Arts, Culture & Entertainment Newsletter | September 2025

Hey Beautiful People,

We’re back with the first Updates & Additions—those little gems we couldn’t squeeze into the main newsletter but you absolutely need to know. Think of it as the encore set: shorter, sharper, and still dripping with soul.

Inside, we’re vibin’ with our Artist of the Month, whose hauntingly beautiful voice still bends time. We’ve got a partner shout-out that shines the spotlight on someone keeping our community loud and proud. And yes, we’re stirring up the controversy with our take on that tired old style rule—no white after Labor Day? Not in Palm Springs, baby.

Because growing wiser isn’t just about the wrinkles—it’s about the perks. From senior passes that unlock national parks to happy hour deals that make your wallet sing, our Community Corner is proof that age comes with rhythm.

And of course, culture always tastes better with flavor. This month’s Taste of Soul introduces you to Chef Ashleigh Shanti, who takes fall’s bounty—pumpkin, peanuts, and hominy—and turns it into a stew that feels like jazz in a bowl.

So stay with us. The music’s still playing, and this encore is one you don’t want to miss.

With heat, heart, and soul,

Sweet Baby J’ai

P.S. With a 47% open rate—more than double the industry average of 21%—our newsletter consistently engages readers and proves the strong connection we’ve built with our community. Thank you to our readers!

White After Labor Day? In Palm Springs, We Call That Tuesday.

Some rules were made to be broken. “Don’t wear white after Labor Day” is one of those tired old commandments that belongs in the same dusty closet as hoop skirts and rotary phones. Cute for history, but in 2025? Please.

For the rest of the country, maybe it makes sense—fall rolls in with pumpkin spice, gray skies, and sweaters that feel like blankets. White linen against a soggy East Coast sidewalk? Tragic. But in Palm Springs? Honey, the desert sun doesn’t check the calendar. September, October, November—we’re still sipping cocktails poolside, and nothing catches the light like a crisp white shirt flowing in the breeze.

That so-called rule traces back to early 20th-century high society, when wealthy elites used it as a kind of fashion password. White—especially linen and light fabrics—signaled summer leisure, country homes, and long vacations. Once Labor Day hit, the “in-crowd” switched to darker, heavier clothes to mark their return to the city. It wasn’t about weather; it was about class, status, and who got to belong.

But Palm Springs plays by a different beat. Here, life is perpetual vacation mode. White isn’t just a color—it’s a whole mood: resort casual, cocktail fabulous, desert-chic. Think Ralph Lauren ease, Rat Pack swagger, and a Beyoncé strut under the desert sun. And let’s be real—a linen kaftan in blazing white says I’m living my best life louder than any “seasonally appropriate” shade of pumpkin or rust ever could. Look at jazz singer Angie Wells in that white suit—smooth as a sax solo, proof that style, like jazz, lives in the freedom to bend the rules.

So yes, wear your whites. Stretch them past Labor Day, past Halloween, past the moment your relatives are snowed in somewhere back East. Let the rest of the country sip cider in their cable knits. We’ll be here, in Palm Springs, catching sunbeams in white linen and proving once again: fashion rules are made to be rewritten.

Period. Dot!

The Voice That Broke Every Rule: Little Jimmy Scott

It’s Sunday morning, vacuum roaring, dandelion tea in hand. Then—that voice. I slam the off button and blurt out, “Alexa, who is that badass singing that dripping with soul, On Broadway?”

That’s the Little Jimmy Scott experience. His voice doesn’t just catch your ear—it grabs your heart, spins it around, and makes you wonder how something so fragile can sound so fierce. Born in Cleveland in 1925, Jimmy carried a rare condition called Kallmann syndrome, which left him with a hauntingly high contralto voice that defied gender and genre. He wasn’t a man imitating a woman or a boy still growing—he was simply Jimmy, singing with an ache so deep it felt like truth itself (click on his album cover to find out what I mean).

He cut his teeth in Lionel Hampton’s band in the late ’40s, but industry politics, shady contracts, and bad timing kept him from the recognition he deserved. Still, the greats knew—Billie Holiday once told him, “I hear what you’re doing, and you’re doing it right.” Ray Charles said, “His voice just broke your heart.” And decades later, when most artists were fading, Jimmy was just beginning again—singing on Twin Peaks, cutting late-career records that left critics stunned, and proving that resilience can sound like velvet dipped in soul.

