Top 10 things to do in the Coachella Valley this week, Jan. 15-21
Niki Kottmann'Plant's Can't Move. So What?' Lecture
Friends of the Desert Mountains holds several free lectures every month, and this one focuses on the topic of how plants, despite their static nature, survive grazers who want to eat them or steal their stored water. How are they able to attract pollinators and reproduce? They produce chemicals that enable them to survive without moving, and humans have used some of these chemicals to enrich our lives. Learn about some examples of plants that produce unusual chemicals and how humans use those same chemicals at this talk.
When: 11 a.m.-noon Sunday, Jan. 15
Where: Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51-500 California 74, Palm Desert
Cost: Free, but donations of $5 are encouraged, and you must RSVP
More info: (760) 862-9984 or DesertMountains.org
Noches De Fuego
Need to get your Latin music fix? Head to weekly concert series Noches De Fuego to celebrate the genre's most iconic songs outside at the Rock Yard at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Featured bands perform a variety of Latin styles including Tejano, Merengue, Cumbia, Norteño and Salsa, and for those who need a more modern vibe, there will also be a DJ spinning the best in Latin dance music. This month's featured group is Los Garza'z.
When: 7:30 p.m.-midnight every Sunday
Where: Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84-245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio
Cost: Free admission
More info: fantasyspringsresort.com
'Lucy Loves Desi: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom'
Come enjoy the hilarious and true story behind one of America’s most beloved TV comedies. Lucille Ball paved the way for many of today’s top comediennes, while forcing Hollywood to begin dealing with the rising power and influence of women artists both on-screen and behind the scenes. Her iconic series, "I Love Lucy," remains one of the most groundbreaking and influential shows in television history.
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17
Where: McCallum Theatre, 73-000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert
Cost: $25-$75
More info: (760) 340-2787 or mccallumtheatre.com
Monterey Jazz Festival On Tour
Looking for some exceptional live music this week? Check out this touring production of the Monterey Jazz Festival, which is celebrating its 65th year with a "once-in-a-lifetime" ensemble. Featuring Tony and Grammy Award-winning NEA Jazz Master vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater alongside Grammy Award-winning vocalist Kurt Elling and critically acclaimed rising star saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin, this talented band will be directed by visionary pianist Christian Sands and anchored by his longtime rhythm section, bassist Yasushi Nakamura and drummer Clarence Penn.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19
Where: McCallum Theatre, 73-000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert
Cost: $45-$85
More info: (760) 340-2787 or mccallumtheatre.com
Yoga With a Ranger
If you want to start 2023 in a more relaxed state, join park ranger Meg for a fun yoga flow for all skill levels. This outdoor class will allow participants to connect with the landscape through a sequence of physical postures, movements and breathing techniques that also strengthen the body and mind. Poses commonly mimic Earth, animals and trees. Bring a yoga mat or towel, water and sunscreen. Limited to 15 participants. Meet on the Visitor Center patio.
When: 9-10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 20
Where: Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51-500 California 74, Palm Desert
Cost: Free, but space is limited so you must register online by Jan. 19
More info: (760) 862-9984 or DesertMountains.org
El Paseo Cruise Night
If you're looking to show off your ride — or just check out everyone else's — cruise down to El Paseo for this car enthusiast's dream. If you have a classic car you'd like to show, head to the upper west level of The Gardens on El Paseo at 2 p.m. If you aren't showing off your wheels, you can view the cars from the sidewalk when the cruise kicks off at 4:30 p.m., and then meet the owners once they park.
When: 2-5 p.m. every Friday, November-April
Where: 73-545 El Paseo, Palm Desert
Cost: Free
More info: (760) 862-1990 or elpaseocruisenight.com
Palm Canyon Theatre Presents: 'Palm Springs Getaway: A Musical Romp'
Musical fans have a new option for entertainment in the Coachella Valley: an original, nostalgic romp through the desert featuring glimpses of history, icons and the celebrities who made Palm Springs famous. With a collection of well-known and original songs, the show transports audiences from the early desert landscape to the vibrant and inclusive community people know and love today – and every decade in between.
When: Various times, Jan. 20-29
Where: Palm Canyon Theatre, 538 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: $17-$38
More info: (760) 323-5123 or palmcanyontheatre.net
Palm Springs Certified Farmers Market
Switch up your grocery shopping routine this week. The Palm Springs Certified Farmers Market is outdoors for the season, so come peruse California-grown produce and other hommade products, and enjoy chef demonstrations and other live entertainment.
When: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. every Saturday
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs
Cost: Free admission
More info: certifiedfarmersmarkets.org
Ladies Night Featuring Sheena Easton and Taylor Dane
Scottish singer and actress Sheena Easton, who is most known for her appearance on the British reality TV show "The Big Time: Pop Singer," will share the stage with American singer, songwriter and actress Taylor Dayne for this Ladies Night-themed show. Dayne rose to fame in 1987 after her debut single "Tell It to My Heart," and achieved six additional U.S. top-10 singles.
When: Doors open at 8 p.m., show starts at 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21
Where: Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, 49500 Seminole Drive, Cabazon
Cost: $39-$59
More info: (951) 849-3080 or morongocasinoresort.com
Train
The band Train will finally "sail across the sun" into the Coachella Valley this weekend for this rescheduled school. The group, which now consists of Pat Monahan (lead vocals), Taylor Locke (guitar, vocals), Hector Maldonado (bass, vocals), Jerry Becker (keyboards, guitar), Matt Musty (drums), Sakai Smith (backup vocals), and Nikita Houston (backup vocals), has come a long way since its "Drops of Jupiter" days, so be prepared for a night of fresh music with several throwbacks tossed in.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21
Where: Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84-245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio
Cost: $59-$109
More info: fantasyspringsresort.com
Niki Kottmann covers a variety of topics, from health to arts and culture, as features editor for the Desert Sun. She can be reached at niki.kottmann@desertsun.com or on Twitter at @niki_mariee.