Art & Culture – Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION.

An Incredible Evening at Parr House

This is the final weekend of Palm Springs Modernism 2026 – the 11‑day celebration of mid‑century modern architecture, design, and culture that fills the desert with home tours, talks, parties, and exhibitions.

With Jen from @musetheshop – gorgeous vintage clothing – some worn on *Palm Royale*.

On Wednesday, I had the pleasure of spending an unforgettable evening at the Parr House, located within Cotino – the first Storyliving by Disney community in Rancho Mirage.

It’s a place with its own fascinating origin story, and being there during Modernism Week made it feel even more alive. It was a rare evening of witnessing the beginning of something special.

The next day a few of us were able to tour the Cotino site. While the community is still very much under construction, the vision is already taking shape. The floor plans are on display, and we walked through several finished (and nearly finished) homes. Even in their incomplete state, you can feel the intention behind the design: clean lines, generous light, and that blend of nostalgia and newness that fits so seamlessly with the spirit of Modernism Week. I love the indoor/outdoor living concept.

An Overview of Parr House from the second floor.

With Mathew Mitchell – Editor of *Oasis* – a gorgeous new Palm Springs magazine

With Alison Martino – Writer, TV Producer, Historian.

The Parr house itself is a standout. Parr House is inspired by a superhero family’s mid-century modern home in Pixar Animation Studios’ “Incredibles 2.” The home is designed to be rented out exclusively for special events and gatherings. Our evening there felt wonderfully curated – an excellent jazz trio playing in the background, an open wine bar, and delicious hors d’oeuvres being generously passed around. It was a bonus to see some people I know and other familiar faces.

What struck me most about the Parr House wasn’t just the architecture – though the mid‑century lines and playful details are unmistakably Pixar. It was the feeling of stepping into a space that blurs fiction and reality. You can sense the whimsy of The Incredibles woven into a real, livable home. The mix of design and storytelling made the exprience feel a little magical.

As Cotino continues to rise from the desert floor, it’s clear that the Parr House is more than just a showpiece – it’s a promise of what this community is striving to become. Experiencing it during Modernism Week, surrounded by people who appreciate both design and imagination, made the whole project feel especially meaningful.

There’s something exciting about watching a place come to life in real time, and I’m looking forward to seeing how Cotino grows into the vision it’s already hinting at. A few photos:

More about the Parr House (written by Karlee Dutton, Public Relations Manager) here:

https://disneyparksblog.com/storyliving/first-look-inside-the-incredible-parr-house-coming-soon-to-cotino-the-first-storyliving-by-disney-community/

Pics: d. king

Art & Culture

The First Lady of Modernism

There are moments at Modernism Week that feel like stepping into a time capsule – and then there are moments that feel like stepping into history itself. Like when you get to meet a Modernism icon.

My signed “Palm Springs Life” cover – a keeper!

I was wandering through the Modernism Show at the Palm Springs Convention Center when I met Nelda Linsk – a prominent Palm Springs fashion figure, art dealer, and former owner of the Kaufmann House – better known as the First Lady of Modernism and forever remembered as ‘the lady in yellow’ from Slim Aarons’ Poolside Gossip.

The image is celebrated for capturing the glamorous mid-century modern lifestyle of the era. Yellow is such a magnetic color – warm, bold, impossible to ignore. It’s the color of joy, of desert mornings, of the kind of optimism Modernism was built on. No wonder the world noticed her first in that shade. There was a lot of beauty in that iconic photograph, but all eyes centered on Nelda.

I can only imagine what it must feel like to be hanging in so many people’s homes.

Nelda is having another mod moment. Her relevance and glow seems to never fade, as she’s gracing the February cover of Palm Springs Life Magazine and has just received a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Fame.

In Poolside Gossip, the yellow dress became a symbol of Modernism’s optimism – bright, confident, sun‑soaked. But when I met her, dressed in understated cream, she carried the same light. It reminded me that Modernism wasn’t just about color or architecture. It was about people who embodied a certain kind of brightness. The kind once attributed to a dress was really the brightness of a woman who helped define an era.

Walking away from the show, I kept thinking about that shift from yellow to cream – from the bold brightness of youth to the softer, steadier glow of someone who has carried an era forward.

