Native-Inspired Cuisine and Entertainment Featured at Dinner in the Canyons
On Saturday, October 13, the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum will host its annual Dinner in the Canyons benefit in the historic Andreas Canyon. Now in its seventeenth year, Dinner in the Canyons has become the traditional inauguration of the fall season in Palm Springs. The theme of the event is “Sharing Gifts of Native Culture.”
Guests will enjoy a performance under the stars by Dancing Earth, an indigenous contemporary dance company whose artistry reflects the rich cultural heritage of Native peoples.
The company is passionately committed to indigenous contemporary dance as primal, yet articulate motion that speaks to all beings. They also believe in dance as an expression that can illuminate issues of cultural, historical, philosophical, mythical, and spiritual relevance.
Dancing Earth is lead by choreographer and director Rulan Tangen (Métis). Choreographer for Mel Gibson’s Apocalypto, she also contributed choreography for Terence Malik’s The New World, in which she played the role of Two Moons. Ms. Tangen teaches dance workshops in New Mexico public schools for the Santa Fe Opera, and nationally for the Native Wellness Institute. She teaches master classes at the University of Arts in Jalapa Mexico, UC Riverside, and the Society for Dance Historians. Ms. Tangen and her company have performed at the Hemispheric Encuentros in Brazil and Argentina, the Santa Fe Dance Festival, and Living Rituals World Indigenous Dance Festival and the Roots Remix Festival, (both in Toronto) .
Guests at Dinner in the Canyons will enjoy Native-inspired cuisine that features ingredients originating from the indigenous cultures of North, Central, and South America. Catered by Hyatt Regency Suites Palm Springs – Regency Caterers, the menu features a salmon and beef filet entreé with wild rice, complemented by a variety of delectable Native berries, grains, fruits, nuts, sauces, and seasonings. Dessert will be a surprise with hot Ivarra chocolate.
Dinner in the Canyons will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. Advance reservations are required and seating is limited. Phone inquires for information should be directed to the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum Development Department at 760-778-1079, Ext. 111.
The mission of the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum is to inspire people to learn about the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and other Native cultures. The Museum keeps the Native Spirit alive through exhibitions, collections, research, and educational programs. As a member of the prestigious Smithsonian Institution Affiliations Program, the Museum has access to Smithsonian educational programs, cultural objects, and its world-acclaimed traveling exhibitions.
Agua Caliente Cultural Museum is located at 219 South Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs. The Museum is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday 12 Noon to 5:00 PM. Admission is free. For more information on the Museum and Dinner in the Canyons, please call 760-778-1079 ext. 111 or visit www.accmuseum.org.
