About The Alibi
The Alibi was a retro-chic music venue and cocktail lounge in downtown Palm Springs, California (369 N Palm Canyon Drive). Housed in a restored 1930s Spanish-Colonial former telephone company building, it blended mid-century Palm Springs style with modern entertainment. The two-story space (around 6,300 sq. ft total) featured a main ground-floor music hall (about 275-person capacity), an upstairs lounge (125 capacity), and a breezy outdoor patio (75 capacity) (savelive.com). It opened in late 2019 under former Los Angeles club-bookers Liz Garo and Melanie Tusquellas and quickly became notable as the area’s first dedicated independent concert venue. The Alibi’s design included a tiled outdoor bar, vintage 1960s jukebox, cushioned glider-bench tables on the patio, and emerald-hued mood lighting that gave it a classic desert nightlife vibe (www.latimes.com) (wanderlog.com). It moved Palm Springs’ music scene forward by booking both local bands and touring indie headliners. Landmark touches (like its “swinging bench” patio seats and neon signage) preserved the charm of the old Georgie’s Alibi Azul bar that once occupied the space. All told, The Alibi was a 300-seat urban oasis for music and cocktails, steeped in Palm Springs history and style (www.latimes.com) (savelive.com).
Events and Programming
The Alibi hosted a diverse lineup of live entertainment from its 2019 opening through 2022. It ran concerts, DJ and dance nights, and special events many nights a week (especially weekends). Genres ranged from indie rock and alt-country to punk, jazz, world beat and electronic. Early shows included “It’s A Shame About Ray”-Era The Lemonheads celebrating their album, an opening weekend Bob Mould (Hüsker Dü/Sugar) concert, bossa nova by Bebel Gilberto, punk by Bob Log III, and skatey rock from The Melvins (www.setlist.fm) (gaydesertguide.com). The programming often paired national acts (Best Coast, Imperial Teen, Jon Langford) with strong local support acts in the lineup (coachellavalleyweekly.com). Recurring events included DJ nights and theme parties (such as queer women’s gatherings and Pride celebrations) – owners Liz Garo and Melanie Tusquellas even hosted special Lesbo Expo events on the patio. The venue often put on all-ages matinees or cultural series as well. For example, in spring 2022, reopening shows included Big Freedia (bounce music) and Casa-coded nights, showing off the club’s inclusivity. Concert tickets typically ranged in the $20–$50 per person range depending on artist, with most shows selling out in advance. In general, The Alibi’s calendar was eclectic – expect indie touring bands, retro rock ‘n’ roll, underground dance DJs, and occasional daytime dance brunches on the outdoor level (gaydesertguide.com) (gaydesertguide.com).
Tickets and Booking
Tickets were sold both online and through the venue’s box office. Advance sale was the norm – most shows went on sale months ahead, with presales for fan club members or email-list subscribers. The Alibi generally did not offer ticket resale through third parties (outside of authorized listings). There was no official “venue box office” window for purchases; tickets were bought through the club’s website or through promoters. If you were planning to attend a popular show, purchase early and bring identification for entry. On the rare night a show did not sell out ahead of time, a limited number of tickets might be sold at the door, but there was no guarantee of availability. Prices generally stayed moderate – local bands and small bookings often had very low cover, while bigger name headliners charged more. The Alibi did not run deep-discount or lottery programs; most fans used the website to secure a ticket. There were no membership or VIP club passes required – just standard ticket tiers (general admission floor, plus a few seated “bar seats” up front as available) (wanderlog.com). Occasionally, dedicated promo nights or student discounts were announced, usually via the venue’s social channels. Overall, the best strategy was to watch the venue’s event announcements, sign up for their mailing list, and grab tickets immediately when they go on sale.
Seating and Layout
The main floor of The Alibi was a flexible general-admission space in front of the stage, with most standing room. It could accommodate up to 275 people standing, or a mix of chairs and standing. Some shows provided a few folding chairs or high-top tables near the back, but prime viewing was up front on the floor. The stage itself was slightly raised, around 8–10 feet wide, and visible from nearly anywhere on the floor. Side view obstructions were minimal thanks to open sightlines. For a seated experience, the venue’s 125-person upstairs lounge had booth tables, a second bar, and sometimes a projection screen; this area could serve as a quieter zone or VIP space during events. The outdoor patio (with about 75 capacity) featured large group glider benches and tables for a loungey vibe. Acoustically, The Alibi’s interior had a professional sound treatment and a newly installed PA system (speaker stacks and subwoofers) that delivered clear live sound. Audiences generally found the audio quality excellent throughout – even the side areas picked up full sound. Best views tended to be just a few steps back from the stage center, where both sound and sight were optimal. The more casual bar seating along the edges (especially balcony rail seats overlooking the floor) offered an elevated perspective. Avoid the very far corners of the main floor if aiming for premium sound, and note that front-row in standing GA can be very lively. Overall it was a very compact, intimate layout: in a crowd of 200 the feeling was “right up in the show,” and even at max capacity vantage was rarely an issue.
