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Release Date:
April 6, 2026
Contact Information:
Modern Men - Coachella Valley Men's Chorus
Modern Men Coachella Valley Men’s Chorus Announces Appointment of New Artistic Director, Evan Miles
Palm Springs, CA (April 2026) — Modern Men Coachella Valley Men’s Chorus proudly announces the appointment of Evan Miles as its new Artistic Director, ushering in an exciting new chapter for one of the region’s premier performing arts organizations.
Miles joins Modern Men from Portland, Oregon, where he has earned recognition for his dynamic leadership, inclusive artistic vision, and commitment to community-driven choral performance. He previously served as the founding Artistic Director of the Eugene Gay Men’s Chorus, which he launched in 2018. Under his leadership, the organization experienced significant growth and was selected to perform at GALA Choruses Festival 2024, one of the most prestigious gatherings of LGBTQ+ choruses in the world.
“Evan brings an incredible combination of musical excellence, creativity, and heart,” said Greg Chrzczon, Board President of Modern Men Chorus. “His collaborative spirit and passion for building meaningful connections through music make him the ideal leader to guide Modern Men into its next era. We are thrilled to welcome him to our community.”
Miles succeeds Dr. Stan Hill, who has served as Artistic Director for the past decade and leaves behind a lasting legacy of artistic achievement and organizational growth. In a symbolic and celebratory moment, Miles will be formally introduced during the chorus’s upcoming spring concert, Sing Out!, where a ceremonial “passing of the baton” will take place on stage.
“When so much of one's personal heart and soul go into the Artistic Direction of a chorus, and the time comes to pass the baton, it is immensely gratifying to learn that someone with the qualifications, devotion and commitment to excellence as Evan Miles has been chosen to succeed you.” said Dr. Stan Hill. “Of course, I wish Evan and Modern Men a future of stunning successes and outstanding performances.”
Miles will officially begin his role as Artistic Director of Modern Men Chorus on July 1, 2026. “I am thrilled to step in as Artistic Director of Modern Men. Dr. Stan Hill built an incredible legacy, and I’m honored to continue it through high-quality, diverse programming, refined choral sound, and deeper connection with the Coachella Valley community.” said Evan Miles. Modern Men Chorus is widely recognized for its powerful performances, commitment to artistic excellence, and dedication to fostering inclusivity through music. With Miles at the helm, the organizationlooks forward to expanding its artistic reach, deepening community engagement, and continuing to elevate the cultural landscape of the Coachella Valley.
The organization extends its sincere gratitude to all members of the search committee and broader community who contributed their time and insight throughout the selection process. Sing Out! is April 17–19, 2026 at the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre. Tickets are available at modernmen.org.
About Modern Men Chorus
As the official Ensemble-in-Residence at the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre, Modern Men: Coachella Valley Men’s Chorus is the largest LGBTQ+ chorus in Palm Springs and the surrounding Coachella Valley. The chorus promotes harmony through outstanding performances, community outreach, and inclusivity. Modern Men is a proud member of the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses (GALA), a network of more than 200 choruses and 15,000 singers throughout the Americas.
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Release Date:
December 15, 2025
Contact Information:
Modern Men - Coachella Valley Men's Chorus
PEARSON FAMILY FOUNDATION AWARDS GRANT TO MODERN MEN CHORUS,
CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENTS OF CHORUS MEMBER DAVID PEARSON
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (December 15, 2025) — The Thomas L. Pearson and The Pearson Family Members Foundation has awarded a $50,000 grant to Modern Men - Coachella Valley Men's Chorus in recognition of member David L. Pearson's commitment and contributions to the ensemble.
The grant celebrates the intersection of personal passion and philanthropic impact, supporting the growth of the largest choral group in the Coachella Valley. It was announced during the chorus' sold-out holiday performance of Cool Yule at the historic Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs, where Modern Men serves as ensemble-in-residence.
The grant funds will advance the organization's programmatic goals, including innovative outreach initiatives, diverse programming, and expanded community engagement. "We’re deeply grateful for this generous grant, which honors David Pearson's dedication as a valued member of our chorus," said Greg Chrzczon, Board President. "It distinctly connects the
Foundation's philanthropic vision with our artistic mission, enabling us to inspire and unite even more voices in the Coachella Valley.
