THIS WEEK'S EPISODE
From the coveted corner booth at Skip Paige’s Little Bar in Palm Desert, Big Conversations, Little Bar with Patrick Evans & Randy Florence turns to one of Palm Springs’ biggest preservation wins: reopening the Plaza Theatre as a public venue. Architect, preservationist, and former city council member J.R. Roberts recounts how a shuttered landmark nearly became a gutted nightclub, then survived COVID uncertainty and post-pandemic construction inflation. He explains how a pivotal $5 million gift—and a promise that he’d “stay to the end”—reignited the effort, why contractor bids ballooned, and how the city’s support helped bridge the gap. The hosts also dig into civic life, small-town politics, and why volunteering locally can change outcomes fast. Finally, Roberts shares how Oak View Group stepped in for programming and management, setting up the theatre for a steady stream of major acts, community events, and economic impact across the Coachella Valley. Along the way, expect laughs, stories, and a candid look at what it takes to save a landmark.
Big Conversations, Little Bar is the popular podcast that brings together hosts Patrick Evans and Randy Florence in the intimate setting of Skip Paige's Little Bar at the center of the Coachella Valley Universe in Palm Desert, where intriguing personalities from various fields engage in lively and unfiltered discussions. The show's unique blend of relaxed atmosphere and thought-provoking conversations has attracted a large and dedicated audience.
Listeners are drawn to the authentic and candid exchanges between the hosts and their guests who reside full- or part-time in the Desert Cities region of Southern California, which range from light-hearted banter to deeper insights on a wide array of topics. With a reputation for creating a welcoming space for genuine conversations and genuine connections, Big Conversations, Little Bar has become a go-to destination for those seeking entertainment, inspiration, and a dose of laughter.
All episodes of Big Conversations, Little Bar are also available for download and subscription from our Podcast Portal Partners below.
