2 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
APRIL 2022
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 staff writer Kevin Fitzgerald coveR and feature design Dennis Wodzisz Contributors Max Cannon, Kevin Carlow, Melissa Daniels, Charles Drabkin, Katie Finn, Bill Frost, Bonnie Gilgallon, Bob Grimm, Valerie-Jean (VJ) Hume, Clay Jones, Matt Jones, Jocelyn Kane, Matt King, Keith Knight, Cat Makino, Brett Newton, Greg Niemann, Dan Perkins, Theresa Sama, Jen Sorenson, Robert Victor The Coachella Valley Independent print edition is published every month. All content is ©2022 and may not be published or reprinted in any form without the written permission of the publisher.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 $5 by calling (760) 904-4208. The Independent may be distributed only by the Independent’s authorized distributors. The Independent is a proud member and/ or supporter of the Association of Alternative Newsmedia, the California Newspaper Publishers Association, CalMatters, DAP Health, the Local Independent Online News Publishers, the Desert Business Association, and the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert.
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On March 7, 2020, we published a piece on PUP, a Toronto-based band that was slated to play at Coachella, at CVIndependent.com. The story was slated to be part of our annual Music Issue, which we publish in April to coincide with the Coachella and Stagecoach festivals. That was the first 2020 Music Issue piece we posted online—and it was the last. That Music Issue would never come to be, replaced by a 24-page April edition featuring an empty roll of toilet paper on the cover. Now that Coachella and Stagecoach are back, our Music Issue is back, too. Matt King, our resident music scribe, has been hard at work interviewing bands and writing stories over the last month-plus—and I’m sure you’ll be as impressed with what he’s done as I am. When I posted that PUP piece back on March 7, 2020, I remember thinking that I was publishing an article on something that may or may not be happening. It was a weird, uneasy feeling. Shortly thereafter, I remember telling Matt to hold off on doing other Coachella and Stagecoach interviews. Instead, he started working on a piece about how musicians were dealing with the pandemic-caused cancellations. That piece included a quote from Jose Ceja, the drummer for Giselle Woo and the Night Owls. Matt had previously done an interview with the popular local band regarding their announced appearance at Coachella 2020. Turns out that interview was a waste of time. “It was a shock to us all, but I’m glad that it was postponed rather than canceled,” Ceja told Matt. “We’re all in good spirits. We are excited to play, and now we have more time to prepare a better show. For some of our friends, it has affected their shows, and it has unfortunately canceled a lot of really important events, but our hope is that all safety precautions are being taken, and that it will help prevent the spread of this virus.” Of course, that Coachella 2020 postponement would eventually become a cancellation. The 2021 festival would become a pandemic casualty, too. But the 2022 festivals are a go (barring something horrifically unimaginable). One of the pieces you’ll find herein is a new interview with Giselle Woo and the Night Owls, who will finally take the Coachella stage this year. I am so glad the group is finally getting their shot at Coachella—and I am very glad the Music Issue is back, for all sorts of reasons. Welcome to the April 2022 print edition of the Coachella Valley Independent. As always, thanks for reading. If you have any questions or feedback, please drop me a line at the email address below. —Jimmy Boegle, jboegle@cvindependent.com
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 3
APRIL 2022
WEDNESDAY MAY 11, 2022
HARVEY MILK COACHELLA VALLEY D I V E R S I T Y B R E A K F A S T 8:3O am | Coffee Welcome & Breakfast 9:3O -11 am | Program PALM SPRINGS CONVENTION CENTER The Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast Coalition invites you to join us. This event brings together all who support equality and social justice in celebration of this influential civil rights activist.
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• Donate tables so Valley GSA Students can attend.
SEE EVENT Details @ www.harveymilk.us ACCESSIBILITY: This event is accessible for persons with hearing and mobility impairments.
HARVEY B. MILK LEGACY AWARD HONOREE
ANNISE PARKER
ber, six years as City Controller, and six years as Mayor of the city. She is one of only two women to have been elected mayor Victory Fund and Victory Institute President & CEO Annise and is the only person in Houston history to have held the officParker is the first former elected official to lead the organiza- es of council member, controller, and mayor. She was the first tion, having served six years as a Houston City Council mem- openly LGBTQ mayor of a major American city. Former Mayor of Houston
BE A PART OF THIS ESSENTIAL COMMUNITY EVENT!
Proceeds benefit Coachella Valley youth through Gay-Straight Alliance clubs and LGBTQ youth-related programs.
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4 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
APRIL 2022
OPINION OPINION
HIKING WITH T H
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/OPINION
The Pacific Crest Trail can be grueling, rewarding—and even life-changing
BY THERESA SAMA
ave you seen the movie Wild, starring Reese Witherspoon? Or did you read the best-selling book on which the film is based, Cheryl Strayed’s Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail? If the answer to both those questions is “no,” here’s a short synopsis: Both tell the story of the soul-searching by Strayed on her 1995 solo hike of 1,100 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail. That journey started in the Mojave Desert and went through California to her home state of Oregon, ending at the Bridge of the Gods (at the Oregon/Washington border). After the death of her mother and a divorce, Strayed felt lost. During her 94-day journey on the PCT, the 26-year-old novice hiker and first-time backpacker not only survived, but found Once, my hiking buddy and I met a her way in life. through-hiker from Texas. We all had a snack According to historyvshollywood.com, break together; he really liked the peanut the book and movie inspired 1,600 to 3,000 butter pretzel bites we had, so we gave him people to take out permits to hike the PCT— the entire bag. He was most grateful! about 10 times the number of people who’d I also like to hike a part of Section C that attempted the hike before the book and film. starts north of Interstate 10. This section The Pacific Crest Trail runs about 2,650 travels through the San Gorgonio Wilderness miles from Mexico to Canada, crossing area near Whitewater and goes up through through state and national parks, as well as Big Bear, all the way to the Cajon Pass at numerous national forests, so a permit is Interstate 15. The longest trip my hiking required to hike on just about any section. buddy and I have taken so far on this part If you’re backpacking more than 500 miles, of the trail is an 18-mile out and back, with you’ll need a long-distance hiking permit, Whitewater being the turnaround point. That which will cover you along the entire length was an eventful day! We came across a desert of the trail and grant you permission to tortoise and two bighorn sheep. We also met camp along the route. Only 50 long-distance a couple of through-hikers who started their permits, which are free, are issued each day, journey at the Mexico border. As we were on a first-come, first-served basis. You can visiting, along came a “Trail Angel” carrying apply on the Pacific Crest Trail Association a backpack cooler with beer to share. The two (PCTA) website (www.pcta.org). through-hikers were so thrilled to have a beer According to the PCTA, the best time to on the trail. start the through-hike going northbound is In 2019, I attended the presentation “Wild mid-April through early May—but beware! Coachella: The Pacific Crest Trail” at UCRSnow can cover sections of the trail within Palm Desert, where author, hiker and outdoor 200 miles of the border through early advocate Barney “Scout” Mann and his wife, summer, and that makes the trail very Sandy “Frodo” (Scout and Frodo are their trail dangerous in some areas. names), shared a slide show and discussed Of course, you don’t have to hike for their experiences while hiking the PCT in months to enjoy the adventures of the PCT; 2007. Scout’s latest book, Journeys North, is you can make it a week-long trip, a weekend, available at his website (barneyscoutmann. or simply a day hike. com) or directly from Amazon. Section B—nearly 90 miles, from Warner I recently reached out to Barney with a Springs to Highway 10—passes through few questions about their PCT journey, and the San Jacinto Wilderness area, just above he pointed me to the journal he kept along Palm Springs. Beginning north of Highway the way. I was most interested to know what 74—just a half-mile east of the Highway their trail travels were like as they traversed 371 junction, at the Paradise Valley Café in the nearby wilderness and passed through our Garner Valley—a 55-mile stretch of Section desert area. B travels along the mountain range and exits According to the journal, they rolled in to north of Cabazon Peak, near Highway 111 Idyllwild (a major hub for PCT hikers) after and Interstate 10. While training for a halfday 9. Idyllwild is only 12 “distance” miles marathon, a friend and I once did a 13-mile from Palm Springs, but almost 50 road miles out and back north of Highway 74. I must away. While it was a strenuous scramble up say, the trail is amazing, and the views are the back side of San Jacinto from Idyllwild, beyond breathtaking. However, the other end they were rewarded with beautiful views. of that section, near Snow Creek, is the part As Scout describes it, “The morning had us of the trail I frequent most. CVIndependent.com
Frodo and Scout at the start of their Pacific Crest Trail journey, at the Mexican border, in 2007. Courtesy of Barney “Scout” Mann
alternating between Mountain King views of Palm Springs on one side of a knife ridge, and on the other, million-dollar Hollywood movie star views over the vast Los Angeles basin stretching to the sea.” He’s not kidding; I have been on this portion of the trail and have seen these views (on a clear day). Trying to find a campsite in the remote area of Fuller Ridge the previous evening was quite the task, according to Scout. “I know the San Jacintos, and they can be harsh, but I felt this wasn’t what the guidebook or the San Jacintos had in store for us this night. So, one, two, three switchbacks later, it still looked dismal, but then on the next turn, I saw what looked like a second saddle on this ridge, and sure enough, the trail gods smiled—there were two flat, beautiful sites. Four hundred and twenty paces, the difference between a miserable night and the relative comfort of PCT camping.” As their trail companions settled into one of the two sites, one of them called out, “Is
this why they call you Scout?” The following day featured nearly 24 grueling miles descending the San Jacinto Mountains into windmill country, where the industrial whirring noise is enough to drive you crazy, said Scout. It was a day of dramatic contrasts, Scout said, going 8,700 feet in elevation to 1,600—from a calm alpine forest to roaring 40 mph wind gusts spitting grit in your face. As they approached the trash-strewn, shaded Interstate 10 underpass, they found Scout’s parents and family friends waiting. They had driven up from Los Angeles with a cooler of sodas, juices, beer and fresh fruit. What a party they all had! I hope you are getting out and enjoying the trails while the weather is perfect to do so. Please continue to be vigilant and be safe. Always pack appropriate gear, and bring lots of water. Oh, and keep an eye out for our slithering friends and other wildlife that may be out and about on the trails. Happy hiking!
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 5
APRIL 2022
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6 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
APRIL 2022
OPINION OPINION
PRIVACY, PLEASE A
BY JACOB ROSTOVSKY
s a gay man, moving to Palm Springs seemed like an easy choice. The vast array of businesses, bars and activities curated for my community attracted me to the area. But as a transgender gay male—someone who was born female, but identifies as male, and is sexually attracted to men—I have been learning a harsh reality about the acknowledgment and acceptance of my existence in these spaces. A few weeks ago, I went to the Tool Shed, a bar that promotes itself as welcoming and inclusive. It’s loved by many, and it’s usually busy on a Sunday afternoon—but as a transgender male, I quickly realized my experience in this bar was not going to be the same as the experiences of the cisgender men who frequent it. My first hint came from overhearing Nobody should have to worry about a conversation surrounding disgust and maintaining their dignity while using the confusion around individuals who identify as restroom, especially when they’re going out nonbinary. Unfortunately, I’m pretty used to to socialize and have a good time. But as a overhearing these types of conversations in transgender man who occupies cisgender gay these spaces, so I ignored it. spaces, it’s always something I think about. Then I had to pee. Safety is a huge concern for the Peeing at a gay bar is the ultimate test transgender community; simply existing of just how “inclusive” a place truly is. causes us fear. In 2021, almost 80 The bathrooms are sometimes completely transgender and nonbinary individuals were unaccommodating for individuals who must murdered because of their identity. Many of sit to urinate, as was the case at the Tool them were killed by individuals they met at Shed. The bathroom’s only toilet is located bars and clubs. When we report hate crimes, with no privacy in the middle of urinals, we are often ignored; I’ve heard stories of behind a bathroom door that does not lock— so my husband had to stand outside the door, police coming to arrest individuals because they were using the “wrong” restroom—in telling people to not come in … where he was other words, not the one that matched subjected to rude comments. The only other their sex assigned at birth. At almost every option I had was to pee in front of everyone, conference or gathering of transgender outing myself and putting me in potential individuals, there are mentions of bathroom danger. When I tried to ask staff members safety tips and handouts of safe bathroom if they had other options, I was met with guides. hostility. Some transgender gay men don’t have I wish I could say that this was a unique penises, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t situation, but it’s not. I’ve been here since entitled to pee in peace. I’m not naïve to June, and I’d previously encountered other the reasoning behind getting rid of locks bars not meant for my body, such as the and stalls in gay spaces, but the body Barracks and Eagle 501. I really love the types of some gay men are different, and vibes of these bars, but in order to go, I must it’s about time the Coachella Valley “gay” decide that it won’t be comfortable for me to establishments change. use the bathroom.
CVIndependent.com
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/OPINION
Sometimes, I just need to pee—but as a trans man, I can’t always do so safely I have heard managers at some establishments ask the “point” around changing their bathrooms for such a small community—but let me tell you, the trans community is not that small. In fact, if you made your bathrooms easier to utilize, you’d be surprised just how many of us would come out and socialize. There are a few places we feel comfortable going to, like Chill Bar and Oscar’s. But I have to ask: If changing the way you set up your bathroom only affects one person, isn’t that enough? I’m not asking for a lot. In fact, all I’m asking for is access to a basic human right.
A simple lock on the door or a toilet with privacy wouldn’t take that much work. I’d be happy to help—if only you’d ask. Jacob Rostovsky is a licensed psychotherapist and the CEO and founder of Queer Works, a nonprofit organization working to provide free therapy to the LGBTQ+ community in California. Openly transgender since he was 13, Jacob uses his personal experience and professional background as a mental-health clinician to educate and facilitate conversations around topics facing his community. To learn more, visit www.queerworks.org.
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 7
APRIL 2022
APRIL 29-MAY 7, 2022 Join us as bars and restaurants across the Coachella Valley offer special craft cocktails at a discount throughout the week—and donate a portion of the proceeds to two amazing charities. On Wednesday, May 4, up to 10 of the valley’s top bartenders will battle to be crowned the Craft Cocktail Champion at the Palm Springs Cultural Center! Admission includes tastes of all drinks and bites of food. Tickets are $35, or $40 at the door (if any remain).
