Rancho Mirage Christens New Amphitheater

New venue is part of community park's 3-acre expansion

JIM POWERS Social Scene, Watch & Listen - Lifestyle

(From left) Rancho Mirage City Council members Charles Townsend, Iris Smotrich, Ted Weil, and Richard Kite flank Mayor Dana Hobart by the commemorative plaque for the city's new amphitheater.
Photos by Gregg Felsen/Video by Jim Powers

 

The band played, choirs sang, and Rancho Mirage's new amphitheater opened Nov. 7 with the Rancho Mirage Art Affaire in the backdrop at the city's community park.

The fanfare provided a true sense of community collaboration that went into building this new structure, which is part of the park's expansion by nearly three acres to the west.

The new amphitheater will seat up to 600 guests, and the staged is dwarfed by an impressive cover that includes backstage facilities for performers and the public.

Saxophonist and composer Eric Darius became the first professional talent to perform on the stage Nov. 7 followed by jazz sensation Michael Lington on Nov. 8.

Additional changes to the park will include upgraded equipment to the children's play area, exercise stations, and pickle ball courts.

 

VIDEO: Watch the highlights of the opening of the Rancho Mirage amphitheater.

 

 

The Rancho Mirage High School Marching Band and Show Choir perform during the amphitheater opening.

 

(From left) Rancho Mirage city officials Richard Kite, Ted Weil, Mayor Dana Hobart, Charles Townsend, Iris Smotriche cut the ribbon to mark the amphitheater's opening.

 

Saxophonist Eric Darius does a sound check prior to his Nov. 7 concert at the new amphitheater.

 

Palm Springs Life Senior Editor Winston Gieseke sings the national anthem.

 

Rancho Mirage Mayor Dana Hobart.

 

Eric Darius became the first professional musician to perform at the new amphitheater.