Geoff Duncan

I think I've encountered another of life's little milestones: eating at a place with a $1,000 entrée on the menu.

Abbotfinney took a road trip to Palm Springs to play Sunset Sessions, a showcase for AAA radio programmers and music supervisors. (For folks not up on the lingo, the AAA format is "Adult Album Alternative," and usually plays a broader selection of music than standard "hit radio.") The showcase takes the format of a long weekend at a swanky resort. During the day, these folks spa around, golf, rise horses, play croquet, and take advantage of amenities while getting talked up by managers, producers, label reps, and other programmers. In the evenings, the only requirement is to attend the performance showcases, which usually feature three or four performers a night. We shared the bill with JJ Appleton, Fred Martin & The Levite Camp, and Grammy nominee Jamie Cullum.

Abbotfinney stage: pre-show, post-soundcheck

The gig went well—looks like Abbotfinney landed some station adds, which means you may be hearing "Closer" on the radio soon. (An earlier version is available online—hey, call your station!)

The Parker…well, let's just say I personally experienced a bit of culture shock. To their credit, the management and staff were uniformly courteous, helpful, and friendly. (And speaking of uniforms, those flamingo pink blazers are sure, um, distinctive.) No one ever treated me as anything but an honored guest. But I couldn't help but feel a distinct disconnect with the pampered fantasy the Parker represents. The groomed grounds spot clusters of exotic desert plants, mature citrus trees (lemon, lime, and kumquat) and, of course, towering signature palms. The tidy rooms are decorated with quality furnishings, vintage accents, and informal black-and-white celebrity photographs (implying these are your friends and you're part of their circles). The Parker features a highly-rated spa (hydrotherapy, yoga, gym, massage, etc.), outdoor firepits surrounded by low canvas chairs, a 70's-themed lounge, and its own "Yacht Club." Swank, extravagant, chi-chi.

But not my thing. My idea of relaxation doesn't involve elaborate settings or having other people do things for me. So I'll admit to an inward sigh of relief when, upon checking the band into our less glamorous accommodations, I saw a notice saying:

Air conditioning is available only when
the outside temperature is over 65 degrees.
We provide heat under 65 degrees.

Yep. I'll pass on the lemon trees and stick with the plastic-wrapped cups and an ice machine, thanks. But I can recommend the Parker's buttermilk pancakes.