Tour the Frey House II during Modernism Week, Palm Springs.

Although you may not be one of the fortunate few to tour the Frey House  ”in person” you can experience the world-famous mountainside home of eccentric Swiss architect Albert Frey up close and in detail in an exciting VIDEO produced by BeHereTV and narrated by award winning travel expert Christopher Baker. 

The video release coincides with the city’s annual ‘Modernism Week,’ February 12, 2010, when the Palm Springs Art Museum briefly open the doors of FREY HOUSE II to the public for just three short days.

Modernism Week in Palm Springs is the only time one can personally tour this architectural gem of ‘desert modernism.’  With high demand and a very limited tour schedule, only a select few get the opportunity to actually visit the residence and experience the elegant simplicity of this amazing home, built in 1963.  With the video tour’s release, everyone can get to see and learn about this remarkable structure.

With special permission by the Palm Springs Art Museum, BeHereTV recently had the pleasure and privilege of touring this 800 Square foot landmark and taping a segment about the architectural icon and its creator Albert Frey. 

Its originality and significance within the architectural style known as Palm Springs Modernism are evident everywhere you look.

From the mammoth rock situated inside the house, to the corrugated metal ceilings, extensive sliding glass walls and bright yellow curtains in tribute to a native flower, the FREY HOUSE II embodies the personality and style of Albert Frey and the attributes of Modernism so loved today:  simplicity and minimalism. 

Narrated by Christopher Baker, travel writer and author of Palm Springs & Desert Resorts: A Complete Guide our VIDEO TOUR takes you inside the pristine home perched high on the craggy hills above Palm Springs to experience the epic views Frey enjoyed.

Concrete, glass and sheet metal, the elements of sparseness and simplicity are seen in detail.

Tour the kitchen, bedroom, views and pool and see for yourself why the FREY HOUSE II is a closely guarded part of the Palm Springs Art Museum architectural collection.

For more on architect and Palm Springs resident Albert Frey
and Palm Springs Modernism week 2010,  visit: www.modernismweek.com

THE INDIO DATE FESTIVAL

During the annual INDIO DATE FESTIVAL AND RIVERSIDE COUNTY FAIR, held in Indio, the entire city springs into action with a week of activities and entertainment. An Arabian-themed play is held every night, world class entertainment comes to the town of 50,000+ residents, and livestock, camel races, beauty pageant queens and a huge carnival all keep locals focused on fun. 

Opening ceremony includes blessing of the dates, and award-winning Arabian Nights Musical Pageant starting at 6:15 p.m. at the Pageant Stage. An entertaining show that mingles contemporary humor with classic folklore, magic and mystery are at the heart of “Aladdin and the Heart of Agrabah”.

Also arriving on the first day are the Llamas, Dairy Goats, Poultry.  Opening Ceremony & Blessing of the Dates at 9:30am; Camel & Ostrich Races at 11am & 3pm – Arena; WGAS Motorsports Monster Trucks at 8pm – Arena and Carnival rides from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Affordable admission makes this event a great family outing and draws California vacationers and beach dwellers from as far away as 100 miles.

Location: Indio is located about 70 miles east of Palm Springs or 125 miles east of Los Angeles in Riverside County.  

Riverside County Fairgrounds

82-503 Hwy 111, Indio, CA 92201. Call: (800) 811-FAIR or (760) 863-8247. WWW.datefest.org

Presented by the City of Rancho Mirage and the Recreation Commission, the event celebrates the love of art and life in the greater Palm Springs area.  Festival coordinator, Diana Beck smiles as she reflects on how the quality of the exhibits as well as the popularity of the show increases exponentially every year. 

Casually walking through the peaceful, fresh, park setting you will find ceramics, sculpture, textiles, glasswork, watercolor and oil painting, metalwork, photography, and mixed media projects. Many of the same artists return to the Rancho Mirage show every November with great pleasure.  

Painter Jim Stallings, whose clients include individual and corporate collectors from every state and around the world shares that he looks forward to seeing all the friends he has made here over the years.

