August is upon us—and that means we’re all looking for ways to cool down, whether you’re on vacation in the beautiful Coachella Valley or own real estate in Indian Wells, La Quinta or one of the other gorgeous desert cities. Read on for a few fun ways to cool down this weekend.
On Friday, August 1 at 7 pm, there will be another fun event at Wet ‘n Wild Palm Springs—Dive-In Movie – Grown Ups 2. This is a great way to spend time with the family and really cool down in this fabulous water park. Entrance to the Dive-in Movies is free with park admission. Wet ‘n Wild Palm Springs stays open until 10 pm.
The wide array of musical performances coming up will be a huge treat for visitors and owners of real estate in Indian Wells, Rancho Mirage and the other desert cities. On Friday at 8 pm, the Fantasy Springs Casino will host a performance by Latin Grammy Award winner Marco Antonio Solis. Boasting a musical career that includes more than 50 million albums sold and over 30 years as a performer, Solis is acclaimed as one of the most influential Latin music singer/songwriters in the world.
On Friday from 9 to 11 pm, The Show at Agua Caliente Casino will feature a performance by Boston. The legendary rock band has sold more than 31 million albums in the United States alone and is renowned for classic hits such as “More Than a Feeling,” “Amanda,” and “Don’t Look Back.”
On Saturday, August 2 at 8 pm, the Spotlight 29 Casino will host Randy Linder / A Celebration of Creedence Clearwater Revival. Considered the premier Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute band, the show is known for its authentic sound, lead guitar style and visual resemblance. Also Saturday at 8 pm, the rock band Daughtry will perform at the Fantasy Springs Casino. The band is fronted by Chris Daughtry, a multi-platinum singer who was a finalist on the fifth season of American Idol.
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Dean Colley
Whether you live in year round, are visiting friends and loved ones or invested in international real estate in Palm Springs and are only here periodically, there are always great recreational and cultural activities to choose from on any given weekend—and this summer is no different!
On Friday, July 25 at 7 pm, Wet ‘n Wild Palm Springs will host another of its popular Dive in Movies! Free with park admission, the whole family can enjoy poolside movies presented after dusk. This week’s screening will be The Lego Movie, an animated feature with Will Arnett, Elizabeth Banks and Alison Brie. Wet ‘n Wild Palm Springs is located at 1500 S. Gene Autry Trail in Palm Springs.
On Saturday, July 26 at 8 pm, the Fantasy Springs Casino will host The Voice Tour, where fans of the ultra-popular television show can watch their favorite contestants perform live. The Fantasy Springs Casino 84-245 Indio Springs Drive in Indio. Also on Saturday at 8 pm, The Show at Agua Caliente Casino will host an iconic evening of music: Replay America with the Go-Go’s. In addition to the world famous girls’ band, the GoGos, there will be performances by Patty Smyth and Scandal, Cutting Crew, Martha Davis & The Motels, and Naked Eyes featuring Peter Byrne. The Show at Agua Caliente Casino is located at 32-250 Bob Hope Drive in Rancho Mirage. This will be an exciting show for locals, visitors and those with their eye on making an international real estate investment in Palm Springs.
Last but not least, another show taking place Saturday at 8 pm is Dean Colley and Hot August Nights / A Celebration of Neil Diamond at the Spotlight 29 Casino. With more than 20 years of experience onstage, this tremendous Neil Diamond tribute is famous across the globe.
On Sunday, July 27 from 2 to 4 pm, the Arthur Newman Theatre will feature a performance by desert cabaret favorite Jerome Elliott in: “Up In Flames.”
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This week is a great time to be in town, whether you’re visiting, own real estate in Palm Desert or are just driving through on the way to another destination. Read on to view the fun slate of activities that are perfect for the whole family to enjoy.
On Thursday, July 3, the Joslyn Senior Center will host an Independence Day Celebration BBQ and Open House from 11:30 am to 2 pm. There will be lively entertainment along with delicious hamburgers and hot dogs courtesy of Emeritus of Rancho Mirage. The Joslyn Center is located at 73-750 Catalina Way in Palm Desert.
