Singing With The Desert Stars

Desert Ensemble Theater (DET) has announced Celebrity Star Contestants and Star Coaches for the second annual Singing With the Desert Stars, the company’s gala benefit on Friday, October 6, 2023 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. The event, a friendly competition that teams Broadway veterans and prominent vocalists with nonprofessional singers who are community leaders, benefits DET’s student Internship/Mentorship and Scholarship Programs. 

This year’s Star Contestants are artist and gallery-owner Marconi Calindas-Cafege; KESQ anchor Peter Daut; Eight4Nine pastry chef Albert Gonzalez; journalist and PR professional Barbara Kerr; Sotheby’s realtor Maria Patakas; Old Town Artisan Studios Director of Development Katie Thornton; and philanthropist Rich Weissman. They will each put their personal spin on a song under the mentorship of a Star Coach. 

DET Artistic Director Jerome Elliott Moskowitz will direct, host, and lead the mentoring team. The Star Coaches are Darci Daniels, Christine Michele, Lizzie Schmelling, Broadway veterans Douglas Graham and Leslie Tinnaro, and last year’s winner, Christine Tringali Nunes. Chip Prince, with more than 20 years of Broadway and national tour experience, is music director.

The event’s winner is determined by the audience. All tickets include a pre-and post-performance reception at the theatre. There will be a raffle and a silent auction to raise additional funds for DET’s education program.

Singing with the Desert Stars sold out in 2022.

VIP Tickets - $200

Includes premier seating in the first four rows, early admission to the Pre-performance reception at 6:00pm, the Post-performance Dessert Celebration 

General Admission Tickets – $125

Includes seating behind the VIP Tickets, the Pre-performance reception at 6:30pm, and the Post-performance Dessert Celebration

Click here to purchase tickets

Visitwww.desertensembletheatre.org or call (760) 565-2476 for more information.