Modernism may be defined by its architecture, but its spirit lives on in people like Nelda Linsk, who remind us that true radiance doesn’t fade. It simply changes hue.

Here is another post I wrote last year – the first time I met Nelda and more about the photograph and the person who took it:

Slim Aarons: from bombs to bombshells

Modernism is on until Sunday, February 22, 2026.

Outside the Convention Center Below are some pics from what’s waiting inside. Photos: d. king

Auction coming up of *The Estate of Joanna Carson* (wife of Johnny Carson)- March 3, 2026. John Moran Auctioneers & Appraisers. Shown here is a sampling.

So many beautiful vintage buys besides furniture and art at this show – as with the “***Curated Vintage Event.***“

https://modernismweek.com/2026/

Art & Culture

Artist Center Palm Desert

Last week, my friend Kathy and I attended a reception celebrating a dynamic collection of juried artworks presented by the Artists Council of Coachella Valley.

The event took place at The Galen – an elegant 8,400‑square‑foot, LEED‑certified art venue (recognized for its environmentally conscious design) in Palm Desert near El Paseo.

The stunning space set the perfect tone for an evening devoted to creativity.

Several of our friends had pieces on display (and for sale), selected from more than 700 submissions by Artists Council members. The range of work was impressive, and it was wonderful to see familiar names among the chosen artists.

Our friend Libby sold her piece that evening. She works with a unique form that revolves around using refined organic cotton material, which Libby then transforms into sculptured ethereal compositions. The only surviving record and reminder of it is via photograph. The original materials are recycled for other creations. One small piece may be used in many ways for different creations…signifying there is a place for everything. No waste.

The Artists Council is an independent non-profit dedicated to elevating artists throughout the Coachella Valley and beyond. Their mission comes to life through exhibitions, professional development opportunities, and meaningful community engagement. They offer a robust lineup of programs – everything from art and business‑of‑art classes to workshops, lectures, critiques, salons, and social gatherings.

Friend Mandy Main with her husband and son next to her art piece.

At the heart of their work is a belief in the transformative power of art – both in its creation and in the experience of viewing it.

It was a lovely evening filled with art, conversation, and hors d’oeuvres, and a reminder of how vibrant and supportive our local arts community truly is. Photos: d.king

https://www.artistscouncil.com/

They have a very nice gift shop too with books, gift cards and several very Palm Springs framed prints.

Art & Culture, Film Reviews

Elvis, Rocky and Me: The Carol Connors Story.

The world premiere of a remarkable documentary was last night – part of the Palm Springs International Film Festival. I, and the audience, loved Elvis, Rocky and Me: The Carol Connors Story.

Carol (and her boxing gloves) with Screenwriter: Dahlia Heyman and Director/Producer/Screenwriter: Alex Rotaru

The documentary is based on her blockbuster memoir by the same name (the audiobook was recently nominated for a Grammy). Watching this documentary felt like opening a time capsule packed with charisma, chaos, and the unmistakable spark of a woman who refuses to dim.

Carol Connors is the kind of dynamo who could write a hit, charm a legend, and still get herself kicked out of a studio by Dionne Warwick – all before lunch.

To know her, is to love her – say all of Carol’s friends.

I heard the name before, but admittedly I didn’t know a lot about Carol Connors, other than she dated Elvis Presley (after he co-starred with Ann-Margret in “Viva Las Vegas”), co-wrote the iconic Rocky theme song (minimalist but powerful lyrics to “Gonna Fly Now” – which was nominated for an Academy Award) and had a #1 hit single (“To Know Him Is to Love Him”) recorded by The Teddy Bears, which became a major hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in late 1958, where it stayed for three weeks and launched producer Phil Spector’s career. It went on to have several renditions after that – my favorite sung by Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and EmmyLou Harris (their version became a #1 country hit and was featured on their Grammy-winning album “Trio“).

I guess that alone seems like enough right? However, there’s so much more that I wasn’t sure where to begin writing this post because…

Before the documentary even begins, you realize Carol Connors didn’t just witness pop culture history…she helped write it, one hook, one heartbreak, and one heavyweight anthem at a time.

