From holiday markets to Barry Manilow: 12 things to do in the Coachella Valley this week
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The Coachella Valley is home to a number of events and activities to take part in this month. If you're interested in filling your calendar, we've put together a list of 10 things happening this week
To submit an event for consideration, send an email to niki.kottmann@desertsun.com with the time, date, location and price of admission, as well as a brief event description. Photos are not required but encouraged as part of the submission.
Check out the following events this week:
Last-chance event: The Bent Presents 'It's Only a Play'
The Bent, a nonprofit LGBTQ+ theater group that debuted last year and calls the Palm Springs Cultural Center home, is about to close its current production of "It's Only a Play." Don't miss your last chance to see this production, a hilarious comedy by iconic gay playwright Terrence McNally. The show centers on wealthy first-time Broadway producer Julia Budder, who is throwing a star-studded party in her luxurious Manhattan home — though the entire play takes place in her bedroom. This comedic tale involves a pill-popping leading lady, a regretful TV actor, a very anxious playwright, a critic who wished he was a playwright and a director who is begging for someone to finally admit his work is crap.
When: Last performance is 2 p.m. today
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs
Cost: $40
More info: thebent.org
Indian Wells Winterfest
Embrace a new holiday tradition at the second annual Indian Wells Winterfest, which includes public skating at an outdoor ice rink, games at the entertainment zone, festive drinks at the Igloo Bar, hot chocolate and other treats at the Holiday Cookie and Candy Truck, holiday movie screenings at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa and more. The golfer of the household can also make a reservation for special holiday-themed Shots in the Night golf experiences (offered every night and featuring music, snacks, and drinks available for purchase).
When: Now through Monday, Jan. 1 (check website for times, which vary by day and activity)
Where: Events held at three Indian Wells hotels: Indian Wells Golf Resort, 44-500 Indian Wells Lane; Hyatt Regency Indian Wells, 44-600 Indian Wells Lane; and the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, 44-400 Indian Wells Lane
Cost: Free admission to many activities, but public skate is $25, laser putting is $65 and toptracer is $65
More info: visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/coachella-valley/indian-wells/winterfest/
Coachella Valley Repertory Presents 'Summer Session With The Bones Brigade'
"Summer Session with the Bones Brigade," selected for production from among the entries in CVRep's first Origins: New Works Program, is making its world premiere in Cathedral City this month. Playwright Kirby Fields' show is set in modern day and follows a group of friends including unofficial leader Shane; self-identified unrepentant badass Heath; compulsive Polaroid shooter Lee; new kid and wannabe refined "poser" DK; fearful pathological liar Loralai; and last but not least Sid, who tries to live down to her reputation, with disastrous results.
When: Now through Dec. 17 (check website for specific dates/times)
Where: Coachella Valley Repertory, 68-510 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City
Cost: $14-$77
More info: cvrep.org/productions
Sacred Earth and Healing Arts of Tibet Presents: Sand Mandala Opening Ceremony
Tibetan Buddhist Monks of the Historic Gaden Shartse Monastery are bringing a celebration of Tibetan arts, culture and tradition to Desert Hot Springs this week. It all kicks off Monday with an opening ceremony where guests can immerse themselves in the sacred chants and the sound of ritual instruments. Witness the initial grains of sand for the mandala (a traditional painting, of sorts, made from sand) delicately placed on the table, a precursor to the intricate creation of the Chenrezig Sand Mandala over the next five days. Want to check out more events during the monks' visit including lectures, meditations and ceremonies? Visit bubblingwellsranch.com/tibet/ for more information.
When: Noon Monday, Dec. 11
Where: Desert Hot Springs Library, 14-380 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs
Cost: Free, but a donation of $10-$20 is suggested
More info: tibetanheart.org
Barry Manilow's 'A Gift of Love VI'
Famed singer and Palm Springs resident Barry Manilow loves the Coachella Valley, which explains why he calls his holiday concerts benefitting 25 local nonprofits "A Gift of Love." This is the sixth edition of the show, which runs Dec. 12-13 and 15-17 at the McCallum Theatre. All of the proceeds from the concerts will be given to local nonprofits.
When: Multiple performances Dec. 12-13 and 15-17
Where: McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert
Cost: $69-$330
More info: mccallumtheatre.org
Interview with Manilow: Barry Manilow Christmas concerts to benefit 25 Palm Springs area nonprofits
Cabaret6: Desert Stars Presents 'Keisha D Sings Ella Fitzgerald'
You’ve seen them perform at local clubs and restaurants, but you’ve rarely seen these local stars perform their cabaret shows as a full production on a big local stage. K & E Entertainment’s Cabaret6: Desert Stars is providing local talent this very oportunity at Revolution Stage Company, a fully renovated venue on the edge of Downton Palm Springs. This week's performer is familiar face Keisha D, who will perform all the classic jazz hits of icon Ella Fitzgerald.
