Arts & Entertainment Newsletter | August 2025

August Updates & Additions

Hey beautiful people—August may be hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk, but our updates are even hotter. In the last edition, I asked you to share your feedback—whether it’s a shoutout, a story, or a soulful memory, drop us a line and let your light shine in our upcoming Community Corner!

I’ve heard from a few of you about dis’ n’ dat’, so let’s drop some fresh news, add a few surprises, and keep you in the loop on what’s happening right here, right now. As Jesse Jackson famously reminded us, “Keep hope alive.”

These days, the headlines—traffic snarls, political messes, climate chaos—can feel overwhelming. From Texas drawing lines like it’s the new OK Corral, to D.C. under federal police control with Trump saying “Chicago is next,” it’s enough to make you want to unplug. But here’s the thing: there’s always something we can do.

So this month, I’m adding some calls to action because, honey, we gotta do something! Show up for your neighbors. Support live music. Volunteer your time. Donate if you can. Speak up when something’s not right. Pay attention, get informed, and never underestimate the power of showing up—whether it’s in the voting booth, at a community meeting, or front row at a local gig.

We can show up for each other, celebrate our wins, fight for what matters, and, yes, keep the music playing. So let’s dive into the good stuff, the real stuff, and the moments that remind us why this community is worth holding onto. Because hope isn’t just a slogan—it’s a practice. And together, we’re keeping it alive.

With heat, heart, and soul,

Sweet Baby J’ai

Rising Star of the Month: Love Keyyz

Meet Love Keyyz—a multi-instrumentalist force whose voice feels like a warm embrace and whose presence radiates raw, unapologetic artistry. Born Keshell “Love Keyyz” Phillips in Cincinnati and now a Los Angeles alum of USC’s Thornton School of Music, she is an R&B singer-songwriter, pianist, harpist, producer, model… the list goes on, because she simply cannot be boxed in

This is the kind of artist who carries entire emotions in a single chord. On her sophomore album I Could Be Dreaming, she takes you on a journey through love’s highs and the healing that follows heartbreak—with songs written, self-produced, and threaded with her own piano progressions

That album peaked at #15 on Apple Music’s R&B chart, making her a two-time charting independent artist—no label needed, no gimmicks—just pure talent in motion

What sets Love Keyyz apart beyond her vocals is her harp. Yeah—the harp. She studied with masters in L.A., fell in love, and turned it into another ingredient in her sound. It’s ethereal, it’s rare, and it’s all her

YahChanna texted me and said, “What’da ya’ think?” She’s the kind of artist who doesn’t just play for you; she plays with you, pulling you into the song until you’re part of it. It’s a communion, a conversation, a vibe you can’t shake.

Young people today are fluid—translation: they’re genre-fluid, style-fluid, and in Love Keyyz’s case, instrument-fluid too. She’s making the harp hip again, bending it into something fresh and unexpected. This isn’t your grandmother’s parlor recital—this is strings meeting street, velvet meeting vinyl.

She’s got the same fearless spirit Etta James had when she’d roll onto a stage in a leotard with her body out—no feathers, no furs, just raw presence. Love Keyyz has that kind of energy. At the keys or the harp, she’s fluid between delicate runs and bold chords, between old-school soul and next-gen edge.

Her music is lush yet lean, polished yet intimate—like she’s playing in your living room but you still want to dress for the occasion. She layers R&B, jazz, gospel, and her own truth into something that feels like both a love letter and a dare. And this rising star is just getting started!

So here’s the call to action: check her out. Stream her. Share her. Let her into your playlist and your life. And yes, YahChanna—I’m already plotting. We’re gonna have to get her to the desert with that harp, right?

Because trust me—when Love Keyyz plays, you don’t just listen. You feel it. And in times like these, we need that more than ever. Plus she reminds me of my rock n’ roll days playing the El Rey and At My Place.

Why Our Desert Beat Reaches Coast to Coast

Palm Springs may be where the sand meets the mountains, but our ripple hits way beyond the 760. We’ve got readers in New York, Tampa Bay, Chicago, Atlanta—even a few tuning in from across the pond—because this desert isn’t just a place, it’s a mood.