For tickets or more information, call 760-904-4208 or visit PSCraftCocktails.com
CVIndependent.com
8 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
APRIL 2022
NEWS
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/NEWS
WHICH COURSE? T
by kevin fitzgerald
here’s a difference of opinion among residents in the neighborhoods near the two cityowned Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort courses in Palm Springs. Some are in favor of an Oswit Land Trust (OLT) proposal to purchase the land on which these two courses reside—as well as two other nearby golf-course properties—to create a permanent desert nature preserve and botanical garden in south Palm Springs. Others have established an opposition group called Save PS Golf (SPSG)—a nonprofit organization that, as of this writing, has garnered more than 2,700 signatures on a Change.org petition. The group wants the city to keep control of the two courses and maintain them for the Cecena therefore decided to help organize enjoyment of golfers. his neighbors. Oswit Land Trust wants to combine one “It started off just as concerned neighbors of those two Tahquitz Creek courses—the wanting to understand, and having a lot of Resort Course—with the now-closed Bel Air Greens course and the Mesquite Golf Course to questions, because we weren’t finding a lot of answers as to what OLT was trying to do,” create what the trust calls the Mesquite Desert Cecena said. “… These questions were always Preserve. presented back to OLT. How did they plan to Jane Garrison, the founder and president of afford this? We would get very simple answers the Oswit Land Trust, said that after listening when we were looking for detail. How was it to nearby residents, the group decided that going to be maintained? What was it going to one of the two Tahquitz Creek courses—the cost to maintain? The answers that were being Legend Course—should remain open for golf. provided just did not sit well with anyone.” “Originally, we proposed including both of Cecena said OLT’s change in plans to keep those city golf courses in the preserve, but the Legend Course open to golfers is not now, after meeting with golfers and biologists, enough to satisfy him and his fellow Save PS we have decided that we’d like to have one of Golf members. those golf courses preserved as open space as “It has never been our mission to dice up a part of the Mesquite Desert Preserve, while the golf courses,” said Cecena. “You can see the other one (the Legend) is retained as a golf it on OLT’s Facebook page, and they call it course,” Garrison said. a compromise. They say that they talked That change in plans is not enough for the to golfers, and that golfers felt it was a members of Save PS Golf, which was formed compromise. Save PS Golf is endorsed by a to oppose the proposed sale of the public number of golf organizations with up to a total Tahquitz Creek courses to the Oswit Land of 160,000 members. The golfers have spoken, Trust—or any other prospective purchaser. and that is not a compromise.” “I came to find out that the golf course Instead, Save PS Golf is working on a (means) just so much more to the community compromise of its own: The group is talking from an economic, tourist, resort-city with the city about putting a conservation standpoint … compared to the private golf easement on the courses. The state’s civil courses in this area,” stated Ernest Cecena, the code defines a conservation easement as “any chairman of Save PS Golf. “And we see that limitation in a deed, will, or other instrument affordability equals diversity. Palm Springs is a very diverse community, and these golf courses … the purpose of which is to retain land predominantly in its natural, scenic, historical, are used by everyone from First Tee kids just agricultural, forested, or open‐space condition.” getting started in the sport, to high schools Cecena said discussions with the city are that use the courses to practice, and every age in their infancy, but that he is optimistic the after that.” strategy will work. Cecena—who, interestingly, is not himself a “In simple terms, it wouldn’t keep the golfer—said he lives on the Legend course. courses from being sold,” Cecena said. “But it “When we moved in, both the Legend and protects them from ever being developed. It Resort courses were on the table (as part of) solidifies that this area would have to remain the conversation about their possible sale,” as open space. It’s a simple solution, and it’s a Cecena said. “Also, I’m the chairman of the win-win for everybody.” Tahquitz Creek Golf Neighborhood … and in Garrison expressed doubts about the talking with my neighbors, I saw that nobody conservation easement idea. seemed to have all the information. They “The only way you can protect land weren’t organized, but everybody wanted to do permanently is to own it,” Garrison said. “Then something.” CVIndependent.com
The Oswit Land Trust’s efforts to protect golf areas as open space garner opposition
The Oswit Land Trust is working to combine three nearby Palm Springs golf courses into the Mesquite Desert Preserve. Photo courtesy of the Oswit Land Trust
we can (make sure) that there are protections on the deed and title, and that it stays in the ownership of the land trust. So, if we want to see these golf course properties remain as open space, we have to own them.” Garrison wanted to dispel any notion that OLT was unduly fixated on golf courses. “I think it’s important to note that the Oswit Land Trust is in escrow for two (completely unrelated) properties right now,” she said. “We have our eye on about eight other very important pieces of land for conservation. We have plenty of projects to keep us busy. If we felt that those golf courses were safe from development, we would not be focused on them. But we know the reality—and the reality is that it’s not a matter of if those golf courses will be developed; it’s a matter of when, unless we do something about them.” Garrison pointed to Assembly Bill 1910, sponsored by Bell Gardens-area Rep. Cristina Garcia, as a reason for her concerns. “It is back for a third time, and it’s a housing bill that encourages development of lowincome housing on city golf courses,” Garrison said. “It takes away any protection that the land has through the California Environmental Quality Act and the Surplus Land Act. So if that bill gets passed, the city can easily just sell those golf courses to developers. It’s a big threat to that open space. Even though we believe that the current City Council probably would not do that, the current City Council is not going to be the current City Council for long. … There’s such a decline in interest in golf, so we need to be proactive and not reactive, and try to put some kind of protection on that land.” As for the other two courses that would make up the Mesquite Desert Preserve:
Garrison said the Oswit Land Trust has received a big boost in its efforts to acquire Bel Aire Greens—a $4 million acquisition grant thought the state of California. “That is really exciting. It required a lot of work, and we worked together with the Trust for Public Land to get that,” Garrison said. “We’d been working on it with them for over a year now. The next step on that is to have the owners agree to have an appraisal done. We’re required to have an appraisal before we can use that funding grant. Unfortunately, there is a lease holder for Bel Aire Greens, and he has submitted development plans to the city. So, that does complicate things a bit.” The Mesquite Golf Course land remains for sale, and the trust plans to continue conversations regarding the land, Garrison said. She expressed hope that her group and Save PS Golf can collaborate—especially if AB 1910 advances in the Legislature. “When we originally met with them, we said that we really needed to work together,” Garrison said. “We needed to come up with some plan that prevents development on both of these golf courses. It’s a handful of individuals who are really digging their heel in, and now don’t want any of the courses to become part of the preserve. I think we’ll all lose in the end if we don’t work together on this.” Cecena said he has great respect for the Oswit Land Trust, based on its past successes—most notably acquiring and preserving Oswit Canyon from an imminent housing development. “That was great work on their part, preserving land from being developed,” Cecena said. “But now, building something—and removing something from the community? That’s where we draw the line.”
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 9
APRIL 2022
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10 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
APRIL 2022
NEWS
CIVIC SOLUTIONS T
by melissa daniels
he national spotlight fell on the Coachella Valley in February when Disney announced its new residential-living business would debut its first master planned community here in Rancho Mirage. Cotino is slated to be the first development of its kind from Storyliving, Disney’s new venture into the housing business. The proposal includes 1,700 homes, a 400-room hotel, and shopping and dining spots centered around a 24-acre lagoon meant to mimic a beachfront oasis in the desert. The city of Rancho Mirage—long associated with high-end resort living—called it “one of the most significant master-planned projects in Rancho Mirage history.” welcome, but they don’t necessarily translate But it is also the latest reminder that much into meeting needs for the workforce. So I of the housing development happening in asked about the ways in which Disney has our valley cities is neither affordable nor accessible for many of the people who live and previously helped communities where it has a presence. Cade’s answer hit both the work here year-round. qualitative and quantitative. Nothing from master planner DMB “In terms of our commitment to Development or Disney’s Cotino community, we bring comfort, optimism and announcements indicated how much the joy to our communities and inspire hope, houses would cost. But we do know the especially for children,” Cade said. “Through development will include “estates, single financial contributions, collaborations with family homes and condominiums,” a section nonprofit organizations, in-kind donations, reserved for 55+ residents, and a club and employee volunteerism, Disney brings membership for access to the lagoon, Disneypositive, lasting change to communities driven programming, entertainment and around the world.” activities. The average Rancho Mirage home As Cotino works its way toward fruition, price as of January 2022 is more than $1.2 million, with a median price of $617,000 for a I hope we’ll see Disney become an active supporter of our community in those ways. single-family home valley-wide, according to But the question remains: How will the the Greater Palm Springs Real Estate Housing people who are expected to work at these Report. luxury resorts support their families here? None of that sounds affordable for the Since affordable housing is not just a valley majority of people who work in the area—or issue, but a national one—about half of for the workforce who will be needed to Americans say that the availability of staff and run this magical and visionary affordable housing is a major issue where they destination. live, according to the Pew Research Center—I Data points from the Coachella Valley took a look at how other communities are Economic Partnership’s 2021 annual report stimulating workforce housing: show that about one in four Coachella Valley • In Colorado, the Telluride Foundation is residents work in leisure and hospitality. The putting up affordable factory-built houses in average income per worker in that sector is a mountain resort community to help provide less than $16,000. housing for the workforce. They jumpstarted Taking this into consideration, I connected this program in large part by using a mix of with Disney Signature Experiences’ director public and private donations, including gifted of public affairs, Yolanda Cade, to learn land, according to KOTO radio in October more about how Storyliving can complement 2021. our community. She told me she didn’t • In Big Sky, Montana, about eight in have information on how many jobs the 10 workers have to commute to the resort development could create, but she did note community, which can be a big ask in an area potential economic benefits. with snow, ice and mountain roads. A group “In addition to generating tax revenue called the Big Sky Housing Trust launched the through new homes, the community has “Rent Local” program to incentivize vacationSpecific Plan approval for a vibrant mixed-use rental owners to instead lease their properties district featuring a range of shopping, dining to essential workers, including nurses, and entertainment and a beachfront hotel, all teachers and sheriff deputies. of which will produce jobs and tax revenue in • In Mountain View, Calif., Google and addition to opportunities created during the Housing Trust Silicon Valley pooled $100 construction phase,” Cade said. million in 2020 for the Launch Initiative to Jobs and tax revenue are certainly CVIndependent.com
As resort life proliferates, what about affordable housing?
An artist’s renderings of Disney’s Cotino development in Rancho Mirage.
create and preserve affordable housing with loan dollars. So far, the initiative has led to several investments, including a recent $17.2 million loan in March 2022 to support a 160unit housing development. While it is incumbent upon public institutions to find ways to stimulate development of the much-needed affordable and attainable housing that Californians
need, these examples show there’s ample room for the private sector and nongovernmental organizations to step in and make a difference. And if Disney intends on putting the Coachella Valley on its list of destinations, it will be actions, not words, that ultimately will tell us if the company is committed to putting people ahead of profits.
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 11
APRIL 2022
NEWS
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/NEWS
JEWISH OLYMPICS S
by kevin fitzgerald
ince 2009, Michael Rosenkrantz has championed the development of wheelchair basketball and other adaptive-sports programs in locations around the world, including India, Nepal, North Carolina and Arizona. Shortly after his arrival in our desert community in 2019, he linked up with the Desert Ability Center and began working with local adaptive athletes. A year later, he helped launch a new adaptive sports initiative called Palms to Pines Parasports. In the year and a half since, the name has been changed to SoCal Parasports, and the organization—with Rosenkrantz as its executive director—has expanded its sports mean, this is not the Special Olympics. We offerings in partnership with the Desert are trying to win—maybe not at all costs, Recreation District. but we’re trying to win. We don’t guarantee Just recently, Rosenkrantz revealed that playing time. If you make the team, that’s an he is adding yet another prestigious title to honor in itself.” his résumé: He’s been named head coach of Maccabi USA is currently working on the 2022 Maccabi USA wheelchair basketball fundraising, with goals of $8,500 per athlete team. He and his eight-member co-ed team and $3,000 per coach as the minimum will head to Israel to compete in the 21st required to get each individual to the games. Maccabiah Games on July 5. (If you are interested in making a donation, “Culturally, I was brought up Jewish,” you can go to maccabiusa.com/21stRosenkrantz said in a recent interview with maccabiah-athlete-donate.) the Independent. “I had a bar mitzvah and To emphasize how big of a deal the all that kind of good stuff. I’ve never been Maccabiah Games are, Greenberg pointed out to Israel, although all of my other family that among the open class of athletes (not members have.” living with a disability), the U.S. is sending Rosenkrantz said he became head coach of men’s basketball and soccer teams largely the team “kind of by default,” as one of the made up of Division I college athletes. few Jewish wheelchair basketball coaches in The cultural experiences are the focus during the country. the Maccabi USA teams’ first week in Israel. “For a while, they were trying to get “The U.S. team leaves July 5, and arrives someone else. … I said all along that I’d do it, on July 6 for a thing called the Israel Connect but they said, ‘Look, it’s your first year, and program, which is a week of touring and a day we’re not so sure,’” Rosenkrantz said. “But, of giving during that week,” Greenberg said. in the end, I am the head coach. I’ll have “So we will give back to a charity—like, we’ll an Israeli as an assistant coach, so it will be visit a children’s hospital or a nursing home pretty cool.” or school or orphanage. We’ll bring small Stu Greenberg is the paralympic basketball gifts like baseball caps or T-shirts from a commissioner of Maccabi USA Parasports, sports team. … There are over 1,200 athletes and a member of the Maccabi USA teams that and coaches combined in the U.S. delegation have participated over the past decade in the … so the wheelchair basketball athletes will international and quadrennial Maccabiah intermingle. They’ll have breakfast every day Games. and make friends with the men’s and women’s “The United States teams try to open teams in basketball and other sports incorporate the cultural aspect and history of staying at the hotel with them. They’ll go on Israel,” Greenberg said. “This will be the first visit (to Israel) for many of these athletes, and trips. For example, in both 2013 and 2017, we they may never get back there, so we try to go went to (visit) the Dead Sea and Masada. We went to the holocaust museum Yad Vashem over the history with them. This year, we’ll and the cemetery there in Jerusalem, so that have a Holocaust program that my friend is will definitely be happening again this time.” sponsoring. We’re going to bring Holocaust Of course, that initial week will involve a survivors—and there are not many left—to good deal of athletic preparation as well. The a dinner on the Sabbath. They’ll speak about wheelchair team is scheduled to hold practice the Holocaust, and their life stories. sessions on five of those first seven days. “The other countries only get (to Israel) a Rosenkrantz believes that the skill and bigday or two before hand. They don’t have the game experience of several of his players will means, or raise the money. … We’re the only be a critical benefit as they work to become a country, I’d say, that emphasizes the cultural cohesive unit in such a short time. aspect as well as the competitive aspect. I
Local adaptive sports advocate Michael Rosenkrantz is heading to Israel to coach in the 21st Maccabiah Games
The star of the team is Peter Berry, a member of a three-time National Wheelchair Basketball Association championship-winning team, who currently he plays with the University of Alabama wheelchair basketball team. His brother, Aaron—who shared in those championship experiences and now plays at Alabama as well—is an accomplished player. Rosenkrantz also mentioned the one female member of this year’s team, Freya Levy, who currently resides in England. “The fact that Aaron and his brother, Peter, both play in college is really good,” said Rosenkrantz, who served one season as the assistant coach of the University of Arizona’s women’s wheelchair basketball team. “And Freya plays regularly, and she’s really good. They know what they’re doing, and we’ll kind of meld the other people into that. We’re going to play a really basic offense, and a basic defense, so we’ll make it happen and have fun doing it. Hopefully, we’ll bring back the gold, right?” As the second week of the team’s journey arrives, the 21st Maccabiah Games will begin in earnest, with opening ceremonies on either July 13 or 14. “The amount of games we play depends on the amount of teams,” Greenberg said. “For instance, if there are five teams, then we’ll play four games, (but regardless), the top four teams will play in the bracket round. These are elimination games, so No. 1 meets No. 4,
and No. 2 meets No. 3.” What personal and professional goals does Rosenkrantz hope to attain? “Personally, I think the spiritual theme, like going to the Wailing Wall, (will be important),” Rosenkrantz said. “I think that we’re going to go to Masada, the Dead Sea, and we’re just going to take it all in. You know, I lived overseas for seven years, and I haven’t really been able to travel lately due to COVID. “Professionally, it gets me back on the court coaching wheelchair basketball again. I’ve missed that a bit. We don’t have many athletes who use a wheelchair attending the adaptive sports we do six days per week. Over time, I really want to do wheelchair basketball again. I’m hoping we can form a team, either in the Coachella Valley, or in Riverside County (overall), so maybe this will be a launching pad for doing that.” Rosenkrantz shared a vision that goes well beyond establishing a single team in our county. “I know a number of high school (wheelchair-basketball-playing) kids who graduated from San Diego and other places in California, and they’ve gone to Arizona, because California has not offered anything yet—so, I’m looking to change that,” he said. “I’m looking to build a whole continuum from very young to collegiate and beyond. Having people be able to participate in adaptive sports is the bigger picture, and why I do this.”
