VOL. 3 | ISSUE 4
The Music Issue The Coachella Valley becomes the epicenter of the music world each spring—and we're here to tell you all about it. Page 26
2 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
APRIL 2015
A Note From the Editor
Mailing address: 31855 Date Palm Drive, No. 3-263 Cathedral City, CA 92234 (760) 904-4208 www.cvindependent.com
Editor/Publisher Jimmy Boegle Assistant Editor Brian Blueskye Editorial Layout Wayne Acree Advertising Design Betty Jo Boegle Contributors Gustavo Arellano, Victor Barocas, Max Cannon, Kevin Fitzgerald, Bill Frost, Bonnie Gilgallon, Bob Grimm, Alex Harrington, Tommy Hamilton, Valerie-Jean (VJ) Hume, Brane Jevric, Keith Knight, Robin Linn, Marylee Pangman, Erin Peters, Deidre Pike, Dan Perkins, Guillermo Prieto, Anita Rufus, Jen Sorenson, Robert Victor
The Independent is a proud member and/or supporter of the Association of Alternative Newsmedia, the Local Independent Online News Publishers, the Desert Business Association, the LGBT Community Center of the Desert, artsOasis and the Desert Ad Fed.
CVIndependent.com
COVER DESIGN BY WAYNE ACREE; COVER PHOTO BY misastudio
The Coachella Valley Independent print edition is published every month. All content is ©2015 and may not be published or reprinted in any form without the written permission of the publisher. The Independent is available free of charge throughout the Coachella Valley, limited to one copy per reader. Additional copies may be purchased for $1 by calling (760) 904-4208. The Independent may be distributed only by the Independent’s authorized distributors.
It was two years ago this month that the first print edition of the Independent hit the streets of the Coachella Valley—three months after the “official” launch of CVIndependent.com. Through 28 months of online publication and 21 print editions (two quarterlies and 19 monthlies, if you’re keeping score) so far, we’ve constantly strived to be a true alternative publication—in other words, cover topics that have gotten short shrift in the other local media. One of those topics was music. Since Day 1, we’ve made an effort to cover as wide of a variety of music as possible—and I am proud of how we’ve done. This brings us to the topic of our second annual Music Issue—and you can use it to judge for yourself how we’re doing. In these pages, we have a total of 10 stories (if you count our two Lucky 13 interviews on Page 38) previewing acts who will be performing at Coachella or Stagecoach. In addition, we have pieces discussing the upcoming Desert Daze festival and the upcoming Joshua Tree Music Festival, as well as a local spotlight feature on DJ Aimlo. Of course, as always, we’re offering you the monthly FRESH mix from All Night Shoes (aka Alex Harrington), and the Blueskye Report, which recaps other music events during the month. All of this great music coverage begins on Page 26. Another undercovered topic we’ve been tackling: Issues in the East Valley. I am proud to say you can find two features that focus on the East Valley in this month’s News section: On Page 7, Kevin Fitzgerald brings us the story of Agua4All, an effort to bring safe drinking water to areas of the eastern Coachella Valley where there has been none; and on Page 8, Brian Blueskye tells the story of Martha’s Village and Kitchen, a fantastic nonprofit in Indio that’s celebrating its 25th anniversary of helping the valley’s homeless. Finally, I want to mention something we won’t be covering. Yet another topic that’s been undercovered in the valley is theater. For two years now, we’ve made every effort to ethically and fairly review all local productions that run for more than one week—and we’ve done just that. However, at least for now, we won’t be reviewing Desert Theatreworks shows. After a review of the company’s production of Lost in Yonkers, company management stopped granting us review tickets. It’s worth noting that although Desert Theatreworks’ management took the time to berate the reviewer after the review was published, emails and a phone call from me to discuss the matter went unreturned. Desert Theatreworks is now the second local company to do this; Palm Canyon Theatre has been denying the Independent review tickets for more than a year now. The truth hurts sometimes, eh?
—Jimmy Boegle, jboegle@cvindependent.com
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 3
APRIL 2015
OPINION
KNOW YOUR
NEIGHBORS
Dorothy Anderson and the Automotive Technology Department Illustrate How Far College of the Desert Has Come
WWW.CVINDEPENDENT.COM/OPINION
By Anita Rufus t used to be a commonly held belief that if someone graduated high school and couldn’t get into a “real” college, they went to a local junior college. Stereotypes included students who had barely made it through grade 12, those who had gotten into trouble, those who had little family support (let alone money), and those who hoped to make up for low grades and take courses that could eventually transfer to a four-year institution of “higher” learning. If you still hold these views of what are now called community colleges … boy, you are behind the times. I was recently privileged to participate in a grand tour of College of the Desert (COD), led by Peter Sturgeon, a Palm Desert resident who works on institutional advancement on behalf of the College of the Desert Foundation. The foundation was established as “a nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is to provide financial support from the private and public sectors to help underwrite programs and facilities at the college that cannot be funded through other means.” In practical terms, that means influencing the community to support the programs necessary to meet the needs of students. COD offers programs well beyond the stereotypical “make-up” classes that can prepare students for success; students can earn certificates that qualify them to immediately seek jobs and start their careers in areas like administration of justice (law enforcement, courts, correctional facilities); agriculture (landscaping and irrigation, environmental horticulture); architecture (building inspection, drafting, construction management); automotive technology (emissions, engine management, general automotive services); business (accounting, computer systems, golf management, human resources); culinary arts; digital design and management; early childhood education; health services; fitness management; music; public safety (fire, police, EMT); and more. My interest was piqued when we walked into the large, well-equipped automotive technology building and were greeted by instructor Dorothy Anderson. A woman in charge of teaching how to fix cars? Anderson, 37, a Hemet resident, started taking automotive classes at Mt. San Antonio College; she wanted to change her life, so she completed her certificate there. Why
automotive? Anderson had previously learned how to change her oil and rotate her tires, and she says she asked herself, “What can I take that would be interesting and save me money on my education?” Only about 1 percent of auto technicians are women. She says she was asked if she wanted to teach at COD, particularly because administrators wanted their program to appeal to young women as well as men. That was in 2008—and she has never looked back. “I love teaching,” says Anderson. “The teachers I had made it fun for me, and I wanted to provide that for other students. I like the fresh brains—when they think they already know what they’re doing, and you have to un-train them to get the old thinking out of their heads.” When I asked her why women don’t tend to go into her field, Anderson says it has to be stigmatization. “I can’t see any other reason. Not all automotive work is difficult. You don’t even have to get dirty. I’ve managed not to even break my nails this semester!” Anderson says she has been surprised at how few people can diagnose what’s wrong when their cars have a problem. “Even the guys can barely understand how to do more than just pump gas. It’s so self-satisfying when you have a car that’s running badly, and you can fix it yourself. Why should we pay someone else to do what we can do for ourselves?” The automotive technology program, which began at COD in the 1960s, operates on several levels. Some students pursue a certificate that allows them to get the training needed to go directly into a facility and work. Others take
automotive classes along with core classes that help them advance toward a full four-year college degree. The program takes about 25 students each in 20 classes, and is designed to appeal to those already working who want to advance their careers. High school juniors and seniors are also eligible for concurrent enrollment to take classes free of charge. Students who want only practical training can complete two or three certificates in two years. When you see how well-equipped the COD facility is, an obvious question comes to mind: What kind of support does the program get from the local automotive community? Chrysler is one major partner and supporter, and other major dealerships and independent repair facilities also support parts of the program. Local businesses often hire students who have completed the programs, and there are even paid work-experience programs available. “People don’t realize how much can go wrong with cars made after 1996 because of the sophistication of the computers installed,” says Anderson. “You’re not even supposed to jumpstart a newer car from another car. Results of computer diagnostics and operating parameters have to be interpreted, because problems may be coming from the engine, a sensor, wiring or specific components. All of it has to be taken into account, and then you have to make sure you don’t mess up another function while you’re fixing what you found.” Where do the cars come from on which students work? Some cars are donated; for example, Chrysler has given a hybrid car. The school accepts some cars needing repair from the community—the owner will purchase the parts, and the students will do the work. However, the facility is state-of-the-art, so cars older than 10 years old are not candidates. “We are not a shop, and we don’t want to take away from businesses in the community,” Anderson says. “Whatever we do has to fit the curriculum.” One specialty students can study is emissions control, based on state and federal standards. Specialized “referees” who are smog check experts working with the state are assigned to 30 stations, all located at community colleges; they determine whether
COD’s Dorothy Anderson: “It’s so self-satisfying when you have a car that’s running badly, and you can fix it yourself. Why should we pay someone else to do what we can do for ourselves?”
cars that have failed a smog test can be fixed, or whether they may qualify to be excused from complying. Referees have to complete a 300-hour program, and they may offer students opportunities as interns. One of the referees assigned to both Mt. San Antonio College and COD, Mark Ellison, is now Anderson’s husband. Anderson is a passionate advocate for the automotive program. “Our equipment is expensive and must be updated every year, so support from the community to keep upgrading the program is essential. I’ve worked really hard, and I love what I’m doing. I love my students. If I won the lottery, I’d donate money to the automotive department, and I would still teach.” When pressed, she also admits, with a broad smile: “I’d also follow up my hobby and breed horses.” COD is a valuable resource for the Coachella Valley, with locations expanding into the east valley and Palm Springs. If you haven’t been on campus for a while, you will be amazed. Community support for COD is necessary if its high-quality programs are to be continued and expanded. Tours are available by contacting Peter Sturgeon at 760-773-2561. ANITA RUFUS IS ALSO KNOWN AS “THE LOVABLE LIBERAL,” AND HER RADIO SHOW AIRS SUNDAYS FROM 11 A.M. TO 1 P.M. ON KNEWS RADIO 94.3 FM. EMAIL HER AT ANITA@ LOVABLELIBERAL.COM. KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS APPEARS EVERY OTHER WEDNESDAY AT CVINDEPENDENT.COM. CVIndependent.com
4 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
APRIL 2015
OPINION
THE POTTED DESERT GARDEN
Find Easy-to-Achieve Peace in Your Outdoor Spaces
WWW.CVINDEPENDENT.COM/OPINION
By Marylee Pangman aby boomers like me want immediate gratification in everything we do— including our gardens. As gardeners, it goes without saying that we enjoy communing with nature. Even if you don’t personally create the landscape, there is a reason you want a garden in your life, right? And if you don’t have a garden yet at your desert home … think about it. What could be easier than simply adding a few pots? The beauty of container gardening is that you can add one pot at a time—making for easy instant gratification. Place one by a chair … and relax for a while. I’ll bet that as you enjoy your accomplishment, you will quickly start thinking about what to add next. Even a small outdoor area can be converted into a serene spot. Look at the first picture here: Using existing pots and an existing St. Francis statue, this condominium owner turned a narrow yard into a sanctuary. Mature trees provide filtered sun throughout the day, allowing for successful gardening even in the summer heat. Volunteer flowers have popped up around the pots, grabbing for the water provided by the pot-irrigation run-off. This creates a woodland retreat; all that is needed is a comfy chair. In the final two pictures, you are invited to leave the sun-drenched backyard of this desert home and enter a shaded side yard at another home. Neighboring Arizona ash and oleanders provide free shade for this southside patio. A
CVIndependent.com
walkway about 8 feet in width—an under-used thoroughfare leading from the home’s carport to the back yard—becomes a tremendous space. The addition of various seating options, a lamp and a fountain unite to create a respite from the heat—an invitation to morning coffee or afternoon wine, as well as a place to sit outside during the day to write or read. Container gardening is simple, easy and rife for (almost) immediate gratification. Enjoy! April Care in Your Desert Potted Garden • Plant summer flowers as late as possible this month. Remember, newly planted pots need daily water! • Establish a regular fertilizing schedule for your roses, with both organic and water-
soluble fertilizers. • Check your irrigation this month! Review past water bills to track your usage—look for any obvious changes. Check your system for leaks. • Do not assume! We need an inch of rain in a day to be safe in turning off the irrigation for any length of time—and even then, pots will need water again in one to two days. In the unlikely event this ever happens, don’t forget to turn irrigation back on! • Adjust irrigation timers. As temperatures increase, so do the water needs of your garden. To give plants just the right amount, start by increasing the number of days per week it operates, but not the number of minutes per cycle. If your pots are not getting thoroughly wet throughout the soil volume, increase the length by one minute at a time. MARYLEE PANGMAN IS THE FOUNDER AND FORMER OWNER OF THE CONTAINED GARDENER IN TUCSON, ARIZ. SHE HAS BECOME KNOWN AS THE DESERT’S POTTED GARDEN EXPERT. SHE IS AVAILABLE FOR DIGITAL CONSULTATIONS, AND YOU CAN EMAIL HER WITH COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS AT POTTEDDESERT@GMAIL.COM. FOLLOW THE POTTED DESERT AT FACEBOOK.COM/POTTEDDESERT. THE POTTED DESERT GARDEN APPEARS EVERY TUESDAY AT CVINDEPENDENT.COM.
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 5
APRIL 2015
OPINION
ASK A MEXICAN!
Are There Assisted-Living Homes for Mexicans Who Like Spicy Food? WWW.CVINDEPENDENT.COM/OPINION
By Gustavo Arellano EAR MEXICAN: I recently visited a viejecita in an assisted-living home. As I’m getting on in years myself, I wondered how I would fare in such a place. Fortunately, I do like to eat cottage cheese, but I would like some salsa with it, or better yet, an occasional jalapeño en escabeche. Are there places for those of us who like spicy Mexican food? Perhaps you have answered this question already in Taco USA, but I have been so busy lately that I have not yet cracked the cover of my copy. Sabor Para Mi DEAR FLAVOR FOR ME: Time was, the Mexican could boast that we raza would never join cruel gabachos in exiling our aging parents to senior homes—instead, we’d let them live by themselves, because mami y papi were tough enough, or at the most, we’d house them in their golden años in the casas of our youngest sibling, because that’s what mija was born to do. But Mexicans tend to embrace the gabacho proclivity to abandon the familia the longer they’re in the U.S. “Growth of Racial and Ethnic Minorities in US Nursing Homes Driven by Demographics and Possible Disparities in Options,” published in the July 2011 issue of Health Affairs, showed that the number of Latinos in nursing homes grew by 54.9 percent between 1999 and 2008, while the number of gabachos decreased by 10.2 percent. While the researchers blamed poverty and a lack of access to better medical options for the increased rates, maybe all those old gringos are moving out because they don’t want to spend their last days living with Mexicans. Anyhoo, the way those nursing-home rates are going, Sabor Para Mi, I don’t think you have to worry about the lack of Mexican food at your retirement home, but rather cottage cheese—what Mexican likes that cochinada? DEAR MEXICAN: Why do wabs, regardless of age and body size, always have one hand rubbing their bellies under their shirts? They all do it, especially the “fresh from the border” ones. I don’t get it. I’m a pocho, and I’ve never seen other pochos do it. Are wabs fingerbanging their belly buttons, or what?
DEAR POCHO: What’s with the panza hate? In previous eras, girth was a sign of bounty and promise—I’m thinking Santa Claus, William Howard Taft and the Earth Mother. That’s still the case in Mexico: Next to a broom-thick mustache and a gray Ford truck, a glorious, well-rounded stomach is our ultimate proof of machismo. A panza’s layers of fat fuel our insatiable work ethic; its orbital shape is a testament to the wives we keep in kitchens at home. Gabachos might work out, but taut muscles cannot compete with the centripetal force of a panza. Kids flock to it; crowds stare in jealousy when a magnificent specimen passes by. So when we rub our panzas, we pat the larded treasure that brings us success, popularity and prosperity—recall how Buddhists massage Siddhartha’s plump belly for luck. CATCH THE MEXICAN EVERY WEDNESDAY AT CVINDEPENDENT. COM. ASK THE MEXICAN AT THEMEXICAN@ASKAMEXICAN. NET; BE HIS FAN ON FACEBOOK; FOLLOW HIM ON TWITTER @GUSTAVOARELLANO; OR FOLLOW HIM ON INSTAGRAM @ GUSTAVO_ARELLANO!
Pocho With Albóndigas Grandes CVIndependent.com
6 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
CVIndependent.com
APRIL 2015
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 7
APRIL 2015
NEWS
TAPS THAT CAN
BE TRUSTED
Safe Drinking Water Is Coming to the Eastern Coachella Valley Thanks to the New Agua4All Program
WWW.CVINDEPENDENT.COM/NEWS
By Kevin Fitzgerald gua4All is a program with a catchy, informative name and an inarguably laudable objective: delivering safe drinking water to every resident of the state, regardless of location or income level. The program aims to provide this necessity via its proprietary waterfilling stations, which are being installed in schools and communitymeeting areas like parks, youth clubs and libraries. For too many Californians, the only accessible source for safe drinking water is commercially sold bottled water—an unaffordable solution for many underprivileged families. Currently in its pilot phase, Agua4All is focusing on disadvantaged communities in southern Kern County—and right here in the eastern Coachella Valley. “The original idea was actually conceived by The California Endowment, which has been the major funder of the program,” said Sarah Buck, rural development specialist for the Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC), which is charged with supervising and coordinating efforts around this program. “They have given us the opportunity and responsibility of designing it in a way that makes sense. Once this current pilot phase is over, we can replicate it and continue this work throughout all of rural California.” From January through early March, the RCAC ran a fundraising campaign, the second in the last year, on the Indiegogo crowdfunding platform. Unfortunately, the donation response was dismal, with just $575 raised. “I think the first one was more successful because it had a very targeted goal and message,” said Buck; the first effort raised more than $5,600. “For the second Indiegogo campaign, The California Endowment thought that because (celebrity chef) Jamie Oliver was going to be introducing our campaign while making an appearance in Sacramento, the campaign might take off because of that. Although the campaign didn’t raise very much money, we did have a huge bump in awareness and social-media chatter about the program.” Fortunately, Agua4All has received support from other corners. “We have been able to secure other funding from a number of foundations and banks,” said Buck. “For instance, we got funding from the Weingart Foundation for the work that we’re doing in
the eastern Coachella Valley. We’ve gotten funding from the California Bank and Trust, from Rabobank, and we got almost $450,000 in funding from the state of California, with the support of the State Water Resources Control Board, to put in arsenic filters for Kern County’s city of Arvin, where they have arsenic in the water. So we’ve been able to leverage the endowment’s original funds to access a lot of other different types of funds.” Specifically in the eastern Coachella Valley, the RCAC is excited about how the program is expanding rapidly. “We have definitely fostered a great relationship and partnership with the Coachella Valley Unified School District,” Buck said. “They’ve been very supportive, and the vast majority of the taps (water-bottle-filling stations) that are going into the Coachella Valley are in the schools. We’ve started by concentrating on the schools that are in the unincorporated areas, especially because a lot of those kids, when they go home, don’t necessarily have safe drinking water. So we have been putting our stations in a lot of the schools in Thermal, Mecca and Oasis. Toward the end of this pilot phase, we’ll probably be putting some into West Shore or the city of Coachella.” As of the deadline for this story, the RCAC had installed 11 water-bottle-filling stations in Coachella Valley locations through Agua4All.
