After spending Friday in Las Vegas, we headed down to Laughlin, NV to see Southern rockers The Marshall Tucker Band perform Saturday night at The Edge Pavilion. Aside from a few songs that had gotten radio play, I wasn’t familiar with most of their music. What surprised me was how seamlessly they blended genres—rock, country, jazz, and blues. All in all, it was a fun night on the Colorado River.
Desert Jam 2025, Indio
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.
Tribute to Led Zeppelin
The Show at Aqua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage is a modern 2,000+ seat concert venue that brings a wide range of entertainment to the Coachella Valley. It’s only about 5 miles from home, so it’s easy to get there, and ticket prices are usually inexpensive. Friday night, Zeppelin USA paid tribute to rock legends Led Zeppelin, and we were there to rock out and enjoy the evening.
“One Vision of Queen”
Tribute bands are frequent entertainment at local casinos; some are better than others. “One Vision of Queen” featuring Marc Martel, at The Show was one of the good ones. Martel didn’t try to imitate Freddie Mercury, but he sounded like him and delivered the songs with enough talent and passion to make a really enjoyable show.
Hanging in The Hood
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.
Fitz and the Tantrums
After a sun-soaked Saturday at the CareerBuilder Challenge golf tournament in La Quinta, the energy didn’t fade with the final putt. As twilight settled over the desert, Los Angeles-based indie-pop sensation Fitz and the Tantrums hit the stage and jolted the crowd back to life. Their high-voltage set kept fans dancing well into the evening. It was a full day of golf, sunshine, and music.
Young the Giant in Chicago
I had an amazing time at a private show by alternative rockers Young the Giant in a cozy space above the legendary music venue Metro Chicago. Meeting charismatic lead singer Sameer Gadhia in the green room afterward made the experience even more special. His family has a rich musical background, with his grandmother being a professional singer and his father playing classical Indian instruments.
Iggy Pop at Riotfest 2012
It was so cool seeing headliner Iggy Pop at Riot Fest 2012 last night! It’s the second time I’ve seen him perform—the first was at the intimate Numbers Nightclub in Houston, TX, on February 28, 1983. Riotfest is a three-day celebration of punk, rock, alternative, metal, and hip-hop, held annually in Chicago’s Douglass Park. This year’s Sunday lineup included Elvis Costello & The Imposters, NOFX, Less Than Jake, The Jesus and Mary Chain, and other great punk and alternative bands.
Kampas Life 