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Michael Holmes’ Purple Room Palm Springs Reopens August 30

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

Michael Holmes’ Purple Room Palm Springs Reopens August 30

Hollywood Legend Marilu Henner Makes Her Purple Room Debut
Labor Day Weekend, September 2 & 3

www.purpleroompalmsprings.com

15 August 2022 – Palm Springs, CA:   Keep Palm and carry on! Starting Tuesday, August 30, Michael Holmes’ Purple Room in Palm Springs (www.purpleroompalmsprings.com) is back with all your revered favorites plus some rising new stars, and that’s just on the cocktail menu!  Throughout September enjoy jazz legend Rose Mallett on Tuesdays & Thursdays with Darci Daniels & Charles Herrera serving up classic Rat Pack Era stylings on Wednesdays. And, of course, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, the Desert’s best and most generous Happy Hour rules over Frank’s Bourbon Bar with no cover, 4pm – 6pm.

“We’re looking forward to really roaring into the ‘20s,” said Michael Holmes, owner and manager of the iconic Desert hot spot, having bought and refurbished the storied venue in 2015. “It’s been a challenging couple of years, but like that song in Follies goes: We’re Still Here!”

After the opening week, things really get worked up for Labor Day Weekend, Friday & Saturday, September 2 & 3 when Hollywood legend Marilu Henner makes her Purple Room debut in her acclaimed cabaret show Music & Memories that was such a smash at New York’s 54 Below. With the energy of a teenager, the wisdom of a sage, and the memory of a superhero, the star of “Taxi,” “Evening Shade,” and “Gettin’ the Band Back Together” takes you on a journey through her decades long career filled with Broadway shows, movies, two hit sitcoms, and three husbands! Hilarious and heartfelt, this is an evening you won’t forget!

Friday, September 9 Verve recording artist and Hollywood “It Girl” Brenna Whitaker returnsto the Purple Room with her signature sound and powerful vocals in an evening of jazz standards and classics from the American Song Book including songs made famous by Peggy Lee, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and more. Whitaker will also perform selections from her self-titled album released by Verve Records and her newest album recorded in Nashville.

On Saturday, September 10, another Purple Room Premiere as beloved American Idol finalist Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon takes our audience on a beautiful musical journey from his humble beginnings in Baltimore to his electrifying performances and “coming out” story as Top-6 finalist on the 17th Season of American Idol. Accompanying himself at the piano and with guitar, Harmon performs audience favorites from American Idol, songs that inspired his journey from Leonard Cohen to Fleetwood Mac, and his new original music set for release this year.  You won’t want to miss this. To quote Sir Elton John: “Jeremiah’s performance took my breath away.” 

Now, sit back for one of the Purple Room’s most popular artists, returning for the first time in more than two years for one show only on Friday, September 16: Clint Holmes in his Peter Allen tribute“Between the Moon and New York City”. The Grammy nominee is the consummate entertainer, writer, performer, recording artist, and one of the country’s finest vocalists. As the show’s director Will Nunziata says: “Clint is peerless when it comes to his acting, singing, and storytelling, and he also has a danger about him. Clint enters the stage and the molecules of the theatre change.” 

Saturday, September 17 get ready to rock with Palm Springs’ favorite Scot Bruce in his acclaimed show Elvis: The Early Years – a rollicking, uncanny trip through the legendary songs of the King himself. As close as you can get to Elvis without visiting Graceland.

Beloved singer / songwriter Chadwick Johnson returns “home” to the Purple Room on Friday, September 23 in celebration of his new album ‘Unbreakable‘. Chadwick weaves together a message of love and resilience with both modern and classic songs from the Great American Songbook.  With the voice of an angel, and the artistry of a master storyteller, Chadwick creates soul stirring compositions that unearth the complexities of the human experience.  On Saturday & Sunday September 24 & 25, things get campy when New York City’s legendaryLady Bunny brings her new show “The Greatest Ho on Earth!” for a night of “udder mayhem” and filthy fun. A talented comedienne, actress and singer, Ms. Bunny has graced your TV screen on shows like Sex and the City and RuPaul’s Drag U, and she is the emcee and creator of Wigstock, the outrageous drag festival of drag and music which electrified New Yorkers every Labor Day for over 20 years. For “The Greatest Ho On Earth”, Ms. Bunny will titillate and maybe even traumatize you! Audiences can expect a hilarious night of comedy, storytelling and song. Armed with her glitzy outfits, sky-high wigs and razor-sharp wit, Lady Bunny will have you laughing uproariously in the Desert.  NOTE: This show has mature content. No audio or video recording or social media postings will be allowed during the show.

