The Desert Scene

Acclaimed singer and actress Eileen Barnett, who has graced stages for Los Angeles to New York City, will perform on May 26th at the CV Rep in Cathedral City. She joins Bonnie G on this edition of The Desert Scene to preview her upcoming show. Tickets are available by going to CVRep.org or calling CV Rep at (760) 296-2966. Among her credits are roles in Company and Nine on Broadway and daytime and primetime soaps Days of Our Lives and Knots Landing.

Event producer, podcast personality and community philanthropist Melissa Neiderman chats with Bonnie G on this episode of The Desert Scene about Lip Sync For a Cure. The event takes place on May 20th and will benefit the American Cancer Society Desert Spirit. It will take place at the Palm Springs Cultural Center and will feature performances by several well-known entertainers including Judith Chapman and Kellee McQuinn. This year's judges include Keisha D, Dolores Robinson, actress Eva LaRue and Kaya Callahan, daughter of soap star and Palm Desert resident John Callahan, who passed away in early 2020 and for whom this year's event is dedicated to the memory of.Click Here for Tickets!

Lorinda Vasquez came to Palm Springs in 2019 and never looked back! She is a musical creative director who has worked with great Palm Springs legends Hope Diamond. She has been behind the scenes of many of your favorite musical events in the valley.

Prince Fleet Easton is a singer, humanitarian, actor and performer known in the Coachella Valley as an essential "song and dance" man. He has released a new single for the Ukrainian People entitled "We Will Carry On". One that is both moving and powerful. Tune in to this episode to hear the song and get to know more of his upcoming projects.

Artist Tysen Knight comes to the Desert Scene to talk about. his recent Moxie Box Art Hero Award. His murals have inspired awe with the denizens of Palm Springs for its truth, and universal appeal. Centering youth artistic outreach in his work, while occasionally referencing social and political affairs.

After the Palm Springs Follies closed, Mark Christopher and Dan Gelfand desired to write a musical extravaganza for Palm Springs. Mid-Century Moderns was the result of years of creative sessions by the pool. A musical about the life of a housewife who goes from frumpy to fabulous in the "center of modernity of Palm Springs". Dan Gelfand comes to The Desert Scene to talk about his background, the musical, and its usage of 1960s music to tell its feminist story.

Italian tenor Pasquale Espositio won a lottery in 1998, came to America and has been pursuing his music ever since. Celebrating his Italian culture through his music, producing many successful albums, and a PBS special. On April 30th, he has an upcoming show with Coachella Valley Repertory. He comes onto the show to talk with Bonnie Gilgallon about his childhood, his first time singing, career, and the importance of studying music.

Southern California based percussionist and conductor James Beauton is known for his experimental take on orchestra with a focus on contemporary music. In addition to many concert performances, he serves as director of the Buddy Rogers Youth Symphony. Where scholarships are given to help students achieve their musical potential. James Beauton comes onto the show to talk about the scholarship, his musical career, and his upcoming show with Diane Schuur for the Coachella Valley Symphony.

Award-winning photographer David A. Lee has been behind the scenes of many of Palm Springs' biggest events. Everything from the Palm Springs Film Festival to Modernism Week to Cinema Diverse. Bonnie Gilgallon talks about his history about photographing and writing for these events.

Author Michael Craft is back with a new cozy mystery novel, Desert Getaway. The first in the Dante and Jazz Mystery series, two amateur sleuths: a white gay man working as vacation rental concierge, and the other is a black woman who is a former cop. Bonnie Gilgallon talks with him about his history as a writer, and her favorite parts of the novel.

A family curse, a pompous minister, a gay nephew, a redneck brother, a case of gout, and Loretta Lynn. That's all to be featured in Jason Hull's upcoming play Inez's Birthday and then some. Produced by Script2Stage2Screen, and written/directed by Hull. This play features biographical elements mixed with comedy and pathos. Jason talks about his real life inspirations for the play, his past, and his upcoming work with Bonnie G.

Jeroen Sparreboom is co-chairing the Mama's House First Annual Charity Golf Classic and Rat Pack Dinner Show. Being held at the Indian Wells Country Club on May 21st! He promises it to be a night of nostalgia, sports and its all for a good cause! He talks about this along with what Mama's House does with Bonnie G.

