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

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

Jean-Yves Thibaudet!

March 11, 2025 – Maestro St. Clair takes a bow.

Music Director Carl St. Clair led the Pacific Symphony tonight in an exciting concert at the McCallum Theatre. It began with an energetic rendition of Beethoven’s Egmont Overture and concluded with the great composer’s uplifting Symphony No. 7. In between, celebrated French pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet delivered a virtuosic performance of Camille Saint-Saëns’ exotic Piano Concerto No. 5, “Egyptian.”

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.