Posted on by James Kampas

Christmas in Vienna (in the Desert)

The Vienna Boys Choir at The McCallum Theatre
Nov. 22, 2025 – The Vienna Boys Choir at The McCallum Theatre.

Tonight felt like the true beginning of the holidays for me. The Vienna Boys Choir performed a program titled Christmas in Vienna at the McCallum Theatre. It included a mixture of classical works by Brahms, Pergolesi, Bruckner, and Mozart, alongside recognizable carols like “Silent Night” (sung with lights dimmed and each boy holding a candle), “Little Drummer Boy,” and “O Tannenbaum.” It was a truly mesmerizing concert.

It is easy to see why this group is so legendary. The Vienna Boys Choir is one of the world’s most famous and historic choral ensembles, made up of boys aged 10 to 14, trained in the rich tradition of Austrian sacred and classical music. Founded in 1498, the choir is known for its pure, bell-like sound and its close association with composers like Mozart, Haydn, and Schubert, whose works helped define its legacy. Today, the boys live and study at the Palais Augarten in Vienna and travel the globe performing everything from Renaissance polyphony to modern pieces.

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

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

CV Link Bridges Communities

May 25, 2025 - CV Link at El Cielo Road.
May 25, 2025 – At El Cielo Road in Palm Springs.

CV Link is a multi-use pathway in the Coachella Valley, designed for walkers, cyclists, and low-speed electric vehicles. Once construction wraps up—currently projected for this fall—it will extend more than 40 miles, linking Palm Springs to Coachella with much of the route following the Whitewater River wash. The trail will offer a safe, scenic, and eco-friendly way to travel while promoting outdoor recreation and connecting communities across the Valley. We’ve been enjoying the open sections on our e-bikes and can’t wait for the entire route to be completed.

Posted on by James Kampas

Ravens on the Attack

As we passed the Cimarron Golf Course this morning on the CV Link bike path, we saw a healthy-looking coyote being harassed by two ravens. Ravens are highly territorial, and these two were no exception. The coyote seemed unbothered at first, casually trotting along, but eventually turned back to look, clearly aware, yet unfazed. Whether they were protecting a nest or simply asserting dominance, the ravens were relentless. PROJECT COYOTE

Posted on by James Kampas

Palm Springs Public Art

May 14, 2025 - Sculptures by David Černý.
May 14, 2025 – Sculptures by David Černý.

You never know where you’ll encounter art when walking around downtown Palm Springs. Two large sculptures by renowned Czech artist David Černý are affixed to the side of the Rowan Palm Springs Hotel (if you’ve ever visited Prague, you’ve likely seen more of Černý’s work there). Meat is a 17-foot-tall classic red car, reminiscent of a Porsche, with a body stylized to resemble a slab of raw meat. The other, from his Babies series, is intentionally ambiguous and surreal. I can’t say exactly what the artist means by these two pieces, but they’re certainly thought-provoking.

Posted on by James Kampas

Desert Jam 2025, Indio

May 3, 2025 – Fatso Jetson playing “Dream Homes.”

Fatso Jetson headlined Desert Jam 2025 last night at Little Street Music Hall in Indio, topping a five-band lineup. Hailing from Palm Desert, they’re widely credited as pioneers of the desert rock scene, blending stoner rock with punk, surf, jazz, and psychedelic influences into a sound all their own. I was especially excited to catch The Pandoras, who had reunited with three of their original members. Other bands on the bill included Salton City Surf Club, Paradise Vultures, and Bombshelter Alley. Desert Jam 2025 is a 3-day festival taking place this weekend across multiple venues throughout the Southern California desert.

Posted on by James Kampas

Coachella Valley Symphony

April 25, 2025 – CV Symphony plays Beethoven’s “Coriolan Overture.”

The Coachella Valley Symphony is an impressive, community-driven orchestra made up of professional musicians, talented amateurs, and dedicated volunteers who all come together for the love of music. Their final concert of the season, held last night at the McCallum Theatre, was a lot of fun. The program, titled “Best of Stage & Screen,” featured recognizable pieces from movies, with a few classical gems mixed in for good measure.

Posted on by James Kampas

Palm Springs “Neighbors”

April 3, 2025 - "Neighbors" art installation by John Cerney.
April 3, 2025 – “Neighbors” art installation.

