This weekend's live entertainment offerings may differ in style, but the artists and productions coming to the Coachella Valley all maintain a unique place in the music industry — whether through influential songwriting, innovative performances, or connecting with the audience.
HOT PICK
Rickie Lee Jones at The Plaza Theatre
Rock: In 1979, singer-songwriter Rickie Lee Jones’ song “Chuck E.’s In Love” was based on a phone call between her then-boyfriend Tom Waits and their mutual friend and musician, Chuck E. Weiss, who had disappeared and called to say he'd moved to Denver because he had fallen in love. When the call was over, Waits said, “Chuck E.’s in love.” Jones liked the way that sounded and wrote the song for
her 1979 self-titled debut with some artistic liberties.
Jones won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist, and the song received two nominations. But her career over the past 40-plus years includes 15 albums and singles such as “Last Chance Texaco,” "Pirates (So Long Lonely Avenue),” and her 1989 duet with Dr. John, "Makin' Whoopee.”
Jones will perform on Saturday at The Plaza Theatre.
If you go: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, The Plaza Theatre, 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. Tickets start at $77.51. palmspringsplazatheatre.com
BEST BETS
The Phil Collins Story at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
Tribute: If you're a fan of Phil Collins and the Collins-led era of Genesis, “The Phil Collins Story” is more than a tribute concert. It's a docu-concert experience that combines live band performances with storytelling through video. The first half of the show features Genesis classics, while the second explores Collins' solo hits and music from his Disney soundtrack work.
See for yourself on Friday when The Phil Collins Story is staged at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.
If you go: 8 p.m. Friday, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84-245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio. Tickets $42.50 to $82.50. fantasyspringsresortcasino.com
Halestorm at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa
Rock: The hard rock band Halestorm puts on a dynamic concert, blending metal songs with acoustic sing-a-longs. Since forming in 1997, Halestorm has won over audiences performing as an opening act and at festivals, and continues to grow its fan base with songs about self-perseverance, relationships and heartbreak, the power of independence and more.
Halestorm will perform on Friday at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa.
If you go: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage. Tickets $54.21 to $87.33. aguacalientecasinos.com
The Doo Wop Project at McCallum Theatre
Doo Wop: If you love the Broadway musicals “Jersey Boys,” “Motown,” “Beautiful” and “Hairspray,” you'll appreciate The Doo Wop Project, which features cast members from those productions performing classic doo-wop hits with rich vocal harmonies before putting a retro spin on contemporary songs by Amy Winehouse, Garth Brooks, Daft Punk and Taylor Swift.
The Doo Wop Project will perform on Saturday at the McCallum Theatre.
If you go: 8 p.m. Saturday, McCallum Theatre, 73-000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. Tickets $19.88 to $95.00. mccallumtheatre.com
Horse the Band at Pappy and Harriet’s
Sunday: Imagine a metal concert that sounds like it could also be the soundtrack to a retro video game. That’s how Horse the Band could be described to those who have never heard of the “Nintendocore” band. Since 1998, the Lake Forest band has attained a cult following and even though the music has pop culture and humorous references, Horse the Band is respected for its musicianship in the hardcore and metal scenes.
Horse the Band will perform on Sunday at Pappy and Harriet’s.
If you go: 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Pappy and Harriet’s, 53-688 Pioneertown Road, Pioneertown. Tickets $32.90. 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: Need a night out? 5 concerts to see in the Palm Springs area this week