On Friday, July 4 from 7:15 to 9:30 pm, there will be an Independence Day Celebration at the Palm Desert Civic Center Park. The event features live music and fireworks, with refreshments available for purchase. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnics and chairs to better enjoy the show. The beautiful 70-acre Palm Desert Civic Center Park and its amazing Aquatic Center is a recreational showpiece with something for everyone in the family to enjoy—it’s an absolute must-see for those considering buying real estate in Palm Desert. For more information, call 760.346.0611.
On Saturday, July 5, the Annenberg Theater will feature Swazzle Inc. presents Dream Carver from noon to 2 pm and again from 3 to 5 pm. This bilingual musical is based on a popular children’s book written by Diana Cohn and illustrated by Amy Cordova. Staged on a set that evokes a pastoral Mexican landscape through a multilevel environment, the musical tells the story of a young boy in Oaxaca named Mateo who brings animals to life from small wooden toys that he carves. The Annenberg Theater is adjacent to the Palm Springs Art Museum, located at Entrada del Paseo at the westernmost intersection of El Paseo and Highway 111. The address is at 72-567 Highway 111 in Palm Desert.
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Whether buyers are seeking a single-family residence, vacation home or property for an international real estate investment, location can be a game changer. Many buyers will overlook transitional properties in favor of an exclusive community or neighborhood on the upswing. Ultimately, a good neighborhood makes living in the home more enjoyable and also helps its resale value.
Here are three things that many buyers look for when evaluating a neighborhood.
1. A Kempt Neighborhood. This is easy to spot—the homes in a desirable area tend to have impeccably maintained yards in the form of well-manicured lawns, trimmed bushes and nice flowerbeds. There will be an absence of litter on the streets and other unsightly items such as broken fences.
2. Proximity to the good life. A home in a good location may be part of an exclusive gated community or country club, but it will be in close proximity to fine dining, chic shopping and recreational activities. It will also be close to other vital services, such as hospitals and medical services, entertainment facilities, grocery stores and safe outdoor parks. For those seeking property for an international real estate investment, being close to these type of services and amenities makes it easier to find tenants.
3. Safety. Safety is a very big concern for buyers, especially women living alone, couples with young children, or those looking to retire. It can be pretty easy to tell if a neighborhood is safe by the lack of graffiti and obvious vandalism, as well as well-lit roads and sidewalks. In safe neighborhoods you may see homes with high-end security systems, fenced in gardens and well-lit driveways. You can also research the local crime rates online to determine exactly how safe the neighborhood is. Some buyers want the ultimate in safe neighborhoods, which is often times a gated community with 24-hour security on-site.
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Just when you thought things would slow down in Palm Springs, the vibrant cultural community is bringing an exciting slate of things to do this week. If you’re in town to view luxury homes in Palm Springs or just to take a relaxing vacation, there are some exciting ways to spend your downtime. Read on for a few ideas for making the best of your week.
On Monday, June 16, the McCallum Theatre will host Incandescent performed by Backhausdance from 3 to 5 pm. This unique performance is part of the McCallum Theatre Institute’s 2014 Summer Session Festival. Music featured in this dynamic expression of movement includes the sounds of Florence + the Machine, Andrew Bird, A Silver Mt. Zion and Devotchka. Choreography is by Jennifer Backhaus.
One of the exciting aspects of living in the area are the myriad film festivals that take place each year. Starting Tuesday, June 17 and running through Monday, June 23, is the Palm Springs International Short Film Fest. The event internationally renowned for the extraordinary projects it attracts—more than 300 short films from over 50 countries across the globe are screened at this exciting festival. Attendance is a must for those who are interested in luxury homes in Palm Springs, as this unique film event gives visitors an excellent glimpse of the incredible entertainment community in the area. Screenings take place at the Camelot Theatres.
On Wednesday, June 18, McCallum Theatre Institute’s 2014 Summer Session Festival continues with Walking the Tightrope performed by 24th Street Theatre. Created by Los Angeles’ award-winning 24th Street Theatre, this Critic’s Choice production show uses a magical clown, high-profile video projections and a whimsical set to tells the story of how a grandfather and granddaughter build a relationship once grandma is gone. The performance takes place from 3 to 5 pm.
