In the mood for some live entertainment this weekend? Here are my picks for the can’t-miss live performances in the Coachella Valley and surrounding communities Sept. 12-13.
HOT PICK
Friday: Billy Idol at Acrisure Arena
Rock: Billy Idol blended punk, new wave and hard rock into one sound that was perfect for the MTV generation of the ’80s. Idol songs like “Rebel Yell,” “White Wedding” and “Cradle of Love” became timeless hits. He’s sold 40 million records worldwide and released his latest album “Dream Into It” in April, featuring appearances by Avril Lavigne, Alison Mosshart of The Kills, and Joan Jett.
Idol will perform at Acrisure Arena on Friday with Jett, who was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2015 and is recognized as a rock ‘n’ roll icon.
If you go: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Acrisure Arena, 75-702 Varner Road, Palm Desert. Tickets start at $124.50. acrisurearena.com
BEST BETS
Friday: Kansas at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa, Lupillo Rivera at Spotlight 29 Casino, Tyler Halverson at Mojave Gold
Rock: Kansas has one of the more alluring song catalogs among American rock bands of its era. While many people are familiar with radio staples such as “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind,” songs such as “Apercu,” “The Wall” and “The Pinnacle” reveal the band’s musicianship and progressive rock aptitude.
See for yourself on Friday when Kansas performs at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa.
If you go: 8 p.m. Friday, Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage. Tickets $69.95 to $119.95. aguacalientecasinos.com
Mexican: Lupillo Rivera is renowned in Mexican music for his blend of banda, corridos, cumbias and boleros, and has attracted a diverse audience. His 2001 album “Despreciado” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Latin Albums chart and he won a Grammy Award in 2010 for his album “Tu Escalvo y Amo.”
Rivera will perform on Friday at Spotlight 29 Casino.
If you go: 8 p.m. Friday, Spotlight 29 Casino, 46-200 Harrison Place, Coachella. Tickets start at $38.80. spotlight29.com
Country: Tyler Halverson, a South Dakota native and country singer-songwriter, draws inspiration from a diverse range of artists, including Garth Brooks, George Strait, Hayes Carll, Boyz II Men, Taking Back Sunday, and The Used. This eclectic mix influences his rowdy country songs and heartfelt ballads, which he describes as “Amerijuana Music.” If you enjoy classic or indie-country, Halverson is definitely worth a listen.
Halverson will perform on Friday at Mojave Gold.
If you go: 9 p.m. Friday, Mojave Gold, 56-193 Twentynine Palms Highway, Yucca Valley. Tickets $19.52. mojavegolddesert.com
Saturday: Jon Lovitz at the McCallum Theatre
Comedy: During the late ’80s, comedian Jon Lovitz rose to fame on “Saturday Night Live,” playing characters such as the Master Thespian and the Pathological Liar. As a comedian, he has a recognizable voice and sharp timing, which landed him voice roles on TV shows such as “The Critic,” “The Simpsons” and more. He also had roles in films such as “Hotel Transylvania,” “A League of Their Own,” “High School High,” “Mom and Dad Save the World” and more.
Lovitz will perform on Saturday at the McCallum Theatre.
If you go: 8 p.m. Saturday, McCallum Theatre, 73-000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. Tickets $25 to $107.99. mccallumtheatre.org
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: Billy Idol, Kansas and more: 5 shows to see in the Palm Springs area this weekend
Reporting by Brian Blueskye, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
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