Rickie McCabe, a comedian and singer, is organizing a musical benefit to support the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission (CVRM), an organization aiding the unhoused in the Coachella Valley since 1971. The event, titled “Anyone Who Had a Heart: The Music of Linda Ronstadt,” will feature performances from 16 artists from across the region.
The concept for this benefit emerged after McCabe produced a cabaret show in 2021 with Palm Springs performer Francesca Amari, celebrating Linda Ronstadt's music. The show was well-received and earned recognition from the Desert Theatre League and BroadwayWorld.com. This positive response inspired McCabe and Amari to use Ronstadt’s music as the theme for their Thanksgiving benefit.
The concert will showcase a variety of Ronstadt’s work, spanning her early days with the Stone Poneys to her Broadway performances in "Pirates of Penzance." Accompanying the singers will be pianists Wayne Abravanel, Julie Adams, and Joel Baker. Performers include Francesca Amari, Estee Graham, Kari Kirkland, Eve Holmes, Jeff Stewart, Troy Garza, Michelle Fiore, Siobhan Velarde, Julie Lazzari, Stanley Anderson, and Jason Weber. Additional musicians Tommy Rox on guitar and Gary Lutes on piano will also contribute.
“The Coachella Valley Rescue Mission is near and dear to my heart,” says producer McCabe. “They help those in the most need in so many ways, including emergency services like hot meals and shelter, medical care, clothing, job training and recovery programs. Their services are critical in our community. I couldn’t think of a better way to help them than through a benefit that includes such meaningful music.”
The event is scheduled for Saturday, November 16th at Arthur Newman Theatre at Joslyn Center in Palm Desert. It begins with a VIP reception from 2-3 pm followed by the concert from 3-4:30 pm.
Tickets are priced at $25 each with all proceeds going directly to CVRM. A $25 donation provides approximately 11 meals for CVRM clients who serve over 30,000 meals monthly.
Tickets can be purchased online at this LINK: