McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260; Box Office Tickets are available by phone: (760) 340-2787 • Toll Free: (866) 889-2787 or at www.mccallumtheatre.com
Since its opening in January 1988 the McCallum Theatre has taken center stage as the most entertaining and influential cultural arts center in the Coachella Valley. The Theatre has 1127- seats, superb acoustics and hi-tech sound system. According to the Theater’s website, ticket sales consistently place the McCallum in the top 50 theaters in the world. Its Education programs have served more than 400,000 local schoolchildren, educators and community members, while top entertainers praise the venue and its audiences.
The McCallum Theatre’s mission is to entertain and educate the public by offering a variety of performing arts experiences that reflect the diversity of people, interests, and tastes of the Palm Desert/Palm Springs communities and constituents served by the Theatre.
Fifteen Years and a Lot of Star Power
Hard as it is to believe, it took a group of Coachella Valley business, education and cultural leaders 15 years to make their vision of The McCallum performing arts center a reality. Serious fundraising began with thirteen sold-out performances by Fred Waring and, a $1 million contribution by local developer Terry Hahn. Things really began to pop when in the mid-1980’s former President Gerald Ford joined the board of directors and convinced Bob Hope to contribute.
All-Star Opening Night Tribute to Bob Hope
Palm Springs Life was on hand to document the fever pitched excitement and energized performances. In the audience that night were many of the original Friends of the Cultural Center, Inc., notable celebrities, and politicos including, Ronald and Nancy Reagan, Gerald and Betty Ford, Walter and Leonore Annenberg.
Van Cliburn Jr., American pianist who at the age of 23 won International Tchakovsky Piano Competition in Moscow in 1958, inaugurated the McCallum’s new Steinway piano. In typical fashion, Lucille Ball had guests teary-eyed from laughing. Sarah Brightman sang a tune from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera a month before it opened on Broadway, and the Alvin Ailey dancers had everyone at the edge of their seats.
A Spectacular 2018-2019 Season – October 2–April 13
The McCallum’s season kicks-off October 2 with Aida Cuevas Totalmente Juan Gabriel and ends April 13 with Chris Botti. In between, there are many amazing acts, shows and concerts, too many to mention here.
October Shows and Concerts
- Aida Cuevas Totalmente Juan Gabriel | 2
- Willie Nelson and Family | 15
- 7th Annual Family Fun Day | 21
- Marlinsky Orchestra | 24
- Classic Albums live – Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon | 27
Visit the McCallum box office for the entire season’s upcoming performances www.mccallumtheatre.com
‘The Coachella Valley Entertainment & Lifestyle Report’, provides monthly updates on all local shows including the McCallum Theatre. To Subscribe email donna.ambrose@kw.com.