Maccabi USA wheelchair basketball player Peter Berry shoots during a USA vs. Israel game at the 2017 Maccabi Games.
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APRIL 2022
NEWS
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CV HISTORY T
Was he an Apache renegade? Did he have a secret gold mine? It’s all part of the legend of Fig Tree John
by greg niemann
he original occupants of the Coachella Valley were the Cahuilla (pronounced Ka-we-ah) Indians. They occupied areas from present-day Riverside to the Colorado Desert, and from the San Bernardino Mountains to the Anza-Borrego area. The bands settled in villages, and based on their location, they later became known as either Mountain, Pass or Desert Cahuilla. Life centered around these villages, which were occupied all year, with occasional departures to hunt, trade, visit or gather plants and food. However, not all of the Cahuilla were comfortable with village life. There was the occasional recluse—and a desert character named Fig Tree John became the most notable. springs. His original springs near Travertine Fig Tree John was a Desert Cahuilla chief Point were inundated with the filling of the of the Agua Dulce clan, but he preferred to be Salton Sea in 1905-1907, so he moved his left alone. He lived at a spring near the Salton primitive jacal of arrowweed and mud north to Sea—and he claimed he was born in the late Agua Dulce Spring. He also salvaged railroad 1700s. That would have made him around ties from the flood and sold them for a profit. 130, or even older, when he died of the flu in A recluse, he put a barbed-wire fence around April 1927. his springs and kept trespassers off with an His given name was apparently Juanita ancient Winchester rifle, which some said Razon, and he claimed he was once a guide was actually inoperable due to missing parts. for Gen. John C. Fremont. (Fremont was His menacing attitude compensated for the in the area in the late 1800s. President possible lack of a proper weapon. He acquired Abraham Lincoln appointed Fremont to be the a black stovepipe hat and a long military coat commanding general of the Department of the with brass buttons—which he often wore, West; he also served as governor of Arizona even while his feet were bare. territory from 1878-1881.) Around 1910, he and his wife acquired a Mystery always surrounded Fig Tree John. buggy to take them to various fiestas and Because he allegedly spoke Apache, some social events. Fig Tree John, of course, looked claimed he was really an Apache renegade. resplendent in his quasi-military attire. His According to Harry C. James in the book crusty countenance and dignified appearance The Cahuilla Indians, the rumor started when made him a favorite for those wishing to take a white friend brought an acquaintance to photos or sketches. The old man agreed—for visit. The guest thought Fig Tree John looked a fee, of course. His son, Johnny Mack, said like an Apache, so he spoke a few words in that his father was given the clothes at “some Apache. Old John nodded his head, seeming to important Indian meeting in Los Angeles.” understand—which gave birth to the rumor. Fig Tree John was known as a shrewd trader Based on that, a writer named Edwin Corle and had a string of horses. According to one (1906-1956) wrote a fictional novel called Fig rumor, he paid for his purchases in Banning Tree John, about an Apache modeled after the Cahuilla chief. Corle was a New Jersey teenager with gold dust, setting tongues wagging about the possibility that he might have come across in 1920 when he first saw the Salton Sea from a lost gold mine in the Santa Rosas. Other a train window—and became inspired by the stories claimed that it was not in Banning, but area. After becoming a magazine writer, he Mecca, where he once paid a storekeeper in returned many times, and the legend of Fig gold nuggets. Did he get the gold through his Tree John caught his imagination. Exploring constant trading, or did he really have a mine? the area, he noticed the name “Fig Tree John” While most historians doubt the veracity of on a sign near the west shore of the Salton the mine’s existence, it does make for a good Sea. It pointed toward a sustainable water hole tale, especially when a character like Fig Tree where the recluse had lived. By then, Fig Tree John is involved. John and his wife were dead, and his son and Even though he liked to appear menacing, his son’s wife had left the area. stories leaked out about how he rendered aid Undaunted, Corle traveled the area during to those in need who might chance upon him. the 1930s, seeking more information about Many white residents spoke favorably of Fig the desert character. He received conflicting Tree John, too. Cornelia White, who owned information, including info from former property in downtown Palm Springs, including neighbors thinking Fig Tree John might have the Palm Springs Hotel, was with him on a been an Apache. long desert trip, and found him to be both an Fig Tree John received his name because of excellent guide and a trustworthy companion. the black mission figs he planted around his CVIndependent.com
Fig Tree John died on the Martinez reservation in April 1927, and was buried in the Catholic cemetery there. His son claimed he was 136 when he died, and an article in the January 1941 Desert Magazine by Nina Paul Shumway mentioned that his feet were indicative of great age, “horny and splayed like an eagle’s.” Regardless of his actual age, Fig Tree John lived for a long time—and was quite a
Fig Tree John. Courtesy of Field Studios, Riverside
character indeed. Sources for this article include The Cahuilla Indians, by Harry C. James (Westernlore Press, 1960); The Cahuilla Indians of Southern California, by Lowell Bean and Harry Lawton (Malki Museum Press, 1965); Fig Tree John by Edwin Corle (Liveright Publishing, 1934); and a Desert Magazine article by Nina Paul Shumway (January 1941).
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 13
APRIL 2022
NEWS
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APRIL ASTRONOMY A
Planets Bright StarsRamadan, in Evening aMid-Twilight The and month brings meteor For April, 2022 shower—and a gathering of planets This sky chart is drawn for latitude 34 degrees north, but may be used in southern U.S. and northern Mexico. N
By Robert Victor
pril mornings feature a spread of four planets in the southeast to east all month, including a gathering of Venus, Mars and Saturn in the first week, and a brilliant, close pairing of Venus and Jupiter at month’s end. A meteor shower peaks in predawn on April 22 and 23. The moon sweeps past four planets on four mornings, April 24-27, as Venus closes in on Jupiter, leading up to their spectacular conjunction of April 30 and May 1. Evenings feature the year’s best appearance of Mercury in latter half of month, along with the annual gathering of winter’s bright stars in the western sky before their impending departure. In the southeastern sky, about an hour before sunrise, the predawn planet shuffle continues! Three planets fit within a 10-degree span the moon’s upper left. On the same morning, through April 7. Mars passes within 0.5 Mars is midway between Saturn and Venus, 14 degrees below Saturn on April 4 and 5, degrees from each, while Jupiter appears within creating a Venus-Mars-Saturn order on April 5, 5 degrees to the lower left of Venus. On April with Venus 7 to 8 degrees to the lower left of 26, Mars appears within 8 degrees to the upper the Mars-Saturn pair. right of a 19 percent moon, with brilliant Venus The three planets fit within 6.5 degrees on 9 degrees to the moon’s upper left. E April 2, as Jupiter emerges 25 degrees to the April 27 features a spectacular, bright lower left of Venus, bringing the morning planet gathering of the moon, Venus and Jupiter. total to four. Jupiter-Venus-Mars-Saturn reach a Venus and Jupiter are just 3.1 degrees apart, minimum span of 30 degrees on April 5. Watch with the 12 percent moon rising 4 to 6 degrees the gap between the two brightest planets, below them. The waning crescent moon is Venus and Jupiter, shrink until their spectacular visible for one additional morning: On April conjunction at month’s end. 28, Venus and Jupiter are 2.2 degrees apart, The waning moon passes by two firstwith the 6 percent moon rising exactly in the magnitude stars and four bright planets in east, in brighter twilight, 16 degrees to the morning twilight from April 16 to 27. Look lower left of Venus. about one hour before sunup on April 16 to Evenings: The first sighting of the lunar see Spica 4 degrees to the lower left of the full crescent on April 1 or 2 marks start of the moon. On April 19, Antares appears 5 degrees month of Ramadan, and fasting begins the next to the lower left of a gibbous moon, 90 percent day. Near Palm Springs on April 1, the 1 percent full. The brightest stars as dawn brightens in crescent might be found with optical aid 20-25 April are golden Arcturus, well up in the west, minutes after sunset, less than 3 degrees above 33 degrees to the upper right of Spica; and the horizon, 5 degrees north of west. On April blue-white Vega, very high in east to overhead. 2, the 4 percent crescent moon, setting after Altair and Deneb complete the Summer twilight, will be widely seen. Triangle with Vega. Follow the moon in the early evening for Lyrid meteors in 2022 are best Thursday two weeks as it moves eastward through the night, April 21-22 and Friday night, April 22-23. constellations of the zodiac and waxes toward Meteors normally increase in number through full. On April 4, the 15 percent crescent the night as the radiant, to the upper right of moon will appear within 4 degrees south of Vega, ascends from near the northeast horizon the Pleiades star cluster. On April 5, the 22 at nightfall, to nearly overhead as dawn begins percent moon will pass 7 degrees north of to brighten. Meteors can light up anywhere in Aldebaran, eye of Taurus, the Bull. On April the sky, streaking away from the radiant. But a 8, the nearly first quarter moon, almost half waning gibbous moon on Friday morning, and full and 90 degrees from the sun, will appear the last quarter moon on Saturday morning, within 7 degrees below Pollux and Castor, the rises into view and reduces the count. bright stars marking the heads of the twins, The last week of April offers lunar and Gemini. On the next evening, the 58 percent planetary events well worth getting up for! On gibbous moon appears 6 to 7 degrees southeast April 24, about an hour before sunrise, Saturn of Pollux. On April 11, the 77 percent moon appears 8 degrees to the upper left of a fat, 39 appears 7 degrees above Regulus, and on the percent crescent moon. On April 25, Saturn next evening, the 85 percent moon will appear 8 appears 9 degrees to the upper right of a 28 to 9 degrees to the star’s lower left. percent crescent moon, with Mars 8 degrees to The star Spica in Virgo is at opposition on
April's evening sky chart. ROBERT D. MILLER
Arcturus
29 Mercury 22
15
Capella
W
Castor Pollux Aldebaran
Regulus Betelgeuse Spica
Procyon
Rigel Sirius
Canopus
Evening mid-twilight occurs April 13. This whenevent Sun is occurs 9 belowannually horizon. as Earth passes between star and the sun. Watch for Apr. 1: that 40 minutes after sunset. 15: 41 " " at "dusk, highest in Spica low in east-southeast 30: of 42 night " " " 1 a.m. on April south in middle (near
14), and low in the west-southwest at dawn. As you look at Spica on this night, you are facing directly away from the sun. At dusk on April 15, Spica appears 7 degrees to the lower right of the nearly full moon. Mercury, after passing superior conjunction on far side of the sun on April 2, proceeds to its finest apparition of the year—while it quickly and brightly emerges at dusk. By April 11, Mercury shines at magnitude -1.4 and sets just after mid-twilight, when the sun is 9 degrees below the horizon. Fading slowly, Mercury still shines at magnitude -1.0 on April 17, while 6 degrees up at mid-twilight, and 3 degrees up at end of nautical twilight, when the sun is 12 degrees down, about one hour after sunset.
S
Stereographic Projection
Still fading slowly, through Map magnitude by Robert D.-0.5 Milleron April 23 and 0.0 on April 27, Mercury continues to climb higher until April 28, when it reaches greatest elongation, 21 degrees from the sun, and sits nearly 7 to 8 degrees up in the westnorthwest at the end of nautical twilight. April is the final month to catch all of winter’s bright stars and its two prominent star clusters together in the western evening sky. Illustrations of events in this article appear in the Abrams Planetarium April Sky Calendar included with this article. To subscribe for $12 per year or to view another sample issue, visit www.abramsplanetarium.org/skycalendar. Robert Victor originated the Abrams Planetarium monthly Sky Calendar in October 1968, and still produces issues occasionally, including April 2022. He enjoys being outdoors sharing the wonders of the night sky, and is hoping for the pandemic to end! CVIndependent.com
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ARTS & CULTURE
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HISTORY AND HERITAGE By Cat Makino
C
annibalism refers to the consumption of another being of the same species—like a human eating another human. However, the organizers of the upcoming Cultural Cannibalism exhibit at the Coachella Valley Art Center in Indio are using the term as a metaphor. Running from April 8 to May 28, Cultural Cannibalism, curated by Susan Myrland, features works by six local artists, all from different cultures. The goal is to heighten awareness of the damaging stereotypes that can create divisions, according to Bill Schinsky, the founder and executive director of the nonprofit art center. “Experiencing another culture doesn’t mean you understand it, or that you should steal elements of it as your own,” Schinsky said. “For Mexican-American mother and Polish-American father. “My father’s mother had been opposed example, we celebrate Cinco de Mayo in the United States, but many don’t even know what to the marriage, and when we went to visit her in Detroit, she refused to say my name,” he said. it is, or how it originated.” In fact, a 2018 survey by NationalToday.com “She called me ‘the brown one.’” Schinsky said he believes that we can showed that only 10% of Americans knew the true reason behind the holiday, as it has turned honor and celebrate other cultures without diminishing them. “We take other cultures and into a day when people go to bars, drink eat them up, without knowing about them,” margaritas and wear sombreros. (The day is he says. “Educate yourself on what you’re actually a commemoration of Mexico’s victory celebrating.” over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.) The colorful sculptures of dragons by Schinsky grew up in Los Angeles, with a
EVERY QUEEN deserves a
castle
CV Art Center’s ‘Cultural Cannibalism’ features the work of six desert artists— including Cito Gonzales’ dragon sculptures
assemblage artist Cito Gonzales will be a major part of Cultural Cannibalism. “His dragons speak to you, which allows you to use your imagination, taking you back to being a child, where you read books about these mythical creatures,” Schinsky said. Gonzales said he creates his huge dragons by using up to 60 natural materials, including bones, shells, feathers, teeth, acorns, seeds, antlers and dates. “These elements represent air, water and land,” he said. “I use these to give life and energy to the dragons, who represent the female guardians of Earth.” He said learned to make the dragons while he lived off the grid for 26 years. He resided in a cabin without electricity, phones or computers near Tuolumne City, Calif., where he grew his own food and cared for a variety of animals, including goats, chickens, turtles, two donkeys and two dogs. He worked as the caretaker of a campsite outside of the small logging city. A friend, a Native American woman who made drums, helped him learn how to make the dragons. “I learned to shape and contour from her leftover cowhides, leading to the creation of the dragons,” Gonzales said. “It just happened.” At the age of 10, Gonzales knew he had a special affinity for the land and animals. “I grew up in Modesto, and always knew from a young age that I didn’t want a regular job,” he said. “I tried working in construction delivery, but I didn’t like it, so when I got offered a job as a caretaker of a campsite with
CALL ME. LET'S FIND YOURS.
