In the mood for some live entertainment this weekend? Here are The Desert Sun’s picks for the can’t-miss performances in the Coachella Valley and surrounding communities on May 21 to 24.
HOT PICK
Friday: Bert Kreischer at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
Comedy: Comedian Bert Kreischer, known as “The Machine,” has recently had to scale back his partying. In his recent appearances, you may notice that he has lost weight and appears healthier. This change follows his decision to take a break from alcohol in 2026, after being diagnosed with blood clots that required him to take blood thinners.
His “2 Bears, 1 Cave” podcast with Tom Segura is frequently among the Top 40 U.S. podcasts, and he also released the Netflix series “Free Bert” in January, which was No. 6 on the platform’s most-watched list.
Kreischer will perform on Friday at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.
If you go: 8 p.m., Friday, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84-245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio. Tickets $82.50 to $202.50. fantasyspringsresortcasino.com
BEST BETS
Thursday: Desert Beat at The Dune Room
Local: Desert Beat, a monthly local singer-songwriter showcase hosted by Brad Parker, is relocating to The Dune Room on Thursday due to the recent closure of Mojave Gold. Thursday’s showcase will feature Rick Shelley, Lisa Rae Black, Nigel Roman, Dan Navarro, Karla Anderson, and more.
If you go: 6 p.m., Thursday, The Dune Room, 82-707 Miles Avenue, Indio. Free. duneroomindio.com
Saturday: Rob Thomas at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa
Rock: Rob Thomas, the frontman of Matchbox Twenty, has enjoyed a successful solo career that began in 1999 when he co-wrote the track “Smooth” with Carlos Santana for the album “Supernatural,” and Thomas provided lead vocals. It won three Grammy Awards and was No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart for 12 weeks. In 2005, his first solo single, “Lonely No More,” reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, and he had subsequent hits with “Ever the Same” and “Her Diamonds.”
Thomas will perform on Saturday at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa.
If you go: 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage. Tickets $114.95 to $199.95. aguacalientecasinos.com
Sunday: The Afghan Whigs at Pappy and Harriet’s
Rock: The Cincinnati rock band The Afghan Whigs is celebrating its 40th anniversary and will perform Sunday at Pappy and Harriet’s alongside Mercury Rev. In 2026, the band released the singles “Duvateen” and “House of I” in anticipation of their tour, with an album set to be released later this year. Even though frontman Greg Dulli and bassist John Curley are the only remaining original members, the band continues to put out critically acclaimed albums and retains a devoted fan base.
If you go: 6:30 p.m., Sunday, Pappy and Harriet’s, 53-688 Pioneertown Road, Pioneertown. Tickets $60.36. pappyandharriets.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: Live music, comedy to see in Palm Springs area on Memorial Day weekend
Reporting by Brian Blueskye, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
