Big Conversations, Little Bar

What happens when you stop letting fear silence your creativity? Performer Elle Indigo, also known as L.K. Indigo, joins Patrick Evans at Skip Paige’s Little Bar to share a journey spanning music, poetry, comics, and personal reinvention. She discusses finding the courage to perform near forty, making music with her partner Christopher Doe, and turning vulnerable experiences into words that help others feel deeply understood. From her poetry collection Blank Canvas to the horror comic Fangs and Foul Play, Indigo explores how different art forms make room for connection. Hear how she approaches rejection, leads poetry workshops, balances creative ambition with a day job, and dreams of bigger stages while building a life that embraces both writing and singing in the Coachella Valley and beyond.

Takeaways:

• Pursuing performance near forty meant confronting longstanding fears.
• Karaoke helped build confidence before professional performances.
• Performing with her partner creates opportunities for unique duets.
• Poetry explores mental health, love, grief, and identity.
• Blank Canvas connects personal poems through artistic themes.
• Hiring artists made writing horror comics possible.
• Poetry workshops encourage connection through creating new work.
• Creative ambitions require balancing time, promotion, and paid work.

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Musician Joe Croyle joins Patrick Evans and guest co-host Mary Ann Halpin, his wife of 42 years, for a conversation spanning piano bars, Las Vegas stages, and Hollywood memories. From his beginnings with The Young Americans to performing alongside Ann-Margret, Jim Nabors, and Sally Struthers, Joe shares the stories behind a lifetime in entertainment. He recalls a baton mishap on The Ed Sullivan Show, Christmas caroling in Scrooged and The Addams Family, and his work with The Modernaires. In a moving account, he remembers performing with Cass Elliot at the London Palladium and the aftermath of her death. Recorded at Skip Paige’s Little Bar, this episode blends marital banter, backstage recollections, and Joe’s continuing passion for music in the Coachella Valley with humor and heart.

Takeaways:

• The Young Americans launched Joe’s performing career.
• An Ed Sullivan baton mishap became a memorable recovery.
• Joe learned Ann-Margret’s show in just hours.
• Vegas entertainers enjoyed late-night shows and backstage camaraderie.
• Christmas caroling brought film roles and lasting residuals.
• Joe recalls Cass Elliot’s performances and loss.
• Friendship with Sally Struthers extended beyond the stage.
• Music and humor weave through Joe’s marriage.

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Performers Deven Green and Handsome Ned Douglas join Patrick Evans at Skip Paige’s Little Bar for a conversation connecting comedy, music, marriage, and community. Deven traces her path from professional figure skating to comedy and RuPaul’s Drag Race, while Ned shares studio stories involving Dave Stewart, Stevie Nicks, Katy Perry, and Celine Dion. Together, they reveal how complementary talents fuel their songwriting, outrageous books, and interactive entertainment. Hear how their bingo gatherings spark friendships, support local businesses, and connect fellow artists. They also discuss LGBTQ acceptance, creative boundaries, their Palm Springs proclamation, and the kitten who chose them. With wit and affection, this episode explores what happens when two creative partners use their talents to bring people together and share the spotlight with their community.

Takeaways

• Complementary talents strengthen their creative and romantic partnership.
• Bingo builds friendships and supports local businesses.
• Ned shares studio stories behind celebrated recording artists.
• Deven connects figure skating with storytelling and comedy.
• Their humor pushes boundaries without embracing mean spirits.
• LGBTQ advocacy centers on acceptance and equality.
• Creative boundaries make room for more fulfilling work.
• Animal shelter fundraising leads to another kitten adoption.

#BigConversationsLittleBarPodcast #PatrickEvans #HandsomeNedDouglas #DevenGreen #SkipsLittleBar #SkipPaige #CoachellaValley #InterviewPodcast #MutualBroadcastingSystem #PalmSprings #Comedy #LiveMusic #Songwriting #CreativePartnership #CommunityBingo #LGBTQAcceptance #AnimalRescue #DaveStewart #StevieNicks #RuPaulsDragRace

Actor Pepe Serna brings Hollywood stories and a lifetime of saying “yes, and” to Big Conversations, Little Bar with Patrick Evans and Friends. Joining Patrick at Skip Paige’s Little Bar in Palm Desert, guest co-host Mary Ann Halpin, a local photographer and performer, explores Serna’s journey from Corpus Christi to the movies. Serna recalls studying improv with Del Close, working with Gregory Peck, and landing his unforgettable role in Scarface through his friend Edward James Olmos. He also shares how his wife inspired his painting, why he helps fellow actors find opportunities, and what teaching improv reveals about human potential. With reflections on his book and documentary, Life Is Art, this conversation celebrates creativity, generosity, lasting love, and the freedom of letting go of judgment.

Takeaways:

• Saying “yes, and” opens possibilities onstage and off.
• Improv starts with listening and supporting your scene partners.
• Edward James Olmos helped Serna land Scarface.
• Generosity guides Serna’s relationships with fellow actors.
• His wife inspired his lifelong passion for painting.
• Creative fulfillment matters more to Serna than stardom.
• Teaching improv helps others discover their storytelling abilities.
• Releasing self-judgment makes room for connection and creativity.