Complimenting the extensive collection of local, regional and national artists are the live jazz performances center stage. This years performances included LORI ANDREWS, solo harpist. Lori and her quartet have a unique style and sound that enchanted new listeners and veteran fans alike. Lori performed award winning hits from her latest CD release, “After Hours.

 Also performing was NILS, in a return engagement. After wowing the crowd in 2006 with smooth grooves from his CD “Pacific Coast Highway”, Nils presented  his newest release, “Up Close and Personal”.

The Rancho Mirage Art Affaire is a family occasion. Kids and grownups alike will find the creativity and whimsy of the very popular  MAD HATTER paper hat artist irritable.  Streamers, sequins, wild feathers and tons of glue are in great supply as Dads, Grandparents and kids work side by side to create their version of the “best Hat.” The play station is FREE and your creation is yours to keep forever.

Look for information about the 2010 Festival.  Although a year away, mark your calendars so you don’t miss this desert destination treat!!

RANCHO MIRAGE ART AFFAIRE

Open to the public and the trade, the studios and galleries feature contemporary paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry and experimental artwork by knowledgeable and approachable artists.

Backstreet hosts a monthly ART WALK and open studio reception the FIRST WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH from 6:00-9:00 PM.  You can find poetry readings, book signings, private art classes, theatrical productions and monthly artist’s receptions at the various galleries.

 
The art district is located at Highway 111 and Cherokee Way behind the Mercedes-Benz Dealership. Look for the big red “ART” on the wall of the building. Most galleries are open Wed-Sun 11-4 and always by appointment.

We invite you to visit the websites of the following Backstreet Art District galleries

ART BY PETER

TED PHILLIP DENTON

ANNETTE MARIE ART COLLECTION

IMAGES BY GIDEON

REDDOT GALLERY

TREVOR GOSS

Come and experience the energy and relaxed vibe of the Backstreet Art District.

Fitting, then, that Countryman Press (TM) contracted with him to produce Palm Springs & Desert Resorts: A Complete Guide in its ‘Great Destinations’ series.” –a 285-page guidebook to the Coachella Valley and surrounding attractions.

 In reading this magnificent book, illustrated throughout with Baker’s own superb photography, you soon discover that there’s so much more to the desert oasis than golf resorts, gorgeous pools, luxurious spas and fine dining.

 There’s geology, history, folk lore, amazing outdoor activities, and fascinating nooks and crannies where Mother Nature can be seen in all her glory.

Join us as we tag along with Christopher to the Coachella Valley Preserve.

He will share with us his fascinating knowledge of California fan palm ecology and the animals that call the sandy dunes and oasis their home. (VIDEO feature coming soon).

Next, our local expert takes us to the world-renowned Albert Frey home for an insight into the remarkable architecture and ascetic lifestyle of the late Swiss-born father of “desert modernism” architecture.

The complete Palm Springs & Desert Resorts: Great Destinations provides information on; History, Culture, Recreation as well as helpful information on lodging, dining, shopping and transportation, with recommendations throughout for enjoying the region to its fullest.
If you are planning a quick trip, the chapter “If Time is Short” may be of special interest!
Planning a trip to the Palm Springs area, or just interested in detailed information about all there is to see and do?

“Purchase your copy of Palm Springs & Desert Resorts: A Complete Guide today”!

Visit Christopher at CHRISTOPHER BAKER

www.moon.com/blogs/cuba-costa-rica

Lowell Thomas Award 2008 ‘Travel Journalist of the Year’

Contributor to Caribbean Travel & Life, Islands, Maxim, National Geographic Traveler, Robb Report and more than 200 other publications worldwide.

Author of:
Cuba Classics: A Celebration of Vintage American Automobiles
Eyewitness Travel Guide Costa Rica
Eyewitness Top 10 Cuba
Eyewitness Top 10 Puerto Rico
Great Destinations: Palm Springs & Desert Resorts
Lonely Planet Bahamas
Lonely Planet Jamaica
Mi Moto Fidel: Motorcycling Through Castro’s Cuba
Moon Costa Rica
Moon Cuba
Moon Havana
National Geographic Traveler California
National Geographic Traveler Costa Rica
National Geographic Traveler Cuba
National Geographic Traveler Dominican Republic
National Geographic Traveler Panama
Puerto Rico: A Beautiful Isle
And more…

Conveniently located close to great family hotels, restaurants and other PALM SPRINGS-DESERT RESORT attractions, the Dr. George Car show is a great start to a relaxing weekend getaway.