The Purple Room closes out the month on Friday, September 30 as Broadway Barbara returns to Palm Springs for her Purple Room debut following a string of raucous, sold out shows in London, Los Angeles, and New York City! Everything’s Coming Up Barbarais the definitive Barbara Dixon experience, packed full of songs, stories, and (if you’re lucky) a Fosse dance move or two. You won’t believe your eyes (or ears) as Barbara over-shares her way through a whirlwind tour of her life and career, with ribald show biz tales and comedic interpretations of classic Broadway tunes.   Leah Sprecher, as the fictional Barbara Dixon, satirizes the autobiographical cabaret shows of song-and-dance broads like Elaine Stritch, Liza Minnelli and Barbara Cook in this uniquely hilarious show. 

Winner of NBC’s The Voice Alisan Porter makes her Purple Room debut on October 1 and then hang onto your swizzle sticks as the legendary Marilyn Maye returns for three shows October 7, 8 & 9. Another Purple Premiere takes place October 14 & 15 withNiki Haris in Simply Classic in which this former Madonna backup artist owns the stage in a tour-de-force of popR&Bdance music and jazz. The high energy quintet Black Market Trust, Desert favorites, return October 21 & 22. On Sunday, October 23  (and again on November 20), Palm Springs JUMP! pays tribute to the legendary stars who called Palm Springs home or performed in Palm Springs — from Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby to Lucille Ball, Keely Smith, Elvis Presley, Sonny & Cher and many more featuring the talents of veteran singers Charles Herrera, Darci Daniels and Michael Holmes, plus the musical flair of Palm Springs celebrated pianist, Joel Baker. 

Finally, no tricks, but a real treat on Halloween weekend for three shows, Friday, Saturday & Sunday, October 28, 29 & 30 the unforgettable and unstoppable cabaret and stage superstar Sam Harris in Openly Gray! What a great way to kick off Pride Week in Palm Springs! November 4 & 5 brings a bundle of cuddly cabaret royalty back to our stage with the incomparable Christine Andreas whose Manhattan performances at Feinstein’s/54 Below had the NY Times accusing her of “electrifying her audiences, transforming them with pure alchemy and delicately killing with the sheer beauty of her voice.” 

On November 11 & 12, Amanda McBroom returns to the fabulous Purple Room (her Palm Springs home away from home), with her amazing musical director, Michele Brourman, in an evening of her very favorite songs covering the musical galaxy, from standards by such greats as Cole Porter, Stephen Sondheim, Jaques Brel and Joanie Mitchell, to brand-new  McBroom tunes…with a few Amanda classics thrown in for good measure, of course. Amanda McBroom has been called “the greatest cabaret performer of her generation, an urban poet who writes like an angel and has a voice to match.” Her name first came to the attention of the music public when Bette Midler’s version of Amanda’s song THE ROSE hit number one all over the world in 1979. 

Described by The New York Times as a “one-of-a-kind performer who combines the sass of a classic blues mama with the skill of a Broadway star,” Lillias White brings her “glorious” voice and “slightly superhuman” ability to communicate the heart of a song (The New York Times) to her Purple Room debut for two performances November 18 & 29. Her turn in Cy Coleman’s Broadway musical, The Life, won her the TONY® Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical.

The Holidays officially start on Friday, November 25 (and again on December 23) with Scot Bruce in Elvis’s Blue Suede Christmas followed on Saturday, November 26 with the suave, crowd pleaser Jonathan Karrant, returning to the Purple Room for the release of his special new Holiday album, a collaboration with The Joe Alterman Trio.On December 2 & 3, raise your glasses and drop your pants for the very naughty and very nice The Skivvies: Sleigh My Name, a night of eclectic seasonal tunes and comedic, genre-hopping mashups. Lauren Molina and Nick Cearley not only strip down the arrangements on cello, ukulele, glockenspiel and melodica, they literally strip down to their underwear as they perform. 

Always a sensation, the incomparable and loveable Diane Schuur returns for two shows, December 9 & 10, with her show “Happy Birthday, Deedles!” in reference to her childhood nickname.  Schuur captures the essence of Dinah Washington on her newest album with a reflective version of Washington’s well-known “This Bitter Earth.” Co-produced by Schuur and Grammy winning saxophonist Ernie Watts, the project entitled Running On Faith features Schuur’s piano performance throughout.

