mary j blige

Things to Do This Week, Aug. 5-12

Multiplatinum artist Mary J. Blige comes to the desert, while Splash House takes over downtown Palm Springs at three hotels.

JIM POWERS Attractions, Current Digital

mary j blige
Mary J. Blige, who takes the Fantasy Springs stage on Aug. 10, has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY MARY J. BLIGE
GO: ROUTE 66 EXHIBIT AT LA QUINTA MUSEUM / THROUGH SEPT. 14

The La Quinta Museum is excited to open the new exhibit about the cultural and artistic influence of Route 66 in California. This exhibit is a compilation of memories about the Historic Route 66, about how the Mother Road’s past dialogues with the present, and the adventurous spirits who get their kicks on the road. The exhibit showcases the photography of Andy Romanoff and Brian Helder; Wendy Jack’s detailed diorama of a gas station and souvenir shop; a collective art installation from local artists, along with Route 66 artifacts and informative and interactive panels. playinlaquinta.com

GO: TASTE OF SUMMER RANCHO MIRAGE / JULY 12 – AUG. 18

The fourth annual event is geared to feature summer specials at Rancho Mirage restaurants and resorts through Aug. 18. To participate, purchase a $10 event wristband, which allows the wearer to participate in a number of $4 deals at participating restaurants. Proceeds go to local charities. tasteofsummerranchomirage.com

See our story on one of the participating restaurants,
 Shame on the Moon.

WATCH: Medium Cool / Aug. 8

Palm Springs Art Museum’s Annenberg Theater themed its free, three-month-long film series “Summer of ’69” in celebration of all things 1960s. See Medium Cool, the story of a detached TV news cameraman turned anti-establishment activist. psmuseum.org

GROOVE: Oh Sees & Earth Girl Helen Brown / Aug. 9

Formerly called OCS, Oh Sees have more than 20 years of genre-bending rock-star experience under their belts. Hear the group’s psychedelic pop-folk sound at Pappy & Harriet’s in Pioneertown. Far-out indie-rock group Earth Girl Helen Brown (which works to promote inclusiveness) opens. pappyandharriets.com

LAUGH: Dane Cook / Aug. 9

Comedian Dane Cook delves deeper into his personal life in his new stage show and manages to make vulnerability fun, humorous, and something to celebrate. morongocasinoresort.com

Read our Q&A interview with Dane Cook.

danecook

PHOTOGRAPHS BY MICHELLE MCGOWNE

Dane Cook brings his "Tell It Like It Is" tour to Morongo Casino.

GO: Splash House / Aug. 9–11

House, dance, and electronica artists spin tracks poolside at this three-day festival that spreads out over four epic venues: the Saguaro Palm Springs, the Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel, and the Riviera Palm Springs, with an after-party at the Palm Springs Air Museum. Bring sunscreen, order a frozen cocktail, and arrive ready to party. splashhouse.com

View our photo gallery from the first Splash House in June.

View our video from the first Splash House in June on Instagram.

Watch our video interview with Splash House co-founder Tyler McLean.

GO: The Glass Menagerie / Aug. 9-25

Presented at Theatre 29 in Twentynine Palms, this classic Tennessee Williams play tells the story of Amanda Wingfield, a faded, tragic remnant of Southern gentility who lives in poverty in a dingy St. Louis apartment with her son, Tom, and her daughter, Laura. theatre29.org

GROOVE: Mary J. Blige / Aug. 10

Make it a “Family Affair” with “No More Drama” at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio when the legend herself, multiplatinum artist Mary J. Blige, takes the stage to remind audiences that “Love [and a little hip-hop] Is All We Need.” fantasyspringsresort.com

GROOVE: Gary Lynn Floyd / Aug. 11

Gary Lynn Floyd brings his show, “Welcome to My World”, playing jazz standards, pop classics, and some of his original compositions at the Arthur Newman Theatre in Palm Desert. lesmichaels.com

GO: Ross Mathews Presents DragTastic Bubbly Brunch / AUG. 11

Ross Mathews, the exuberant RuPaul’s Drag Race judge, brings his drag brunch to Moxie Palm Springs featuring drag queens with a variety of talents. When Mathews is not there, he employs a posses of guests hosts. moxiepalmsprings.com

Read our interview with Ross Mathews.

DRAW: Art Lab / AUG. 11

Participants of all ages can engage in a weekly art workshop where you can create with spray paint and other materials. Take home your finished product. $10 entry fee includes supplies. westfield.com/palmdesert

Read our story about this innovative Art Lab inside Westfield Palm Desert.

artlab

PHOTOGRAPH BY CLARISSA CERVANTES