By Esther Sanchez
Back when the River in Rancho Mirage was initially built, it quickly became the happening place to be in the desert. In addition to fantastic shopping, dining and cinema, the amphitheater that has been there since the beginning was utilized by performers of all sorts on a regular basis which was a fantastic cherry on top of an already delicious entertainment dessert. Being able to stop in for dinner or drinks and then stroll out to a free concert in a relaxed atmosphere was a benefit that patrons of all ages thoroughly enjoyed. As time passed, changes were made and as most locals know, traffic at The River slowly but surely began to die. I’m not exactly sure how long it has been since the River’s amphitheater has been used for its intended purpose, but I know it’s been a while. With new owners and a revived vision, all that has changed.
The good people that have taken over at The River proved to me that they know what they are doing when I found out they enlisted one of the top guys in the desert’s entertainment scene to produce a season packed with live music and events that will cater to young and old alike. Singer/songwriter, producer, promoter, radio personality and general nice guy extraordinaire, Jimi “Fitz” Fitzgerald possesses a plethora of experience in multiple aspects of show business, connections to tons of world-class entertainers and a cool as a cucumber attitude that have helped him build a reputation for putting together great shows and a track-record to back it up.
Every Saturday, from now through April the River will feature live music in the amphitheater from 5:00-8:00 PM. The already completed lineup assures quality music that will appeal to the masses in a casual atmosphere that is both festive and relaxed. They kicked off the series last weekend with a performance by Will Donato and Friends. Fitz: “We had a great turnout of people from their teens to their 90s, dancing and having a great time. In fact there was a guy there dancing that was 92. We covered pretty much every demographic.” I wasn’t there but I caught some video clips that were posted on Fitz’ Facebook wall and he wasn’t exaggerating. Everyone seemed to be having a great time.
In addition to the weekly concerts, The River and Fitzgerald are hosting a great schedule of various special events including an official, Christmas Tree lighting ceremony on Wednesday, Dec 2. The evening will feature live music by favorites Kal David, Lauri Bono and the Real Deal, performances by Rancho Mirage High School Performing Arts Choir, Jeri Lynn’s JOYLOVE Carolers, holiday giveaways, appearances from the Mayor and City Council, visits from Santa, and much more! Hot chocolate, cider and cookies will be available at this family friendly event.
There is so much going on at The River in Rancho Mirage throughout the holidays and into the spring that I implore you to look over the schedule for yourself and at some point throughout all of the hustle of the season take the time to treat yourself to a great time.
You can keep tabs on the schedule of upcoming events at The River on their website: www.theriveratranchomirage.com/entertainment
CASUAL ENTERTAINMENT
Nov 14 – MILTON MERLOS
Nov 21 – JOE BALDINO
Nov 27 – JOE BALDINO
Dec 5 – SERGIO – Guitar Duo
Dec 12 – JOHN CAREY TRIO
Dec 25 – SERGIO – Guitar Duo
Dec 26 – PENNY UNNIVERSITY
Jan 1 – GISELLE WOO
Jan 2 – MICHAEL KEETH BAND
Jan 9 – JOE BALDINO
Jan 15 – THE SMOOTH BROTHERS
Jan 16 – MICHAEL KEETH BAND
Jan 30 – SERGIO – Guitar Duo
Feb 6 – JOHN CAREY TRIO
Feb 12 – PENNY UNNIVERSITY
Feb 13 – MICHAEL KEETH BAND
Feb 27 – SERGIO – Guitar Duo
Mar 5 – MICHAEL KEETH BAND
Mar 19 – COURTNEY CHAMBERS
Mar 25 – JOE BALDINO
Mar 26 – GISELLE WOO
Apr 2 – MICHAEL KEETH BAND
Apr 9 – COURTNEY CHAMBERS
Apr 23 – SERGIO -Guitar Duo
Apr 30 THE SMOOTH BROTHERS
THE RIVER at RANCHO MIRAGE Monthly Music Showcase.
5PM-8PM. HOSTED by jimi FITZ Fitzgerald
Saturday, November 28
“WILL DONATO and FRIENDS”
Wednesday, December 2 – TREE LIGHTING EVENT
Starring “KAL DAVID, LAURI BONO and THE REAL DEAL”
RANCHO MIRAGE HIGH SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS CHOIR
SANTA and CAROLERS
Saturday, December 19
“JOHN STANLEY KING BAND” (A mix of holiday music and his favorite hits)
SANTA and CAROLERS
Saturday, January 23
“STEVE MADAIO and FRIENDS”
Saturday, February 20
“ZEN ROBBI” – Unplugged
Saturday, March 12
“COURTNEY CHAMBERS”
Saturday, April 16
“THE GAND BAND”
Entertainers interested in performing at the River should call:
jimi FITZ Fitzgerald
Wendy Jayne Productions Inc.
Studio/Office-949-553-0509
Cell – 760-861-2076
