This weekend’s entertainment calendar features a farewell tour by a Mexican music icon, a Grammy Award-winning singer who changed the conversation for women in country music during the 2000s, and one of indie rock’s most energetic live bands.
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Ramón Ayala at Acrisure Arena
Mexican: Ramón Ayala is known as “The King of the Accordion.” His career began in 1961 when he co-founded the band Los Relámpagos del Norte with singer Cornelio Reyna. He started his solo career in the 1970s and has since recorded over 100 albums. Ayala has won multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards, establishing himself as a prominent regional Mexican music artist in the U.S. for decades.
After more than 60 years
in his career, Ayala is now on his retirement tour. This is the last time to hear Ayala perform songs such as "Baraja de Oro,” "Mi Tesoro,” "Un Rinconcito en el Cielo,” and others in the local area when he performs on Saturday, Aug. 29, at Acrisure Arena.
If you go: 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Acrisure Arena, 75-702 Varner Road, Palm Desert. Tickets start at $77.10. acrisurearena.com
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Gretchen Wilson at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa
Country: In 2004, country singer Gretchen Wilson’s song “Redneck Woman” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. The song became a feminist anthem for rural, blue-collar women and challenged the image and music of other women in country at the time. Some of her other hits include "Homewrecker," "When I Think About Cheatin,'" and "All Jacked Up."
Wilson will perform on Friday, Aug. 28, at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa.
If you go: 8 p.m. Friday, Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage. Tickets $29.95 to $99.95. aguacalientecasinos.com
The Black Lips at Pappy and Harriet’s
Rock: The Black Lips is a blend of punk rock and psychedelic rock. This Atlanta band is renowned for its raw energy and chaotic live shows and was part of the indie-rock boom during the 2000s. Mark Ronson produced the band’s 2011 album “Arabia Mountain,” and Patrick Carney of The Black Keys co-produced its 2014 record “Underneath the Rainbow.”
See for yourself on Friday when The Black Lips perform at Pappy and Harriet’s.
If you go: 8:30 p.m. Friday, Pappy and Harriet’s, 53-688 Pioneertown Road, Pioneertown. Tickets $32.90. pappyandharriets.com
Amanda Miguel at Spotlight 29 Casino
Mexican: Argentine singer-songwriter Amanda Miguel’s Latin ballads have been staples of Spanish radio since the 1980s. Her hits such as "Él Me Mintió," "Mi Buen Corazón," and "Así No Te Amará Jamás" feature themes of romantic betrayal and heartbreak. Many of her songs feature fantasy, cultural themes, or romantic love.
Miguel will perform on Saturday at Spotlight 29 Casino.
If you go: 8 p.m. Saturday, Spotlight 29 Casino, 46-200 Harrison Place, Coachella. Tickets start at $38.80. spotlight29.com
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: From a punk set to a farewell tour, must-see Coachella Valley shows