Handsomely attired and talented to boot, Branden & James with special guest Effie Passero from Postmodern Jukebox return to The Purple Room after their wildly successful festive shows last season. Come fill your spirit with the holiday season as the three powerhouse performers present classic Holiday songs, as well as some lesser-known carols and feel good hits! Youtube sensation Jonah Wei-Haas will join on the keys.

“It’s a season to put into your stocking and hang it up for Santa,” Holmes laughs. “As always, the Purple Room staff – front of house, back of house, onstage, off, in the wings, in the kitchen and behind the cocktail shakers say Thank You! 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 – six 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.

www.purpleroompalmsprings.com

A Community Dialogue to discuss renovation and programming at the Castro Theatre

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

WHO: Another Planet Entertainment hosts

WHAT: A Community Dialogue to discuss renovation and programming at the Castro Theatre

# Details Below

WHERE: The Castro Theatre: 429 Castro Street

 San Francisco

WHEN: Thursday, August 11: 6pm – 7:30pm

(doors open at 5pm)

COVID: Vaccination & masking recommended but not required.

WHY:
Another Planet Entertainment is partnering with Bay Properties, Inc. / The Nasser Family, builder and owners of the Castro Theatre, on an evolution and preservation of San Francisco’s world-renowned entertainment and LGBTQ community landmark. With a long-standing history of working to preserve and improve historic buildings such as the Fox Theater in Oakland, the Greek Theatre in Berkeley and the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco, Another Planet seeks to enhance the Castro Theatre by implementing significant improvements to the sound, lighting, production, HVAC and the theatre’s trademark marquee, among other facets of the building: all of this, always, with an eye to honoring its unique place in the lives of the Castro and celebrating its communities and residents.

This community dialogue will present plans for the renovation from architects and historic preservationists working with Another Planet in addition to updates on the timing of the project. Additionally, community members and stakeholders will be present to ask questions and voice their opinions.

DETAIL: ##
5 PM Doors open. Brief tours available, first come – first served
6 PM Welcome by Bevan Dufty
6:05 PM Video Presentation from Another Planet Entertainment
6:15 PM Presentation by the Castro Theatre Conservancy
6:20 PM Presentation by the LGBTQ Cultural District
6:25 PM Presentation by Christopher Wasney, CAW Architects
6:30 PM Audience Q&;A by Slido*
7:30 PM Closing Remarks

Q & A AVAILABILITY with:

● Mary Conde | Senior Vice President, Another Planet Entertainment

● Dan Serot | Vice President of Business Affairs, Another Planet Entertainment

● Christopher Wasney, FAIA | CAW Architects (Lead Architect)

● Elisa Skaggs, AIA & Carolyn Kiernat, AIA | Page & Turnbull (Preservation Architects)

*SLIDOTo encourage a more efficient Q&;A and discussion, Slido will be utilized to field questions and comments during the community meeting. At the start of the meeting, information on how to access the unique Slido event will be displayed. Users will just need to go to slido.com on their smartphone, input the event code (to be distributed at the meeting), and submit their questions and comments directly. No app download required. Users will be able to view and upvote their favorite questions or comments. Submitted questions and comments will be addressed by the speakers. There will be on-site support to access and utilize this functionality.

Grand Central Palm Springs Heats Up Special Event Offerings

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

Grand Central Palm Springs
Heats Up Special Event Offerings in Cool Air-Conditioned Art Gallery Setting for Summer featuring groundbreaking work by local artist Lucia Grossberger Morales

Sunday & Monday: 7:30am – 3pm
Tuesday – Saturday: 7:30am – 9pm
New “Nibbles & Bites” Tapas Menu Daily 3pm – 5pm


NEW “Tequila Thursdays” offers wide range of
high end Mezcal food & drink

“It’s always Grand Central Time”
#GCT-PS

http://www.grandcentralpalmsprings.com/

9 August 2022 – Palm Springs, CA: EST? PST? What time is it? The answer at Palm Springs’ iconic Grand Central (www.grandcentralcafeps.com) is #GCT-PS. It’s always “Grand Central Time” for brunch, munch, lunch, dinner or the new “nibbles and bites” offerings at the restaurant that is, literally, at the center of everything in Palm Springs, smack dab in the middle of the classic downtown gathering spot, La Plaza. Starting this week,  “Tequila Thursdays” offers a wide range of  high end Mezcal food & drink.

“Palm Springs is now a year-year destination,” said Rita Capponi, founder and co-owner of Grand Central. “That means that Palm Springs is also a year-round food destination, so we’ve expanded our hours, and our offerings to meet the demand.”

