Modernism Week 2023: Live entertainment offerings include Samara Joy, Gand Band and more
Modernism Week isn't just about architecture, it's about getting in a "mid-century state of mind" to celebrate the vibrance of an era that represents a massive cultural shift.
The festival, which runs Feb. 16-26, features everything from cocktail parties to its signature double-decker bus tours, but there's also concerts and other live entertainment offerings.
Here's a list of mid-century themed entertainment events to check out at Modernism Week 2023. Tickets are available at modernismweek.com
The Right to Rock - Trini Lopez Tribute Show and Cocktail Party
The Gand Band will pay tribute to late singer, ‘60s rock legend and Palm Springs resident Trini Lopez. The performance will feature an appearance by The Dreamboats, animation by mid-century modern artist SHAG and more. In 2021, the documentary “My Name Is Lopez” by Palm Springs filmmakers Filmmakers P. David Ebersole and Todd Hughes premiered to a sold out crowd at the Mary Pickford is D'Place in Cathedral City as part of the American Documentary and Animation Film Festival. Lopez died in 2020 due to complications from COVID-19. The event will feature clips from the documentary and some of singers costumes will be worn in the show.
If you go: 5 p.m. Feb. 17, Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs. $75
Samara Joy - Jazz at the Annenberg
Jazz singer Samara Joy is enjoying a wave of success as the genre is captivating a new generation of fans. On Feb. 5, pop star Olivia Rodrigo presented her with the Best New Artist award at the Grammys, which she attended for the first time. Joy, 23, released her self-titled debut album, which she recorded while still in college, in 2021, and followed it up with "Linger While." Her sophomore album received two Grammy nominations for Best New Artist and Best Jazz Album of the Year. Hear the Grammy winner live at the Annenberg Theater for this performance, which will also feature Joy's renowned trio of jazz musicians.
If you go: 7 p.m. Feb, 19, Annenberg Theater, Palm Springs Art Museum, 101 N. Museum Drive, Palm Springs. $65 to $85
Vintage soul and R&B revue
Fans of '60s soul and R&B music will love this showcase organized by Wild Records featuring Gizzelle, Jesse Wagner of The Aggrolites and Kierra Brie aka Miss Kitty backed by The Groove Empire Orchestra, an 11-piece band. The revue will highlight original songs and deep cuts.
If you go: 7 p.m. Feb. 22, Cascade Lounge at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs, 401 E. Amado Road, Palm Springs. $15 to $65
Dexter Gordon 100th Birthday Tribute
Jazzville at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs will celebrate the late Jazz saxophonist Dexter Gordon's 100th birthday featuring a performance by the Chuck Johnson Quintet. During the '40s, Gordon was among New York musicians such as Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie pioneering a jazz subgenre known as "bebop."
If you go: 7 p.m. Feb. 23, Cascade Lounge at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs, 401 E. Amado Road, Palm Springs. $15 to $65
'Lizzy And The Triggermen' at the Annenberg
Los Angeles jazz band Lizzy and the Triggermen has been referred to by LA Weekly as "10-piece jazz sensations" and "One of the hottest swing bands in LA" by Good Day LA. Lizzy's band, The Triggermen, is an intergenerational group featuring members who played with icons such as Wynton Marsalis and Benny Goodman. The music has a '30s swing spirit 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 Blueskye 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: Music offerings include Samara Joy, Gand Band and more
