Summited by DeAnn Lubell
There are only a handful of individuals in the entertainment industry who, after death, continue as cherished legends to the masses of all ages. Most will think of Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and Marilyn Monroe. No one can deny that there is another legend who is as popular now as he was in his heyday and that is the one and only effervescent Liberace.
Each one of these legendary stars is now often represented by tribute artists – some outstanding, some not so much. If you are a Liberace fan and would like to experience an up close and personal essence of this famous entertainer, you won’t want to miss the Amy’s Purpose fundraiser An Evening of Liberace concert on Sunday evening, October 13 at the magnificent Casa de Monte Vista estate in Old Las Palmas. The historic former home of actor Robert Statk is where the 2013 Liberace movie Under the Candelabra, starring Michael Douglas, was filmed.
This festival like event will celebrate the legacy of Palm Springs’ premier dog lover, the legendary Liberace. Renowned protégé Jere Ring will be hosting the evening’s entertainment. His celebrity guest is America’s number one Liberace tribute artist David Maiocco.
Maiocco mesmerizes audiences with his uncanny ability to portray the very essence of the flamboyant entertainer, is flying in from the East Coast to perform. Extravagant costumes, the trademark candelabra, and virtuoso talent will be the theme of the evening’s performance.
This exciting evening is produced by Bruce Fessier and co-chaired by Amy’s Purpose’s executive board members Elaine Church and David Sullivan.
“We’re heralding Liberace’s pageantry and animal advocacy,” said Amy’s Purpose event producer Bruce Fessier, “but we’re also celebrating the fun and majesty of his music to remind folks of what a great pianist he was. He was the first to fuse classical and popular music with elaborate production numbers, paving the way for Elton John, Queen, and Barry Manilow. He not only inspired Elvis Presley with his costumes, but he also spent time with Elvis as his Las Palmas neighbor.”
Guests will also experience a pre-concert show by cabaret artist Francesca Amari, known for her one-woman acts about Linda Ronstadt, Gilda Radner, and the girl singers of the 1950s and 60s. She will perform in the patio lounge from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. There will be many extra attractions that include psychics, Modeling by Lori’s Unique Boutique, a George Clooney’s Tequilla bar, Alexis Hunters Wearable Art, a Bruschetta Station, and sideshows.
Yes! There will be an honoree. A four-legged honoree called Dinah. Dinah is a 3-year-old standard poodle who joined the Riverside District Attorney’s Office-Crime Prevention Unit in December of 2023. After training with the Guide Dogs of the Desert, she completed additional training at Webb’s K9 Training where she learned how to be an emotional support K9. She is great with children and a popular guest at community outreach events. She is a valued member of the crisis response team and can be deployed, especially to schools, in case of a critical incident. By the way, Liberace had a white standard poodle.
Suggested attire for guests: Modern Desert Casual with a bit of bling. Flat heels for ladies recommended on grass.
To view the magnificence of the estate please visit https://casademontevista.com/
SPONSORS: Casa de Monte, The Green Room Theatre Company Coachella Valley, Edward Corrick, Kiki Roller, Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge, Lulu California Bistro, Temple Isaiah Palm Springs, Cardiff Limousine & Transportation of palm Springs.
Tickets: $250 general admission for estate party and $450 for pre-party dinner at Eight4Nine (and estate party). Shuttle buses available between the restaurant and estate, as well as the estate parking area.
Amy’s Purpose, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization IRS Tax Exempt EIN #86-1898526 dedicated to pet safety and predator awareness by providing community-based education programs and offering full local student vet assistance scholarships to help rectify the current emergency veterinarian care crisis.
For more information, please contact DeAnn Lubell at 760-220-8713 or go online to the website at www.amyspurpose.net to directly order tickets.