With a patio, dining room and bar long known as the place “to see and be seen” by Palm Springs and Hollywood’s weekend glitterati, Grand Central also boasts a true “hidden gem”: its spacious special event space, complete with separate entrance, for the perfect Instagram-able wedding, bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner, birthday or business gathering. With a regular rotation of local artists, the “Art Gallery” special event space is quickly becoming a “go to” spot for this year’s post-worst-of-COVID Holiday parties.

“As they used to say at our namesake Grand Central Station in New York City, ‘meet us under the clock’,” said co-owner and founder John Diskin. “It may be the height of the summer, but we’re already seeing a real pick-up in bookings and inquiries for the Holiday Season, so call us now to reserve your spot.”

Currently, highlighted is the work of local artist Lucia Grossberger Morales, whose unique creations are based in her groundbreaking career at the forefront of personal computer graphics.

“I remember vividly in 1979 seeing my first Apple II computer,” recalls Lucia. “That night I dreamt that I was a ten-year-old boy walking on the shore, and embedded in the sand, I found a black box. When I opened the box, small dots of light danced in the night sky. When I woke up, I knew the computer would become my medium.”

In the ’80s, Lucia coauthored the Designer’s Tool Kit, a graphics program published by Apple Computer. Lucia’s software and artwork on the Apple II computer work are archived at the Rochester Museum of Play.

As computer technology exploded, Lucia innovatively used images, text, animation, and interactivity to tell her story of leaving her homeland at three to emigrate to the United States. In 1969, starting at sixteen, she returned to Bolivia. The experience was overwhelming. Lucia created a CD-ROM Sangre Boliviana that has been shown around the world and is stored in perpetuity at the National Library in Paris.  Lucia’s work can be seen online at www.Lgmanimation.com and www.lgmappleii.com.

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“As a LatinX artist, Lucia blends cutting-edge technology with themes of social justice and gender equality,” said Grand Central husband and wife team Rita and John. “This is exactly the sort of art and perspective we want to highlight and celebrate in our restaurant gallery space.”

In addition to its artistic backdrop, the spacious “Art Gallery” special event space can comfortably accommodate 150 for a seated dinner or over 200 for standing cocktail reception. Additionally, Grand Central is open for a full buyout of the restaurant with the “Art Gallery” room set up for dancing either with live music or a DJ.

What makes Grand Central Café Palm Springs unique?

“Our brunch is very much based on California cuisine with influences of the coffee cafe culture of Auckland, New Zealand, Dublin, Ireland and Melbourne, Australia,” John explains. “Our goal and our mission are to bring those flavors to Palm Springs.”

“For dinner, we expand our offerings to bring a fine dining experience in a more casual and relaxed environment,” says Rita, known for her personalized touch as hostess and creator of Grand Central’s iconic and seasonally-changing “Book Holiday Tree” in the main dining room. “Good food doesn’t have to be overly complicated, and lovely surroundings don’t have to be stuffy. At Grand Central, we stand for approachable elegance.”

Why the name Grand Central?

“In cities and train stations throughout the years, people have been meeting ‘under the clock’,” explains John. “Grand Central’s iconic clock is a reminder to take a breath. Take some time to relax and enjoy innovative food and drink at our table.”

“Most importantly,” reiterates Rita. “Take some time to be with family and friends.”


Grand Central opened in May of 2018 after extensive renovations to the previous Palm Springs Institution, Desmond’s Department Store. After sitting vacant for over a decade, owners and husband and wife, John and Rita, revitalized and reimagined the space as a place for friends to gather and share good conversation, great cocktails, and a wonderful meal. The space was updated to a modern open concept with a large opening to the kitchen that helps bring the restaurant to life and ensures a one-of-a-kind experience, voted “Best of the Valley” 2020 by the Desert Sun

#  # #

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Below is Grand Central’s “Tequila Thursdays” special menu:
Tequila & Mezcal inspired drinks and food

 

DINNER
Yucatán Steak
Steak, asparagus, rice served with a Mezcal mole sauce $29
 
Chipotle Tequila Shrimp
Penne pasta, chipotle tequila sauce, shrimp, bell peppers, onions and garlic bread $24

COCKTAILS
Mexican Candy Shot   $8
 
Thai Basil Margarita
Tequila blanco, Thai basil, agave, lime $14
 
Spicy Mango Margarita
Blanco tequila, mango juice, lime, agave, chili ancho liqueur, mescal float  $14
 