“Our original goal from The California Endowment was to put 60 stations into the Coachella Valley, and 60 into Kern County,” Buck stated. “So we’re on the way there. They just got a new order at the Coachella Valley Unified School District. Every weekend, they’re putting in some of the new units. … They just finished up with John Kelley (Elementary) School (in Thermal), and they are starting … with the Cahuilla Desert Academy.” There are other facets to the Agua4All program. Those include the distribution of free plastic water bottles, provided by Nalgene, to potential users of the safe water being provided. “We have formed a fantastic partnership with Nalgene (a maker of a wide variety of BPA-free plastic bottles),” Buck said. “They have donated 1,500 bottles so far, and they are committed to donating at least 5,000 bottles for this pilot project. We’ve been doing a purchase and donation match. Also, they’ve given us a hugely reduced price to make it affordable. We got funding from the Weingart Foundation to buy extra bottles, and those will go into the schools in Coachella Valley.” Another valuable relationship for Agua4All is a tie to first lady Michelle Obama’s Drink Up campaign, which is designed to promote increased water consumption by individuals to improve their health. “All of the safe-drinking-water-filling stations that we are installing will carry both our logo and the Drink Up logo,” stated Buck. These two initiatives share common goals, too. “We’re intending to do a lot of water promotion, education and outreach on why it’s important to drink safe water instead of soda,” Buck said. “We’re trying to get a behavioral change in motion, because a lot of people in these communities haven’t had accessible safe drinking water for their whole lives, so getting them to trust that the tap water won’t give them cancer is going to be a challenge. But it’s something we know is really important. We want these communities to drink more water and be healthier overall.”
The Rural Community Assistance Corporation and Agua4All are providing safe drinking water and reusable water bottles to residents in the eastern Coachella Valley. AGUA4ALL FACEBOOK CVIndependent.com
8 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
APRIL 2015
NEWS
A GREAT $5 INVESTMENT
Martha’s Village Celebrates 25 Years of Helping the Valley’s Homeless
WWW.CVINDEPENDENT.COM/NEWS
By Brian Blueskye aking care of the Coachella Valley’s homeless is no easy task—but it’s something the people at Martha’s Village and Kitchen in Indio have now been doing, and doing well, for 25 years. Martha’s Village, as the story goes, began with a $5 donation to feed the homeless 25 years ago. Today, Martha’s Village and Kitchen has a transitional housing facility that can house 120 people—96 beds for homeless families with children, and 24 beds for single adults. The organization also serves 250,000 hot meals each year to anyone in need; provides child care to parents for children up to 5 years old; and offers educational and career services, as well as health-care and case management. The organization’s primary goal is to break the cycle of homelessness for residents. During residents’ stay of up to 12 months, they are given the tools to live on their own; Martha’s Village reports a success rate of 90 percent. Andrea Spirtos, the director of development, explained what happened at Martha’s Village after that $5 donation. “For 10 years, it continued to grow, because the need persisted to help the homeless, and (help) people for whom food was a challenge. So for those 10 years, it continued as a food kitchen—and then we realized we weren’t helping people as much as we could,” said Spirtos. “The old saying, ‘If you give a man a fish, you’ll feed him for a day; teach him how to fish, and he’ll eat for a lifetime’—that’s kind of what we do here at Martha’s Village.” Once clients leave the facility, Martha’s Village continues to follow up to make sure the transition to living on one’s own is smooth. “We realize that people, when they’re
CVIndependent.com
starting out in a job, sometimes that first and last month’s rent is hard to come by, and the security deposit is hard to come by, so we want to make sure they’re successful in their first year,” she said. “We really don’t want to have them to come back and visit us unless they’re volunteers or to donate, so we do have emergency food services, so if they’re challenged in eating, we’d rather they pay the rent and pay the utilities, and (have them) come to us for food.” The hard work of the 60 staff members, 1,600 volunteers and residents is visible every day at Martha’s Kitchen and Village. “We have miracles every day,” Spirtos said. “I see it in the eyes of the people who come into the building, and they’re hunched over, and the sparkle has gone out of their eyes. But … six months later, that sparkle has returned, and there’s a lightness in their step.” Spirtos said some businesses support Martha’s Village and Kitchen by providing jobs to its residents.
Martha’s Village and Kitchen has a transitional housing facility that can house 120 people.
“A lot of (places) like McDonald’s and In-NOut Burger … give jobs to some of the people who come through Martha’s and help them get their foot in the door in the employment path,” Spirtos said. “They might start out at the bottom, but that’s where people learn and develop. With time and enthusiasm and good training, they can grow and develop into better jobs—and it happens all the time. People here in the valley are very giving in terms of jobs for people who really want to work, and work hard.” Martha’s Village and Kitchen does receive some government funding, but donations are crucial in order to keep operations going. “(Federal funding) only covers about 27 percent of what it takes to keep this building
and programs going,” she said. “In the summer months, we provide a cooling shelter, and that’s expensive, with all the water and electricity to keep that air conditioning going. We’re very much in need of donations to keep everything going. We’re also very thankful to FIND Food Bank for helping us keep those food supplies going.” As for the next 25 years, Spirtos said she hopes there will be an end to homelessness, both in the Coachella Valley and nationwide. “I wish so much that there was an end to homelessness and food insecurity,” she said. “We’re a very fortunate country, and we’re a very giving valley, and I would like to see that continue to end that cycle of homelessness for good.”
APRIL 2015
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 9
CVIndependent.com
10 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
APRIL 2015
NEWS
APRIL ASTRONOMY An Early Morning Lunar Eclipse Highlights This Month’s Skies
WWW.CVINDEPENDENT.COM/NEWS
by Robert Victor ew people will choose to arise early to catch the start of the lunar eclipse on Saturday morning, April 4, when the spring’s first full moon begins to enter the umbra, or dark central core, of Earth’s shadow at 3:16 a.m. local time. For the next 1.7 hours, more and more of the moon will be immersed in the Earth’s circular dark shadow, until the start of the total eclipse at 4:58 a.m. Even before then, the rusty color typical of the moon in deep eclipse should be noticed—at least in the lower part of the moon’s disk, closer to the center of Earth’s shadow. Totality lasts less than five minutes, as the northern (upper) edge of the moon barely passes within the outer edge of Earth’s umbra. There should be a pronounced difference in color and brightness between the top and bottom edges of the moon.
CVIndependent.com
Totality ends by 5:03 a.m., after which the moon will gradually emerge from the shadow, with the eclipse concluding at 6:45 a.m. From the Coachella Valley, the moon sets several minutes before then, cutting off our view. If you prefer to watch this early-morning eclipse for just an hour, I recommend from 4:30 until 5:30 a.m., centering on the deepest eclipse at 5 a.m. At mid-totality, the moon will be quite dim compared to a normal full moon, and observers in dark locations will get a spectacular view of the Milky Way. Other bright objects of April mornings: Spica will be just 10 degrees to the upper left of the moon at mid-eclipse on April 4, with golden Arcturus high to their upper right. The next morning, on Easter Sunday, April 5, Spica will appear within 4 degrees below the moon, and on April 8, the moon will appear within 2 degrees to the upper right of Saturn,
Morning visibility map at mid-twilight. ROBERT D. MILLER
Evening visibility map at mid-twilight. ROBERT D. MILLER
and 10 degrees to the upper right of twinkling Antares, the red supergiant star marking the scorpion’s heart. The waning gibbous moon moves through the predawn Milky Way April 9-11, and by April 12, it has passed last quarter phase and appears slightly less than half full. The last easy view of the waning crescent will be low in the east an hour before sunup on April 16, with another chance for binocular users a half-hour before sunrise on April 17, only 30 hours before the new moon. The brightest “stars” in evening mid-twilight: In order of brilliance, they are: Venus, in the west to west-northwest; Jupiter, passing just south of overhead around midmonth; Sirius, in the southwest sky, bluish and twinkling, heading lower as the month progresses; Mercury, emerging from superior conjunction beyond the sun on April 9 to appear very low in the west-northwest to lower right of Venus starting around April 18; Arcturus, in the east-northeast to east, higher as month progresses; and Capella, high in the northwest. This is a good month to follow the motion of Venus against background stars. During April 9-11, Venus passes within three degrees south of the Pleiades, or Seven Sisters star cluster, an especially beautiful sight for binoculars! On April 16-22, Venus passes Aldebaran and the Hyades cluster, those stars together making up the “V”-shaped head of Taurus, the Bull. Meanwhile Jupiter lingers within 5-6 degrees east of the Beehive all month. Use binoculars to find that star cluster. On April 19, 40 minutes after sunset, the thin young crescent, 32 hours past new, will be low in the west to west-northwest. Binoculars may show Mercury within 8 degrees to the moon’s lower right; and dim Mars within 4 degrees to the upper left of Mercury, and within 5 degrees to the lower right of the moon. This is the same night Venus passes closest north (7 degrees to the upper right) of Aldebaran. On April 20, the lovely crescent moon will be almost directly below Venus, within 9 degrees to the lower right of Aldebaran, and 9 degrees to the lower left of the Pleiades. On April 21, the moon climbs to 5 degrees to the upper left of Aldebaran,
while Venus shines within 8 degrees to their upper right. Far to their lower right, dim Mars glows only 1.5 degrees to upper left of bright Mercury. On Apr. 22, Betelgeuse, shoulder of Orion, is 10 degrees south (to the lower left) of the crescent moon, while Mercury and Mars appear closest to each other, 1.3 degrees apart, with fainter Mars to the lower left. This is the first evening emerging Mercury is higher than sinking Mars. They’ll be 2 degrees apart on April 23, while the moon is midway between Betelgeuse and Pollux, brighter of Gemini twins. On April 24, the fat crescent moon exits the winter hexagon nearly halfway from Procyon to Pollux. On April 25, the firstquarter moon, half full, is 9 degrees to the lower right of Jupiter. On April 26, the moon is in waxing gibbous phase, 8 degrees to Jupiter’s lower left, and on the next night, April 27, it appears 4 degrees south of Regulus, heart of Leo, the Lion. On April 30, Mercury passes within two degrees south of the Pleiades. (Use binoculars to see the cluster low in twilight so late in April.) Mid-April is a good time to start keeping a checklist of bright stars seen each evening. Many bright stars are gathered in the western sky, including the huge winter hexagon. Striking changes in the visibility of stars will occur in the next several weeks, as a result of the Earth’s revolution around the sun. An observer’s log is provided with this piece at CVIndependent.com The Astronomical Society of the Desert will host a public star party on Saturday, April 25, from 8 to 10 p.m. at the Visitor Center of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, on Highway 74. For more information and directions, visit www.astrorx.org. ROBERT VICTOR WAS A STAFF ASTRONOMER AT ABRAMS PLANETARIUM AT MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY. HE IS NOW RETIRED AND ENJOYS PROVIDING SKYWATCHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN IN AND AROUND PALM SPRINGS.
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 11
APRIL 2015
NEWS
WWW.CVINDEPENDENT.COM/NEWS
SNAPSHOT
Images From March in the Coachella Valley
Ray Lamy, a member of the Palm Springs Gay Softball League’s Heartthrobs team, throws a pitch at a game at Demuth Park on Sunday, March 15. The league, celebrating its 10th anniversary, was supposed to kick off its spring season on March 1—but an unprecedented rainout pushed back the season’s start by a week. (The Independent is a sponsor and supporter of the league, and a couple of Independent employees play in the league.) PHOTO BY JEFF HERMANN/PSGSL
Justin Bieber works on his returns during Desert Smash, a celebrity-tennis fundraiser and concert at the La Quinta Resort, hosted by Will Ferrell, in support of the Cancer for College charity. The Canadian singer’s Tuesday, March 10, appearance was something of a surprise, and came just days before the taping of Bieber’s Comedy Central Roast. PHOTOS BY KEVIN FITZGERALD
The Coachella Valley was at the center of the tennis world during the BNP Paribas Open, held March 9-22 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. No. 1-ranked Serena Williams returned to the tourney for the first time since an ugly incident back in 2001—and did well before withdrawing before her scheduled semifinal match due to a knee injury. On the men’s side, No. 1-ranked Novak Djokovic repeated as the champion. PHOTOS BY KEVIN FITZGERALD
CVIndependent.com
12 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
APRIL 2015
CVI SPOTLIGHT: APRIL 2015 THEATER BEING BORN
Scott Smith, Adina Lawson, Michael Shaw and Nick Wass rehearse for the reading of Duck and Cover at last year’s Play Reading Festival. The play went on to be given a full production by Dezart Performs.
I
T ALL STARTED BECAUSE MICHAEL SHAW and Dezart Performs co-founder Daniela Ryan wanted to bring more new live theater to the Coachella Valley. In those first days of what would become the Play Reading Festival, performances were held in a small art gallery. Shaw and Ryan would solicit new scripts from friends and colleagues, and once a month, they would choose one play, cast it, find a director, and present a staged reading—charging just $5 a head. So attendees remained invested in the whole process, all audience members were given ballots to grade each play. After seven months, Dezart tallied up the grades, and the play receiving the highest score was produced as the company’s first show the following season. Fast-forward to today, and the procedure for the Seventh Annual Play Reading Festival, which takes place April 3-11, is much more formalized: Every fall, Dezart puts out a national call for submissions, and receives between 110 and 125 scripts; last year, Dezart even received entries from Australia and Canada. The scripts get divvied up among a team of 15 readers; they go through several rounds of scoring, and the number of scripts is narrowed down to about 25, which Shaw himself reads. Shaw then passes them on to a colleague, and the two of them choose the five to seven finalists. With both the Play Reading Festival and
CVIndependent.com
Dezart Performs’ other productions, Shaw is not willing to settle when it comes to quality, he said. He admitted that he occasionally ruffles feathers—like, for example, when he refuses to cast friends in parts for which they are not right. “Here in the valley, just like with theater in Los Angeles, there’s some really good stuff, and there’s some really bad stuff,” Shaw said. “But the passion’s always there. You can walk into any theater in the valley and see the passion. That’s fabulous, but passion can only take you so far.” Other important factors in Dezart’s success include selecting only special material, and knowing the Dezart Performs audience— though Shaw said he doesn’t want to “spoonfeed” people. Some audience members have been shocked or offended by some of Dezart’s more controversial offerings, he said, including the recent 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche. Shaw doesn’t mind that, as long as each play gets people thinking and talking. Shaw believes the five plays in this year’s Play Reading Festival will do just that: • Miss Prindle’s Summer Session (Friday, April 3) is a 10-minute comedy by John Lordan. In it, a mother sends her middle-age son back to summer school to study with his retired grammar-school teacher. It’s one of three plays in the festival Shaw is directing. • The Golden Boots (Friday, April 3) is a oneact comedy by James Rosenfield, based on
a true story. A few hours before a reception for Joseph II of Austria, Catherine the Great learns that her lover, the adjutant general, has seduced her best friend. The empress demands that a new adjutant general be chosen in time for the reception. • Suicide Dogs (Saturday, April 4), by Jess Honovich, is a comedy-drama. Also directed by Shaw, the play’s story revolves around Amelia, who flies her family to Florida to prepare for her brother’s funeral after his suicide. What she’s not expecting is that she will be responsible for her late brother’s famous and sick dog. • Above Water (Friday, April 10) is a drama by Bob Clyman. It’s the story of two middleage couples who have vacationed together for years. The play begins as the group is on vacation for the first time since one of the wives has died of cancer. The husband has brought along his much younger girlfriend— to the chagrin of the other wife, who was very close to the cancer victim. • The final play in the festival is drama Cat and Mouse (Saturday, April 11), by Michael E. Wolfson, and also directed by Michael Shaw. Stan and Larry, who have known each other since elementary school, re-connect at a dinner party. One of them ropes the other into a life gamble; the third character in the play is a woman who’s the object of the competition. This year’s playwrights hail from New
Jersey, Chicago, Sacramento and Los Angeles. The festival features local actors Yo Younger, Garnett Smith, Daniela Ryan, Adina Lawson, Valerie Armstrong, Blanche Mickelson and Scott Smith. Adina Lawson and Joan McGillis each direct one play. As always, the audience will get a chance to vote on which play gets a full production next season. Like all Dezart shows, the Play Reading Festival takes place at the Pearl McManus Theater at the Palm Springs Woman’s Club. It has been a great home for Dezart Performs for the past few years, but Shaw said the company is growing out of it. One of Shaw’s dreams is to renovate an old church and transform it into a theater; another is to create a performing arts center in Palm Springs that several groups could utilize. Whatever happens, the area’s theater community is better off thanks to Dezart Performs and its annual festival. Dezart Performs’ Seventh Annual Play Reading Festival takes place at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, April 3 through 11, at the Pearl McManus Theater at the Palm Springs Woman’s Club, 314 S. Cahuilla Road, in Palm Springs. Tickets are $10, or $34 for all four nights. For tickets or more information, call 760-322-0179, or visit www.dezartperforms.org. —Bonnie Gilgallon
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 13
APRIL 2015
CLEAN COMEDY AFTER DARK
T
HE AFTER DARK SERIES AT THE PURPLE Room continues to showcase a type of talent not often found performing in Palm Springs—and such will be the case on April 10 and 11, when comedian Cash Levy will take the stage. Levy has recorded a special for Comedy Central, and performed on The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson. During a recent phone interview, Levy discussed how he was drawn to stand-up comedy. “I think it starts the same way for a lot of guys: You start doing open-mic, coffee shops and any place with a microphone,” he said. “You work your way up to where people want to pay to see you. It’s a very tough process, because you know what to do to make your friends laugh—but it’s an entirely different story to make a room full of strangers laugh.” Levy said all the hard work is worth it in the long run. “That first year is the hardest,” said Levy, who has been performing for about a decade. “You just have to do your best to be patient with yourself, because you’re still figuring yourself out. You have moments of great hilarity, but then you’re not as consistent as you are later. I made an agreement with myself early on that I was just going to do 100 shows and try not to judge myself too harshly, because anything valuable in life is worth struggling for. If it was easy, it wouldn’t be so rewarding.” Improvisational comedy is Levy’s style. He said improv comedy is difficult to pull off on television. “Every TV show I’ve done is different. … On TV shows, you have to be very specific as to what you’re doing, and very concise,” he said. “You really don’t improvise much, and I always find television to be like a skating routine … and TV shows are the free skate. When I did my comedy special, I shot it myself, and I sold it to Mark Cuban of the Dallas Mavericks, and they put it on AXS TV for three years, and it was very improvisational. For an hour, you have a lot more time to spread your wings and do what you do best.” Levy has taken his comedy to U.S. troops in Afghanistan. “You’re usually flying into Afghanistan at night or really early in the morning, because of the darkness,” he said. “That’s kind of nerve-racking, and there was a night where a lot of bombs hit our camp, and we had to go to the bomb shelter. You do find when you perform for the troops that it’s very rewarding, because the more dangerous areas you go into, the more they appreciate you being there—and they laugh harder. As a comedian, the danger makes you a
Cash Levy will be bringing the funny to the Purple Room April 10 and 11.