What makes Jimmy Scott unforgettable is not just the notes he sang but the spaces between them—those stretched-out silences where longing lived. His phrasing was elastic, pulling you in closer, making you lean forward as if he were whispering secrets you weren’t supposed to hear.

Jimmy Scott’s gift wasn’t just technical mastery. It was honesty. His phrasing stretched time itself, his silences carried as much weight as his notes, and his every song felt like he was bleeding truth into the room. He broke every rule, not to shock, but to reveal something more intimate—something human.

So the next time you’re cleaning, sipping tea, or caught up in the rhythm of your day, and you hear that voice drifting through the speakers—stop. Lean in. And know you’re in the presence of Little Jimmy Scott, the man who made music sound like life itself: messy, beautiful, unclassifiable, and unforgettable.

Why Jimmy Still Matters

Little Jimmy Scott’s voice wasn’t just music—it was a revolution in sound. Scott stood as a cornerstone of Black intersex history—his voice and his story reshaping what it meant to be both vulnerable and powerful in American music. He blurred lines of gender and genre long before “nonbinary” or “genre-bending” were buzzwords. His phrasing stretched time itself, teaching us that silence can sing as loud as a note. And his resilience—rising from obscurity to late-life stardom—reminds us that artistry isn’t about the charts, it’s about the truth you carry in your voice.

That’s why artists from Billie Holiday to Madonna, from Lou Reed to Ray Charles, bowed their heads in respect. Jimmy Scott is one of my favorite singers. He broke every rule, and in doing so, gave us all permission to live, love, and create without apology—because sometimes the most powerful voice is the one that refuses to fit the mold.

Partner Spotlight: Valerie Milano – The Hollywood Times

This year’s Palm Springs Pride Honors Awards celebrate leaders shaping our community’s future—Honey Davenport, Rev. Jane Voigts, Loren Ostrow, Courageous Resistance Indivisible of the Desert, and Ben & Bob Kincaid.

Congratulations to all the honorees—you are the pulse that keeps Pride alive. 

But today, we shine our spotlight on Valerie Milano, Publisher & Senior Editor of The Hollywood Times—one of our proud media sponsors.

Valerie doesn’t just report on culture—she amplifies it. From the red carpets of Cinema Diverse to the powerhouse stages of The Dinah, the Palm Springs LGBTQ+ Film Festival, and the Sunset Music & Comedy Festival, her coverage has helped lift our stories beyond the desert and into the larger conversation. She uses her platform to make sure our voices aren’t just heard—they’re seen, celebrated, and remembered.

And now, Valerie is being honored with the Spirit of Stonewall Arts & Culture Award at the 2025 Palm Springs Pride Honors. A well-deserved recognition for someone who has spent her career turning the spotlight on others while fighting for equality and visibility.

Valerie, we see you. We salute you. And we’re raising a glass in your name—because community thrives when storytellers like you keep the mic turned on. Job well done, Diva!

Taste of Soul | Chef Ashleigh Shanti

Summer may have been all about crisp salads and chilled plates, but fall is when the bowls come out. The air shifts, the days shorten, and suddenly nothing feels more right than a soup that warms you from the inside out.

Enter Chef Ashleigh Shanti—a culinary star who brings her Black Appalachian roots to the table with dishes that honor heritage while pushing flavors forward. A James Beard finalist and Top Chef alum, Shanti has a gift for turning humble, familiar ingredients into soulful masterpieces that taste like memory, yet feel fresh and new.

This season, we’re leaning into her fall-ready creations, like a peanut-pumpkin stew with hominy—earthy, hearty, and layered with spice and comfort. She reminds me of my Aunt Sunbeam, the kind of women that has a garden bursting with ripe tomatoes. sweet squash, and happy peas, right outside her back porch. Like a Sunbeam ray of sunshine, you know it’s the kind of dish that reminds you why autumn belongs to the pot and the spoon.

Chef Shanti doesn’t just cook; she tells stories in flavor. And this fall, she’s serving a narrative we all want a taste of.

