Metis Singer Andrea Menard to Perform at Annual Dinner in the Canyons Benefit Gala

July 10, 2008

 The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum announced today that singer Andrea Menard, Métis, First Nations person of Canada, will be the featured performer at its annual Dinner in the Canyons gala fundraiser. The event, which has become a “must-attend” desert classic, will take place in historic Andreas Canyon on Saturday, October 11 beginning at 5:30 pm. The evening will feature Native-inspired cuisine and entertainment under the stars set against a spectacular backdrop of mountains and towering palms.

“Dinner in the Canyons is a unique evening that’s become our signature event in Palm Springs,” said Michael Hammond, Executive Director of the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum.

The Andreas Canyon location is an exclusive venue to enjoy a savory dinner and it never fails to dazzle guests with its breathtaking sunset views of the Coachella Valley below. Plus, this year we have some superb entertainment with the vocal artistry of the exceptional Andrea Menard.”

Andrea Menard is a Canadian singer/songwriter, actress, and playwright of Métis descent. An accomplished jazz singer, Menard wrote and composed a one-woman stage play musical entitled The Velvet Devil, which opened to rave reviews in 1998. The Velvet Devil was also adapted as a made-for-television movie of the same title.  Menard's music has been featured in a number of TV shows internationally, most notably her tongue-in-cheek ode to gender politics, "If I Were a Man," which was featured on an episode of Queer as Folk.

Proceeds of Dinner in the Canyons help fund the Museum’s mission, including exhibitions, educational programs for schoolchildren and adults, and festive cultural events.  Agua Caliente Cultural Museum is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization.

Dinner in the Canyons will begin at 5:30 PM with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner at 6:30 PM.  Advance reservations are required. Phone inquiries for additional information should be directed to the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum Development Department at 760-778-1079, Ext. 116.