Weekender: Coachella, Palm Springs' 75th, Melissa Etheridge

What's on your agenda? Here are suggestions for April 18-21

JIM POWERS Arts & Entertainment, Attractions

Thursday, April 18
2 p.m.: The thought process behind the planting of Sunnylands Gardens is addressed by horticulturist Mary Irish, who understands what plants can survive the temperature changes in the region.

6 p.m.: During Villagefest, winners will be announced from the "Forever Marilyn Student Art Contest" for students at the Forever Marilyn statue.

7 p.m.: "America's Got Talent" has nothing on the 15th annual "On Call Talent Competition" at McCallum Theatre. Valley residents ranging in age from 8 to 88 showcase their amazing talents to sold-out audiences. Also shows Friday night, and twice on Saturday.

Dinner suggestion: Cafe Scandia in Palm Springs – chef Erik Pedersen still cooking up a storm at 81. Read our story.

Chuck Yates stars in "Tru"

Friday, April 19
All day: Coachella Music and Arts Festival runs for a second weekend at the Empire Polo Club in Indio. Make sure you are properly outfitted and stocked.

7 p.m.: Rose Mallett, who sang with Marvin Gaye and recorded with Motown, will bring her jazz, blues pop voice to Woody's in Palm Springs where there is nightly entertainment.

7:30 p.m.: Dezart Performs continues its Play Reading Series with "Exquisite Potential" on Friday and "Fifteen Men in a Smoke-Filled Room" on Saturday night both at the Palm Springs Woman's Club. Read our story.

7:30 p.m.: "Tru", a play on author Truman Capote, is set in his New York apartment where he lives in exile from his Manhattan social circle. A Coyote Stageworks production at the Palm Springs Art Museum's Annenberg Theater. Runs on select dates through April 28.

8 p.m.: "Give me a head with hair. Long beautiful hair!" "Hair", the musical dating back to the late 1960s, still impacts audiences and this time at Palm Canyon Theatre in Palm Springs. Also runs next weekend (April 26-28).

Dinner suggestion: Native Foods' menu items are vegan friendly at the Palm Springs restaurant. Try Native Chili or Bangkok Curry Bowl.

Steve Connolly as Elvis

Saturday, April 20
All day: Coachella Music and Arts Festival runs for a second weekend at the Empire Polo Club in Indio. Make sure you are properly outfitted and stocked.

7:30 a.m.: Start the day off with a little exercise, or a lot, depending on your pleasure. Join Palm Springs Mayor Steve Poughnet and participate in a 5-kilometer or 7-kilometer run, plus a 1K for kids at Ruth Hardy Park. A Wellness Festival runs until 11:30 a.m. On-site registration costs an extra $5.

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: A salute to Mother Earth with Earth Day events at The Living Desert in Palm Desert, including craft stations, Wildlife Wonder Shows, Reptile Show, and Keeper Chat.

11 a.m.: Not real sure about solar power, rebates, incentives? The Coachella Valley Solar Program Luncheon will provide useful information at the YMCA of the Desert in palm Desert. Attendance is not required to participate in the program.

3-9 p.m.: Palm Springs celebrates its 75th birthday with a bash at the O'Donnell Golf Club. There will be music, including an appearance by Elvis tributary Steve Connolly, eats and a fireworks display to end the evening.

6-9 p.m.: "Between the Lines" opens at Colin Fisher Studios in Cathedral City featuring painter Tina Bluefield, who has a studio in the high desert near Joshua Tree. RSVP to [email protected].

7 p.m.: How many concerts have you been to lately that cost $15? Exactly. And this one delivers the trio of John Tesh, Melissa Etheridge and Delilah. They will share the stage at the Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage.

Dinner suggestion: Circa 59 at Riviera Palm Springs. Sexy and chic, this romantic restaurant has great food and the ambiance for those special occasions.

Shana Blake Hill

Sunday, April 21
All day: Coachella Music and Arts Festival runs for a second weekend at the Empire Polo Club in Indio. Make sure you are properly outfitted and stocked.

6:30-9:30 p.m.: Opera sounds even better under the stars at the Renaissance Esmeralda Hotel in Indian Wells. Dinner included in this Opera Arts Palm Springs event featuring Shana Blake Hill, Joseph Lodato and Christopher Campbell.

Brunch suggestion: Made in Italy at the Hyatt Regency Suites in Palm Springs, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. antipasti, prosciutto, salami, pizza, Risotto, pasta, lasagna, etc..

Morongo Restaurant Week
Palm Springs doesn't celebrate its Restaurant Week for at least another month, so make the trip to Morongo's Tacos and Tequila featuring Executive Chef Saul Ortiz's Mexican culinary creations. Morongo Restaurant Week runs through April 28.