From the coveted corner booth at Skip Paige’s Little Bar in Palm Desert, Big Conversations, Little Bar with Patrick Evans & Randy Florence turns to one of Palm Springs’ biggest preservation wins: reopening the Plaza Theatre as a public venue. Architect, preservationist, and former city council member J.R. Roberts recounts how a shuttered landmark nearly became a gutted nightclub, then survived COVID uncertainty and post-pandemic construction inflation. He explains how a pivotal $5 million gift—and a promise that he’d “stay to the end”—reignited the effort, why contractor bids ballooned, and how the city’s support helped bridge the gap. The hosts also dig into civic life, small-town politics, and why volunteering locally can change outcomes fast. Finally, Roberts shares how Oak View Group stepped in for programming and management, setting up the theatre for a steady stream of major acts, community events, and economic impact across the Coachella Valley. Along the way, expect laughs, stories, and a candid look at what it takes to save a landmark.

Takeaways:

1. The Plaza Theatre’s comeback began when a proposed nightclub “gut job” raised preservation alarms.
2. A small early fundraising push stalled during COVID—then the project rebounded dramatically afterward.
3. A transformative $5 million commitment came with one condition: finish the mission, no matter what.
4. Post-COVID construction costs and competitive bids drove the restoration budget far higher than expected.
5. City support helped bridge the financing gap, with payback tied to cash plus economic/tax impacts.
6. Oak View Group became a key partner, bringing resources, marketing reach, and operating expertise.
7. Roberts’ path from Sausalito to Palm Springs highlights how local politics can shape a city’s character.
8. The episode underscores a simple civic lesson: you can make a difference by showing up locally.

#BigConversationsLittleBarPodcast #PatrickEvans #RandyFlorence #SkipsLittleBar #MutualBroadcastingSystem #CoachellaValleyResidents #SkipPaige #McCallumTheatre #SharonLawrence #JRRoberts #PlazaTheatre #PalmSprings #PalmSpringsPlazaTheatre #ArchitecturalPreservation #HistoricPreservation #ArchitecturalRestoration #OakViewGroup #AcrisureArena #HaroldMatzner #DavidLee

Recorded live from the cozy corner booth at Skip Paige’s Little Bar in Palm Desert, this episode of Big Conversations, Little Bar with Patrick Evans & Randy Florence explores the many chapters of an artist’s life—from musical theater beginnings to iconic television moments and beyond. Actress Sharon Lawrence joins the conversation to revisit career milestones, including her memorable work on NYPD Blue and a fan-favorite turn as Amelia Earhart on Star Trek: Voyager. She shares how a family steeped in storytelling shaped her voice, timing, and love of performance, and why ensemble work can feel like a “mind meld.” The discussion widens into how Hollywood has changed—from 20-plus-episode seasons to today’s streaming landscape, industry contractions, and new vertical storytelling formats. Lawrence also highlights her advocacy through SAG-AFTRA Foundation programs, including emergency assistance and literacy outreach. Warm, funny, and thoughtful, it’s an energizing start to the new season—complete with bar banter, theater shout-outs, and plenty of heart.

Takeaways:

1. A live, laughter-filled kickoff to a new season from the Palm Desert corner booth.
2. Sharon Lawrence reflects on NYPD Blue, including Sylvia’s arc and lasting impact.
3. A deep dive into her Star Trek: Voyager role as Amelia Earhart—and fan culture.
4. Early career roots in musical theater and how stage experience builds confidence.
5. Growing up in a broadcasting, storytelling family shaped her voice and timing.
6. Why acting “competition” is about fit and subjectivity—not winning or losing.
7. TV’s evolution: fewer episodes, more platforms, mergers, and shifting audiences.
8. Behind-the-scenes union work: SAG-AFTRA Foundation support, grants, and literacy.