little nervous, but the laughter makes it all worthwhile.” There are many comedians who love to discuss pop-culture and celebrities, or use insult humor; Levy is not a fan of those styles. Instead, Levy prefers to keep his act clean—and as a result, he’s done a lot of corporate gigs as well. “I don’t really do anything with current events; I think that leads to more Entertainment Tonight-style comedy, ripping on people,” he said. “I think you like your jokes to be more evergreen—evergreen meaning they will last and be more relevant for a longer period of time. To hear a joke about Nancy Kerrigan or a news event … it tends to dissipate pretty quickly. The joke will only last for two or three weeks, and it leads to really negative comedy, where you’re putting down whoever is in the news. I like the show to have people feeling good when they leave. My style is more a communal event where I interact with the crowd and ask them questions and sort of put a mirror up to the town I’m in, the room I’m in, and the people who happen to be there that night. ... The show is different than the night before or after.” Levy promised a good time to those who attend his Purple Room shows. “Expect to laugh a lot—I can guarantee that,” he said. “People seem really happy to have come, and many people come back the following night to see how the show changed.” Cash Levy will perform at 11 p.m., on Friday and Saturday, April 10 and 11, at the Purple Room, 1900 E. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs. Tickets are $10 to $12. For tickets or more information, call 760-322-4422, or visit afterdark. purpleroompalmsprings.com. —Brian Blueskye CVIndependent.com
14 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
APRIL 2015
ARTS & CULTURE
RAGS TO RICHES Woodman/Shimko Gallery Shows Off the Japanese Art Form of Tenugui
WWW.CVINDEPENDENT.COM/ARTS-AND-CULTURE
By Victor Barocas ho would endeavor to elevate the lowly, utilitarian dish rag into a highly collectible art form? The Japanese would—and the reasons why can be discovered at Woodman/Shimko Gallery in Palm Springs Dating back to 800 AD, tenugui, first made in woven silk, were used use in religious rituals. By the early 19th century, tenugui became a prop for storytellers as part of a comical monologue or a traditional story. When Japan began to cultivate cotton during the 1800s, tenugui were transformed into a household necessity to be washed and reused—artistic dish towels, in other words. The size of tenugui have not changed since the ninth century: Each is 35 by 90 centimeters, or roughly 13 3/4 by 35 1/2 inches. “I received my first tenugui as a gift,” said Woody Shimko, of Woodman/Shimko Gallery. “It was a hand towel that had three Japanese words: tree, grove, forest. I was hooked. Today, my collection nears 3,000.” The tenugui creation process—which has not changed for centuries—results in unique pieces of art. Tenugui masters and their apprentices begin by dying pieces of bleached cotton cloth. Depending upon the season, weather, humidity, temperature, etc., no two colors are the same. At first, tenugui look like nothing more than hand-painted fabric. However, that assumption is incorrect: a master, after creating one stencil,
CVIndependent.com
or a series of stencils, applies layers of color onto the fabric to create each finished piece. The stenciling process is akin to silk-screening. To satisfy an ever-increasing interest in the art form and create competition among different artisans, tenugui masters expanded subjects to include landscapes, geometric patters, abstracts, wildlife, people and quasirepresentational images. Given their utilitarian origins, Tenugui are almost never titled. Even today, households change their tenugui dish towels seasonally, and tenugui are often acquired to mark various holidays. “Over the past half-century, many artisans began to infuse humor into their tenugui,” Shimko said. In a move from home to commerce, tenugui became business cards carried in a pocket or briefcase; they also became a vehicle to
promote businesses. For example, for a sushi restaurant may have the restaurant’s name, address and an image of a fish or piece of sushi on tenugui. Some sumo-wrestlers and kabuki actors use them instead of autographed pictures, Tenugui collectors in the United States are increasing rapidly, in part because of the art’s affordability; high-quality pieces range in price from about $250 to $350. While pre-1950 tenugui can be found, they are costly, because many were destroyed during World War II. Today’s collectors tend to focus in on a specific subject or theme. Seasonal images are frequently collected, as are abstractions, animals, landscapes, humor and promotional items. It’s a treat to see this fairly unknown art form on display at Woodman/Shimko Gallery. Be sure to give these gorgeous dish rags a look. THE TENUGUI SHOW AT WOODMAN/SHIMKO GALLERY CONTINUES THROUGH THE END OF APRIL, AT 1105 N. PALM CANYON DRIVE, IN PALM SPRINGS. THE GALLERY IS OPEN DAILY FROM 10 A.M. TO 5 P.M. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 760-3221230, OR VISIT WWW.WOODMANSHIMKOGALLERY.COM.
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 15
APRIL 2015
ARTS & CULTURE A SUCCESS WITH TWO NAMES Western Lit: Palm Springs’ Andrew Neiderman May Be History’s Best-Selling Ghostwriter WWW.CVINDEPENDENT.COM/ARTS-AND-CULTURE
BY BRANE JEVRIC est-selling author Andrew Neiderman holds two prolific jobs. The Palm Springs resident writes novels under his own name—46 so far, in fact. Seven of his novels have been made into films—most notably The Devil’s Advocate, starring Al Pacino, Keanu Reeves and Charlize Theron. He’s also the ghostwriter of the famed V.C. Andrews series, for which he’s penned 73 novels. The franchise by the late Virginia Andrews was at 30 million books sold at the time of Andrews’ death in 1986—and is now at 106 million books sold. It’s one of the world’s biggest and longest-lasting literary franchises. Every time I’ve visited Neiderman at his south Palm Springs home over the last 15 years, he’s been working on yet another project—a book, a script, a play or a production venture. His newest novel, The Terrorist’s Holiday, was published March 10. “The Terrorist’s Holiday was a novel always in my mind to write,” Neiderman said. “I grew up in the setting, the Catskill resort area of New York State. It was basically a resort created by Jewish hotel owners. Movies like Dirty Dancing depict the ‘season.’ My familiarity with the area and the resort world helped me bring it to life on the page.” In the novel, Neiderman touches on a subject that’s all over the news nowadays— terrorism—and connects sentiments from the past with today’s political realities. “I remember all the major hotels were always opened during the Jewish holidays,” he recalls. “Many times, there were visiting dignitaries from Israel, so I imagined that period of time, those events and a major opportunity for terrorists to strike at Israel. I wanted to create a pair of terrorists who were ambiguous about their motivations and challenges. The New York City detective who stumbles on the plot is Jewish as well.” The novel’s publishing date couldn’t have been more timely, given that it fell just one week after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s controversial speech to Congress. Neiderman said he actually met Netanyahu, in the United Kingdom, on the day of the 2005 London bombings. “I was at The Langham hotel across from the BBC,” Neiderman remembers. “We met in the hallway the day of the bombing, July 7, 2005. Since the Brits were somewhat critical of Israel and its stance at the time, I talked about the irony of him being there that day, when England was suffering at the hands of the same terrorists.”
Neiderman gave me an advance, uncorrected copy of The Terrorist’s Holiday before the book’s release. Such copies are printed for marketing purposes—and for movie producers. There’s always a chance that another one of his novels will reach movie audiences in a big way, like The Devil’s Advocate did in 1997. “Unless (the book) gets picked up by a major studio, it can’t be as big as The Devil’s Advocate, because a feature from a studio opens up world
markets,” Neiderman said. “However, we are getting great reviews and reception, and hope to see it do very well.” A few years back, Neiderman told me he used only a one-line pitch to sell The Devil’s Advocate’s movie rights to Warner Bros. The line was: “It’s about a New York law firm that represents only guilty people—and never loses a case!” The Devil’s Advocate continues to pay dividends for Neiderman. Warner Horizon has been developing The Devil’s Advocate as a TV series for NBC, while Neiderman is working on developing The Devil’s Advocate into a musical for British and German theaters. The Devil’s Advocate is set to be a stage play in Holland later this year. Neiderman has already written Judgment Day, a prequel to The Devil’s Advocate, and Pocket Books/Gallery has a contract to publish it. “Judgment Day is going to be published in June this year,” Neiderman confirmed. “The novel depicts Satan, who took over a New York law firm. It introduces a prime new character in the guise of a detective with spiritual insight.” Since moving to the desert in 1989, Neiderman has written quite a few novels that take place in Palm Springs. Among these notable titles are Dead Time, Unholy Birth, Angel of Mercy and The Magic Bullet. Now 74, Neiderman is showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, his contract to write V.C. Andrews novels continues through at least 2017.
Andrew Neiderman sold The Devil’s Advocate movie rights to Warner Bros. with one line: “It’s about a New York law firm that represents only guilty people—and never loses a case!” BRANE JEVRIC CVIndependent.com
16 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
APRIL 2015
APRIL THEATER August: Osage County—From Palm Canyon Theatre The Weston family members are all intelligent, sensitive creatures who have the uncanny ability to make each other miserable. When the patriarch mysteriously vanishes, the Weston clan gathers to simultaneously support and attack one another; at 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, April 3 and 4; and 2 p.m., Sunday, April 5. $28. At 538 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. 760-323-5123; www.palmcanyontheatre.org. Buyer and Cellar—From Coyote Stageworks Emerson Collins (Sordid Lives) stars in the comedy Buyer and Cellar, which focuses on the price of fame, at 7:30 p.m., Thursday through Saturday; and 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, through Sunday, April 5. $45 to $60. At the Helene Galen Performing Arts Center, 31001 Rattler Road, Rancho Mirage. 760-318-0024; www. coyotestageworks.org. Diva Dish! The Second Helping—From Desert Rose Playhouse Luke Yankee stars in this one-man show featuring anecdotes about various celebrities, at 8 p.m., Saturday, April 4; and 2 p.m., Sunday, April 5. $28 to $30. At 69620 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage. 760-202-3000; www. desertroseplayhouse.org. Hold These Truths—From CV Rep During World War II in Seattle, university student Gordon Hirabayashi fights the U.S. government’s orders to relocate people of Japanese ancestry to internment camps. Gordon begins a 50-year journey toward a greater understanding of America’s triumph—and a confrontation with its failures; at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday; and 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, from Wednesday, April 15, through Sunday, May 3. $45; $40 previews on April 15 and 16; $55 April 17 opening night; no matinee on April 18. At the Atrium, 69930 Highway 111, No. 116, Rancho Mirage. 760-296-2966; www.cvrep.org. The Little Dog Laughed—From Desert Rose Playhouse Mitchell Green is a movie star who is on the verge of hitting it big. One problem: His agent can’t seem to keep him in the closet; the show takes place at 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and 2 p.m., Sunday, from Friday, April 17, through Sunday, May 17. $28 to $30. At 69620 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage. 760-202-3000; www. desertroseplayhouse.org. Man of La Mancha—From Palm Canyon Theatre While awaiting a hearing with the Inquisition, Cervantes presents a play as his defense in a mock trial for the prisoners; at 7 p.m., Thursday; 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and 2 p.m., Sunday, from Friday, April 17, through Sunday, April 26. $32 to $36. At 538 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. 760-323-5123; www. palmcanyontheatre.org. McCallum Theatre Dame Edna’s Glorious Goodbye takes place at 8 p.m., Monday, March 30, through Saturday, April 4, with a 2 p.m. matinee on April 4; $35 to $95. College of the Desert presents Fiddler on the Roof at 7 p.m., Thursday, April 30; 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, May 1 and 2; and 2 p.m., Sunday, May 3; $20 to $45. At the McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. 760-340-2787; www.mccallumtheatre.com. Miss Gulch Returns—From Desert Ensemble Theatre Company Jerome Elliott stars in this Palm Springs premiere of “a musical comedy valentine to the romantically disenfranchised,” at 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and 2 p.m., Sunday, from Friday, April 17, through Sunday, April 26. $22, with discounts. At the Pearl McManus Theater in the Palm Springs Woman's Club, 314 S. Cahuilla Road, Palm Springs. 760-565-2476; www.detctheatre.org. Psycho Beach Party—From Desert Theatreworks It’s 1962, and Chicklet just wants to be a surfer—but her multiple personalities keep getting in the way; at 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, from Friday, April 10, through Sunday, April 19. $25 regular; $23 seniors; $15 students with ID. At the Arthur Newman Theatre in the Joslyn Center, 73750 Catalina Way, Palm Desert. 760-980-1455; www.dtworks.org. Seventh Annual Play Reading Festival—From Dezart Performs After screening submissions from around the country and world, Dezart Performs offers staged readings of selected plays—and the audience helps choose which one will receive a full production next season; at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, from Friday, April 3, through Saturday, April 11. $10; $34 for a festival pass. At the Pearl McManus Theater in the Palm Springs Woman's Club, 314 S. Cahuilla Road, Palm Springs. 760-322-0179; dezartperforms.org. That Cancer Show!—From Script2Stage2Screen Joni Hilton’s comedy-musical about cancer is directed by Gina Bikales; at 7:30 p.m., Friday, April 3; and 2 and 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 4. $10. At the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Desert, 72425 Via Vail, Rancho Mirage. 760-345-7938; www.script2stage2screen.com Wait Until Dark—From Theatre 29 An apartment in 1960s Greenwich Village becomes the site of theater’s most terrifying game of cat and mouse, at 7 pm., Friday and Saturday, from Friday, April 10, through Saturday, May 9; there are also 2:30 p.m. matinees on Sunday, April 19 and May 3. $12 regular; $10 seniors and military; $8 children and students. At 73637 Sullivan Road, Twentynine Palms. 760-361-4151; theatre29.org.
CVIndependent.com
APRIL 2015
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 17
CVIndependent.com
18 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
APRIL 2015
APRIL ARTS Film Screening of ‘Tim’s Vermeer’ Tim Jenison, a Texas based inventor, attempts to solve one of the greatest mysteries in all of art: How did 17th century Dutch master Johannes Vermeer manage to paint so photo-realistically, 150 years before the invention of photography? The epic research project Jenison embarks on to test his theory is as extraordinary as what he discovers. This is a Penn and Teller Film, produced by Penn Jillette. Q&A to follow with Lisa Soccio, assistant professor/gallery director at College of the Desert. 6 p.m., Thursday, April 16. Free. University of California at Riverside—Palm Desert, 75080 Frank Sinatra Drive, Palm Desert. 760-202-4007; palmdesert.ucr.edu/programs/ArtDoc13.html.