I did a bit of research beforehand, but had no idea of the scope of her legacy. Some people live a life. Carol Connors lived a soundtrack. One that starts with Phil Spector, flirts with Elvis Presley, and punches its way into the Oscars with Rocky.

With **Kathy Garver** (from *Family Affair,* an author and voice for Carol’s memoir audio book – see links of where to buy below.

The documentary is interspersed with interviews on major talk shows and snippets of conversations she’s had with Hugh Hefner, Mike Tyson and O.J. Simpson.

Believe me, I’m still not giving too much away. Remember the legendary Shelby Cobra roadster designed by Carroll Shelby? Connors wrote “Hey Little Cobra.” Here’s the fun part: she didn’t just write it about the car – she wrote it for Carroll Shelby himself, after he told her that if she wrote him a hit, he’d give her a Cobra. And he actually did. The song became a major hit, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Only Carol Connors could turn a conversation with Carroll Shelby into a chart‑topping hit, and drive away in the car she wrote about.

At the end of the documentary, there was a Q&A followed by Carol singing a song called “You Loved My Night Away“that she wrote (music & lyrics) on the day Elvis Presley died. They stayed friends up until the end. She still has a beautiful voice and the song is also beautiful.

What a glamorous, fabulous life.

Director/Producer: Alex Rotaru

Executive Producer: Julian Warshaw.

Screenwriters: Dahlia Heyman, Alex Rotaru

Cast: Carol Connors, Bill Conti, Talia Shire, Mike Tyson, Diane Warren, Dionne Warwick, Barbi Benton, Irwin Winkler.

The Film Festival is on until January 12^th, 2026. Film Finder and Tickets:

https://www.psfilmfest.org/film-festival-2026/film-finder/elvis-rocky-and-me-the-carol-connors-story

https://www.psfilmfest.org/film-festival-2026/film-finder

*You can buy Carol Connors’ memoir Elvis, Rocky and Me from major online retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target, or directly from the publisher BearManor Media, with options for paperback, hardcover, and Kindle e-book, plus an audiobook narrated by Kathy Garver.

Art & Culture, entertainment

Verdi’s Rigoletto

If real life were an opera, conversations would be sung with soaring high notes for joy, brooding bass lines for frustration, and for sadness you’d collapse on a velvet chaise and lament your fate in Italian. Life would be louder, lusher, and far more fabulous. You’d live for the drama, die for the applause, and probably come back for an encore.

Last night I attended the opening night of Verdi’s Rigoletto which also happened to be the opening of the 2025-2026 Vancouver Opera season at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. And, turns out it was also World Opera Day. So, a triple crown day so to speak. Of course I love the word “crown.”

What I like about opera is that the costumes and sets are visually stunning and the voices, well…they’re like vocal acrobatics. It amazes me that anyone can hit such notes and hold it for so long…in a dramatic, powerful, and grand way. I think that’s the word I’m looking for – Grand! While I don’t love every opera, I certainly appreciate the talent and scope of work that goes into every production.

Sarah Dufresne as Gilda and Michael Chioldi as Rigoletto in Vancouver Opera’s 2025 production of Rigoletto. Photo by Emily Cooper

Every opera is unique but what each have in common is the classic theme of love, secrets, regret and revenge. Someone always tragically dies and usually it’s not the person you expect who dies. If it wasn’t “over-the-top” it wouldn’t be opera. Opera is like a rollercoaster in overdrive where emotions are amplified, drama condensed, in a fast-paced setting of ultimate highs and lows.

The basic storyline: Rigoletto is opera’s ultimate cautionary tale: a snarky court jester mocks everyone but hides a secret – his beloved daughter. When a womanizing duke seduces her, Rigoletto plots revenge with a hired assassin. But in true operatic fashion, the plan backfires spectacularly, and heartbreak hits a high note. Think: curses, disguises, betrayal, and one of the catchiest arias ever – “La donna è mobile.” (woman is fickle) It’s drama steeped in tragedy, with a side of soaring vocals.

Heather Molloy as Monterone’s Daughter with members of the Vancouver Opera Chorus and supernumeraries. Photo Emily Cooper

With my very knowledgeable 0pera friend Rosa.