Kevin Stern
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Town Real Estate Owner/Broker DRE #01376548
Detail of one of Cito Gonzales’ dragon sculptures.
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more than 160 acres of land, I took it.” When the owners of the campsite sold the property in 2018, Gonzales had to leave his dream job, and he wound up living in a teepee near Pioneertown in the high desert. This changed when artist Marcia Geiger saw his dragons; she offered to let him live on her property near Landers, also in the high desert, and introduced him to a gallerist who agreed to show his works. “When I saw the dragons, they were incredibly moving,” Geiger said. “It was utterly breathtaking. … They are very much alive.” Gonzales said he loves being in the desert. “It has open skies and a wide openness,” he said. “It’s ancient. You feel like a dinosaur may appear at any time.” Now 57, Gonzales said he sees all people and animals as native and interconnected to the Earth. Through his art, he wants to remind us of our responsibility to care for our world— and wants us all to awaken our inner dragon to guard and protect our planet. “That’s the real wealth,” he said. Cultural Cannibalism will open with a reception from 5 to 8 p.m., Friday, April 8, at the Coachella Valley Art Center, 45140 Towne St., in Indio. The exhibit will be on display through Saturday, May 28. An artist talk will take place at 6 p.m., Thursday, May 5. The gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Saturday, or by appointment; admission is free. For more information, call 760-799-4364, or visit www. coachellavalleyartcenter.org.
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 15
APRIL 2022
McCallum Theatre Education Presents
Beautiful
The Carole King Musical Fri, April 1, 8pm Sat, April 2, 2pm & 8pm Sun, April 3, 2pm & 7:30pm
April 1, 8pm – Presented through the generosity of Jerry & Sarah Mathews April 2, 8pm – Presented through the generosity of Rebecca Benaroya April 3, 7:30pm – Presented through the generosity of Ron & Sylvia Gregoire
Open Call Talent Project Celebrating local artists and building community! Sat, April 16, 2pm & 7pm
CO-PRESENTING SPONSORS The H.N. & Frances C. Berger Foundation | The Commander Allen Donor Advised Fund
Photo: Nick Kalisz
David Feherty
North American Presenting Sponsor
Skiing the Dream Line
Off Tour! Wandering Around On His Own
Fri & Sat, April 22 & 23, 7:30pm
Hilaree Nelson
Mon, April 4, 7pm
Chris Botti Sat, April 9, 8pm
Presented through the generosity of Jan Salta
On Sale April 15!
Proof of vaccination and photo ID required for entry into the McCallum Theatre. For updated information on health and safety protocols, please visit www.McCallumTheatre.org.
Order online
mccallumtheatre.org
Order tickets by phone
760-340-2787
73000 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT • BOX OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY, 9:00am-5:00pm Follow us
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ARTS & CULTURE
ON THE RUN M
By DANIEL SEYMOUR
ukacevo, Czechoslovakia. The Grunberger family is sent to Auschwitz, where the two sisters’ father, mother and six siblings are murdered in the gas chambers. The girls, Manci and Ruth, survive seven months there, and another five months marching through the Sudeten Mountains at the mercy of brutal SS guards, before being rescued near the Danish border. The sisters are found by family in Philadelphia—and become some of the first Jewish refugees brought to the United States. From these traumatic beginnings, what emerges are two fulfilling life stories. The sisters have different beliefs, interests and coping methods, and yet, their personal bond—the selfless, unconditional love between them—only grows stronger throughout the years. Captured in two The Decision first-person memoirs/diaries and presented December 15, 1944—Manci along with extensive historical references, I knew that things were changing. The From Auschwitz With Love is a remarkable number of transports had slowed down in story of resilience and survival that describes the last few weeks and months. It was in the a resounding triumph of the human spirit air. There were rumors about the war, and spanning nine decades. we knew that the Russians were coming. We Palm Springs resident Daniel Seymour is could hear artillery and bombs in the far Manci Beran’s son-in-law and is a tenured distance in the east. professor, administrator and consultant Early December at Zeilappell, the guards to many colleges and universities. He has asked for volunteers. If they did not come written 18 books in business and higher forward, they were going to pick. For what? education. From Auschwitz With Love is his passion project that includes a comprehensive They never really told you anything—you just website—www.fromauschwitzwithlove.com— didn’t know, from one moment to the next, what was going to happen. They called it a available as an educational resource. “private transport,” and the person in charge Here is an excerpt from Part 4, “On the was a civilian. Run,” from the book From Auschwitz With Magda and I were co-partners with both Love: The Inspiring Memoir of Two Sisters’ of us feeling like parents. I remember saying, Survival, Devotion and Triumph. “We are never going to get out of here. There is no chance if we stay. We aren’t really taking a chance if we decide to go.” Magda and I made the decision. We told the younger ones, and we all volunteered. We just felt sure that the SS wouldn’t leave anyone at Auschwitz alive. The problem was that Edith was sick. They didn’t accept her at first, but we kept insisting that she was with us. We just kept insisting that we were all together. Nothing happened for several weeks. Staying could mean that we would be liquidated when the Red Army arrived; leaving on a “private transport” could be another plan to kill us. At some point, it was almost that you didn’t care. You just had to choose. Was it a ruse to take us out in small groups to be killed or whether we were actually going somewhere to work where it might be safer for us than Auschwitz? The rumors continued, and the bombs seemed to get closer every few days. On Dec. 15, the five of us were loaded into cattle cars along with some 300 other girls. It was freezing. We were given an extra loaf of bread and margarine. We also had some Daniel Seymour. extra clothing and we had put more paper in CVIndependent.com
An excerpt from Daniel Seymour’s ‘From Auschwitz With Love’ our shoes because it was so cold. We didn’t know where we were going. They didn’t tell us anything. They never did. We stayed on the train for maybe 10 days. Starting in Poland, we went all through Czechoslovakia into the mountains to Germany. We stopped a lot along the way, and we ultimately lost track of time. Meanwhile, planes were flying overhead. Every time the bombs would come, the SS would hide; sometimes they went under the train. We didn’t care because we figured out that they were aiming at the Germans, not us. We kept together, though. They gave us some food, but we just seemed to be forever on the transport without knowing where we were going or what they would be doing with us. Again, it was an unbearably cold winter. The train just kept moving forward as we moved first closer and then finally into Germany. In addition to the extreme cold, there were heavy snowstorms. We were always so cold. Reichenbach December 1944-February 1945—Ruthie I wasn’t sure where we were going until we actually got there, a place called Reichenbach. In the dead of winter, we had traveled from Poland, through Czechoslovakia into Germany. The Germans had a factory for making lamps and assorted aircraft parts. We stayed in a cold concrete building about four miles outside the city of Reichenbach, where the factory was located. The building was no more than an empty room with a concrete floor. After a few days, we got some straw and thin blankets to share. Every, morning we would be woken up at 4:00 for roll call. And then we would be marched to the factory. We struggled in the darkness with the icy-cold weather and deep snow drifts. I sometimes found myself waist-deep in the snow. In our futile efforts to keep warm, we took paper from the factory and wrapped it around our hands and our frozen feet as we marched. It was never enough; we were always terribly cold. Compared to what we had seen and experienced at Auschwitz, our outward existence at Reichenbach was almost “normal.” We worked in the factory with civilians. We worked side by side with them but were kept under strict supervision and strict orders. We couldn’t talk to them or mingle at all. Still, after spending eight months in Auschwitz, we were walking among
people, children, and working along civilians. We had real soup at lunchtime: thick soup. There was a bakery downstairs. When we passed by, we would smell the delicious bread, such a wonderful aroma and what a change from the horrible smells at Auschwitz. Every evening after work, we had to make the same four-mile trek in the snow back to our ice-cold barracks. We would pass by civilians on the roadway. Some stared at us in amazement while others scowled in hatred, screaming obscenities and shouting that we deserved to die. If the sun ever shone in Reichenbach, I never saw it. We were there for maybe six weeks or two months, working every day at the factory and marching back and forth in the wind, ice and snow. Toward the end, there weren’t enough materials for us to work with and so we stayed more time at the barracks. It was a great joy when the girls came home to the Lager with the news that some factories in Reichenbach had been bombed. We kept thinking that we were just staying ahead of advancing Russian soldiers, and that perhaps they would free us. But then we were told that our group would be moving. Everyone got one kilogram of bread, a little sugar and a little piece of margarine. It was
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 17
APRIL 2022
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/ARTS-AND-CULTURE supposed to be our supply for four days. This time, there was no train, though, and so we were sent from Reichenbach on foot. But to where? We didn’t know. We weren’t told. Each morning, we were ordered to march into the mountains through the snow. Some of the women just couldn’t continue. They would sit down or fall, be shot and pushed off the road. Trautenau to Hamburg February-April 1945—Manci I don’t know how many of us made it. I do know that they took all of us from Reichenbach. But this time there was no transport. We were forced to walk 25 to 30 kilometers a day through the mountains. They just gathered us up and started to march. I don’t know if they thought they wouldn’t be bombed, or maybe they didn’t have any fuel. But we were on foot, closely guarded as usual. Besides our group from Auschwitz, there were other women slave laborers, too, maybe a few hundred in all. We were in the Sudeten Mountains of southern and eastern Germany. The snow was deep, and the cold would have been difficult even if we were dressed well. But we weren’t. We would stay wherever we could. One night we’d be in a barn, the next night in a church and then in a granary. It didn’t matter as long as we could get a roof over our heads. In the morning we would be ordered to begin marching again. One time we went to sleep in barracks where Russian soldiers were held as prisoners. But in general, wherever you were, you just laid down and slept. That was it because you were so tired. Some of the women would march as far as they could and then they would quit. They could go no farther. A shot would ring out and the march would continue. On Feb. 16, we arrived in Trautenau where we were put into open coal cars. After another 10 days on the move, we arrived in the rundown Camp Porta. I think we were making radios or telephones; it was always something for the war. Conditions at Porta were horrible. Within hours of our arrival, we were infested with lice. Manci, Edith and I would spend time picking the lice off one another, but we couldn’t stop them. It seemed that every second of our day would be focused on the bites, the itchiness, and then the ultimate bleeding and infection from the sores. There was little or no food except for rotten potato peels. But there was a German guard who snuck food to me that I could share with Ipi and others. He was decent, and he even gave me a little pocketknife with my name on it. I still have it today. We left Porta after a month and traveled
in closed cars to Bensdorf, and after that to a place called Ludwigslust. It seemed as though we were just steps ahead of the Red Army. At some point, we were at a plane factory that appeared to be carved out of a mountain. The space was massive—it was filled with fighter jets, airplane parts, and different tools. We were led to worktables and ordered to assemble parts for different sections of the airplanes. Then we were on the move again. This time we ended up going even farther north in Germany, to Hamburg and Altona. We were on a chain gang, digging ditches and fixing roads with shovels and wheelbarrows. That lasted for only two weeks or so. Then there was another SS-escorted transport for us. But the size of the transport was smaller by then, because there were a lot fewer of us. A Strange Silence April 30, 1945—Ruthie I still had hope. You had to think you would survive. We still seemed to be just ahead of the Red Army. There was the bombing and the artillery. Each day was the same. From dawn to dusk, we were on our feet marching, marching, marching. Our numbers dwindled as the deaths of women increased. I would watch them drop to the ground. Shots would be heard, and the bodies would be kicked aside into the ditch. We, too, were probably close to death. Our bodies had been reduced to skin and bones, and we were filthy and covered with lice. We had countless scars, reminders of where we had been beaten by the Nazis and the kapos. My knee hurt badly, and I had an open wound on my leg. I realized I needed medical attention. We feared each day was the end. The SS troops wouldn’t surrender, and we knew they would kill us first. I remember I had my birthday during this time, but it didn’t matter. It continued to be raining and freezing as we were moved from one place to another. The blankets at some point had actually become molded around our bodies. One day in late April, the train stopped after we had left from Hamburg when we had been digging ditches. It had been rolling along the tracks, and just as before, we were crowded inside, standing in the dark. We expected the sliding door to open. But they didn’t. We waited. More moments passed, perhaps even an hour went by, and still nothing happened. A strange silence surrounded us all—an eerie silence which, to this day, I find difficult to describe. One of the girls nervously peeked through the cracks in the boxcar and let out a scream: “Nobody is out there!” But we didn’t know what it could possibly mean. Was it a trick? We always were thinking the SS would be waiting
to finish us off. Or had the Russians finally caught us and our guards have just fled? We weren’t at a railway station. We were at or near the Danish border, but we really didn’t know where. It was the middle of nowhere. More time passed as we continued to wait. Finally, one of the girls slowly slid open the door. There were people running toward us. They weren’t the SS guards, and they weren’t in uniforms or Russian soldiers. And then we realized who they were: Danes. It was people from a nearby town who were coming to help us. We bombarded them with endless questions: Was this really happening? Were we really liberated? We needed to be reassured again and again because it was so hard to believe. It was over. We were free. It was April 30, 1945. Almost a year since we had arrived
at Auschwitz. More than three months since we had begun our long march through the mountains from Poland, through Czechoslovakia, and into Germany. Our captors had simply vanished on the day that, we later learned, Adolf Hitler committed suicide. We hugged and kissed, cried and screamed, sobbed tears of joy, anguish and sorrow. It was all so hard to imagine, like the first moments you awake from a nightmare, feverish and sweating and uncertain about what is happening. The five of us had survived. Excerpted from the book From Auschwitz With Love: The Inspiring Memoir of Two Sisters’ Survival, Devotion and Triumph, with permission. Copyright 2022, Daniel Seymour.
