Author: Alfredo Casuso

media contact: DP&A, Inc/ David Perry (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com

There’s a Lot to be Thankful For at 
Michael Holmes’ Purple Room this Month

Starting Monday, November 8, The Purple Room is Open 7 Days a Week

Special Thanksgiving Day Menu & Live Jazz

“The Judy Show! Old Fashioned Christmas” Starts November 28

Iconic Palm Springs Cabaret & Supper Club Requires Proofs of Full COVID Vaccination for All Guests and Employees

8 November 2021 – Palm Springs, CA: From more than 500 days of “no shows” Michael Holmes ‘ iconic Purple Room in Palm  Springs has roared back to “nightly shows”. Starting tonight, Monday, November 8, the legendary venue is live with full dinner and bar seven nights a week. Mondays will feature Charles Herrera and Keisha ‘D performing timeless classics that will warm the soul. Jazz and Blues focus continues on Tuesdays with Rose Mallett. Wednesdays swing with Michael Holmes and Darci Daniels and their music of the Rat Pack era. Jazz, Broadway and ‘60s pop takes the stage Thursdays with Sharon Sills. 

“Who needs a day off,” laughs Holmes who purchased the historic cabaret in 2015 and restored it to its full mid-century modern glamour. “During the darkest days of COVID we wondered when-and-if we’d ever open again. Now, through the generosity and support of our loyal audience, we’re bursting at our calendar seams. We couldn’t be happier to be peddling fast.”

The rest of November is just as hot: Friday & Saturday, November 12 & 13 it’s a true “sister act” with Ann Hampton Callaway and Liz Callaway in “Sibling Revelry”. Then, for three performances, Thursday, Friday & Saturday, November 19, 20 & 21 it’s the one-and-only Marilyn Maye. Friday, November 26, Scot Bruce’s  “Blue Suede Christmas” is an Elvis show like none other. And, of course, every Sunday it’s “The Judy Show!” with Holiday guise, “Judy’s Old Fashioned Christmas”decking the halls starting November 28. Not one to skimp on a celebration, on Thanksgiving Day, the Purple Room is offering a special dinner with traditional fare to warm your hearts with a side of hot jazz from the Mark Kahny Trio.

“Another highlight – for one show only on Saturday, November 27 – is the suave and elegant Jonathan Karrant with his show “Lush Life” featuring classics from the Great American Songbook,” Holmes notes. “Not only performing songs from the golden age of music,  Jonathan puts his fresh and jazzy twist on tunes made popular in the ‘70s and ‘80s.”

Some of the selections for the evening on November 27 will be from Jonathan’s newest album Shadows Fall, which was released this year. It reached # 4 on the iTunes Jazz Charts plus # 2 on the American Community Radio Charts. Jonathan’s warm, rich voice soulfully wraps around and pulls the listener into the lyric. At the same time you’re sure to get a kick out of his charming quick wit and humor.

“Indeed, we have much for which to be thankful thisHoliday Season,” Holmes sums up. “On behalf of everyone at the Purple Room – front of house, back of house, kitchen, onstage and backstage, thank you for your support. We’ll see you at the bar.”

About Michael Holmes’ Purple Room
The sophistication and glamour of the Rat Pack era comes alive at Michael Holmes’ Purple Room, the desert’s premier supper club.  Tucked away in the Club Trinidad Hotel, The Purple Room is where Frank, Sammy, Dean, and their pals cavorted on and off the stage in the swinging 60s. Step in and you’ll be transported back to the elegance of the era:  an intimate and inviting room, classic cocktails with a modern twist, world-class cuisine, and the best in live entertainment – seven nights a week!  Hobnob with celebrities, locals, and visitors alike at Michael Holmes’ Purple Room — where Palm Springs plays!  Michael Holmes’ Purple Room Supper Club can accommodate any type of event from Birthday celebrations to Anniversary parties to corporate buyouts. For parties of 10 or more, please call (760) 322-4422.  The Purple Room requires proof of full vaccination for all guests and employees. Additionally, masks will also be required to enter and move about the club but may be removed at table while eating and drinking.  

Holiday Shopping Season Kicks Off in Union Square

Holiday favorites return including the Holiday Ice Rink, Macy’s Great Tree, Santa, and the Bill Graham Menorah

3 November 2021 — San Francisco: Union Square is excited to welcome shoppers back this holiday season. With a mix of festive only-in-Union Square activities including the Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square and the Macy’s Great Tree, Bill Graham Menorah, in addition to world-class luxury shopping, Union Square San Francisco has something to offer everyone visiting us this holiday season.

“Union Square, already the crown jewel of San Francisco, comes to life during the holidays in a way that captures the spirit of our City like no other,” says Union Square Alliance Executive Director Marisa Rodriguez. “Visitors and San Franciscans alike can find the warmth and joy of people gathering from every corner of the globe during the holidays in Union Square. Come visit us and share in the experience of a classic San Francisco hallmark.”

Read the full press release here and also attached:

https://www.visitunionsquaresf.com/news/holiday-shopping-season-kicks-union-square

Media contact:  DP&A, Inc. / David Perry / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com

Travel With Pride and Paint Your Home in Rainbow Lights to Win!

