FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 11/24/11 CONTACT: Curt Bergeron (760) 578-7724 cjbpalmsprings@yahoo.com THE DESERT WINDS FREEDOM BAND PRESENTS: “A CELESTIAL HOLIDAY FANTASY” On Saturday, December 10, at 2:00 pm, in the Annenberg Theater at the Palm Springs Art Museum, the Desert Winds Freedom Band moves into its second decade of making music with “A Celestial Holiday Fantasy.” Under the Artistic Direction of Mr. Dean McDowell, the concert band of more than 50 musicians will present an afternoon of traditional and contemporary music brimming with holiday cheer. Sharing the spotlight will be special guest soloist Joel Baker, composer Charlie Creasy, as well as the band’s own jazz ensemble. Also joining the band to add musical color will be vocalists Elaine Wang Meyerhoffer, Jerome Elliott and Revae Reynolds. Tickets are available for $20 and $30, at the theater box office, at (760) 325-4490, or online 24/7 at www.psmuseum.org. Master of ceremonies will be the ever popular Brian Wanzak. “The holiday season always conjures images of angels, stars and other celestial bodies, thus the concert theme” says McDowell. “Featuring music such as “Sleep in Heavenly Peace”, “Shooting Stars” and “The Angels Weep” will add a unique dimension to the spirit of the concert”. Holiday favorites include Leroy Anderson’s famous “Bugler’s Holiday”, Elvis’ “Blue Christmas”, the Carpenters “Merry Christmas Darling”, “An Irving Berlin Christmas” and “Three Moods of Hanukkah”. After the success of Mr. Creasy’s world premiere “Journey” last spring, the band is excited to showcase another original composition, “Anthem and Celebration”. Mr. Creasy holds a Masters Degree in music composition and has had a distinguished career writing music and performing in cabarets, concerts and musical theaters around the country. The Jazz Band will be swinging with tunes such as “How High the Moon” featuring valley favorite Joel Baker on vocals. In demand as a pianist and vocalist, Joel is also a member of the award-winning male quartet, Desert Blend. He is currently playing at Azul (for Michael Holmes' "The Judy Show") and Old Creek House (for Cabaret Open Mic), as well as working in the Music department at COD. Joel is also on the faculty for Midsummer Musical Retreat in Walla Walla, WA. The Desert Winds Freedom Band is an all-volunteer, non-profit, group of gay and gay-friendly musicians dedicated to providing cultural, social and educational enrichment to its audiences and its members. Remember, tickets are $20 and $30, at the box office, at (760) 325-4490 or on-line at www.psmuseum.org. Please join us on December 10th!

Annenberg Theater - Palm Springs Museum
100 Museum Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262