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COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 19
APRIL 2022
FOOD & DRINK
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CAESAR CERVISIA JASON DAVID HAIR STUDIO
F
By brett newton
LOVE YOUR HAIR
asting, feasting and holidays go together around the world—and as Easter approaches, I’ve been considering the role that beer can play in all of it. Yes, beer can play a role in fasting. The doppelbock style was brewed by Paulaner monks in Germany as a liquid bread for Lent in order to keep the hunger pangs away, and to give them energy and nutrients to continue doing the things monks do. Most importantly, it Club and Cook Street allowed them to get one over on God thanks to aCountry technicality. De sertsince we just We’ll stick to beer that complements meals this month, Palm though—and mentioned German beer, what better to pair with that Easter ham than beers whose styles 760-340-5959 have basically been tailor-made to go with prawns with coconut in a mustard and pork dishes? A doppelbock works great, but turmeric curry. Seafood plus coconut equals a www.jasondavidhairstudio.net if you want to go with something not as perfect occasion for a Belgian witbier. Imagine strong, try a bock, a schwarzbier (black lager) a light wheat ale that is also malt-balanced, or a Munich dunkel. They all have the added made with the help of curaçao peel and benefit of also pairing well with that pie for coriander, with a crisp finish to get you ready dessert, as the beers contain melanoidins, for the next bite. Sign me up! which are created in the browning of bread— Now, let’s discuss a particularly challenging and these beers are crisp enough to refresh time that also arrives in April—not because the palate in between bites. of the food, but because of the religious Easter brings along a bunch of other tradition from which it comes. I’m speaking of holidays—like Good Friday. In Catholic Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting Mexico, this is an especially important from sunrise to sunset. Of course, Muslims holiday. Lent is still being observed, and this means going without red meat, putting fish, chicken, shellfish and vegetables front and center. Mexican seafood dishes like aguachiles and ceviche cry out for something like a Belgian witbier, which matches the citrus flavors while bringing a slightly peppery and tart dimension, along with a crisp finish to keep you going back for more. For things like chicken tacos, try a citrusy, herbal IPA—and for anything with nopales, try a saison, where the peppery, citrusy flavors catch a ride with the unique and wonderful flavor of the cactus. OK, let’s be honest: I’m not very familiar with Mexican Easter holiday traditions, but I know that Mexican cuisine makes for plentiful and interesting beer pairings. Speaking of foreign traditions with which I’m not very familiar, Hindu New Year is also coming up. Known by many names throughout India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, the holiday is celebrated with foods just as varied. Take a traditional dish from Kashmir called nadur palak—a spinach and lotus-stem curry. In a weird twist of colonial fate, English beer styles go very well with many dishes like this. English beers tend to be malt-balanced, which is very helpful when spice is involved. Additionally, English hops can give off earthy flavors that team well with the spinach in nadur palak. An English dark mild (yes, a “dark mild” is a real style) or even an English pale ale of some kind can be just what is needed here. Daab chingri is a seafood dish featuring
April brings various holidays—all of which offer great opportunities to pair beer with food
are forbidden from drinking alcohol. However, those outside of the religion are free to enjoy a pairing of beer and delicious food from the Muslim world. Let’s start with something simple and local: dates. There are a surprising number of options here. A Vienna lager (such as Phoenix, which used to be brewed under Chris Anderson’s watch at Coachella Valley Brewing Co., which included local dates) is a good start. Crisp with a lovely toasty malt backbone, Vienna lagers work very well with dates. If you want to go fully haram and stuff those dates with blue cheese, there’s no better pairing than a Belgian dubbel. It’s stronger than a Vienna lager, and that helps cut through the creamy, fatty goodness in the center of that date—a nice example of complement and contrast in one pairing. How about a beloved bread pudding from Egypt called umm ali that is made with cream, nuts and cinnamon? An English strong ale would sit astride these flavors nicely. So
would any kind of stout—English, Irish or American. If you want something that’s not so strong, a cream ale would do nicely instead. Now, for some news both good and bad. The good news: I’m barely scratching the surface. The bad news: It’s nearly impossible to find some of the dishes I’ve mentioned here in the Coachella Valley … but can you blame me for dreaming? My goal is to inspire you to try your own pairings with your own holiday foods; there are really very few wrong answers when it comes down creating pairings. A bit of trial and error can be incredibly informative and exciting. Sometimes, the pairing may not quite work out … but when it does, the pleasure gained from it can be rapturous and repeatable for years to come. Brett Newton is a certified cicerone (like a sommelier for beer) and homebrewer who has mostly lived in the Coachella Valley since 1988. He can be reached at caesarcervisia@gmail.com.
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APRIL 2022
FOOD & DRINK
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VINE SOCIAL JASON DAVID
As Passover approaches, it’s important to know that kosher wines can be just as good as any other wines
HAIR STUDIO
By KatieLOVE finn YOUR
I
HAIR
was raised in an Irish Catholic home—and the Easter celebration was the highlight of my year. Yes, there was the Easter bunny, plus egg hunts, loads of candy and an epic brunch where I could eat as much French toast as my little belly could hold. Beyond the festivities that even the non-religious celebrate was the morning Mass, where we would receive the most important Country Club and Cook Street communion of the year, on the day when Christians believe Jesus ascended into heaven. The Palm De sert night before his crucifixion, at the Last Supper, he offered his disciples wine and bread. The wine represented his blood, which would be spilled for them. He broke bread and gave it to them to eat, 760-340-5959 and said the torn pieces were his body, which Passover. Wine is equally as important in the would be broken for them. Jewish faith as it is to Christians. Ironically, Heavy stuff. Thankfully, it was immediately www.jasondavidhairstudio.net there is no specific wine Christians choose followed by some lighthearted fun. for their celebrations; I’m sometimes asked In the evening, the whole crazy, hardwhat will pair best with honey ham, or lamb. partying, Irish-Canadian family would gather Other times, people are looking for wines at my grandmother’s house for a huge dinner. with rabbits, eggs or a cross on the label—ya This was probably my favorite part—because I know, bottles that will look good sitting on was allowed to drink wine with the grown-ups. the table. Not copious amounts, of course; they weren’t By contrast, I’ve learned that during the trying to turn me into a pint-sized Betty Ford, Passover seder, each adult drinks wine from but they were allowing me to participate in four different cups, each representing the the joy of the day. I had my own little glass four promises made to them by God—and that I’m sure came with a holiday gift set of the wines suitable for this occasion have very Carolans Irish Cream, and that petite liqueur specific requirements. glass was the perfect size for me. For a wine to be kosher, all aspects of Perhaps this early introduction to the growing, harvesting, fermenting and wine—and me equating it to joy, family and bottling must be handled and overseen by celebrations—is why I made a career out of it. observant Jews. The ingredients that turn the It’s funny that I never really associated wine grape juice into vino must also be kosher— with the church, even though that was the including the yeast and the fining agents that whole point of the day. take all the little floaties out. Now, as a sommelier, this is the time of I was educated about a type of kosher year when I focus my attention on finding wine called “mevushal,” which is Hebrew kosher wines for customers celebrating for “cooked” or “boiled.” In the simplest
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terms, this is a wine that has been heated to a certain temperature, which allows non-observant Jews and gentiles to handle the bottle after it’s been opened without removing its kosher status. So, does kosher wine taste different than “regular” wine? Well, no, not really. It’s important to remember that good wine is good wine, regardless of the religion of the person making it. The quality of wine still comes down to the quality of the grapes, the conditions during the growing season, the soil, the sun and the skill of the winemaker. Those are universal wine truths. If you’re looking for Passover wines that go beyond Manischewitz, here are some of the stellar examples I’ve come across. The Tzora Judean Hills Blanc is a blend of chardonnay and sauvignon blanc from the coastal plain of Israel. Made by the first Israeli Master of Wine and a University of California, Davis, graduate, Eran Pick, the wine is loaded with bright citrus fruits and beautiful minerality. Yarden is the flagship label of the Golan Heights Winery in Galilee. They make a delicious gewurztraminer that is just slightly off-dry, with flavors of passionfruit, melon, spice and honeysuckle blossoms. Galil Mountain Winery produces a
Bordeaux-inspired blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, petit verdot and a little syrah, called Yiron. Produced from grapes grown in the Upper Galilee, this luscious red displays plenty of ripe, red berry aromas, plus black cherries and plums, before finishing with the perfect amount of vanilla and clove. Not all kosher wine is made in Israel. I recently discovered the Alavida organic and kosher malbec, from the high elevation region of Tupungato in Mendoza, Argentina. This wine is made by the premiere estate of Domaine Bousquet, a winery known for outstanding, organically farmed malbec. Floral aromatics waft out of the glass, with scents of boysenberries and blueberries, and a touch of mocha. This Easter, I’m going to bust out the little liqueur glasses I inherited from my mother; invite my crazy, hard-partying friends over; and let my boys participate in the joy of the day. And given that the Last Supper was probably a Passover seder, I think some kosher wine is only fitting. L’chaim! Katie Finn is a certified sommelier and certified specialist of wine with two decades in the wine industry. She can be reached at katiefinnwine@ gmail.com.
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 21
APRIL 2022
FACE FIRST, BAGS SECOND
By Shonda Chase, FNP Nurse Practitioner, Co-owner, Artistic Director and Advanced Aesethetic Injector at Revive Wellness Centers in Palm Springs and Torrance, and Medweight, Lasers and Wellness Center in Irvine
S
A COMEDY PLANTED IN DIFFICULT, PAINFUL ISSUES.
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A LIGHTHEARTED COMEDY WITH SOME HEAVIER THREADS WOVEN THROUGH FOR JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF HEFT.
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ome of my pa�ents walk in for their appointment with a new—and o�en very costly—handbag. They proudly show it to me and talk about their adventure to acquire it. I then ask them the same ques�on I ask every pa�ent: “What do you want to work on today?” Their answers vary, but some say, “Oh just a li�le Botox, I don’t want to spend money on my face.” When I hear that and look at them, I always think the same thing: “Everyone sees your face 12-18 hours every day. Why don’t you put your resources toward improving your face?” Secret No. 1: People might glance at your handbag, but we’re wired to pay the most a�en�on to faces. Our faces tell others so much about who we are. The be�er we take care of our faces, the more that communicates that we are also taking care of ourselves. Secret No. 2: Giving priority to our faces will also improve our family life, our rela�onships, our posi�on at work, how we are treated by others … everything! Many of my pa�ents arrive for their aesthe�c appointments completely put together, including wardrobe, hair, makeup, accessories, a�tude—everything. They all suffer setbacks and losses just as everyone does. But these pa�ents have already picked themselves up and report to me the solu�ons they’re ins�tu�ng. Secret No. 3: Staying relevant is an important value to all of my pa�ents. Relevance at home, in the workplace and with our friends is the work of a life�me. Keeping our face looking relevant is an important part of how people respect us, along with our knowledge and wisdom, our personality, our integrity and our character. Paying a�en�on to all of these values is equal to enjoying lives filled with purpose and joy. Life is a such precious gi�. Don’t be the person that lets anything get in the way of experiencing life to the fullest. Un�l next month, keep the Secrets. Our Revive Wellness Center loca�ons are in Palm Springs (760-325-4800) and Torrance (310-375-7599); www.revivecenter.com. Our Medweight, Lasers and Wellness Center office is in Irvine (949-586-9904); www. medweightandlasers.com.
You can email your individual ques�ons to Shonda Chase FNP, or Allan Y. Wu MD, Revive’s cosme�c surgeon, at shonda@revivecenter.com.
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COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 23
APRIL 2022
FOOD & DRINK
ON COCKTAILS C
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Lessons in the art of starting a pop-up food business
BY kevin carlow
onfession: Last night, I made a Manhattan from a premade, store-bought mix. To be fair, it was actually pretty darned good—which makes sense, because it was from a high-end whiskey distillery. Still, it felt a little odd. My reasoning was: “Hey, what am I going to do, buy whiskey and vermouth for one or two drinks when I can get several premade drinks for $26?” There was more to it than that, though. Not so long ago, I would have bought the extra hooch just to make a couple of cocktails. The bartender in me would have said it was a better value—and whiskey is good for all sorts of things, after all. This, I an Instagram story to apologize, perhaps suppose, is the second part of my journey of making up a good excuse about the supply leaving the bartending life behind. chain or something. Then you think about The journey has led me to start a food popyour perishable inventory: the beef you ground up business—and I thought I’d share a few for burgers, the shrimp for the aguachile, the things about the experience. already-made dough for the bread. In our case, First: Good luck hiding in the kitchen! On we have to consider the hundreds of dollars the days you have the energy, you’ll want to in oysters and clams that are coming in—on chat everyone up about your new passion a ticking clock once they leave the water. project. On days when your capacity for You think about that, then ponder how it’s socializing with humans is below average, miraculous that you get shipments at all, and they’ll ask for you to come chat. Of course, the then you remember that time you didn’t get days when you’re most “in the weeds” will be your shipment—and how you lost business the days when all of your friends and biggest that weekend. You think about the people who fans show up. On those days, you take a deep showed up and wonder how long it will be breath, maybe have a half-glass of wine or an before those people add you to their limited energy drink, and count your blessings that rotation of eateries—if ever. you have those people. Sure, you don’t need Then you put on your big-kid pants, and you to talk to every guest—but you want to build make it happen. Don’t make the supply-chain your business, don’t you? You want to show gods angry. your passion, don’t you? Speaking of “the kitchen”: You’ll need to find You’re going to get some burnout. You could one! While Riverside County does allow some take a day off, I suppose. You’re your own home-kitchen-based businesses, many people boss, after all. You may even start to make will still benefit from a commercial kitchen or
Kevin the Oyster Man. Spencer Bartlett
a free-standing outdoor setup. It’s actually not terribly difficult to find an establishment with an under-used kitchen; it’s never been easy to keep a well-staffed line, and it’s harder than ever right now. After a little asking around and legwork, you’ll probably find a small hotel or bar that will be happy to have you. We could have done that, but since my business partner already has a wine shop/bar, we are just adding as we go. Oh, and about that labor shortage: You’ll need to decide if you can find the right people (or even enough warm bodies) to help you out. What if you succeed and get buried, or founder and still have to pay people? Every situation will be different, of course, so you have to plan your growth around your own personal limitations. In our case: What do you think the odds are of finding an experienced oyster-shucker in the Coachella Valley? Every business will likely have some sort of built in temporary ceiling like that. What will your amazing food be served on? Are you comfortable with using disposable containers, and if not, who is washing your dishes? What do you do with your leftover product? Are you going to lowball and accept disappointing people who miss out, or are you going high and risking getting stuck with inventory you have to eat—figuratively and literally? When we were doing a once-a-week popup, we got burned often, either selling out or needing to have an impromptu oystergorging party—fun, sure, but not profitable. Realize that if you’re just “dipping your toes” in with occasional pop-ups, there will be losses.