#BigConversationsLittleBarPodcast #PatrickEvans #RandyFlorence #SkipsLittleBar #MutualBroadcastingSystem #CoachellaValleyResidents #SkipPaige #McCallumTheatre #SharonLawrence #ActressInterview #PalmDesert #PodcastEpisode #NYPDBlue #StarTrekVoyager #AmeliaEarhart #Broadway #HallmarkMovies #SAGAFTRAFoundation #StorylineOnline #McCallumTheater #EntertainmentIndustry

From the coveted corner booth at Skip Paige’ Little Bar, this episode of Big Conversations, Little Bar dives into how improvisation can reshape the way we communicate, create, and connect. The conversation traces a winding artistic path—from Chicago theater roots and a self-directed college experience to global adventures that tested resilience and deepened empathy. Along the way, the Melanie Blue shares with Patrick Evans and Randy Florence how improv and acting strengthen each other: acting adds depth to improvisation, while improv builds trust, listening, and adaptability for scripted work and real life. The hosts reflect on taking beginner improv classes, confronting fear, and discovering surprising community inside the classroom. You’ll also hear about corporate workshops that use “improv mindset” techniques to help teams present better, collaborate faster, and loosen up—without losing substance. Plus, there’s a spotlight on an upcoming desert theater production featuring Georgia O’Keeffe, and why creative mentorship can change everything.

Takeaways:

1. Improv isn’t just jokes—it’s honesty, character, and grounded reality.
2. “Yes, and” supports better listening, trust, and collaboration offstage.
3. Safe, playful spaces help adults take creative risks and grow confidence.
4. Acting skills deepen improv; improv skills strengthen scripted performance.
5. Fear doesn’t disappear—courage is moving forward while holding it.
6. Life experiences can become fuel for teaching, empathy, and artistry.
7. Corporate “improv mindset” workshops build presentation and team dynamics.
8. Community forms fast when everyone shares beginner-level vulnerability.

#BigConversationsLittleBarPodcast #PatrickEvans #RandyFlorence #SkipsLittleBar #MutualBroadcastingSystem #CoachellaValleyResidents #SkipPaige #McCallumTheatre #MelanieBlue #Improv #Improvisation #YesAnd #Acting #TheatreCommunity #PalmDesert #CoachellaValley #Creativity #CommunicationSkills #PersonalGrowth #DesertEnsembleTheatre

Last May, Big Conversations, Little Bar with Patrick Evans & Randy Florence, featured one of our most popular episodes ever. Patrick and Randy dove deep into the poignant yet humorous journey of Molly, a woman who faced terminal cancer with remarkable strength and a quest for self-discovery. Nikki Boyer, the creator of the podcast and television series "Dying for Sex," shared intimate stories and insights from her friendship with Molly and how their podcast evolved into a powerful TV series. They discuss the complexities of love, sexuality, and the importance of living life fully, even when faced with difficult circumstances. Through laughter and tears, the episode highlights the beauty of friendship and the courage to embrace one’s desires. As we prepare for the holidays, if you missed it, check out this enlightening conversation that challenges societal norms around sex, health, and life’s fleeting moments. This episode is presented in part by the McCallum Theatre and Skip Paige's Little Bar.

Takeaways:

• Molly's journey of self-discovery after a terminal cancer

diagnosis.

• The importance of advocating for one’s health and getting

second opinions.

• How humor and friendship can transform the experience of

facing death.

• Nikki's emotional connection with Molly and her influence on

her life.

• The evolution of the "Dying for Sex" podcast into a

television series.

• Challenging societal taboos around female sexuality and

desire.

• The healing power of self-acceptance and love in the face of

adversity.

• The significance of sharing stories to foster connection and

understanding.

#BigConversationsLittleBarPodcast #PatrickEvans #RandyFlorence #SkipsLittleBar #McCallumTheatre #MutualBroadcastingSystem #CoachellaValleyResidents #SkipPaige #DyingForSex #NikkiBoyer #EmotionalJourney #Friendship #CancerAwareness #Sexuality #SelfDiscovery #Podcast #TelevisionSeries #LifeAndDeath #Empowerment #Storytelling #MentalHealth

