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Welcome to April in the desert — although the recent heat wave has it feeling more like June. Spring is in full swing, the cacti are blooming, the birds nesting, and exciting spring events have arrived.
This month we’re focusing on live music events. April brings the Coachella Valley’s legendary music festivals, some familiar faces, famous stages, and eclectic events to cater to every musical taste.
It’s Coachella time
DJ sets are a Coachella staple. Photo by Arthur Edelmans on Unsplash
April 10-12 and 17-19: Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival
Break out the glitter — it’s festival season, and there’s nothing more iconic than Coachella. Step into the magical world of music and art, where this year’s headliners include Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Karol G. The Coachella experience is more than music, though. It’s an energy — a mix of musical vibes, epic art installations, color, light, and fashion — embracing the freedom and joy of being alive.
To stay in that feeling of aliveness, come prepared. The sun is hot, the walks are long, the dust is real. Pack an empty water bottle or hydration pack — there are free water refill stations scattered throughout the grounds. Apply sunscreen liberally and often and don your most fabulous hat, bandana, and sunglasses to look and stay cool and protected. You deserve beautiful memories instead of sunburnt ones.
Stagecoach rides back into town
April 24, 25, and 26: Stagecoach Country Music Festival
In the same venue as Coachella (the Empire Polo Club in Indio) is another festival with a much different vibe. Geared towards country music fans, with a more family-friendly atmosphere, is Stagecoach Country Music Festival. This down-to-earth chill vibe and abundance of BBQ isn’t exclusively country music, though. Artists often fuse R&B, rock, hip-hop, and pop. The headliners this year include Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson, and Post Malone, with late night performances by Diplo, Pitbull, and Ludacris.
The same sun rules apply for Stagecoach: stay hydrated and sun-protected, and be prepared to walk.
April events at the Historic Plaza Theatre
The Plaza Theatre at last reopened late last year, following a $34 million dollar restoration that kept the 1936 decor intact while incorporating innovation like an energy-efficient air conditioning system with cooling vents under seats and a ceiling dotted with LED technology to produce a programmable evening under the stars.
April 1, 7 p.m.: Billy Porter
Broadway enthusiasts will know him from his Tony award-winning performance in Kinky Boots, while television devotees recognize his Emmy-winning performance as Pray Tell in Pose, and fashionistas will remember his extraordinary entrance to the 2019 Met Gala, gliding in wearing a gold beaded and crystal encrusted catsuit, a 24-carat-gold headpiece, and 10-foot golden wings. Now you have the chance to see Billy Porter at Palm Springs’ most beloved theatre. Tickets are selling fast. Secure yours, then pick out a most fabulous outfit for an evening of star power under the (programmable) stars.
Whether you are more inclined to classical music, drag performances, chorus music, or ’70s songs, April events at the Plaza have you covered:
April 4, 8 p.m.: New York Philharmonic String Quartet: Schuber & Mendelssohn
April 12, 7:30 p.m.: Alyssa Edwards, “Tu RuPaul, Thanks for Everything” Tour
April 14, 7:30 p.m.: Pops at the Plaza – Disco Inferno: The Music of the ’70s
April 24 and 25, 7 p.m., and April 26, 2 p.m.: Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus present “Rhinestones & Rainbows, A Tribute to Dolly Parton”
Palm Springs Art Museum
April 12, 13, 14, and 15, 6 p.m.: Cabaret 88 presents: Justin Guarini
Inside Palm Springs Art Museum, the Annenberg Theatre stage is converted into an intimate cabaret for this unique series of musical entertainment. The Cabaret 88 season has had several special guests (including Shayna Steele, Kecia Lewis, Dez Duron, and John Barrowman MBE) and concludes with Justin Guarini. He appeared on the very first season of American Idol, and since then has had an illustrious career on and off Broadway, on the screen, and as a mentor and coach to fellow entertainers and entrepreneurs. The evening promises to be a fascinating ride into a world of performance art and creativity, all without needing to leave your seat.
When you do leave your seat, check out the museum’s latest exhibition or grab a bite on site at Liv’s Palm Springs.
Candlelight Concerts at The Ritz-Carlton
The music of ABBA continues to delight fans. Photo by Andrew Ebrahim on Unsplash
April 11, 6:15 p.m.: Candlelight Tribute to ABBA and Queen
Immerse yourself in the soft glow of thousands of candles as famous anthems get a string quartet makeover — and this month it’s the music of ABBA vs. Queen. Who will be the champion? Gimme gimme gimme a ticket to find out. If you want to break free and be a super trouper – the evening will rock you.
For more musical events, check out the Palm Springs Cultural Center and The Purple Room. For food, music, and quintessential Palm Springs mood, head to The Casablanca Lounge in Melvyn’s at the Ingleside Estate, where there is live music daily from 6 to 10 p.m.
Until next month, stay happy, hydrated, and immersed in the magic of music.
