Big Conversations, Little Bar

By: Mutual Broadcasting System LLC
  • Summary

  • Hosted by Patrick Evans and Randy Florence, get up close and personal with fascinating people who live in and visit the Coachella Valley and have made an impact on the region's economy, culture and global appeal as a leading tourism destination. You'll also learn how specific music has made an impact in the lives of each guest.
    Copyright 2024 Mutual Broadcasting System LLC
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Episodes
  • Celebrating 20 Years of Stiletto Entertainment with Garry Kief: A Special Interview
    Nov 18 2024

    Patrick Evans and Randy Florence bring us a nostalgic encore episode of Big Conversations, Little Bar, featuring an insightful interview with Garry Kief, the newly appointed Chairman of the Board at the McCallum Theatre and President & CEO of Stiletto Entertainment. This special episode, originally aired in 2023, dives into Kief's dynamic career in the entertainment industry, his remarkable journey with Barry Manilow, and the transformative vision he has for the McCallum Theatre. Kief shares anecdotes from his extensive experience, from managing high-profile artists to innovating merchandising strategies that shaped the landscape of concert merchandise. As a leader in the arts, he discusses the importance of expanding the theatre's programming and ensuring it resonates with the growing Coachella Valley community, which has evolved into a vibrant cultural hub. The conversation highlights Kief's commitment to education in the arts, as he reflects on initiatives like the Manilow Music Project, which aims to provide musical instruments to local schools, ensuring that future generations have the opportunity to appreciate and engage with the arts. This episode not only celebrates Kief's achievements but also emphasizes the significance of community involvement in the cultural landscape of the Coachella Valley and beyond.

    Takeaways:

    • Garry Kief discusses his journey from being the youngest GM at ABC Television to becoming the CEO of Stiletto Entertainment, highlighting the importance of innovation in entertainment.
    • He reveals the fascinating story behind the first musical made for television, which was based on Barry Manilow's famous song Copacabana.
    • Kief shared his experiences managing high-profile artists like Donna Summer and Fleetwood Mac, emphasizing the challenges and rewards of talent management.
    • The conversation touched on the significance of community involvement in the McCallum Theater's success and its role in the Coachella Valley.
    • Garry emphasizes the need for educational outreach in the arts to inspire future generations and foster a love for theater.
    • He also mentions the importance of expanding the theater's programming to serve a growing and diverse population in the Coachella Valley.

    Chapters:

    • 00:14 - The Birth of Copa
    • 03:35 - The Rise of Stiletto Entertainment
    • 13:02 - Early Life and Family Background
    • 31:05 - The Evolution of Arts Education
    • 40:53 - The Journey of Copacabana
    • 48:13 - The Evolution of Entertainment at McCallum Theatre

    Companies and Artists mentioned in this episode:

    • Barry Manilow
    • CBS
    • McCallum Theater
    • Palm Springs International Film Festival
    • Bank of America
    • Kaiser
    • ABC
    • Smithfield
    • Holland America Cruise Lines
    • Yamaha Music
    • Seabourn
    • Disney on Ice
    • Caesars
    • Fleetwood Mac
    • American Music Awards
    • Rod Stewart
    • Diana Ross
    • Stevie Wonder
    • Donna Summer
    • Juice Newton
    • John Mellencamp
    • New York Pops

    #Copa #CopacabanaMusical #GarryKief #StilettoEntertainment #McCallumTheatre #BarryManilow #PalmDesertEvents #CoachellaValleyArts #MusicalTheater #EntertainmentIndustry #BroadwayShows #LivePerformances #PalmSpringsFilmFestival #ArtsEducation #CruiseShipEntertainment #DickClark #AmericanMusicAwards #MusicManagement #PerformingArts #TheaterLeadership #SkipsLittleBar #MutualBroadcastingSystem #RandyFlorence #PatrickEvans #JohnMcMullen #BigConversationsLittleBarPodcast

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    55 mins
  • Jere Ring & Bruce Fessier | Dueling Pianos & Hidden Truths: A Tribute to Liberace
    Nov 11 2024

    In this captivating episode of Big Conversations, Little Bar, co-hosts Patrick Evans and Randy Florence delve into the fascinating legacy of Liberace with guests Bruce Fessier, a longtime culture editor and columnist at The Desert Sun, and Jere Ring, an entertainer who knew Liberace personally. Together, they explore the dazzling yet complex life of Liberace, highlighting his immense influence in entertainment and his deep ties to the Coachella Valley. The discussion touches on Liberace's overshadowed status compared to contemporaries like Frank Sinatra, his concealed sexuality, and his impact on LGBTQ+ history. Rich with personal anecdotes and intriguing stories, this episode offers an insightful tribute to a legendary figure whose cultural and historical significance continues to echo today.

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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Tom Rielly | From Dial-Up to TED Talks: A Global Journey in Tech and Activism
    Nov 4 2024

    Tom Rielly, a pioneering figure in the LGBTQ+ community and founder of the TED Fellows program, joins Patrick Evans and Randy Florence for a compelling conversation on Big Conversations, Little Bar. With over 34 years of involvement in TED Conferences, Rielly shares insights into the evolution of TED and the importance of fostering diverse voices through the Fellows program. The discussion delves into Rielly's journey from Silicon Valley entrepreneur to a leader in promoting innovative ideas and social change. Listeners will also learn about the impact of technology on the LGBTQ+ community and how it has shaped modern communication. This engaging dialogue highlights the power of ideas worth spreading and the necessity of empowering the next generation of thinkers and creators.

    Takeaways:

    • Randy Florence emphasizes the impact of high-speed internet in transforming online experiences, facilitating new possibilities.
    • Tom Rielly shares that he founded the TED Fellows program to recognize exceptional young talents globally.
    • The conversation highlights how technology has empowered LGBTQ+ organizations through innovative solutions and support.
    • Randy Florence reminisces about the early days of the internet, recalling the excitement of dial-up connections.
    • The importance of community and collaboration is reiterated as key to the success of TED events.
    • Randy Florence discusses how humor played a vital role in his TED Talk performances, enhancing audience engagement.

    Companies mentioned in this episode:

    • McCallum Theater
    • PlanetOut
    • Digital Queers
    • Adobe
    • Aldus
    • Quark
    • Microsoft
    • FedEx
    • TED

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    46 mins

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