Recipe Card: Peanut-Pumpkin Stew with Hominy

Ingredients (Serves 6)

• 3 cups roasted, peeled pumpkin, diced
• ½ cup chopped, blanched raw peanuts (plus extra for garnish)
• 4 garlic cloves, unpeeled
• 2 Tbsp grapeseed oil + 1 Tbsp coconut oil
• ¾ cup diced yellow onion
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 4 cups vegetable broth (divided)
• 1½ cups hominy (canned, drained)
• 1½ cups baby spinach
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions

1. Roast the pumpkin until tender and fragrant—it’s your fall flavor base.
2. Crunch the peanuts finely for garnish and body.
3. Sauté aromatics: Warm the oils, cook onion, garlic, and ginger until golden.
4. Simmer: Add roasted pumpkin, half the broth, and hominy. Let flavors meld 15 minutes.
5. Finish with greens: Stir in spinach until just wilted. Season with salt, paprika, cayenne.
6. Serve hot with a sprinkle of peanuts on top.

Plating Notes

• Use a deep, rustic bowl.
• Garnish with crushed peanuts + a drizzle of finishing oil.
• Pair with cornbread or a dark, crusty bread.
• Photograph with autumn colors—burnt orange napkin, wooden spoon, candlelight.

Chef Ashleigh Shanti proves fall isn’t just a season—it’s a flavor. And this stew? It’s soul in a bowl. The kind that makes you want to slap yo’ mama’s man. Period. Dot!

So ladle up a bowl of Chef Ashleigh Shanti’s peanut-pumpkin stew with hominy and let Amythyst ride the air. Together, they remind us that when food and music share the table, history isn’t just remembered—it’s alive, nourishing, and unforgettable.

Community Corner: The Wonders of Growing Wiser

I’ve got a couple of friends hitting big milestones this year, and instead of reminding them about creaky knees and pill organizers, I thought I’d give them something better: a few real perks to look forward to in the 55+ world. Because growing wiser isn’t just about what you lose—it’s about what you gain.

First stop: America’s backyard. For just $80, you can scoop up a lifetime Senior Pass that gets you into more than 2,000 national parks and federal lands. Yosemite, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon—all yours, forever. And the pass covers your whole car. That’s not just a discount, that’s a victory lap.

Not a hiker? Ride the rails. Amtrak shows love with 10% off for passengers 65 and up. There’s nothing like watching the country glide by while you sip coffee and let somebody else do the driving.

Airlines? Here’s the inside scoop: Delta sometimes offers senior fares if you call directly, and United has a “Senior 65+” option online. Translation: ask. Your voice has power; use it. Southwest doesn’t do senior fares—no shade, just facts.

Now let’s talk food. Don’t feel like you have to wear a hat and sunglasses when you run to those “senior hour” meals—whatever they call them. The truth is, eating out does get sweeter. Denny’s, IHOP, Applebee’s, Outback—many offer special menus or 10% off. It varies, so channel your inner jazz singer and improvise: ask, smile, and let the discount notes fall into place.

Happy hour—for grownups: Per Raymond’s request, yes—senior discounts pair beautifully with happy hour. We’re talking half-price apps at Applebee’s, 2-for-1 margaritas at Chili’s, wine-down Wednesdays at your neighborhood spot. Stack your senior menu on top of drink specials and you’re feasting like a boss—without the tab jetting off.

A little local luck: If you’ll be back in Palm Springs for the Sunset Music & Comedy Festival in November, check out casinos like Spotlight 29 in Coachella—they host “Senior Citizen Day” with up to 20% off at their JEM Café on select days. That’s not on the gaming floor—but hey, it’s still a win.

The best birthday gift of all: Turn 65 and you unlock healthcare and that Social Security check you’ve been investing in for decades. Not charity—just good karma with interest.

Because wisdom may come with wrinkles… but honey, it also comes with perks.

This request came from Raymond in Cleveland, who just turned 60 and wanted to know what he could look forward to besides “new bifocals and early-bird menus.” He also asked whether any local discounts pair well with happy hour—so here you go.

