Pat Benatar, Neil Giraldo, Ron White: 12 things to do in the Coachella Valley, April 7-13

Yahoo

06-04-2025

It's officially Coachella festival week, my friends. But don't fret, I'm going to tell you about all the other events going on in the desert so you can avoid the festival crowds (but scroll to the end of this article if you're a festivalgoer who wants more attendee info).
From a free wellness festival to a Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo concert, there's no shortage of things to do in the Coachella Valley this week. (And if you'd like to submit an upcoming event of your own for a future roundup, scroll to the bottom for directions.)
There's so many options, it's hard to know where to start. Here's our top picks for things to do in the Coachella Valley and surrounding communities from Monday, April 7-Sunday, April 13.
Two art forms combine in this show, which is closing this week, at MAD.KAT Gallery in Rancho Mirage. "Sound and Vision 2025" showcases over 100 visual art pieces by 16 recording artists: Cheryl Bentyne (Manhattan Transfer) Exene Cervenka (X) Marti Jones Dixon Jill Emery (Hole, Mazzy Star) Juliana Hatfield (Blake Babies, Lemonheads) Shinji Horimura (Japanese Taiko Drum Master) Gill Landry (Old Crow Medicine Show) Jon Langford (Mekons, Three Johns, Waco Brothers) Stefan Murphy (The Mighty Stef, The Sleeveens) Johnette Napolitano (Concrete Blonde) Jeb Loy Nichols Fredrik Nilsen (Los Angeles Free Music Society) Kurt Ralske (Ultra Vivid Scene) Nathaniel Russell Rennie Sparks (The Handsome Family) Deb Talan (The Weepies) Russ Tolman (True West).
When: Now through April 12
Where: MAD.KAT Gallery, 71-590 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage
Cost: Free admission, with artwork available for purchase
More info: gallerymadkat.com
Prepare for a roller coaster of emotions during The Bent's latest production, "The Cake." As the press release states, the story follows Della (played by Sonya Boyd Reavis), a North Carolina baker who is thrilled when her late best friend's daughter, Jen (played by Sarah Elizabeth Woolsey), asks her to bake her wedding cake. "But when Della learns that Jen is marrying another woman, she finds herself at a crossroads, torn between her devotion to her beliefs and the love she has for someone she considers family. As Della wrestles with her decision, her eyes open to the shortcomings of her own marriage. 'The Cake' peels back layers of faith, tradition, and personal growth, revealing the messiness — and beauty — of human connection." Note: There will be a one-time ASL performance on Friday, April 11 (contact [e-mail] for ASL reserved tickets).
When: Now through Saturday, April 12
Where: The Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs
Cost: $42
More info: thebent.org
If you missed their Modernism Week performance, this is your chance to see their special encore. Celebrating the 60-year anniversary of the creation of the Monkees, cover band Gand Band presents "Hey Hey We're the Monkees!" this week. Winner of the CV Independent's Best Local Band for four years running, this dynamic husband-and-wife team bring their Chicago sound to the desert monthly, and this week's show is a complete Monkees tribute. Veteran bluesman Gary Gand handles the six strings, keyboardist Joan Gand grooves on classic Hammond B-3 style organ and blues piano, and special guests join them at nearly every performance, including beloved performers from both Chicago and San Diego.
When: 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 9
Where: Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs, 401 E. Amado Road, Palm Springs
Cost: From $17.85
More info: eventbrite.com/e/
The students of College of the Desert invite the public to the Walter N. Marks Center for the Arts for the final show of the school year. Join students, professors and other COD staffers in celebration of this student art community Thursday, April 10, at the opening reception featuring refreshments, light bites, live entertainment and a student art market where you can purchase original pieces. Can't make it? No worries, come anytime between April 10 and May 9 to check out the exhibit.
When: Reception is 4-7 p.m. Thursday, April 10, and the show runs April 10-May 9
Where: College of the Desert Walter N. Marks Center for the Arts, 43-500 Monterey Ave., Palm Desert
Cost: Free admission
More info: collegeofthedesert.edu/community/gallery/
The 2025 PSIPC Triennial International Piano Competition kicks off this weekend with the preliminary rounds, which are all open to the public and free of charge to attend. Come see some of the most talented young pianists in the country compete in the 2025 Junior International Competition, which is comprised of all solo acts. As the website says, "The 2025 Palm Springs International Piano Competition promises to be a celebration of musical virtuosity and boundless potential," and will ultimately feature 25 competitors vying for a $10,000 prize.
When: April 11-19 (check website below for specific times)
Where: Temple Isaiah, 332 W. Alejo Road, Palm Springs
Cost: Free admission, but online reservation required
More info: psipc.org/event/
Come watch a student performance that will touch your heart this week. The 'AIDS Quilt Songbook' is a "collection of songs and poems dedicated to those impacted by AIDS — honoring lives lost, acknowledging the stigma and fear surrounding the disease, and offering a tribute to those affected since its emergence in the early 1980s," as the press release states. The 90-minute production will feature recently composed songs, including a new song composed by University of California, Riverside graduate student Rory Fewer. The performance showcases choreography by CSUSB instructor Terrill Corletto and costume design by Catherine Erickson. Professional artist Kevin Blickfeldt, known for working with the opera boy band VOX on "America's Got Talent," and critically acclaimed baritone Jawan Jenkins will join the CSUSB students for this special one-night performance.
When: Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show at 7 p.m. Friday, April 11
Where: California State University, San Bernardino Palm Desert Campus, Indian Wells Theater, 37-500 Cook St., Palm Desert