Originally Released: May 26, 2025

It’s another fantastic episode of Big Conversations, Little Bar in the corner booth as Patrick Evans and Randy Florence welcome acclaimed director, writer, producer and gin-maker Paul Feig to Skip Paige’s Little Bar. From his Michigan childhood, standup gigs in Detroit biker bars and early TV roles to creating Freaks and Geeks and directing hits like Bridesmaids, Spy and Ghostbusters, Feig traces the winding path of a career built on smart, character-driven comedy. He teases his twisty new thriller The Housemaid, explains why he loves blending scares with laughs, and reflects on fan backlash, streaming-era shakeups and the future of movies and TV storytelling. Plus: stories of George Carlin, Bob Hope and Gary Shandling, behind-the-scenes TV memories, his obsession with impeccably made gin martinis, the origin of Artingstall’s Gin, his burgeoning Palm Springs icon status, and why he and his wife fell hard for life in the Coachella Valley—Scotty dog Kevin included.

Takeaways:

• How a Michigan kid with comedy-loving parents found his way from magic acts and Detroit biker-bar standup to Hollywood.
• The real-life inspirations behind “Freaks and Geeks” and why it still resonates 25 years later despite its short network run.
• Why thrillers and horror-comedy now excite him more than traditional straight-ahead comedy.
• The fast, budget-conscious whirlwind production of “The Housemaid” and adapting a beloved Frieda McFadden bestseller.
• What he learned from legends like George Carlin, Bob Hope and Gary Shandling about structure, timing and audience connection.
• The story behind Artingstall’s Gin, his love affair with classic martinis and how a childhood Vegas trip sparked it.
• Honest thoughts on Ghostbusters backlash, toxic fandoms, and how streaming has upended TV and film economics.
• Why he and his wife chose the Coachella Valley as home, complete with Scottish Terrier Kevin and a deepening local connection.

#BigConversationsLittleBarPodcast #PatrickEvans #RandyFlorence #SkipsLittleBar #MutualBroadcastingSystem #CoachellaValleyResidents #SkipPaige #McCallumTheatre #PaulFeig #FreaksAndGeeks #TheHousemaidFilm #CocktailTimeBook #ComedyAndThrillers #HollywoodDirectors #PalmSpringsLife #CoachellaValleyPodcast #MovieMakingStories #StandUpComedyRoots #GinMartiniLovers #ClassicTVAndFilm

This week at Skip Paige’s Little Bar, Patrick Evans & Randy Florence welcome acclaimed entertainer Lucie Arnaz for a deeply personal, lively, and often hilarious conversation. Lucie opens up about her new book, Lucy and Desi: The Love Letters, a poignant collection of her parents’ intimate wartime correspondence, digitized and preserved over decades. She shares candid stories about family life behind the scenes, including the joys and heartbreaks of growing up in a legendary household. From early Hollywood history to the creation of the documentary Lucy and Desi, Lucie describes what it means to safeguard her parents’ legacy while forging her own remarkable career. She also reflects on marriage, motherhood, performing in top venues, near-misses like Grease, unforgettable moments on the Oscars stage, and her upcoming performances in Palm Springs. Heartfelt, funny, and full of rich storytelling, this episode is a must-hear for fans of theatre, TV history, and genuine human connection.

Takeaways:

• How Lucie discovered, preserved, and curated 47 intimate letters between her parents
• The surprising emotional tone and “love language” within Lucy and Desi’s early relationship
• Never-before-heard insights about their marriage, divorce, and co-parenting
• The multi-decade journey that led to creating Lucy and Desi: The Love Letters
• The myths and misinformation fans often spread online—plus Lucie’s humorous reactions
• Career stories from Broadway to game shows, including near-casting in Grease
• Personal reflections on marriage, parenting, and balancing a creative life
• Details about Lucie’s upcoming concerts, book events, and her ties to Palm Springs

#BigConversationsLittleBarPodcast #PatrickEvans #RandyFlorence #SkipsLittleBar #MutualBroadcastingSystem #CoachellaValleyResidents #SkipPaige #McCallumTheatre #LucieArnaz #LucilleBall #DesiArnaz #LucyAndDesiLoveLetters #PalmSpringsArts #ClassicHollywood #CelebrityInterviews #PurpleRoomPalmSprings #PlazaTheatrePalmSprings #BroadwayStories #DocumentaryFilm #EntertainmentPodcast