2^nd Annual “Light Up The Night” At Home!

Double contests celebrate all-inclusive love with travel prizes from Alaska Airlines and VACAYA LGBT+ Vacations

Deadline to Enter Contests: 

Business / Thursday, November 4 at midnight; 
Home / Friday, November 5 at midnight

3 November 2021 – Palm Springs, CA: It’s almost time for Palm Springs Pride and residents and businesses are invited to decorate their storefront, home or apartment for the 2nd annual Light Up the Night contest presented by Alaska Airlines. KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs, Gay Desert Guide and VACAYA LGBT+ Vacations are sponsoring the contest on social media.  The deadline to enter the business contest is Thursday, November 4 at midnight; for the “at home” competition, the entry deadline is Friday, November 5 at midnight. 

“Palm Springs is known for its iconic, mid-century modern homes,” says Palm Springs Pride Executive Producer Ron De Harte. “We’re also known as the gayest and most welcoming city in America. This ‘light up your home’ with pride colors project will showcase that to the world.”

“Palm Springs Pride will be the first, and only, Pride Parade and Festival held fully since the start of the pandemic,” said Brad Fuhr, owner of KGAY Radio. “As always, our generous travel partners Alaska Airlines and VACAYA LGBT+ Vacations have stepped up and shown us their true colors and support for our community. So, get out those pink bulbs and rainbow LEDs and light up the night!”

The first contest is for businesses to create a store window display using pink and rainbow lights — and their creativity — to welcome visitors to Greater Palm Springs Pride.  The winning business will receive air travel for two to the Alaska Airlines destination of their choice. The second contest will follow for the “home edition” where participants can “Light Up the Night” at home for a chance to win a VACAYA LGBT+ Vacation for two to the Caribbean and air travel on Alaska Airlines.

To enter, people need to take a photo of their completed display, using the hashtags #ILoveGayPalmSprings AND #LightUptheNight from their Facebook or Instagram page. Their home, or business, will then be entered in the contest which runs now Friday, November 5 at midnight. One entry will be selected and that entrant will receive the roundtrip air travel for two on Alaska Airlines. To enter to go:

https://gleam.io/56DyY/light-up-the-night-business-edition-palm-springs-pride-2021 (Business Contest).

https://gleam.io/jmcKB/light-up-the-night-for-palm-springs-pride-win-a-vacaya-lgbt-vacation (At home contest sponsored by Vacaya), One entry per address allowed. No purchase necessary.

For more information, contact: 

Ron deHarte, 760-416-8711 

Ron@pspride.org 

Web site: www.pspride.org 

Palm Canyon Drive Comes Alive with Global Rainbow Art Installation 

Lighthouse Dispensaries Underwrites Laser Light Installation 

October 28, 2021, Palm Springs, CA.  In addition to the Palm Springs Pride Festival entertainment lineup, including headliners Third Eye Blind, Jody Watley, and A Flock of Seagulls, the Greater Palm Springs Pride organization announced the festival would boast a spectacular art installation. American artist Yvette Mattern’s Global Rainbow, a laser light sculpture, will be presented by Lighthouse Dispensary Palm Springs and Coachella. The large-scale public laser light installation will be a featured attraction during the Pride weekend festivities.  

The work aims to celebrate diverse communities and symbolize hope and peace. Seven rays of laser light representing the spectrum of the seven colors of a rainbow will originate from high above Palm Canyon Dr. At Amado Rd. The colors used in Mattern’s work are the same colors found in the Gilbert Baker rainbow flag, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. The exhibition’s west coast premiere will run two consecutive nights, beginning November 5, 2021. 

“Lighthouse Dispensary Palm Springs & Coachella are proud sponsors for the 2021 Greater Palm Springs Pride Festival. Carrying various LGBTQIA+ owned & operated brands, we also work with local artists and curators to showcase art installations throughout the year in-store, supporting diversity while promoting inclusion as part of our core values,” said Kadey Garner purchaser & inventory manager for the Palm Springs Lighthouse. 

The artwork will utilize specially designed lasers to project a large-scale abstraction of a natural rainbow. The seven parallel laser light beams will hover above Palm Canyon Drive as far as the eye can see until they finally diminish to a colorful glow over South Palm Canyon. 

President of Palm Springs Pride, Ron deHarte, says, “We have followed Yvette Mattern’s work for years and hoped one day her Global Rainbow would be featured at Palm Springs Pride. We are grateful to have the support for this installation from Lighthouse Dispensaries. Their support of the arts has made it possible for the Global Rainbow debut in Palm Springs.” 

The installation will come to life during the free Coming Out Celebration from 5 pm to 10:15 pm on Palm Canyon Dr at Amado. Evening entertainment includes headliner Jody Watley, Jeanie Tracey, and Shannon. Jason Stuart will host appearances by SAG-AFTRA members including Robin Tyler, Selene Luna, and Suwon Weaver. Bella da Ball will also host and present Charles Herrera, Steven Michael’s Dance Machine, Sassy Ross, and the LA DJ duo, The Perry Twins.

