Mannheim Steamroller and more: 5 shows to see in the Coachella Valley this week
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Saturday
Holiday: There's a good chance you've heard Mannheim Steamroller's neo-classical and progressive rock version of "Carol of the Bells," which has been played on radio stations and featured in holiday playlists since its release in 1988. The ensemble, which has recorded several Christmas albums and sold over 40 million records around the globe, is the only group to ever perform more than once at the annual Lighting of the National Christmas Tree ceremony and has played for three different White House administrations.
To meet the popular demand in the U.S., there are two touring versions of six musicians performing as Mannheim Steamroller from early November through January.
Mannheim Steamroller will perform Saturday at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa in Rancho Mirage.
If you go: 8 p.m. Saturday, Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage. $45 to $125. 888-999-1995. aguacalientecasinos.com
More: Mannheim Steamroller to perform at Agua Caliente Casino on Dec. 2
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Thursday
Rockabilly: Don't let the upright bass and flat-top haircuts fool you, the Danish band Nekromantix isn't playing your grandpa's rockabilly. In 1989, frontman and bassist Kim Nekroman left the Danish Navy and began his career in music. Europe's appreciation and continued interest in American rockabilly worked in Nekromantix' favor and the band appeared at festivals and a music video for the 1991 song "Curse of the Coffin" appeared on MTV.
The bulk of the band's catalog has been released by Rancid frontman Tim Armstrong's Hellcat Records label. Several members have performed in Nekromantix since its inception and Nekroman is the only original member and features guitarist Francisco Mesa and drummer Rene "Dlamuerte" Garcia.
Nekromantix will perform on Thursday at Pappy and Harriet's.
If you go: 8 p.m. Thursday, Pappy and Harriet's, 53-688 Pioneertown Road, Pioneertown. $25 to $35. 760-228-2222. pappyandharriets.com
Friday
Rock: During the '60s and '70s, Canadian rock band The Guess Who had several hits, including the exceptional 1970 hit "American Woman." Even though the Canadian Music Hall of Fame inducted the band in 1987, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame hasn't nominated The Guess Who since its eligibility in 1991.
The Guess Who continues to perform, but former vocalist Burton Cummings left the band in 2003 and has enjoyed a successful solo career since the '70s with songs such as "You Saved My Soul," "Timeless Love," "Stand Tall" and "Break It To Them Gently."
See for yourself when Cummings performs Friday at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.
If you go: 8 p.m. Friday, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84-245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio. $49 to $69.
Saturday - Sunday
Choral: In need of some comfort and joy this holiday season? That's the theme of Modern Men's holiday concert this year, which features inspirational music for everyone. The shows on Saturday and Sunday at the Palm Springs Cultural Center also celebrate the 10th anniversary of the group's first performance.
Fun fact: Modern Men president Dennis Chase is a two-time "Jeopardy!" champion and won more than $50,000 over the course of three episodes. He was recently invited back for a tournament of champions and has advanced to the finals with two other contestants.
More: 'What is Netflix?' It's the answer that sent a Palm Springs man to the 'Jeopardy!' finals
If you go: 7 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday, Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs. $25 to $50. 760-325-6565. psculturalcenter.org
Saturday
R&B: The R&B and funk band Tower of Power is still blooming after five decades, but the band never recorded any Christmas music until now. However, if you want to hear the EP "It's Christmas," it's only available on CD through its website. You can also grab a copy on Saturday when Tower of Power performs at Spotlight 29 Casino as part of its "Holidays & Hits" tour.
If you go: 7 p.m. Saturday, Spotlight 29 Casino, 46-200 Harrison Place, Coachella. Tickets start at $26. 760-775-5566. spotlight29.com
More: From Gladys Knight to Barry Manilow, here's our guide to Coachella Valley holiday concerts
Desert Sun reporter Brian Blueskye covers arts and entertainment. He can be reached at brian.blueskye@desertsun.com or on Twitter at @bblueskye.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: 5 shows to see in the Coachella Valley this week
