In the mood for some live entertainment this weekend? Here are The Desert Sun’s picks for the can’t-miss live performances in the Coachella Valley and surrounding communities on April 9-11.
HOT PICK
Chris Botti at the McCallum Theatre
Jazz: Before jazz trumpeter Chris Botti began his solo career, he performed in bands backing Frank Sinatra, Buddy Rich, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell and more. He’s renowned for his warm and expressive sound in classic jazz, which feels as if his trumpet is singing while performing standards or his own compositions.
Botti has sold four million albums, won a Grammy Award in 2013 for his album “Impressions,” and headlined Carnegie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, and the Sydney Opera House. He also toured with Sting from 1999 to 2001 on his “Brand New Day” tour as a featured soloist.
Botti will perform on Thursday, April 9, and Friday, April 10 at the McCallum Theatre.
If you go: 7 p.m. Thursday, April 9, and 8 p.m. Friday, April 10, McCallum Theatre, 73-000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. Tickets $73 to $143. mccallumtheatre.com
BEST BETS
Waxy at Pappy and Harriet’s
Rock: The local band Waxy is throwing an album release party on Thursday at Pappy and Harriet’s. Founded in 2006 by frontman Robbie Waldman, the desert rock band has toured in the U.S. and Europe.
If you go: 9 p.m. Thursday, April 9, Pappy and Harriet’s, 53-688 Pioneertown Road, Pioneertown. Tickets $13.73. pappyandharriets.com
Desert High at Mojave Gold
Local: Mojave Gold will host its local monthly music showcase Desert High on Thursday, featuring performances by Jet Dread Stone and Madame Harlequin and the Feel-Abouts.
If you go: 8 p.m. Thursday, April 9, Mojave Gold, 56-193 Twentynine Palms Highway, Yucca Valley. Free, but RSVP recommended. mojavegolddesert.com
Booqoo at The Dune Room
R&B: Kristen “Booqoo” LaDawn Calfee is a singer and songwriter who blends R&B, funk, hip‑hop into her pop sound. The New Orleans singer is on the rise and released her first album, “Deeper,” in 2023, along with several singles since such as “Make It Rain Again,” “Greater,” “Dawgs” and more.
Booqoo will perform on Thursday at The Dune Room.
If you go: 8 p.m. Thursday, April 9, The Dune Room, 82-707 Miles Ave., Indio. Tickets $20 in advance, $25 at the door. duneroomindio.com
Ron White at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa
Comedy: Comedian Ron White is best known for being a member of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, alongside Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall, and Larry the Cable Guy. One of his famous catchphrases is “You can’t fix stupid,” and he is also known by the nickname “Tater Salad.” But you won’t fix him performing with a glass of scotch and a cigar anymore after he quit drinking in 2021, which he credits to hypnotherapy and ayahuasca retreats in Costa Rica.
White will perform on Friday at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa.
If you go: 8 p.m. Friday, April 10, Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage. Tickets $74.95 to $149.95. aguacalientecasinos.com
Brian Blueskye covers arts and entertainment for the Desert Sun. He can be reached at brian.blueskye@desertsun.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: 5 non-festival shows to see in the Coachella Valley this weekend
Reporting by Brian Blueskye, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
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