Tickets are selling fast. To book:

https://www.vancouveropera.ca/whats-on/rigoletto/

RUNNING TIME Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, including one 25-minute intermission.

Art & Culture

Folk Music Festival

This quote sums it up: “It’s a folk singer’s job to comfort disturbed people and to disturb comfortable people.” – Woody Guthrie; legendary folk singer and activist. This is a profound quote which captures the spirit and two faces of Folk music: one that soothes those struggling with turmoil, and another that shakes those settled in complacency. Wow! I love it.

Nothing brings people together quite like the shared language of food and music. One nourishes the body and the other, the soul. It started off with a shindig on Friday night just before the music started.

The Vancouver Folk Music Festival is taking place all weekend long from Friday, July 18th to Sunday, the 20th. It’s an annual event held at Jericho Beach Park in Vancouver, B.C. celebrating folk and roots music. The festival, now in it’s 48^th year, aims to foster community, connect people through music, and support emerging artists. It’s a fantastic celebration of “world class” music.

It features a diverse range of international, national, and local artists, along with activities like dancing, food and local artist vendors, and children’s areas.

Many people are confused as to what Folk Music represents.

Folk Music has evolved over the years. In the early days it relied heavily on acoustic instruments like banjos, fiddles and harmonicas with simple melodies, relatable lyrics and themes from everyday life. Artists like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez used folk as a tool for protest and social change. Traditional Folk Music has always been about connecting people to their cultural roots.

Now, artists from all over the world incorporate folk elements, creating a hybrid of traditions. Folk now often mixes in with pop, rock, electronica, even hip-hop. It can be more bluesy or jazzy and even have a Middle Eastern bent. However, its soul of storytelling, authenticity and human connection remains intact. Every region has it’s own folk traditions. Be it Irish, Indian, Appalachian and West African to name a few…but each region is wildly different in sound and purpose.

I thoroughly enjoy attending this event every year. The outdoor space is large and lush. There are several stages set up in various locations and always something happening throughout. You can wander around and visit the local vendors, go to the beer garden or grab a bite from a handful of local and ethnic food trucks. You can also walk out of the gate and sit on the beautiful beach for a bit. No shortage of things to do and see.

Edith Marin makes gorgeous beaded art jewelry. Each piece tells a story. “Blue Deer” huichol art.

For tickets and information please visit:

https://thefestival.bc.ca/

Donations, especially monthly contributions, help ensure the festival can continue its tradition of bringing “world-class” music to Vancouver. If you would like to donate to this well thought out, well organized and amazing festival here’s the link:

https://thefestival.bc.ca/giving/one-time-donation/

A playful reminder that music is made by people, for people is this witty quote from Louis Armstrong: “All music is folk music. I ain’t never heard a horse sing a song.”

When you hear about Folk Music, what kinds of images or feelings come to mind for you?

Art & Culture

THE MOUSETRAP

Last night I saw The Arts Club Theatre Company’s production oF THE MOUSETRAP at the Granville Island Stage, Vancouver. This classic Agatha Christie murder mystery play has captivated audiences since its West End debut in 1952. It’s the world’s longest-running play, and for good reason. It’s a master class in suspense, misdirection, and tightly wound tension. My friend and I enjoyed the dark humor and witty dialogue very much. The characters were great.

The setup is a group of quirky strangers who are stranded by a snowstorm at Monkswell Manor, a remote English guesthouse. The guests include an eccentric architect, a grumpy magistrate that reminded me of “Mrs. Doubtfire,” a retired military man, a mysterious foreigner, and a few others with secrets to hide.

Photo courtesy of The Arts Club, Vancouver.

News breaks of a murder in London, and soon a police sergeant arrives on cross-country skis, warning that the killer may be among them. When one of the guests is murdered, the tension skyrockets. Everyone becomes a suspect, and the audience is left guessing until the final twist.

The play is famous for its surprise ending, and audiences are traditionally asked not to reveal the killer’s identity after the show to help preserve the mystery for future viewers. Although my companion guessed it right, halfway through the second act.