Now, about that Lemon Drop. It came from Joyce, Yvette, Donna, and Shellie—photo sent to me one late night like a siren song, tempting me to Paul’s Bar Food. It worked. I jumped out of my pajamas in 15 minutes flat—locks bouncing, lipstick on, and no regrets. Happy Senior Discounts Hunting, Barbara, Dre, Marlene, and Raymond! Cheers to that—and Raymond, we hope to see you back in Palm Springs for the Festival in November.

Want to see your questions featured in Community Corner?

Drop me a line—tell me who you are, what’s on your mind, and maybe one day you’ll read it here. We’re all ears—and swinging the mic—just for you.

Sweet Baby J’ai’s new book Sing Your Life is almost here!

Sing Your Life is a practical, step-by-step guide that shows singers how to turn their passion into income. Packed with insider strategies, real-world tips, and proven tools, it’s the roadmap every aspiring and working vocalist needs to build a thriving career.

Mark your calendar—launching September 23rd.

Exclusive bonuses will be available for early readers!

Who This Book Is For?

• Beginners ready to move from the shower to the stage.
• Weekend Warriors dreaming of going full time.
• Pros who want a refresher or new opportunities.
• Anyone overwhelmed by the noise online who needs a clear guide.
• Singers whose gigs are slowing down and need a reset.
• Dreamers who’ve always wanted to make a living with their voice.

On the Red Carpet: Where to Watch the 2025 Emmy-Nominated Drama Series Online

Want to roll into the Emmy party already knowing who’s got a shot before the guessing games begin? If you’ve already tapped out on Netflix marathons and maxed your patience for “Next Episode in 5 Seconds,” lean in.

Television used to be the hot hideout for movie stars during the pandemic, when the big screen went dark and the small screen lit up like Times Square. But are A-listers still crowding into prestige dramas now that Hollywood is back outside? Or did that sparkle fade faster than Cinderella’s gown after midnight?

We’ve got the nominees, the streaming hookups, and the receipts. All you need is your remote, your snacks, and a little attitude. And don’t worry—I’ve scoped out ways to bypass everybody and their mama’s streaming fees. Thank’s Hollywood Reporter!

Read more here →

September 13 – Canadian Country Music Association Awards (CCMAs)

Prospera Place in Kelowna hosts Canada’s country music night. Tom Green leads the show with performances by Josh Ross, Meghan Patrick, and more.

September 14 – 77th Primetime Emmy Awards

Television’s biggest night, hosted by Nate Bargatze. The Emmys celebrate excellence across drama, comedy, and variety, airing live on CBS and Paramount+.

September 17 – VRT Awards (Page Six Magic Mic Award)

At NYC’s City Winery, Candiace Dillard Bassett, former Real Housewives of Potomac star turned singer, receives the Magic Mic Award, honoring her music crossover.

Late September – iHeartRadio Music Festival

Las Vegas turns into a two-day celebration of today’s biggest artists, blending chart-topping performances with festival-level spectacle.

Who’s Rolling Into Town – September Edition

Desert’s Live Scene Goes Full Throttle (Again). September rolls in like a fever dream—warm nights, neon skies, and music everywhere. We got rain-cool off a bit, but it’s back. The desert is still hot enough to fry an egg on your hood, but the stages? They’re straight-up on fire.

Out here, tourists are still chasing jackpots and locals are still sipping strong poolside cocktails, but when dusk hits, all eyes are on the spotlight. This month is proof: the valley’s heartbeat is syncopated, sweaty, and irresistible.

Because guess what? Third Eye Blind is hitting Rancho Mirage, Kansas is belting out “Carry On,” and Rod Stewart is proving he’s still got the swagger. Add Billy Idol and Joan Jett teaming up at Acrisure Arena, and you’ve got a September that’s loud, legendary, and unapologetically rock ’n’ roll.

So if that Powerball ticket didn’t hit and you’re still feeling lucky, head to the desert casinos—whether you’re chasing nostalgia, head-banging catharsis, or just a night to remember under desert skies, this month’s lineup says: roll with us.