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Ron Gerlich, Harvey Katofsky, Zack Wright.
When it comes to luxury international real estate, Christie’s International is the world’s leading network—which makes it an incredible honor that Coachella Valley-based HK Lane Real Estate was recently honored with its prestigious Affiliate-of-the-Year Award in the Medium Market Category for 2013. The award recognizes excellence in branding, marketing, leadership and innovation. Recipients of awards are selected from brokerages in the various market categories: small (population under 275,000), medium (population totaling between 275,000 and 1,750,000), and large (population of more than 1,750,000).
Christie’s International Real Estate presented the special award to the locally owned and managed HK Lane at a special breakfast meeting that took place earlier this month at the Toscana Country Club. While the honor was bestowed at the Global Annual Leadership Conference in Barcelona, Spain, Zack Wright of Christie’s International Real Estate attended the local meeting to present the award to the President and CEO of HK Lane, Harvey Katofsky.
The HK Lane real estate brokerage, which our own Kim Kelly is a part of, is one of the 139 affiliate members of the Christie’s International network, which is renowned for luxury international real estate. Operating in Coachella Valley, HK Lane boasts a 35-year history of catering to buyers and sellers of luxury properties within the much desired areas of Palm Springs, including La Quinta, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells and La Quinta.
“I am extremely proud and honored to have won this prestigious award. I am truly blessed to employ such wonderful staff and agents who now share this tribute with me,” Harvey Katofsky, President and CEO of HK Lane Real Estate stated, “Our partnership with Christie’s has established HK Lane as the major force in the desert’s luxury market. We will continue to uphold the wonderful reputation that Christie’s has bestowed upon us.”
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If you’re from out of town and looking at equestrian homes in Palm Springs, or from a foreign country with your sights on an investment in the international real estate market, you’ll be thrilled by how festive the desert can be during the holidays. This weekend kicks off an array of exciting theatrical productions that the entire family can enjoy and is certain to get you into the holiday mood.
From Friday, December 6 through Sunday, December 8, The Ten Tenors will play at the McCallum Theatre. This musical concert features a return engagement by one of the most popular groups to ever take the stage at this local theater—The Ten Tenors from Australia. The new show features holiday favorites, Aussie classics and other popular hits.
On Friday, December 6 and Saturday, December 7, the Annenberg Theater will host performances of one of the most popular holiday classics of all time, The Nutcracker. This is the 16th year of CK Dance Presents: The Nutcracker, which has drawn more than 22,000 spectators throughout its lengthy run. The award-winning dance company’s production of this beloved story is a must-see, especially for those in town to look at international real estate, as it provides an excellent taste of the cultural scene in Palm Springs. There is no better way to kick off your holiday season than watching a performance of Tchaikovsky’s classic and enduring ballet.
From Friday, December 6 through Sunday, December 15, the Indio Performing Arts Center will host It’s A Wonderful Life A Live Radio Play. Seven actors give the classic film, It’s a Wonderful Life, a unique twist by performing this timeless story as a live 1940’s radio broadcast in front of a studio audience. Make sure you don’t miss this unique production—there will only be six performances!
If the weekend lineup inspires your house hunt in Palm Springs, click here to look at listings of some gorgeous equestrian homes in the area.
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When it comes to exclusive real estate in La Quinta, the Tradition Golf Club has earned a reputation for having some of the most beautifully designed residences in the entire Palm Springs Valley. It’s ideal for those seeking privacy, world-class amenities and beautiful landscapes, whether to buy for a family home or as an investment in the luxury international real estate market.
The distinctive and exquisite properties that are part of The Tradition Golf Club are carefully reviewed by its architectural review committee to ensure each residence meets the exacting standards that maintain a consistent, harmonious image of the Club as a whole. Many of these properties are designed by some of the most prominent architects in the world, and exude luxury coupled with unparalleled attention to detail.