Big Conversations, Little Bar goes into Thanksgiving week 2025 with an extraordinary episode recorded at Skip Paige’s Little Bar. This week, Patrick Evans and Randy Florence welcome beloved actress Kathy Garver, known worldwide as “Cissy” from A Family Affair, along with her brother Lance Garver, whose own career spans acting, commercial real estate, and decades of global adventures. Kathy shares unforgettable memories from The Ten Commandments, Family Affair, and her successful voiceover and audiobook career—including her current Grammy nomination. Lance brings lively, often hilarious stories from his acting days, international travels, and work revitalizing California’s motel and hotel landscape. Together, the Garvers offer a heartwarming and wildly entertaining blend of Hollywood history, family anecdotes, creative journeys, and desert-life connections—along with a preview of their upcoming projects. This episode is rich with nostalgia, laughter, and remarkable storytelling.

Takeaways:

• How Kathy Garver rose from child actress to Grammy-nominated narrator
• What made A Family Affair a beloved, enduring TV classic
• The surprising way Cecil B. DeMille expanded Kathy’s role in The Ten Commandments
• Lance’s adventures in acting, real estate, and international travel—including brushes with Cold War danger
• How both siblings built lifelong connections to Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley
• Kathy’s upcoming projects, including films in Australia, a new podcast, and her book Romancing with the Stars
• Lance’s forthcoming memoir The Adventures of Lance Romance
• The duo’s humorous and heartfelt sibling dynamic that shines throughout the episode

#BigConversationsLittleBarPodcast #PatrickEvans #RandyFlorence #SkipsLittleBar #MutualBroadcastingSystem #CoachellaValleyResidents #SkipPaige #McCallumTheatre #KathyGarver #LanceGarver #AFamilyAffair #PalmSprings #ChildStars #ClassicTV #HollywoodLegends #PalmDesert #PodcastInterview #DesertLife #CelebrityStories #EntertainmentPodcast

Music industry veteran Eddie Gilreath pulls up to the Corner Booth at Skip Paige’s Little Bar to trace an extraordinary journey from Philadelphia’s sound to global stages. With hosts Patrick Evans and Randy Florence, he recalls faking his first bass gig at 14, serving in Panama during tense Cold War days, then rising through Motown and Warner Bros. to help break artists like the Spinners and George Benson. Eddie shares inside stories about working with icons including Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Smokey Robinson, Michael Jackson, Bonnie Raitt, Curtis Mayfield, and more—plus why some of the most memorable moments happened offstage. He talks about smashing industry barriers as a pioneering Black executive, his “Black Music Is Green” initiative, and how streaming has rewritten the rules for new artists. It’s a masterclass in music, marketing, and humanity from a man who quietly shaped the soundtrack of our lives. From basement rehearsals to boardrooms, Eddie’s story is funny, candid, and deeply inspiring.

Takeaways:

• How a missing bass player at a Philly cabaret accidentally launched Eddie’s music career at 14.
• Serving in Panama during a volatile Cold War era and keeping music alive even in a combat zone.
• Moving from musician to executive, rising through Motown and Warner Bros. during the heyday of soul and pop.
• The strategy behind breaking acts like the Spinners and George Benson, including the massive success of Breezin’.
• Becoming the first African American national sales director and vice president at Warner, and refusing to be pigeonholed into “just” Black music.
• Intimate, often funny stories about working with legends: Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Smokey Robinson, Curtis Mayfield, Ray Charles, Michael Jackson, Cher, George Clinton, and more.
• Creating the “Black Music Is Green” initiative and using hard data and retail relationships to open doors for more Black professionals in the business.
• Reflections on Broadway cast albums, the streaming-era music economy, and why Eddie hopes his legacy is simply that he “did the right things.”

#BigConversationsLittleBarPodcast #PatrickEvans #RandyFlorence #SkipsLittleBar #MutualBroadcastingSystem #CoachellaValleyResidents #SkipPaige #McCallumTheatre #EddieGilreath #MotownRecords #WarnerBrothersRecords #MusicIndustryLegends #GeorgeBenson #RayCharles #CurtisMayfield #MichaelJackson #RecordBusinessHistory #BlackMusicIsGreen #PhiladelphiaSound #PanamaVeteran