Think about it: the Palm Springs International Film Festival pulls Hollywood heavyweights in January, Modernism Week brings design lovers from Tokyo to Toronto, Pride turns our streets into a rainbow runway, and Splash House turns the whole city into one big poolside DJ set. And now—our own Sunset Music & Comedy Festival is stepping into that legendary lineup, bringing world-class performers, laugh-out-loud comedians, and one-of-a-kind collaborations that you won’t find anywhere else. Even when it’s 110°, people still pour in—because the music, the art, the culture, and the people are worth the heat.

And let’s be real—half the folks dancing at our shows are visitors who’ll fly home and still be talking about that night they heard Rose Mallett under the stars or got baptized in blues at the Cascade Lounge. That’s why our newsletter isn’t just a “local thing.” It’s a love letter from Palm Springs to the world—a reminder that the moments we create here don’t stay here. They travel. They inspire. They connect.

So whether you’re sipping cafecito in Miami, grabbing a slice in Brooklyn, sitting in the pool at Santa Ana, or chilling somewhere far from the desert, you’re part of our circle. And trust me—you’re always welcome to come catch the beat in person. So pass the newsletter to your friends and family no matter where they are in the world. Tell them to sign up here: SIGN UP

We See You: Jen Pawol — Girl Boss of the Ball Game

Once upon a time, “like a girl” was meant as a jab. You throw like a girl. You run like a girl. Now? Say it to the right woman and watch her turn it into a compliment so sharp it cuts the insult clean off.

These days, “like a girl” means fearless, unapologetic, and cool as hell. We’re talking Girl Boss cool—like running the meeting, closing the deal, hitting the high note, pulling the look, flipping the table (only if necessary), or landing the shot… all while keeping the lip gloss flawless.

On Saturday, August 9, 2025, Jen Pawol proved she’s the ultimate Girl Boss when she stepped onto the diamond and made history as the first female umpire to officiate a Major League Baseball regular-season game. First base in the first game of an Atlanta Braves–Miami Marlins doubleheader. Third base in the second. And come Sunday? She’s behind home plate calling balls and strikes like She’s behind home plate, calling balls and strikes like she was born with the rule book stitched into her glove.

I don’t know if sistergirl is married or partnered up, but I do know this—she looks like she’s married to the game. She’s got that same umpire gaze those umps had when I played college softball: steady, unshakable, the kind that says, don’t even try me.

Here’s the thing—being a Girl Boss in Pawol’s position isn’t just about doing the job well. It’s about surviving the fight to get there. She’s had to grind 10 times harder than any man in the league, smile through the shade, take the heat, and let the bull roll right off her collar. And through it all, she’s kept her focus locked on the game, not the noise.

Jen Pawol isn’t a token, a first-and-only, or a footnote. She’s proof that when women show up—especially in places they were never expected to—rules change, ceilings shatter, and history gets rewritten.

We see you, Jen. Our daughters and granddaughters have a new found interest in baseball. And we’re cheering every call.

The Texas Showdown at the OK Corral: Redistricting, Redlining, and the Return of Political Gunplay

Lou from Phoenix asked me about what’s happening with what he called “the steal” in Texas. Bold, brash, and yes, we’ve seen this play before. Déjà vu. Right, Lou?!

Texas is having its OK Corral moment—minus the dust and horses, but all the high noon drama. Lawmakers are squared off over redistricting: Republicans say it’s about population shifts and following the rules; Democrats say it’s about carving up communities of color until their voting power is barely a whisper. Both sides are dug in, and the courts are now the referee.

This isn’t just a Lone Star story—it’s a blueprint. The playbook gets tested in Texas, then rolled out everywhere else. If you think your state is safe from partisan cartography, you’re not paying attention.

They’re calling it redistricting.

But let’s call it what it is—good ol’ fashioned redlining with a legislative twist.

Texas has turned into the OK Corral, and Governor Greg Abbott is standing ten paces back, squinting into the sun, ready to fire shots—not with pistols, but with pens, maps, and threats. You’d think we were back in the Wild West with the way he’s waving around arrest warrants like they’re sheriff’s badges.

What’s the “crime”?