Music and More Aiden James Don’t miss Aiden James performing his latest single, “Last Reminder,” from his album Trouble With This, which launched at No. 28 on the iTunes Top 100. Dinner at 5:30 p.m., with show at 7 p.m., Friday, April 10. $20 show only. Purple Room, 1900 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. 800-838-3006; purpleroompalmsprings.com. The Best of Sam Harris Sam Harris’ career has run the gamut from singer and songwriter to actor on Broadway, film and television, to writer, director, producer and now, author. After winning Star Search in its premiere season, Sam and his powerhouse pop, gospel and theater influenced vocals have never looked back. 8 p.m., Saturday, April 11. $60 to $75. Annenberg Theater at the Palm Springs Art Museum, 101 Museum Drive, Palm Springs. 760-325-4490; www. psmuseum.org. Cabaret 88: Donna Theadore An American actress and singer who first came to attention as a headliner at many famous nightclubs during the 1960s, Theodore won a Theater World Award and Drama Desk Award,
CVIndependent.com
and received a Tony Award nomination for her performance in the 1975 musical Shenandoah. She is best remembered for her appearances with Johnny Carson on the Tonight Show, making more than 50 guest appearances. 6 p.m., Wednesday, April 8. $88. Annenberg Theater at the Palm Springs Art Museum, 101 Museum Drive, Palm Springs. 760325-4490; www.psmuseum.org. Comedy at the Symphony Piano humorist Wayland Pickard leads an evening of music and comedy in the PBS tradition of Victor Borge, Roger Williams, Peter Nero and Liberace—all rolled into one. His impressions include selections from famous “piano men” such as Billy Joel, Elton John, Scott Joplin, Jerry Lee Lewis and even Schroeder from “Peanuts.” 7 p.m., Saturday, April 11. $25 to $45, with discounts. Helene Galen Performing Arts Center, Rancho Mirage High School, 31001 Rattler Road, Rancho Mirage. 760360-2222; www.cvsymphony.com. Opera in the Park This free annual concert is a celebration of opera music. Bring a picnic lunch and join thousands of Coachella Valley residents and visitors to enjoy an afternoon of incredible music in an informal, tranquil outdoor setting with a professional orchestra and eight young up-and-coming opera singers. Noon to 4 p.m., Sunday, April 12. Free. Sunrise Park, 401 S. Pavilion Way, Palm Springs. 760-325-6107; palmspringsoperaguild.org. Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus Presents: Extrabbaganza The Swedish pop group ABBA topped the music charts from 1975-1982. Their music found new life in movie musicals. The Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus will perform a long list of ABBA’s hits. 8 p.m., Saturday, April 25; and 3 p.m., Sunday, April 26. $25 to $50. Temple Isaiah, 332 W. Alejo Road, Palm Springs. 760-219-2077; awww.psgmc.com. Tachevah, A Palm Springs Block Party A concert for music fans midway between the two 2015 Coachella weekends. The celebration
of music and our city takes place outside the Spa Resort Casino in downtown Palm Springs, and a DJ will keep the party rolling in between band sets. 5 to 10 p.m., Wednesday, April 15. Free. Spa Resort Casino, at Tahquitz Canyon Way and Calle Encilia, Palm Springs. Facebook.com/Tachevah. The USO Variety Show The USO has been entertaining troops worldwide in times of peace and war for more 70 years. Now, the Bob Hope USO needs you to laugh, enjoy and have some fun remembering the good ol’ times. Join us for a live nostalgic tribute to Bob Hope and his band of Hollywood celebs; enjoy free tours of the museum pre- or post-show time. 2 p.m., Thursday, April 9. $55 to $75. Palm Springs Air Museum, 745 N. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs. 760-778-6262; palmspringsvacationtravel.com. Zero Gravity: Music Festival After Hours Party Zero Gravity will feature a mixture of top talent, emerging artists and special guest appearances. This year, the fairgrounds will be transformed into a mega-club party with amazing sound, lighting, lasers, larger-than-life artwork, exceptional VIP services and more. 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday, April 10-18. Must request an invitation at the website; lineup and ticket prices TBA. Riverside County Fairgrounds, 82503 Highway 111, Indio. Rocketboyevents.com.
Special Events Cathedral City LGBT Days Not your typical Pride event, this weekend promises to be interactive, festive and OUTrageous! Enjoy area restaurants, music, hot air balloon rides, the costume “charity bed race” LGBT films and more. Various times, prices and locations in Cathedral City. Friday, April 3, through Sunday, April 5. 760-770-0340; www.discovercathedralcity. com/index.php/event/cathedral-city-lgbt-days. The Dinah Shore Weekend Club Skirts presents The Dinah, the largest girl
party music festival in the world, rocking Palm Springs since 1991. Various times and locations, Wednesday, April 1, through Sunday, April 5. Prices vary; weekend passes $269. Thedinah.com. White Party Palm Springs The largest gay dance party in the world. DJs, live performances, pool parties and more. Various times, prices and locations, Friday, April 24, through Monday, April 27. Jeffreysanker.com.
Visual Arts 99 Bucks Sale The Palm Springs Artists Council presents this annual major fundraiser for the Education Department. Celebrities as well as Artists Council members and other artists create artwork on 5-by7 canvases for this popular and intriguing one night event. The purchaser selects works to buy, and only after purchase do they learn the name of the artist. 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Saturday, April 11. Free. Riviera Resort and Spa Grand Ballroom, 1600 N. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. 760-322-4850; www.psmuseum.org/artists-council. Indian Wells Arts Festival More than 200 award-winning artists featuring hundreds of pieces of one-of-a-kind artwork available for purchase. The Second Annual Objet Trouvé Found Art Festival joins once again, featuring award-winning found artists creating a “festival of festivals.” 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, April 3, through Sunday, April 5. $13; children 12 and under free. Indian Wells Tennis Garden, 78200 Miles Ave., Indian Wells. 760-346-0042; www. indianwellsartsfestival.com.
SUBMIT YOUR FREE ARTS LISTINGS AT CALENDAR. ARTSOASIS.ORG. THE LISTINGS PRESENTED ABOVE WERE ALL POSTED ON THE ARTSOASIS CALENDAR, AND FORMATTED/ EDITED BY COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT STAFF. THE INDEPENDENT RECOMMENDS CALLING TO CONFIRM ALL EVENTS INFORMATION PRESENTED HERE.
APRIL 2015
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 19
CVIndependent.com
20 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
APRIL 2015
MOVIES
THE VIDEO DEPOT
NOW SHOWING AT HOME
TOP 10 LIST for MARCH 2015
This Month’s Choices Include Three Fine Films—and an Adam Sandler Bomb
WWW.CVINDEPENDENT.COM/MOVIES
By Bob Grimm Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb 20th Century Fox, Blu-Ray released March 10 The third time is the charm for the Night at the Museum franchise: Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb is first good movie in the lot. The previous chapters lacked soul, laughs and a true sense of adventure. This installment allows Ben Stiller to clown around a little more and drop some better jokes. Having him play a second character—a Neanderthal man—is an inspired touch. Larry (Stiller) discovers the ancient tablet that gives the museum attractions the ability to come alive is deteriorating. He ultimately treks to London to solve the problem, visiting a museum where Sir Lancelot (Dan Stevens) comes to life. Stevens is a nice addition; he’s consistently funny and wicked as the crazed knight. His subplot leads to him running onstage during a musical production of Camelot, which provides a pretty hilarious cameo. All of the usual characters are back, including Robin Williams, in one of his last roles, as Teddy Roosevelt. Mickey Rooney’s final appearance is also here; he has one twisted scene. Owen Wilson and Steve Coogan get a bunch of laughs as the cowboy and the Roman soldier, while the peeing monkey steals a bunch of scenes. Stiller, director Shawn Levy and the cast finally get it right, and bring the series to what I hope is its conclusion. I never expected to laugh during a Night at the Museum movie— but I found myself giggling often. Special Features: A director’s commentary, a bunch of featurettes and some deleted and extended scenes make this a pretty packed disc.
Adam Sandler in The Cobbler. CVIndependent.com
The Cobbler Available on demand and via online sources including iTunes and Amazon.com Adam Sandler’s latest film has a fairly interesting premise and gets off to an OK start—but it quickly becomes awkward (even gross) and eventually degenerates into a stupid, predictable thriller. Sandler plays Max, a cobbler in a New York shop once owned by his dad. After his electric stitching machine goes kaput, he uses an old manual one in the basement to fix some shoes. He tries them on—and instantly becomes the person who owns the shoes (played by Method Man). He figures this out, and begins using shoes to become other people, including, most disgustingly, his longlost father (Dustin Hoffman), for a date with his mother. (Ew!!!) The plot then goes crazy, as Method Man’s character proves to be a street thug, and Max schemes to steal his money so he can buy a tombstone for a family member. Director Tom McCarthy (The Station Agent) is all over the map, attempting too many genres and subplots for a single movie. Sandler just can’t make a decent film these days.
Nathan Phillips and Angourie Rice in These Final Hours.
These Final Hours Available on demand and via online sources including iTunes and Amazon.com Witer-director Zak Hilditch has made a movie reminiscent of 1988’s Miracle Mile, that weird indie film that had Anthony Edwards racing to find Mare Winningham before the planet went kablooey in a nuclear holocaust. Hilditch set his film in Australia, where that part of the globe awaits a wall of fire resulting from some sort of asteroid strike. James (Nathan Phillips), with his wife’s permission, makes the decision to leave her and join his
mistress at an apocalypse party. On the way to the mayhem, he rescues Rose, a young girl (Angourie Rice), from a fate worse than death, and begins to attain a sense of responsibility and compassion. Phillips puts forth a strong, frantic performance, while Rice provides a nice, serene balance. The party itself is madness personified. Some of the film drags a bit, but it’s quite good for most of its run. I especially liked the ending, which wraps things up nicely.
Anne Hathaway and Matthew McConaughey in Interstellar.
1. Interstellar (Paramount) 2. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (Warner Bros.) Nadia Hilker and Lou Taylor Pucci in Spring.
Spring Available on demand and via online sources including iTunes and Amazon.com Some might find the supernatural elements of horror/romance film Spring to be a little hard to swallow. For me, the part that’s really hard to swallow is that a short-order cook from the United States could just pick up and go to Italy at a moment’s notice. No way! Not on his salary. The short-order cook is Evan, played by likable actor Lou Taylor Pucci. After the death of his parents and a fight in a bar, he flees to Italy, where he meets the love of his life, Louise (Nadia Hilker). Nadia has it all: looks, intelligence, sly wit—and the tendency to shape-shift into catlike and reptilian monsters. Directors Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, utilizing a script by Benson, have made a film that is genuinely scary, touching and funny. Pucci and Hilker are good together, especially in the moments after Evan discovers Louise’s primordial secrets. The way the couple deals with her monster moments is surprisingly funny. As for the horror effects, they are quite good, given the film’s small budget. Add this one to the list of recent horror efforts that expand upon the genre, along with The Babadook and It Follows.
3. The Hunger Games: MockingjayPart—1 (Lionsgate) 4. Exodus: Gods and Kings (20th Century Fox) 5. Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (20th Century Fox) 6. Penguins of Madagascar (20th Century Fox) 7. Top Five (Paramount) 8. Annie (Sony) 9. Unbroken (Universal) 10. The Imitation Game (Anchor Bay)
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 21
APRIL 2015
the
FOOD & DRINK Tom Del Sarto Has Helped the Beer Industry Change and Grow for Almost 40 Years
WWW.CVINDEPENDENT.COM/FOOD-DRINK
By Erin Peters ore than three decades ago, Coors Banquet Beer was the best beer that American breweries had to offer. It was brewed with Rocky Mountain spring water near Golden, Colo., and was only available in the West. President Eisenhower had supplies of it airlifted to the White House via Air Force One. Keith Richards would keep cans onstage; Clint Eastwood and Ray Charles even sang a duet praising the beer. Heck, bootlegging Coors was part of the plot line of Smokey and the Bandit. There even were Coors connoisseurs. I’ll give you a moment to let that sink in. In 1974, a story in TIME magazine, “The Beer That Won the West,” told the tale of one enterprising fella who made weekly runs with a refrigerated truck from Denver to Charlotte, N.C.—making a nice profit along the way. A different fella, named Tom Del Sarto, witnessed this beer bootlegging firsthand, as a promising Coors salesman back in 1978. More than 35 years later, Del Sarto is still in the beer business, working as the director of sales at Coachella Valley Brewing Co. His beer career actually began in 1975, when he was just 18 years old. “I actually made a wrong turn looking for my summer job, and they told me that it wasn’t there anymore. So, as I was driving back home, I thought, ‘What do I do now?’” he recently told me as I sipped a Lost Abbey Red Poppy Ale. It was then that Tom saw a Coors distributor sign and stopped—only to discover his baseball coach was working there. His coach gave him a shot—and that ‘wrong turn’ turned into a 25-year career with the same distributor. Del Sarto began in Redwood City, Calif., in the recycling department. At 20, Tom was promoted to district supervisor, managing a team of five people. By 23, he was the youngest sales manager in the country for Coors. By 29, Tom was the vice president, general manager and partner of Coors West/South Bay Beverage. Tom learned the business from the bottom up, and worked with the godfather of the business: Bob Franceschini, Bay Area beverage distributor and president of Coors West Regal Beverages. Between Prohibition and 1976, Coors was available in only 11 states, all in the West. It wouldn’t even reach all 50 states until it landed in Indiana in 1991. Del Sarto’s first big sell was a truck full of Coors Banquet to a liquor store in Millbrae,
Calif., in 1978. After lining up the cases along the building and leaving, Tom’s intuition told him to drive back—when he caught the owner restacking the coveted beer in a different truck to resell back East. Del Sarto said the biggest difference between selling beer in the ’70s and ’80s and selling it today is volume: Today’s craft-beer landscape has brought consumers many, many more choices, meaning distributors carry more beers from more breweries than ever before. To help meet this demand, Del Sarto also consults for two Northern California premium-brand distributors. “I train distributor management on how to get the most out of suppliers,” he said. “When I have my CVB hat on, I’m the supplier getting the most out of the distributor. So it’s an easy thing to transition, to do both sides.” Del Sarto handled the recent agreement for distributor Young’s Market Company to distribute CVB’s Desert Swarm, Kölschella and Monumentous throughout California. The beer world’s three-tier system requires beer to go through a middle-man: the distributor, or wholesaler. The distributor does on-the-ground sales and marketing for the producer, and sells the beer to retailers. “Brand loyalty is a big thing,” Del Sarto said. “The problem is keeping people from switching to another beer of the week. … It’s all about the consistency of the liquid. I think we’re making better beers than we ever have created. I think the choices are awesome, and people are starting to understand it.” As of last November, there were more than 3,200 beer brewers in the country. On March 16, the Brewers Association revealed that in 2014, for the first time ever, craft brewers achieved a double-digit (11 percent) share of the marketplace. It’s been a challenge for some distributors and wholesalers to adapt to and accommodate the rapidly growing craft-beer industry.