One of the main reasons that people see real estate in La Quinta is because of the much sought after outdoor lifestyle, recreational amenities and the gorgeous beauty of the desert landscape. The exceptional Tradition Golf Club, established in 1997, is considered one of the best in the desert. Golfers play against the Santa Rosa mountain range for most of the 6515 yards of this 18-hole Arnold Palmer signature golf course. Its lightning fast greens, Augusta White bunker sand, and ample fairways has earned this course recognition from a variety of distinguished publications. While all the holes are extraordinary, the 17th is renowned as the club’s true signature hole—from an elevated tee, tee shot drop more than 200 hundred feet to the fairway below, which is guarded by a fairway bunker and water hazard on the left and the gorgeous mountain range on the right, offering one of the most exceptional views in La Quinta.
When it comes to understated luxury, the tradition sets the bar with its stunning residences, stellar amenities and first class golf course. Click here if you are in the market for a home in Palm Springs or plan to invest in the luxury international real estate market.
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The Sundays in Summer Cabaret series is the perfect example the varied cultural activities that represent the rich and diverse arts communities in Palm Springs Valley. Every year, events like these inspire visitors to start looking at homes for sale in La Quinta so they too can be residents of this vibrant area.
Every year, Sundays in Summer Cabaret draws visitors from all over the state. The 2013 schedule runs from May 5 through October 27 at the Arthur Newman Theatre, the performance venue at the Joslyn Center, located at 73750 Catalina Way in Palm Desert. An absolute favorite of residents and those who own Palm Desert real estate, the series is presented by producer and entertainer, Les Michaels and his Life is a Cabaret organization. More than 90 acclaimed performers from all over the country have performed in this innovative series, now in its fourth season. Doors typically open at 1 pm, with the shows beginning at 2 pm.
Each show features exciting, show-stopping performances by Broadway performers, renowned musical directors and brilliant musicians who pay homage to some of the most important careers in musical theater. It’s no wonder that those in town to look at homes for sale in La Quinta take a break from open houses to take in these memorable performances.
Upcoming shows include Keisha D in At Last! on July 28, Deborah Wheeler-Ure and Joanne Lapointe in Hot Flashes with Divas Divine on August 4, Vicki Knight in Here’s To Life, Love, & You on August 11, Arinenne Battiste and Angelo Divino in Lucky So And So – Duke Ellington’s Life & Music on August 18, Norman Lassiter in Both Sides Now on August 25, and many more exciting shows through September and October.
If community events like these have you dreaming of Palm Desert real estate, click here to view our amazing listings.
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The world famous Bad Company performs at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino on Saturday, June 15
It’s a weekend of legendary music in Palm Springs. Some classic, legendary musicians will perform at various venues, providing the perfect opportunity to hang with dad or just get your music fix. If you own Indio real estate, live in a nearby desert city, or are in town viewing luxury homes or equestrian properties, you’ll be thrilled at the lineup—and if you’re in town for vacation, you picked the perfect weekend.
On Saturday, June 15 from 8 to 10 pm, the legendary Little River Band will perform at the Spotlight 29 Casino. Sometimes referred to as LRB, the Australian rock band is considered one of Australia’s most significant bands. In May 2001, the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) named the LRB’s classic hit, Cool Change, one of the Top 30 Australian songs of all time. Another hit, Reminiscing, was listed by BMI as one of the most frequently played songs in the history of American radio, with more than four million plays.
Also on Saturday, June 15 from 8 to 10 pm, The Doobie Brothers will perform at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio. This classic all-American rock band has sold more than 40 million albums worldwide and was inducted into The Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004. Their music stands the test of time, as you will witness from this amazing concert.
Saturday, June 15 from 8 to 10 pm the world famous Bad Company Starring Paul Rodgers will perform at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino. Singles by the English rock super group, such as Bad Company, Can’t Get Enough, Good Lovin’ Gone Bad and Feel Like Makin’ Love are considered classic staples of rock radio.
On Sunday, June 16, take a break from looking at equestrian properties and luxury homes to check out the Sundays in Summer Cabaret Series, which will feature Soft Lights & Sweet Music – Ron Cohn Sings Irving Berlin.The show takes place at the Arthur Newman Theatre from 2 to 4 pm.
Click here to see listings of Indio real estate and other luxury properties in the area.
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