THE MOUSETRAP began as a radio play, titled Three Blind Mice, and was written at the request of the BBC for Queen Mary. Christie then expanded Three Blind Mice from a twenty-minute radio play into a full-length stage play, adding some characters and a fuller background to create The Mousetrap. It is currently playing its 73rd year in London’s West End, where it has completed over 30,000 performances. Due to the play’s longevity and success, there has never been a film adaptation. Audiences have been asked to keep the secret locked in their hearts and preserve the tradition of THE MOUSETRAP.

I will keep my mouth shut. For tickets until August 10^th, 2025:

https://artsclub.com/shows/2024-2025/the-mousetrap

Check out the Trailer:

https://artsclub.com/shows/2024-2025/the-mousetrap

CAST Jay Clift (Giles), Zander Eke (Christopher Wren), Charlie Gallant (Detective Sergeant Trotter), Brett Harris (Standby for Giles, Christopher Wren, Major Metcalf & Detective Sergeant Trotter), Ming Hudson (Mollie), Andrew McNee (Mr. Paravicini), Melissa Oei (Miss Casewell), Carly Pokoradi (Standby for Mollie, Miss Casewell, Mrs. Boyle), Anthony Santiago (Major Metcalf & Understudy Mr. Paravicini), Beatrice Zeilinger (Mrs. Boyle)

Have you seen this play?

Art & Culture

Two Gentlemen of Verona

Last night under the tents we went again, to attend the opening of Bard on the Beach’s “The Two Gentlemen of Verona.” This is one of four plays being presented at the Vanier Park Venue.

Two Ladies of Vancouver at the **Bard Boutique** (with my friend + neighbour Marta).

This version of the play is a Shakespeare comedy of sorts, modernized with costumes, music, and a dog (of course we loved the dog best).

Jacob Leonard as Proteus & Matthew Ip Shaw as Valentine, The Two Gentlemen of Verona (2025). Directed by Dean Paul Gibson. Photo & Image Design by Emily Cooper.

There is a lot going on in this production, so for the sake of simplicity, I’ll sum it all up like this:

Two best friends, Valentine and Proteus, leave their hometown. Valentine heads to Milan and falls for Silvia, the ruler’s daughter. Proteus, originally in love with Julia, is sent to Milan too, but once he sees Silvia, he forgets all about Julia and tries to win Silvia for himself. Yikes. That’s men for you!

The Company of the Two Gentlemen of Verona – Photo by Tim Matheson.

Meanwhile…Julia disguises herself as a guy (classic Shakespeare move) and follows Proteus. There’s betrayal, heartbreak, mistaken identities, and even a very clever dog named Crab who steals scenes left and right.

Mason as Crab (the only dog role in the Shakespearean canon). Scott Bellis as Launce, Photo by Tim Matheson.

Tess Degenstein as **Julia**, Photo by Tim Matheson

In the end, all is forgiven far too quickly, love is restored, and the play wraps with everyone paired off and pals again. Oops…sorry about the spoiler alert. Believe me, if you see it, you won’t remember this ending.

Jacob Leonard as Proteus Tess Degenstein as Julia, Photo by Tim Matheson

Watch Trailer:

For tickets:

https://bardonthebeach.org/the-two-gentlemen-of-verona/

Header photo: d. king

Art & Culture

Much Ado About Nothing

Yes; there’s a lot of that these days!

I attended the opening night of Vancouver’s “Bard on the Beach” last night for “Much Ado About Nothing.” It appeared from the overall audience reaction, that this production was very well received. While I enjoyed the play and found the actors compelling, it is not one of my favourites of Shakespeare’s works.

With Marta – my lovely friend & neighbour.

Our beautiful **Kits Point Backdrop behind the stage** – before the start of the play.

Before the play started, **a few words from Artistic Director Claire Sakaki & Executive Director Christopher Gaze.**

The phrase “much ado about nothing” means a lot of fuss or commotion over something unimportant. It’s used when people get worked up or excited about a situation that turns out to be trivial or not worth the attention.

Nothing comes from the play’s title itself; a clever pun. In Elizabethan English, “nothing” was often pronounced like “noting,” which meant noticing or eavesdropping. So the title can also mean “Much Noting About Nothing,” hinting at how the entire plot revolves around overheard conversations, misunderstandings, and mistaken identities. Kinda like life itself at times.

