The Desert Sun’s weekly Hot Picks column shares can’t-miss live performances.
Things to do in Joshua Tree: Mojave Gold restaurant/music venue open
Cooper Gillespie and Greg Gordon, owners of Mojave Gold, share details of their new restaurant and music venue in Yucca Valley, Calif., July 2, 2025.
In the mood for some live entertainment this weekend? Here are The Desert Sun’s picks for the can’t-miss live performances in the Coachella Valley and surrounding communities. This time, it happens that they all fall on Saturday, Dec. 20.
HOT PICK
Saturday: ‘Rain – A Beatles Tribute’ at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
Tribute: Beatles fans can experience the best of both worlds this Saturday at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino with “Rain,” a renowned Fab Four tribute band. The band will perform a Christmas-themed show that blends classic Beatles hits with holiday favorites such as “Let It Be” to the Plastic Ono Band’s “Happy Xmas (War is Over)”. The production also includes dazzling visuals, iconic costumes, and much more.
“Rain” is renowned for its stunning accuracy and dedication to the Fab Four’s look and sound. The band was created around the 1977 Broadway production “Beatlemania” and evolved into a touring act that continues to this day.
If you go: 8 p.m., Saturday, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84-245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio. Tickets $52 to $93. fantasyspringsresort.com
BEST BETS
Saturday: Tom Kenny and the Hi-Seas at Desert Nights on the BLVD
Rock: If you’ve watched “SpongeBob SquarePants,” you’ve certainly heard the voice of Tom Kenny as the voice of SpongeBob. But on Saturday at Desert Nights on the BLVD, you can see and listen to him as the lead vocalist of Tom Kenny and the Hi-Seas, a 12‑piece “Rock ’n Soul” party band.
The band has performed recent shows at Pappy and Harriet’s and Nostalgia Con in Anaheim.
If you go: 4 p.m., Saturday, Desert Nights on the BLVD, 66120 Pierson Blvd, Desert Hot Springs. Free. cityofdhs.org
Saturday: Jerry’s Middle Finger at Pappy and Harriet’s
Tribute: If you’re a fan of the Grateful Dead, you probably know the story of Jerry Garcia and how he lost his middle finger in a childhood accident while chopping wood. A tribute band called Jerry’s Middle Finger honors the Jerry Garcia Band and has named itself after this incident.
The band performs faithful yet spirited interpretations of Garcia’s music. See for yourself on Saturday when Jerry’s Middle Finger performs at Pappy and Harriet’s.
If you go: 8:30 p.m., Saturday, Pappy and Harriet’s, 53-688 Pioneertown Road, Pioneertown. Tickets $42.74. pappyandharriets.com
Saturday: Son of the Velvet Rat at Mojave Gold
Americana: Son of the Velvet Rat features Georg Altziebler and Heike Binder, Austrian natives who now call Joshua Tree home. The duo’s sound has been described as “folk noir.” The song “Deeper Shade of Blue” is a highlight, which features Altziebler’s gravelly vocals blended with Binder’s keyboards and theremin.
Son of the Velvet Rat will perform on Saturday at Mojave Gold.
If you go: 5:30 p.m., Saturday, Mojave Gold, 56-193 Twentynine Palms Highway, Yucca Valley. Tickets $23.70 in advance, $28.96 day of show. mojavegolddesert.com
Brian Blueskye covers arts and entertainment for the Desert Sun. He can be reached at [email protected].
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