Posted on by James Kampas

Jussen Brothers Dazzle at McCallum Theatre

The Jussen Brothers lit up the stage last night with a performance that was both polished and genuinely fun to watch. Their virtuosity was unmistakable, but the warmth and ease between them at the piano really set the tone for the evening.

Jan. 23, 2026 - Lucas Jussen (L) and Arthur Jussen (R) performing at the McCallum Theatre.
Jan. 23, 2026 – Lucas Jussen (L) and Arthur Jussen (R) playing Rachmaninoff.

Lucas Jussen and his younger brother Arthur Jussen are widely recognized as one of today’s leading piano duos. Born in 1993 and 1996 in the Netherlands, the brothers have built impressive international careers, performing at major concert halls across Europe, the United States, and beyond. Known for their close musical rapport, they combine precision with expressive nuance, creating performances that are both technically refined and deeply engaging.

The program:
Mozart: Sonata in C Major for Piano Four-Hands, K. 521
Schumann: Andante and Variations for Two Pianos, Op. 46
Widmann: Bunte Blätter for Two Pianos
Debussy: Six Épigraphes Antiques
Rachmaninoff: Suite No. 2 for Two Pianos, Op. 17

This performance was presented at the McCallum Theatre in partnership with the Palm Springs Friends of Philharmonic.

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Muir Woods: California’s Living Biosphere

Muir Woods National Monument
Muir Woods National Monument
Muir Woods National Monument

Just a short drive across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, you can step into a world of giants at Muir Woods National Monument. This is one of the last remaining old-growth coastal redwood forests, and it’s a truly spectacular place to discover these towering trees.

Named for the legendary naturalist John Muir, the monument was protected back in 1908 thanks to his dedicated work. As you walk the peaceful, easy-to-navigate boardwalks, you’re surrounded by massive trees—some over a thousand years old and stretching more than 250 feet high. The cool, shaded forest offers a refreshing escape, even on a warm day, providing plenty of spots to stop and gaze up in awe at the sheer scale of the redwoods.

More than just a U.S. treasure, Muir Woods is also recognized as an International Biosphere Reserve, a testament to its unique and irreplaceable ecosystem. It’s an unforgettable and convenient way to connect with one of California’s most iconic natural landmarks.

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The Breakers: A Gilded Age Masterpiece

Aug. 20, 2023 - The ocean-facing facade of The Breakers.
Aug. 20, 2023 - The Great Hall at The Breakers.
Aug. 20, 2023 - The Music Room at The Breakers.
Aug. 20, 2023 - The Gilded Age Morning Room in The Breakers.
Aug. 20, 2023 - The Dining Room at The Breakers.
Aug. 20, 2023 - The Library at The Breakers.
Aug. 20, 2023 - The Loggia at The Breakers.

Our 2023 visit to The Breakers in Newport, Rhode Island, was an unforgettable journey into the lavish world of America’s Gilded Age. This magnificent “summer cottage” built by Cornelius Vanderbilt II truly lives up to its name, with every opulent room showcasing breathtaking European artistry and an astounding attention to detail, from the monumental Great Hall to the more intimate, yet still grand, family quarters upstairs. Wandering through the meticulously preserved interiors and manicured grounds, with the stunning Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop, was simply breathtaking.

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Palm Springs Public Art

May 14, 2025 - Sculptures by David Černý.
May 14, 2025 – Sculptures by David Černý.

You never know where you’ll encounter art when walking around downtown Palm Springs. Two large sculptures by renowned Czech artist David Černý are affixed to the side of the Rowan Palm Springs Hotel (if you’ve ever visited Prague, you’ve likely seen more of Černý’s work there). Meat is a 17-foot-tall classic red car, reminiscent of a Porsche, with a body stylized to resemble a slab of raw meat. The other, from his Babies series, is intentionally ambiguous and surreal. I can’t say exactly what the artist means by these two pieces, but they’re certainly thought-provoking.

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Return to New Orleans

St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans
Oct. 28, 2024 – St. Louis Cathedral at sunset.

I’ve been to New Orleans 5 or 6 times and always had a great time. We stayed for a week, ate delicious food (it’s all about the Cajun cuisine and seafood), and drank probably a little too much. It’s such a unique and vibrant city; the French Quarter feels like being in another country.

