Fall is in full swing and the concert calendar this weekend features some great picks. From two Mexican American rock bands on a coheadlining tour to a country singer who's appeared in indie and drama films, there's plenty to choose from as far as live entertainment goes in the desert this week.
HOT PICK
Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
Rock: When Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys tour together, it's not just two Mexican American rock bands sharing a stage — it’s a blend of musical traditions. The East Los Angeles band Los Lobos draws from rock, blues, folk and traditional Mexican music. Los Lonely Boys are renowned for their blend of Texas blues, rock, soul and the harmonies of the three Garza brothers.
During the
late 1970s and early 1980s, Los Lobos shared stages with punk and other eclectic bands from the Los Angeles underground music scene. Later, their performances of Ritchie Valens songs for the soundtrack of the film “La Bamba” brought the band into the mainstream. Los Lonely Boys broke through on radio in the 2000s with their signature mix of blues, rock, soul and Latin influences, representing a younger generation of Mexican American artists.
The two bands have toured together multiple times and are currently on an extended run of The Brotherhood Tour.
Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys will perform Friday at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.
If you go: 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84-245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio. Tickets $62.50 to $112.50. fantasyspringsresort.com
BEST BETS
Chris Isaak at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa
Country: Before Chris Isaak appeared in films such as “Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me” and “The Silence of the Lambs,” the Stockton native had already established a music career, recording songs that blended country, rockabilly and surf guitar with a cinematic aura.
Filmmaker David Lynch played an important role in Isaak's musical success, featuring the songs "Gone Ridin'" and "Livin' for Your Lover" in the 1986 film “Blue Velvet.” Lynch later included "Wicked Game" in his 1990 film “Wild at Heart,” helping introduce the song to a wider audience before it eventually reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Isaak will perform Friday at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa.
If you go: 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage. Tickets $59.95 to $109.95. aguacalientecasinos.com
Concert for Autism at Big Rock Pub
Rock: The 19th Concert for Autism, organized by local musicians Josh Heinz and Linda Lemke Heinz, will wrap its four-concert series on Saturday at the Big Rock Pub with the main event featuring performances by local bands Space in Sound, Mighty Jack, The Hellions, Salton City Surf Club, and more. Josh Heinz will also perform with his band Dufreign.
Proceeds will benefit the Desert Autism Foundation, a local Coachella Valley organization that provides financial assistance to families with autistic individuals so they may afford vital therapies and activities.
If you go: 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, Big Rock Pub, 79-940 Westward Ho Drive, Indio. $10 suggested donation at the door. concertforautism.com
Grupo Bryndis and Industria del Amor at Spotlight 29 Casino
Mexican: If you love romantic cumbia and Mexican ballads, two renowned bands — Grupo Bryndis and Industria del Amor — will perform together on Saturday at Spotlight 29 Casino. Grupo Bryndis won a Latin Grammy Award in 2007, and even though Industria del Amor has been commercially successful in Mexico, the band has a loyal fan base in the U.S.
If you go: 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, Spotlight 29 Casino, 46-200 Harrison Place, Coachella. Tickets start at $49.10. spotlight29.com
Shovels & Rope at Pappy and Harriet’s
Folk: When the folk duo Shovels & Rope featuring married couple Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst released the 2012 album “O’ Be Joyful,” many people who listened to it or saw the couple perform live were surprised by how much sound came out of the stripped-down setup, the harmonies, and the blend of folk with country, blues and Americana.
See for yourself when Shovels & Rope performs on Sunday at Pappy and Harriet’s.
If you go: 9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, Pappy and Harriet’s, 53-688 Pioneertown Road, Pioneertown. Tickets $43.78. 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: Our picks for top concerts to see this weekend in the Coachella Valley