That was quite the awards ceremony! PHEW! After a week of hindsight, Bonnie Gilgallon along with Brayan Mendoza talk about the Will Smith-Chris Rock incident. Asking and answering questions such as: what should be done, what might might happen, and what is the narrative?

Bonnie G and Brayan Mendoza love the movies, but that doesn't mean they can't spill some tea. The Academy Awards have been awarding movies for 94 years. It doesn't mean that they haven't awarded some mediocre movies their highest honor. On this episode, Bonnie and Brayan talk about the worst of the lot, why they might've won, and how strong their competition was.

Singer/Actress Christine Michele had an early love for musical as a young girl, determined to make it as an artist. Struggling with mental health issues, and with raising a family, she had to fight an uphill battle to achieve her dreams. Her band Christine and The Lost Keys becoming more and more of a musical presence in the valley. Brayan Mendoza and Bonnie G talk with her about her beginnings, her struggles, and her musical passions.

Every year, the Palm Springs Friends of Philharmonic brings world renowned symphony orchestras to the Coachella Valley. Executive Director Marnie Mitze talks with Bonnie G. and Brayan Mendoza about PSFoP's current season, along with its educational programs, and surprising history.

Voice Actress and Voice Acting Education Samantha Paris is back in the valley! She is the Founder/CEO of Voicetrax SF, a school designed to train and teach the next generation of upcoming voice actors. To get them ready for their big shot in this multibillion dollar voice-acting industry. She talks with Bonnie G and Brayan Mendoza to talk about Voicetrax, her career, and the importance of voice acting in Hollywood.

Classically trained Pianist Chip Prince has been seen on Broadway and locally with the Palm Springs Gay Men's Chorus. Coming in and out of retirement, never escaping the call of the stage. The Palm Springs Cultural Center will be hosting a series of musical shows, and he'll doing one...with BONNIE G! Yes, that Bonnie G! Together they talk about their upcoming show, his career, his musical origins and his performances on and off Broadway.

The Desert Ensemble Theatre Presents All This Intimacy , an upcoming production about Ty, a man who gets three women pregnant in one week. As Ty deals with the ramifications of this, he comes to the realization that he has to get his life back together. DET's Artistic Director Jerome Elliot talks with Bonnie and Brayan about the show's themes, the behind the scenes, and what's in store for the Desert Ensemble Theatre.

Ruth Moir is both the founder and the CEO of the Steinway Society of Riverside County. A non-profit organization that promotes musical education to children in the county, they provide opportunities to see renowned musicians, and perform amazing music. She talks with Bonnie Gilgallon and Brayan Mendoza about the organization's upcoming events.

Brooke Beare has lived the life of a journalist documenting people's lives. Now she's impacting them as the Chair of Desert Arc's board of directors. She talks about the significance of community and how career oriented programs can empower disabled persons throughout the valley. Bonnie Gilgallon and Brayan Mendoza talk with her about Desert Arc and their upcoming fundraising events. In particular, the 2022 Desert Arc Golf Classic Tournament Fundraiser that is coming up on April 7, 2022.

Opening March 24 and running until August 10, Palm Springs The Musical: Born To Sparkle is coming to the Desert Rose Playhouse. Alyce Berard and Robbie Manning's real life experiences and tragedies inspired them to write a love letter to Palm Springs. The show features 20 original show tunes, and is starting to get some buzz in the valley. Bonnie Gilgallon and Brayan Mendoza talk with them about the show, their lives, and what it means to see your dream show come to life.

Bonnie Gilgallon and Brayan Mendoza talk about their favorite artists that don't get enough love, and deserve more recognition for their accomplishments.

Sue Cameron has had a fascinating star-studded life journey. Having been a columnist at The Hollywood Reporter, she's had first-hand experiences with the greatest stars of all time. Her friendships range from Valerie Harper to Nicole Kidman. She talks with Bonnie Gilgallon and Brayan Mendoza to talk about them, along with her March 9th show Secrets of TV Legends at the Mary Pickford Theater.

Vocalist Jamey Ray has produced hundreds of recordings, 25 albums, and his musical a cappella group Voctave has over 150 million views on their videos. Him and the ten other members have performed across the globe, and represent a diverse background of experiences. He joins Brayan Mendoza, and Bonnie Gilgallon to talk about his musical origins, Voctave's success, Disney, and their upcoming March 10th show at the McCallum Theater.