CVB’s Tom Del Sarto: “Brand loyalty is a big thing. The problem is keeping people from switching to another beer of the week. … It’s all about the consistency of the liquid. I think we’re making better beers than we ever have created. I think the choices are awesome, and people are starting to understand it.” ERIN PETERS
Because of the massive volume of breweries in the state, California also allows selfdistribution with no limits as to production size. Breweries like Russian River and Kern River take advantage of this, as does Escondido’s Stone Brewing Co., which operates a self-distribution network that carries more than 30 craft and specialty brands to Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties. In fact, Stone’s Greg Koch and Arlan Arnsten started the Craft Beer Wholesalers Symposium in 2004—and like the craft-beer industry itself, the symposium continues to grow. “The generation that is kind of moving this, it’s a pretty big age group,” Del Santo said. “They don’t want to be sold to; they want to make their personal selections. They want to work with their buddies and say, ‘Hey, such and such is on tap over here, and you need to try it.’ That, to me, is much more powerful.” Just as Del Santo was saying this, AnheuserBusch’s advertisement criticizing the craft-beer industry came on TV. “What is the chance of that?!” he said, laughing about the commercial that first aired during the Super Bowl. There’s a reason Anheuser-Busch is on the defensive: Sales of mass-market beers like
Budweiser, Old Milwaukee and Miller Genuine Draft have slumped. For example, Michelob Light sales have fallen from more than 1 million barrels in 2007 to around 350,000 barrels in 2012, according to BeerInsights.com. Budweiser sales have been declining for more than two decades. On the flip side, Forbes magazine this year announced two craft beers from California breweries—Ballast Point’s Sculpin IPA, and North Coast’s Old Rasputin—made its list of the 30 best beers available in Brazil. What a difference 30 years can make. Del Sarto thinks the next big opportunity for the craft-beer industry is in the Spanishspeaking market. He also predicts that innovative packaging and styles will continue to be hot. We all have our favorite beers and breweries, but what if someone asked about your favorite distributor? A bewildered stare would likely follow. But think about this: Distributors are the go-between that brings delicious craft beers to the bars and stores that carry them— enabling consumers to easily purchase the savory suds. In other words, thanks to talented beerlovers like Del Sarto, the beer-bootlegging era is history. CVIndependent.com
22 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
APRIL 2015
FOOD & DRINK
the SNIFF CAP
Our Intrepid Wine Columnist Decided to Try Her Hand at Making Mead
WWW.CVINDEPENDENT.COM/FOOD-DRINK
By Deidre Pike he moon lights the way to my cottage. A lantern glows inside. Friends knock and enter, bringing veggies and bread. I pour sweet golden mead into clay mugs. I’ve been busy fermenting honey here in my hobbit hole. Folks pull out hand-crafted instruments. We build a bonfire under the stars, dancing and feasting until dawn. That’s my vision of life after the apocalypse, an existence without indoor plumbing and electricity and WiFi. In my hippie fantasy, human society may fall into ruin, but it won’t look like the murderous anarchy of Cormac McCarthy’s The Road. Instead, we’ll work together to survive and thrive. We’ll make music and drink mead—one of the most ancient and sustainable alcoholic beverages. It’s going to be good. OK, back to reality. I wasn’t thinking about surviving civilization’s collapse when I checked the progress of my bubbling liquid sunshine—a 6.5-gallon glass jug of honey wine. For two weeks, my mead had been fermenting feistily. Then not so much. After a couple of weeks, the bubbling business slowed and seemed to stop. “You need to buy a hydrometer,” said one advisee. Got one. “Have you been using it?” Yup. I reported that the specific gravity measured 1.040 a couple days ago. “That’s pretty sweet, like a dessert mead,” he said. “But you have a lot of time.” He suggested I give my yeast a snack. Does the above exchange make me sound like I know what I’m talking about? Thank you, Internet, for giving me chem lessons so I can break bad in my home lab. Here’s what I’ve learned: A hydrometer (glass tube that floats atop the booze) measures the density of the liquid in my jar. The specific gravity of water is 1.000. Pure alcohol is 0.792. My mead, as you can see, is quite dense. Fermentation slows and stops eventually. But my mead is still too sweet and only boasts about 5.25 percent alcohol. I’m hoping for 11 or 12 percent. If I give my yeast a snack, it’ll kick back into fermentation mode. While honey contains all the nutrients required by bees (and humans), yeast is needier. As the sugar transforms into alcohol, my yeast needs another shot of nutrients—a concoction containing amino and unsaturated fatty acids and the kinds of stuff that I could probably get from crushing up a multi-vitamin. CVIndependent.com
Rather than mash up my Geritol, though, I obtain a packet of tan powder called yeast nutrient, and unscrew the wide-mouth air-lock cap on the mead. I place my hydrometer in the mead and give it a gentle spin. When it stops moving, I take a reading. Still 1.040. I taste it. Not too syrupy, a bit effervescent. Nice. But I’d prefer it to be drier. So in goes the nutrient, and the concoction bubbles like madness. Happy yeast makes tasty mead. Two weeks or so ago, my husband, Dave, and I started our first batch of mead. Making mead is easy, we’d heard. You can make mistakes, and the mead will most likely survive. We’d obtained 18 pounds of orange-blossom honey for the project. After equipment, buying honey is the priciest aspect of mead-making. Why are we buying honey when Dave keeps bees in his backyard, where they feast on red raspberries, roses and lavender? Fair question. Dave’s honey is simply too precious for experimentation. First, we’ll get good at this. Of course, Dave can be a little finicky. “Does this honey smell OK to you?” Dave asked. “It does not smell as good as your honey, honey,” I replied. For references, we had Ken Schramm’s book The Compleat Meadmaker, and a recipe in the back of a catalog for home-brewing supplies. I searched for “making mead” online, and Google reported 31.7 million results. We also had six gallons of filtered water, a thermometer, a hydrometer and a 6.5-gallon glass carboy (jug). We had sanitizer to clean a long stirring spoon, cups and measuring utensils. We had Prise de Mousse wine yeast, nutrients, tartaric acid and Irish moss for clarity. We were ready. Gobbing honey out of jars
Dave checks the mead in progress. DEIDRE PIKE
was sticky business. Then we heated the must, aka watered-down honey, aka proto-wine. The proportions of honey to water differ depending on the recipe. One online recipe suggested two pounds of honey per gallon of water. Schramm’s recipe included twice that—15 pounds of honey, and four gallons of water. We landed right in the middle—18 pounds of honey and six gallons of water, or three pounds of honey per gallon. We boiled water and added honey along with nutrients and energizer. Adding honey cooled the water, but then we took the liquid back up to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. I fiddled with the burner for 10 minutes or so, trying to keep it hot without letting it boil. Another recipe calls for boiling. Go figure. Heat then cool. Heat then cool. The must had to cool down again before we could add yeast. So we waited. And waited. We got impatient. We were ready to sit down to crab appetizers and wine. When the liquid was finally cool, we added yeast and stirred like maniacs to get plenty of
oxygen into the must. I twirled a spoon until my arms hurt, then Dave gave it a go, creating a cyclone in the bottle. We put a lid on it, fantasizing about the three cases of golden mead we’d be enjoying in six months or so. There’ll be a party with DIY music and a bonfire. We’ll drink mead from clay mugs. Sound like a good plan for a Friday night? We thought so, too. Our work done, Dave and I opened a lovely bottle of Anderson Valley pinot noir for which we paid some serious dough. The wine was excellent, and I’m thinking now it might be time to make wine-wine next time. Red wine. From grapes. This fall, in fact, I’d like to try my hand at, say, six gallons of zinfandel. I’m soliciting advice on this. Can I buy a smallish quantity of grapes and crush ’em in my kitchen? Yes, said one wine-making friend, no problem. “But you’ll be sorry,” he warned. “Why?” “If it’s good, you’ll be sorry you didn’t make more.”
APRIL 2015
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 23
CVIndependent.com
24 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
APRIL 2015
FOOD & DRINK
Restaurant NEWS BITES
WWW.CVINDEPENDENT.COM/FOOD-DRINK
By Jimmy Boegle MARK YOUR CALENDARS: DINING OUT FOR LIFE IS ON THURSDAY, APRIL 30 Every year, dozens of area restaurants agree to give a chunk of one special day’s proceeds to the Desert AIDS Project, and that sacrifice makes a big financial difference: Last year, more than $175,000 was raised for DAP’s client services, thanks to about 10,000 diners and 43 participating restaurants. This year, DAP has even higher hopes for Dining Out for Life, which will take place on Thursday, April 30: As of this writing, 47 restaurants had pledged to participate, with each giving at least 33 percent of the day’s proceeds to DAP. That’s fantastic. Even better: Two restaurants have committed to giving 100 percent of the day’s take to DAP: Ristretto (500 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs) and Pho 533 (1775 E. Palm Canyon Drive, No. 625, Palm Springs; more on Pho 533 later). By the way: The Independent is a sponsor of Dining Out for Life, and we have agreed to “adopt” three restaurants during the day; follow us on Facebook to watch as we eat breakfast at King’s Highway at the Ace Hotel and Swim Club (701 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs), lunch at Alicante (140 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs), and dinner at Bar (340 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs). Or better yet—join us at these great restaurants; have a great meal; and help the Desert AIDS Project surpass last year’s $175,000 take. Go out and eat for a good cause; it’s literally the least you can do! For more information, including a complete list of participating restaurants, visit www. diningoutforlife.com/palmsprings. DASH AND A HANDFUL OWNER BUYS PHO 533 Chad Gardner, the brains (and the culinary talent) behind the Dash and a Handful catering company, is in the process of buying Pho 533, the Vietnamese restaurant that calls the Smoke Tree Village Shopping Center in Palm Springs home. In a news release, Gardner said he had no immediate plans to make big changes at the restaurant; in fact, he said he is a longtime fan of Pho 533. “I’m extremely excited to take the reins of this great restaurant and its loyal following that has been lovingly cultivated by its current ownership,” Gardner said, in the type of awkward quote that could only be found in a press release. He continued: “You may see some new specials introduced here and there, but the current menu will remain virtually intact.” According to that news release, Gardner has long wanted to own a restaurant. “I started my career in restaurants, and I love all types of Asian food, but since I was trained as a French chef, I particularly love Vietnamese food,” he said. Escrow is expected to close sometime in early April. Congratulations to Gardner! Watch www.pho533.com for updates. IN BRIEF Serious Food and Drink has moved in to the space at 415 N. Palm Canyon Drive that was the longtime home of Hamburger Mary’s. The restaurant’s website describes Serious as a “new American restaurant with a fun, relaxed atmosphere that is great for all occasions,” and there is some serious talent behind the place. Expect compelling appetizers, salads, sandwiches and entrées for lunch, while dinner brings a lot of tasty stuff—with price tags topping out at $28. I personally can’t wait to try out the Quack Stack appetizer ($13.95): Take duck fat fries, and add shredded duck confit and duck-egg hollandaise. I gained four pounds just reading that—but my mouth is watering. Learn more at seriousfoodanddrink.com. … With the change in seasons comes changes in menus—and such is the case at Simon Kitchen + Bar at the Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs. On Monday, March 30, the restaurant—which carries the name of celebrity chef Kerry Simon, and is led by executive chef Jeremy Saccardi—added new “social plates” (read: appetizers) that include veal meatballs Parmigana with rapini and burrata; and wok-charred edamame with togarashi. That sounds good, but it was the steak addition that got our attention: a 22- or 36-ounce bone-in rib eye prepared with marrow butter and special steak sauce. Yes, marrow butter. More info at www.hrhpalmsprings.com/ simon.htm. … Finally, sad news: Michael Farber, the proprietor at Dickie O’Neal’s Irish Pub, at 2155 N. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs, passed away due to heart problems. Following his death, Dickie O’Neal’s closed its doors indefinitely. Both Farber and Dickie O’Neal’s Irish Pub will be greatly missed. CVIndependent.com
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 25
APRIL 2015
FOOD & DRINK the
INDY ENDORSEMENT
WWW.CVINDEPENDENT.COM/FOOD-DRINK
We Enjoy a Happy Hour Steak in PS, and Some Tasty Drunken Noodles in PD
By Jimmy Boegle and Tommy Hamilton
WHAT The Happy Hour New York Steak WHERE Sammy G’s Tuscan Grill, 265 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs HOW MUCH $15 CONTACT 760-320-8041; www.sammygsrestaurant.com WHY It’s a fantastic deal. There are so many things we like about the happy hour New York steak deal at Sammy G’s Tuscan Grill that we feel the need to make a list: 1. It’s inexpensive. For just $15—the cost of a cocktail at some wayward “upscale” bars— you can get an 8-ounce New York steak. And fries. And a mixed-greens salad. In other words, you can enjoy a whole meal for just three Lincolns. Spiffy, eh? 2. It’s high-quality. You’re probably wondering about the quality of the steak: Is this one of those nasty hunks of meat like the stuff you’d get on special at a low-end Las Vegas casino? Absolutely not: We’ve enjoyed Sammy G’s happy hour steaks several times now, and every one we’ve received has been tender, with little gristle and fat. Oh, and the folks in the kitchen have successfully grilled the steak to order (medium rare, thank you) each and every time. 3. Happy hour is more like happy 8 1/2 hours. You know how some restaurant happy hours are, well, shortish in duration? Or only on certain days of the week? Not so here: Sammy G’s happy hour runs from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day in the lounge/bar area. 4. The atmosphere is lovely. Sammy G’s lounge is nice and huge. You can sit at a table, at the bar, or even on the patio. You’ll be comfortable no matter where you dine. 5. There are other great deals available during happy hour, too. Like $5 well drinks and $6 martinis. Do both your wallet and your palate a favor, and check out this amazing happy hour deal.
WHAT The Drunken Noodles WHERE Blue Orchid, 73030 El Paseo, No. 102, Palm Desert HOW MUCH $11.95 CONTACT 760-776-6610; blueorchidpd.com WHY The soft noodles and the fresh flavors. On the west end of El Paseo in Palm Desert, near the semi-convergence of El Paseo, Highway 111 and Highway 74, good Thai food is in abundance. We’ve extolled the virtues before of Le Basil, and now we’re extolling the virtues of Blue Orchid—and specifically, Blue Orchid’s drunken noodles. With these drunken noodles, the noodles really are the star of the show—they’re soft, yet not too soft, and you can sense the care the folks in the kitchen put into making them. Add red and green peppers that pop with freshness; just enough fresh basil to make its presence known with every bite; crispness-contributing lettuce; flavorful scallions and onions; and a subtle yet complementary sauce, and this plate sings. While there are two peppers next to the dish on the menu, signifying “spicy,” never fear: The drunken noodles are not too spicy, and what spiciness there is in no way detracts from the flavor. The drunken noodles can be ordered with chicken, pork, tofu or (for an extra $2) shrimp, and this leads us to the one quibble we had with the dish: We selected chicken … which was rather lackluster. It was OK—it was tender and acceptable—but it could have been better, especially in the flavor department. It didn’t sing. Therefore, the next time we go to Blue Orchid, we’ll be getting our drunken noodles with pork or shrimp. But make no mistake: We will be going back, and we will be ordering this dish again. Those noodles left us wanting more.
CVIndependent.com
26 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
APRIL 2015
The Music Issue The Coachella Valley becomes the epicenter of the music world each spring—and we're here to tell you all about it.
DESHACAM CVIndependent.com
APRIL 2015
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 27
CVIndependent.com
28 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
APRIL 2015
MUSIC
A FOUNDING
FATHER
Kyuss Veteran and Desert-Rock Pioneer Brant Bjork Gets Set to Play at Coachella
Coach
ella
WWW.CVINDEPENDENT.COM/MUSIC
By Brian Blueskye he Coachella Valley today is home to a healthy, growing music scene—but it wasn’t always that way. In the 1980s, young local musicians were forced to basically create their own music scene. These kids had no idea they would one day be considered pioneers. One of these pioneers is Brant Bjork, the drummer for and one of the founders of Kyuss. He’ll be appearing at Coachella on Friday, April 10 and 17, with his latest project, Brant Bjork and the Low Desert Punk Band. In 1987, while in high school, Bjork got together with Josh Homme and John Garcia to form the band that became Kyuss. Of course, Kyuss went on to become one of the most influential rock bands of the early ’90s, putting Palm Desert on the map for desert rock—or stoner rock, as some people called it. In 1994, Bjork left Kyuss due to a conflict with Homme. During a recent phone interview, Bjork said he’s proud of what Kyuss accomplished. “I’m most proud of Kyuss because we were offered a once-in-a-lifetime shot, at a time and a place where it was highly unlikely that shot was going to come to us,” Bjork said. “I’m proud of the fact that we were true to where we were from, and we took that shot and went out in the world and said, ‘We’re from the desert, and we’re a desert rock band.’” What does he think about the “desert rock” and “stoner rock” labels? “Being an artist or a member of a band, you don’t really get the luxury of deciding what people are going to call your band. I’m not in the business of coming up with genre names,” he said. “I can’t argue with either term. Desert rock is pretty obvious and appropriate. As for stoner rock, (the term) certainly wasn’t around when we were in Kyuss—but we were stoners. A big part of what we were doing involved marijuana. I think whether people like it or dislike it, it’s pretty authentic.” During his days in Kyuss, he formed a bond with the band Fu Manchu, another big name in the “stoner rock” era. “Through a mutual friend, I met the Fu Manchu guys while I was in high school,” he said. “… They were beach guys, and I went out to the beach one weekend, and I met them, and we kind of became friends. They were kind of different but had a similar spirit. … We were tapping into returning to rock music— shameless rock music, like ’70s rock music. We CVIndependent.com
were like brother bands.” Bjork joined Fu Manchu in 1996 and played drums in the band until 2001. “After I left Kyuss, Fu Manchu signed a solid record deal and started touring,” he said. “Then the drummer and the singer-songwriter in Fu Manchu parted ways, and Scott (Hill, guitarist and vocalist) called me up and asked if I wanted to join the band. I said yes.” Bjork later decided to release albums under his own name. He also took part in the Desert Sessions series at the Rancho de la Luna recording studio, which reunited him with Josh Homme. “Desert Sessions wasn’t really about the desert. That was something that was conceptualized by Josh Homme, and it involved musicians who weren’t from the desert,” Bjork said. “I can’t speak for Josh, so I don’t know what his idea was, but he asked me to take part in the first one, and even though I was questioning the concept, as a musician, it’s hard to say ‘no’ to playing with some accomplished musicians like John McBain from Monster Magnet, or Ben Shepherd from Soundgarden. These were great bands I admired and respected, and this was an opportunity to play music with them.” In 2010, Bjork got together with John Garcia and Nick Oliveri to play and tour as Kyuss Lives! However, they changed the name to Vista Chino after a lawsuit from Josh Homme and bassist Scott Reeder. The project dissolved after several years. “For the people who were there and for those of us who were involved, it was beyond
Brant Bjork
a success, and it went way beyond everyone’s expectations,” Bjork said. “We never sounded or played better, and the music was wonderful. In fact, that’s why it stopped—it was stopped because it was so awesome. “As far as going into the future and getting back together with Kyuss again involving Josh Homme, who willingly didn’t participate—I don’t know. I don’t plan on it, that’s for sure.” Bjork explained his current project, Brant Bjork and the Low Desert Punk Band. Last November, the project released Black Power Flower. “I returned to my solo work, and I just felt like I wanted to rock,” he said. “… It’s been years since I put out a solo record, and in
returning, I felt I wanted to make a solid rock record—and sort of scream and shout.” Bjork said he and his fellow desert-rock founding fathers back in 1987 would have never dreamed the Coachella Valley would once be home to a music festival as prominent as Coachella. “No,” Bjork said with a laugh. “I think I can count on one hand the artists who came through the desert when I was growing up. It’s a bit crazy. When you break it all down, as crazy it is, it makes good sense, too. It’s a beautiful area; the weather is great; you’re a couple of hours from L.A.; and I think the powers that be hit it out of the park as far as the location and concept—so hooray for them.”
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 29
APRIL 2015
MUSIC
THE WARRIOR
OF PUNK
Despite Health Issues, Black Flag/Circle Jerks Veteran Keith Morris Is as Busy as Ever With Off!
