Posted on by James Kampas

The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens

Nov. 20, 2025 - Giraffes and Ostrich
Three Chuckwallas
Bennett’s Wallaby
Patas Monkeys Maisha and Naledi
Nov. 20, 2025 - Turkey Vulture at The Living Desert.
Cheetah at The Living Desert

Nestled against the dramatic backdrop of the Santa Rosa Mountains in the Coachella Valley, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a unique 1,200-acre sanctuary dedicated exclusively to the preservation and appreciation of the world’s desert ecosystems. Far more than a traditional zoo, this immersive park blends meticulously curated botanical gardens with spacious naturalistic habitats, showcasing flora and fauna from the deserts of North America, Africa, and Australia, including cheetahs, giraffes, and Bennett’s wallabies. Visitors can explore geographic replicas of the Mojave and Sonoran deserts, wander through extensive hiking trails, and engage with active conservation efforts like the “Headstarting Desert Tortoise Hatchlings” program. The Living Desert is a premier destination for understanding the delicate beauty and resilience of desert life.

Posted on by James Kampas

Billy Bob Thornton the Musician

We wanted something fun for Friday night, so we bought cheap, balcony tickets to see actor Billy Bob Thornton (of Sling Blade and Bad Santa fame) and his rock band, The Boxmasters, at The Show in Rancho Mirage. The stories he told throughout the evening and his clear musicianship made it evident that his passion for music predates his acting career. Their sound was a blend of rock ‘n’ roll, rockabilly, country rock, and blues, featuring all original music, and every band member performed exceptionally well.

Fran Moran and the Nervous Wrecks served as a very energetic opening band, delivering dynamic covers of Joe Jackson’s “Is She Really Going Out With Him?” and Cheap Trick’s “I Want You to Want Me.”

Posted on by James Kampas

Complexions Contemporary Ballet

McCallum Theatre Program with members of Complexions Contemporary Ballet on the front cover.
Close up of Complexions Contemporary Ballet dancers taking a bow.
Wide shot of Complexions Contemporary Ballet dancers taking a bow.

Complexions Contemporary Ballet delivered a brilliant performance last night at the McCallum Theatre. The first half of the program showcased a diverse repertoire of five works, including the poignant “Deeply,” set to Estonian composer Arvo Pärt’s “Spiegel im Spiegel.” The entire second half, titled “Love Rocks,” featured choreography set to the music of Grammy-winner Lenny Kravitz. The high-energy finale got the audience on their feet!

Complexions Ballet is a prominent American dance company based in New York City, renowned for its innovative fusion of classical ballet and contemporary styles, and celebrated for its diversity, athleticism, and expressive choreography. Founding Co-Artistic Directors Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson are both alumni of the illustrious Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, a company that I have enjoyed seeing numerous times over the years.

Posted on by James Kampas · 2 Comments

Muir Woods: California’s Living Biosphere

Muir Woods National Monument
Muir Woods National Monument
Muir Woods National Monument

Just a short drive across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, you can step into a world of giants at Muir Woods National Monument. This is one of the last remaining old-growth coastal redwood forests, and it’s a truly spectacular place to discover these towering trees.

Named for the legendary naturalist John Muir, the monument was protected back in 1908 thanks to his dedicated work. As you walk the peaceful, easy-to-navigate boardwalks, you’re surrounded by massive trees—some over a thousand years old and stretching more than 250 feet high. The cool, shaded forest offers a refreshing escape, even on a warm day, providing plenty of spots to stop and gaze up in awe at the sheer scale of the redwoods.

More than just a U.S. treasure, Muir Woods is also recognized as an International Biosphere Reserve, a testament to its unique and irreplaceable ecosystem. It’s an unforgettable and convenient way to connect with one of California’s most iconic natural landmarks.

Posted on by James Kampas

Young the Giant at Pappy & Harriet’s

September 10, 2025 – Young the Giant performs “Cough Syrup.”

Last night, my daughter and I had a great time at the legendary Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace, where we saw the alternative rock band Young the Giant. This was my second time seeing them, and both times were amazing. Being outdoors under the desert stars made the evening truly magical.

Pappy & Harriet’s is a classic roadhouse-style venue—part bar, part restaurant, and part live music venue. Tucked away in the remote Mojave Desert town of Pioneertown (just outside Joshua Tree), its rustic stage has hosted a remarkable list of legends, including Paul McCartney, Robert Plant, Arctic Monkeys, Queens of the Stone Age, and Patti Smith. British new wave band The Fixx was performing on the inside stage later in the evening.

