Jul 14, 200805:25 PMThe Life

Kip’s Baby Boomer Blog

Checking out the Boomer scene for recreation, dining, and entertainment in Palm Springs and the surrounding desert communities.

Well, Boomers, I hope you’re rested, because this coming weekend is packed with a lot of fun.

Art, Culture, and Nightlife in Old Town La Quinta

It starts out relaxed and refined 5 p.m. Friday with a celebration of art, culture, and nightlife in Old Town La Quinta. Now, this event is designed to experience the desert summer as it should be experienced. For those of you not familiar with Old Town La Quinta, it’s a district offering shops, restaurants, and art galleries in an Early California setting at 78015 Main St. in La Quinta. Stroll along the street and listen to music, browse the various shops and galleries, and sample some of the food offerings at such places as the Hog’s Breath Inn, Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill, and Old Town Bar and Grill. There’s wine tasting at Old Town Cellar and drawings to win $250 gift certificates valid at participating Old Town shops. This is the perfect way to wind down after a busy week.

The La Quinta Arts Foundation has all the information about this event.

Hippiefest

Okay, Boomers. Remember 1968? Boy, I sure do. It was a time of tremendous change in the country. On the downside, that year saw the assassinations of Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy, the Chicago riots during the Democratic National Convention, and the mounting casualty lists from Vietnam.

On the upside, it saw a spirit of optimism and celebration among the nation’s youth (I was 20 then — old enough to fight; too young to vote) that was especially demonstrated by the music of the era.

Starting at 8 p.m. Saturday, Hippiefest, the 40th anniversary of the Summer of ’68, kicks off at Special Events Center stage at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Some of the musicians appearing at Hippiefest include bass player Jack Bruce of Cream (“Strange Brew” and “White Room”), Flo and Eddie from The Turtles (“Happy Together”), and Melanie (“Brand New Key” and “Lay Down”).

Tickets price is from $29-$59.

Can you dig it, Boomers?

Full-Bodied Reds from Napa Valley

On Sunday, it’s time for a more, * ahem * mature pleasure. Starting at 5:30 p.m. at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert is a tasting of the red wines for which the Napa Valley is famous. Sample cabernets, merlots, and zinfandels for $50 a person.

As you can see, this is a terrific weekend to be a Boomer.

Until next Monday, ROCK ON!