Philip Labes is “The Opener”

Some people emerged from the Covid pandemic’s stay-at-home orders with a plant collection, others with a six-pack. Philip Labes emerged with 30 songs he wrote in 30 days - songs that captured some of the chaos, loss, and humor of the last four years.

Philip continues the storytelling tradition of American folk with a theatricality and sense of fun that's distinctly modern. In 2022 he gained quick viral fame on TikTok, where he was spotted by Jason Mraz and invited to open on the Grammy-winner's North American tour. In 2023, he released an album for each season (four albums, forty-two songs) inspired by Vivaldi's Four Seasons, all within one year! This year, Philip moved straight from a SXSW showcase to an EP centered around his hometown entitled SORRY STATE, with songs celebrating childhood while also challenging the political status quo. He also became the subject of documentary filmmaker Jeff Toye’s THE OPENER!

Both Philip and Jeff first came to Palm Springs to celebrate THE OPENER and its subject at the 2024 edition of AmDocs – the American Documentary and Animation Festival. Now they’re back with the film, and a live performance! Don’t miss it!

This program is a benefit for the Palm Springs Cultural Center, and is sponsored by the Supple Foundation.

Host or Publisher Palm Springs Cultural Center