Pineapple Mescalita
Mezcal, pineapple, lime, agave $14
 
Prickly Pear Paloma
Tequila reposado, dry curacao, lime, grapefruit, prickly pear $14
 

TEQUILA
Arette Reposado  $12
Cada Dia Reposado  $12
Casamigos Blanco  $16
Casamigos Repsado  $17
Casamigos Anejo  $18
Codigo Teq Anejo 1530  $40
Corzo Silver   $12
Fortaleza Anejo  $18
Fortaleza Blanco Still   $14
Fortaleza Blanco   $14
Fortaleza Reposado   $15
Grand Mayan Reposado  $18   
Mezcal Amaras Cupreata   $14
Mezcal Verde   $9
Patron Silver   $14
Revel Reposado   $19

*     *       *        *

New Nibbles & Bites Menu
Tuesday – Saturday, 3pm – 5pm

CRISPY BRUSSELS SPROUTS  
Cotija Cheese, Pomegranate Seeds, Bacon,
Lemon Shallot Vinaigrette $7
 
MEXICO CITY STREET TACOS
Two Street Tacos, Barbacoa    $7

GOAT CHEESE SALAD  
Panko Crust, Mixed Greens, Parmesan, Cherry Tomatoes, Lemon-Shallot Vinaigrette  $7
 
SHISHITO PEPPERS
Japanese Shishito Peppers, Corn, Sour Cream, Tajin $8
 
LEMON GRASS CHICKEN DUMPLING
Chicken Dumpling, Shoyu Sauce, Sauce, Arugula & Carrot  $9

COCONUT SHRIMP  
Ginger-Jalapeño Honey Mustard, Sweet Chile Sauce  $10

AHI POKE BOWL
Steamed White Rice, Seaweed Salad, Avocado, Sprouts, Cucumber, Carrot, Edamame, Ginger Shoyo Soy   $10
 
AHI TUNA WONTON NACHOS
Avocado, Pineapple-Mango Salsa, Serrano $10
 
FLATBREADS CHEF’S CHOICE  
Changes Daily Depending on the Market $10
(Sourdough Flatbread Dough by ‘Bread and Flours’ Palm Springs based Artisan Micro-Bakery)

SHORT RIB SLIDERS  
Two sliders, Pretzel Bun, Creamy Horseradish, Sauté Onions, Natural Au Ju, Fries $12
 
GRAND CENTRAL BURGER  
8oz Ground Australian Grass-fed Wagyu on Brioche Bun with Fries 19
Add Sautéed Mushrooms +$2, Cheese +$2, Bacon +$3

Draft   $6
GC Blonde  
Stem Hard Cider   
Almanac IPA
Laguna Baja    

GCPS House Wine Program $8
Alias Sauvignon Blanc,
Alias Chardonnay, Napa Valley CA 
Alias Pinot Noir, Napa Valley CA 
Alias Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley CA




Friday, September 16 “Our Night: A Community Cabaret” at Castro TheatreHighlights Local LGBTQ Artists

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

Friday, September 16 “Our Night: A Community Cabaret” at Castro Theatre
Highlights Local LGBTQ Artists

Headprint House – a queer creative space and community with the mission of spotlighting local LGBTQ+ artists, performers and creators – produces first of planned events with
LGBT Center’s Queer Vibes Partnership

8 August 2022 – San Francisco. On Friday, September 16, Another Planet Entertainment, stewards of the landmark and iconic LGBTQ space, the Castro Theatre, kick off a new partnership with local queer cultural group, Headprint House: Our Night, A Community Cabaret. Tickets range from $20 – $75 and may be purchased online at the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/headprint-house-and-the-castro-theatre-present-our-night-tickets-348468076397

The evening will benefit beauty, health & wellness programming specifically for the trans community of San Francisco, in partnership with the SF LGBT Center. The evening will commence at 6:30pm with a VIP pre-show party. Doors will open for general admission at 7pm, with showtime at 8pm.  

“Another Planet Entertainment is kicking off this continuing series of events, supporting local LGBTQ+ organizations and artists, in a place beloved by the whole community, the Castro Theatre,” said Mary Conde, Vice President for Another Planet who is in charge of the overall Castro Theatre Project. “Headprint House has created meaningful relationships with local performers and artists through their own events and experiences. We’re honored to partner with them to help create this opportunity at the Castro.”