The Headliners

• Kansas – Friday, Sept 12 at The Show, Rancho Mirage, 8 PM. Classic rock with arena-sized energy. Tickets

• Billy Idol & Joan Jett & The Blackhearts – Friday, Sept 12 at Acrisure Arena, 7:30 PM. Rebel yells and leather forever. Tickets

• Caifanes – Saturday, Sept 13 at The Show, Rancho Mirage, 8 PM. Mexican rock legends bringing fire and nostalgia. Tickets

• Jordan Davis – Thursday, Sept 11 at Acrisure Arena, Palm Desert. Country hooks and charisma live. Tickets

• Third Eye Blind – Friday, Sept 19 at The Show, Rancho Mirage, 8 PM. Your 90s soundtrack, alive on stage. Tickets

• Rod Stewart (Rescheduled) – Saturday, Sept 20 at The Show, Rancho Mirage, 8 PM. A desert night of swagger, hits, and hot legs. Tickets

• Celebrating Meat Loaf (Tribute) – Friday, Sept 26 at The Show, Rancho Mirage, 8 PM. Paradise by the dashboard light, live. Info

• Jerry Seinfeld – Saturday, Sept 27 at The Show, Rancho Mirage, 8 PM. Comedy royalty returns to the desert. Tickets

• Young the Giant – Wednesday, Sept 10 at Pappy & Harriet’s, Pioneertown. Indie kids unite under desert skies. Tickets

What’s Up With the Locals?

Headliners might get the hype, but locals get the love. These are the voices that spill out of lounges, light up patios, and echo through supper clubs—proving once again that the Coachella Valley’s heartbeat is strictly homegrown.

• Yve Evans – Elegance, wit, and jazz piano mastery at Eddie V’s Prime Seafood in Palm Desert. Venue
• Rose Mallett – Smoky torch songs every Tuesday in September, 6:30–9:30 PM at the Purple Room Supper Club, Palm Springs. Venue
• Leanna & Miguel – Monday mood-setters every week in September, 5–8 PM at V Wine Lounge & Martini Bar, Palm Springs. Venue
• Gennine Jackson Francis & Marisa Corvo – Powerhouse vocals Saturdays and Sundays in September, 5:30 PM at The Roost Lounge, Cathedral City. Venue

• Patrice Morris – Gospel grit meets jazz polish, bringing soul to IW Live in Indian Wells. Venue
• Ruthie Foster – A powerhouse blues voice as part of the Palm Springs Women’s Jazz Festival. Saturday, Sept 20 at 6:30 PM at Hotel Zoso. Venue
• Phora – West Coast hip-hop vibes live. Sunday, Sept 28 at 7 PM at Club Provada, Palm Springs. Venue

Sometimes you don’t need the big marquee names—you just want a good drink, some live music, and a place where the night unfolds naturally. These are the valley’s tried-and-true spots where the vibe is always flowing.

But a word to the wise: dates and lineups can shift—so double-check before you dress up, Uber down, and stake out your table.

• Cactus Club, Palm Desert – Live music every Friday & Saturday, 6:30–9:30 PM. Fire-lit patio, rotating styles.

• Cascade Lounge, Agua Caliente Casino, Palm Springs – Wednesdays at 7 PM: Desert Blues Revival.

• Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, Palm Desert – Nightly jazz trios in the V Lounge—smooth music with your martini.

• The Nest, Indian Wells – Seven nights a week: DJs, sax, full bands—where the desert dresses up and lets loose.

• V Wine Lounge, Palm Springs – Multiple nights of live local talent; intimate, eclectic, and oh-so Palm Springs.

• High Bar, Kimpton Rowan – Rooftop cocktails and sunset views in downtown Palm Springs.

• The Skylark Bar, Skylark Hotel – Poolside cocktails with a mid-century desert vibe.

• Larkspur Grill, Hotel Paseo – Chic, modern desert dining with live music on select nights and a lively bar scene.

• State Fare & Air Pool Bar, Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage – Elegant cocktails with sweeping valley views.

• Del Rey Bar, Villa Royale – Speakeasy-style hideaway with sultry 50s glamour.

• Chi Chi, Hotel Avalon – Poolside bar with Cali-Latin flair and golden-hour energy.

• Workshop Kitchen + Bar, Palm Springs – Design-forward space with a bar as stylish as the cocktails.

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

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.