Jun 23, 200806:24 PMThe Life

Kip’s Baby Boomer Blog

Checking out the Boomer scene for recreation, dining, and entertainment in Palm Springs and the surrounding desert communities.

We’re coming up to another fun-filled weekend just chockfull of great things to do for us more *ahem* mature members of the desert community. We Boomers blazed the trail for a lot trends. Many of those trends were pretty bad — remember Nehru shirts and disco? — but some were outstanding. One of the most lasting contributions our generation made was music.

Many of the songs and groups have lasted well beyond their critics. I recall my father, who firmly believed that good music died with Glenn Miller, telling me that no one would be listening to my music in a decade or so.

Well, tell that to the Oak Ridge Boys who are making an appearance at 8 p.m. this Friday at Spotlight 29 Casino, 46200 Harrison Pl., in Coachella.

This musical group formed as a gospel band back in 1958 and they’re still going strong. The evolved their sound through the years, although they never really abandoned their gospel roots. Still, they managed a number of hits in their 50-year run. “Elvira,” “Gonna Take A Lot Of River,” and “American Made” appealed to a wide audience. The Oak Ridge Boys are truly a generation-spanning group. Tickets range in price from $30 to $50.

Another trend we Boomers helped along was organic food. I once kept an organic garden that gradually grew through the years from a modest 200 square feet to more than 1,500 square feet. I grew so much fresh produce that I was even able to sell some of it to local restaurants.

If you have a taste for fresh, organically grown vegetables, this Saturday is an important day for you — it’s the last of the Certified Farmers’ Market events for the next three months. It opens at 8 a.m. and runs until 12:30 p.m. at the north end of Camelot Theatres, 2300 Baristo Rd. in Palm Springs. There are some terrific items there, from specialty vegetables and fruits, to flowers, to cheese and bread. Also, it’s quite the gathering place for locals and snowbirds to see and be seen. I suggest you arrive early, avoid the heat and crowds, and take you pick of the fresh produce. It’s a real treat.

Another trend we Boomers advanced (or at least continued from previous generations) was the appreciation of a good quaff. As we have aged through the years, our tastes have often matured from keg parties to wine tasting.

At 5 p.m. this Sunday, Chef Gino offers some regional wines at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, 74855 Country Club Dr. in Palm Desert. Discover some of the most exciting wines made today in Sicily with this exotic lineup of luxury offerings. For $50, sample three specialty appetizers, served by Sicilian chef, Gino Cipriano of Ristorante Tuscany, and six wines will be poured by award-winning sommelier Paul Bologna in this special tasting. Reservations are required.

So, once again, this weekend proves that this is Boomers’ Paradise.

Until next Monday, ROCK ON!