Cost: Tickets are $11.74 for students, $13.74 for seniors, veterans and alumni, and $16.99 for general public. In addition, attendees must purchase a parking permit on the ParkMobile website, the ParkMobile app, or by scanning the QR code on one of the green signs in the campus parking lot – using Zone 7100. The cost to park on campus is $10 per vehicle.
More info: csusb.edu/music/ensembles/opera
Strap in for this musical time machine ride back into the 1970s this week at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Modern Men Coachella Valley Men's Chorus will take audiences on a journey through the sounds of the '70s during their spring concert, which will feature tunes from The Carpenters, The Beatles, Carole King, James Taylor, ABBA, and other favorites. Audiences can also expect to hear hits from Donna Summer, Kool & the Family Gang, KC & the Sunshine Band, the Bee Gees and more at this lively concert, so prepare to get sentimental and prepare to groove.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, April 11 and Saturday, April 12 and 3 p.m. Sunday, April 13
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs
Cost: $25-$50
More info: modernmen.org/spring-concert
Come celebrate three decades of Agua Caliente Casinos this week with a concert headlined by rock legends Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo. As the press release says, "Her staggering vocals and take-no-prisoners attitude, along with his trailblazing artistry as a guitarist, producer and songwriter, forged the undeniable chemistry and unique sound that created eternal rock hits including 'We Belong,' 'Invincible,' 'Love Is A Battlefield,' 'Promises In The Dark,' 'We Live For Love,' 'Heartbreaker' and Hell Is For Children.'" Expect to hear many of those hits and more at the event, which will also feature games, a diverse offering of bites by local food trucks and themed cocktails.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, April 11
Where: Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs, 401 E. Amado Road, Palm Springs
Cost: Tickets range from $49.50 to $289.00 (complimentary valet and self-parking will be available on-site)
More info: aguacalientecasinos.com/agua-event/
Not headed to Coachella festival but still looking for something fun to do in Indio this weekend? Head downtown for a free wellness festival that doubles as a Coachella livestream watch party. Attendees can expect a live DJ set, yoga sessions, immersive sound baths, and local and regional vendors including Everbloom, Deaux, True Awakening Studio, Secret Poke and That's The Spirit.
When: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 12
Where: Center Stage, 82-881 Miles Ave., Indio
Cost: Free admission
More info: instagram.com/cityofindio
More: Head to Indio for free yoga, sound baths and a Coachella livestream watch party April 12
If you want to learn how the National Environmental Policy Act works and what Trump's EO means, this free California Desert Coalition workshop is for you. This timely, one-day opportunity featuring Advocates of the West, an environmental law firm expert on NEPA, will help you empower yourself to defend the desert you love, as the event website says.
When: 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 12
Where: Bell Center Community Room, Copper Mountain College, 6162 Rotary Way, Joshua Tree
Cost: Free, but registration required
More info: cadesertcoalition.org
Coachella isn't the only music festival happening in Indio this weekend. Indie-O, a multi-venue, one-day fest in downtown Indio, features a long lineup of local bands, including Tourists, Hollow Crown, Giselle Woo & The Night Owls, Elektriclucie, Salton City Surf Club, Daytime Moon and more. One wristband gets you into all three venues, which are each hosting six or more local bands. Note: This event is happening at the same time as the Echo Lounge event taking place all day Saturday in downtown Indio, so you can easily walk from one event to the other.
When: 11 a.m. Saturday (check website below for full schedule of acts playing throughout the day)
Where: Music House Indio, 82-777 Miles Ave.; The Oasis on Miles, 82-713 Miles Ave.; and Little Street Music Hall, 82-707 Miles Ave. (all in Indio)
Cost: $25 per person for general admission, $100 VIP package for two
More info: instagram.com/indieomusicfest
Renowned comedian Ron White catapulted into the limelight as the cigar-wielding, scotch-savoring humorist of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour phenomenon. But his career has taken him far beyond the era of shows with Bill Engvall, Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy. Now, White is a Grammy-nominated comic and a celebrated feature film actor, and this week, he's bringing his act to the desert. As the press release states, "At his core, Ron White remains an exemplar of timeless storytelling. His narratives weave the fabric of his existence, spanning from his upbringing in a Texan hamlet to the reflections of his everyday encounters, ultimately culminating in his ascension as one of America's most celebrated comedians. The unrivaled resonance of his humor is evident in the fact that all four of his comedy albums not only scaled the Billboard Comedy Charts but also claimed the coveted #1 position."
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 12
Where: The Show at Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage Resort & Casino, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage
Cost: From $75
More info: aguacalientecasinos.com/agua-event/ron-white/
To submit an event for The Desert Sun's consideration in future 10 things to do stories, send an email to [e-mail] with the time, date, location and price of admission for your event, as well as a brief event description. Photos are not required, but are highly encouraged as part of the submission.
Tip: Send your submission as early as possible to make sure we have it in time, and to make sure your event jumps out in our inbox, put "10 things to do submission" in the email subject line.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: What to do in Palm Springs: 12 things to do in the desert this week