A fundraising VIP pre-event cocktail reception is presented by Southwest Airlines and supported by US Bank and Hyatt Palm Springs. Benefiting the 501c(3) Palm Springs Pride organization, tickets are available online for $45 and include a hosted bar from Effen Vodka, Makers Mark, and Sipsmith. Tickets at https://www.universe.com/comingout .

ABOUT GREATER PALM SPRINGS PRIDE 

Greater Palm Springs Pride (www.pspride.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community enhancement organization founded to promote the public education and awareness of individual rights and civil liberties of the LGBTQ community and to promote its history, diversity, and future prosperity.  Palm Springs Pride has been a tireless advocate for equality and diversity since the first Coachella Valley Pride event in 1986. 

The organization brings together a diverse community’s skills, talents, and vision through programs that include the Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast, Pride Honors Awards, OUT PSP, a food and drink event, the Pride Parade, Pride Festival, Cesar Chavez Breakfast, and Community Leadership Council.   

Palm Springs Pride Week is scheduled for November 1-7, 2021. For more information about Greater Palm Springs Pride, visit www.pspride.org. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/palmsprings.pride. 

#PALMSPRINGSPRIDE 

#ILOVEGAYPALMSPRINGS 

#ILOVEGAY 

#VISITPALMSPRINGS 

#PSPRIDE 

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Media contact: David Perry & Associates, Inc. (415) 676-7007 / news@andresdavidperry-com

Manny’s Celebrates Three Year Anniversary on Monday, November 8 With a Carnival!

Community Space and Café for Fostering Community Dialogue To Focus on Expanding Democratic Majorities in the House and Senate for 2022 Midterms Next Year

26 October 2021 – San Francisco, CA: One year since the election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris and one year to go until the mid-term elections, Manny’s celebrates its third birthday on Monday, November 8 in political circus ringleader fashion. (3092 16th Street at Valencia, San Francisco www.welcometomannys.com)

“We are marking our third anniversary in style with our first ever political carnival! It will be exactly one year out from the 2022 midterm elections and what better way to call attention to it then with a live petting zoo, balloon animals, cotton candy, dunk tank with local politicians and political drag,” says Manny Yekutiel, 31, who founded and runs the eponymous community engagement space and café. “Come celebrate and get ready to get involved over the next year!” 

In attendance for the dunk tank will be Supervisor Myrna Melgar, Supervisor Hillary Ronen, Supervisor Matt Haney, Former Supervisor David Campos, President of the Small Business Commission Sharky Laguana, and President of the Entertainment Commission Ben Bleiman.

Since opening its doors on Election Night 2018, Manny’s has become an epicenter of community involvement, dialogue and civic engagement having served over 50,000 people, staged over 1,000 events, donated space to more than 250 area nonprofits and charities and become “the Iowa of California” (KCBS Radio) by hosting 17 presidential candidates. Also, besides receiving copious media and public attention, Manny’s was recognized for his above-and-beyond achievements by the California State Senate as “Small Business of the Year.”
 

“In addition, the 2nd Annual Manny’s Doer Award will be given to a local unsung hero,” said Yekutiel noting that last year, the inaugural award went to Melba Maldonado from La Raza Community Resource Center.

“Creating a central place for folks to go to become better informed and more involved citizens, has been the core of our mission since the beginning,” said Yekutiel. “My father came to North America with 23 dollars in his pocket and little English, originally from Afghanistan. He pumped gas, sold coffee on the street of Sudbury in below freezing temperatures, and worked the assembly line at a refrigerator plant, eventually saving up enough to open up a restaurant with his brother. My mother’s family, immigrants from Poland and Russia, owned a small grocery store in Brooklyn. Small business is in my blood. I was raised in a small business household and I’m proud of the hard work that both of my parents set as an example.”  

“By the Numbers” About Manny’s 1st Three Years

• Over 75,000 cups of coffee and tea sold

• 50,000 people attended and engaged in our civic programming

• $200,000 raised for local non-profits

• 7,600 free cups of coffee and tea given out to those who can’t afford it

• 1254 people participated in Manny’s ‘pay if forward’ program to fund the above

• Over 1,000 civic events and gatherings hosted in the space

• 450 individual sponsors who support the space’s programming monthly

• Over 250 number of local organizations and non-profit given free or low cost space

• 23 Members of Congress have visited Manny’s

• 17 Presidential candidates have visited Manny’s

• 34 formerly homeless or incarcerated individuals now have full time job via Manny’s non-profit training kitchen

• 16 hours of continuous reading of the Mueller report at Manny’s

• 16 debate watch parties hosted in the space

• 3 years in operation

Manny’s is a people powered, community focused meeting and learning place in the heart of San Francisco that combines a restaurant, political bookshop, and civic events space. Manny’s goal: to create a central and affordable place to become a better informed and more involved citizen. Manny’s offers its events space to nonprofits, activists and civic organizations to spread their message and do their work as well as hosting its own civic and arts related programming. Manny’s kitchen is run by the non-profit, Farming Hope, which hires formerly homeless and formerly incarcerated individuals and trains them in the food skills needed to work in the restaurant industry.