Step into Palm Springs history with a conversation that feels like slipping into a poolside cabana in 1970. This episode of Big Conversations, Little Bar with Patrick Evans & Randy Florence welcomes Nelda Linsk—soon to be honored as First Lady of Modernism—for stories spanning fashion, philanthropy, architecture, and the golden era of desert social life. Nelda shares the behind-the-scenes truth of Slim Aarons’ legendary “Poolside Gossip” photo shoot at the Kaufmann House: no stylists, no makeup team, just friends, champagne, and a tripod—finished in about an hour. She recalls the Racquet Club days when celebrities escaped Hollywood attention, and the parties, charity events, and fashion shows that shaped the valley’s culture. The conversation also explores her friendship with Barbara Sinatra, the founding of the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center, and why firsthand memories still matter. Expect laughs, name-drops, and pure Palm Springs magic!

Takeaways:

1. Nelda Linsk will be recognized as “First Lady of Modernism,” including an updated star dedication.
2. “Poolside Gossip” was lightly staged: Slim Aarons called ahead, asked for friends, and kept it casual.
3. The shoot had no glam squad—just a tripod and camera—yet became globally iconic.
4. The Kaufmann House’s architecture and lifestyle helped make the image aspirational worldwide.
5. Palm Springs’ Racquet Club era offered celebrities privacy, fueling a unique social scene.
6. Nelda and her husband restored and enhanced the Kaufmann House with major design talent.
7. Nelda’s friendship with Barbara Sinatra connected to major philanthropy, including the Children’s Center.
8. The episode highlights how Palm Springs changed as retail and tourism shifted toward Palm Desert.

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From the corner booth at Skip Paige’s Little Bar, the conversation swings from karaoke dreams to the real work of building a thriving arts scene. Singer-producer Scott Coulter shares how his company, Spot-On Entertainment, grew from performing to creating concert experiences for orchestras and performing arts centers nationwide—plus how the Palm Springs Pops Orchestra and Plaza Theatre programming are bringing fresh energy downtown. Photographer-producer Michael Childers adds Hollywood history, personal milestones, and a playful (sometimes outrageous) nostalgia for the Plaza’s past, while also reflecting on how AI is expanding creative possibilities in photography and exhibitions. Along the way: stories of Dolly Parton, Broadway paths not taken, the power of live performance as “church,” and why restored venues matter to artists and communities. The episode spotlights friendship, gratitude, and the momentum behind Coachella Valley’s cultural renaissance.

Takeaways

1. The Plaza Theatre restoration isn’t cosmetic—it’s major infrastructure: sound, air, and artist-first spaces.
2. The Palm Springs Pops Orchestra is anchoring a multi-show series that blends local talent with major guests.
3. Scott Coulter’s Spot-On Entertainment evolved from performing into producing concert concepts worldwide.
4. A career “no” (and being ghosted after an audition) can redirect you into building your own platform.
5. Michael Childers’ life story mirrors the arc of LGBTQ+ progress—visibility, partnership, and late-in-life marriage.
6. Downtown Palm Springs performing arts drive real economic impact: audiences, restaurants, and nightlife momentum.
7. Live performance is framed as modern “ministry”: connection, healing, and shared language through music.

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Recorded at Skip Paige’s Little Bar, this episode of Big Conversations, Little Bar with Patrick Evans & Randy Florence welcomes musician, actor, and award-winning composer Tommy Fields for a wide-ranging conversation about creativity, career pivots, and life in the desert. Tommy shares how growing up in small-town Indiana led to guitars, garage bands, and a leap to Los Angeles with little more than a one-way ti cket and a dream. He reflects on early hustle—music school, odd jobs, and club gigs—before finding his lane writing for TV, film, and commercials, including a fast-paced world of two-to-five-week scoring deadlines. The hosts dig into his inspirations, from Back to the Future-era orchestral storytelling to the quirky magic of Danny Elfman, and Tommy breaks down his writing process between piano and studio. He also tells the unreal story of nearly becoming the lead singer of Velvet Revolver, and why life ultimately steered him toward composing.

1. A small-town upbringing can still lead to big creative careers with persistence.
2. Moving to L.A. required hustle: school, odd jobs, and immediate band work.
3. Film/TV scoring often runs on intense deadlines—sometimes just two weeks.
4. Tommy’s process starts with script themes, then moves between piano and studio.
5. Classic composers shaped his approach: strong themes and scene-by-scene storytelling.
6. Rock-band experience can translate into scoring, as many composers began in bands.
7. He nearly fronted Velvet Revolver, but the band chose a different direction.
8. Desert living helps balance high-pressure work with a calmer day-to-day rhythm.

#BigConversationsLittleBarPodcast #PatrickEvans #RandyFlorence #SkipsLittleBar #MutualBroadcastingSystem #CoachellaValleyResidents #SkipPaige #McCallumTheatre #TommyFields #Musician #Actor #FilmComposer #TVScoring #MovieScores #VelvetRevolver #DannyElfman #JohnWilliams #IndianaToLA #DesertLife #CreativeProcess #NikkiBoyer