For example, in Act 1, Scene 1, Beatrice jabs at Benedick with: “I had rather hear my dog bark at a crow than a man swear he loves me.” It’s witty, sharp, and shows how their “merry war” of words masks deeper feelings.

Jennifer Lines as Beatrice and Sheldon Elter as Benedick, Photo by Tim Matheson

Angus Yam as Claudio, Matthew Ip Shaw as Don Pedro, and David Marr as Leonato, Photo by Tim Matheson

Sometimes I wonder why people are laughing at a certain scene or something that I personally do not find funny. I turned to my friend and asked “why are they laughing?” She replied “You know, humor is a funny thing.” To which I replied “well, that’s what it’s supposed to be.” Then we both laughed.

If you’re into clever insults, romantic drama, and some old-school scheming, this play’s a classic.

So next time someone’s making a big deal out of a minor issue, you’ve got the perfect phrase to describe it.

For Tickets:

https://bardonthebeach.org/much-ado-about-nothing

June 10 to September 20 • BMO MAINSTAGE

“As merry as the day is long.” Two of Shakespeare’s most tumultuous couples – sparring singles Beatrice and Benedick, and young lovers Claudio and Hero – discover all is not as it seems in an idyllic town recovering from war. Will the truth win in this mischievous game of love? Secret love, courtship, and marriage intertwine with darker themes of warfare, deception, and mischief in Much Ado About Nothing. Romance, wit, and mistaken identities power this new staging of Shakespeare’s beloved comedy full of colourful characters, passionate poetry, and Shakespeare’s wittiest wordplay.

Jennifer Tong as Hero and Angus Yam as Claudio, Photo by Tim Matheson

Watch Trailer:

Production run dates subject to change.

Production run time: 2 hours 45 minutes, including 20 minute intermission.

Art & Culture

CASEY and DIANA

The Arts Club Theatre Company’s opening night of CASEY and DIANA was last night – May 30th, 2025. The playwright, the director and many media types were among the audience members. I attended with my friend Megan.

Lindsey Angell as Diana Damien Atkins as Thomas **Photo**: courtesy of Arts Club Theatre Company.

There was a bit of confusion as to what this play was all about. Especially if you didn’t read up about it beforehand. From the name alone you can imagine it being about a married couple or a comedic team or anything else. All I knew was that it was about the aids pandemic (yes; that’s what they’re referring to it as now) and a visit from Princess Diana to Casey House; a specialty hospital based in Toronto that cares for people living with and at risk of HIV.

The play is based on true events. In a hospice where men are certain to die of this terrible disease sooner than later, the only uplifting thing they have to hang on to is hope; that quiet but persistent belief that things can get better, even when the present feels uncertain or difficult. And right now they hope to meet a visiting princess where, if only for a few minutes, will make them feel seen and uplift their spirits. They want to hang on for that moment – only seven days away. Which feels like forever in their situation.

**Alen Dominguez** as Andre & **Nora McLellan** as Marjorie. **Photo**: Courtesy of Arts Club Theatre Company.

The actors do a magnificent job of creating a quiet desperation of uncertainty while trying to maintain some dignity.

Princess Diana’s visit to Casey House in Toronto, on October 25, 1991, was groundbreaking and deeply impactful in reducing stigma around HIV/AIDS. She spent time with all 13 residents, staff, and caregivers, staying longer than planned and making a powerful statement by physically touching patients.

Her visit provided hope and dignity to those affected by the disease, and her compassion resonated worldwide. The moment was so significant that it has been immortalized in plays like this one, which explores the lasting effect of her kindness. But it also explores what it’s like living with the disease.

Until May 25, 2025 at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage (2750 Granville Street).

For TICKETS: https://artsclub.com/shows/2024-2025/casey-and-diana

Cast

Lindsey Angell Diana
Damien Atkins Thomas
Ivy Charles Vera
Alen Dominguez Andre
Nora McLellan Marjorie
Emma Slipp Pauline

For more information about CASEY HOUSE:

https://caseyhouse.ca/