Media Contact:
David Perry / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com

“The Play’s the Thing”
Palm Springs Young Playwrights Festival Announces 2025 Winners
www.psypf.org

Winning Plays to Be Performed June 8 at Palm Springs Cultural Center

23 April 2025 – Palm Springs, CA:  “Never be afraid to sit a while and think.” The words of playwright Lorraine Hansberry remind us of the quiet power of reflection and storytelling. This spirit of thoughtful, bold creativity comes to life again as the Palm Springs Young Playwrights Festival (PSYPF) announces the two winning playwrights for its 2025 season: Kayla McCarty of Ramona High School for her play Seven, and Peyton Taylor of Valley View High School for The Kellogg Murders.

“Seven”, written by Kayla McCarty (18), Ramona High School, Riverside, explores the haunting stillness of purgatory, where seven souls must confront the weight of their sins. Only one can rise toward grace; the others descend into darkness.

“I’m honored to be participating in the 2025 Palm Springs Playwright Festival,” said McCarty, an incoming Acting BFA student at Carnegie Mellon University. “Being recognized for my work as a playwright, after years in musical theatre, is incredibly meaningful. ‘Seven’ came from a place of deep reflection—and I’m grateful for the chance to share it.”

“The Kellogg Murders”, by Peyton Taylor (17), Valley View High School, Moreno Valley, is a dark comedy in which jealous cereal mascots Corn Flakes and Wheaties embark on a revenge-fueled spree against their sugary competitors—until a determined investigator begins connecting the crumbs. Packed with outrageous characters and whip-smart satire, the play skewers brand culture and nostalgia with tongue firmly in cheek.

“I’ve loved every minute of theatre during my high school years, and experimenting with playwriting has been one of the most exciting parts,” said Taylor. “Even as I head to UCR to major in psychology, I never want to lose my connection to the stage. I’m so grateful to PSYPF for this opportunity.”

Each winner receives a $500 scholarship to support their artistic education, as well as professional mentorship from acclaimed writer and director Jack Kenny. Palm Springs resident and Hollywood veteran, Kenny brings a wealth of experience from Hollywood and Broadway to guide the young playwrights.

“These two young writers embody the fearless creativity and insight that define PSYPF,” said David Youse, Founder and Executive Director of the Festival. “Both ‘Seven’ and ‘The Kellogg Murders’ are wildly different yet equally compelling. One offers profound psychological and spiritual introspection. The other, a biting and hilarious satire. It’s thrilling to provide Kayla and Peyton with a platform—and a community—that will nurture their artistic growth.”

​A seasoned actor and producer, Youse has rich background in television and theater. He has guest-starred in over 30 television series, including recurring roles on Chicago Hope, The Days of Our Lives, Beverly Hills 90210, The Adventures of Brisco County Jr., and The Young and the Restless. He is notably remembered for his appearance on Criminal Minds, one of the highest-rated episodes of the series. His other television credits include Southland, Torchwood, Without a Trace, and Star Trek: Enterprise. In film, he is best remembered for The Broken Hearts Club, directed by Greg Berlanti.​

As a producer, Youse founded Four Things Productions, aiming to raise awareness and funds for various non-profit organizations through theater. His premiere production was a celebrity-driven staged reading of Larry Kramer’s The Normal Heart, directed by Academy Award winner Joel Grey, which inspired the 2010 Broadway revival. Other notable productions include Charles Busch as Katharine Hepburn in Matthew Lombardo’s Tea at Five and Robert Harling’s Steel Magnolias, directed by Judith Ivey. These productions have raised significant funds for charities such as The Ali Forney Center, The Goodman Special Care Clinic, The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and The Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center

Returning this year as a mentor is Jack Kenny, a name synonymous with storytelling across stage and screen. With a distinguished career that includes creating NBC’s The Book of Daniel and FOX’s Titus, running the hit Syfy series Warehouse 13, and writing for fan-favorites like Marvel’s Jessica Jones and Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, Kenny brings a wealth of experience from Hollywood’s frontlines. Kenny’s extensive Broadway and Off-Broadway acting experience, including performances in Fiddler on the Roof and The Normal Heart, combined with his Juilliard training and decades of television writing and directing, provides festival participants with mentorship that bridges every dimension of the theatrical arts.

