Literary Society of the Desert showcases Mitchell James Kaplan

There are many ways to say “thank you,” and the Literary Society of the Desert (LSD) found an exceptional way. In December, the organization hosted a pre-season celebration at the Coachella Valley Repertory (CVRep) Playhouse, for sponsors, patrons and benefactors showcasing author Mitchell James Kaplan and his award-winning novel "Rhapsody," the story of George Gershwin.

The “thank you” to sponsors and donors was with heartfelt appreciation. The society, a longtime gem in desert life, was brought to an abrupt end when sponsor Northern Trust withdrew its support, taking its membership and operations information.

Three members were determined not to let it die. Donna Martin, Joanne Mintz and Nancy Cunningham formed a team/committee to establish a new nonprofit with a new name, the Literary Society of the Desert.

They started from scratch. Replenishing the depleted treasury was essential to continue presenting literary luncheons in the desert and the organization's traditional grants to schools. Other donors joined in to create new sponsorships and work toward building a solid foundation in the Coachella Valley.

An Evening of Rhapsody began with a cocktail reception and an opportunity to meet the author, now a resident of Roanoke, Virginia, and learn about his historical novel.

In the playhouse, Kaplan took center stage, joined by pianist Georgi Latso. Kaplan took the audience on a historical tour of music from the classical in the salons and concert halls of Europe to the changes brought on by the two world wars and into the American experience. Music and identity have always been closely related, he said, mentioning examples such as Irish, mountain music of Appalachia, bluegrass and the blues and gospel of Black Americans. Each represented an expression of their own identity and something of a protest while not feeling fully assimilated into the mainstream of social life.

The program began with Latso playing "Rhapsody in Blue." Interspersed with the author’s story about Gershwin and his long relationship with Kay Swift, another songwriter, the audience was treated to clips of Al Jolson singing "Swanee" as well as young dancers in the early days of musicals, including Angela Lansbury, Ginger Rogers, Fred Astaire and other performers. Latso also played Scott Joplin’s "The Entertainer" and at the end of the program was joined by Kaplan with pieces from "Porgy and Bess."

The society also sponsors a student program. Each season they host ten schools and have approximately 100 students in total attend. A 50-minute private meeting and discussion between the guest author and students precedes each monthly luncheon during the season. A copy of the featured book is provided for the entire classroom.

Coordinating the student program is LSD board member Mintz. Recipient schools include California State University, San Bernardino Campus; Cathedral City High School; Coachella Valley High School; College of the Desert; Desert Hot Springs High School; Indio High School; La Quinta High School; Palm Desert High School; Palm Springs High School; Palm Valley School; Rancho Mirage High School; Shadow Hills High School; Summit High School; West Shores High School and Xavier College Preparatory.

In addition, the Literary Society of the Desert provides an annual grant to all 12 libraries in the Coachella Valley. The grants are due to the generosity of sponsors, patrons and library benefactors.

Among the guests enjoying the evening were sponsors Nancy and Tom Cunningham, Carlyn and Robin Stonehill, Mary Lou Pilcher, Jean Viereck, Fran Muir, Lyn Chernis, Joanne and Myron Mintz, Martin and Li-Anne and Fred Mannix.

For more information about the Literary Society of the Desert, contact ndc3668@yahoo.com or visit literarysocietyofthedesert.wildapricot.org.

Joanne Hardy, a teacher with a yen to write (especially historical fiction stories), has published two novels, one set during the Civil War and the other the Great Depression. A desert resident since 1958, she has been a Desert Sun contributor for 11 years.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Literary Society of the Desert showcases Mitchell James Kaplan