Modernism Week Kicks Off Thursday

The 11-day Modernism Week design festival will begin in the Palm Springs area Thursday with an opening night dance party and sold- out tours of several neighborhoods.

Along with tours, lectures and showcases, a set of nighttime events dubbed “Modernism Week After Dark” will be held. Modernism Week runs through Feb. 22.

This year’s event features a new headquarters: The Community and Meeting Place (CAMP) at 555 N. Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs

Modernism Week celebrates the popular design aesthetic from the 1950s and ‘60s.

Events will include:

• Nightly: “Illuminated Modern.” About 20 mid-century and modern buildings will be lighted along Palm Canyon Drive.
• Thursday: 10th Anniversary Opening Night Party: Modernism Eclectic Dance Blast with KCRW’s Jason Bentley at Modernism Week CAMP.
• Friday: Modernism Show preview reception. Attendees can get a “sneak peek” at the 15th annual show -- which includes vintage mid-century furniture, art, clothing, jewelry and decor -- before it opens to the public at the Palm Springs Convention Center Saturday. The ticket includes wine and appetizers, valet parking and free daily weekend admission to the show. Proceeds benefit Modernism Week’s scholarship, educational, and community grant programs.
• Friday: Palm Springs architect Richard Neutra will receive a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars at Baristo Road and Palm Canyon Drive, outside the Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center.
• Saturday: Valentine’s Day with Jazz Singer Rose Mallett and The Gand Band/Heart & Soul at the Purple Room. The re-opened supper club, which first opened in 1960, will host live music acts from around the country.
• Feb 19: It’s a Mod, Mod, Mod, Mod Marrakesh, a retro evening of cocktails, dining, music and dancing the night away at Marrakesh Country Club, 47000 Marrakesh Drive in Palm Desert. Recommended attire includes florals, tie dye and skinny pants.
• Feb. 21: That’s a Wrap! The Christopher Kennedy Compound Wrap Party at Toucans Tiki Lounge, 2100 North Palm Canyon in Palm Springs. This meet and greet mixer features The Christopher Kennedy Compound designers and collaborators.

Ticket prices vary and many events are sold out.

More information and tickets are available online at modernismweek.com.