Modernism Week isn't just about architecture, it's about immersing yourself in the 'mid-century state' to celebrate the vibrancy of an era of massive cultural change.
The festival , held from February 16 to 26, includes everything from cocktails to rides on the brand's double-decker buses, as well as concerts and other entertainment.
Here's a list of mid-century themed entertainment to look out for during Modernism Week 2023. Tickets are available at modernismweek.com.
Right to Rock – Trini Lopez Tribute Show & Cocktail
Gund pays tribute to the late singer, 1960s rock legend and Palm Springs resident Trini Lopez. The show will feature the film The Dreamboats, an animation by mid-century modern artist SHAG, and more. The 2021 Palm Springs documentary My Name Is Lopez, directed by P. David Ebersol and Todd Hughes, will be screened to sold-out audiences at Mary Pickford's D'Place in Cathedral City as part of the American Documentary and Animation Festival. Lopez died in 2020 due to complications from COVID-19. The event will feature excerpts from the documentary and some of the singers' costumes.
When you go: February 17 at 5 p.m., Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristow Street, Palm Springs. 75 dollars
Samara joy – Jazz in Annenberg
Jazz singer Samara Joy is riding a wave of success as the genre captures a new generation of fans. On February 5, pop star Olivia Rodrigo presented him with the Best New Artist award at the Grammys, which he attended for the first time. Joy, 23, released her self-titled debut album in 2021, which she recorded while in college, releasing the song "Linger While." His second album earned him two Grammy nominations for Best New Artist and Jazz Album of the Year. Hear the Grammy winner live at the Annenberg Theater in this show, which also features the renowned Joey Jazz Trio.
If you go: February 19, 7 p.m., Annenberg Theater, Palm Springs Art Museum, 101 N. Museum Drive, Palm Springs. $65 to $85
Soul and R&B
Fans of '60s soul and R&B will love this set from Wild Records, which features The Aggrolites' Giselle and Jesse Wagner, plus Kiera Brie, aka Miss Kitty, backed by the 11-piece Groove Empire Orchestra. The performance will feature original songs and deep tracks.
When you go: February 22, 7 p.m., Cascade Room at Agua Caliente Casino in Palm Springs, 401 E. Amado Road, Palm Springs. From $15 to $65
Dexter Gordon's centenary
Jazzville at Agua Caliente Casino in Palm Springs will celebrate the late saxophonist Dexter Gordon's birthday with the Chuck Johnson Quintet. In the 1940s, Gordon was one of New York musicians such as Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie who pioneered the jazz subgenre known as "bebop".
When you go: February 23, 7 p.m., Cascade Room at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs, 401 E. Amado Road, Palm Springs. From $15 to $65
"Lizzy and the Triggermen" at Annenberg
Los Angeles jazz group Lizzy and the Triggermen was named a "10-song jazz sensation" by LA Weekly and "one of LA's best swing bands" by Good Day LA. Lizzie's band, The Triggermen, is a multi-generational group that includes members who have played with icons such as Wynton Marsalis and Benny Goodman. The music has a 1930s swing feel with modern themes.
If you go: 7 p.m., Feb. 25, Annenberg Theater, Palm Springs Art Museum, 101 N. Museum Drive, Palm Springs. $65 to $85
Desert Sun reporter Brian Blusky covers arts and entertainment. He can be reached at brian.blueskye@desertsun.com or on Twitter at @bblueskye.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Modernism Week: Musical Performances Inclusive Samara Joy, the Gand Band, and More.
