After 20 years of service, Harold Matzner has announced his retirement as the Chairman of the Palm Springs International Film Festival. He is handing over the reins to Nachhattar Singh Chandi who Matzner described as “a very successful and strong leader.” Matzner told The Desert…
McCallum Chairman Harold Matzner would like to congratulate the Muses & Patroness Circle ofthe McCallum Theatre for a stellar 35 years! Happy Anniversary, Ladies! Over the past 35 years,the Muses & Patronesses Circle has raised over $11 million for the Palm Desert cultural hub.Did you…
The Palm Springs International Film Awards was a gala event to remember. Heralded by Deadline as “…a must-stop on the way to the [Oscars] in March”, the star-studded evening celebrated the best in cinematic performance and production. Many recipients and hosts- even Steven Spielberg!- had…
As a Major Sponsor, Harold would like to invite you to the 29th annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards (“The Chase”) on March 25th. This is an event close to Harold’s heart–he has sponsored it for many years. This year, the DAP Health Equity Award will…
Spring is in the air, even if it’s been a bit rainier than our usual California sunshine. If you’re looking for the perfect date night spot to cozy up in, Harold is proud to share that Spencer’s has been named one of the 100 most…
Jim Egan is not just a retired businessman and Coachella valley philanthropist–he is a celebrated painter with a new show at the Artists Center at the Galen in Palm Desert. Egan’s latest show “Icons: Painting by Jim Egan” features over 60 acrylic portraits of his…
This January, the McCallum Theatre celebrates 35 years. It opened on January 2nd, 1988. Some trivia for you: The very first night ever at the McCallum was a gala for the ages. It was a tribute to Bob Hope, hosted by Lucille Ball. If you…
The 2023 Film Festival and Awards Gala felt extra special this year. After 2 years on hiatus due to the pandemic, you could feel the excitement as Palm Springs residents and honored celebrities came together again. Harold Matzner picked his top six moments from this…
On October 21st, The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert (The Center) welcomed over 500 guests at their annual fundraiser, Center Stage 2022. Rob Wheeler, executive director and CEO of The Center addressed the crowd of 525, saying, “we are truly stronger together, and our…
This Veteran’s Day, Harold wants to honor all those who have served to protect our great country. Our brave veterans are one of the many causes close to Harold’s heart. On Veteran’s Day in 2017, the Matzner Tank Pavilion opened at the General Patton Museum,…
Well if this video doesn’t get you excited to come to the McCallum on November 9th, we don’tknow what will! Michael Childers, director Scott Coulter, and musical director Todd Schroedershare their inspiration for the New-York themed evening and give us a preview of what will…
We are so honored to see Spencer’s named on Palm Springs Life’s list of Best of the Best Outdoor Dining Spaces! Readers voted on their favorite restaurants, shops, and activities in the Coachella Valley across 20 categories. What is it that the readers love about…
Palm Springs Life Magazine published a wonderful article this month: “50 Moments That Shaped Greater Palm Springs.” As the list travels through history, you can see our community start to come together, from its pre-1900 foundations through the Rat Pack era. We see when landmarks…
Harold and the McCallum Board along with Michael Childers invite you to this year’s “One Night Only.” We are celebrating the 16th year in the desert with “New York, New York” on November 9, 2022 at 6 p.m. All proceeds benefit The Barbara Sinatra Children’s…
A toast from Spencer’s and Harold Matzner! 🍸 U.S. News and World Report has named their picks for the top 22 restaurants in Palm Springs for 2022- and of course, Spencer’s made the list! Their editors researched dozens of review sites, including restaurant, dining and…
After two years off due to Covid, the Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala is back and tables, seats, and passes are all on sale now! The 2021 Gala will take place on Thursday, January 5, 2023. Harold Matzner, the Board of Directors, and…
Part 2 of Palm Springs Life Magazine’s profile of Harold Matzner focuses on the Palm Springs International Film Festival. With quotes from colleagues, fellow board members, friends, and family, writer David Lansing illustrates how Harold turned the film festival into the success it is today. …
If you’ve ever wondered about Harold’s childhood, what his home life is like (hint: dog-filled), or how amazingly busy his schedule is, this article Palm Springs Life Magazine will give you a window into being Harold Matzner as told by writer David Lansing, many of…
Online reservations site OpenTable has named 100 U.S. restaurants that take the cake for outdoor dining- and we’re honored that Spencer’s made the list! Everyone in the desert knows that Spencer’s patio is the place to celebrate a special occasion- or just to celebrate a…
Happy Birthday, Harold! (Yes, he really was born on the 4th of July.) As we celebrate 85 wonderful years, it’s time to revisit (and laugh again at) the prank Desert Sun front page made just for your 75th. We truly will never forget your sold-out…
Want a sneak peek of the short films that are being submitted to the Oscars? Then watch our Palm Springs International ShortFest winners! At Closing Night on Sunday, June 26, 2022, the Palm Springs International Film Society honored audience favorites and jury award-winning films, including…
Palm Springs Film Festival Chairman Harold Matzner is pleased to announce that The Palm Springs International ShortFest plans to return with in-person screenings at the Camelot Theatres (Palm Springs Cultural Center) from June 21-27. In addition to screening on June 27, the Best of Fest…
What a way to end our season! At our fabulous Annual On-Stage Birthday Luncheon, the incredible Muse and Patroness Circle presented a check in the amount of $451,770 to support McCallum Theatre Education to McCallum Chairman Harold Matzner and McCallum President & Artistic Director Mitch…
Who’s excited for the next season at the McCallum Theater? This upcoming season’s lineup is stunning! As were the 300+ founders and benefactors at the recent 2022-2023 preview reception. As the Chairman of the McCallum Theatre’s Board, Harold helped sponsor the event, which was held…
While many events took a 2-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Harold is happy to see the return of the desert’s many fundraisers that strengthen our community. Here’s a roundup of three events that Harold helped sponsor in March. On March 10th, Desert Arc hosted…
This is news that Harold is particularly moved to share. Reid Milanovich has been elected as the Tribal Chairman of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. This role was long-held by Reid’s father and dear friend to Harold, Richard Milanovich. Harold Matzner told The…
The Palm Springs International Film Festival Film Awards are famously early predictors of Academy Award winners. And 2022 was no exception. Although the Palm Springs Film Awards 2022 did not take place in person this year due to an abundance of caution around Covid, Festival…