“Neighbors” is a whimsical public art installation by California muralist John Cerney. It features five 12-foot-tall cutouts of Hollywood icons who once lived in Palm Springs—Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Marilyn Monroe, Liberace, and Sammy Davis Jr. Inspired by celebrity house tours, Cerney imagined these stars in everyday moments, like collecting their mail. It’s a fun, larger-than-life tribute to the city’s glamorous past.

Posted on by James Kampas

Desert X Returns

March 18, 2025 - "Soul Service Station" by Alison Saar.
March 18, 2025 – “Soul Service Station” installation by artist Alison Saar.

Desert X 2025 is a site-specific international art exhibition held at different locations across the Coachella Valley. It features eleven installations by artists from Asia, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East. The exhibition explores themes such as Indigenous futurism, design activism, and the impact of human intervention on the desert landscape. Desert X 2025 continues through May 11.

Posted on by James Kampas

Music in the Gardens

"Music in the Garden" at Sunnylands.
March 2, 2025 – The Reed Brothers performing with John Malcolm Penn.

Every Sunday in March, Sunnylands offers free concerts to the public. It is located in Rancho Mirage and just a short bike ride from home. Sunnylands is a historic 200-acre estate, once the winter retreat of Walter and Leonore Annenberg. Known as the “Camp David of the West,” it’s hosted numerous prominent figures, including presidents and world leaders.

Posted on by James Kampas

The Royal Philharmonic Rules!

Jan. 12, 2022 – Vasily Petrenko and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, led by the dynamic conductor Vasily Petrenko, delivered a thrilling evening tonight at the McCallum Theatre. The program opened with Britten’s Four Sea Interludes, vividly capturing the drama of the sea. Pianist Olga Kern, renowned for her dazzling technique and charismatic stage presence, captivated the audience in Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A Minor, blending power with poetic finesse. Elgar’s Enigma Variations closed the night with emotional depth and grandeur. A world-class performance in an intimate desert setting.

Posted on by James Kampas

Hanging in The Hood

June 1, 2019 – Thrash metal band “Instigator.”

I was in the mood for something loud last night, so I headed over to The Hood Bar and Pizza in Palm Desert to check out a few local bands that were playing. I arrived in time to see thrash metal band Instigator deliver a hard-driving set that got everyone motivated and ready to party. After that, theatrical industrial punk band Sticky Doll took the stage and put on an unforgettable show that combined punk music with performance art. I had a great time and look forward to my next adventure at The Hood.

Posted on by James Kampas

Desert Wildlife

Oct. 19, 2018 – Red-tailed hawk.

This Hawk likes drinking water from the fountain. Red-tailed Hawks are incredibly adaptable—they thrive in wild desert, suburban neighborhoods, and even golf courses (which the Coachella Valley has plenty of). They’re monogamous and often return to the same nest year after year.

Posted on by James Kampas

A Magical Evening with Riccardo Muti and the Chicago Symphony

Oct. 19, 2017 - Riccardo Muti and the Chicago Symphony.
Oct. 19, 2017 – Riccardo Muti and the Chicago Symphony.

What a pleasure to hear Maestro Riccardo Muti and the incomparable Chicago Symphony Orchestra last night at the McCallum Theatre. Having seen them several times during my years in Chicago—always at the magnificent Symphony Center—it was a treat to reconnect with this extraordinary ensemble here in the desert. The program offered a beautifully balanced trio of works: Schubert’s mysterious “Unfinished” Symphony, Mozart’s sublime Clarinet Concerto, and Schumann’s radiant Second Symphony. Principal clarinetist Stephen Williamson played the Mozart with elegance and warmth.

Posted on by James Kampas

An Evening with Lang Lang

March 27, 2015 - Lang Lang at the McCallum Theatre.
March 27, 2015 – Lang Lang at the McCallum Theatre.

Last night, I had the thrilling opportunity to see the celebrated Chinese pianist Lang Lang perform at the McCallum Theatre. His performance was nothing short of impressive; his playing was bold, confident, and bursting with energy, making it clear why he’s an international sensation. While a few moments leaned into his signature showmanship, his extraordinary talent was undeniable. It was a truly memorable night and a privilege to experience his artistry live.