Getting There and Parking
The Alibi sat on North Palm Canyon Drive, a main thoroughfare through downtown Palm Springs. Its address is 369 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs (zip 92262). For drivers, downtown Palm Canyon Drive is easy to reach from Interstate 10 via Palm Springs exits. Limited free on-street parking can be found on side streets (meters operate during business hours only). Importantly, the City of Palm Springs offers a large **free** downtown parking garage a block or two away: the new Palm Canyon/Amado Garage (near the Hyatt Regency entrance) allows free 4-hour parking (www.palmspringsca.gov), which is ideal for evening shows. The venue itself had a few private off-street spots (mostly used by staff), and it backs up to an adjacent public lot – in practice many concertgoers parked in the city garage or side lots just north of Amado Road (www.realty.com) (www.palmspringsca.gov). Valet service was not regularly available at the club – rideshare drop-off at the curb on Palm Canyon was common. If you’re taking Uber/Lyft, input the address on Palm Canyon north of Amado. The Palm Springs Airport is only about 2 miles south (approximately a 7–10 minute drive), so taxis and ride-share from the airport are quick and convenient (visitpalmsprings.com). A brief note on public transit: SunLine buses do run down South Palm Canyon Drive into downtown, with stops at the Palm Springs Amtrak/Bus Station (at Amado/Palm Canyon) and near Museum Way, just a few blocks from the club. However, public transit in Palm Springs can be sparse in the evenings, so most concertgoers find driving or rideshare easier. If arriving by Amtrak, the nearest station is the Palm Springs Rail Depot at 154 N Palm Canyon (within walking distance). Overall, plan to arrive early to snag nearby parking; latecomers after a sold-out show might have to find street spots a few blocks away.
Inside the Venue
Upon entering The Alibi, guests passed through a small lobby entrance just off the sidewalk, where a ticket scanner and ID check took place. Since the venue had a full bar and liquor license, an ID was required at the door. Security was friendly but firm – expect a brief bag check (no outside food or large bags). The interior décor continued the retro vibe: wood-and-neon bars, framed vintage posters, desert-themed wallpaper, and scattered lounge furniture. The main bar ran along the side wall and was open during shows, serving craft cocktails, beer on tap, wine, and mocktails. On most event nights there was no separate dinner menu beyond appetizers – guests could order burgers, pizzas, grilled sandwiches and a few daily specials from a casual bar-food menu (wanderlog.com) (wanderlog.com). Tables and coat-check (for a $1–$2 fee) were available near the back. The atmosphere was lively but comfortable – people often mingled at high tables or on the patio between sets. There was a small upstairs balcony overlooking the stage, generally kept clear for waitstaff or additional seating if needed. Restrooms were clean and ADA-accessible (including the ground floor men’s and women’s rooms). Amenities included free Wi-Fi (typical for downtown venues) and decent cell coverage throughout the building. Coat or bag storage was offered during winter shows. Merchandise tables grew common for touring acts. The staff – bartenders and servers – were widely praised as friendly and attentive (wanderlog.com), helping create a welcoming environment. Note that smoking was not allowed inside the air-conditioned space (Palm Springs bars are smoke-free). If someone needed a break, the glass-patio doors opened to a half-outdoor bar area under a retractable awning, which could breathe fresh air without missing the show. In short, inside The Alibi you’d find a professional stage setup and a laid-back lounge atmosphere: good drinks, helpful staff, and a clear view of the music wherever you stood or sat.
