“The Juice Joint was Jumpin” ~ Intimate Gathering Raises Funds for the Palm Springs International Piano Competition’s Educational Programs and Upcoming Junior Competition
By Alexandria Rosales
Cool cats and delicious dames donned their best glad rags for a flashback to the 1920s on December 13, 2024. Palm Springs International Piano Competition (PSIPC) hosted a dazzling tribute to legendary composer Cole Porter in an festive, elegant setting that transported guests back to the height of the Roaring 20s. Hosted at the “Poinsettia House” – named for the hundreds of festive Poinsettias displayed throughout the home of Palm Springs radio personality Joey English – this one-night-only event was filled with music, style, and philanthropy.
The event’s theme was a spirited flashback to the Prohibition era, an age when speakeasies thrived, flapper fashion was in, and Cole Porter’s music was the soundtrack of the era. From the moment guests arrived, it was as though they were transported to the Roaring Twenties, with many donning vintage-inspired attire – feathers and pearls, zoot suits, fedoras, and art-deco glamour.
Supporting Musical Excellence
With a 50-guest limit, the event’s uniquely intimate atmosphere was the talk of the town ~ all to raise funds for PSIPC’s educational and competition programs. Guests were welcomed to an evening that blended the timeless essence of Cole Porter’s music with the mission of fostering young talent in the classical music community.
Since its inception in 1970, PSIPC (formerly known as The Waring) has established itself as a premier destination for aspiring young pianists. Hosted every three years, the International Piano Competition has launched the careers of countless pianists, many of whom have gone on to further their careers in the classical music world. The competition attracts pianists from all over the globe, providing them with a platform to showcase their talent and artistry in front of a distinguished panel of judges and a wide audience.
Many former competitors have gone on to achieve notable success in classical music. Among them are: acclaimed classical pianist Jan Lisiecki, who won in 2007; renowned concert pianist and professor at the University of Texas at Austin’s Butler School of Music, Anton Nel (1986 Joanna Hodges winner); Scott Cuellar, Assistant Professor of Piano at Syracuse University (2013 Virginia Waring winner); and Yi-Yang Chen,
Associate Professor of Piano at the University of Kansas at Lawrence (2017 Virginia Waring winner). The recent 3rd Prize winner of the Chopin Competition, Nathaniel Zhang (2019 Virginia Waring winner) will return to the Coachella Valley on January 27, 2025 to perform at PSIPC’s Annual Benefit.
Music that Sparked the Spirit of the Era
The heart of the evening was a live performance by Julie Garnyé, a renowned jazz singer known for her sultry voice and commanding stage presence. She performed a selection of Porter’s legendary songs, from “Night and Day” to “I Get a Kick Out of You,” with renditions that captured the elegance, wit, and timeless essence of Porter’s music. Accompanying Garnyé was pianist Michael Collum, who provided the evening’s musical backdrop. Together, Garnyé and Collum transported the audience to an elegant speakeasy, evoking the atmosphere of 1920s Manhattan.
Community and Philanthropy
By the end of the evening, the cool cats and dolls who gather had not only enjoyed a nostalgic evening
reminiscent of the era of Cole Porter but had also contributed to the success of PSIPC’s ongoing educational initiatives. The tribute event raised critical funds for the 2025 Junior International Competition and educational programs in low income areas.
Looking ahead, the 2025 Junior Competition, scheduled for April 11-21, 2025 is set to be the Olympics of piano competition. Twenty-five young pianists from around the world will converge in Palm Springs, in the hopes of winning their share of more than $30,000 in prizes. Finalists will perform with a full orchestra, competing for the Gold Medal prize of $10,000 as well as a recording contract with Yamaha Artists Services New York and career launching performance opportunities throughout the 2025-27 seasons.
PSIPC’s commitment to fostering the next generation of musicians remains at the heart of its mission. Events like this tribute to Cole Porter blend music, history and philanthropy in ways that leave a lasting impact on the local and global communities.
