Looking to catch a show this weekend in the desert, or perhaps hit the dance floor?
This week’s local entertainment picks feature an artist known for traditional country music, a tribute to a legendary progressive rock band, a pioneer in electronic music, and a local event inviting everyone to dance.
HOT PICK
Friday: Dwight Yoakam at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa
Country: During the 1980s, Dwight Yoakam made traditional country cool again, and continues to do so. He was a country singer who wasn’t afraid to perform in front of non-country artists and played shows with bands such as Los Lobos and the punk rock band X.
His nod to the Bakersfield sound and Buck Owens on his 1986 debut album “Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc..” featuring the singles “Honky Tonk Man,” “Guitars, Cadillacs,” and “It Won’t Hurt” was a success. In 1988, he recorded the 1973 Buck Owens song “Streets of Bakersfield” with the man himself, which reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart.
Yoakam has remained active, releasing albums and also becoming an actor. He starred in the 1996 film “Sling Blade” with Billy Bob Thornton, and with singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow in the 1999 thriller “The Minus Man.”
Yoakam will perform on Friday, Aug. 14, at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa.
If you go: 7 p.m., Friday, Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage. Tickets $69.95 to $149.95. aguacalientecasinos.com
BEST BETS
Friday: Australian Pink Floyd at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
Tribute: Instead of the giant inflatable pig that Pink Floyd was renowned for, an inflatable kangaroo will take its place on Friday when the tribute band Australian Pink Floyd performs at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. But this tribute from down under delivers a high-quality tribute to the British progressive-rock band that feels like seeing the original during the Pulse Tour, featuring lasers, psychedelic video production, identical lighting, and more.
If you go: 8 p.m., Friday, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84-245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio. Tickets $52.50 to $92.50. fantasyspringsresort.com
Salsa: On Friday, Aug. 14, The Dune Room will host Salseros Lost In The Desert for Salsa Night featuring DJ David. According to Salseros’ Facebook page, its events are “A good way to meet authentic people that love to dance.”
If you go: 7 p.m., Friday, The Dune Room, 82-707 Miles Ave., Indio. $10 at the door. duneroomindio.com
Saturday: Tangerine Dream at Pappy and Harriet’s
Electronic: If you’re an ‘80s film connoisseur, you’ve probably watched some featuring soundtracks by the German Krautrock and Electronic band Tangergine Dream. Some of those films include “Risky Business,” “Legend” and “Three O’Clock High.” But Tangerine Dream was also a pioneering electronic band that popularized looping basslines generated by modular sequencers, helping launch ambient music.
Tangerine Dream will perform a free show on Saturday, Aug. 15, at Pappy and Harriet’s. Admission will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you go: 9:30 p.m., Saturday, Pappy and Harriet’s, 53-688 Pioneertown Road, Pioneertown. Free on a first-come, first-served basis. 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 shows in desert: country, classic rock shows plus salsa dancing
Reporting by Brian Blueskye, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Brian Blueskye, Palm Springs Desert Sun | USA TODAY Network