So why do it? That’s something you have to decide on your own. It’s not a path to riches, but it is a path to owning a business. If you’re already a skilled chef, you’re going to have an easier time with the cooking and ordering, but you’ll have to learn service and hospitality, or find a partner who can do it. If you’re not a chef but have hospitality experience, you’re definitely going to run into roadblocks on the production side. If you’ve never worked in a restaurant but have passion, get ready for some reality checks! If you stick to it, you’ll learn a lot. Put everything you can into it, and when you see the regulars show up for that “thing you make,” it will start to click. Then maybe you see your little business show up in a “places to eat/things to do/whatever” section of a website or magazine next to the big boys in town—and you’ll try to not get ahead of yourself. Maybe you’ll never catch on, and none that will happen; your mileage will vary, as they say. Either way, most days, work won’t really feel like work … until it really feels like work. Who knows what the future holds—for any of us? I’ll leave you with this exchange, between a guest and my business partner, Christine: “I can’t afford to enjoy Champagne, oysters and caviar all the time.” “Neither can we! That’s why we sell them!” Champagne wishes and caviar dreams, everyone! Kevin Carlow can be reached at inahotdryplace@gmail.com. CVIndependent.com
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APRIL 2022
the
FOOD & DRINK INDY ENDORSEMENT This month is all about enjoying African/Middle Eastern stews, of sorts By Jimmy Boegle
From Safety Net programs to Life Enrichment
we are here for you visit us online at
www.thecentercv.org 1301 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA 92262 & 1515 Sixth Street, Coachella, CA 92236
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WHAT The West African peanut stew WHERE Salt Flats, 68718 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 101, Cathedral City HOW MUCH $24; $29 with chicken (as shown) CONTACT 442-342-4022; www.saltflatsfood.com WHY Where else would you find this dish? The menu at Salt Flats—a newish Cathedral City restaurant that friends have been raving to me about—is not very big. But it sure is interesting. Some examples: There’s an appetizer called Salt Flat sticks, “seasoned with a sumac blend.” A roast chicken Belgian endive salad with Medjool dates. A vegan West African peanut stew as an entrée … and a blueberry and blackberry cardamom pavlova for dessert? Sign me up! On our recent dinner visit, I wasn’t able to try all of this fascinating fare, but there was no way I was not going to try the West African peanut stew, even if the menu description somewhat underplays this dish, saying it is “with harissa, dandelion greens and sweet potato, served with grains.” I mean, where else in this valley would a curious diner find anything like this? I am pleased to report that not only is this West African peanut stew interesting; it’s delicious. While the dish is vegan, I ordered it with chicken added, thanks to advice given to me by one of the managers when he learned I was an omnivore. To be honest, I am not sure the chicken added much, because everything surrounding it was packed with tastiness. The harissa (a puree of peppers, olive oil, garlic and seasonings) drove the flavor, which was complemented by the earthiness of the peanuts and the subtle sweetness of the potatoes. The “grains”—rice and quinoa, in this case—added some welcome textural variety. The next time I order this, I may ask for more peanuts to be added, and I might request some bread, if possible, to dip into this amazing stew. One thing certain: There will be a next time I order this.
WHAT The shakshouka WHERE The Thirsty Palms, 134 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs HOW MUCH $16 CONTACT 760-330-5911; thethirstypalms.com WHY It’s a perfect dish, beautifully presented It sounds so deceptively simple: Take a sauce made with roasted garlic and San Marzano tomatoes. In that sauce, poach two fresh eggs, and then top it all with feta cheese. Serve it with some delicious bread—and you have shakshouka. And if you’re dining at The Thirsty Palms, you have some really amazing shakshouka. The Thirsty Palms opened late last year in downtown Palm Springs, taking over the space long occupied by Peabody’s. The place, which has been spruced-up nicely, serves lunch and dinner six days a week, plus breakfast on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Take note: While shakshouka is considered an evening dish in much of Northern Africa and the Middle East, it’s only on the breakfast menu at The Thirsty Palms. Thankfully, our inaugural visit to The Thirsty Palms took place during the late morning on a Saturday, and everything we had was stellar, from the peppery Bloody Mary to the ricotta cakes ($15)—pancakes covered in an orange glaze. The Thirsty Palms’ lunch and dinner menu, while somewhat limited—featuring pizzas, salads and a half-dozen entrées—is intriguing; I look forward to stopping in for dinner and trying the pork schnitzel ($20) or perhaps the “land and sea” (with veal, wild Mexican prawns and cauliflower puree; $38). Or, alternately, I may try to talk them into adding the shakshouka to the lunch/dinner menu. I ordered the ricotta cakes, and while they were endorsement-worthy themselves, I must admit that I felt some envy as I watched Garrett enjoy the shakshouka. He was kind enough to give me several bites, and it was perfect: The savory, perfectly seasoned sauce’s acidity was beautifully balanced by the perfectly poached egg yolks. Mmmmmm.
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 25
APRIL 2022
CVINDEPENDENT.COM/FOOD-DRINK
Restaurant NEWS BITES By charles drabkin DINING OUT FOR LIFE, BENEFITING DAP HEALTH, RETURNS ON APRIL 28 Dining Out for Life, one of DAP Health’s major fundraisers, will return on Thursday, April 28, after a two-year hiatus. A nationwide fundraiser for HIV-service organizations that started in 1991, Dining Out for Life takes place in more than 50 cities across the country. In recent years, the Coachella Valley has ranked second in terms of the amount of money raised (strangely, behind Denver). Here’s how it works: Restaurants and bars donate between 33% and 110% of their food and beverage sales to DAP Health … and that’s it! To help, all you need to do is go out to eat or drink at one (or more) of the participating restaurants. While all of the participating restaurants are being EXTREMELY generous by giving such a large cut of their sales on April 28, here’s the 100 percent honor roll, as of this writing: Bongo Johnny’s, Coachella Valley Coffee, Rooster and the Pig, and, finally Townie Bagels—which is giving 110 percent! The list of participating restaurants keeps growing, so watch diningoutforlife.com/city/ palmsprings—and be sure to make reservations, as participating restaurants tend to be very busy! IN BRIEF It’s bubble-tea madness! At least three new shops have opened in the Coachella Valley in recent weeks, offering boba, fruit and milk teas, along with other specialty drinks. They are: Happy Tea Café (78742 Highway 111, La Quinta; happyteacafe.com); Dragon Lili Boba Bar (42452 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage; www.dragonlilibobabar.com); and Tea Momo (35877 Date Palm Drive, Cathedral City; www.teamomoca.com). … New to La Quinta, at 70865 Main St., Suite 100: Café California, offering all-day brunch, including fare such as crab eggs benedict, croque madame, and the ubiquitous avocado toast. This place is sure to be a hit; learn more at oldtownlaquinta.com/cafe-california. … Just down the street, Arroyo’s Cafe Deli and More has also opened, at 78015 Main St., No. 108. This little shop offers sandwiches, tortas, salads, tostadas de ceviche and more; info oldtownlaquinta.com/arroyos-café. … Now open in Rancho Mirage: Sushi Kawa has taken over the sleek space at The River (71800 Highway 111) mentioned in this column several months ago. The menu offers the sort of nigiri and hand rolls one would expect, along with specialty rolls. You can also order an omakase dinner, where the chef chooses your meal based on what is freshest. Call 760-834-8154 for reservations. … If you’re not from the Midwest, you might not know about frozen custard. It is a mixture of egg yolks, cream, sugar and flavorings. In other words, it’s like ice cream—except it is, well, “custardier,” because of the higher percentage of egg yolks used. Anyway, Perfect Pint, at 42575 Melanie Place, in Palm Desert, is helping Southern Californians get a better understanding of custard. Get a cup of amaretto cherry chocolate ice cream at the store, and pick up a pint of tropical fruit cobbler to take home! Learn more at perfectpint760.com. … The Roost Lounge, at 68718 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 203, in Cathedral City, is expanding and adding a kitchen. Through the pandemic, the bar has been serving food from adjacent restaurants Trilussa and Pollo Dokys. However, Pollo Dokys recently closed, and The Roost’s owners have decided to take on their own targeted meal service—including brunch, sometimes featuring the Ethyl’s Place show, hosted by the fabulous Ethylina Canne. Learn more at theroostcc.com. … Across the complex, Luchador Brewing Company will soon be opening in the space most recently occupied by Bonta, at 68510 E. Palm Canyon Drive. It’s an expansion of the Luchador Brewing Company in Chino Hills. Learn more at www.luchadorbrew.com. … Two new restaurants are coming to the Caliente Tropics Hotel, at 411 E. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs. Sancho’s and La Fern Bar are both spearheaded by the owner of The Reef, located in the same hotel. The font and logo being used on the signage of Sancho’s is a nod to Sambo’s, which long ago occupied the same space. Given the race-tinged history of Sambo’s, and the meaning of the term “Sancho” in Mexican slang, this seems like a cringe-worthy choice, to say the least. Search for Sancho’s Palm Springs on Facebook to learn more. … Up in the high desert, Luna Sourdough Bakery is now open at 55700 Twentynine Palms Highway, in Yucca Valley, offering a daily-changing menu of bread, pastries and sandwiches, with an emphasis on sustainable sourcing. Details at lunasourdough. com. … Down the road at 57205 Twentynine Palms Highway is the new Tiny Pony Tavern. With menu offerings like cast iron-seared scallops with sunchoke puree, as well as house-made veggie burgers, we have to ask: Is Yucca Valley becoming a more rustic version of Silver Lake? The website is thetinypony.com. Got a hot tip? Let me know: foodnews@cvindependent.com.
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26 \\ COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT
APRIL 2022
DATE
2022 EVENTS CVIndependent.com
EVENT
Mar 26 – Apr 2
Palm Springs International Dance Festival: Spring Events
Mar 28 – Apr 3
Chevron Championship (Formerly The Dinah)
Apr 1 – 3
Indian Wells Art Festival
Mar 31 – Apr 4
Palm Springs Escape - Kimpton Rowan
Apr 2
Faux Fur Ball Gala - PS Animal Shelter
Apr 8 – 10
PS Gay Men’s Chorus presents Razzle, Dazzle, Shine!
Apr 9
The Chase: Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards
Apr 13
Joslyn in Bloom
Apr 15 – 17 / 22 – 24
Coachella 2022 Weekend 1 / Weekend 2
Apr 15 – 17 / 22 – 24
Day Club Palm Springs Weekend 1 / Weekend 2
Apr 28
Dining Out for Life: DAP Health
Apr 28 – May 1
Blatino Oasis
Apr 29 – May 1
Stagecoach
Apr 29 – May 1
White Party Palm Springs
Apr 30
AAP Food Samaritans' Evening Under the Stars
May 6 – 8
Palm Springs Hot Rodeo
May 11
Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast
May 11 – 15
Oasis Music Festival
May 22 – June 30
WeHo Pride LGBTQ Arts Festival
June 3 – 5
WeHo Pride Weekend
June 3 – 5
Sonoma County Pride
June 10 – 12
Splash House - June
June 21 – 27
2022 Palm Springs ShortFest
July 15 – 17
Out in the Vineyard: Gay Wine Weekend
Aug 12 – 14
Splash House August - Weekend 1
Aug 19 – 21
Splash House August - Weekend 2
Sept 16 – 18
Gay Days Anaheim
Aug 18 – 21
Big Bear Romp
Sept 21 – 25
Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend
Nov 4 – 6
Palm Springs Pride
Nov 6
Palm Springs Pride Parade
Nov 11 – 13
Palm Springs Women's Jazz Festival
Nov 18 – 20
McCormick's Palm Springs Collector Car Auction
Nov 19
Palm Springs Dance Project - The Main Event
#ILoveGayPalmSprings
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 27
APRIL 2022
VIRAL UPWARD SPIRAL SURF CURSE
ARRIVES AT COACHELLA WITH TIKTOK FAME AND AN INTENSE LIVE SHOW By
THE PANDEMIC
FORCED BANDS to find
different ways to express themselves—and that led to different ways for bands to gain popularity. Take Surf Curse, the recording project of drummer/vocalist Nick Rattigan and guitarist Jacob Rubeck. They have been crafting a signature fusion of pop, indie rock and punk for nearly a decade, and gained a solid following with hits like “Freaks” and “Disco.” “Freaks” was originally released in 2013— but exploded on TikTok in 2020 and 2021, catapulting the band to a whole new level of success. (“Freaks” currently has more than 432 million streams on Spotify). Surf Curse is in the public eye now more than ever— including a return to Coachella on Sunday, April 17 and 24. I talked to the duo over the phone about playing at Coachella for a second time, after first performing there in 2017. “It feels more official,” said Rattigan. “The first time we played was through our buddy … and we got asked post-lineup-announcement. Another band was having trouble with their visas, and my other band, Current Joys, got asked to play as well, almost the weekend before. We were kind of slapped on, so this feels more official. It’s not any less special, but we’re on the flier this time, so that’s pretty cool.” Added Rubeck: “It’s so nice to be back; we’re more prepared. The last time was like a whirlwind of just chaos and emotions, and a lot of beautiful moments, and a lot of fun times. It was a good show.” Chaos may be an understatement when describing the band’s experience at the Empire Polo Club in 2017. “Last time, we were camping in the staff parking lot,” Rattigan said. “That was horrible.” Rubeck explained that they didn’t have the proper credentials. “We were just going around, trying to get somewhere with our wristbands, and then they kept telling us it was the wrong wristband. We were locked out for hours.” Added Rattigan: “We were screaming at people like, ‘We are playing! We have to play the stage!’ And they weren’t letting us in. It was pretty crazy.”