#BigConversationsLittleBarPodcast #PatrickEvans #PepeSerna #MaryAnnHalpin #Actor #SkipsLittleBar #SkipPaige #CoachellaValley #InterviewPodcast #MutualBroadcastingSystem #Scarface #LifeIsArt #Improv #HollywoodStories #EdwardJamesOlmos #DelClose #GregoryPeck #LatinoActors #PalmDesert #Creativity

Filmmaker and former news producer Tim Kiley joins Patrick Evans and guest co-host Shaun LaBelle, music producer and host of the Shaun LaBelle Show on 100.9FM The Patriot, at Skip Paige’s Little Bar. Kiley traces his journey from childhood movie experiments to a journalism career reshaped by 9/11 and years leading the KESQ newsroom. He shares the family collaboration behind Onru, a zombie thriller exploring a father’s determination to protect his daughter, and the challenges of festival submissions and surround sound. His documentary, Lens Flares: Trauma in Journalism, sparks discussion about the emotional toll of local reporting, newsroom support, and public trust. Alongside humor and movie fandom, Kiley introduces Brothers Movie Company, his nonprofit effort to help creatives get paid, and encourages filmmakers to share their work and support their communities.

Takeaways:

• Witnessing 9/11 redirected Kiley’s filmmaking ambitions toward journalism.
• Effective newsroom leaders understand every job they assign.
• Onru explores parental responsibility through a zombie apocalypse.
• Learning surround sound led to film festival recognition.
• Local journalists face trauma that often goes unaddressed.
• The conversation examines journalism, opinion, and public trust.
• Brothers Movie Company aims to fund paid creative work.
• Share your work, embrace feedback, and support fellow creatives.

#BigConversationsLittleBarPodcast #PatrickEvans #TimKiley #LocalTVNews #IndependentFilm #ShaunLaBelle #KESQ #SkipsLittleBar #SkipPaige #CoachellaValley #InterviewPodcast #MutualBroadcastingSystem #Onru #LensFlares #TraumaInJournalism #BrothersMovieCompany #ShortFilms #FilmFestivals #NewsroomLeadership #CreativeCommunity

What keeps a journalist asking tough questions after decades on television? KESQ anchor Karen Devine joins Patrick Evans and guest co-host Shaun LaBelle, music producer and host of the Shaun LaBelle Show on 100.9FM The Patriot, for a conversation about reporting, resilience, and building a life in the Coachella Valley. Recording at Skip Paige’s Little Bar, Karen reflects on her Palm Springs Walk of the Stars honor, mentoring reporters, and the investigations that helped families find answers. She shares her perspective on separating news from opinion, adapting to social media, and checking facts as artificial intelligence enters newsrooms. Beyond the anchor desk, discover her love of Padres baseball, blues music, Sunday Scrabble with her father, and a second chance at love. It’s a look at the person behind the headlines.

Takeaways:

• A Walk of the Stars honor inspires reflection.
• Investigative reporting helps families find answers.
• Separating news from opinion matters.
• Mentoring reporters keeps newsroom veterans learning.
• Social media adds demands to reporting.
• AI tools still require fact checking.
• Family helped shape a career rooted in the desert.
• Baseball, blues, and Scrabble bring joy beyond work.

#BigConversationsLittleBarPodcast #PatrickEvans #KarenDevine #LocalTVNews #ShaunLaBelle #KESQ #SkipsLittleBar #SkipPaige #CoachellaValley #InterviewPodcast #MutualBroadcastingSystem #InvestigativeJournalism #PalmSprings #WalkOfStars #Newsroom #MediaTrust #Journalism #BroadcastNews #CommunityStories #DesertLife

From ballet stages in Japan to cabaret spotlights in Palm Springs, drag entertainer Billy L’Amour has built a life around performing. Billy joins Patrick Evans and guest co-host Melanie Blue, at Skip Paige’s Little Bar to share the artistry behind the glamour. Hear how injuries prompted a career reinvention, why a Montreal commitment took priority over pursuing RuPaul’s Drag Race, and how love helped fuel a return to the stage. Billy also reveals the inspiration behind the name, the joy of reuniting with a live band, and the craft of turning laughter into emotional connection. With stories of international tours, creative burnout, and dreams of European cabaret festivals, this conversation celebrates persistence, musical curiosity, and the courage to keep creating a life truly worth taking center stage for.

Takeaways:

• Billy’s drag career began on the ballet stage.
• Injuries sparked a reinvention through singing and cabaret.
• A Montreal commitment took priority over Drag Race.
• Classic entertainers helped inspire Billy’s stage persona.
• Love and encouragement helped Billy return to performing.
• The Love Notes bring collaborative freedom to performances.
• Humor opens audiences to deeper emotional connections.
• European cabaret festivals remain a dream worth pursuing.