Posted on by James Kampas · 4 Comments

Jack London State Historic Park

House of Happy Walls Museum at the Jack London State Historic Park.
Jack and Charmian London Gravesite at the Jack London State Historic Park
Wolf House Ruins at the Jack London State Historic Park
House of Happy Walls Museum at the Jack London State Historic Park

When I was in my early teens, I read Jack London’s books The Call of the Wild and White Fang, and I’ve admired him ever since for his fierce love of adventure and his early passion for nature conservation. Visiting Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen, California, brought that admiration full circle, as I explored the places most connected to his life and legacy.

The House of Happy Walls Museum, built by his wife Charmian after his death, offers a vivid glimpse into Jack’s world through books, photographs, and artifacts from his travels. Nearby, the haunting stone ruins of Wolf House stand as a powerful reminder of London’s grand vision—a 26-room mansion that tragically burned before he could move in. Finally, a quiet walk through the woods leads to his simple gravesite, a peaceful resting place beneath the trees of the land he loved.

Jack London State Historic Park was not originally part of our plans, but after visiting, I’m happy we did.

Posted on by James Kampas

Mozart’s Requiem at the Hollywood Bowl

Sept. 4, 2025 - LA Philharmonic and LA Master Chorale on stage.
Sept. 4, 2025 – The LA Philharmonic and LA Master Chorale.

Last night’s concert at the Hollywood Bowl was an unforgettable evening. The Los Angeles Philharmonic, led by guest conductor James Gaffigan, delivered an awe-inspiring performance of Mozart‘s “Requiem in D Minor,” featuring the celebrated Los Angeles Master Chorale. The first half of the program was also impressive, with a new LA Phil commission by Ellen Reid titled “Body Cosmic” followed by Brahms‘s moving “Schicksalslied” (Song of Destiny). It’s a truly amazing venue for a concert under the stars, and it brought back great memories of my summer working there back in 1993. Nights like these are what make the Hollywood Bowl so special.

Posted on by James Kampas · 2 Comments

San Francisco Botanical Garden

Visiting the San Francisco Botanical Garden is always a highlight when we’re in the City, and this time we arrived early on a chilly Saturday morning, before the crowds and with the bonus of free admission (daily from 7:30 am until 9:00 am). The garden felt freshly awakened, with dew shimmering on the leaves and the air scented with damp earth and blossoms. We wandered past moss-covered stone walls, paused by ponds glowing green beneath the canopy, and lingered in hidden corners where streams murmured over rocks. With few visitors around, it felt like we had the gardens to ourselves.

Posted on by James Kampas

California’s Beautiful Sonoma Coast

Drive on Highway 1 along the Sonoma Coast
Drive on Highway 1 along the Sonoma Coast
Drive on Highway 1 along the Sonoma Coast

Our recent drive from Bodega Bay (the setting of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1963 thriller “The Birds”) to Jenner Headlands Preserve was an unforgettable journey along Northern California’s Sonoma Coast, unveiling some of its most breathtaking scenery. Winding Highway 1 revealed dramatic vistas at every turn: rugged cliffs plunging into the Pacific, waves crashing against rocky beaches, and sea stacks rising through the mist. This stretch of coastline embodies the raw, untamed beauty of Sonoma — a landscape that leaves a lasting impression.

Posted on by James Kampas

Palm Springs Air Museum

Palm Springs Air Museum - McDonnell Douglas FA-18 Hornet
Palm Springs Air Museum - General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon
Palm Springs Air Museum - Cessna O-2 Skymaster
Palm Springs Air Museum Entrance

Our morning bike rides often take us past the Palm Springs Air Museum, where vintage warbirds stand proudly under the desert sun. It’s a striking sight—sleek fighter jets and classic WWII aircraft framed by palm trees against the backdrop of the rugged San Jacinto Mountains. Located near the Palm Springs Airport, the 91,000-square-foot museum showcases military aircraft from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Many of the planes remain flight-ready and are displayed alongside exhibits and tributes to veterans, making it a distinctive stop for aviation and history enthusiasts.

Posted on by James Kampas

The Centuries Rock the Cascade Lounge

July 23, 2025 – Playing “Crazy Baby” by the Rockin’ R’s.

Last night in the intimate Cascade Lounge at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs, the Los Angeles–based rockabilly trio The Centuries played an energetic 90-minute set as part of the Desert Blues Revival series held there every Wednesday. The Centuries—who have been performing at venues and music festivals across the U.S. and Europe since 2011—brought their signature high-energy show, mixing rockabilly and rock & roll covers with original songs written by the band. Given the midsummer heat, the crowd wasn’t as large as it could have been, but everyone there seemed to be having a good time. We sure did!

