Photo: Joshua Tree rocker Jesika von Rabbit has released her second solo album, Dessert Rock. Photograph by Jessica Janos/courtesy ReverberationsMedia.com
ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
California dreamin’ (Palm Springs Life)
Two years after taking charge of the Architecture and Design Center at Palm Springs Art Museum, curator Brooke Hodge fully embraces desert living.
FILM
Mexican director to receive Sonny Bono award (The Desert Sun)
Alfonso Cuarón, whose daring Spanish-language film, Roma, played to sold-out art houses over the Thanksgiving weekend, will receive the Sonny Bono Visionary Award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival’s Film Awards Gala.
IDEAS & ISSUES
Are VR and AR the future of live events? (Forbes)
Immersive technologies drive a deeper connection with audiences, creating powerful and memorable experiences. This expert says VR, AR, and MR integrations will win the hearts and minds of attendees and fans.
Art world acknowledges Native land rights (The Art Newspaper)
The act of land acknowledgement, which can be as simple as noting the tribes indigenous to the region out loud or in print, has been gaining traction among art dealers and organizations across the United States.
MUSIC
Empty Seat wins round one of CV Music Showcase (Coachella Valley Weekly)
The band won the first round of the monthly competition leading up to the finals on May 4, 2019, when the winners will receive $2,000 cash, studio time at Melrose Music, a photo shoot, more.
Down the rabbit hole (Palm Springs Life)
Joshua Tree songstress Jesika von Rabbit (shown above) sweetens the gritty desert rock scene with her latest CD.
See opera from the Met at Mary Pickford Theatre (Coachella Valley Weekly)
The Cathedral City movie theater has begun screening live performances of the award-winning Met Live in HD series, as well as Bolshoi on the Big Screen.
Rhythm, Wine & Brews Experience canceled for 2019 (The Desert Sun)
In a surprise announcement, the festival organizer said they had no other choice because the headline act canceled at the last minute.
Twenty years, one album, countless amazing shows (CV Independent)
Two decades ago, a group of friends who grew up together started a band called The Hellions. Still rocking, the band received the Best of Coachella Valley Legacy Award this month.
THEATER
Curtains up: theater preview (Palm Springs Life)
From thought-provoking comedies to warm and fuzzy musicals, there is much to see this theater season. Here’s a preview.
Broadway star sings and impersonates Melania Trump at museum benefit (The Desert Sun)
Laura Benanti’s impersonation of the first lady was a hit on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert as well as with the audience at the opening-night benefit at Palm Springs Art Museum’s Annenberg Theater.
Desert Rose Playhouse: the community’s theater (Palm Springs Life)
Robbie Wayne, the new artistic director and producer of Desert Rose Playhouse, spoke to Palm Springs Life about his plans for the theater and the importance of providing an outlet where people can perform.
VISUAL ART
Feast your eyes (Palm Springs Life)
Over the next few months, several large-scale art exhibitions — from Unsettled at Palm Springs Art Museum and Flight Plan at Sunnylands Center and Gardens to Desert X and the Joshua Treenial — offer wide-spanning perspectives on the desert. Here’s a primer.
‘Lines in the Sand’ offers fresh perspective on the lore and land of the desert (Palm Springs Life)
The season-long exhibition at Palm Springs Art Museum takes a deep dive into the history of the Coachella Valley, beginning with indigenous objects and spanning more than 100 years of impressionist, modern, and contemporary painting as well as photography and sculpture.
Sewing hope for Desert AIDS Project (Uken Report)
Sewing with Purpose, a Desert AIDS Project group that meets weekly to socialize and share their passion for sewing, has launched a new collection of locally handmade items to be sold at Revivals stores to benefit the nonprofit DAP.
Jerry Saltz’s 33 rules for how to make it as an artist (New York)
There are 33 rules — and they really are all you need to know to make a life for yourself in art, says the irreverent critic. Or 34, if you count “Always be nice, generous, and open with others and take good care of your teeth.” And No. 35: “Fake it till you make it.”
27 artists reveal the worst (and best) advice anyone every gave to them about being an artist (New York)
Critic Jerry Saltz has his 33 rules (see above). Here’s what 27 artists have to say.