Coach
ella
WWW.CVINDEPENDENT.COM/MUSIC
By Brian Blueskye f Iggy Pop is the Godfather of Punk, Keith Morris the Warrior of Punk. The former Black Flag and Circle Jerks frontman is almost 60 years old, but he’s not slowing down: Since 2010, he’s been fronting his new band, Off! Off! will be playing at Coachella on Sunday, April 12 and 19. Black Flag was one of the first Los Angeles punk bands to make an infamous name for itself. The band recorded its debut EP, Nervous Breakdown, in 1978; it contained what would become four of Black Flag’s most-well-known songs: “Nervous Breakdown,” “Fix Me,” “I’ve Had It” and “Wasted.” However, Morris left Black Flag in 1979 due to disputes with band mate Greg Ginn—and a severe cocaine addiction. Morris soon formed the Circle Jerks with Greg Hetson (who later went on to join Bad Religion). Fun fact: The Circle Jerks also included Zander Schloss, half of semi-local band Sean and Zander. The band was active up until 1990, when it became more of a parttime group. During a recent phone interview, Morris discussed his days with Black Flag and the Circle Jerks. “I was in Black Flag for three years, which isn’t really that short of a time compared to Ron Reyes, who was in the band for six months. Dez Cadena was there for a while; Henry Rollins was there for a while—but Greg Ginn was there the longest.” Most of the early punk groups that formed in New York City and Los Angeles never saw any career potential in what they were doing. “My whole strategy was a non-strategy and just being kind of a straggler,” Morris said. “I had no set mentality, because there were no rules, and there was no manager standing over us telling us to line our bank accounts, sell lots of records, lots of CDs, cassettes, 8-tracks, T-shirts or any of that fun stuff. There were no rules. That was my saving grace in that. I wouldn’t necessarily call myself a follower, but there was a wide-open road, a map and a van. You would get in the van and go wherever the van would go and play wherever the van would stop, and all of that fun stuff.” Where did the van stop? Morris has stories … lots of them. “You’re pulling into Mobile, Ala., and you’re playing at Nick’s Fun House, dealing with all of the rednecks,” he said. “The Circle Jerks did the same thing Black Flag did: We played locally and everywhere we could play. We played a birthday party in Malibu on a cliff overlooking the ocean in front of a bunch of
rich Jewish parents, and they didn’t like what we were up to. We got invited to play the allgirl Catholic school in Flintridge, where the Los Angeles county sheriff showed up in full force with two or three helicopters and the billy clubs. We had our moments.” The bands also played shows for all-ages crowds at Veterans of Foreign Wars halls. “We’ve actually played places like that where the kids were breaking the showcase in the entrance room and pulling the Civil War bayonets and swords out of the display and actually swashbuckling. They probably didn’t realize the history—they weren’t fighting any kind of civil war, and they weren’t fighting North versus South. They were all being like a bunch of pirates. They were pirates, and it was Black Flag anarchy.” Morris said that while he’s almost 60, the past several years have been among his most active, while Off! has released three records and toured the world. Morris also took part in a Black Flag reunion called FLAG in 2013. “I’ve never been as busy as I have been in the last four years,” he said. “All of the other guys have kids, wives, families, relatives, rent and health insurance, and all of those responsibilities, so we don’t get to go out for three months at a time—maybe four weeks at a time.” Morris said he’s wowed by today’s punk-rock DIY network. “It exists now more than it ever has,” he said. “Granted, we have had bands that have actually tapped out and mapped out and charted out routes for bands when they go out on tour. But there’s always that place where
Off! STEVE APPLEFORD
you pull into town, and the bartender is going to have hemorrhoids, and he’s not going to want to have all the all-ages kids come into his bar.” Morris recently signed a book deal that he described as “decent” and is putting the finishing touches on an autobiography. One issue that he will probably discuss is his health: In the late ’90s, friends organized concerts to help him with his medical bills. He also became ill while touring in Europe with Off!—and nearly died. “I’m a diabetic, and I’m approaching 60 years old,” he said. “I love Southern California weather, but I wish that when it was cold, it would be cold for two weeks so we could get acclimated to that. … For me, having been a cocaine addict, I’ve fried all the fibers of the interior of my nose. My sinus passages are completely ruined. Anytime there’s a drastic shift in the weather, I get clogged up; I get post-nasal drip, and wake up with a headache, sort throat and a stomach ache. My deal is that I find myself in this mentality that I’m
thinking I’m competing with these younger guys, and I don’t want to get out and jog, so I have to mentally get myself up to the fact that I’ve got to get up there and act like a 19-yearold kid with a cherry bomb that’s been lodged up my rectum.” Morris said Off! is happy to be playing at Coachella. “There are a bunch of other bands that are playing, and we hear all the complaints (from fans): ‘I’m looking at the roster, and they want $8,000 for a weekend, and there are two bands that I like, and I hate all the rest of this stuff. And why are you playing with Drake? He’s no good.’ … The bottom line is if you don’t like it, you don’t have to go to it, so shut up and move along! “This will be our second time at Coachella, and the reason we’re playing Coachella is because the first time we played, we played in a big tent in front of about 8,000 girls trying to find some shade. If you’re in a band, and you get to play in front of 5,000 women, aren’t you going to take that opportunity?” CVIndependent.com
30 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
APRIL 2015
The Blueskye REPORT
MUSIC
HOW DANCE MUSIC LED TO
COACHELLA
Coach
ella
KCRW’s Jason Bentley—and the Rest of His Generation—Was Shaped by the 1990s EDM Explosion
WWW.CVINDEPENDENT.COM/MUSIC
By Brian Blueskye outhern California audiophiles and devout music fans know KCRW well: The NPR affiliate is considered one of the best stations in the country for musiclovers. Therefore, it’s somewhat appropriate that the station’s music director, Jason Bentley, will be DJing at SoCal’s biggest music festival, Coachella, on Friday, April 10 and 17. Bentley said he attended an underground party while he was in college, and it fascinated him that people from varied backgrounds and places were all able to come together. It was a positive force that he wanted to be part of. That led to his DJ career, which in turn led him to festivals such as Coachella. “There is such a huge surge in festivals now. I’m having festival fatigue,” Bentley said during a recent phone interview. “I understand the dynamics of the industry have changed so much to where recorded music doesn’t sell. … I love playing live festivals and clubs, because it gives me more of the artistic expression, and you’ve got your sound palette: You’re playing more stripped-down tracks and ideas; you’re playing these records, with an emphasis on the word play; and you’re performing the record in a totally unique way. You have control over the EQs, the filters and the arrangement. “Technology has advanced things so much, and I’m old enough that I remember playing vinyl and carrying around record boxes everywhere I went to DJ—which is now ridiculous.” What does Bentley show up with at a club or a festival these days? “I bring all my music on a thumb drive now,” he said. “I keep a couple of thumb drives in my pocket. It’s funny, because when you’d go to get access into a nightclub, you’d walk in with your record boxes and say, ‘Hey, I’m the DJ; let me through.’ Now you’re like, ‘No, trust me, I’m the DJ; here’s my thumb drive.’ It’s comical.” This year’s Coachella fest features a lot of electronic dance music. Bentley put that in historical perspective. “In terms of the very first Coachella, it was heavy on electronic music, and that’s where it really started,” he said. “I think Coachella was made possible in large part by the dance culture and rave culture in Southern California—and that wisely provided a larger CVIndependent.com
concept just to attract more people. Truly, the roots of Coachella are in electronic dance music. It’s been interesting to see this music become more important and change the experience. The rise of the Sahara tent to what it is now has just been amazing to see.” Bentley said he’s had some interesting experiences in that Sahara tent. “I’ve had a couple of opportunities to stand on the side of the stage during some big sets by young, up-and-coming artists who attract other young people,” he said. “One in particular last year I’ll never forget is Martin Garrix. He’s just another Dutch kid from out of nowhere, has a big hit record that’s all the rage, and somehow has a bazillion fans online. I was there when he started his set, and I’ve got to tell you, the energy level at that moment was just so unbelievable. There’s not much else that comes close to that. Sahara has become this wild frat party on steroids.” Bentley also discussed the smaller, lesstalked-about Yuma tent. “The Sahara was becoming this gigantic kabuki pinball machine,” he said. “I think they wanted to present something that was more about music that you feel—not a light show or spectacle, but a feeling. Dance music is largely about that. Yuma is just a place that’s a dark room. It’s a discothèque—it’s truly a desert discothèque. There was an interesting disco ball in there last year that was shaped like a shark. They’re doing some interesting things in there, but it’s about nuance and feeling, not about skimpy outfits and big video walls.” What can fans expect to see from Bentley at Coachella? “It’s house music. It’s that tempo range of
APRIL 2015 By Brian Blueskye It’s that time of the year again: Coachella and Stagecoach are here, and things are crazy before the season begins to wind down. Consider April to be last call before the summer heat comes. I will be throwing my third NestEggg Food Bank Benefit Show, this time at the Coachella Valley Art Scene, at 8 p.m., Saturday, April 4. On the bill: John Robbins, The Rebel Noise, Alchemy and CIVX. There will also be a closing DJ set by Pedro Le Bass. The Rebel Noise and CIVX have recently had to reshape after changes to their lineups—but both bands are back and sound great. There will also be raffle items. Admission is $10, and all proceeds go to the NestEggg Food Bank. Coachella Valley Art Scene, 68571 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City; www. thecoachellavalleyartscene.com. The McCallum Theatre is concluding its season with a couple of great locally focused events. At 8 p.m., Saturday, April 11, the McCallum will host a special anniversary gala for the The Desert Symphony. The gala will be hosted by Jason Alexander of Seinfeld fame. Tickets are $65 to $125. At 6 p.m., Wednesday, April 22, Jewish Family Service of the Desert will be presenting Michael Childers’ production of One Night Only, which features music from the ’60s. Tickets are $75 to $195. McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert; 760-340-2787; www.mccallumtheatre. com. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino will host Marie Osmond at 8 p.m., Saturday, April 4. She performed with her brother Donny under the name “Donny and Marie”; that led to a variety show during the late ’70s. She’s recorded 35-plus albums and has appeared on Broadway. Tickets are $39 to $79. At 8 p.m., Saturday, April 25, Earth, Wind and Fire will be performing. One of those disco groups that defied “Death to Disco,” EW&F has
Jason Bentley: “Coachella was made possible in a large part by the dance culture and rave culture in Southern California.” TIMOTHY NORRIS
120 (beats per music), roughly 124 bpm to 126 bpm, so it’s not super-fast or about big synth chords,” Bentley said. “It’s about weirder, underground things—not heavy on vocals. I don’t know; it’s just sort of things that catch my ear. It’s kind of like how I select music for KCRW—things that seem exciting and different.” Bentley said dance music, in some ways, is his generation’s punk rock. “Now it’s part of us,” he said. “A younger generation now—the millennials—is coming up, and that’s all they know, and it’s part of their vocabulary. It was exciting for me to be part of the first wave of dance culture (in the 1990s), but it doesn’t make classic rock, blues or folk less important to me. It’s just my view of the field is informed by the ’90s dancemusic explosion.”
Kool and the Gang: Agua Caliente, April 4
been inducted into the Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame, earned eight Grammy awards and sold 90 million albums worldwide. Tickets are $49 to $79. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio; 760-342-5000; www.fantasyspringsresort.com. The Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa only has one big music event scheduled in April, but it’s a good one: At 8 p.m., Saturday, April 4, it’ll be time to boogie with Kool and the Gang. Since 1964, the band has sold 70 million albums worldwide. Tickets are $45 to continued on Page 32
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 31
APRIL 2015
Deals available in the Independent Market as of April 1: Get a $20 gift certificate to Desert Oasis Comics for $10—a savings of 50 percent!
Get a $25 gift certificate to Shabu Shabu Zen for $12.50—a savings of 50 percent!
Get a $25 gift certificate to La Quinta Brewing Co. Microbrewery and Taproom for $12.50—a savings of 50 percent!
Get a $40 gift certificate to Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill for $20, or a $20 gift certificate for $10—a savings of 50 percent!
Shop at CVIndependent.com.
Look for more deals to be added during the month! Want your business in the Independent Market? Call 760-904-4208, or email jimmy@cvindependent.com. CVIndependent.com
32 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
APRIL 2015
The Blueskye REPORT
MUSIC
HONEST MUSIC
continued from Page 30
Coach
ella
Benjamin Booker’s Combination of Blues and Punk Leads Him to the Coachella Stage
WWW.CVINDEPENDENT.COM/MUSIC
Barbara Eden: Spotlight 29, April 3
By Brian Blueskye enjamin Booker has had a busy couple of years: His blues-meets-punk style has gained him a growing audience, as well as the attention of Jack White and major music publications. He’s made appearances at Lollapalooza and other big-name festivals— and he’ll be at Coachella on Saturday, April 11 and 18. Booker was born in Virginia Beach, Va., into a military family—his father served in the Navy—and eventually settled in Tampa, Fla. Booker wasn’t available for a phone interview due to the fact he was touring in Europe, but he did answer questions via e-mail. “We lived in Virginia Beach, which I believe holds the entire Atlantic fleet. It was better than it was for most,” Booker said. “We never moved until after my dad retired. My only memory is passing by huge ships every day in the car, and some (people) walking across a terrifyingly thin metal walkway to get on them.” Booker said he discovered punk rock through a friend. “When I was 14, my friend who I used to skateboard with handed me a burned copy of Minor Threat’s Complete Discography, which I listened to constantly in high school,” he said. “‘Seeing Red’ and ‘Filler’ were a couple favorites. I just liked the energy, I guess. I’ve always liked all things noisy and fast.” He later discovered that punk and blues could co-exist. He also said gospel music was helpful in finding inspiration. “I guess I realized you could combine blues and soul with punk from listening to bands like T. Rex, the Gun Club, the White Stripes, TVOTR and the Gories,” he said. “There have been several bands who have done it, but I wanted to do something a little different. I was listening to a lot of gospel singers at the time, and I wanted to add some of that, too— people like Viola James and Mahalia Jackson. I think the two genres are both very honest, because you have to mean it when you’re doing either.” NPR reported that Booker once applied CVIndependent.com
Benjamin Booker
for an internship there; he was rejected and told to focus on his music. I asked him where he thinks he would have ended up had NPR accepted him. “Maybe I would be doing the same thing. Alex Spoto, who plays bass for me, actually got that same internship the year I applied for it,” he said. When Booker began to make a name for himself, Jack White came calling—and offered him an opening slot on tour. “I was surprisingly not nervous,” Booker said. “It turns out that it’s easier to play for bigger crowds than smaller ones. I didn’t get nervous again until our small-club shows afterward. “I had a good time on that tour. Everyone was very kind, and it was incredible touring with people who have perfected the living experience. Getting to see it every night was like going to the best class ever. We all took notes.” As of now, Booker said he is focusing on live shows, and he added that he’s excited about coming to the desert—especially to see some of the other Coachella performers. “I love California, so I’m always excited for a trip there,” he said, “As for Coachella, I’m excited to see Perfume Genius and a bunch of other people playing.”
$65. The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa, 32250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage; 888-9991995; www.hotwatercasino.com. Spotlight 29 has a couple of events worth mentioning in April. At 8 p.m., Friday, April 3, you can enjoy a personal evening with Barbara Eden, of I Dream of Jeannie fame. The actress has had an acting career for six decades—and she has a lot of stories to tell. Tickets are $25. At 8 p.m., Saturday, April 18, R&B singer Keith Sweat will be stopping by. With several hit singles in the late ’80s and early ’90s, Sweat became a household name. Tickets are $30 to $45. Spotlight 29 Casino, 46200 Harrison Place, Coachella; 760-775-5566; www. spotlight29.com. Morongo Casino Resort Spa is the place to be in April. At 9 p.m., Friday, April 3, Lily Tomlin will be performing. She’s as busy as ever, with rumors of a possible 9 to 5 sequel and various television appearances. This is a great time to see her live. Tickets are $49 to $59. You’ll be happy to know Margaret Cho will be returning to the area at 9 p.m., Friday, April 24. The Korean comedienne includes anecdotes from her family and personal issues in her comedy. Just a warning: She can get raunchy. Tickets are $35 to $45. Morongo Casino Resort Spa, 49500 Seminole Drive, Cabazon; 800252-4499; www.morongocasinoresort.com. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace looks ready to open the outdoor stage for the spring/ summer season, so there are probably some great outdoor shows coming. At 7 p.m., Saturday, April 11, The Evangenitals will be returning to Pappy’s for a free show. If you missed them back in December, don’t miss them again. I can guarantee there will be plenty of laughs. At 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 14, Jenny Lewis will be performing in between Coachella performances. Tickets are $25. At 7 p.m., Thursday, April 16, Jamie xx from The xx will be performing. Tickets are $35 to $45.
The Evangenitals: Pappy and Harriet’s, April 11
Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace, 53688 Pioneertown Road, Pioneertown; 760-365-5956; www.pappyandharriets.com. The LED Day Club will be featuring performances during both weekends of Coachella at the Hilton Palm Springs. On Thursday, April 9, Chromeo will be doing a DJ set; on Friday, April 10, Panda Funk will be appearing; on Saturday, April 11, Odesza will be doing a DJ set; on Sunday, April 12, Flosstradamus will be appearing. On Thursday, April 16, CHVRCHES will be doing a DJ set; on Friday, April 17, Porter Robinson will be doing a DJ set; on Saturday, April 18, Skrillex and “friends” will be appearing (that guy has friends?); and on Sunday, April 19,
Chromeo: LED Day Club at the Hilton, April 9
DJ Snake will perform. A four-day pass to the event is $125 per weekend (which is really not bad); day passes vary. Hilton Palm Springs, 400 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs; leddayclub. frontgatetickets.com. The Hood Bar and Pizza has a couple of notable events taking place in April. At 6 p.m., Thursday, April 9, Fishbone will be performing at an outdoor show. The Pedestrians, which now features Machin’s David Macias on guitar, will be opening. Tickets are $25 pre-sale and $35 at the door. My suggestion: Get your tickets now! Remember McLovin from Superbad? Or “The Motherfucker” in Kick-Ass? Well, Christopher Mintz-Plasse will be bringing his band Bear on Fire to The Hood at 9 p.m., Saturday, April 18. Local bands Caxton and War Drum will also be on the bill, and admission is free. The Hood Bar and Pizza, 74360 Highway 111, Palm Desert; 760-636-5220; www.facebook.com/thehoodbar.
