The Desert Scene

Hosts Bonnie Gigallon and Brayan Mendoza talk with jazz vocalist Hope Diamond about her work as a singer, her inspirations, her newest album and Frankie's Backroom. David Perry comes on to the show to talk about  Upon This Rock , a book that has been praised by the likes of Armistead Maupin as "The Gay Da Vinci Code". The news discussed in this segment include the recent recastings of various...

Bonnie and Brayan pay tribute to the life and legacy of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and contemplate the unfortunate political implications of her passing. Local singer Thom McMorris discusses his musical style, work habits, inspirations and his upcoming live stream at Frankie's Old World Italian Bakery and Supper. Annie Houchenauer, from the Transgender Health and Well...

Bonnie and Brayan bring on Hayley Stubbert, local #SaveOurChildren activist, and mother of three to discuss the  Cuties  controversy. Is it a misguided masterpiece or is it pedophile bait? Drag Queen Anita Rose comes by to talk about her online events "The Bitchiest Bunch", "Truth or Shot", and one raising funds for C4 Communications. Bonnie and Brayan come up with ideas to have drive-in...

Bonnie G. and Brayan take a look at the new set of diversity focused requirements set forth by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, specifically for Best Picture consideration. Deborah McGarrey talks about the annual charity event Paint El Paseo Pink. This year's event is a socially distanced walk that raises money for breast cancer awareness and takes on a virtual involvement lik...

Bonnie and Brayan talk with Shawn Ambramowitz, Executive Director at the Desert Ensemble Theatre Company. He shares plans about the upcoming season for the company, including their socially distanced video projects along with the $10,000 grant they recently received. A new sexual assault lawsuit against Kevin Spacey is making news and Bonnie and Brayan talk about that. And, justice may possibly be...

Bonnie Gilgallon and Brayan Mendoza join forces in our updated revival of The Culture Corner . Throughout the episode, our duo attempt to bring an answer to the question of "What is culture?" in today's political climate. They evaluate the importance of appreciating art in the era of division, and misinformation. In particular art that responses to a need for diversity, and unheard voice...

Bonnie Gilgallon and Brayan Mendoza are joined by Tysen Knight, an American street artist and filmmaker. He discusses his mentorship of young people, his art, and the scholarship that he set up to help local art students. Our duo speculate on the circumstances surrounding Robert Pattinson's coronavirus diagnosis during production of The Batman . Are we re-opening film productions too fast?&nb...

On this edition of "the Culture Corner," Bonnie welcomes world-renowned jazz guitarist Doug MacDonald, who shares info about his recent solo online concert, his own jazz-themed radio show, and his return to the local musical hot spot, AJ's on the Green. Also local musician Eric Frankson talks about what's up next for his country band, Cinch.  Bonnie's third guest...

Bonnie welcomes Kate Spates, Vice President of Palm Springs Film and Television, sharing a special project the group has been working on with "Book Pals," in which celebrities read beloved children's books on-line to keep kids entertained during this pandemic. Also, with some great advice on how we should be handling our finances during these tough times, we chatted w...

Bonnie welcomes family therapist Caroline Redmon sharing some advice on how couples and families who've been cooped up together for the past 2 months can prevent that much togetherness from becoming toxic. Then dancer, actor and teacher Doug Graham told us about how he stays physically and mentally healthy during this pandemic. Finally, jazz diva Rose Mallett talked about her twice weekly Facebook...

This week, Bonnie Gilgallon is joined in The Culture Corner by Erica Stone from Soldiers Organized Services, Ann Sheffel of the Palm Springs Cultural Center, and Maggie Downs, author and former writer at The Desert Sun.

How do we stay entertained and keep from going stir-crazy during this pandemic? Bonnie Gilgallon's talks with local musicians like Krystofer Do, who are keeping skills sharp and bringing the joy of live music to folks stuck at home through live facebook streams. He talks about his musical influences, and his new single "Soul," which has just been released.  Then,...

This week Bonnie G talks with producer and event promoter Bette King. They chat about her own battle with the Coronavirus, as well as what she sees as the future for live musical performances here in the valley. Then, Desert Ensemble Theatre Artistic Director Jerome Elliott visits and talks about what he has planned for the theatre next season, and Michael Myers on how med...

Our very special guest was Bruce Fessier , who recently retired after 40 years as special projects writer at The Desert Sun .  Bruce tells us about the new book he's writing about the Coachella Valley, and shared his thoughts on the future of the local theatre scene after we get through the Coronavirus crisis.

Joining Bonnie G this week in The Culture Corner,  pianist/fiddler Eric Frankson discusses how the valley shutdown due to the Coronavirus has affected local musicians. Also on the show, CV Independent reviewer VJ Hume shared the impact COVID-19 has had on local theatres, and Carolyn Gross, whose latest book is Rising Above a Crisis offered advice on how stay balanced emotionally through it al...

Bonnie Gilgallon is joined by guests including  jazz and R&B singer Hope Dean promoting her big upcoming show at Frankie's Back Room in Cathedral City, as well as performer and PR wiz Jeff Hocker, chatting about jazz and blues pianist (and documentary filmmaker) Daryl Davis, who will be featured at a big fundraising event for Jewish Family Services of the Desert later this month.