By Crystal Harrell
2022 will soon be gone in a blink of an eye, and if you’re looking for a way to end the year with a bang, the all-new Celebrate CV event will take place on December 30, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on El Paseo in Palm Desert. Celebrate CV is free to the public and the perfect way to support not only the community, but everything that makes the Coachella Valley great.
Taking place between Larkspur and San Pablo, Celebrate CV has a variety of events and features for the whole family to enjoy. Indulge in the ultimate foodie experience dining at some of SoCal’s favorite Food Trucks and chase it all down with your favorite beer, wine or soft drinks at one of the conveniently located full service bars.
For the kids and young at heart, there will be Face Painting, Shuffle Putt, Street Hockey, basketball shooting competitions and more. Win year-long sports scholarships to the YMCA as well as Other Prizes.
Attendees can also enter to win gift cards from popular local businesses like Castelli’s Restaurant. All proceeds from the Celebrate CV event will benefit the Family YMCA of the Desert.
“The Family YMCA of the Desert is excited to be selected as the Charity of Choice for this amazing event! Be sure to join in the fun and Celebrate the Coachella Valley and 2023,” stated a representative of Family YMCA of the Desert.
The Family YMCA of the Desert is the largest provider of licensed childcare in the Coachella Valley in addition to providing many opportunities in youth and family programming. The primary focus of the Y is to reinforce caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility while helping kids to develop social skills, confidence, leadership, and fitness.
One of the biggest highlights of the Celebrate CV event is a bevy of musical performances, leading up to a free concert event featuring former American Idol winner, current Dancing With The Stars contestant and Grammy-nominated singer Jordin Sparks on the Hotel Paseo and Larkspur Grill Stage.
Turn the Page – a Tribute to Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band faithfully recreates all the classic Bob Seger Hits. The audience will feel as though they have been transported back to Detroit’s Cobo Hall as they relive “Old Time Rock and Roll”, “Night Moves”, “Against The Wind”, “Turn the Page”, the way they were meant to be experienced: live, on the concert stage.
The Fun with Dick and Jane Band is comprised of Scott Monahan and Janis Liebhart, who are now firmly planted in the Coachella Valley and loving it. Scott was a member of the legendary classic rock band “Spirit” from 1983–1997, and Janis’s vast resume includes much studio work as well as touring the world with major artists that include The Moody Blues, Engelbert, Righteous Brothers, Glenn Frey and 19 years with Michael Bolton. They bring it–and the audience loves it. They play their favorite songs from Woodstock-era to Coachella. They often have a handful of their best musician friends from the road sitting in, and it always creates some sort of musical magic.
Hitting the main stage at 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p,m. is Lisa Lynn and the Broken Hallelujahs. This CV Music Award winning band will also be bringing their brand of “Y’all-ternative” country rock and soul to open for Jordin Sparks.
“We are honored and excited to be part of this event not only because we’re opening for an incredible artist along with some great local acts, but because of the nature of the event itself. Greg Middleton put together a fantastic team to produce something indelibly memorable and family friendly for our community. Where else can young kids get a glimpse of a superstar in concert like this – for free! Imagine the inspiration! I was born and raised here in the desert. There was nothing for kids and their families for a long time. The city of Palm Desert has lead the charge on changing that quite a bit over the years, and it’s wonderful,” shared front woman Lisa Lynn Morgan.
Jordin Sparks’ self-titled debut went platinum, selling over two million copies worldwide. The first three singles of “Jordin Sparks” went top five and the album’s second single, “No Air” sold four million digital downloads. “No Air” has the distinction of being the third highest selling single by any American Idol contestant and is listed #27 in Billboard’s Top 40 Biggest Duets of All Time. Sparks’ second release, “Battlefield,” debuted on the Billboard Album chart at number seven. Cumulatively, Sparks popular singles have sold over 10 million digital tracks in the US.
Reservation and tickets are not necessary, but RSVPs will make it easier for Celebrate CV to accommodate all guests and provide the best experience possible. To reserve your no cost entry and to learn more about the event, visit www.celebratecv.com.