Democratic lawmakers walked out—fled, some said—to block a Republican redistricting plan that’s been cooked up like grandma’s cast-iron cornbread: served hot and heavy with suppression on the side.

These maps aren’t just lines on a page. They’re fences. Invisible walls. Red lines in the sand that they’re steeping over boldly, with pistols drawn. Tools sharpened to slice through Black, Brown, and progressive voting power like it’s open season on democracy.

Abbott called it a stunt.

But when the house is burning, you don’t just sit and fan yourself—you grab what you can and run for water. And that’s what those Texas Dems did.

The way Abbott’s talking—threatening arrests, fines, political revenge—you’d think they were traitors to the state instead of defenders of the vote. He’s stomping around like he expected them to walk the plank voluntarily, smiling as they drowned in silence.

And here’s the gut punch: for Black and Brown communities, these lines aren’t just ink on a map. They’re decades of underrepresentation, silenced voices, and policy that happens to them, not with them. We’ve been here before. We know the cost.

It’s about calling out a system that redraws lines to push people out instead of pulling them in.

In D.C., he’s put the Metro Police under federal control with orders to “raze slums, sweep the homeless, and lock up monument taggers for 10 years.” They call it cleanup. I call it a crackdown. And just like in Texas—where redistricting maps are being drawn with surgical precision to box out Black, brown, and young voters—it’s about control. Bold. Brash. And done right in front of our faces.

This isn’t some distant political drama—it’s a blueprint. Draw the lines. Own the streets. Decide who belongs. And whatever you do, sell it to the public like it’s “for their own good.” That’s the real hustle.

Call to Action:

• Pay attention. What’s happening in Texas and D.C. is coming to a state near you.
• Speak up. Call your representatives and demand fair maps, real representation, and no lines drawn in fear. Ken Calvert’s number: (760) 620-0041.
• Support voting rights orgs like Fair Fight Action, NAACP Legal Defense Fund, and Brennan Center for Justice.
• Show up. Redistricting meetings, town halls, elections—show up and show out.

Be careful not to fall into the “other” phase—that sweet spot where pointing fingers feels good, where the soundbites sell you on “cleaning the streets” and “getting rid of marauding gangs” as if it’s all for your own good. Here’s the truth: that’s how they soften you up for suppression, for the steal, for the rewriting of rules right under your nose.

If we don’t call it out—who will? We’re watching it happen in real time: the lines being redrawn, the voices being silenced, the stage set for the next act. And whatever you do—don’t believe your lying eyes.

Another Community Hit

When the Call Goes Unanswered: 911, Delayed

Deb from Los Angeles called me about this one.

Let me paint a picture for you.

It’s 2:43 a.m. You hear something—glass breaking, maybe a scream. Your heart starts racing before your feet even hit the floor. You grab your phone, shaking a little, and dial those three magic numbers we were all taught as kids. The universal promise: Help is on the way.

But what if it’s not?

What if you’re put on hold? What if no one picks up? What if you’re not calling for yourself—but for your elderly neighbor, or your child gasping for air, or the woman screaming across the street?

This isn’t a hypothetical. This is happening. Right here in our own community.

We’ve got people waiting 20, 30, sometimes 40 minutes just to have their emergency acknowledged. And when every second counts, silence on the other end of the line is more than terrifying—it’s deadly.

I’ve heard the stories—too many now to ignore. A friend who called 911 after witnessing a hit-and-run and got a recording. A neighbor who watched a man collapse in a parking lot and waited half an hour for help to arrive. A woman whose voice cracked on the line while begging someone—anyone—to come for her child. Deb, who needed help waited on line for 34 minutes!

This isn’t about politics. This is about people. It’s about the fragile trust between community and the systems meant to protect it. And when that trust breaks, the whole thing starts to unravel.

We spend a lot of time talking about justice, about safety, about showing up for one another. But how do we show up when the very system built to catch us in crisis… doesn’t answer?

We need accountability. We need reinvestment. We need to stop treating basic emergency response as optional.

Because when a call for help goes unanswered, it’s not just a glitch in the system—it’s a crack in the foundation of our humanity.

And let’s be clear: this isn’t just their problem. It’s ours.