Thomas L. Pearson, Founder and Chairman of the Foundation, reflected: "The Pearson family has long been guided by the principle that resources entrusted to us will be deployed for the benefit ofothers. Modern Men exemplifies responsible stewardship of talent in service of the broader community, creating enriching experiences that strengthen social bonds and cultural vitality." Timothy R. Pearson, President and Chief Executive Officer, added: "Effective philanthropy is ultimately judged by its ability to drive meaningful outcomes. Our grant will advance the chorus' priorities for expanded educational outreach and an inclusive environment, ensuring the transformative power of music reaches new heights."
About Modern Men - Coachella Valley Men's Chorus
A GALA-affiliated ensemble based in Palm Springs, Modern Men is the largest choral group in the Coachella Valley and is renowned for its artistic excellence and leadership in diversity, equity, and community engagement. Through dynamic performances and partnerships, the chorus entertains, educates, and inspires diverse audiences across the region. Learn more at www.modernmen.org.
About The Thomas L. Pearson and The Pearson Family Members Foundation
Founded in 2013, the Pearson Family Foundation supports and advocates education, the arts, civic and community leadership, and initiatives that reinforce and promote the common good. Notable efforts of the Foundation include serving as the Global Benefactor for the Nobel Peace Prize Concert, Oslo, Norway.
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For Immediate Release
Modern Men - Coachella Valley Men’s Chorus Announces Dr. Stan Hill Will “Pass the Baton” Following 2025–2026 Season
Palm Springs, CA – September 16, 2025 – At last night’s rehearsal, Dr. Stan Hill, Artistic Director of Modern Men - Coachella Valley Men’s Chorus, announced that the upcoming 2025–2026 concert season will be his last leading the chorus. Dr. Hill shared that while he will step away from his Artistic Director role at the close of the season, he looks forward to continuing his involvement in meaningful community projects. For more than a decade, Dr. Hill has elevated Modern Men with his artistry, vision, and commitment to excellence. Under his leadership, the chorus grew from 26 performers to 152 members, becoming the largest performing chorus in Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. His tenure also marks the chorus’ newly established role as the Ensemble-in-Residence at the renovated Palm Springs Plaza Theatre.
“During my time as a chorus member, I have observed 50% growth in our memberships. I attribute this to Stan’s consistent pursuit of excellence in vocal tone and quality, and his ability to draw a superb level of sound from our talented members,” said Board President Greg Chrzczon. “The Board and I have the greatest respect for Stan as a musician, vocalist, artist, and teacher. Our chorus is fortunate to have 10 years under his guidance.”
Modern Men Chorus expressed both sadness and gratitude in response to Dr. Hill’s announcement. The chorus looks forward to honoring his legacy throughout this season with two powerful performances: Cool Yule, a holiday concert on December 13-14, 2025 and Sing Out! on April 17-19, 2026 both at the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre.
Dr. Hill’s final season will be a celebration of his extraordinary impact, as he prepares to “pass the baton” to the next Artistic Director. His artistry, leadership, and passion for choral music will remain deeply woven into the Identity of Modern Men for years to come.
About Modern Men - Coachella Valley Men’s Chorus
Modern Men Chorus is the largest LGBTQ+ chorus in Palm Springs and the surrounding Coachella Valley area, with +150 active performers during the 2025 holiday season. As the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre’s official Ensemble-in-Residence, the chorus embraces diversity and strives to produce artistic excellence. Modern Men Chorus sets the standard of community engagement as the region’s largest Pride volunteer group and has been the official performance chorus for the Coachella Valley Firebirds’ annual Pride Night. Modern Men Chorus also proudly recognizes and shares the stage with fellow GALA Choruses in the region—A Cabbello, Coachella Acappella, and the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus—celebrating a vibrant and diverse choral community.
Media Contact
Modern Men - Coachella Valley Men's Chorus
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For Immediate Release
Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Welcomes Modern Men as Ensemble-in-Residence. New Partnership Celebrates Diversity and Artistic Excellence in the Coachella Valley
Palm Springs, CA (June 23, 2025) — The historic Palm Springs Plaza Theatre continues its commitment to showcasing premier local talent with the announcement of Modern Men – Coachella Valley Men's Chorus as the theatre's official Ensemble-in-Residence beginning December 2025. This exciting partnership marks another milestone for the newly restored venue as it establishes itself as the cultural heart of downtown Palm Springs. Presented by the One Valley Foundation, the Official Nonprofit of the Coachella Valley Firebirds, Modern Men will celebrate this prestigious designation with two spectacular performances in their 2025-2026 season:
Cool Yule
December 13, 2025 at 7:00pm
December 14, 2025 at 3:00pm
Get ready to swing into the season with the most joyful, jazz-infused holiday celebration in town! Featuring powerhouse guest artists from Dean McDowell’s Desert Winds Jazz Band, this high-energy spectacle blends the rich harmonies of over 140 voices with the sizzling sounds of a full jazz ensemble. From a fiery “Hot Hanukkah” to a frosty-fun “Little Jack Frost Get Lost,” we are reimagining holiday classics with bold new arrangements that will have you grooving from start to finish. It’s festive, fresh, and absolutely unmissable.
