By Patte Purcell
I’m often asked where to go in the desert for good jazz so I thought I’d give you a few suggestions.
If you’re interested in a dynamic show with some dancing check out Will Donato and the Art of Sax. They play every Friday and Saturday night at the Hyatt Regency in Indian Wells from 8- midnight. Although it’s technically more R&B than jazz, its great dance music served up by one of the desert’s most beloved entertainers, saxman Will Donato.
Slim Man does a great solo show with standards and some Slim songs every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday with his Vino with Dino show at LaRue Wine Bar in La Quinta.
For some of the best jazz check out Vicky’s of Sante Fe. They have a 7 day a week schedule including a Jazz jam and some great artists including John Stanley King and band (Fridays and Sundays), Mike Costley, (Mondays and Tuesdays), Barry Minniefield (Wednesdays), Rose Mallet, Kal David, Caroline Martinez Trio, and more. Check their website for details. www.vickysofsantafe.com
Of course the iconic Melvyn’s Jazz Jam takes place every Sunday afternoon from 3:30-7:30 hosted by Mikael Healey in Palm Springs at the Ingleside Inn.
Mikole Kaar does his jam every Wednesday night at Oscars in Palm Springs. Also, Thursdays with Mikole Kaar and Darci Daniels at Nicolino’s from 6:30- 9:30.
The Purple Room in Palm Springs is another spot for great jazz. Rose Mallet performs every Tuesday 6:30 to 9:30 and Sharon Sills on Thursdays from 6:30 to 9:30. Check out their schedule at www.purpleroompalmsprings.com
Gina Carey is at Fisherman’s Grotto in Palm Desert on Fridays from 6-9 and Rancho Las Palmas on Saturdays from 6-10.
John Carey and the Smooth Brothers are at the new Big Rock in Indio from 8-11 Wednesdays. They are at Shanghai Reds in Palm Springs from 7-10 on Thursdays, Friday and Saturdays at Fisherman’s in La Quinta and Sundays at the Palm Desert Fisherman’s location.
Shanghai Reds in Palm Springs offers jazz and blues from Wednesday through Sunday.
Fisherman’s Grotto in Palm Desert offers jazz and blues Wednesday through Sunday (their sister store in La Quinta also offers live music Wednesday through Sunday).
Keisha D does a late show ‘Speakeasy’ at Dish in Palm Springs every Saturday night beginning at 10 pm.
Joe Baldino does his multiple guitar show at Two Bunch Palms in Desert Hot Springs every Thursday from 6-9.
Eve Holmes does her thing at the Retro Room in Palm Springs Friday nights from 7-10. She also has guest artists.
Woody’s Palm House in Palm Springs also has a great variety of live jazz nightly 7 days a week from 6:30 to 10:30 with some of the desert’s best.
Although this is not a complete listing, it will give you some of the highlights for live jazz, R&B, and standards. I’ll be compiling more as we get into season. Enjoy the amazing talent we have here in the desert. Happy Holidays!
Patte Purcell – Muze Muzic
pattepurcell@yahoo.com
1-702-219-6777
