Welcome to a new week that begins with a bit of a sky show. Starting at around 10 a.m. today, and ending around 12:30 p.m., those of us in Southern California will be able to see a partial solar eclipse — 53% of the sun will be obscured by the moon at the peak (around 11:15 a.m.). Just down Highway 111, there’s a viewing event planned at Rancho Mirage Public Park (71560 San Jacinto Dr.), where eclipse glasses will be available to use. Want to make your own glasses or viewer? Check out these directions.
🎶 Setting the mood: “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler
LEADING OFF
💼 Vendor fair opens doors to government contracts
Businesses looking to tap into government contracts can mark April 17 on their calendars for the chance to learn from and network with decision-makers at the Coachella Valley Local Government Vendor Fair in Palm Springs.
- The event aims to demystify the process of securing public agency contracts and to enhance local businesses’ engagement with government entities.
- The fair is designed to educate local business owners on the procurement processes involved with diverse government agencies and ease the often intimidating intricacies of public sector dealings.
- Attendees will be provided with helpful tips and face-to-face interactions with key governmental decision-makers.
- A vast array of industries and professions, including general contractors, landscapers, plumbers, and technology consultants, among many others, are invited to participate in the vendor fair.
- Details: This event is on April 17 and will run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Palm Springs Convention Center. Register online here.
🎉 Modernism Show attracted thousands, gears up for 25th year
The 24th annual Palm Springs Modernism Show, a highlight of Modernism Week 2024, drew an impressive crowd of nearly 15,000 attendees, organizers reported last week, maintaining the previous year’s record turnout.
- The event, known as the largest of its kind in the U.S., featured over 130 exhibitors from around the globe, showcasing a wide array of vintage and modern design items. The opening night event alone attracted over 1,300 participants.
- This year’s show offered a variety of attractions, including a lecture series, a vintage airstream trailer, and a vintage piano display, highlighting the diverse interests catered to by the event.
- Looking ahead: The show is set to return for Modernism Week – October and is gearing up for its 25th anniversary in February 2025.
IN OTHER NEWS
🏬 99 Cents Only Stores is closing all of its locations, including one in Palm Springs, as it fully winds downs its operations. [Desert Sun]
📽️ The 2025 Palm Springs International Film Festival will run from Jan. 2 through Jan. 13, and the 2025 Film Awards will take place on Friday, Jan. 3, the Palm Springs International Film Society announced last week. [Deadline]
🚑 Crews rescued a hiker believed to be dehydrated and under the influence who fell into a ravine at a Palm Springs trail. [KESQ]
TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS
Mon Petit Salon
5 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
Experience world music with a French accent at Mon Petit Salon, hosted by violin virtuoso Jeremie Levi Samson. ($10)
Human Rights Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
To view, listen, or participate in the meeting live, please contact Jay Virata via this email or call 760-323-8228 to register for the Zoom meeting. An agenda can be found here.
Monday Men’s Coffee
6 p.m. | Gre Coffeehouse
Come have coffee and chat with other men about issues that are on your mind. No RSVP required — just drop in!
Fabulous Bingo
7 p.m. | Kings Highway at Ace Hotel
Join Bella Da Ball for a night of fabulous bingo. (Must spend $30 at Kings Highway to participate.)
SAVE THE DATE
AND FINALLY …
More than 1,000 people packed Sunrise Park Sunday evening to help celebrate the 25th season of Opera in the Park.
Driving the news: The Palm Springs Opera Guild, now in its 55th year, brought six professional opera singers to the stage at the park while attendees dined and drank under clear blue skies.
- Pianist Catherine Miller, a member of the San Diego Opera music staff and a PS Opera Guild Board member, accompanied the performers on more than a dozen pieces by Johann Strauss, Leonard Bernstein, Mozart, and others.
Looking back: The Opera Guild has been staging free performances at the park since April 1999, welcoming more than 950 opera performers to the stage to entertain an estimated 40,000 concertgoers.
Why it matters: Before proclaiming Sunday “Palm Springs Opera Guild Opera in the Park Day,” Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein noted how rich the city of only 45,000 residents is in the arts, with four nationally recognized art museums, a dozen theater organizations, and the opera guild.
- “We really have something for everyone in Palm Springs,” Bernstein said. “Palm Springs is truly and arts and entertainment destination.”
Learn more: The Guild was established in 1968 and offers several educational and outreach programs designed for students and adults in the Coachella Valley. Visit this website to join or catch a glimpse of upcoming events.