#BigConversationsLittleBarPodcast #PatrickEvans #MelanieBlue #ImprovComedy #SkipsLittleBar #SkipPaige #CoachellaValley #BillyLAmour #DragPerformer #InterviewPodcast #MutualBroadcastingSystem #PalmSprings #DragCabaret #LiveSinging #TheLoveNotes #Ballet #CreativeReinvention #Cabaret #LiveMusic #DragEntertainment

From singing with her father's dance band at fourteen to spending 44 years with The Manhattan Transfer, Cheryl Bentyne has stories worth pulling up a stool for. She joins Patrick Evans and guest co-host Fred Bronson, music journalist for Billboard, on Big Conversations, Little Bar to revisit the audition that changed her life, the precision behind Birdland, and the thrill of performing with Ella Fitzgerald. Cheryl shares memories of Grammy wins, international success, and the musical trust that kept four voices together. She also explores her love of the Great American Songbook, the freedom of solo recordings, and her preference for live audiences. Then the conversation takes an unexpected turn: transforming vintage lamps into art. It's a look at a life still finding fresh ways to create, onstage and off.

Takeaways:

• Cheryl started performing with her father's band at fourteen.
• One audition launched 44 years with The Manhattan Transfer.
• “Birdland” remained challenging throughout decades of live performances.
• Singing with Ella Fitzgerald became a cherished career highlight.
• Four voices required precision, discipline, and mutual trust.
• Solo recordings offered freedom in song selection and interpretation.
• Live audiences provide the energy Cheryl loves most.
• Vintage lamps became canvases for her next creative chapter.

#BigConversationsLittleBarPodcast #PatrickEvans #FredBronson #MusicJounalist #BillboardMagazine #SkipsLittleBar #SkipPaige #CoachellaValley #CherylBentyne #TheManhattanTransfer #InterviewPodcast #MutualBroadcastingSystem #VocalJazz #Birdland #GreatAmericanSongbook #EllaFitzgerald #GrammyAwards #JazzVocals #PalmSprings #LampArt

Animal welfare, affordability, creativity, and community service converge in a lively conversation with Tom Snyder, CEO of Animal Samaritans. He explains to host Patrick Evans why overcrowded shelters, rising veterinary costs, and pet “petflation” are putting families under pressure, while outlining financial assistance, free spay-and-neuter programs, rescue efforts, specialty veterinary care, and the organization’s plans for expansion. Guest co-host Terry Ray brings humor and personal experience, including how Animal Samaritans helped his late mother’s dog through a serious medical scare. The conversation also reveals Snyder’s unexpected creative past as a playwright, actor, teacher, surfer, and aspiring novelist. Along the way, Patrick, Terry, and Tom explore adoption challenges, responsible pet ownership, nonprofit fundraising, the emotional demands of rescue work, and the powerful bond people share with animals throughout the Coachella Valley community today and beyond.

Takeaways:

• Rising veterinary costs are straining pet-owning families.
• Financial assistance helps keep pets with their owners.
• Free spay and neuter programs reduce shelter overcrowding.
• Animal Samaritans offers extensive specialty veterinary services.
• Rescue partnerships save thousands of at-risk animals.
• Successful adoptions require thoughtful matches between pets and families.
• Nonprofit leadership demands compassion and difficult financial decisions.
• Snyder’s creative life includes theater, teaching, and writing.

#BigConversationsLittleBarPodcast #PatrickEvans #TerryRay #BentTheatre #SkipsLittleBar #SkipPaige #CoachellaValley #TomSnyder #AnimalSamaritans #InterviewPodcast #MutualBroadcastingSystem #AnimalRescue #PetAdoption #PetWelfare #VeterinaryCare #SpayAndNeuter #NonprofitLeadership #PalmDesert #PetCare #CommunityImpact

Playwright, director, actor, professor, and producer Luke Yankee joins the corner booth for a lively journey through a remarkable theatrical life. He shares memories of growing up as the son of acclaimed actress Eileen Heckart, where family friends included Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, Ethel Merman, Mary Tyler Moore, and other entertainment legends. Yankee reflects on finding his own creative voice, directing his parents, learning from Broadway great Hal Prince, teaching emerging playwrights, and developing works including Marilyn, Mom & Me. He also previews upcoming directing projects, explains how collaboration and criticism strengthen his writing, and delivers unforgettable backstage stories involving missed entrances, bold auditions, and even a wandering cow. The episode also marks an emotional transition as Randy Florence says farewell after three and a half memorable years together onstage.

Takeaways:

• Growing up surrounded by Broadway shaped Yankee’s creative path.
• Eileen Heckart offered demanding lessons in acting.
• Paul Newman shared memorable advice with young Luke.
• Writing eventually became Yankee’s strongest creative calling.
• Directing his parents created unforgettable family moments.
• Great writers learn when criticism improves their work.
• Theater mishaps often become the best backstage stories.
• Randy Florence closes a memorable three-and-a-half-year chapter.

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