Things to Do This Weekend: Chicago, Pat Benetar, Raul Ruiz

What's on your agenda? Here's our suggestions for Feb. 6-9

JIM POWERS Arts & Entertainment

 

VALENTINE'S DAY
10 Dining Suggestions

Take a look at this selection of restaurants in the greater Palm Springs area with special menus and amenities. See if your favorite is there.

Gift Ideas Close to Home
We give you a few ideas from quirky products to gifts that show you loved for your favorite Valentine. See our suggestions.

FILM
"12 Years A Slave
"
John Ridley (pictured at right), an Oscar nominated screenwriter for "12 Years A Slave" will appear for a Q&A following a screening of the movie at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 9 at Cinemas Palme d'Or in Palm Desert. The Q&A will be moderated by Steve Mason.

IN THE SWING
Pete Carlson's Golf Expo

This annual event celebrates its 10th year where golfers can see some of the new clubs, balls and clothing at the College of the Desert golf range in Palm Desert. It's free, and there will be goodies given out, food, music and more. Watch our VIDEO where Pete Carlson previews what's new for 2014.

ART
"Civil Rights in America: Where Do We Stand Now?"

Charles Bibbs/Synthia Saint James exhibit their work at the Palm Springs Art Museum to celebrate Black History Month, which runs through February. Watch our VIDEO interview with Bibbs, who lives in Riverside.

Idyllwild "Under $100 Art Fair"
This cost-conscious event still sheds light on many talented artists in the high country. Watch our VIDEO profile of one, Veda Roubideaux, who shoots landscape photos and creates stained glass pieces.

Hotel Art
The Saguaro Hotel Palm Springs is featuring monthly artists exhibitions, and February puts the spotlight on Debbie Flowers and Marcy Gregory.

Watercolors
The Coachella Valley Watercolor Society Plein Air Art Show presents original paintings Feb. 7-17 with a reception slated noon to 2 p.m. Feb. 8 at the Historical Society of Palm Desert Museum.

Coda Gallery
Meet artist Jamie Perry at a reception set 4-8 p.m. Feb. 7 at the Palm Desert gallery. His paintings (see an example at left) include mid-century modern homes.

Woodman/Shimko Gallery
Palm Springs fine art photographer Terry Hastings shows his softer side with the show, "Goddess", through Feb. 20.

CAR BUFFS
Dr. George Car Show

One of the biggest car shows put on by the Palm Springs Cruisin' Association during the high season features more than 900 models Feb. 8 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden to benefit The Desert Cancer Foundation.

TRIP BACK IN TIME
Cabot's Pueblo Museum

Set in Desert Hot Springs, this architectural masterpiece shows the painstaking efforts by Cabot Yerxa. Roam 5,000 square feet, 35 rooms, 150 windows, 65 doors. Gain a sneak peek with our VIDEO.

SOCIAL SET
"The Pleasure of Your Company"

President Barack Obama is coming back to Sunnylands late next week. Called the "Camp David of the West", check out Sunnylands' new exhibit featuring items from five major social events at the Rancho Mirage location. Watch our VIDEO to gain a sneak peek.

FOR THE FAMILY
Doggone It

Cesar Millan (pictured at right) has his own TV series, "Leader of the Pack" where he tackles the emotional issue or canine abandonment. With his dog, Junior, Milan will talk about how we contribute to our dogs' issues and answer questions from the audience.

THEATER
"Les Miserables"

The Palm Canyon Theatre in Palm Springs continues its season with this classic through Feb. 9 with performances on Thursdays through Sundays, followed by "Confessions of a Prairie B*tch".

"A Perfect Ganesh"
CV Rep continues to set the tone with this Terrance McNally play about two middle-aged female friends who take a tour of India and what that trip holds in store for each. Runs Wednesdays through Sundays until Feb. 9 in Rancho Mirage.

"The Andrews Brothers"
Coyote StageWorks is producing this musical in conjunction with the Annenberg Theater featuring 25 songs originally made famous by The Andrews Sisters. Runs through Feb. 16.

"Nite Club Confidential"
Miss Joey English headlines this jazz musical about a 1950s nightclub singer who never once saw daylight. The music ties audiences from New York to Hollywood to Paris. Performances are Fridays through Sundays through Feb. 23.