Nearby Amenities
The Alibi’s central downtown location meant plenty of pre- and post-show options within walking distance. For dinner or pre-show drinks, there were several popular choices on Palm Canyon or just a block away. *El Mirasol Cocina Mexicana* (3 blocks south) was a longtime favorite for Mexican cuisine. *Lulu California Bistro* (2 blocks south) and *Trio Restaurant* (1 block south) offered upscale American menus. Closer by, *Magnesia Falls Café* (1 block north) had eclectic American eats. For casual bites, *Bill’s Pizza* and *Rooster & the Pig* were a short drive east. Cocktail bars near The Alibi included the Ace Hotel’s *King’s Highway*, *Bootlegger Tiki*, and *The Treehouse Lounge* at Hotel Palomar – all fun spots for a drink before the show. Wallet-friendly bars like *Tropicale* and *Bloodhound* were also nearby for a nightcap afterward. Evening shoppers could stroll along Palm Canyon’s boutiques and galleries before heading in. Many attendees stayed at downtown hotels a few blocks from The Alibi: the Kimpton Rowan (with rooftop bar), Colony Palms Hotel, or Arrive Palm Springs provided stylish lodgings within 5–10 minutes’ walk. The Palm Springs Art Museum (just west of the club) often had free parking and late hours, so some guests used its patio café for waiting before shows. Rideshare or taxi rank areas were plentiful around the city center for late-night departures. In short, the immediate area was packed with dining, drinking, and lodging choices – visitors often arrived early for dinner at a restaurant on Palm Canyon or grabbed a drink right on the Alibi patio before the music started.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Alibi’s uniqueness came from marrying Palm Springs heritage with a contemporary indie music club. First, the building itself is historic – originally built in 1934 as the General Telephone Company’s switchboard, later decades as “Georgie’s Alibi Azul” gay bar – giving it architectural character (arched windows, a corner tower) you don’t see in newer clubs. The owners retained many original elements even while adding modern flair; for example, the classic glider benches imported from the old Azul patio became a signature seating feature. Inside, the decor blended local desert colors, art, and plants with a vintage jukebox and neon accents (www.latimes.com) (wanderlog.com). Secondly, in cultural terms The Alibi jumped Palm Springs’ scene forward. It became the city’s first independent music venue of its kind, at a time when most big concerts were 30 miles away or in huge casinos. Artists across genres loved it – local promoter Spencer Stange praised it as “the real deal” where serious bands could play professional-level shows with sound check and lighting (www.latimes.com). For patrons, its warm, unpretentious vibe stood out. The founders actively courted niche communities (indie rock, punk, EDM, queer DJs) and gave locals a place to see national acts up close. Several reviewers and promoters noted that owner Liz Garo and Melanie Tusquellas seemed to “go out of their way” to support LGBTQ+ and female-led events (www.latimes.com), carving a friendly, inclusive culture. Finally, The Alibi’s history is already marked by memorable moments: it burst onto the scene with a Pride-weekend launch, hosted a national band’s surprise DJ set on its first night, and earned local “best of” nods. Its brief but bright life became somewhat legendary – when it closed, many felt it was the end of a beloved era for live music in the desert (www.latimes.com). All these ingredients – historic building, nightlife ambiance, eclectic bookings, and a passionate local community – combined to make The Alibi more than just another bar. It was a landmark in Palm Springs’ modern cultural story.
Visitor Tips and Information
To make the most of a visit to The Alibi, keep a few pointers in mind. First, always check the event listing before you go. The space was often dark on off nights or early in the week, so only plan trips when a show is scheduled. Purchase tickets in advance online whenever possible; popular acts sold out quickly. Arriving early (doors often opened an hour before showtime) helped with finding good parking and claiming front-row spots. Dress code was normally casual – smart jeans and a cool shirt is fine; some fans liked to dress up in desert-chic retro attire, but no formal wear was required. Since it’s Palm Springs, lightweight layers are wise (air-conditioning can be chilly if you arrive early). For women, pumps or wedges worked, and men tended toward casual shoes or boots – lots of concertgoers matched their outfits to the desert vibe. Average thumbs rule: no athletic shorts, beachwear, or heavy boots. Be sure to bring a photo ID and cash, since some bars charge a low entry fee or you might want to leave your coat at check. Speaking of coats, during cooler months there was an inexpensive coat check. Avoid large backpacks or outside food and drink (security will ask you to leave those). Pocket items like chapstick and earplugs can be handy, though the sound level was typically moderate. Check the venue’s updates on social media for any special instructions (e.g. COVID policies or weather alerts for outdoor shows). Accessibility tip: if you need step-free access, note that the ground floor is fully step-free and has accessible restrooms – an elevator gave wheelchair access upstairs as well. If you have dietary needs, one trick I found was that food trucks or pizza were sometimes stationed outside on weekend shows. Doors often opened before the main performance, so arriving a bit early lets you order a drink or bite without speech interruptions. At closing time, taxi and rideshare lines can be long – consider walking to a neighboring block or calling a ride-share from a spot off Palm Canyon Drive to avoid traffic. Lastly, remember The Alibi’s locals-only traditions: tipping the bar staff generously, respecting the all-ages rules (some shows were 18+, others strictly 21+ with FOB laws), and soaking in the unique vibe. Avoid blocking the stairs in the upstairs lounge and be mindful of the swing bench seats on the patio (they’re fun for groups but can be a trip hazard if crowded). Most of all, come ready for a genuine club experience – early fans discovered The Alibi to be the place where serious music lovers in the Coachella Valley gathered. Learning a bit of its story (like how owners Liz and Melanie battled to save it after the pandemic) can deepen appreciation, so don’t hesitate to ask staff about its history if they have time. Follow it with gratitude: people who saw The Alibi talk about it with pride, as one reviewer put it a “good visit” that you wouldn’t hesitate to repeat (wanderlog.com).