Brayan Mendoza and Bonnie Gilgallon discuss on this episode of The Desert Scene their selections for the "Most Overrated Performers" of all-time. Ranging from Oscar winners to Punk Music vocalists, there is no hiding the unfortunate reality that these artists don't quite live up to their heightened image. Both of our hosts give an honest but fair assessment of their talents.

"The Life of the Party" is what Kellee McQuinn (DJ Mod Girl) has been described as during her decades-long entertainment career. Not only for playing songs, but aiming to construct an atmosphere of creativity, production and sound. Her infectious energy carries over as you'll find in her conversation on this episode of The Desert Scene with Bonnie Gilgallon and Brayan Mendoza. She discusses the personal significance of music in her life, along with details of her exciting upcoming projects.

Pinchas Zukerman is a violinist with a celebrated career encompassing five decades, He reigns as one of today’s most sought after and versatile musicians. He is renowned as a virtuoso, admired for the expressive lyricism of his playing, singular beauty of tone, and impeccable musicianship, which can be heard throughout his discography of over 100 albums for which he gained two Grammy® awards and 21 nominations. Bonnie Gilgallon and Brayan Mendoza talk to him about his career, his pedagogy, and personal philosophy.

The film festival was officially canceled this year, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy something at Palm Springs Cultural Center. It has an exciting season of programs ranging from Oscar nominated movies to musical performances. Tim Rains comes on to talk about what's happening at PSCC with Bonnie G. and Brayan Mendoza.

Playwright David Wolgin has had a fascinating career in both psychology and the theater. Not only writing but choreographing. His latest endeavor A Night in Puglia is described as a "love story for the ages" set in Italy. Examining the lives and loves for four characters in the nation of romance. He gives us a preview of what to expect in his exciting debut with Bonnie G, and Brayan Mendoza.

After a brief delay, director Michael Shaw's newest Dezart production The Mountaintop is finally performing this March. The Olivier Award-Winning Play by Katori Hall follows Martin Luther King Jr. on the eve of his assassination. Taking place entirely in his hotel room, with one other character, Camae, a beautiful but mysterious maid. He gives you a behind the scenes preview of this most gripping play with Bonnie G. and Brayan Mendoza.

Actor and singer John Corr has done everything from Shakespeare to musical theater. Now he talks about his latest role, a penguin. You heard that right: A penguin! The Desert Ensemble Theatre presents Salty, an apocalyptic drama mixed with gay penguin family life. He gives you a sneak peak into this most fascinating play in this episode with Bonnie G and Brayan Mendoza.

A member of "Minnesota's First Family of Music" - The Petersons, - multi-talented artist Linda Peterson has become a Palm Springs favorite. Having performed around the world, in particular South America, she has recorded an album with famed Argentine guitarist Luis Salinas. On this episode, hear her adventurous musical story, one that she shares with hosts Bonnie G and Brayan Mendoza.

A member of The Fifth Dimension, Patrice Morris is a multi-genre performer. The Pop and Gospel entertainer has been an audience favorite. In Southern California, she is regularly singing at Jolene’s Bar and Lounge in Palm Desert. On this episode of The Desert Scene, she shares stories from her colorful performance history, being part of a globally-known group and the relationship between her faith and her music with Bonnie G and Brayan Mendoza.

Restauranteur Willie Rhine is a food innovator and has changed the dining landscape in Palm Springs. Beyond his reputation with area foodies, Rhine has performed on stage including The Biggest Whorehouse in Texas. His newest eatery is in Rancho Mirage. Learn more about Willies on Highway 111 on this episode of The Desert Scene with Bonnie G and Brayan. He also shares some of the up’s and down’s of running restaurants in the age of the pandemic.

Multi-talented musician Krystofer Do talks about his upcoming first-ever concert experience titled Listen. Having previously performed at Stacy’s and part of the Hedwig and the Angry Inch cast, Do is a rising star in the Valley. Joining Brayan Mendoza and Bonnie G on The Desert Scene, Krystofer answers their questions about his life as an artist, his demons, and what led up to the creation of this show.

Professor and Performer Melanie Blue of the Green Room Theater joins Bonnie G and Brayan Mendoza on this episode. She talks improv, and the latest classes that she is offering up. If you are looking for advice, and a head start into the ever growing world of improv, this episode is the key!

