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.
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
WATCH: MANSFIELD PARK / AUG. 14
Too hot outside? Chill out with UCR Palm Desert’s free summer movie series, Lit Flicks, featuring films taken from page to screen. Each screening will be at UCR Palm Desert, 75080 Frank Sinatra Drive. This season focuses on the works Jane Austen and includes four acclaimed movies. Our second screening of the season will be the 1999 romantic comedy Mansfield Park. This film is adapted from Jane Austen’s 1814 novel of the same name.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY UCR-PALM DESERT
Frances O'Connor plays Fanny in the film, Mansfield Park.
We encourage everyone to attend the screenings having first read the books that inspired them. Post-movie discussion will be moderated by author and critic Tod Goldberg, director of the UCR Palm Desert low-residency MFA program.
GROOVE: mod squad variety show / AUG. 15
A trio of Greater Palm Springs performers form the Mod Squad – singers Jeff Stewart and Francesca Amari, and Wayne Abravanel on piano and vocals. The show is full of fun, laughs, audience interaction and great songs from mid-mod pop to The Rat Pack, to show tunes and more. Come check out the Thursday happy hour shows at The COPA Nightclub from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. every week. Free and open to the public! Make your reservations at [email protected].
LAUGH: Sebastian Maniscalco / Aug. 16
This Chicago-born funnyman has four hour-long specials on Showtime and Netflix under his belt. Now he’s on tour and splitting sides across the United States with a stop at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage. hotwatercasino.com
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY AGUA CALIENTE CASINOS
Sebastian Maniscalco
GROOVE: Idyllwild Strong Benefit Festival / Aug. 16–18
More than 100 bands perform in Idyllwild to raise money for disaster relief following wildfires that affected tourism in the artsy mountain town. The festival features six stages and satisfying eats from local restaurants. idyllwildstrong.com
GO: Lance Burton / Aug. 17
In 2010, magician Lance Burton announced that he was retiring after 31 years in the business. Fortunately for illusion fans, his departure didn’t stick. See the celebrated spellbinder at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio. fantasyspringsresort.com
• See our Q&A with the Magic Man.
GROOVE: Midnight Ride / Aug. 17
The four-piece cover band Midnight Ride appears at The Rock Yard at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, singing everything from Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” to Katy Perry’s “California Gurls.” fantasyspringsresort.com
GO: CannaGrow Expo / Aug. 17–18
Cannabis growers, extractors, and experts gather at the Palm Springs Convention Center for a weekend of innovation, panel discussions, and information sharing. cannagrowexpo.com
GO: Ross Mathews Presents DragTastic Bubbly Brunch / AUG. 18
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. 18
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.
Watch the VIDEO.