Tipsy Onstage
An iconic 1999 film will come to life … with the help of booze! At 7 p.m., Friday, June 5, catch American Pie: A Live Shadow Cast Experience at Spirit Animal, at 150 S. Indian Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs. The raunchy teen comedy that became a huge cultural moment will be brought to life with the help of a shadow cast—meaning that as the film plays, actors will be acting out scenes, improvising and interacting with the audience … and some of the performers will be “actively inebriated.” That is why this event is the latest in what is called The Sloshed Series. The show is 21+, and tickets start at $44.52, which include two drinks. For tickets and more information, visit the Eventbrite link. —Matt King
Calm Chaos
Easy-going yacht-rock vibes will collide with complex, prog rock adventures. At 7:30 p.m., Friday, June 5, ’70s/’80s act Ambrosia will share both chill and chaotic chart-topping gems at the Plaza Theatre, at 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs. Yacht rock—a term used to describe those smooth rock sounds from the era (think Toto or Steely Dan)—meets prog rock—a genre filled with time changes, moving musical parts and lengthy songs (think King Crimson or Yes). Hear how these two different musical worlds have come together throughout Ambrosia’s career, as they share sounds from the band’s varied eras. Tickets start at $76.50. For tickets and more information, visit www.palmspringsplazatheatre.com. —Matt King
Youthful Scribes
Watch as the next generation of writers’ creative visions become reality! At noon, Sunday, June 7, the annual Palm Springs Young Playwrights Festival will take place at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, at 2300 E. Baristo Road. Every year, playwrights from Riverside County schools can compete to have their works produced on a stage, featuring acting performances from industry professionals, and direction by accomplished directors. This year’s will feature works from Valley View High School, Canyon Springs High School and Martin Luther King High School. You could very well see a play by a future star of the entertainment industry! Tickets are $10. For tickets and more information, visit psypf.org. —Matt King
A Coachella Valley Family Story
Lee F. Simmons served Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon and Ford aboard Air Force One from 1953 to 1977. After leaving Air Force One, Simmons relocated to the Coachella Valley to work with President Ford in Rancho Mirage. His son, former Coachella Valley resident and Indio High School graduate Victor Simmons, is returning to Palm Springs at 6 p.m., Wednesday, June 10, for the launch of his new children’s book, The Lee F. Simmons Story: America’s First African-American Air Force One Steward, at the Avalon Hotel and Bungalows, at 415 S. Belardo Road, in Palm Springs. Victor Simmons describes the book as both a tribute to his father and a broader reflection on perseverance, service and family legacy. On June 10, there will be a presentation, book-signings, cocktails and light bites, with signed copies of the book available for purchase. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of the Coachella Valley. Admission is free; reserve a spot and learn more via Eventbrite.
Flashback to 1976
In the 1970s, films were made to be shown on the big screen, not on phones. This summer, the Palm Springs Public Library, Deserted Films and the Palm Springs Cultural Center are celebrating that nostalgic experience with the film series “Where Were You in 1976?” a five-film series tied to America’s 250th birthday celebration. It begins at 6 p.m., Thursday, June 11, with Frank Pierson’s A Star Is Born. Seeing Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson on the giant screen offers a reminder of why we go to the movies. Other films in the series include The Bad News Bears, Escape to Witch Mountain, Assault on Precinct 13 and Nashville. General admission tickets are $15. For a complete list of films or to buy tickets, visit the Eventbrite page. —Charles Drabkin
Galleries on Wheels
Palm Springs has a new citywide celebration of arts and culture, XOXO Palm Springs, designed to bring together residents, visitors and artists. One event during the 12-day celebration is the Truck Stop Art Fair, which takes place from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, June 12 and 13, at Museum Way and Belardo Road, near Downtown Park in Palm Springs. During the event, 15 to 20 U-Haul trucks will be transformed into small galleries, each offering its own surprises. Wander from truck to truck, getting a close look at work by local artists including Anne Bedrick, Kathleen Strukoff, Emeline Tate, Terry Hastings and others. Admission is free! Learn more at truckstopartfair.com.
Wine With Pride
Sample sips and bites from LGBTQ+, BIPOC and women owned and/or produced businesses! At 1 p.m., Saturday, June 13, check out the Equality Wine and Food Fest, hosted at the Hyatt Palm Springs, at 285 N. Palm Canyon Drive. Sample from a selection of more than 100 wines, all produced by or from wineries owned by underrepresented groups. Snack on treats from gourmet food providers; chat with wine-industry professionals; and experience some live entertainment. This year’s beneficiaries are the Human Rights Campaign, Brothers of the Desert and the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert. Tickets are $105.54; VIP tickets, which include early access at noon, are $148.04. For tickets and more information, visit equalitywinefest.com. —Matt King
Chaos Comedy
(NOTE: This event has been cancelled.)
If you are a fan of offbeat comedy, Nadya Ginsburg will scratch your itch. The comedian, actor and writer brings her show Feral Fatale to Oscar’s Palm Springs on Saturday, June 13, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and the show at 7 p.m. Ginsburg first broke through as a cast member on the short-lived sketch comedy series Hype, later writing for Joan Rivers’ Fashion Police. Her online series The Madonnalogues helped cement her reputation, as did appearances on shows including RuPaul’s Drag Race and 2 Broke Girls. Expect musical comedy, celebrity chaos and lots of energy. Tickets start at $34.95; learn more and get those tickets here. —Charles Drabkin
Want your event included in 11 Days a Week? Email 11days@cvindependent.com for consideration. Email ads@cvindependent.com for advertising info!
