Boo2 Bullying. For more info Visit:  boo2bullying.org/events.

Bonnie G celebrates another local author and fresh new literature by speaking with Michael Craft on this episode of The Desert Scene. Michael introduces his 19th novel, Desert Deadline. It's the second in the Dante and Jazz mystery series. Set in Palm Springs, the book follows Dante - a vacation rental concierge and Jazz, a private eye, as they try to solve a baffling murder. Available wherever books are sold or visit www.michaelcraft.com.

The Foundation for Palm Springs Unified School District’s Director Ellen Goodman talks with Bonnie G on this episode of The Desert Scene. She fills us in on the foundation's 2nd Annual Party with a Purpose on Saturday, October 7th at the Palm Springs Air Museum. This year's theme is One NIght in Bollywood and tickets are available for a very reasonable $35 each. The event features, food, cocktails, dancing and Indian music. For tickets and info go you can Contact Ellen by e-mail at: [email protected]

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Bonnie G. closes out this season of The Desert Scene by welcoming David Catanzarite, Founder and Executive Artistic Director of the Green Room Theatre Company. The company is a 501(c)3, which has produced many innovative projects in its fourteen-year existence bringing high quality theatre and education to desert communities. David talks about the organization’s recent move to Coachella. There, they hope to bring the theatrical experience to underserved communities in the East Valley.

On this episode of The Desert Scene, Bonnie G. welcomes Ron de Harte, President of Greater Palm Springs Pride. He tells us about the upcoming Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast, and Leadership Award winner Ricardo Lara. The breakfast honors Milk, who was the first openly gay elected official in California, who left a strong legacy of diversity and inclusion following his 1978 assassination. For tickets to the luncheon, go to www.harveymilk.us

Bonnie G. chats with actress/producer KItty Murray about the new venue for Aces. After a successful run at Oscar's, this very funny play about the beauty pageant biz opens at the Palm Springs Cultural Center for six Sunday matinees beginning May 14th. Written by Davis Gordon Gilbert and directed by soap opera veteran Judith Chapman, this comedy reveals what happens when five former beauty queens reunite for a special television show. When the champagne starts flowing, the claws come out. Tickets at www.psculturalcenter.org or www.eventbrite.org

Bonnie G. welcomes back Los Angeles cabaret producer Clifford Bell. He's putting together a big event for Project Angel Food. It's the 25th anniversary of Our Name is Barbra. Several artists get together and celebrate Ms. Streisand's birthday by each singing something from her songbook. Past shows have featured many great performers including Ann Hampton Callaway, Melissa Manchester, and Sheryl Lee Ralph. The event will take place at the Catalina Jazz Club. Hear more about the show and Clifford's other endeavors including a show coming up later in May at the Palm Springs Cultural Center featuring Ms. Gilgallon herself. More information, CLICK HERE!

Jerome Elliott returns to The Desert Scene with Bonnie G. on this episode. He just finished up a season at Desert Theatre Ensemble Company as Artistic Director. He stays busy this month as he performs his one-man cabaret show twice in May at the Palm Springs Cultural Center: Cocktails and Classics. In mid-May Elliott will be a guest performer in Razzle Dazzle, which is also at the Cultural Center on May 18.For more information, CLICK HERE.

Jeff Barnett, who will be the special guest host for the two May Razzle Dazzle shows happening at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, joins Bonnie G. He also hosts Movie Magic at the Cultural Center, which features fabulous movie theme songs over the past five decades. And, Jeff previews a special cabaret show he will perform with Charles Herrera in June at Feinstein's in San Francisco.For Razzle Dazzle tickets, CLICK HERE.

Bonnie G. speaks with Robert Koenig, the new Artistic Director for the Palm Springs International Piano Competition. Koenig talks about how the competition continues to evolve, including changing its name from the Virginia Waring Piano Competition. Their next big event is coming up in 2025. For more info, CLICK HERE.

Bonnie G. welcomes comedienne/author Beth Lapides, whose show It's a Lot is coming up at the Palm Springs Cultural Center on May 3rd. Beth Is the creator, host and executive producer of the legendary, long-running UnCabaret. The show has been called "a progressive comedy institution." Beth is also the author of the original audio book So You Need to Decide, named one of Vulture's best comedy books of 2022. For tickets go to: thebent.org or eventbrite.com

The Desert Scene welcomes back Michael Shaw, Artistic Director of Dezart Performs, who gives us details about their current production, The Garbologists. The new comedy-drama by Lindsay Joelle is described as an "unconventional buddy comedy." It follows two sanitation workers - an African-American woman from a privileged background and a white "mansplainer" as they work several shifts picking up garbage. The play honors our essential workers, and highlights how we can find common ground in uncommon times. For tickets, go to www.dezartperforms.org

On this episode of The Desert Scene, Bonnie G. chats with Jerry R. Soria-Foust, Artistic Director of the Palm Springs Gay Men's Chorus. Their spring concert, Notorious celebrates the music of leading ladies, divas, & sirens of the stage and screen. The show runs April 28, 29 and 30th at the Annenberg Theatre at the Palm Springs Art Museum, and features special guest Sharon McKnight. For tickets, go to: www.PSGMC.com

On this edition of The Desert Scene, Bonnie G. chats with actress/singer Dana Adkins, currently starring in Aces at Oscar's in Palm Springs. Dana shares stories of her own days competing in beauty pageants, and how her experience compared to the plot of Aces. The play takes a comic look at the reunion of 5 beauty queens, 35 years after they each won the crown.For tickets, CLICK HERE.

