Kip’s Baby Boomer Blog
By Kip Allen
Checking out the Boomer scene for recreation, dining, and entertainment in Palm Springs and the surrounding desert communities.
Get ready for some excitement, Boomers. Between wine and music, it doesn’t get much better than this coming weekend!
First, let’s start with a showdown. How about pinot noir from California versus pinot noir from Oregon? For $50, take your pick of one of two tastings, one at 5:30 and the other at 7:30 p.m. at the Desert Springs Resort, 4855 Country Club Dr. in Palm Desert. Here’s the lineup: the best California pinot noir goes head to head against the finest vintages from the Willamette Valley. Picture this — a Russian River Valley pinot noir with its bright fruit against a Willamette Valley pinot noir that shows great depth with a dusty, fruit character. Or maybe a classy pinot noir from the Anderson Valley of Mendocino. No matter the outcome, you win!
Normally, I try to write about separate events for Saturday and Sunday, but this weekend is an exception. The reason is this is the 15th Annual Idyllwild Jazz in the Pines festival. Two-days running of some of the best jazz heard anywhere on the planet deserves this kind of attention. Saturday kicks off with legendary guitarist Lee Rittenour. Saturday guest performers include: Patrice Rushen, Brian Bromberg, and Will Kennedy. Sunday’s headliner is saxophonist Dave Koz. Some of the musicians performing this weekend are Yve Evans, Harry Pickens, Lori Andrews, Paul Carman & Fourbits, Peter Sprague, Bob Boss, and the Najite Agindotan African Ensemble. As if the music wasn’t enough, there’s food, wine tasting, fine arts and crafts, and a special Saturday night barbecue music jam. Tickets are $60 per person each day and are available by calling 951-313-3361. Lose yourself to the music and gorgeous surroundings of Idyllwild. This is an experience you’ll carry for years.
So, you see, Boomers, once again the Coachella Valley and surrounding have proven that this is Boomer country.
Until next Monday, ROCK ON!