Thursday, Jan. 31
2-3 p.m.: Former CNN newscaster Penny Rivin speaks on "Islam: What It Is and What It Isn't" at the Rancho Mirage Public Library. This two-part lecture series provides a unique understanding of what role religion plays in that area of the world.
6 p.m.: Create some easy and delicious soups with recipes supplied by Chef Hallie at Cooking With Class in La Quinta. How about French Onion, Fennel Bisque or Pork Bourgignone?
8 p.m.: A cello has never been appreciated more thanks to this man, Yo-Yo Ma (pictured left), who appears at the McCallum Theatre with British pianist Kathryn Scott.
Dinner suggestion: Dish Creative Cuisine, 68525 Ramon Road, in Cathedral City, is new on the restaurant scene. Meat dishes include Tenderloin of Beef or Wild Boar tenderloin.
Friday, Feb. 1
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.: PGA WEST Golf Show makes a three-day run, Feb. 1-3, featuring golf demos, retail booths,junior golf clinics, long drive competition, and charity focus benefiting The First Tee of Coachella Valley youth development program. Free admission.
6- 8 p.m.: Artist Betty Gold's career spans 35 years, drawing diverse cultures, creating monumental sculptures, jewelry, silk screening and tapestry at the Michael H. Lord Gallery in Palm Springs.
8 p.m.: Are you 'Running on Empty'? Then listen to singer Jackson Browne perform at the Pechange Resort & Casino in Temecula.
Dinner suggestion: Mitch's on El Paseo in Palm Desert just celebrated its grand opening earlier this week. Look for signature steaks, sushi and seafood dishes.
Saturday, Feb. 2
8 a.m.: Right from the farm, enjoy the Certified Farmer's Market in the parking lot of Camelot Theatre.
8 a.m.: The House of Hope in Desert Hot Springs, the area's first substance abuse disorder recovery facility, is the beneficiary of the second annual Heroes in Recovery 6K Run/Walk, which starts in front of the Palm Springs Art Museum. Food and entertainment for race participants and spectators.
1 p.m.: Lesbian singer Tret Fure performs at The Rock Garden as part of a special event by The Center serving the Desert LGBT community. Comedian Shann Carr opens the show, and there will chances to win CD's, T-shirts and memberships.
6 p.m.: The fourth annual Christopher's Clubhouse Light of Hope Awards is hosted by Paige Davis (pictured right), of Trading Spaces, with entertainment by Iron Horse from America's Got Talent at Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa in Rancho Mirage. The evening includes a silent auction, dinner, show, awards and dancing. Christopher's Clubhouse, which teaches children and families how to be safe in all aspects of their lives from being victims of crime and abuse.
8 p.m.: Get down and get funky with Earth, Wind & Fire at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio.
Dinner suggestion: Scandia, 356 S. Indian Canyon Drive, is back open in Palm Springs with Danish-born chef Erik Pedersen.
Sunday, Feb. 3
8 a.m.: Trek to Los Palms/Victory Palms at Joshua Tree National Park with guide Mark Wheeler. The walk to Los Palms is seven miles round trip and Victory Palms is an additional three miles.
8 p.m.: The Playgirls featuring Tommi Rose strut their stuff in a drag show worthy of packed houses.
Brunch suggestion: Zin American Bistro serves from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with price ranges from $12 to $14 including Endless Mimosa.
Architectural Wonders
See San Diego's mid-century modern designs of Henry Hester, William Kesling and Cliff May with the Borrego Modern: Architectural Evolution Mid-Century to Contemporary tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 1 and 2. A lecture will be held at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2 by Bill Lawrence on "The Architecture of San Diego's Mid-Century Modern Desert Resort". A post-tour reception will be held from 5-7 p.m. Feb. 2.
For more selections, view our comprehensive calendar.