This past Saturday I attended a garden party fundraiser for the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). It was held on the grounds of a private estate in Palm Springs at the home of a very famous superstar vocalist who shall remain unnamed. There was a silent auction with all sorts of goodies worth bidding on, although the bidding competition was fierce. The only thing I ended up getting was a gift certificate to a local flower shop. As the silent auction closed, there were some brief remarks by the HRC team, imploring support and membership pledges from the attendees. The highlight of the afternoon was a brief guest performance by a new rising star called Spencer Day. A young budding vocalist/songwriter/pianist, Spencer's music focuses are on the standards, jazz, musical theatre, cabaret and contemporary pop. He performed a brief set of a few songs from his new CD Vagabond. He has a surprisingly soulful voice for a young white kid. He also has good stage presence and enjoys playing to an audience. Spencer has a good career ahead of him, with albums like Vagabond, he has plenty to offer music fans. 
above: Spencer Day's new CD, Vagabond
above: Barry Manilow's CD In the Swing of Christmas, from 2007. When we left the HRC Garden Party, the goodie bag had a copy of both Barry's and Spencer's CD. It was a fun afternoon. Yes, "The Season" in Palm Springs is in full swing again. Just about every weekend between now and May there is something interesting going on. I love living here.
-Rick Rockhill
Sounds like a fun event and for such an important organization! Hope they made a lot of money!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a lovely time. I just got two Christmas CD's, too: SOUNDS OF THE SEASON by Maggie Sansone (great hammered dulcimer music) and Andrea Bocelli's MY CHRISTMAS.
ReplyDeleteGood cause! Goodie bag! Win win
ReplyDeleteWhat a great cause! It's just a shame that it's almost 2010 and yet human rights still need to be fought for. In some ways we still have a lot of backwards thinking in this country. Glad you got to go to this and had such a wonderful time, and thanks for sharing the link for the HRC.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a wonderful time. I bet this place is beautiful.
ReplyDeletelucky duck! ha ha ha
ReplyDeletesmiles, bee
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
fun, fun! I thought of you the other day, I was watching the news, and giving our freezing temps and rain on the way, and then he goes oh, it's in the 80's in Palm Springs!! lucky.
ReplyDeleteYou must have made Spencer's day as you mentioned him in the same sentence as Barry Manilow!
ReplyDeleteI need to get both of their CD's-- I've never gone wrong picking up on your reccommendations!
Sounds like a fun time! Any photos?
ReplyDeleteManilow's "In the Swing of Christmas" is a great jazz holiday CD.