What You Can Do Now

1. Speak Up: Contact your city council or county supervisors. Demand action. Ask about staffing levels, response times, and 911 dispatcher resources. Public pressure works when it’s loud and persistent.

2. Document Everything: If you experience a 911 delay or failure, write down what happened. Times. Dates. Recordings if you have them. Report it to local officials and emergency service departments.

3. Share Your Story: Use your voice. Share your experience on social media, at town halls, or with local press. Real stories make the issue impossible to ignore.

4. Call for Reinforcement: Support initiatives that invest in community-based safety infrastructure, including hiring more trained dispatchers and modernizing technology.

What to Do If 911 Fails You

• Stay Calm, Try Again: If you’re disconnected or sent to a recording, hang up and redial immediately. Some systems prioritize redialed calls.

• Know the Non-Emergency Numbers: Have your local police/fire department’s direct line saved in your phone in case 911 doesn’t go through.

• Alert a Neighbor: If you’re in immediate danger and 911 isn’t responding, notify a neighbor or nearby person to call or assist.
• Consider Text-to-911 (If Available): In some counties, you can text your emergency. Use it if calling fails.
• File a Report: After the incident, file a formal complaint with the city or county and let your local officials know this is unacceptable.

We can’t afford silence when it comes to emergency services.

Lives depend on it.

So speak up. Share this. Demand better.

Because the next time the phone rings, it might be you on the other end… waiting.

Giving Flowers While the Music Still Plays

We shouldn’t have to wait until somebody’s gone to say, “They were amazing.” Flowers should be given while the music’s still playing, the lights are still warm, and the applause still shakes the walls.

At the Sunset Music & Education Foundation, we believe in giving those flowers out loud, in public, with the whole room standing to bear witness. That’s why this year, we’re honoring Holly Near with the Sunset Legacy of Inspiration Award.

If you know, you know—Holly has been the voice for truth, justice, and compassion for over five decades. She’s sung at the front lines, marched with the people, and carried her songs into places where hope felt like a long shot. Holly doesn’t just perform; she creates space for healing, unity, and power. She made women in small towns across America feel as if they were seen and heard. And that kind of artistry? It’s rare air.

I still remember the first time I heard Holly live—the way her voice wrapped around a room like a warm blanket and a battle cry all at once. She made you feel seen, even if you were sitting in the back row.

So on our stage this November, when we hand her that award, it’s not just for her extraordinary music. It’s for the decades she’s poured into lifting others up, for the generations she’s inspired to use their voices, and for the blueprint she’s left for those of us still learning how to sing truth to power.

Holly Near, we give you your flowers—roots, stems, petals, and all.

Get your TICKETS at www.sunsetmusic.org

Desert’s Live Scene Goes Full Throttle

Just when you thought August was for slowing down and sipping something cold in the shade—bam—Palm Springs reminds you that the beat never really stops. The A/C might be blasting, but the stages are still sizzling.

People still pour into the desert hoping to hit a jackpot, catch a cool show, or at the very least, score a poolside cocktail with a splash of something strong. And lucky for them, this month’s lineup is serving all the energy. Mornings buzz with possibility, afternoons slow to a simmer, but when the sun dips low and the neon flickers on—the people come out, ready to roll.

Because guess what? The Pointer Sisters are rolling into town—and yes, we’re so excited and we just can’t hide it. Their hits are the kind of grooves that refuse to age, and just like this desert town, they know how to surprise you with something bold, electric, and unforgettable when you least expect it.

So whether you’re chasing nostalgia, new sounds, or just a place to dance under desert stars, we’ve got something for you. Let’s roll.

• Heart – Friday, August 15, 8 PM at Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage. The legendary rock icons deliver hit after hit

• Pointer Sisters – Saturday, August 23, 8 PM at Morongo Casino. Expect funk-fueled, soul-rich classics

• Banda, Funk & Soul Nights – At Morongo: Chayce Beckham on August 14, Berlin on August 22, and the Pointer Sisters again on August 23—all shows at 8 PM.

