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PRESS RELEASES

Release Date:

December 15, 2025

Contact Information:

Modern Men: Coachella Valley Men's Chorus

Nathan Truesdell

872-230-8273

info@modernmen.org

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PEARSON FAMILY FOUNDATION AWARDS GRANT TO MODERN MEN CHORUS,

CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENTS OF CHORUS MEMBER DAVID PEARSON

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 of

others. 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."

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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.

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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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Rod Wood Photo 4.jpg

For Immediate Release

 

Modern Men Coachella Valley Men’s Chorus Announces Dr. Stan Hill

Will “Pass the Baton” Following 2025–2026 Season

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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

Nathan Truesdell

Director of Development, Modern Men Chorus

872-230-8273 | ntruesdell@truelocalmedia.com

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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"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."

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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

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Nathan Truesdell, Media Consultant

872-230-8273 | ntruesdell@truelocalmedia.com

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Andrea Mason, VP One Valley Foundation

760-835-6797 | amason@cvfirebirds.com

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CONTACT US

Modern Men

Coachella Valley Men's Chorus
611 S. Palm Canyon Dr.

Suite 7058
Palm Springs CA 92264

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A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN# 46-3645867

©2025 MODERN MEN

REHEARSALS

MONDAYS at 6:30 PM
United Methodist Church of Palm Springs
1555 E. Alejo Road
Palm Springs, CA 92262

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