Desert Lexus Jazz 2014 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden
Splashes of art, food and specialty beverages will accompany great music at Desert Lexus Jazz on May 2. Tower of Power is scheduled to headline this 16th annual event in the shaded performance pavilion at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Lisa Fischer, and her Caribbean-inspired band Grand Baton, is also on the lineup.
Tower of Power scheduled to headline the 16th annual Desert Lexus Jazz on May 2
Jazz fans most likely know the GRAMMY-winning vocalist from her awe-inspiring performances with Chris Botti. However, her impressive resume also includes touring and recording with the Rolling Stones, Tina Turner, Chaka Khan, George Benson and more. She is also a recipient of the 2015 Best Music Film GRAMMY for “20 Feet from Stardom.”
Desert Lexus Jazz patrons perusing and purchasing art and CDs
Visual arts enthusiasts will be thrilled to hear that sculptors Karen and Tony Barone will return to the 2,000-seat venue. The acclaimed artists’ iconic sculptures of the animal kingdom can be seen at various public sites throughout the Coachella Valley. In their ongoing pursuit of paying homage to these magnificent creatures, they created two elegant 6-foot-8-inch Afghans: “Master Krisel” in radiant pink, and “Master Cody,” in a dazzling turquoise. Naming these pieces after Mid-Century Modern architects, the Barones tip their hat to the powerful influence these modernist masters have had on the lifestyle of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley for more than half a century.
Desert Lexus Jazz 2014 patrons enjoying food and art at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden
“We are finalizing details with a couple of additional artists (painters who specialize in music) to display their works,” said Jim “Fitz” Fitzgerald, co-founder of Wendy Jayne Productions, Inc., co-presenter of this event with the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. “Desert Lexus will have cars on display. And, other surprises will be announced shortly,” added Fitz, who is also morning personality/program director for Palm Springs-based radio station 102.3 KJJZ.
Desert Lexus Jazz patrons arrive early for an evening of jazz and art
Festival patrons can also feast on culinary creations. “We will have three concession outlets open: Sear, Satay and Kabob, along with food trucks, craft beer and wine,” Fitz said.
Desert Lexus Jazz patrons enjoy pre-concert dining at onsite restaurants at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden
Gates open at 5 p.m. Lisa Fischer and Grand Baton open the concert at 7 p.m., followed by the legendary Tower of Power at 8:30 p.m. An added bonus…free, onsite parking available to festivalgoers!
Performance Pavilion at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden during the 2014 Desert Lexus Jazz festival
The 16th Annual Desert Lexus Jazz festival is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, Performance Pavilion, 78-200 Miles Ave., Indian Wells, California. For tickets and information, visit www.iwtg.net/Desert-Lexus-Jazz or call 800-999-1585.
GRAMMY award-winning vocalist Lisa Fischer (Photo by Djeneba Aduayom)