News

Students have festive performance at Candy Cane Lane

Published December 22, 2018 1:57 AM

Musicians from schools in Cathedral City came together to spread holiday cheer on one of the Coachella Valley’s most festive streets this time of year, Minerva Road, better known as “Candy Cane Lane.”

Sam Defeo has been living in the area for four years, but his display is an original to “Candy Cane Lane” and he’s introducing a new tradition on the street. He says it all started with a knock on his door last year.

“We had some students knock on our door and they wanted to use our driveway to play some Christmas carols and we just thought it was a great idea. One of the students wants to give back to the community and came up with this wonderful idea,” Defeo said.

Students like Samantha Gradilla, a senior at Shadow Hills High School, who says she rounded up her friends in hopes of doing something special for the community.

“It’s something we all enjoy doing together and so I thought it was a great way to incorporate my friends. We all like Christmas and we all like celebrating and stuff so I thought it was the best way,” Gradilla said.

Neighbors and visitors loved the performance so much, the group of students was asked to return again this year.

“It’s very honoring and I’m very glad to play it for those in need and I’m just happy to spread the Christmas gift all around,” said Kristen Rodriguez, a 12-year-old pianist.