“Theatre demands truth—immediate and unfiltered,” said Kenny. “Mentoring these young playwrights isn’t just about shaping their scripts; it’s about helping them find and trust their voice.”

The 2025 Palm Springs Young Playwrights Festival takes place Sunday, June 8, at 12:00 PM at the Palm Springs Cultural Center (2300 East Baristo Rd., Palm Springs, CA 92262). Tickets are $10 for general admission. Students admitted free. Tickets available at: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/6581051

The festival will be co-hosted by three past winners: Abigail Alldredge, Anthony Banuelos, and Erik Evans, continuing the festival’s tradition of fostering alumni engagement and mentorship.

The Palm Springs Young Playwrights Festival is dedicated to promoting creative writing in the theatrical form among elementary, middle, and high school students in Riverside County, CA. By offering mentorship, scholarships, and the opportunity for public staged readings, PSYPF invests in the next generation of storytellers, ensuring that diverse and fresh perspectives continue to enrich the world of theatre. For more information, submissions, and tickets, visit: www.psypf.org

Sponsors and Community Support:
The 2025 Premier Sponsor of PSYPF is The Cherry Lane Alternative. Leading sponsors include:

• Rowan Kimpton Hotel, Palm Springs – Peggy Trott, General Manager
• The Palm Springs Cultural Center
• City of Palm Springs
• The Riverside County Office of Education
• Paul Reid and Tom Hartnett
• Scott Poland and Eddie Nestlebush
• Jason Smith and Tom Valach

Instagram: @PSYPF

Media Contact: 

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

Tickets Now on Sale for International Pride Orchestra’s Pride Celebration Concert at Strathmore

Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC Joins Roster in Solidarity for a Powerful Night of Music, Advocacy, and Pride

22 April 2025 — Washington, D.C.: The International Pride Orchestra (IPO) today announced that tickets are now on sale for its highly anticipated one-night-only Pride Celebration Concert at the Strathmore Music Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Taking place on Thursday, June 5 at 7:30 p.m., the concert features an electrifying lineup of LGBTQ+ artists, with proceeds supporting Whitman-Walker, the D.C.-based healthcare and advocacy organization. 

The International Pride Orchestra unites LGBTQ+ musicians and allies from around the world to present concerts, celebrate community, and raise awareness for organizations that uplift the queer community. They will be joined on stage by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC (GMCW), a renowned ensemble that uses the power of music and education to inspire equality, promote justice, and affirm the dignity of all people.

“We are delighted and honored to join the International Pride Orchestra for this historic concert at Strathmore,” said GMCW’s Artistic Director Dr. Thea Kano. “Coming together in a space that uplifts our shared values and celebrates the unifying power of music makes this collaboration especially meaningful during WorldPride, as we honor the strength, resilience, and joy of the LGBTQ+ community.”

Presented as an official part of WorldPride DC and in partnership with Capital Pride Alliance, this landmark performance brings together artists, audiences, and advocates in support of Whitman-Walker. A part of the fabric of D.C. and a national leader in the LGBTQ+ community for more than 50 years, Whitman-Walker provides health and legal services to 20,000 patients each year and conducts lifesaving research focused on HIV, cancer, substance use, and other chronic illnesses.

Dr. Heather Aaron, CEO of Whitman-Walker Health System, and Naseem Shafi, Esq., CEO of Whitman-Walker Health, shared: “We thank the International Pride Orchestra and all the performers for sharing their talents in support of essential health care and lifesaving research. At a time when the services and research we provide to thousands of patients are at risk, it is more important than ever to be visible and united. The arts community has long been a steadfast ally, and we are especially honored to celebrate this ongoing partnership as our amazing city hosts WorldPride.”

The program will be led by a distinguished roster of conductors, including Bonnie Alger, Dr. Thea Kano, Robert Moody, and IPO founder Michael Roest. Together, they will lead the orchestra and chorus in a concert featuring works by Jennifer Higdon, Aaron Copland, George Gershwin, Clarice Assad, Matthew Felbein, Lynn Ahrens, Pax Ressler, and more.

