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 May 15 to 17.
HOT PICK
Saturday: Lady A at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
Country: When Lady A (then known as Lady Antebellum) debuted in 2006, featuring vocalists Dave Haywood, Hillary Scott, and Charles Kelley, the band quickly distinguished themselves by blending three-part harmonies with country-pop music. Their hits, such as “Need You Now,” “American Honey,” and “I Run to You,” helped to create a new sound in country music and attracted a fresh audience of fans.
The band has won seven Grammy Awards, six Country Music Association Awards, four American Music Awards, and became members of the Grand Ole Opry in 2021. In 2025, Lady A released its second holiday album, “On This Winter’s Night Vol. 2.”
Lady A will perform on Saturday, May 16, at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.
If you go: 8 p.m., Saturday, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84-245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio. Tickets $102.50 to $202.50. fantasyspringsresort.com
BEST BETS
Friday: John Waite and John Cafferty at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa
Rock: Two iconic voices from the ’80s will perform together this Friday, May 15, at the Agua Caliente Resort Casino: John Waite, known for his hit “Missing You,” and John Cafferty, the voice behind the film “Eddie and the Cruisers.” Waite, who was a member of The Babys, helped define the emotional ballads and mid-tempo heartbreak songs that defined mainstream ’80s radio.
Although “Eddie and the Cruisers” is not even memorable enough to be considered a cult classic, its soundtrack was more lasting and lives on, especially the song “On the Dark Side.” Some of Cafferty’s other hits include “Hearts on Fire” from the “Rocky IV” soundtrack, “C-I-T-Y” and “Tough All Over.”
If you go: 7:30 p.m., Friday, Agua Caliente Resort Casino, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage. Tickets $34.95 to $84.95. aguacalientecasinos.com
Saturday: Fever Dog at The Dune Room, Indio
Rock: The local band Fever Dog is an experience that must be witnessed to be believed. The aesthetic is straight out of the 1970s glam-rock world with high-voltage rock ‘n’ roll. Fever Dog has also toured with bands such as Fatso Jetson in Europe, and the U.S. with the Australian rock band Wolfmother. See for yourself on Friday, May 15, when Fever Dog performs at The Dune Room with Cinema Stereo and Whitewater.
If you go: 8 p.m., Friday, The Dune Room, 82-707 Miles Avenue, Indio. $10 in advance, $15 at the door. duneroomindio.com
Friday: The Besnard Lakes at Pappy and Harriet’s
Indie: Montreal indie‑rock band The Besnard Lakes is led by husband‑and‑wife duo Jace Lasek and Olga Goreas. Known for their shoegaze‑infused, space‑rock sound, the band’s live shows are celebrated for their immersive, atmospheric intensity. The band has also been commissioned to create scores for multiple films and documentaries.
The Besnard Lakes will perform on Friday at Pappy and Harriet’s.
If you go: 9:30 p.m., Friday, Pappy and Harriet’s, 53-688 Pioneertown Road, Pioneertown. Tickets start at $26.68. pappyandharriets.com
Sunday: Westminster Chorus at The Plaza Theatre
Chorus: The Westminster Chorus is renowned as a “Choir of the World” Pavarotti Trophy winner. Formed in 2002, the chorus is uniquely made up of young, dedicated singers. As the male performance and competition chorus of the Westminster, California, chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, they promote an inclusive community where youth in Southern California and around the world can participate in music.
The Westminster Chorus will perform on Sunday, May 17, at The Plaza Theatre.
If you go: 3 p.m., Sunday, The Plaza Theatre, 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. Tickets start at $25. palmspringsplazatheatre.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: Shows to see in Palm Springs area this week include Lady A, John Waite
Reporting by Brian Blueskye, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
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