WATCH: Good People / May 1–19
See Pulitzer-winning playwright David Lindsay-Abaire’s compelling story about a struggling single mother and her unsympathetic old flame at Coachella Valley Repertory in Cathedral City. Read our review of this highly recommended play.
WATCH: Shen Yun / May 9–11
The Chinese dance and music company’s cultural-celebration world tour makes a stop at the McCallum Theatre.
GO: Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival / May 9–12
Filmmakers of the 1940s and ’50s had a thing for pairing cynical investigators with not-so-virtuous women in crime-focused melodramas. Get your fill as Palm Springs Cultural Center hosts four days of screenings. Read our preview, including an interview with the opening night guest, Kathy Garver.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY THE FILM NOIR FOUNDATION
The opening night film, The Night of the Hunter, stars Robert Mitchum and Shelley Winters.
GROOVE: Shakti Fest / May 9–13
Joshua Tree provides a naturally beautiful backdrop for this yoga and sacred music festival, which brings together kirtan (chanting) artists, yoga teachers, and expert workshop leaders for a weekend of growth, connection, and wellness.
GO: PHOTOGRAPHER GLEN WEXLER / May 10
The Palm Springs native, who has photographed celebs like Michael Jackson and ZZ Top, will give a talk about his his latest photography book, The ’80s Portrait Sessions at 4:30 p.m. at Janssen Artspace in Palm Springs. A wine reception will follow from 6-8 p.m. Read our portrait of Glen, who talks about his relationship with his father, the late architectural master in Palm Springs, Donald Wexler.
GO: CALIFORNIA PRESERVATION FOUNDATION CONFERENCE / May 8-11
The public is invited to purchase a ticket to the conference. Free events include walking tours on May 10-11, but require registration at eventbrite.com. The Plenary Session featuring keynote speaker Gary Johns, president of the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation, is free to the public and will be held from 9-10:30 a.m. May 9 at the Hilton’s Plaza Ballroom. Read our preview and its impact on Palm Springs.
WATCH: Circovia / May 10–11
Founded by a former Cirque de Soleil member, this show coming to Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa in Rancho Mirage features dancers, acrobats, and stuntmen — including a strongman allegedly descended from Genghis Khan.
GO: High Desert Soundings / May 10–11
This Wonder Valley festival at The Palms, the remote area’s only restaurant, fêtes experimental sound and includes headliners Wolf Eyes and Sarah Hennies. On-site camping is available for free. Read our preview with tips if you plan to attend, and an interview with one of the headliner bands, Palberta.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY PALBERTA
Palberta plans a tour of California gigs this month.
WATCH: Real Women Have Curves / May 10–19
This 1990 play, based on author Josefina López’s own experiences working at a Los Angeles garment factory, focuses on gender politics and immigrant experiences — and still feels incredibly timely today. See it at the Indio Performing Arts Center.
WATCH: Big River / May 10–19
Palm Springs’ Palm Canyon Theatre puts on this bluesy musical adaptation of Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, in which a plucky young boy escaping abuse pairs up with a runaway slave for a ride down the Mississippi River in search of freedom.
GROOVE: America / May 11
Contrary to their patriotic moniker, folk-rock band America was actually formed in London, England, in 1970. Founding members Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell offer audiences at Fantasy Springs the opportunity to experience “A Horse With No Name” and other timeless hits live. Read our interview with Bunnell tracing the amazing history of this legendary band.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY AMERICA
Gerry Beckle and Dewey Bunnell form America.
GO: Star Party / May 11
While commercial spaceflights aren’t available just yet, families can still enjoy a “sky tour” courtesy of telescopes and giant binoculars at the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument.
GROOVE: The Creepy Creeps / May 11
The Loons and The Schizophonics take the Pappy & Harriet’s stage ahead of The Creepy Creeps, whose blend of punk, garage rock, surf sounds, and outlandish aesthetics (think mariachi costumes with masked faces) have attracted fans since 2006.
GO: Mumm’s Day Brunch / May 12
Treat your mom to music and mimosas at Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa in Cabazon. Nick Costa & The George Shelby Orchestra provide the soundtrack to a leisurely brunch in the casino’s grand ballroom. Looking for other Mother's Day meal specials, visit our calendar.