Neighbors Cooking host Mitchell Mitch comes on to talk about the importance of food in our culture. How to transform a whole entire set of mind with the delights of healthy eating. So if you're thinking of starting a new diet, you better not miss out on this latest episode with Bonnie G and Brayan Mendoza.

Fans of pop-punk, emo, metalcore, hardcore and post-hardcore bands from the 1990's and 2000's have been excited by news of a resurrected When We Were Young music festival - moving this time from California to Las Vegas and scheduled by concert giant Live Nation Entertainment. But, as excited as many of the genre's fans are, it's not generating as much love as some would think. Set for late-October 2022, the festival that boasts 65 bands is stirring up a hornets nest on social media. Brayan Mendoza and Bonnie G share their concerns about the festival on this edition of The Desert Scene.#whenwewereyoungfestFestival Website

2022 has started off rough with six celebrities passing away and leaving with a legacy of their exceptional work. Bonnie G and Brayan Mendoza pay their respects to these six important and highly influential artists. Spanning from sitcoms to music and film. They are: Betty White, Ronnie Spector, Bob Saget, Sidney Poitier, Marilyn Bergman and Peter Bogdanovich.

Spider-Man! Spider-Man! Does Whatever A Spider-Man Can! Spins A Web, and Walks Around Endlessly! LOOK OUT, Here comes the Desert Hot Springs Spider-Man! Listen, and find out who this mysterious figure walking around the city of Desert Hot Springs.

Walter Mueller is the Director of Development at Olive Crest. An organization that aims to prevent and ultimately end child abuse. Providing everything from counseling to foster care service, and a golfing tournament! Yes, even golfing. Their fundraising Golf Tournament is coming up, and he has the info to get you an invite! Listen in with Brayan Mendoza and Bonnie G, see if you can volunteer or play a round for a great cause!

Transgender entertainers in Palm Springs take center stage on this edition of The Desert Scene with Bonnie G and Brayan Mendoza. With the reopening of hip dinner show establishment AsiaSF, comes The Ladies of AsiaSF Palm Springs. Bonnie and Brayan talk with Jacquelyn James. All the performers are transgender women and each brings their own personalities to lip-synced renditions of party playlist classics, pop tunes and Broadway show favorites. Learn more about this fun and exciting venue.Visit AsiaSF Palm Springs online.

Alexis Hunter, the author who was 1950's TV actress Joi Lansing's secret love and identified as her sister Rachel Lansing to maintain the cover of their true relationship, is a resident of the Coachella Valley. Her book about Lansing came out in 2015, but she has now turned her creative talents to jewelry. She joins Bonnie G and Brayan Mendoza to discuss her line and that it serves a great cause on this episode of The Desert Scene.

Siobhan Velarde is a singer, actress and all-around entertainment dynamo. A favorite with audiences throughout the Coachella Valley, she appears on a regular basis in Cathedral City at Runway. She returns to The Desert Scene to talk with Bonnie G and Brayan Mendoza about her performances and the success she has enjoyed with live audiences, and events yet to come at this hip West Valley hotspot.

Jingle Jangle your way into Bonnie G. and Brayan Mendoza’s holiday party. Radio111’s entertainment scene co-hosts are joined by Dutch Haling. He’s a radio and theatre legend and together they reminisce about merry ole holiday memories, they quiz each other on trivia, recite poetry, and even sing a cappella. This year, The Desert Scene crew also features seasonal tunes by artists Patricia Welch and Bill Lohnes.

Bonnie G. and Brayan Mendoza welcome Jan Lupia, founder and executive directors of Mama's House. The organization is celebrating its 10th Anniversary of providing shelter and resources to women in crisis. Jan discusses their upcoming February event featuring a special guest speaker.

One of the absolute greats of Broadway has seen the final curtain fall. While Steven Sondheim was 92 years old, it was quite sudden and not expected when he recently passed. Bonnie G. and Brayan Mendoza pay their respects in this conversation and tribute about the great playwright.

Entertainer Jeff Barnett loves to sing and he joins Bonnie G. and Brayan Mendoza on this episode of The Desert Scene. They discuss Jeff's extensive musical career, risks, love, and he provides a preview for his upcoming performance at Runway in Cathedral City in January.

Wine Master David Fraschetti joins Bonnie G and Brayan Mendoza to discuss his 2nd annual Pinot Noir Festival on January 8th in Palm Springs. He shares his passion for Pinot Noir, and how this event came to town. Tickets are available by CLICKING HERE.