"Invasion of Privacy"
Dezart Performs offers this award-winning play by Larry Parr based on a true story of a 1946 trial filed against author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, who wrote "The Yearling". Performances are Fridays through Sundays through Feb. 9.

TOUR DE PALM SPRINGS
Go for a Ride

The 16th annual event has raise more than $1 million for Coachella Valley charities since 1999. Starts in downtown Palm Springs Feb. 8 and gives riders the option of competing in 5, 15, 25-and 50-mile races.

MAKE ME LAUGH
Joy Behar and Sussie Essman

This hilarious duo (that's Behar at left) come Feb. 8 to the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. You'll recognize Behar from "The View", while Essman appeared in all eight seasons of "Curb Your Enthusiasm".

Michael Walters as Dame Edna
Get ready for the caustic humor and sharp wit of a dame by the name of Edna, Feb. 9-10, at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. Read our Q&A with her royalness.

HALL OF FAMERS
Johnny Bench, Don Sutton

The former Cincinnati Reds catcher and Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher will talk baseball and pose for photos at 6 p.m. Feb. 6 at  the Thunderbird Country Club in Rancho Mirage.

 

LIVE MUSIC
Chicago

An institution for more than 40 years, Chicago continues to be a success with a sound mixing brass with rock 'n roll that resonates with fans old and new. They appear Feb. 7 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.

Pat Benetar & Neil Giraldo
A 1980s rocker, Benetar is still asking audiences to "Hit Her With Their Best Shot" spurred by her guitarist, Giraldo. The duo appear Feb. 7 at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula.

The Fabulous Follies
Guest star Maureen McGovern sounds terrific singing "The Morning After". Watch our VIDEO as founder Riff Markowitz reflects on this Palm Springs institution's 23-year run.

The Copa Palm Springs
Andrea Marcovicci has sold out Carnegie Hall and appeared at the White House. She sings Feb. 7-9 at Copa from the songbooks of Rogers and Hart, Johnny Mercer and Frank Loesser. Watch our VIDEO to gain a sneak peek of the latest nightclub entry.

The Music of Andrew Lloyd Weber
This Best of Broadway show features four singers and a none-piece orchestra singing the songs of the famous composer Feb. 9 at McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert.

EMPOWERING WOMEN
Tina Marx

An empowerment coach, author and TV host, Marx will present an educational breakout session, "The Domino Effect on Your Body and Health" at the seventh annual American Heart Association's "Go Red for Women" luncheon Feb. 7 at the Renaissance Esmeralda in Indian Wells.

EATS
Thai House

New owners and a new menu. What does that mean to this downtown Palm Springs location. Read to find out.

FOR A GOOD CAUSE
Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards Gala

Among the all-star list of performers is Eric Martsolf, better known as Brady Black from "Days of Our Lives", who can sing, dance and much more Feb. 8 at the Palm Springs Convention Center. Read our Q&A with Eric.

OperaArts
The second annual, "When I Rise" program honors the still evolving career of Dr. Raul Ruiz, a Coachella Valley physician who was elected to Congress in 2012, Feb. 9 at the Miramonte Resort and Spa in Indian Wells.

Gay Softball Tournament
Players from across the Coachella Valley and from outside the area will converge for the 23rd annual Palm Springs Winter Classic Softball Tournament, Feb. 7-9, at various fields in the greater Palm Springs area to benefit the AIDS Assistance Program.

Doctors of the Desert Concert
A fundraiser supporting music for children, listen to the talents of these medical professionals Feb. 9 at the Annenberg Center in Rancho Mirage. Helene Galen will be honored with "The Patron of Music for Children Award".

FAIRS
College of the Desert

College of the Desert's Palm Desert campus is the site of its own Street Fair from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through May.

Open Air Market
Just down the street from the Spa Casino in downtown Palm Springs, vendors gather every Saturday only market from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. through May.

Ask the Rabbi
If you have ever walked Palm Canyon Drive during this weekly Thursday night street fair, perhaps you've seen the small table and sign that prompts, Ask the Rabbi. Rabbi Yonason Denebeim has been answering questions for more than 25 years. Watch our VIDEO to see a day-in-the-life of Rabbi Denebeim on a typical Thursday night.

For more events, visit our comprehensive calendar.

 

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