Things to Do This Weekend: Rat Pack, Willie Nelson, Santa

What's on your agenda? Here's our suggestions for Dec. 12-15

JIM POWERS Arts & Entertainment

 

TAKE A WALK
Inn Walk of Palm Spring

Last year this event was rained out, but the forecast is much better for Dec. 12 although a coat would be a good thing to bring. This is a walking tour. You'll have a chance to see some of the amazing boutique hotels that make Palm Springs a special place to stay. Watch a sneak preview in our VIDEO.

WHO WANTS TO BE A STAR
"America's Next Top Model"

The reality TV show will conduct a casting call from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs. Female and males, ages 18 to 27, are being sought with height requirements.

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE…
The Living Desert

Holiday lights numbering in the thousands transform the zoo to a holiday wonderland. Runs on select dates throughout the month. See our VIDEO featuring the Tunnel of Lights.

The Nutcracker
Desert Dance presents its version Dec. 12-13 at the Annenberg Theater in Palm Springs. Even if you are not into ballet, you'll love this show.

Santa Makes a Stop
Santa will land at the Palm Springs Air Museum Dec. 14 in a Stearman Bi-plane. Kids receive a free goody bag from St. Nick.

Breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus
Here's a holiday 2-for-1. Not only Santa, but Mrs. Claus too. The Miramonte Resort & Spa in Indian Wells offers a breakfast buffet Dec. 14 along with arts and crafts.

Is there an inner Santa in you?
If there is, dress up and participate in the Great Santa Run Dec. 14 at Civic Center Park in Palm Desert. Race officials hope to break the Guinness Book of World Records by having the most Santas in one location. Race proceeds go to We Care Dental, which serves the developmental disabled.

This Guy is Busy
Santa will also sit down for breakfast with kids at the Children's Discovery Museum Dec. 14 in Rancho Mirage. There will also be arts and crafts activities.

Playtime with Santa
Come to The Gardens on El Paseo in Palm Desert Dec. 14 to enjoy arts and crafts, face painting and have your photo taken with Santa.

FILM
"Spinning Plates"

In his directorial debut, Joseph Levy shows how three restaurants in different points across the country each have a human story that binds them together. Read our Q&A with Levy, who will answer questions after the movie screens Dec. 14 at Cinemas Palme d'Or.

FOR A GOOD CAUSE
Desert Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce

The Charity Golf Tournament Dec. 13 benefits the Desert Hot Springs Foundation at the Escena Golf Club in Palm Springs.

Camp of Champions
Support Camp of Champions and the desert's new high school hockey team, the California Desert Rams, at a fundraiser Dec. 13 at the Desert Dunes Golf Club.

Tee up to Support Valley Youth
Marrakesh and First Tee have combined on a golf and putting tournament Dec. 14 at the Marrakesh Country Club in Palm Desert (pictured left). Proceeds benefit First Tee, which gives underprivileged children a chance to learn golf and the life lessons it teaches.

Dining in the Dark
Who says you need to see your food to have a good time. This benefit dinner for the Desert Blind and Handicapped Association puts your other senses to work Dec. 14 at the Annenberg Center.

Pegasus Riders Awards Luncheon
A holiday-themed luncheon complete with Santa, music and award presentations to the special riders Dec. 15 at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa in Indian Wells.

ART
Jorge Mendez Gallery

Owner Jorge Mendez talks about the influence Latin artist Vladimir Cora had on opening his Palm Springs gallery. Watch the VIDEO to find out why.

The Accidental Artist
Richard Breceda has gone from an injured construction worker selling exotic leather boots to having his metal sculptures be bought and displayed across the globe. Hear his story Dec. 13 at the Old Schoolhouse Museum in Twentynine Palms.

High Desert Art
The second annual Hi Desert Holiday Art Auction runs Dec. 14 to benefit Reach Out Morongo Basin and its programs for seniors and disabled residents.

"A Holiday Art Affair"
Gallery 446 in Palm Springs will present a collection of artwork created by Desert Arc clients Dec. 15. Proceeds benefit Desert Arc, which assists adults with developmental disabilities.

LIVE MUSIC
Oak Ridge Boys

This is the 24th year the Oak Ridge Boys have ventured on a Christmas Tour, and even more amazing is this is their 40th anniversary as a group. Hear from bass singer Richard Sterban on the key to their longevity, and look for them Dec. 14 at Spotlight 29 Casino.

Cafe des Breaux
Soul singer Gina Carey and her husband, guitarist John Carey, perform from 6-9 p.m. Dec. 13 in Palm Desert.

Willie Nelson & Family
At 80 years old, you might think Willie Nelson (at right) is slowing down. Wrong. He just released his third album in the last 16 months. "To All the Girls" features Willie in duets with 15 female singers like Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood, Sheryl Crow and Lily Meola. See him Dec. 12 at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula.

The Copa Palm Springs
The newest addition to the downtown Palm Springs nightclub scene officially opens Dec. 13. Friday and Saturdays are Club Copa days with the latest music and a huge dance floor awaits. Sundays is Salsa, Latin and Bossa Nova music. Watch our VIDEO to gain a sneak peek of the club.

The Weirdos
That's actually the name of the band, believe it or not. Look for them at Pappy & Harriet's Dec. 12 along with Shawn Mafia and The 10 Cent Thrills. The Dave Gleason Trio arrives Dec. 13.

Helen Reddy
She has a dozen Top 40 hits, like I Am Woman, Delta Dawn, and Angie Baby. Helen Reddy came out of retirement earlier this year and launched her U.S. tour in Palm Springs. Now she's back with a show Dec. 14 at the Annenberg Theater.

Sandy Hackett's Rat Pack Show
Hear the voices of Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra and Joey Bishop in one slick Las Vegas-style revue Dec. 14-15 at McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert.

Christmas Jam
Hear the sweet sounds of saxophonist Dave Koz (pictured left) plus South African singer/guitarist Jonathan Butler, world-renowned singer Oleta Adams and Japanese-born pianist Keiko Matsui Dec. 14 at Agua Caliente Resort Casino in Rancho Mirage.

Cuchi-Cuchi
Charo defies her age (whatever it is) and continues to bring a hot Mexican sound Dec. 13 at the Morongo Casino Resort and Spa in Cabazon.

Evening of Reggae
The Ace Hotel's Amigo Room becomes a mix of reggae, dancing and cultural connections with DJ Journee Dash Eye and DJ Charles Dec. 14 in Palm Springs.

"With Bells On!"
The Palm Springs Gay Men's Chorus presents its Holiday Concert Dec. 14-15 at Palm Springs High School auditorium.

THEATER
"Shrek the Musical"

He has entertained us in movies, so why not the stage. How can you not like the little gingerbread man? "Shrek The Musical" is playing at the Palm Canyon Theatre through Dec. 22.

EATS
Room with a Vue

The Vue Bar & Grille at the Indian Wells Golf Resort has put together some amazing pairings of libations with food. Read what writer Pamela Bieri thought of the samplings.

SPORTS
And in this Corner…

Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio hosts a night of fights Dec. 13 with headliner Josesito "Riverside Rocky" Lopez, a welterweight world title contender, against "Mighty" Mike Arnaoutis, and the NABF/WBO Intercontinental Super Featherweight title will be contested by Francisco Vargas and Jerry Belmontes.

For more events, visit our comprehensive calendar.

 

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