Posted on by James Kampas

Koroneburg Renaissance Festival

June 1, 2025 - Koroneburg Renaissance Festival.
June 1, 2025 - Koroneburg Renaissance Festival.
June 1, 2025 - Koroneburg Renaissance Festival.
June 1, 2025 - Koroneburg Renaissance Festival.
June 1, 2025 - Koroneburg Renaissance Festival.
June 1, 2025 - Koroneburg Renaissance Festival.
June 1, 2025 - Koroneburg Renaissance Festival.

We had a fun time yesterday at the Koroneburg Renaissance Festival in Eastvale, CA, about 80 miles from Palm Springs. Unlike most tent-filled faires, Koroneburg is Southern California’s only permanently built Renaissance village. Visitors can wander past real half-timbered houses, a working blacksmith shop, and a stone-front tavern that feels straight out of 16th-century Germany. Costumed characters roam the streets, interactive shows pop up at every turn, and the whole place feels like stepping into a storybook. We sipped cold ale, munched on sausages, and soaked up the festive atmosphere like merry revelers of old.

Click here to watch a video of the Imperial Knights being introduced before the joust.

Posted on by James Kampas

My Kicks on Route 66

May 11, 2025 - Roy’s Motel and Café on historic Route 66.
May 11, 2025 – Roy’s on historic Route 66.

Any time we drive between Palm Springs and Las Vegas, we pass Roy’s Motel and Café on historic Route 66 in Amboy, California—a haunting icon of mid-century Americana. Set against the stark beauty of the Mojave Desert, Roy’s stands like a time capsule from the golden age of road travel, its bold neon sign and weathered buildings evoking the heyday of the Mother Road. Roy’s is a living monument to America’s romance with the open road.

Posted on by James Kampas

Mitchell Caverns

May 11, 2025 - Entrance to Mitchell Caverns.
May 11, 2025 - Inside Mitchell Caverns.
May 11, 2025 - Pathway through Mitchell Caverns.

Mitchell Caverns, tucked away in the isolated Providence Mountains within the Mojave Desert, is the only limestone cave system in the California State Parks. Situated at an elevation of 4,300 feet, it features two primary caves—El Pakiva (“The Devil’s House”) and Tecopa, named for a Shoshonean chief—connected by a man-made tunnel. Access is limited to guided tours led by California State Park rangers. Though pretty remote, it was conveniently located along our route home from Laughlin. We had advance reservations for the two-hour tour, and the $20 fee was well justified.

Posted on by James Kampas

Missing MTT

Feb. 15, 2025 - San Diego Symphony at Jacobs Music Center
Feb. 15, 2025 – San Diego Symphony at Jacobs Music Center.

On Saturday night, we attended the San Diego Symphony’s concert at the newly renovated Jacobs Music Center. Unfortunately, scheduled guest conductor Michael Tilson Thomas had to cancel. I was disappointed to miss him conducting his own composition, “Street Song” (for Symphonic Brass). Teddy Abrams, Music Director of the Louisville Orchestra, stepped in as his replacement. Rachmaninoff’s “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini” and Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 1” were also on the program.

Posted on by James Kampas

Summer at Big Bear Lake

July 21, 2024 - View from our Lagonita Lodge room.
July 21, 2024 – View from Lagonita Lodge room.

Big Bear Lake is about a 2-hour drive from Palm Springs, and it’s nice to come up here for a few days to get away from the desert heat. It’s hot today, but you can still go outside and enjoy nature. Big Bear is a charming mountain community with plenty of good restaurants and places to get a drink.

Posted on by James Kampas

Whale Watching

Music: Benjamin Britten’s “Four Sea Interludes.”

Went whale watching yesterday morning off the coast of Dana Point, but didn’t see any whales. We did, however, come across a huge pod of bottlenose dolphins (probably 100+) that seemed to enjoy showing off.

Posted on by James Kampas

Michelle DeYoung Sings Mahler

Oct. 17, 2021 – Mezzo-soprano Michelle DeYoung sings “Ich hab’ ein glühend Messer.”

Grammy-winning mezzo-soprano Michelle DeYoung delivered an exquisite performance of Mahler’s song cycle “Songs of a Wayfarer” tonight at the Rady Shell. The San Diego Symphony, conducted by Music Director Rafael Payare, began the evening with Lili Boulanger’s “D’un soir triste” and concluded with Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 5.”

Posted on by James Kampas

Mule Deer Sightings at Big Morongo

Aug. 12, 2021 - Mule deer spotting at Big Morongo.
Aug. 12, 2021 – Mule deer spotting at Big Morongo.

We spent a peaceful morning exploring the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve and were lucky enough to spot a small group of mule deer moving quietly through the brush. The air was cool, the trails shaded by cottonwoods and mesquite, and birdsong echoed through the canyon like a gentle soundtrack. It’s always a treat to see wildlife up close, especially these graceful desert dwellers with their oversized ears and calm, watchful presence. The preserve never disappoints — it’s a little oasis of life and quiet beauty in the heart of the desert.