San Francisco–based drag icon Peaches Christ will take the stage as host, bringing her razor-sharp wit and commanding presence. Featured guest artists include Thorgy Thor, the New York City–based violinist and drag superstar known for her appearances on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 8, All Stars Season 3, and TLC’s Dragnificent. Also appearing is acclaimed pianist Sara Davis Buechner, a celebrated soloist and passionate advocate for transgender visibility in the arts.

This concert marks the culmination of a weeklong festival filled with rehearsals and community-building events in queer spaces throughout Washington, D.C. At its core, IPO creates spaces where LGBTQ+ musicians can come together, connect, and belong — a spirit that has been central to the orchestra since its very first gathering.

“When IPO first came together in San Francisco two years ago, those first notes were life-changing,” said Luke Spence, General Manager and trumpet player. “For the first time, we could make music as our full, authentic selves. That kind of freedom shouldn’t feel rare — queer people deserve safety and visibility in every space. Today, in a time of rising hostility, IPO returns not just to celebrate, but to shine a spotlight on our community’s resolve.”

Tickets range from $35 to $75, with a portion of proceeds benefiting Whitman-Walker. For full ticketing details and artist updates, visit strathmore.org or internationalprideorchestra.org.

2025 Concert Details:

When: Thursday, June 5 at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Strathmore Music Center, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD

Tickets: $35-75 https://www.strathmore.org/events-tickets/in-the-music-center/international-pride-orchestra-gay-men-s-chorus-of-washington-dc/

Photos & Videos:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1axJKDAA_buqDMP2dGLRHOjhNR35i-RNx?usp=share_link

Pope Francis – Jorge Mario Bergoglio: 17 December 1936 – 21 April 2025

Papacy:  13 March 2013 – 21 April 2025

Upon the death of a pope, the Catholic Church initiates a series of time-honored rituals and procedures to honor the deceased pontiff and elect his successor. Here’s an overview of the protocol and timeline:

⸻

Immediate Steps After the Pope’s Death

1. Verification of Death: The Camerlengo (currently Cardinal Kevin Farrell) confirms the pope’s death by calling his baptismal name three times.  

2. Destruction of the Fisherman’s Ring: The Camerlengodestroys the “Ring of the Fisherman,” symbolizing the end of the pope’s authority.  

3. Sede Vacante: The period known as sede vacante (“the seat being vacant”) begins, during which the Camerlengo administers the day-to-day affairs of the Vatican.  

⸻

Funeral and Mourning Period

• Lying in State: The pope’s body lies in state at St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing, typically for three days.  

• Funeral: The funeral is held between the fourth and sixth day after death, often in St. Peter’s Square, and is attended by thousands, including world leaders.  

• Novendiales: A nine-day period of mourning, known as novendiales, follows the funeral.  

⸻

Election of a New Pope (Conclave)

• General Congregations: Cardinals gather for meetings to discuss the needs of the Church and potential candidates.  

• Timing: The conclave to elect a new pope begins 15 to 20 days after the pope’s death.  

• Eligibility: Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote; currently, there are 135 such cardinal electors.  

• Conclave Procedure:

• Held in the Sistine Chapel, cardinals are sequestered from the outside world.  

• Voting occurs up to four times daily.  

• A two-thirds majority is required to elect a new pope.  

• Ballots are burned after each voting session; black smoke indicates no decision, while white smoke signals the election of a new pope.  

• Announcement: Upon election, the new pope is introduced from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica with the proclamation “Habemus Papam” (“We have a pope”), followed by his first blessing.  