Sing Out!
April 18, 2026 at 7:00pm
April 19, 2026 at 3:00pm
Leaning on their signature sound, Modern Men will bring you some of the most beautiful music ever written. From Ennio Morricone's Gabriel's Oboe to several rare but stunningly beautiful musicals like The Secret Garden, Birds of Paradise and Ragtime. Music that will move and thrill you as only a men's chorus can, but with visuals that will inspire awe and wonder. Thrill to a male/male pas de deux set to rapturous music accompanied by a stunning string quartet. Music hot off the presses from some of the leading University and Community Choruses in the Country will leave you breathless. Come celebrate community, the beauty of music, and the wonder of the human voice.
"We're proud to welcome Modern Men as our official Ensemble-in-Residence at the Plaza Theatre," said John Bolton, SVP of Oak View Group and GM of The Plaza Theatre. "Their commitment to artistic excellence and community inclusion perfectly aligns with our vision for the Plaza as a space where all of Palm Springs can gather to celebrate the arts. This partnership represents another vital step in creating a vibrant cultural hub that reflects and embraces the rich diversity of our community."
Dr. Stan Hill, PhD, Artistic Director of Modern Men - Coachella Valley Men's Chorus, expressed enthusiasm about the new partnership: "I am thrilled to announce that Modern Men – Coachella Valley Men's Chorus and the Historic Plaza Theater in Downtown Palm Springs are teaming up to launch a whole new era of performances which celebrate the diversity and multi-faceted dimensions of our desert home. The Plaza Theatre has always been more than the sum of its parts. And Modern Men has always been more than the sum of its singing members, representing straight, trans, LGBTQ+, where everyone can sing their hearts out
and express themselves freely. Modern Men and the Plaza Theater are where memories are made, art comes alive, and Palm Springs shows its true colors. As we write this next chapter, Modern Men is proud to be part of the story."
Pre-sale tickets for Modern Men's 2025-2026 performances at The Plaza Theatre will be available for purchase on June 25, 2025. Tickets will be available to the public for purchase beginning June 27, 2025. Individual performance tickets are priced at $75, $60, $50, and $35. For more information visit palmspringsplazatheatre.com.
The residency announcement comes as the Plaza Theatre prepares for its grand reopening in December 2025 following an extensive restoration. The historic venue, which originally opened in 1936, has been meticulously renovated to preserve its iconic character while updating its facilities to meet the expectations of today's performers and audiences.
About Modern Men Chorus
The Modern Men Chorus promotes harmony through outstanding performances, entertaining and empowering audiences and embracing diversity through community outreach. Modern Men is a proud member of the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses (GALA), which leads the North American GLBT choral movement, cultivating the artistic development of 10,000 singers from more than 190 choruses in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
About Palm Springs Plaza Theatre
The Plaza Theatre, Palm Springs' premier cultural landmark since 1936, is undergoing a complete restoration and is set to reopen in December 2025. Under the management of Oak View Group, in partnership with the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation and the City of Palm Springs, this historic venue will be transformed into a state-of-the-art performing arts destination while preserving its iconic character. The renovated theatre will generate a significant economic impact for downtown Palm Springs while offering world-class entertainment and cultural programming. For more information or to make a booking inquiry, contact Booking@PSPlazaTheatre.org.
About the One Valley Foundation
The One Valley Foundation is committed to ensuring an inclusive community for our fans, united through a shared passion for sports. We aim to create greater opportunity and impact across the Coachella Valley through a variety of programs and legacy events focused on our three core pillars of Education, Community and Access to Hockey.
Media Contacts
Lisaann Dupont, Director of Marketing, Oak View Group
615-319-3638 | lisaann.dupont@oakviewgroup.com
Nathan Truesdell, Media Consultant
872-230-8273 | ntruesdell@truelocalmedia.com
Andrea Mason, VP One Valley Foundation
760-835-6797 | amason@cvfirebirds.com
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