When: 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13
Where: Revolution Stage Company, 611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: $45
More info: revolutionstagecompany.com
Desert Candlelight Concert Featuring Will Donato
There's much more to do at Mary Pickford Theater than watching movies. This week, lauded saxophonist Will Donato— known for his soulful interpretations of jazz and holiday classics — will perform a holiday-themed show surrounded by 2,000 flameless candles in this multi-sensory experience. Enjoy an evening of everything from jazzy renditions of beloved holiday tunes to original compositions. Patrons must be 10 or older, and an adult must accompany anyone under the age of 16. Wine, beer and soft drinks will be available for purchase.
When: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13
Where: Mary Pickford Theater, 36-850 Pickfair St., Cathedral City
Tickets: $45 for general seating and $65 for VIP seating (a portion of the proceeds goes to The YMCA of the Desert)
More info: desertcandlelightconcerts.com
Inner Circle Theatre Company Presents: 'Heart!'
New Palm Springs-based theater group Inner Circle Theatre Company is kicking off its first full-length season this week with "Heart!" This production tells the story of a struggling writer who attempts to take a sabbatical at a Midwestern bed and breakfast. In an attempt to find himself at the cabin, he discovers his limits — as well as his fears. This play, which is an ode to Edgar Allen Poe, is presented in association with the Palm Springs Cultural Center.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14 (and runs through Sunday, Dec. 17)
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs
Cost: $35
More info: psculturalcenter.org/live-theatre
The African Children's Choir in Concert
Looking for a live music experience you can feel good about? The African Children's Choir, composed of African children aged 7 to 10 from vulnerable backgrounds, will perform a program filled with popular children’s music, traditional spiritual songs and African cultural pieces at this Cathedral City concert. The choir is part of Christian nonprofit Music for Life, which provides thousands of impoverished children throughout Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa and Uganda with education, leadership training and more.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15
Where: Northgate Community Church, 30-010 Date Palm Drive, Cathedral City
Cost: Free, but donations appreciated
More info: Call (760) 328-8300
Friday Nights On Pierson
Looking for a unique way to kick off your weekend? Or just not interested in cooking dinner? The Friday Nights on Pierson event series in Desert Hot Springs returned in November, and continues throughout the winter. Food trucks will park along the corner of Palm Drive and Pierson Boulevard, and there will be everything from tacos to pulled pork sandwiches.
When: 5-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15
Where: 11-940 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs
Tickets: Free admission
More info: cityofdhs.org/event
More: Photos: Desert Hot Springs launches Friday Nights on Pierson
A Holiday Music Space Odyssey: An Immersive Big Screen Concert Experience
Want to explore other galaxies without leaving the comfort of a theater seat? Experience the wonders of the cosmos at the Historic Camelot Theatre for this immersive live musical performance. Enjoy a selection of your favorite space tunes including a rare performance of Richard Straus’s "Also Sprach Zathura" (2001 Space Odyssey Main Theme), with a set featuring the latest mind-blowing images from the James Webb Telescope. Arrive by 6 p.m. for an on-theme cocktail hour with hot-buttered popcorn, astronaut ice-cream, drink specials, and a themed menu.
When: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs
Cost: $16-$20
More info: eventbrite.com
Joshua Tree Holiday Brunch Bazaar
Need to catch up on your holiday gift shopping? Browse a collective of local and curated goods — including Christmas trees — inside and outside the JT Trading Post this month. This event is the brainchild of The JTTP Collective, The Tiny Pony Tavern and Roaming Travelers, and aims to bring together high desert businesses in a festive and family-friendly environment — all while encouraging people to shop small. If you want to reward yourself after, check out the Bazaar's Brunch and Bar by beloved local watering hole Tiny Pony.
When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16 and Sunday, Dec. 17 (and every Saturday and Sunday until Christmas Eve)
Where: JT Trading Post, 61-716 29 Palms Highway, Joshua Tree
Cost: Admission is free, and product prices vary per vendor
More info: shopjttradingpost.com
Family+
Artists, makers and creatives come together for this family-friendly monthly event at the Palm Springs Art Museum. This weekend, guests can enjoy a holiday-themed children’s storytelling corner, have their family portraits taken at Parkside’s Polaroid booth, get their faces pained by G'z Modern Creations, create custome holiday postcards that the museum will mail for them, and much more. Food and drink are also available for purchase from Little Livs.
When: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17
Where: Palm Springs Art Museum's Annenberg Theater, 101 Museum Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: Free admission
More info: psmuseum.org/events
Niki Kottmann is the features editor for The Desert Sun. She oversees the paper's arts and entertainment, education, and health coverage, and loves to write the occasional entertainment story. You can connect with her on Twitter @niki_mariee.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: 12 things to do in the Palm Springs area this week