Posted on by James Kampas

Handel’s Glorious Messiah

Handel's Glorious Messiah
Dec. 9, 2018 – Pacific Symphony and Pacific Chorale perform Handel’s “Messiah.”

This afternoon, the Segerstrom Center for the Arts resonated with the soaring sounds of Handel’s Messiah, a cherished holiday tradition. This inspiring performance brought together the acclaimed Pacific Symphony and the Pacific Chorale under the baton of conductor Christopher Warren-Green. The stellar cast of soloists included soprano Julie Roset, countertenor Lawrence Zazzo, tenor David Walton, and bass Joshua Conyers, each delivering stirring renditions of Handel’s timeless score. From the jubilant “Hallelujah” chorus to the poignant arias, the performance reminded the audience why Messiah remains a beloved seasonal masterpiece year after year.

Posted on by James Kampas

San Francisco Ballet at Stern Grove

July 30, 2018 - Poise and strength in motion—San Francisco Ballet at Stern Grove.
July 30, 2018 - San Francisco Ballet dancers in perfect harmony.
July 30, 2018 - San Francisco Ballet dancers in a graceful moment.
July 30, 2018 - San Francisco Ballet after Balanchine’s "Serenade."

This afternoon, we attended the Stern Grove Festival to see the San Francisco Ballet perform, and it was an amazing experience! The program featured stunning pieces like Balanchine’s Serenade, Justin Peck’s Rodeo: Four Dance Episodes, and a captivating pas de deux from Don Quixote. The dancers were excellent, and the live orchestra truly enhanced the atmosphere. It was so impressive to see such a high-quality performance offered for free in such a casual outdoor setting. Stern Grove really delivered that day, making for an unforgettable afternoon.

Posted on by James Kampas

Mission San Juan Capistrano

May 21, 2017 - Mission San Juan Capistrano
May 21, 2017 – Ruins of the Great Stone Church.

Tucked amid the bougainvillea and terra cotta rooftops of coastal Orange County, Mission San Juan Capistrano offers a serene glimpse into California’s layered past. Founded in 1776 by Spanish Franciscans, it’s often called the “Jewel of the Missions” and is famed for the annual return of its cliff swallows each spring—a tradition that draws visitors and locals alike.

May 21, 2017 - Mission San Juan Capistrano.
May 21, 2017 – Mission San Juan Capistrano Museum.
May 21, 2017 - Mission San Juan Capistrano.
May 21, 2017 – Ruins of the Great Stone Church.
May 21, 2017 - Mission San Juan Capistrano
May 21, 2017 – Serra’s Chapel.

Posted on by James Kampas

Simon Rattle & The Berlin Philharmonic

Nov. 20, 2016 - The Berlin Philharmonic at the Segerstrom.
Nov. 20, 2016 - Maestro Simon Rattle takes a bow.

Last night, I experienced a truly unforgettable concert: the illustrious Berlin Philharmonic with the legendary conductor Simon Rattle at Segerstrom Hall. The evening was a masterclass in contrast. The first half featured modernist works by Webern, Schoenberg, and Berg — intensely strange, yet hauntingly beautiful. After intermission, the mood shifted dramatically with Brahms’s Second Symphony, overflowing with warmth and serenity. The stark contrast between the two halves was striking, but under Rattle’s direction, it all felt cohesive. What a thrill to finally see this great conductor and orchestra — I walked out of the hall absolutely elated.

Posted on by James Kampas

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park
March 4, 2011 – Joshua Tree National Park.

Joshua Tree National Park is an incredible place to hike and camp, with massive boulders scattered across the landscape just begging to be climbed. The distinctive Joshua trees add striking color and texture to the desert scenery, giving the park its otherworldly charm. On one visit, I even spotted a coyote strolling casually down the road, completely unfazed—a perfect reminder of the wildness that still thrives out there.

Posted on by James Kampas · 2 Comments

The La Brea Tar Pits

La Brea Tar Pits
March 4, 2011 – Columbian Mammoths in the La Brea Tar Pits.

LACMA was closed when we went there on Wednesday, but there are interesting things to look at on the museum grounds, including the La Brea Tar Pits.

The La Brea Tar Pits are one of the world’s most famous Ice Age fossil sites, where natural asphalt has bubbled up from the ground for tens of thousands of years. Over time, the sticky tar trapped animals like mammoths, saber-toothed cats, dire wolves, and even ancient camels—preserving their bones in incredible detail. Visitors can explore active excavation sites, see fossils up close at the Page Museum, and stroll past life-sized replicas of prehistoric creatures caught in the tar. It’s a fascinating mashup of science, history, and a little bit of Hollywood drama right in the middle of L.A.