Review of “Kaleidoscope” by Isabel Dobarro. Textura April 2025

Isabel Dobarro: Kaleidoscope
Grand Piano

Kaleidoscope—an apt title for a panoramic solo piano collection featuring pieces by female composers from the United States, Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia. This richly rewarding and diverse set by Galician pianist Isabel Dobarro fittingly appears on Naxos’s Grand Piano imprint. On the release, she does her part to right historical and contemporary wrongs, specifically the underrepresentation of women composers in yesterday’s and today’s programmes. Among the twelve artists featured are Gabriela Ortiz, Tania León, Caroline Shaw, and Yoko Kanno, each figure the recipient of esteemed awards and honours. Inspirations for their pieces came from equally diverse sources, with Kanno’s Hana Wa Saku, for example, written to honour the victims of Japan’s March 2011 earthquake, and Carolyn Morris’s Blue Ocean drawing on memories of her early years growing up along Australia’s Great Ocean Road.

Such a project is consistent with others undertaken by Dobarro, an award-winning graduate of New York University and currently a professor at the Katarina Gurska Higher Center, President of the European Music Center in Spain. Dividing her time between Madrid and New York City, she’s advocated for the works of Louise Héritte Viardot, Pauline Viardot, and Marianna Martínez and was recently named a ‘Woman to Watch in Culture’ by The Association Mujeres a Seguir. As Patricia Kleinman eloquently states in her foreword, Kaleidoscope represents “a significant stride toward the normalization of the programming of music composed by women and the integration of contemporary non-European music into the 21st-century musical lexicon.”

The journey begins with Nocturne by Bulgaria-born and London-based Dobrinka Tabakova, an incandescent reverie that pulls the listener into the fifty-five-minute release immediately. As she does throughout, Dobarro sensitively tailors her touch to the material to pinpoint its essence. Fiery and declamatory by comparison is Ortiz’s torrential “Estudio 3, homenaje a Jesusa Palancares” (from Estudios entre preludios), the performance this time testifying to the pianist’s virtuosic command. The dramatic contrasts in mood, tempo, and dynamics demonstrated between the opening pieces carry over to others, if not perhaps as extremely. Many of the settings are concise statements lasting from two to three minutes, which lends the recording a travelogue-like character.

From Nkeiru Okoye’s African Sketches comes the haunting “Dusk,” an intimate and melancholy African-folk excursion. A dual Canadian-Jordanian citizen of Bosnian, Palestinian and Syrian heritage, Suad Bushnaq brings her background working in the film composing industry to the expressively romantic Improvisation. Like Bushnaq, Kanno has created a considerable body of music for various live-motion visual media, and the piano version of her Hana Wa Saku pulls at the heartstrings with lyrical tenderness. Whereas the intense energy and rhythmic thrust of León’s “Tumbao” recalls Ortiz’s setting, the expansive Blue Ocean by Melbourne-based Morris revisits the sparkle of Tabakova’s opener. As uplifting is “Very lightly, like a harp” from Water Dance by Karen Tanaka, whose composition studies have taken her to Tokyo, Paris, and Florence. Dobarro honours the memory of Argentinean composer Claudia Montero (1962-2021) with a poignant treatment of Buenos Aires, Despierta y Sueña that evokes with deep longing the South American city. Speaking of evocations, Dobarro closes the release with the world premiere recording of Carme Rodríguez’s Alalá das paisaxes verticais, which the composer created as a musical portrait of the pianist’s home region of Galicia in northwestern Spain.

The recipient of the 2013 Pulitzer Prize in Music and several Grammy Awards, Caroline Shaw has established herself as of one of contemporary music’s major figures, and her mesmerizing, Chopin-influenced Gustave Le Gray (titled after a key figure in French photography of the mid-nineteenth century) shows why. Words in the booklet’s brief Shaw bio, that she tries “to imagine a world of sound that has never been heard before but has always existed,” astutely capture the feeling one has while listening to Gustave Le Gray, that this fourteen-minute piece seems hauntingly familiar despite its having been created in 2012. Dobarro’s exquisite rendering is nuanced, as she carefully calibrates her phrasing, pacing, and touch to maximize the music’s impact. After softly chiming chords cascade during the opening minutes, the interlacing of patterns grows in complexity until, four minutes in, time slows and the work’s most intoxicating motives emerge. Transitions are effected smoothly between contemplative and dance episodes, the whole held seamlessly together by Dobarro’s unerring performance. As consistently strong as the album is in general, it’s the pianist’s rendition of Shaw’s piece that is its undeniable high-water mark.