Every week, Palm Springs Life editors will put their heads together to create a list of 10 things to do during the week ahead including restaurant happenings, concerts, nightclub acts, special events and more.
There is plenty to do in the Greater Palm Springs area, and we want to make sure you know about it.
You can also keep tabs by accessing our online calendar.
Here's our picks for Sept. 16-22:
Monday, Sept. 16
• Soul singer Gina Carey and her guitar playing husband, John, entertain at 7 p.m. at Woody's Gourmet Burgers in Palm Springs. Gina, a Coachella Valley performer, has a new CD coming out Sept. 28 called, "Funk Rhythm & Soul."
Tuesday, Sept. 17
• Author Gordon Johnson, a Cahuilla/Cupeño member of the Pala Indian Reservation, will speak on his book, Fast Cars and Frybread, at 6:30 p.m. at the Learning Center of the Palm Springs Public Library. Admission is free. The book is a compilation of columns Johnson wrote about life on the reservation before casinos arrived.
Wednesday, Sept. 18
• Take in the life of gay Cuban poet and novelist, Reinaldo Arenas, in the free movie, Before Night Falls, chronicling his childhood in pre-Castro Cuba to his death in New York. Shown at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at the Tolerance education Center in Rancho Mirage. The movie is rated R.
Thursday, Sept. 19
• Cinema Diverse: The Palm Springs Gay and Lesbian Film Festival opens with a bang from director Del Shores' Southern Baptist Sissies (Read our preview). The same director who brought you Sordid Lives is back again, and will be at the screening (7 p.m.) and pre-reception (5:30 p.m.) at Camelot Theatres in Palm Springs. The festival runs through Sept. 22.
Friday, Sept. 20
• The Desert Dust Up Festival brings back Los Lobos and Mother Hips back to the desert as part of a greater muscial experience featuring bands inside and outside starting at 5 p.m. at Pappy & Harriet's in Pioneertown. Read a previous story on Mother Hips.
• Dr. Howard Murad, an expert on health and the aging process, will lead a weekend retreat at The Parker Palm Springs. Limited to just 25 guests, the retreat features spa treatments, classes on living and looking better and other activties.
Saturday, Sept. 21
• Sixty vendors showcasing natural health and wellness aids and products will set up shop at Westfield Mall in Palm Desert. Runs 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 21 and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 22.
• It's September, but that's all the more reason to hold an Oktoberfest event in Yucca Valley. Set from 2-10 p.m., the day includes live music, food, libations, Chicken Dance, log sawing, and a best costume contest, plus kids activities from 2-6 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 22
• Entertainer Angelo Divino honors "Ol' Blue Eyes", Frank Sinatra, with the show, "Let Me Be Frank" at the Arthur Newman Theater inside The Joslyn Center in Palm Desert. Divino sings Sinatra songs spanning five decades along with his own impersonation.
• Meet Bryan Fogel, the producer/writer of the film, Jewtopia, after the 4 p.m. screening at Cinemas Palme d'Or in Palm Desert. "Jewtopia" is based on a comedic play about two friends approaching their 30th birthdays and the different paths their lives are taking.