While some bands playing at Coachella this year are holdovers from the cancelled 2020 schedule, that’s not the case with Surf Curse. “I didn’t expect us to be asked in 2020,” Rattigan said. “If you look at the lineup, it’s a lot of bands that blew up on TikTok. It’s cool, because everyone is seeing the lineup, and they’re like, ‘Who the fuck is this?’ These are all people who have made it in a different way, and these are all people who have blown up outside of industry standards. Some people are like, ‘Who the fuck is this?’ But some people are like, ‘That’s my favorite fucking band.’” Rubeck added: “Especially during the pandemic, a lot of people, including me, lived our lives watching a lot of TikToks. That wave of intake of people’s music, and putting them in the algorithm in some sort of way, is actually such a sweet thing. It’s an ode to the people who are there to entertain you while you’re locked up in your place.” Surf Curse’s career journey has been unconventional all along. “We’re very lucky and fortunate,” Rattigan said. “(TikTok) is kind of like the new way people are breaking; it’s like having a single on the radio. It’s like that movie Airheads, where they busted into the radio station with fake machine guns, trying to get them to play their song on the radio, because that was how they would break back then. We didn’t need to hold up any radio stations; it just sort of happened naturally. It’s very surreal, but it’s also how our music has always functioned, at least from my perspective. The more we try to play the game, or have PR or labels or anything— none of that stuff really works. It’s more like this organic growth that happens naturally through Tumblr, or Vine, or Instagram, or
Matt King
now TikTok. … We’re just lucky enough that a lot of people want to experience our music.” Rattigan and Rubeck said they’ve both put in a lot of hard work to go along with their luck and food fortune. “There’s definitely still a grind. We’re still working hard; you’ve still got to make the records; you’ve got to tour—but that’s all the things that you should be grinding on,” Rattigan said. “We’re not thinking of marketing strategies, or how we should promote this thing, because it’s more about putting all the energy into the thing itself—
the music, and letting it go and seeing what happens to it. We made “Freaks” 10 years ago in a basement when we were living in together in Reno. There was no intention. There was no anything—and it’s given us the most success that we’ve had so far.” Rattigan offered some advice to other bands. “Just think about what you’re grinding on,” he said. “The grind is real, but you should be dedicating it to the art, and not the business. There’s this great scene in Only Lovers Left Alive. These vampires go into this cafe, and they’re watching this woman perform. These
vampires have seen all of time, all of music, because they’re thousands of years old. They’re watching this beautiful performance by this girl, and one vampire says to the other, ‘She’s so amazing; she should be famous,’ and the other vampire says, ‘She’s too good to be famous.’ I think about that all the time. Not everybody gets their credit, but it doesn’t mean that they’re not a genius. It’s just random.” Surf Curse’s live show is a thing to behold, as their two-minute ragers become even more raging when a crowd is moshing and screaming along. They almost tore the house down, literally, when I saw them at Pappy and Harriet’s in early 2020. There was no railing separating the crowd from the stage, and once the music started, bedlam ensued. “We got banned,” Rubeck said. “They won’t let us play there anymore. … We got banned from playing inside. It’s like, how did they not know that was going to happen? I was like, ‘Jesus, this is gonna be bad, and pretty rough to the walls and everything’—then we got booted.” Added Rattigan: “We love playing Pappy’s and would love Photo: Julien Sage to play there again, but they won’t let us. Open invite (from us) to let us play there again.” The band members are looking forward the release of their new album, created entirely over the pandemic. In fact, watch for that album to drop very soon. “It’s probably going to be something that comes out before Coachella,” said Rattigan. “We’re both really excited about it, and I think it’s the best thing we’ve ever done. Everybody’s going to like it.” Added Rubeck: “We love it, and that’s what matters. We’re excited to set it out in the world.” CVIndependent.com
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FRESH RETRO By Matt King
take your parents' country/folk
and add some fresh-indie flavor, and you’ve got the Cactus Blossoms. For more than 10 years now, brothers Jack Torrey and Page Burkum have crafted a nostalgic yet modern take on country and folk, led by their consistent vocal harmonies. The duo in February released One Day, their third studio album; the LP’s 11 tracks add in even more steps of experimentation between their past influences and modern music. You can catch the Cactus Blossoms with their touring band at Stagecoach on Friday, April 29. I recently spoke to Burkum over the phone about their Stagecoach appearance. “It feels good to be called for anywhere right now, after canceling tour after tour over the last couple of years,” Burkum said. “It’s just exciting to be back at it. We’re based in Minneapolis, but going to that area in California is always a blast for us. It kind of feels like we’re in a different country, in a great way, and we’ve always had really, really great audiences there. “We played Stagecoach before one other time, so we knew we were on their radar. I don’t know how these things always work out, but we have a new record out now, so it seems like a good time to go back with something new.” The brothers had to engage in different methods of music-making on One Day. “My brother and I both wrote some songs that are on the new record, and there are CVIndependent.com
THE CACTUS BLOSSOMS BRING ERA-CROSSING, GENRE-FUSING HARMONIES TO STAGECOACH
several that we collaborated on,” said Burkum. “There was a time of inactivity when touring got shut down, and we were kind of staying in our own homes. In a way, that was a nice break for a while, because we’ve been touring so much over the last few years. It was kind of nice to be home and get more well-rested. I think maybe because we felt like we couldn’t work together for a while, when we could get back together, it was extra fun and exciting to pull together a recording session and play with some of our bandmates who we hadn’t been able to see or hang out with or make music with for a while. I think that added a little different energy to the whole project.” The Cactus Blossoms worked with singer/ actress Jenny Lewis on the song “Everybody.” “We’ve done things in a tight way, where we’ve worked with the same engineer the last few albums, and we haven’t brought in many producers, or worked with other artists directly like that,” Burkum said. “… I hope we can collaborate with some more folks. Getting Jenny Lewis on board to do a song with us was a pretty great way to start. We’re just such big fans of hers. My brother Jack wrote the song, and he had the idea of asking her to sing some verses on it. It’s, like, a no-brainer for us if she’d be interested. We knew she would sound really great on the song, and we’re just thrilled that she wanted to join in. For me, Photo: Aaron Rice it was nice to hear somebody else having to hit the high notes on it.” After completing their first tour leg in two years, Burkum shared some thoughts on the current state of live music. “I will say things aren’t quite back to normal yet, but they’re getting there,” he said. “It
Photo: Jacob Blickenstaff seems like people are starting to come out a little bit more now. We’ve had a lot of people coming up to us at shows, saying, ‘This is the first show I’ve even attended since the whole thing went down.’ It’s a mix of things. Everyone has different mask rules and different vaccination rules, and we’re just kind of making our way across the country, just doing it. “For bands like us … we’re not playing huge places; we’re playing relatively small clubs most of the time. It is kind of tough to plan things right now. If your audiences are cut in half, for instance, everywhere you go, that’s a big difference. A lot of touring kind of feels like things are hanging by a thread, anyway: What if your van breaks down? You have to cancel the whole tour, because you’ll never catch up? A little bit of that anxiety came back, but it all went pretty smoothly, and was super-fun in the end.” Burkum explained how the band’s music has changed over the years. “When my brother and I first started playing together, we were playing local bars in Minneapolis, doing a lot of old country songs,” said Burkum. “It was just a fun thing to learn
those tunes, and because we didn’t have enough of our own material to fill any time, we would do all sorts of old songs nobody’s ever heard before. As we started writing more every couple of years, we ended up with different kinds of songs over time. Some of our band lineup has changed over time, too, so we always just create something a little bit different each time around, and we’re fine with that. I think that there are always certain threads that are running through the whole thing. Maybe us just singing harmony ties it all together, but I hope our music keeps changing.” Burkum said the band’s name will always help them stay rooted to the past. “We wanted it to sound like a country band, so people, if they saw a poster up, would kind of have an idea of what kind of music we were,” he said. “I do remember at the time thinking that we liked so many bands that were named things like the Flat Tires, or things that had a negative feel. We liked that the cactus blossoms was kind of this hopeful image—this flower that’s blooming in the barren desert.”
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 29
APRIL 2022
EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCE GISELLE WOO AND THE NIGHT OWLS
By Matt King
BRING LATIN ROCK AND VALLEY REPRESENTATION TO COACHELLA
the members of giselle woo and the night owls
were elated to be in the lineup for the 2020 edition of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Then came the pandemic, which wiped out both the 2020 and 2021 festivals. In 2022, Coachella is back—and not only are Giselle Woo and the Night Owls still part of the Coachella lineup; the group even moved up a line on the poster. Their Latin-infused rock jams, complete with an engaging live show, can be viewed in full form on Friday, April 15 and 22. When I spoke to the band over Zoom, Jose Ceja (drums) said he and his bandmates are grateful for the support they’ve received over the last couple of years. “We’re still trying to be active, and the general help that we’ve gotten from everyone here in the valley—not just fans, but musicians as well, people we perform with, writers, photographers, and people who always come out and support us—I think that’s a big credit to why we’ve been able to go to the next level, at least in terms of the Coachella fest.” Giselle Woo said the band was relieved to be back in the 2022 lineup. “To me, it’s only fair,” Woo said. “It kept getting postponed and postponed, and it’s like, ‘All right, then we’ll get to it when we get to it.’ … This Coachella back from everything is going to be one that everybody’s going to really, really remember. That’s how I feel my experience is going to be, so it’s definitely fucking special to be a part of something like this, after the time in our lives that has been so challenging.” The band reflected on how much has changed in the music world since the 2020 lineup was announced. “Doja Cat, for example, from the time since the last festival was announced, has become
one of the headlining acts on the main stage,” said Christian Colín (guitarist). “It shows how two years can really change an artist’s position. I think the meat of the lineup has stayed pretty similar, which is exciting.” While the band was getting into a groove in 2019 and early 2020, the pandemic was, in some ways, a blessing for Giselle Woo and the Night Owls. “We’ve had time to grow, especially after all of us going through the pandemic together,” Ceja said. “You get a lot closer with the people that you’re with, and you realize the good things that we have. Two years ago, the band that we were versus now is very different— not just socially, but like us together when we approach songs. … Just getting the songs out, and that’s it—that’s not how we approach any song anymore.” Added Woo: “I think that becoming tight with your band takes a lot of time. All of us want to do the music justice. … I just told the guys that, in some way, this pandemic, as much pain as it’s brought us, has been like a blessing in disguise. It’s just provided more time to prepare.”
The band members said playing live feels different now. “It’s been awesome,” Ceja said. “Honestly, it’s been great seeing a lot of people that we haven’t got to catch up with. It’s heartwarming to see how many people still support us and how many people that we support are still around and playing music, thank God. … We’re still a part of the Coachella lineup, and we still have this wonderful opportunity. It kind of makes us feel more certain, like this is what we’re meant to do. This is a part of who we are, and this is our group. “The turnout has been insane—just looking at Marco Murrieta (bassist), and just being like, ‘Damn, I can’t believe this.’ Just seeing everybody happy dancing is an awesome feeling.” Added Murrieta: “I didn’t expect the reaction that we’ve been getting. … It almost felt like people have been hungry to just see anything live, and the fact that they took the time out of their day to come see us has just been incredible.” I asked the band if they felt any pressure
being the Coachella Valley band to play at Coachella 2022, as announced so far. “It doesn’t really feel like there’s any pressure at all, to be honest,” Colín said. “We got here being ourselves and don’t really have a benchmark to compare ourselves to, which is very liberating in a way. We all have our blood and sweat in the dirt we’ll be playing on, so if anything, it feels like we have something special no one has.” Added Murrieta: “For me, when we got the initial news two years ago, I didn’t feel like I was ready. I didn’t have the experience to go up there and do something like that. I know Jose definitely didn’t have the experience, because we’d only been in the group for about two years up until that point, and we were still kind of getting comfortable with our stage presence and getting used to a big sound. I remember just thinking, ‘If we mess up, those mistakes are going to be heard by all those people that are sitting there.’ It was just anxiety, and now two years later, I don’t feel the nerves. I feel excited more than anything else, but there’s this weird calm leading to it. Maybe two days beforehand, I’m going to be a nervous wreck.” Woo said it’s important for her and her bandmates to remain calm. “It feels natural; it feels like I manifested it,” Woo said. “… When I got the email, it was like, ‘OK, OK,’ but I was scared. We didn’t even have an EP out yet. Now I feel like I’m prepared—but also, if I think about it in a detailed way, I could freak myself out. “Recently, we were at the studio listening to our last song that we got mastered, and I had a serious moment. I looked at Janine (Woo’s girlfriend) and said, ‘I’m gonna freak out. I’m going to be the most afraid I’ve ever been in my life.’ She’s like, ‘Your duende is going to come out,’ this spiritual thing that happens when you have to just keep it together. I’m excited for that, and feel like we’re probably going to be beside ourselves.” CVIndependent.com
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APRIL 29-MAY 7, 2022 Join us as bars and restaurants across the Coachella Valley offer special craft cocktails at a discount throughout the week—and donate a portion of the proceeds to two amazing charities. On Wednesday, May 4, up to 10 of the valley’s top bartenders will battle to be crowned the Craft Cocktail Champion at the Palm Springs Cultural Center! Admission includes tastes of all drinks and bites of food. Tickets are $35, or $40 at the door (if any remain).
