Modernism Week – October starts next week and while some events are sold out, many exciting events still have availability. Modernism Week – October takes place in Palm Springs, California and runs from October 19-22, 2023. It features an entertaining presentation by Charles Phoenix about vintage trailers and live musical performances from acts including Lizzy and the Triggerman, The Fabulous Lynda Kay, and The Jazz Cartel. Modernism Week – October is an annual 4-day festival that showcases midcentury modern architecture, design and culture. Much like the larger Modernism Week festival in February, visitors travel to Palm Springs from around the globe to attend more than 50 events over four days, including many free and low-cost programs. Tickets for the events are available to purchase at modernismweek.com.
Featured events include:
Charles Phoenix: Big Retro Trailer Slide Show Live On Stage!
10/21/23, $65, $50
With his infectious enthusiasm, keen expertise, and eagle eye for oddball detail, Ambassador of Americana Charles Phoenix explores the leisure life and colorful style of trailers, trailer travel, trailer parks and trailerites in the 1950s and 60s in this spirited live performance celebrating classic and kitschy midcentury mobile homes and vintage travel trailers.
Live Performances
Modernism Week – October will offer three exciting live performances. Two shows will be offered at Jazzville at the Cascade Lounge in the Palm Springs Agua Caliente Casino. Participants will enjoy state-of-the-art sound and lighting with pristine acoustics and plush seating. Doors open at 6 p.m. with a 7 p.m. showtime. There is a full cash bar with no drink minimums, served throughout the show. Must be 21 or over. Both the casino and Cascade Lounge are non-smoking environments. The third performance will be offered in the Annenberg Theater as a show-only performance.
Lizzy & The Triggermen at the Annenberg Theater!
10/21, $45 – $60 in the Annenberg Theatre of the Palm Springs Art Museum
Dubbed “10-piece jazz sensations” (LA Weekly) and “one of the hottest swing bands in LA” (Good Day LA), Lizzy & the Triggermen has been making waves since they burst onto the So Cal scene. True to their speakeasy vibe, the band first began performing in a legendary, secret club in LA. Word-of-mouth about their incredible live shows quickly spread, and soon they were headlining some of the top venues in L.A., including the Wiltern, the El Rey, and the Troubadour.
Wailing horns, killer vocals, and lethal rhythm section, the band channelsthe electrifying swagger of the big band sound and makes it feel new and modern through a mixture of originals and re-imagined vintage gems. Deeply rooted in the sound and swagger of bands like Basie and Ellington, their music is infused with a myriad of unexpected influences: from R&B to Bebop to Broadway to Indie Rock to even opera.
The Fabulous Lynda Kay
10/19, $15 – $75 in the Cascade Lounge
The Lynda Kay and her full band and backup singers will perform a genre-crossing mix of midcentury jazz and Burt Bacharach pop. This evening will offer classic midcentury songs along with selections from Kay’s new double album “Black & Gold.” Kay’s diverse contralto voice and has been compared to such exceptional talents as Pasty Cline, Karen Carpenter and Dusty Springfield.
The Jazz Cartel Live!
10/20, $15 – $75 in the Cascade Lounge
The Jazz Cartel is a dynamic jazz quartet that captures the essence of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, with a unique and contemporary twist. The band’s scorching horns, captivating rhythm section, soulful organ, and smooth crooning vocals seamlessly fuse the classic charm of the 50s/60s with an electrifying modern edge. What began as a quintet has evolved into a dynamic 9-piece powerhouse, enhancing harmonies within the horn section and delivering an even more exhilarating and grand sonic experience.
Preview Party for Palm Springs Modernism Fall Show
(10/20, $95)
Beat the crowds and enjoy a festive wine reception and early buying opportunity at the Palm Springs Modernism Fall Show. Preview party tickets include return entry to the show all weekend. The show opens to the public on October 21 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and October 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Daily show tickets are $25 and include return entry.
Atomic Ranch Tours: A Twin Palms Homeowners Journey
10/21, $65 (Tour and talk)
Atomic Ranch editor Jickie Torres will conduct a poolside chat with the owners of a newly remodeled home in the Twin Palms Estates neighborhood of Palm Springs. From the pink front door to the pink kitchen countertops, guests will tour and learn how the homeowners bridged original features with modern updates in a way that perfectly honors the midcentury modern aesthetic.
Sustainable Homes Tour
10/21, $75
The Sustainable Homes Tour is a self-driving tour of some of the High Desert’s most “eco” homes. Attendees will have access to private residences not normally open to the public, where they will be able to view homes powered by the sun, and in most cases are completely off-grid. Owners may talk about their process of building the homes or what it’s like to live off-grid or sustainably and provide tips or ideas of where the future of self-sustainable dwellings is heading.
Tickets are also still available for these popular events including:
Albert Frey’s Palm Springs Mini-Coach Tour (10/21 and 10/22, $130)
Albert Frey was of major importance to American modern architecture. This new tour is a comprehensive exploration of the homes and buildings of this preeminent desert modernist architect.
Legendary Palm Springs Commercial Architecture Bus Tour (10/19 – 21, $90)
This exciting new tour will take guests to Palm Springs’ most iconic business buildings including major banks, hotels and civic buildings.
Curated Vintage Event (10/21, $25 and $15)
Retailers and private dealers showcase their finest vintage apparel, luxury items, textiles, jewelry, and accessories. This event is not to be missed for those whose fashion is their passion.
Modernism Week top sponsors include Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, Brizo, Dunn-Edwards Paints, JennAir, Willis, Flor, and Hyatt Palm Springs. The City of Palm Springs is the Civic Presenting Sponsor. To receive Modernism Week updates, visit modernismweek.com and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and Twitter.
Modernism Week’s signature 11-day festival will take place February 15-25, 2024. Tickets will be available starting November 1 at 12 p.m. PST and may be viewed online starting October 25. To receive updates, visit modernismweek.com and sign up to receive the free M-Weekly newsletter.