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Summer at Big Bear Lake

July 21, 2024 - View from our Lagonita Lodge room.
July 21, 2024 – View from Lagonita Lodge room.

Big Bear Lake is about a 2-hour drive from Palm Springs, and it’s nice to come up here for a few days to get away from the desert heat. It’s hot today, but you can still go outside and enjoy nature. Big Bear is a charming mountain community with plenty of good restaurants and places to get a drink.

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Liszt Ferenc Square

Liszt Ferenc Square
Aug. 21, 2022 – A cool, drizzly day in Budapest.

The statue of Franz Liszt by sculptor László Marton in Budapest, Hungary, shows the great composer dramatically poised mid-performance. Seated before an invisible piano, his large right hand reaches outward, symbolizing his legendary virtuosity. The sculpture captures Liszt’s flair and intensity. This is the last stop on our Europe trip—tomorrow we fly home. I’m still recovering from COVID, but we had a nice day exploring the city.

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Lake Wolfgang in Austria

Aug. 15, 2022 - Vista overlooking the village of St. Gilgen and Lake Wolfgang.
Aug. 15, 2022 – Vista overlooking St. Gilgen and Lake Wolfgang.

Lake Wolfgang, or Wolfgangsee, is a stunning alpine lake nestled in the Salzkammergut region of Austria. It’s surrounded by charming villages like St. Gilgen, Strobl, and St. Wolfgang. The lake is known for its crystal-clear waters, lush green hills, and postcard-perfect mountain views.

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The French House, London

Aug 7, 2022 - The French House in London.
Aug 7, 2022 – Enjoyed a few pints at The French House.

The French House in London is a legendary Soho pub steeped in charm, history, and bohemian spirit. It’s known for its quirky rules — no music, no machines, and no pints (only half-pints served). During World War II, it served as a hub for the Free French, with General de Gaulle famously linked to the place. Over the decades, it’s been a favorite of artists, writers, and eccentrics like Dylan Thomas and Francis Bacon.

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Sedona Satisfies

May 10, 2018 - Cathedral Rock near Sedona.
May 10, 2018 – Cathedral Rock near Sedona.

Sedona, Arizona, is a captivating desert town renowned for its stunning red rock formations, mild climate, and vibrant arts community. Situated near Flagstaff in the northern Verde Valley region, Sedona boasts a landscape characterized by dramatic buttes, steep canyon walls, and lush pine forests. The area offers an abundance of outdoor activities, from easy strolls along Oak Creek to challenging hikes up Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock.

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Mission San Juan Capistrano

May 21, 2017 - Mission San Juan Capistrano
May 21, 2017 – Ruins of the Great Stone Church.

Tucked amid the bougainvillea and terra cotta rooftops of coastal Orange County, Mission San Juan Capistrano offers a serene glimpse into California’s layered past. Founded in 1776 by Spanish Franciscans, it’s often called the “Jewel of the Missions” and is famed for the annual return of its cliff swallows each spring—a tradition that draws visitors and locals alike.

May 21, 2017 - Mission San Juan Capistrano.
May 21, 2017 – Mission San Juan Capistrano Museum.
May 21, 2017 - Mission San Juan Capistrano.
May 21, 2017 – Ruins of the Great Stone Church.
May 21, 2017 - Mission San Juan Capistrano
May 21, 2017 – Serra’s Chapel.

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Adventures in Costa Rica

May 15, 2006 - Ziplining though the Manuel Antonio rainforest.
May 21, 2006 - Whitewater rafting down the Pacuare River in Costa Rica.
May 14, 2006 - Enjoying the beautiful beaches at Manual Antonio National Park.
May 14, 2006 - Spotted a brown-throated sloth in the tree.
May 16, 2005 - View from our hotel.
May 14, 2006 - Black Spiny-tailed Iguanas are everywhere.
May 15, 2006 - Central American squirrel monkeys.

Our week in Costa Rica included zip-lining through a tropical rainforest, white-water rafting down the Pacuare River, and encountering wildlife I’d never seen before—like howler monkeys, coatimundis, sloths, and poison dart frogs. We flew into San José and chartered a small plane to Quepos, in Puntarenas Province, to reach Manuel Antonio National Park. Costa Rica’s vibrant rainforests and pristine beaches are among the most beautiful I’ve ever seen.