Bonnie G. welcomes Kirk Geiger, who along with his wife Noelle founded The Animal Rescue Center of California, based in the Eastern Coachella Valley. Since they began a few years ago, the organization has found forever-homes for 700 dogs and cats. Their first in-person fundraiser takes place on April 1st (no foolin’!) at Marvyn's Magic Theatre in La Quinta.

On this episode of the The Desert Scene, Bonnie G. talks with actress Kim Shroeber Long about her career and about Razzle Dazzle, the upcoming Broadway revue she's part of at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Kim's journey has taken her from rural Ohio, to the Bay Area, to Pasadena, and now to the Desert Cities. Kim discusses how public television shaped her desire to become a musical performer.

Desert Arc's 13th Annual Golf Classic takes place on April 3rd at the Eagle Falls Golf Course and Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Bonnie G. chats with Desert Arc's President and CEO Richard Balocco about the event. He also gives us details about the work the organization does for valley residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For more information, CLICK HERE.

Bonnie G. welcomes actress Suzie Wourms, appearing in Prepping For Widowhood, the latest offering from Script2Stage2Screen on March 24, 2023. This comedic play is about four women who have been friends since college and call themselves the Four Seasons, since each was born in a different season of the year. One is a widow, and the others are preparing for that probability. CLICK HERE for more information.

Bonnie G. talks with Jeroen Sparreboom on this episode of The Desert Scene. He is co-chairing the 2nd Annual Mama’s House Charity Golf Classic & Dinner Show dubbed Oh, What a Night! It’s a musical tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons coming up on Friday, March 24. More information and tickets are available by visiting the website: CLICK HERE

Gina Zollman is a vocalist from Palm Springs and joins Bonnie G. on this episode of The Desert Scene. She talks about the upcoming special event where she will perform songs from her debut CD, Anywhere With You, at the Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood on March 22. The event will also feature two other local performers from the Coachella Valley. Tod Macofsky joins Gina for some duets, and Douglas Graham directs.

In this episode of The Desert Scene, Bonnie G. chats with CV Rep's Artistic Director Adam Karsten, who directed the theatre's current production of Once. The musical has been so well-received that the run has been extended. Karsten also gives us detail about future productions, and Puttin' On the Glitz - a gala fundraiser coming up later this month. For more information, CLICK HERE.

Bonnie G. welcomes Jerome Elliott, Artistic Director of Desert Ensemble Theatre Company. He tells us about the company's upcoming World Premiere production of Kafka's Joke by Rich Rubin. This comedy recounts 120 years in the life (and afterlife) of writer Franz Kafka, who was a reluctant celebrity, and how the question of who owed his work ended up in the Israeli Supreme Court. For more information CLICK HERE.

On this episode of The Desert Scene, Bonnie G. chats with stage and television actress Judith Chapman (The Young and the Restless), who is directing a new play called Aces, which opens at Oscar's March 9th. Six well-known valley actresses play aging beauty queens who gather for a reunion and are called upon to coach a young woman new to the pageant scene. The champagne flows, insults fly, and hilarity ensues.

Bonnie G. welcomes Los Angeles based actress Aviva Pressman, who's starring in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Gynecologic Oncology Unit at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, the latest offering from Dezart Performs. Directed by Randy Brenner, it tells the story of two older female cancer patients who are sharing a hospital room. Pressman plays one patient's daughter, who handles the situation very differently than the other patient's adult son.

Palm Springs event producer and public relations professional Jeff Hocker sits a spell with Bonnie G. on this episode of The Desert Scene to update us on happenings in the Coachella Valley. He previews the rest of the season for the Palm Springs Friends of the Philharmonic, and chats about the recent Palm Springs Health Run and Wellness Festival and tells us about Reforma, an exciting new restaurant and club in town. Jeff also shares thoughts on how the performing arts and social scene has changed over the past 20 years.For more information or to engage his services, visit Hocker Productions.

Bonnie G. welcomes Cheryl Scarlett, Director of Major Gifts and Fundraising for Jewish Family Service of the Desert. She tells us about an exciting fundraiser coming up on March 1st and 2nd. How Sweet It Is - The Music of Motown will take place at PS Underground - described as a dining experience you will never forget. The event honors Bea Keats and Jerry Fogelson with the JFS Humanitarian Award. For tickets and info, email: [email protected].

Bonnie G. welcomes L.A. cabaret producer Clifford Bell, who previews some of his upcoming projects, including hosting and directing a special open mic at the Palm Springs Cultural Center to honor the life of the late Les Michaels.