by Evan More

The Judy Garland Experience

Julie Sheppard brings The Judy Garland Experience to the Copy Katz Showroom on Friday, Feb. 8, with a special engagement at 6 p.m. Tickets are $39. As anyone who has had the pleasure of seeing Sheppard perform live can attest, the show truly brings to life one of the most beloved and iconic entertainers of the past century. The performance is a tribute to Garland’s television show. The venue hosts a number of other shows, including the Celebrity Revue, which is always fun, with guest appearances by such “stars” as Diana Ross, Whitney Houston, Carol Channing, Boy George and others, hosted by Kenny Kerr. Jazz enthusiasts can take in a show upstairs at the Kit Cat Club.

Season of Love

For those wanting to get out and about instead of cuddling with a special someone, check out these events that are all planned around the theme of Valentine’s Day. The weekly Rainbow Cabaret at Rainbow Restaurant on Wednesday, Feb. 13, will be themed around the romantic holiday, with entertainment by Larry Duane, Tom Mayer and others. There’s no cover charge, however, reservations are advised for dinner. The next Caballeros Gay Men’s Chorus of Palm Springs concert is Seasons of Love at Temple Isaiah on Saturday, Feb. 16 at 8, p.m. and, on Sunday, Feb. 17, at 2 p.m. Tickets are still available for open seating. Musical Chairs Concerts presents My Funny Valentine on Feb. 12 at the Indian Wells Theatre on the CSUSB Campus in Palm Desert at 7:30 p.m. and at 2 & 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 13, at the Annenberg Theater.

The Desert Symphony Gala

The Desert Symphony 20th anniversary Gala will feature guest artist John Tesh. The event is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 21, at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert. Cocktails will be served at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. The concert will begin at 8 p.m. Concert tickets are available at the venue box office, while patrons are asked to visit the Desert Symphony website for details about the celebration. Pattie Daly Caruso will serve as mistress of ceremonies. Other upcoming guest artist concerts with the symphony include the American Tenors on Thursday, March 13, and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on Friday, April 11.

The Art Beat

The Coachella Valley hosts a number of ongoing events that are a great way to enjoy art, and for those who aspire to do a little shopping as well, these markets offer the perfect opportunity to browse and buy. Palm Springs Village Fest is held on Thursday evenings, except holidays, on North Palm Canyon Drive through downtown, from 6– 10 p.m. In addition to the many food and craft vendors, the street fair features live entertainment and a farmer’s market. Art Walk on El Paseo takes place on the first Thursday of the month through May, in Palm Desert. A number of participating galleries host artist receptions and open houses. Another popular ongoing event in Palm Desert is the Street Fair at the College of the Desert. Held every weekend starting at 7 a.m., more than 250 vendors regularly participate, offering everything from crafts, food and art. Get there early as the market closes shop at 2 p.m. Admission is free and live entertainment is offered as well. The Indio Open-Air Market is held every Wednesday and Saturday from 4– 10 p.m. at the Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival grounds.

The Details

Caballeros Gay Men’s Chorus of Palm Springs
www.pscaballeros.org

Copy Katz Showroom
200 S. Palm Canyon Dr.
www.copykatzps.com

The Desert Symphony
www.desertsymphony.org

Musical Chairs Concerts
www.musicalchairs.us

Rainbow Restaurant & Bar
212 S. Indian Canyon Dr.
www.psrainbow.com