 The Palm Springs Crusin’ Association is an all volunteer non-profit organization whose purpose is to promote camaraderie among car enthusiasts and to stage and promote charitable car events. It started out as a small gathering of  car enthusiasts that met at Shakey’s Pizza Parlor parking lot in Palm Springs 15 years ago.  People would get together to admire each other’s cars, and swap information. It was started by two local car lovers, Loren Orcutt and Bob Hunt.  Their first gathering consisted of approximately 30 cars. 

As the participation grew, the club moved to Cathedral City to accommodate their size and stayed there for several years.  What originally started as small group has no First Saturday of the Month, September thru June 4-8 pm, open to all car enthusiasts!

Monthly Cruise Night Palm Springs is the First Saturday of the Month, September thru June 4-8 pm, and is open to all car enthusiasts!  On display is over 150 classic cars, muscle cars, hot rods, street rods, corvettes, customs, antiques, restored and original collectable cars, for free viewing by the general public.  There are coloring and model car contests and slot car racing for the kids and a hula hoop contest for those who dare. There is a raffle, 50/50 drawing, trophy presentations, activities for the whole family, as well as entertainment available at each cruise night.

CA PSCA Cruise Night at the Spa Resort Casino in downtown Palm Springs, corner of Amado and Calle Encilla.

PSCA is a member of the Inland Empire Car Club Council and boasts a membership of 180 people

There are a multitude of first class venues throughout the Palm Springs-Desert Resorts area offering everything from big name headliner entertainment to small, sophisticated cultural performances. From the wonderfully intimate Annenburg Theater adjacent to the Palm Springs Museum of Art to the high energy, star studded main stage at Fantasy Springs Resort and Casino you will certainly find a venue and show to suite your taste any time of the year!

Follow BeHereTV for up to the minute performance and live entertainment information.

Mz. Nichols shares with us the history and evolution of the HEATHER JAMES FINE ART Gallery in Palm Desert and it’s Blue chip stable of artists.

Her interview continues with her perspective of the art and gallery landscape from museum quality fine art at HEATHER JAMES GALLERY to the hip and trendy working artist enclave in Palm Springs known as the BACKSTREET ART DISTRICT.

She discusses new as well as established galleries throughout the desert, one being ROYAL PROJECTS GALLERY in Indian Wells who’s owner, Rick Royal opened his gallery in 2008 with a cutting edge neon show.

The IMAGO GALLERY in Palm Desert has been a prominent art address for years and represents the stunning glass work of Dale Chihuly and Ginny Ruffner among many others.

Along Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs you will find many art as well as Mid Century Modern furniture and collectible galleries.

As the desert resorts area becomes more and more a year round community for young families and continues to be a thriving second home address to the ultra rich, the art world sees the Greater Palm Springs area as a great stage for new and emerging artists as well as the “blue chip” collectibles like Degas, Warhol, Monet and Chagal.

From Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs to El Paseo in Palm Desert, from public art to discrete tucked away private working studios throughout the desert, the art scene in the Coachella Valley is thriving. A great place for cultural inspiration and the perfect place to comfortably browse and find the next piece for your collection.

Greet the sun or bid it farewell as you drift in beautiful desert skies.

Hot air ballooning in the desert is one of the most peaceful experiences you could possibly hope for. While floating effortlessly in one of our colorful hot air  balloons, you will view breathtaking  vistas of some of the most picturesque landscapes in California. Vineyards, polo fields, world famous golf courses, and exotic orchards are just a few of the unbelievable sights you will experience.  Your flight direction is determined by the breeze.

Your pilot will give a guided tour as well as serving your champagne and cookies, while you are in the air. During the first few minutes, you will receive a guided tour of the valley.  Your picture will be captured during the celebration and attached to your flight certificate before your leave. 

BALLOON ABOVE THE DESERT

83232 E   44th  Ave  Indio
Call for reservations:   760   247-0410