Modernism Week in Palm Springs.

Think of Palm Springs, and chances are, you envision a sleek, mid-century house with a sparkling, kidney-shaped pool.  It’s only natural.   Palm Springs and modern architecture go together like macaroni and cheese.

For the past five years, fans of mid-century architecture have been able to get their fix at Modernism Week.  And this year’s get-together -- which takes place from February 12 -21 -- is bigger than ever, with more than 40 events.  

Get your French fix for free at the Santa Barbara French Festival.

Santa Barbara is spectacular any time of year, but it's particularly alluring in summer when the average high temperature is around 75 degrees. There's something going on almost every weekend, and there's an art show in the ocean-front park every Sunday afternoon.

One of our favorite events is the annual French Festival, which takes place on the weekend closest to Bastille Day. This year, the festival will be held in Oak Park from 11AM to 7PM on July 11 and 12.

Hear your favorite Steely Dan album, performed live.

Steely Dan has stood the test of time better than most bands. Fifty-somethings who grew up with the duo have remained steadfastly loyal. But a surprising number of forty-, thirty-, and even twenty-somethings can sing along to My Old School.

Even so, I was surprised when I heard Only A Fool Would Say That while shopping at Macy's.

The group's complex, jazz-rooted melodies, dark lyrics, and impeccable production were finally rewarded when Two Against Nature - their first album in twenty years - won the Album of the Year Grammy in 2001. Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame that same year provided the impetus for a successful tour.