20 years ago I was the first poet to read at Palm Springs Art Museum. I began a series which ended with Anne Waldman. since then I've given some readings at galleries in town. but yesterday was a major addition to my list.
my friend & neighbor Michelle Fiore is an opera singer. she did a concert at the legendary Plaza Theater & askd some friends to perform with her.
let me tell you how historic this venue is. it opend in 1936 with the premiere of "Camille." the story is that Garbo slippd in unnoticed to watch the screening. later it became home to radio broadcasts of Bob Hope & Jack Benny. & then came the popular "Palm Springs Follies."
after that closed its use was limitd & it became shabby. but some locals felt it needed to be saved & a 2-year $34 million restoration took place.
as far as I know I'm the first poet to read from that storied stage since it's reopening. it was thrilling to feel the response of an audience of 500. & makes me proud to be a part of the history of Palm Springs.
2 comments:
huzzah! congratulations alex! great pics, but i wish i was there in the audience to see/hear you read.
thx Richard. as a poet you know you don't often get to have 500 cheering yr reading. it was quite the magical nite. wish you had been there.
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