Just when you thought you could slow down for the season, we’re here to remind you of all the incredible arts and culture on the calendar in May. Here are some events recommended by the staff of the California Desert Arts Council:

Above: CK Dance Company presents Marius Petipa’s Grand Pas from Paquita, May 26-27, at Annenberg Theater in Palm Springs. Photo: CK Dance Company.

 

ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

TODD HIDO’S SUBURBIA: Eight dreamy photographs of homes, interiors, and the roads that surround them are on view through July 6 at Palm Springs Art Museum. Largely drawn from the series House Hunting, Hido’s domestic landscapes are at once familiar and unsettling, bringing a cinematic ethereality to his vernacular subjects. Info

TWO FOR THE SHOW: In Conversation: Alma Allen and J.B. Blunk blurs the line between design and sculpture, with both men creating evocative organic work from natural materials. The exhibition continues through July 22 at Palm Springs Art Museum’s Architecture and Design Center. Info

 

DANCE

PAQUITA: CK Dance Company presents Marius Petipa’s Grand Pas from Paquita, an exciting work of classical variations set to the music of Ludwig Minkus, May 26-27, at Annenberg Theater in Palm Springs. Info

 

FILM

FILM NOIR FESTIVAL: Founded in 2000 by the late mystery author and Palm Springs community leader Arthur Lyons, this festival (May 10-13) features an eclectic mixture of landmark and obscure vintage movies from the classic film noir era. Info

WIZARD OF OZ: Almost 80 years after it was made, this 1939 film is still a wonder to see on the big screen. It’s the tale of Dorothy Gale (Judy Garland), who is swept away by a tornado from her family’s farm in Kansas to the magical land of Oz. In her quest to return home, she encounters friends that help her along the way. See the film May 12 at the Rancho Mirage Amphitheater. Info

UNTIL THEY’RE GONE: Forced to plant landmines as a Khmer Rouge child soldier, Aki Ra began demining with only a stick and a pair of pliers. Until They’re Gone, a documentary film about landmines, the people who remove them, and hope, screens May 29, followed by a Q&A with Bill and Jill Morse of the Landmine Relief Fund, at the Tolerance Education Center. Info

 

HERITAGE

WESTERN STORIES: Drawing from Palm Springs Art Museum’s permanent collection and important loans, the exhibition Western Stories (through June 18) looks to the complex relationships between landscape and the body in the art of the American West and Mexico. Info

NATIVE AMERICAN BASKETRY: Palm Springs Art Museum’s exhibition Grass Roots: Native American Basketry of the West, through June 18, presents the elegance and simplicity of centuries-old utilitarian forms alongside the eye-dazzling intricate designs created by master weavers of the early twentieth century. Info

AVIATION ART: Palm Springs Air Museum presents the 32nd International Aviation Art and Aerospace Exhibition (through July 31) featuring works by more than 25 artists from around the world. Info

 

LITERARY

OBSESSION: The Coachella Valley Storytellers Project presents two shows May 25 at Palm Springs Art Museum’s Annenberg Theater. The theme for this event is “obsession.” Info

POET LAUREATE AT IPAC: Juan Felipe Herrera, the first Mexican-American poet laureate of the United States, reads his powerful work May 25 at Indio Performing Arts Center. Info

 

MUSIC

BLOCK PARTY: On May 5, The Desert Sun presents the showcase lineup for the Tachevah 2018 finals at The Indio Block Party in downtown Indio with a $3,000 prize on the line. Performers include Eevaan Tre, Giselle Woo & The Night Owls, Razor J, and Victor Bosc. Info

JOSHUA TREE MUSIC FESTIVAL: A family-friendly global music experience is set for May 17-20 in the magical Mojave. Enjoy continuous live music, yoga from sunrise to sunset, an action-packed Kidsville, magical visual arts, healthy food options, inspiring playshops, world market, astronomy theater, and more. Info

 

THEATER

2 ACROSS: Two strangers, both alone but married, board a train and start doing the New York Times crossword. He quits and she snaps, “Crosswords are a metaphor for life, those who finish, succeed, those who don’t, fail.” And a hilarious, romantic, and poignant ride ensues at CV Rep in Rancho Mirage through May 20. Info

 

VISUAL ART

WARHOL IN PALM SPRINGS: See iconic screenprints by the King of Pop at Andy Warhol: Prints From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation through May 28 at Palm Springs Art Museum in downtown Palm Springs. Info

DESERT PHOTOGRAPHY: Journey Through the Desert – The Road Less Traveled, a survey of photography from early 20th century to today, continues through July 29 at Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert. Info

COMMUNITY ART SHOW: Artists throughout the valley come together May 4-June 2 for an exhibition at CREATE Center for the Arts in Palm Desert. All the art is for sale! Info

MUSIC FOR YOUR EYES: Herb Alpert: A Visual Melody, an exclusive exhibition of paintings and sculptures by the artist and musician, continues through May 21 at Heather James Fine Art in Palm Desert. Info