Jenny Lewis: Pappy and Harriet’s, April 14
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 33
APRIL 2015
Coachella Can’t Miss
As Always, Lots of Smaller Names on the Poster Bring Big Talent By Brian Blueskye
Coach
ella
It’s becoming an age-old tradition to gripe about the Coachella headliners. However, if you look past the big names on the poster, you’ll find a lot of great acts. Here are some to consider including in your Coachella schedule. Friday, April 10 and 17
Saturday, April 11 and 18
The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger I’m amazed that this band is listed so low on Friday’s lineup. The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger consists of American fashion model Charlotte Kemp Muhl and Sean Lennon (yes, John Lennon’s son). After meeting each other and falling in love at Coachella in the mid-2000s, Lennon realized Muhl had talent as a singer. In 2010, they released their first album, Acoustic Sessions, which was warmly received. This band definitely belongs at Coachella.
Parquet Courts This New York City post-punk/garage band has managed to drum up momentum from the DIY, indie and mainstream scenes since it seemingly came out of nowhere in 2010. I’ve seen them once before, and I can say that if you like an edgier and dirtier (in a good way) sound, Parquet Courts are for you.
Brant Bjork and the Low Desert Punk Band Sadly, this is another small-print booking. Locals should recognize this name—and if you don’t, you have some learnin’ to do. Brant Bjork was one of the founding members of the legendary desert-rock group Kyuss, with John Garcia and Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme. You definitely don’t want to miss Bjork’s performance at Coachella, given he’s one of the people who put the Coachella Valley on the map, music wise. Check out our interview with Bjork at the start of the music section. Trippy Turtle Last summer during one of Splash House parties, Independent contributor Guillermo Prieto and I were mystified by this young DJ IROCKPHOTOS.NET who wore a green hoodie with a turtle on it. His DJ set was upbeat and fun—and you’ll hear a clip of that YouTube video of the little boy saying “I like turtles” several times throughout his set. Steely Dan This was the one listing on the lineup that had me saying “WTF?” when I first saw it. Steely Dan is a delight for true music-lovers, even though many of the people who will be at Coachella did not yet exist (myself included) back in 1972 when they first formed. Donald Fagen and Walter Becker are musical geniuses, and while their blend of jazz and rock is considered “soft rock,” Steely Dan shouldn’t be lumped into the same genre as the Eagles and Michael Bolton. This is a strange booking for Coachella—but it will probably still be awesome.
Royal Blood A gentleman I talked to not too long ago at Pappy and Harriet’s suggested this band to me after we talked about the White Stripes and the Black Keys. This duo from the United Kingdom has an impressive sound, and the self-titled debut album is balls-to-the-wall rock ’n’ roll from beginning to end. I can’t wait to see Royal Blood’s live show.
Chicano Batman I have had a number of opportunities to see this band—and thanks to bad luck, I’ve missed them every time. These guys are not only one of the best DIY indie-bands in the Southwest U.S.; they also have a unique sound that combines Latin music with soul and psychedelic rock. Check out The Lucky 13 on Page 38 for more info. Jenny Lewis When I was a third-grader, I was a Nintendoplaying kid who was fascinated with the movie The Wizard, which Jenny Lewis, then a child actress, appeared in with Fred Savage. Lewis is now all grown up and playing music—and she’s pretty awesome. Her Americana-meetspop sound is a lot of fun; she was even a part of Bright Eyes at one time. For giggles, look up
the Christmas-themed comedy skit she took part in with Megadeth back in 2013 on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Marina and the Diamonds Marina and the Diamonds were beloved by some of my co-workers at Borders Books and Music (R.I.P.) back in 2010 after she dropped her debut album, The Family Jewels—and Marina Diamandis has been pushing the envelope ever since. She has a new album out, and Marina and the Diamonds should be a highlight of the festival.
War on Drugs While the name is amusing, War on Drugs is no joke: Front man Adam Granduciel has exemplary skills as a singer-songwriter. War on Drugs, which once included Kurt Vile, has a sound similar to that of Destroyer, The New Pornographers, and Real Estate. Make sure you check this band out. The Weeknd In 2010, this guy became the talk of the underground-music scene, and his debut album, released a year later, was highly anticipated. The Weeknd has an interesting genre listing: PBR&B, in reference to the hipster culture’s love of Pabst Blue Ribbon and R&B, or hipster-based R&B. Whatever. The bottom line: The Weeknd makes great R&B that is soulful and dark at the same time—and the fact that he’s on the reclusive side adds a little mystery. Sunday, April 12 and 19 The Orwells This Chicago outfit has been on the rise since 2009. After they toured with the Arctic Monkeys, played at Lollapalooza and recently appeared on Late Show With David Letterman, it makes sense to see The Orwells playing at Coachella in 2015. I suggest listening to the band’s most recent album, Disgraceland, before the festival; you won’t be disappointed. CVIndependent.com
34 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
APRIL 2015
MUSIC
THE ODD BAND OUT
STAG
ECOA
CH
The Devil Makes Three Rides a String of Successful Folk-BluegrassAlbums All the Way to Stagecoach
WWW.CVINDEPENDENT.COM/MUSIC
By Brian Blueskye he Devil Makes Three is used to being “the odd band out”—yet that has not stopped the band from enjoying a lot of success since its founding in 2002. After touring with big names such as Willie Nelson, and playing at festivals such as Austin City Limits, Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza, the band will be sharing its folk-bluegrass sound with the crowd at Stagecoach on Saturday, April 25. The Devil Makes Three’s members—Pete Bernhard (vocals, guitar), Lucia Turino (upright bass) and Cooper McBean (banjo, guitar)— originally hail from Brattleboro, Vt. During a recent phone interview, Bernhard talked about the band’s name. “To be honest, it was just sort of convenient, because there were three of us,” Bernhard said. “When we first started the band, we were all arguing over what the name should be, and no one could agree—and we had already recorded our first album. We were really needing to put the album out, and we didn’t have a band name. A friend of ours suggested it, and it instantly sounded like it was the right thing. Everybody simultaneously agreed—which is really rare in a band—and we went with it.” While they call Vermont home, the members all eventually made their way to California. “We all moved out West separately,” Bernhard said. “Cooper went to Olympia, Wash. I went to Northern California, and we all started gravitating toward Santa Cruz,
CVIndependent.com
eventually. I think when we were kids in Vermont, we thought California was about as far away from home as you could get—and that was just really appealing to us. We all sort of fell in love with Santa Cruz, and that’s where we eventually started the band, and where we lived.” The Devil Makes Three’s music often features storytelling and dark themes. “Most of the songs are inspired by things that have actually happened,” Bernhard said. “Occasionally, I write a song that’s a characterdriven song, which is almost like writing fiction. Most of the time, it’s stories of people I know, or songs about political events or satire. I just try to write a song that makes sense, and not to write a song that’s typical with the
The Devil Makes Three. PIPER FERGUSON
sound of the music we make, which is very old.” The band has had success—including a series of Top 10 albums on the bluegrass chart—and it’s come, in part, because the band often plays to audiences that are not used to their type of music. “We’re almost always the odd band out,” Bernhard said. “We’ve played with all kinds of different bands. We’ve played with punk bands; we’ve played with rock bands; we’ve played with experimental bands, and straightforward country acts and folk acts. No matter what, we tend to always never fit in. It’s just sort of the nature of our group, and when we first started the band, it made things really hard for us— but now, I think of it as a positive attribute. Being a band that is hard to define is a good thing.” The Devil Makes Three’s newest album, I’m a Stranger Here, released by New West Records, has been the band’s most successful. Produced by Buddy Miller, the album was recorded at Easy Eye in Nashville, a studio owned by Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys. “This album was the first album we ever worked on with a producer,” Bernhard said. “… We also put a lot of extra instrumentation on the album that we usually don’t do, so that was very different. The process of songwriting was partially in the hands of Buddy Miller as well. It was about as different of an approach as we could get compared to our previous albums.” Bernhard said Auerbach’s studio is basic—in a good way. “It’s a very simple studio,” he said. “It’s one live tracking room that’s fairly big, and it’s sort of a low concrete building. It has a lounge
and a control room—and that’s really about it. It really lends itself to recording. There’s no isolation like in other studios, where there’s a room for the drums, a room for vocals, and a room for a guitar amps. His studio has nothing like that at all. It’s like the Sun Records studio and those old studios that were two-track recording studios, so basically everything had to be live.” The simple, live approach works well for the Devil Makes Three. “We always play live in the studio,” he said. “We’re definitely happy after making the last record with Buddy—that was his approach, too. He was like, ‘We all play together, and we try to get the best take.’ That’s what you hear on the album. His approach was to get not nitpicky, and he told us, ‘When we have the best take, that’s what goes on the record.’ That’s really how we like to do it. We’re a band that needs to play together at the same time to sound good. That’s the approach we’ll take on future albums as well, and that’s the best.” After more than a decade with the Devil Makes Three, Bernhard said he has no regrets. “I think for us, most of our tough times came early on,” he said. “We really struggled for a lot of years with a lot of hard touring and no money. That can be hard and really tough. We were also in our early 20s, and that brings another host of problems. We were just young and didn’t really know what we were doing. “Even though it’s taken us a really long time to get where we are now, I don’t think I would do it another way. We’ve had a chance to learn how to be in a band before we were a big enough band to where it was necessary to know it all.”
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 35
APRIL 2015
MUSIC
OUT OF OKLAHOMA Stagecoach Performer John Moreland Turned to Americana After Burning Out on Punk
WWW.CVINDEPENDENT.COM/MUSIC
By Brian Blueskye achel Maddow once said via Twitter: “If the American music business made any sense, guys like John Moreland would be household names.” Well, the singer-songwriter isn’t a household name—yet. He may be on his way, though, considering the fact that his music has been featured on Sons of Anarchy, and he’s performing at Stagecoach on Saturday, April 25. John Moreland has spent most of his life in Tulsa, Okla. He was singing and writing songs by the age of 10, and fronted hardcore punk bands in high school. “When I was about 12 or so, the first music I found that was on my own was punk rock,” Moreland, 29, said during a recent phone interview. “I loved Minor Threat, and I loved a lot of D.C. hardcore and ’80s hardcore, but I’ve been through every punk rock phase. I went through the Social Distortion phase; I went through the Rancid phase. I think I might still be in my Social Distortion phase, actually. When I was a little bit older, I learned more toward hardcore and metal, and East Coast DIY hardcore.” He later burned out on hardcore punk, and returned to the music he grew up with—his father’s record collection, which included Creedence Clearwater Revival, Neil Young, Steve Earle and Tom Petty. “I was really interested in melody, which you don’t really get in hardcore—just the way that lyrics can impact you when you hear the right words with the right melody, and all the words are in the right place,” he said. “… My dad listened to the Copperhead Road album, so I sort of knew who Steve Earle was, but when I heard ‘Rich Man’s War’ on The Revolution Starts Now, it was eye-opening, because I was used to hearing anti-war messages and political messages from punk bands, but it had never really seemed personal and hit me that hard until I heard that particular song.” What makes a good song, according to John Moreland? “If it feels good, it’s a good song, I guess,” he said. “I go back and forth on which ones to keep, which ones are going to make the record, and which ones will get wrapped. It comes
Special at Stagecoach
We Recommend Adding These Acts to Your Must-See Schedule
down to if something feels really good when I sing it, I’m going to keep it. I’m always kind of self-conscious that I’m writing about the same stuff over and over again, but writing songs is just sort of how I sort out my thoughts and deal with stuff.” I asked him about the hardest gig he’s ever had; Moreland responded that there are numerous contenders. “I’ve had a lot of really tough ones, but I don’t have those as often anymore, which is really cool,” he said. “Any gig where you can finish a song and nobody claps or anything, those are pretty rough.” Moreland said touring has become routine to him; after all, he’s been doing it since he was a teen. “I toured a lot in hardcore bands when I was a kid. It definitely opened my eyes and provided new experiences back then,” he said. “It’s still really exciting, but I’m much more like an old man about it now—I play the show and go to bed early.”
ACH
By Brian Blueskye
While the 2015 Stagecoach headliners are larger than life, there are a lot of other acts you should include in your schedule. Here are our suggestions. Friday, April 24
John Moreland: “Any gig where you can finish a song and nobody claps or anything, those are pretty rough.” JOEY KNEISER
STAGECO
Lindsay Lou and the Flatbellys It’s always a good thing to hear the upright bass and banjo at Stagecoach. Featuring singer-songwriter Lindsay Lou, this folk group has a beautiful sound—and Lindsay Lou can sing.
The Cadillac Three If you’re looking for some Southern rock, The Cadillac Three are your band. The group has even recorded with Dierks Bentley (who is also performing). These guys have a dirty Southern sound that would make Lynyrd Skynyrd proud; listen to their song “I’m Southern.”
The Lone Bellow These days, the term “alt-country” is (over-) used to describe country music that doesn’t fall in with the mainstream. Well, The Lone Bellow is often described as an alt-country band, so take that for what it’s worth. Hailing from Brooklyn, N.Y., this group has some great tunes that are heartfelt—and isn’t afraid to rock.
ZZ Top I last saw ZZ Top about 15 years ago when I was living in Cleveland—and I left disappointed. Here’s hoping they’ll put on an epic show at Stagecoach. The beards of Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill are legendary, and the group reportedly refused millions of dollars from Gillette to shave them. They remarked: “We’d look ugly without them.”
Steve Earle Sugarland wrote a song called “Steve Earle” for a reason: The chorus goes “Steve Earle, Steve Earle, please write a song for me.” He’s one of the best songwriters in country music; heck, he’s even written a novel. He’s also a sensible lad who has written a lot of politically themed songs championing left-wing causes.
Sunday, April 26
Merle Haggard The legendary Merle Haggard is one of the champions of the Bakersfield sound—and he has quite an extensive history that includes a stint in prison, making him a true outlaw. While Haggard has written some tunes that have angered some people, such as “Okie From Muskogee,” he’s still mentioned in the same breath as Waylon Jennings, George Jones and Willie Nelson. Saturday, April 25 Old Salt Union There’s a touch of bluegrass in this group’s acoustic rock sound. In fact, Old Salt Union was named the Best Bluegrass Band by St. Louis’ Riverfront Times, and the band has toured all across the country. Show up early to take these guys in.
Ben Miller Band Confession: I’ve been fruitlessly hoping that The Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band would be booked at Stagecoach for the past couple of years—but the Ben Miller Band is not a bad consolation prize. Both groups excel with washboards, spoons and a vintage blues sound. These guys should bring the house down on Sunday. Oak Ridge Boys In 2013, I had the honor of interviewing Richard Sterban of the Oak Ridge Boys. These guys have stayed relevant for four decades, making great music throughout their career. This is one of the vintage country acts you need to see at Stagecoach. The Band Perry The Band Perry, likely to appear on the main stage, is excellent. The group has some hints of bluegrass with a Nashville sound. This family act features Kimberly Perry on vocals—and she has earned her stripes as a powerful voice in Nashville.
