Sinatra & KCET: Ultra cool (UPDATED)
I'm really excited about the KCET benefit event taking place February 11 in Palm Springs.To celebrate the start of the annual Modernism Week- as well as the broadcast premiere of Michael Stern's terrific documentary "Julius Shulman: Desert Modern," KCET will host an event at the famous Frank Sinatra House, which was designed by the famous architect E. Stewart Wiliams. (That's the house below.)There's a great story, not unexpectedly, about the iconic singer and the home that is considered a Modernism classic. Back in 1947, Mr. Sinatra walked into the design offices of Williams, Wiliams and Williams in Palm Springs with the idea he wanted a house built in Palm Springs. There were a few catches, however. First, Mr. Sinatra wanted the house to be a Georgian-style colonial. Secondly, he wanted the house ready for his Christmas party - which would leave barely six months to design and build the residence. E. Stewart Williams, who designed sleek contemporary homes that reflected the spirit of Palm Springs, convinced the singer to go with a modern style. The residence Williams built, known as Twin Palms, is a landmark. During the KCET benefit event, we'll screen Michael Stern's film about Julius Shulman, the legendary photographer who documented Mid-Century Modernism in Palm Springs during his 70-year career. (I'll write more about the film in an upcoming entry.)In addition to the film, admission to the event also entitles you to enjoy a post screening Q & A with filmmaker Michael Stern, docent tours of the property, an open bar and dinner.
Here's more on the February 14 event - and how you can join us.
Date & Time:
Thursday, February 11th from 5:30 to 7:30 PM
Location:
Twin Palms, the original Desert estate of Frank Sinatra
1145 East Via Colusa, Palm Springs CA
Tickets:
$100 for KCET Members (Please use special discount code)
$150 for non-KCET Members
Buy your tickets at support.kcet.org/desertor by calling KCET Member Services at 747.201.5238 Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM.I hope you'll join us on February 14 in Palm Springs. And I'd love to meet you.We appreciate your ongoing support of KCET.Bohdan
UPDATE:
Last week KPSP Local 2 broadcast a preview piece on the program Eye on the Desert about the Sinatra House/KCET/Julius Shulman event. I'd like to share it with you.
If you can't make it to the KCET event on Thursday night in Palm Springs, make sure to watch KCET at 8:30 PM for the broadcast premiere of Michael Stern's documentary Julius Shulman: Desert Modern. The half hour film will be followed by Huell Howser's interview with the famous photographer.If you're not familiar with KCET's great Web Stories section at kcet.org, you can read an interview with Julius Shulman done before his death in July of 2009. You can access Julius Shulman: Man Behind the Camera by going here.