• Spotlight Showroom at Spotlight 29 Casino: Comedy headliner George Lopez hits on August 16, 8 PM, Smash Brothers Chad & Cory (Aug 15), and Ace Guillen (Aug 29) in the Chairman’s Lounge

They’re not just warming up stages—they’re holding them down. These artists bring authentic voices, community connection, and the kind of artistry that defines Palm Springs. From supper clubs to lounge rooms, bars to posh hotel patios, their performances remind us why live music still stirs the soul.

So mark your calendars, clear your nights—because these performers are the pulse of our desert beat. And when you show up, you feel it.

You can find our Desert Divas all over town this August:

Yve Evans is turning up the elegance at Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, where her soulful piano and playful wit make for a five-star listening experience.

Gennine Jackson Francis and Marisa Corvo are lighting up The Roost Lounge in Cathedral City—serving vocals, sass, and undeniable presence.

Rose Mallett returns with flair at the Purple Room Supper Club, reopening August 26—swinging effortlessly from jazz standards to smoky torch songs.

Leanna & Miguel are your Monday mood-lifters at V Wine Lounge and keep the vibes flowing at the Hyatt Hotel.

Patrice Morris brings her powerhouse vocals to IW Live in Indian Wells, where soul meets sophistication in one of the valley’s favorite live music venues.

And the party doesn’t stop there…

Our very own rockstar producer Liz Borden is making waves! Her band, The Highway Dollys, has a new hit single climbing the charts, “Whiskey & A Prayer“—and we’re cheering every beat of the way. This high-energy anthem blends gritty Americana with heartfelt storytelling, showcasing the band’s signature sound and stage presence.

Click on the image to watch the video and see why fans across the country are raising a glass and singing along.

Cactus Club, Palm Desert

Live music Friday and Saturday nights from 6:30–9:30 PM on the fire-lit patio. Styles vary week to week—from acoustic rock to blues and country. (opentable.com)

Cascade Lounge, Agua Caliente Casino, Palm Springs

Every Wednesday at 7 PM hosts Desert Blues Revival—live blues bands lighting up the space in an intimate casino lounge. Check their weekly calendar for performers and cover details. (locallivemusic.us)

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, Palm Desert

The V Lounge offers live jazz trios most evenings, creating a refined, music-infused dining experience alongside acclaimed cocktails and seafood. Open free to diners nightly. (eddiev.com)

The Nest, Indian Wells

This iconic lounge features live music seven nights a week, mixing DJs with keyboard, sax, or full band sets depending on the night. It’s upscale yet laid-back with regular live performances. (tripadvisor.com)

V Wine Lounge & Martini Bar, Palm Springs

Features local talent several nights a week—think lounge singers and jazz combos. Check the online calendar for specific performers and dates. (vwinelounge.com)

And yes, drag is in full effect:

Catch our queens turning looks and turning it out every weekend at Toucan’s, Oscar’s, One-Eleven, Hunter’s, Chill Bar, and PS Air. Wherever there’s a spotlight, you’ll find a fierce performance and a crowd living for it.

Whether you’re dancing under the desert sky or vibing indoors with a chilled martini, one thing is clear: Coachella Valley’s live music scene doesn’t take the summer off.

So dust off those dancing shoes, stay hydrated, and support the local talent that keeps our heartbeat set to music—all year long.

Join the passionate team behind the Sunset Music & Education Foundation as we continue to uplift our community through the power of music. We’re looking for dedicated volunteers to become part of our family—people who believe in creativity, connection, and making a difference.

Whether you’re a behind-the-scenes organizer, a front-of-house greeter, or someone who simply loves music and community, there’s a place for you here.

Come be part of something meaningful. “We are family – we got all my sisters, brothers and me!” – Pointer Sisters and me.

Come be part of the music.

Contact our producer at Liz Borden at Lizaxes@gmail.com

C

We encourage our readers to support the businesses

and organizations that so generously support our community.

We couldn’t do it without you—and we wouldn’t want to.

Address: 74-710 Highway 111, Ste 102, Palm Desert, CA 92260

Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Tax ID:

#33-2559579

Reply to this email with your comments, or visit www.sunsetmusic.org for more information and to subscribe to our newsletter

Big Love to Google

For the endless research, photos, information, fun facts, and rabbit holes we didn’t even know we needed—thank you, Google! All that and a bag of chips. 🙌