Samara Joy, Ezra Bell and more: 5 shows to see in the Coachella Valley this week
Here are my picks for this weekend's can't-miss live performances in the Coachella Valley and surrounding communities.
HOT PICK
Saturday
Jazz: Jazz singer Samara Joy achieved great success in 2023, winning two Grammy Awards for best new artist and best jazz vocal album. Her classic jazz style, influenced by legends like Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald, launched her to stardom, with her live performances gaining widespread attention on TikTok. Prior to her Grammy wins, Joy had already performed to sold-out audiences at esteemed New York jazz clubs such as the Blue Note and Smalls Jazz Club.
Joy will perform on Saturday at the McCallum Theatre.
If you go: 8 p.m. Saturday, McCallum Theatre, 73-000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. $63 to $123. mccallumtheatre.org
BEST BETS
Thursday
Broadway actress and singer Alysha Umphress has been seen in productions such as "American Idiot," "On The Town" "Priscilla Queen of the Desert" and more. She also appeared on the TV shows "Law and Order SVU," "Nurse Jackie" and "Royal Pains."
Umphress will perform on Thursday at Coachella Valley Repertory as part of the CV Rep 2024 Summer Cabaret Series.
If you go: 7 p.m. Thursday, Coachella Valley Repertory, 68-510 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City. $50. cvrep.org
Friday
Echo & The Bunnymen are considered to be one of the most influential British bands in modern history. Over the past four decades, the alternative band has released several Top 20 hits such as "The Killing Moon," "Lips Like Sugar," "Bring On The Dancing Horses" and more. One highlight was the band's cover of The Doors' 1967 song "People Are Strange" for "The Lost Boys" soundtrack in 1988.
Even though frontman Ian McCulloch and guitarist Will Sergeant are the only remaining founding members, the band is still known to put on stunning live shows.
See for yourself on Friday when Echo and the Bunnymen perform at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa in Rancho Mirage.
If you go: 8 p.m. Friday, Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage. $25 to $125. aguacalientecasinos.com
Saturday
Folk: Ezra Bell is sort of a best kept secret in the indie music scene, but this folk band with a cult following has resonated with music lovers on streaming services and its cover of Sam Cooke's "Wonderful World" was featured in a TV ad for United Healthcare. Some highlights of Ezra Bell's songbook include "Dear Old Dad," "Pick a Place and Read" and "They Think We're Stupid."
Ezra Bell will perform on Saturday at Pappy and Harriet's.
If you go: 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Pappy and Harriet's, 53-688 Pioneertown Road, Pioneertown. $15. pappyandharriets.com
Tribute: Ozzy Osbourne has an infamous reputation for his past outlandish acts, such as biting the head off a bat, urinating on the Alamo and more. It's not surprising his song "Crazy Train" is considered by fans to be autobiographical. But the former Black Sabbath vocalist and successful solo artist is considered a trailblazer and influenced many in metal.
Wizardz of Ozz, a tribute to Osbourne, will perform on Saturday in the Rock Yard at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.
If you go: 7 p.m. Saturday, the Rock Yard at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84-245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio. Free. fantasyspringsresort.com
Desert Sun reporter Brian Blueskye covers arts and entertainment. He can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter at @bblueskye.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: 5 shows to see in the Palm Springs area this week