CVIndependent.com
36 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
APRIL 2015
MUSIC
ROCK ’N’ ROLL CREATURES The Women of Deap Vally Join a Diverse Desert Daze Lineup
WWW.CVINDEPENDENT.COM/MUSIC
DESERT ROCK CHRONICLES The Last Internationale Brings Its Protest Music to the Joshua Tree Music Festival
WWW.CVINDEPENDENT.COM/MUSIC
By Robin Linn
Deap Vally’s Julie Edwards-Pirrone. GUILLERMO PRIETO/IROCKPHOTOS.NET
By Brian Blueskye eap Vally is a powerful rock-based duo that’s stunned audiences with their live performances. Lindsey Troy (vocals, guitar) and Julie Edwards-Pirrone (drums) have been to incredible places—and will be at the Desert Daze festival on Saturday, May 2, at the Sunset Ranch Oasis in Mecca. The Independent caught up with Julie Edwards-Pirrone while she was DJ’ing at the Ace Hotel and Swim Club in Palm Springs. She is the wife of the founder of Desert Daze, Phil Pirrone, aka JJUUJJUU. I asked her what inspired her and Troy to perform as a two-piece. “I don’t really know the answer to that,” said Edwards-Pirrone. “The only other band I’ve been in was a two-piece, and to me, it seemed very normal. The music Lindsay did before me, she did with her sister. It was a very normal way for us to work, and we just went with it.” It was important to her and Troy that Deap Vally’s sound be heavy and a bit confrontational, she said. “Right now, we’re really inspired by Tame Impala, Kurt Vile, and Goat, and I’ve fallen back in love with Funkadelic so hard. That’s kind of where we’re at,” Edwards-Pirrone said. “We were really into the blues thing with the first record, and this new record we’re working on will open up the genre a bit. But there will still be the heavy blues and stoner rock, because that’s so fun to play.” She elaborated on why it’s so important for Deap Vally to play heavy. “Lindsay and I are rock ’n’ roll creatures,” she said. “We’re trying to remind people why rock is the ultimate music of defiance, rebellion and id energy.” Deap Vally has an ever-growing fan base and has played on big tours and at festivals such as CVIndependent.com
Bonnaroo and Glastonbury. They also opened for Babes in Toyland for the band’s first show in almost two decades, at Pappy and Harriet’s back in February. “Playing with Babes in Toyland at their first show in 18 years at Pappy’s … I get choked up every time I think about it,” she said. “It was a dream come true, and the most epic, beautiful and wonderful thing to happen to Deap Vally.” Deap Vally has been involved in Desert Daze since the beginning, back in 2012. “It’s like a vision,” she said. “We were like, ‘All right, we’re going to do it again this year. What’s the dream lineup?’ Slowly, you tap away at that dream, and the reality is … sobering. It’s an insane amount of work. You think you’re going to die—and then there are all these people having such an amazing time and having an amazing adventure. They’re feeling a sense of freedom, which is important to us. At a lot of festivals, that sense of freedom isn’t really there.” This year’s lineup is impressive, featuring Warpaint, Failure (which just reunited) and Minus the Bear, as well as local acts War Drum, Slipping Into Darkness and Fatso Jetson. Edwards-Pirrone said she’s happy with the diversity on the bill. “Now that I’m in a girl band, I’m always keeping my eye out for women who I feel are upholding the tradition of bad-assery, and we have so many on the lineup,” she said. “Every year, I’m always like, ‘Let’s get more women onstage,’ and I’m stoked about that.” DESERT DAZE TAKES PLACE IN SATURDAY, MAY 2, AT THE SUNSET OASIS RANCH, 69520 LINCOLN ST., IN MECCA. ADMISSION STARTS AT $55. FOR TICKETS OR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT DESERTDAZE.ORG
ark your calendars: On Saturday, May 16, The Last Internationale will headline the 13th Annual Spring Joshua Tree Music Festival. The Last Internationale is a powerful trio of modern-day musical revolutionaries who ride the cusp between hard rock and folk-protest music. They move from aggressive rock riffs with arousing vocals to acoustic ballads with sweet melodies. TLI sound like what might happen if Joan Baez and Bob Dylan joined forces with Rage Against the Machine—and it works. Delila Paz’s illuminating lyrics exposing social injustice are poignant and lucid. Guitarist Edgey Pires emboldens Delila’s socially relevant lyrics with gritty rock tones, forming an aggressive rhythm section punctuated by the forceful drum chops of Brad Wilk, formerly of Rage Against the Machine. Paz and Pires began as a duo in New York. They wrote their first songs protesting violations against the labor force and human rights. Their first gigs were protest rallies and political conventions. They were out to carry the torch lit by folk musicians and political activists like Bill Ayers (Weather Underground) and the late, great Pete Seeger. “Before the band, I was a campus organizer, writing books and studying political science and social movements,” Pires said. “When I discovered Son House, I decided music was a much better organizational tool and immediately hit the road with TLI, leaving my degree behind.” Paz said her goal is to expose the “wrongs that are being done to working-class people at the hands of the capitalist class.” “I’ve been reading Frederick Douglass’ narrative,” she said. “In it, he writes that “slaves sing most when they are most unhappy. The songs of the slave represent the sorrows of his heart; and he is relieved by them, only as an aching heart is relieved by its tears.” … Music gets to the core of it all, to the deepest emotions. As a band, we not only want to go to the core of the emotional human spirit, but also bring a sense of dissent and rebellion in everything we do.” The two met former Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello through
The Last Internationale. MROSSI
mutual friend Boots Riley (Street Sweeper Social Club), and he became an instant fan. They were looking for a drummer, and Morello hooked them up Brad Wilk. It was an instant match, and the three immediately began laying the foundation for their debut full-length, We Will Reign. They signed with Epic Records and began working with Morello and producer Brendan O’Brien, who has worked with Pearl Jam, Rage Against the Machine, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and many others. “Working with O’Brien, Brad Wilk and Tom Morello has helped us to grow as a band, but our sound has always been an eclectic mix of folk, blues and rock.” Paz said. “… The heavier we get as a band, the more we go back and ‘folk it up’ as well.” TLI has toured with Robert Plant, Weezer, Kings of Leon, Neil Young, and Scott Weiland and the Wildabouts. Now they are looking forward to chilling out in the high desert. THE JOSHUA TREE MUSIC FESTIVAL TAKES PLACE THURSDAY THROUGH SUNDAY, MAY 14-17, AT THE JOSHUA TREE LAKE CAMPGROUND, 2601 SUNFAIR ROAD, IN JOSHUA TREE. TICKETS START AT $60 TO $90 FOR A DAY PASS, AND GO UP TO $180 FOR A FOUR-DAY PASS. FOR TICKETS OR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.JOSHUATREEMUSICFESTIVAL.COM. READ MORE FROM ROBIN LINN, INCLUDING AN EXPANDED VERSION OF THIS STORY, AT RMINJTREE.BLOGSPOT.COM.
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 37
APRIL 2015
MUSIC
HE’S GOT SOL
DJ Aimlo Has Big Plans for His Soon-to-Launch Record Label
WWW.CVINDEPENDENT.COM/MUSIC
By Brian Blueskye imlo has made a name for himself as an in-demand DJ, thanks to successful gigs at the Ace Hotel, Bar, the Coachella Valley Art Scene and, most recently, the Purple Room. Now Aimlo is looking to make a name for himself as a producer—with his own record label. Aimlo, aka Anthony Araiza, sat down with the Independent and talked about his 15 years of experience as a DJ before a recent show at the Purple Room. “I was in second- or third-grade and going to family parties and seeing a DJ play those—and I was asking my parents every birthday and every Christmas for turntables,” Aimlo said. “Finally, when I was 15, my mom bought me some turntables and a mixer.” He laughed when asked about the quality of his first DJ turntables: Were they any good? “Not the ones she got me! She got me super cheap ones—plastic, super-lightweight, beltdriven turntables,” Aimlo said. “She didn’t know, and I think she went somewhere in L.A. and asked for a DJ setup, and they gave her these crappy turntables. Even though it was new, it looked like a beat-up mixer.” There was plenty of inspiration to be found at that time. “Back then, there was this show on MTV2 called Amp. It used to come on after midnight, and it was all what you’d call EDM today. Of course, there were all the hip-hop guys … like Jazzy Jeff and Kid Capri.” Aimlo doesn’t do much with vinyl these days, he said. He’s not a collector like DJ Day—with whom he often plays at the Ace Hotel’s ¡Reunión! show on Thursdays—and he’s not into searching for specific records. “I never got into trying to find original
samples of classic hip-hop tracks, and when I moved to Los Angeles, I sold a lot of my vinyl at the time to Amoeba Music, because I was broke,” Aimlo said. “I sold crates of really good records for chump change, too, and it didn’t even make a difference.” Changes in technology, Aimlo said, have led to both pros and cons for DJs. “Now all you need is your laptop, where you have thousands and thousands of songs, which is awesome,” he said. “But now it makes it easier for entry-level DJs to get gigs when they’re not really ready to get the gigs, which is one of the cons. I think it’s cooler that DJing is a lot easier, and it’s a lot more accessible to people, but I didn’t DJ at a gig until probably four or five years after I got my turntables. I see a lot of younger kids these days get a controller, a laptop and something really entrylevel, and they’re out looking for gigs a month after they got their equipment. “I don’t see it at clubs too often, but I see it at bars. … It’s just entry level stuff, and they
DJ Aimlo: “I see a lot of younger kids these days get a controller, a laptop and something really entry-level, and they’re out looking for gigs a month after they got their equipment. … They only last a gig or two, because they’re not very good DJs.” BRIAN BLUESKYE
only last a gig or two because they’re not very good DJs.” Aimlo said that while some local DJs respect and help each other, others are decidedly unfriendly. “Me and DJ Day have healthy competition,” he said. “We try to one-up each other—not all the time, but it’s an unspoken, healthy competition. If you’re not within a certain circle, I think a lot of DJs out here are into unhealthy competition. No one wants to support each other or each other’s circle, and we don’t go to each other’s gigs. We’re all guilty of it—and even I’m guilty of it. I see the desert getting bigger and nightlife growing, but I don’t think it’s where it needs to be yet for there to be an abundance of gigs.” Aimlo has been focused on getting his new record label off the ground; he hopes to have it ready to go sometime in April. “It’s called We Got Sol. I was born and raised
here, so I want it to be more of a local thing,” he said. “I’m open to getting people outside of the desert, but for now, I just want to focus on my music, and if I hear anything I like, I’ll put it on there. I want it to be electronic music, down-tempo, house and techno, but it’s sort of hard to describe the vibe I want to go for. I have to hear it to know if I like it. … The day job has been holding me back. It’ll come—and I’m doing it official, with a business license. Everything is going to be legit, on the books.” Aimlo wasn’t afraid to discuss local DJs he admires. “DJ Journee is an amazing DJ and has awesome style,” he said. “Pedro Le Bass does everything well, but he’s probably one of the better house DJs I know. I also like a lot of the old-school guys from Indio, like DJ Pee Wee.” FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT DJ-AIMLO.COM.
CVIndependent.com
38 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
APRIL 2015
MUSIC
FRESH SESSIONS WITH ALL NIGHT SHOES: APRIL 2015
the
LUCKY 13
WWW.CVINDEPENDENT.COM/MUSIC
By Brian Blueskye
What’s your favorite music venue? The Olympia in Paris, and The Fabrik in Hamburg, among others.
Get to Know a Hall of Famer Playing Stagecoach, and a Member of an Up-and-Coming Band Playing Coachella Eduardo Arenas. JOSUE RIVAS
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head? “The Road Is Dark,” Michael Jerome Browne. What band or artist changed your life? How? Nina Simone. The truth is that she scared a lot of people, but she embraced me as a young artist. Her strong personality and voice inspired me musically. Eric Burdon. MARIANNA BURDON
NAME Eric Burdon GROUP The Animals MORE INFO During the 1960s, rock ’n’ roll— specifically, the British Invasion—took the world by storm. One of the big British Invasion bands was the Animals, led by Eric Burdon. Burdon not too long ago released a new album, ’Til Your River Runs Dry, and the Animals will be appearing at Stagecoach on Sunday, April 26. Visit www.ericburdon.com or www. facebook.com/officialericburdon. What was the first concert you attended? Count Basie, with Joe Williams on vocals. What was the first album you owned? The Boss of the Blues, Joe Turner. What bands are you listening to right now? Calexico is constantly on my iPod. Eric Bibb, Ben Harper, Michael Jerome Browne and, of course, all the usual suspects: Ray Charles, Chuck Berry, James Brown, Little Richard, Rahsaan Roland Kirk and Nina Simone, among many others. What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get? Honestly, I can’t think of any artist everyone loves. Genre? I do get the artist’s need to express himself or herself, whether it’s punk, hip hop, country, rock or blues. It’s all valid. What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live? Little Richard, with his original band. What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure? The Hot Spot movie soundtrack, featuring John Lee Hooker, Miles Davis and Taj Mahal. Also: The soundtrack for the film Underground (1995) by Emir Kusturica. CVIndependent.com
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking? “Do you understand dynamics?”—to ANY musician out there. What song would you like played at your funeral? The Neville Brothers version of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken?” Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time? Ray Charles at Newport, Ray Charles. What song should everyone listen to right now? “I Don’t Believe a Word You Say,” Ben Harper with Charlie Musselwhite. NAME Eduardo Arenas GROUP Chicano Batman MORE INFO Indie band Chicano Batman has won over audiences with a blend of various forms of Latin music—combined with American soul music. Now, Goldenvoice has taken notice: Bassist Eduardo Arenas and the rest of Chicano Batman will be playing on Sunday, April 12 and 19, at Coachella. Learn more at chicanobatman.com.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get? Morrissey and The Smiths. I can’t stand them. What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live? D’Angelo, big time! Preferably with Pino Palladino on bass, and Chris Dave on drums. Oh man! What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure? Human Clay by Creed! I know; it’s embarrassing! But take out “Higher” and “With Arms Wide Open,” and you have yourself a great album with dope songs, crazy tunings and crafty riffs. What’s your favorite music venue? La Cita in downtown Los Angeles. What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head? “Red, Red, Wiiiiiiiiiine!!!” from UB40. Next up is “Paaaaaaaaanama!” from Van Halen.
What was the first album you owned? Ice Cube’s single of “It Was a Good Day.”
What band or artist changed your life? How? Candiria, a hardcore/jazz/grindcore band out of Brooklyn, N.Y. I really got into them back in 2002, right about the same time I was getting into Frank Zappa and Miles Davis’ electric years. Candiria had these two albums that blew my mind, The Process of Self-Development and 300 Percent Density. … Hearing the jazz influence and sophisticated arrangements coming out of this “metal” band made me (at 19 years old) realize how much the world is open to interpretation.
What bands are you listening to right now? Nick Drake, Johnny Ventura y su Combo, King Diamond, Señor Loop, Cortijo y su Combo, Slumgum, Lo Borges, Los Beachers de Bocas del Toro, Richie Ray y Bobby Cruz, and Opeth.
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking? Prince, two-part question: At what moment in your career do u stop criticizing your own work/talent and just let it flow in the direction
What was the first concert you attended? Metallica, 1996, at The Forum in Los Angeles, on the Poor Touring Me Tour, in support of the Load album.
This month, I am bringing you my “New Palm Springs: Vol. 2” mix—part two of a four-part series. The goal of each mix is to reflect the valley in which we live (or the place you love to visit, if you don’t live here). The Coachella Valley has a unique collection of different cultures that come together and commingle. As a musician and DJ, I want to create experiences that evoke emotion. This second mix builds on that ideal—I want to give you soundtracks you can keep in your pocket, so to speak. In it, I’ve included my latest remix, “One in Three,” from Name One and Maxxi Soundsystem. This mix features a deeper, sexier collection of tracks. I wanted this mix to reflect the nightlife in our valley—but from a different angle. Think of it as offering a poolside meets nightclub vibe. Not everyone follows a crowd; some people want to experience the unfamiliar and expand their usual listening habits. The music I find is from all over the world—including a lot of music made right here in the Palm Springs area. I love finding a balance between local inspiration and international inspiration. Enjoy this month’s mix at CVIndependent.com! • Moon Boots, “Bills to Pay” • Rose, “No Good” (Toniia and Santiago Remix) • Tove Lo, “Not on Drugs” (The Knocks Remix) • Name One and Maxxi Soundsystem, “One in Three” (All Night Shoes Remix) • Disciples, “They Don’t Know” • Joshua Heath, “Just Funk Me Already” • TRU Concept vs. Beverley Knight, “Keep the Fire Burning” • Fabienne, “Sunstroke” (Endor Remix) • Me and My Toothbrush, “Show Me” • Redlight x Tinashe, “Pretend” • T. Williams and MJ Cole, “Privilege” • Full Crate, “Hurt Your Back”
it needs to? And, what is your pancake recipe? What song would you like played at your funeral? “Camaron Pelao” by Los Polifaceticos. Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time? Caetano Veloso, Transa. What song should everyone listen to right now? “Wednesday Morning” by Chicano Batman!
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 39
APRIL 2015
COMICS & JONESIN’CROSSWORD
Across 1 Wednesday stuff 4 Rehearsed ahead of time 10 Second addendum to a letter, briefly 13 Siegfried’s colleague 14 Quasi-eco-themed Pauly Shore movie 15 Cry of recognition 16 Rock guitarist’s accessory 17 Deviating off-course 18 Danny and the Dinosaur author ___ Hoff 19 Stores owned by the guy who played Frasier’s dad? 22 Like xenon or krypton 23 Landing place 25 In ___ (working in harmony) 26 Just ___ (a little under) 31 Hand-held fare 32 Irish-Caribbean island chain? 34 Blackjack component 37 Ready-to-hug position 38 ___ de la Cite (Notre Dame’s locale) 39 Showy birds at the dance? 41 Creamy cracker spread 42 John Denver Band bassist Dick (anagram of SINKS) 43 Laments loudly 47 Carpentry tools 49 Ab-developing exercise 50 Make a circular trip starting
between California and Nevada? 56 Columnist Savage 57 It goes up and down while you eat 58 Stare at 59 L squared, in Roman numerals 60 High flier 61 Raymond’s nickname on The Blacklist 62 Big boss 63 Capote co-star Catherine 64 ’60s campus gp. Down 1 Cologne brand named after a Musketeer 2 Lots and lots of 3 Tex-Mex ingredient? 4 Kingly title 5 British party member 6 Levine of Maroon 5 7 “You’ve ___ Friend” (James Taylor hit) 8 Abu Dhabi VIP 9 Cruise ship levels 10 Rye topper 11 Yearly exam 12 Hangdog 14 Hell-___ (determined) 20 Lord of the Rings beast 21 Let’s Roll jazz singer James 24 Throw out, as a question 26 Ogre in love with Princess Fiona
27 Masters of the Universe protagonist 28 Dinosaur in Mario-themed Nintendo games 29 Bassoons’ smaller relatives 30 Goat-legged deities 32 Savion Glover’s specialty 33 Cleveland ___, OH 34 “Dancing Queen” music group 35 Uno, e.g. 36 Actor Hector of Chicago Hope and Monk 40 Like “haxored” and “pwn’d” 43 “Chandelier” chanteuse 44 They may be significant 45 Encouraged, with “up” 46 Does 80 in a 40, perhaps 48 He’ll tell you there’s no “I” in “TEAM” 49 Part attached at the hip? 51 Well-off person, so to speak 52 Stubbed piggy toe, e.g. 53 Israel Through My Eyes author 54 Pledge drive bag 55 ___ about (roughly) 56 Hip-hop’s Run-___ ©2015 Jonesin’ Crosswords (editor@jonesincrosswords.com) Find the answers in the “about” section of CVIndependent.com! CVIndependent.com
40 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
APRIL 2015
Deals available in the Independent Market as of April 1: Get a $20 gift certificate to Desert Oasis Comics for $10—a savings of 50 percent!
Get a $25 gift certificate to Shabu Shabu Zen for $12.50—a savings of 50 percent!
Get a $25 gift certificate to La Quinta Brewing Co. Microbrewery and Taproom for $12.50—a savings of 50 percent!
Get a $40 gift certificate to Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill for $20, or a $20 gift certificate for $10—a savings of 50 percent!
Shop at CVIndependent.com.
Look for more deals to be added during the month! Want your business in the Independent Market? Call 760-904-4208, or email jimmy@cvindependent.com. CVIndependent.com