 The lineup for “Our Night: A Community Cabaret” includes:

“I want to thank Another Planet Entertainment for providing the iconic Castro for this incredible night, and working with us to produce future events,” said Jessie Sunday of Headprint House. “The Castro Theatre will highlight an incredible evening of Drag Kings, Queens, Burlesque, Fashion and Artists. Plus, an artist pop-up market will kick off the night, spotlighting local creators in the theatre’s mezzanine. Sip complimentary cocktails and shop small to support our community!”

Sponsors for “Our Night: A Community Cabaret” include: 

  • Barb, a local LGBTQ owned company and community that creates and provides styling products for folks with short hair.
  • Equator Coffee: the famed award-winning LGBTQ fairtrade Bay Area coffee company
  • June Shine: an advocate and ally of LGBTQ experiences in partnership with Headprint House


Taking over management of the LGBT and film landmark Castro Theatre earlier this year, Another Planet has quickly put in place a series of signature events, including the annual Frameline Festival, which returned to the Castro for the first time since the onset of the COVID pandemic, June 13 – 26. On May 22, Another Planet sponsored the annual screening of the Academy Award winning documentary “The Times of Harvey Milk” and the debut of “The Ruth Brinker Story” chronicling the life and legacy of the Project Open Hand founder. On May 15, Another Planet returned another community favorite, “The Sound of Music Sing-a-Long” to the venue, with future sing-a-longs to part of the schedule.  June 3 – 12 saw a special celebration of films from each of the Castro Theatre’s 10 decades.  Later in the year, community favorites such as Peaches Christ and the annual “Home for the Holidays” Concert with Donna Sachet and the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus are planned.

Another Planet Entertainment is partnering with Bay Properties, Inc., owners of the Castro Theatre, on an evolution and preservation of San Francisco’s world-renowned entertainment and LGBTQ community landmark. With a long-standing history of working to preserve and improve historic buildings such as the Fox Theater in Oakland, the Greek Theatre in Berkeley and the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco, Another Planet seeks to enhance the Castro Theatre by implementing significant improvements to the sound, lighting, production, HVAC and the theatre’s trademark marquee, among other facets of the building: all of this, always, with an eye to honoring its unique place in the lives of the Castro and celebrating its communities and residents.

SCRIBBLINGS – August, 5 2022

SCRIBBLINGS – August, 5 2022

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                                                    From Bill Miller 

Jul 2022

Above:  Docking the United States (1957)

Mon Jul 18th Fond Farewell:  A familiar face in New York harbor, the pilot boat New York has been replaced and is going off to scrappers in Boston.

Below:  Our good & kind friend Capt Justin Zizes caught the Carnival Magic at Pier 90, New York on a summer’s morning – offloading passengers & then off on a weeklong cruise to Bermuda

Tue Jul 19th Added Luxury!  Royal Caribbean Group today announced it has received court approval to acquire the ultra-luxury cruise ship Endeavor. Originally delivered to Crystal Cruises in 2021, the ship will be renamed Silver Endeavour when it officially joins the Group’s wholly owned subsidiary, Silversea Cruises’ fleet, this month.

Job Complete!   Vincent Cassea & I met today to organize the final corrections for our book They Taught Us Well, memories of teachers past & present in our hometown of Hoboken.   The completed work is due out this fall from the Hoboken Historical Museum.  Meanwhile, with my work hat in place, I am busily scribbling & assembling yet another new book:   British Liners of the 1950s & 60s in Colour.

Wed Jul 20th   Backlash! There seems to be protests – or at least objections – to almost everything these days.  The travel business is no exception – and this includes the cruise trade.   

The cruise industry appears to be booming with 99% of ships sailing and with demand way up since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, the end of the CDC’s reporting program for ships, and the cessation of many of the vaccination protocols both on ships and in ports of call.

However, cruise lines now find themselves up against a rising tide of anti-cruise sentiment in Europe. Protesters are confronting passengers in some ports as the tourists disembark for shore excursions. The protesters complain about the crowds brought by the ships which are perceived as overwhelming the streets of cities like Dubrovnik, Venice, and Barcelona while spending very little money on food, goods, and services in those same locales.

Protests broke out in Norway this week at five different ports of call, with protesters confronting cruise passengers protesting the “environmental and social damage” caused by cruising. The protests are led by the anti-cruise group CruiseNotwelcome. Protesters and academics alike argue the cruise industry is a major source of environmental pollution. Posters in the Norwegian ports of call point out the cruise ships are registered under foreign flags, pay no local taxes, and flood the streets of the port towns.