For tickets or more information, call 760-904-4208 or visit PSCraftCocktails.com
CVIndependent.com
COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 31
APRIL 2022
GLOBAL GROOVE A BAND TODAY
CAN WIN OVER FANS
around the world—so get ready to pull your maps out for this one! Altın Gün is a six-piece band hailing from Amsterdam, Netherlands. The band is mostly Dutch, while the two lead singers, Merve Daşdemir and Erdinç Ecevit Yıldız, are of Turkish origin. Their music can be described as psychedelic Turkish funk, as the band covers and reinvents folk songs from Turkey. The band will be making a trip across the world to perform at Coachella on Sunday, April 17 and 24. “I never thought, when I joined this band, that we would play at this festival,” drummer Daniel Smienk said during a recent Zoom interview. “We can’t wait to go there and be part of the festival. It’s our first time at such a big and well-known festival globally.” In 2021, the group released two albums, Yol, and the Bandcamp exclusive Âlem. The psychedelic rock and funk nature of the band’s first two albums, On (2018) and Gece (2019), shifted into synth-play and electronic ’80s-style grooves on Yol and Âlem. Smienk explained how the change in sound is reflected—or not reflected—in the band’s performances. “The production for live shows hasn’t changed at all,” Smienk said. “We don’t have any backing tracks, even though we had a lot of programmed stuff on the last two albums. We made the albums the way they are, because we were kind of forced to do it distanced from each other. Everybody sent over demos; (one) person had a drum computer loop; (another) person added some synths, and it kind of came together through the internet and sharing files. We had to record an album, and it just became the way it is—and then we had to translate it back to live again. We figured out that we are just a live band, and it works better for us to play together in a room and make an album on the spot. “From Yol, there are quite a lot of dropouts (from live shows), because we just couldn’t get the right feel, or the right sounds, to give the exact same feeling as on the record. … There are just some songs on that record that we still feel like we have yet to capture. We do want to play it, but sometimes, you just have to let that go. … We have a lot of material that’s not
ALTIN GUN BRINGS
PSYCHEDELIC TURKISH FUNK FROM THE NETHERLANDS TO By Matt COACHELLA even recorded on any of the albums, so we have enough to keep playing live shows with.” Altın Gün’s members have varied their recording approach for each album. “The first album (On), I wasn’t a part of, but what I’ve heard is that they started with small demos, and then they took them to the rehearsal space and worked them out live,” said Smienk. “They recorded it a bit scattered—like, most of the parts were all recorded together, but not on tape, just straight into the computer. When I joined for the second album (Gece), there were demos already, and they had some versions of the songs. We went to this little cabin in open fields in the northeast of the Netherlands, where we were secluded from everything for a week and a half, maybe two. We were working on those demos, and making new stuff to jam around, and then we recorded it live, straight to tape. It was my first time making a live record, so it was very interesting. “We like … a live band in the room. That captures a lot more than when you’re just figuring out sequences, or dragging and dropping samples and stuff. It’s way more interactive, and brings a lot more feel to it. We’re going to do it for the next album as well.” Smienk said he was “thrown in the deep end” when he joined the band in the summer of 2018. “My first show was the first weekend of August, and then at the end of September, we went into the studio,” he said. “I think we did, like, 12 shows together before we started to write an album together. … There were some demos and some
King
guidelines, like, ‘This is sort of what we want with this song.’ I could put my own touch on it to represent, but obviously, there were some lines for some songs already.” Altın Gün just released single “Badİ Sabah Olmadan,” a live version of one of the electronic Âlem tracks. The band is getting back to its live roots ahead of releasing a fifth album. “We basically just finished … two weeks in the studio,” Smienk said. “I think 95% of it is just live, and then there are a few ideas and demos that are a bit more productionoriented. We have more than an album, so we don’t know if (a song) will make the album after we record it, but there’s definitely some electronic stuff again.” Smienk said some listeners are surprised when they learn that Altın Gün’s music is not totally original. “The concept of this band is rearranging traditional folk music,” he said. “Mostly, the lyrics and the melody are already set, and then we puzzle with that and see what
comes out. … There are a lot of songs that have been interpreted by heaps of artists, but no one really knows who the original is from. … It was just a standard folk thing that everybody did, but no one knew who wrote it. Sometimes, if we can’t do it better than them, or another version, then we decide to not touch it. … It’s funny, because before I joined the band, I also thought that they were all original songs.” Is it safe to say that Altın Gün may be the world’s greatest cover band? “We try to figure out what works to the lyrics,” Smienk said. “You try it in sort of a ballad way, or like a slow tune, and then you try it in, like, a disco beat, and then you try this perspective of a different genre. Some work; some don’t. … The lyrics and the melody are basically set. You can still kind of mess around with that, unless it doesn’t make sense lyrically. That’s what we have singers for, to say, ‘This doesn’t work like that, so we can’t do that.’ That’s also nice, because then you kind of limit your options—and then you don’t get lost.”
Photo: Jacob Blickenstaff CVIndependent.com
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POLITICS AND PULSATION PROMISES TO BRING A FEROCIOUS— IDLES YET SAFE—LIVE SHOW TO COACHELLA
A BRICK THROUGH A GLASS WINDOW
— that’s what listening to the music of Idles is like. Pulsating bass and drum beats; wicked, detuned, delayed and jarring guitar lines; and the gruff, gritty vocals of a man who has gone through some shit all combine to create the signature sound of one of the most ferocious and passionate bands out there. (Listen to “Colossus” to hear it all come together.) Idles is a five-piece band with both British and Irish members, whose political lyrics are accompanied by one of the most exciting and high-energy live shows around. The band will appear at Coachella on Friday, April 15 and 22. “A festival like Coachella has a lot of prestige behind it. It’s well known, and there’s a ubiquity to it,” said guitarist Mark Bowen during a recent Zoom interview. “It’s like the U.S.’s Glastonbury, I guess. It tends to be artists that are either up and coming, or have kind of established themselves—and I don’t really know where we sit, to be honest. “It means a lot to be on that list. It shows that people are paying attention in the States a bit more, and all the efforts that we have to play over there are landing. We’re always looking to what the next step is, and what the next iteration of the band is, and what it means to perform live, as our live shows are growing and changing. We were a crazy live band in a 400-capacity room, and now we’re playing 5,000, sometimes 10,000-capacity rooms, and that’s a very, very different challenge, and a very, very different space. So it’s just about, like: How do we maintain that intimacy, and maintain that chaos, but also make sure that the show is going to be what people want?” I’m still getting dirt and beer out of my hair from the band’s sold-out show at Pappy and Harriet’s last October. “We always want our shows to feel like that Pappy and Harriet’s show,” Bowen said. “There’s a real chaos to what we do, and there’s a real energy behind that, which we promote within the band, and then we try to get that from the crowd again. There’s a feedback loop created from that, and it escalates from there. It’s really just about: How do we do that in front of a lot more people? How can the person 500 rows back get the same experience? CVIndependent.com
“Also at the same time, we don’t like to overthink it. The second that stuff kind of becomes contrived, it then loses its magic. … It’s basically just about reading the room on the night.” It’s been a whirlwind of both success and change for Idles since the band was announced as part of the 2020 Coachella lineup. Since the shutdown, the band has released two albums: the fierce Ultra Mono, and the darker and brooding Crawler. “The live show has grown a lot, because you’ve got those Ultra Mono songs, which are so bombastic and caustic, and they’re really about big, big stages,” Bowen said. “We wrote those songs, because we were playing in these bigger rooms, and we wanted to create this real, like, Wagnerian-concert-hall-type sound. On the flip side of that, we wrote almost the polar-opposite album, Crawler. This is a very self-reflective, insular album that’s got a lot more nuance and quieter moments, and more subtle forms of violence rather than just the straight, bludgeoning tool that the violence in Ultra Mono is. Having both those aspects and that kind of dichotomy really lends itself quite well to a setlist, so there’s a bit more of an arc to our setlist now, whereas before, it was all just chaos, chaos, chaos. chaos.” Bowen said the stylistic shift between the albums was difficult, but well worth it. “As we were writing Ultra Mono, we knew that was the last time we were ever going to write an album that was like that—so abrasive and so obnoxious and so heavy all the time,” he said. “We were setting out to write this album (Crawler) the way that it was, but it was difficult, because it’s not something that comes naturally to us. The Ultra Mono sound is the thing that instinctively comes from us, but it’s definitely something we’ve been wanting to write for a long time, and it’s really enjoyable to challenge yourself that way.”
The pandemic pushed Idles into the darker vibes illustrated on Crawler. “The pandemic, and isolation, and lockdowns, and things like that, really lend themselves to the insular field, because of geographical necessity—and also, like, legally, we weren’t allowed to meet up with each other,” Bowen said. “A lot of the writing took place on our own; it was either just me writing on my own, or Joe (Talbot, Idles’ frontman) writing on his own, and that led to a more kind of personal feeling to the album, that maybe wasn’t at the forefront of previous albums. Also, we didn’t have the context of performing live. … We’re incredibly lucky that we were able to get an album out in that time, but I’m almost certain that, if the pandemic hadn’t hit, we wouldn’t have written an album by this stage for sure—and the album that we
By Matt King
further, and see how far we can go before we do get lost. Hopefully, we’ll have the insight to be able to notice when we have gotten lost, and not release it. Definitely a big factor is having the grinding of the other members of the band.” As the band continues to shift its sound, Bowen said fans seem to be fine with the changes. “It’s always interesting when you think about, ‘Is the fan of Joy as an Act of Resistance (Idles’ second album, released in 2018) going to be a fan of Crawler?’” Bowen said. “You would hope that there would be a wider net cast by having different albums, and you’d bring more people together, but people who were there for the early days … seem to be enjoying Crawler as well. “This doesn’t sound right, but we don’t really write for our listeners; it’s more just like what we want for ourselves. Especially with Crawler, someone sitting down and listening to the album wasn’t really a consideration for us; it was more just an experiment for us and a focus for us and a release for us. I haven’t really thought about other people listening to our music since Ultra Mono.” Looking ahead to the band’s performance at Coachella, it’s important to know that before each set, Talbot calls out to the crowd: “Are you ready to take care of each other?” “We’re very open people who like to engender that kind of loss of inhibition and sharing amongst each other,” Bowen said. “We share Photo: Tom Ham a lot with each other; we’re brutally honest with each would write, I don’t know if it would be the other; but we’re also there for each other and same as Crawler.” supportive of each other. The themes that are While Crawler did feature more in our songs, and the catharsis and the unity independent writing, Bowen is proud of the of our live show—that’s for us as much as group song-writing dynamic that the band has anyone else. We need that as much as anyone developed. who comes to our crowd—to feel like you’re a “We’re always writing; we’re always focusing part of something more than just yourself. … on what the next iteration of the band is, and It’s about the shared experience through the I think that there’s room for progress,” Bowen personal experience, and it’s always been that said. “I think that what we’ve shown is that way for us.” we can afford to experiment and not get lost, so I think we just push those boundaries even
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CURIOSITY AND CRUMB EXPLORATION AFTER MULTIPLE DELAYS, FINALLY GETS TO BRING ITS GENREHOPPING MUSIC TO COACHELLA
IT'S AN UNFORTUNATE REALITy that bands
are often pigeonholed into genres—and if the music doesn’t fit one, the band may be overlooked. Crumb is a band that is an exception to that rule. The music by the four-piece band out of Brooklyn has been described as everything from “psychedelic rock” to “indie psych jazz” to “soft pop.” Crumb is bringing hints of these genres and more to Coachella, on Sunday, April 17 and 24. I recently spoke to Lila Ramani (guitar, vocals) and Bri Aronow (synthesizers, keyboard, saxophone) over Zoom about their upcoming performance, which was originally scheduled for the 2020 festival. “We’ve been on many of the maybehappening (festival lists), so we’re excited that hopefully, this one will happen,” Aronow said. “We got asked right after we put out our first album.” Added Ramani: “We were sad when it was canceled, and then it was supposed to happen again, and we were excited, and then it moved
again—but we’re happy we’re on the newest lineup.” The year 2019 was particularly big for Crumb, as the group released debut album Jinx and toured the U.S. It’s safe to say that the band’s 2022 Coachella show will be vastly different than what would have been in 2020, seeing as Crumb followed up Jinx with the more-experimental, electronica-tinged LP Ice Melt in 2021. “It’s exciting to be able to play those (new songs),” said Aronow. “A lot of the set is the new album.” Added Ramani: “I feel like we’ve learned a lot, even in our most recent tour, so our live set is definitely different from what would’ve been in 2020. I’m more excited about all the songs that we are figuring out now.” The band was able to sneak in a 2021 tour between COVID-19 outbreaks. “We actually managed to get in one tour in this, like, in-between period between delta and omicron,” said Ramani. “We did a full U.S. tour, but prior to that, we hadn’t toured for all of 2020 and most of 2021. That was definitely a steep learning process—but we’ve toured so much that it’s all there, and it comes back pretty quick.” While Crumb continues to experiment with
Photo: Third Pupil
By Matt King
recordings, translating that new sound into live performances has not always been easy. “Obviously, you’re limited by the amount of production you can do in a live set, but I think that’s something that, especially since 2020, we’ve worked a lot on,” Aronow said. “We’re trying to capture those moments by learning how to do that live—working with our sound person, and honing in on the kind of gear and stuff we need to be able to do that. We take that into account a lot, on this album especially, because we can play all the songs live pretty much the same way that they were written and recorded.” Added Ramani: “I feel like it’s a pretty natural transition for us, just because we’re a band, and we play pretty much live on the albums. We don’t use backing tracks or anything like that. Trying to capture every single thing sometimes—you have to have a lot of hands, but it’s a fun challenge.” Nearly a year after the release of Ice Melt, Crumb is now working on improving elements of the band’s performances beyond the music. “As the live set has felt more and more effortless, we can turn our attention toward those extra experimental or production elements, rather than practicing individual parts or practicing as a band,” said Aronow. “We know the songs very deep down, so now we can really focus on those extra little details.” Added Ramani: “We also try to make the song live a different experience from the recording, just to make it feel more big and exciting. We’re not trying to capture exactly what’s going on in the recording.” Songs like “Locket” and “BNR” show how the band favors creativity—with minimal limits. “A lot of songs start with an idea, or chords, or melody, or lyrics that I write, and then it’s really just playing it together and expanding it in different directions—whatever people are hearing,” Ramani said. “I think that’s what we love about it: There’s no direction to seeing what the song needs and what it wants. I think that naturally just develops into different … I guess you could say genres, but just different feelings and grooves and stuff.” Added Aronow: “All of us having curiosity, and wanting to explore—that’s what keeps it fun. That’s what keeps it challenging. I think that is something we all value, so then it comes out in our music.
The Venue REPORT April 2022 By matt king
Big Freedia
It’s April, aka festival season, here in the Coachella Valley—but there are many great events being held beyond the polo fields; here is but a sampling. Enjoy—and stay safe! Fantasy Springs brings both the laughs and the grooves this month. At 9 p.m., Friday, April 8, comedy legend Chris Rock comes to Indio. From countless specials to his series Everybody Hates Chris, this guy sure knows how to make stuff funny. Tickets are $79 to $149. Mexican brother-and-sister pop duo Jesse and Joy will light up the night at 8 p.m., Sunday, April 10. Tickets range from $29 to $59 to see the Grammy-winning pair. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio; 760-342-5000; www. fantasyspringsresort.com. The McCallum Theatre will soon enter its summer slumber—but not before a great month of events. One of the valley’s best talent-show competitions, the Open Call Talent Project, is back for two shows, at 2 and 7 p.m., Saturday, April 16. Come see a group of local performers show off their various talents and skills! Tickets are $20 to $55. At 7:30 p.m., Friday, April 22, and Saturday, April 23, former pro golfer-turned-sports hostturned-funnyman David Feherty comes to town for a couple of nights of comedy. Tickets are $65 to $125. McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert; 760-340-2787; www. mccallumtheatre.com. Agua Caliente in Rancho Mirage is putting an emphasis on tribute shows this April. Zeppelin USA pays homage to Led Zeppelin— right down to the hair!—at 8 p.m., Saturday, April 9. Tickets are $20 to $35. Scott Keo pays tribute to Michael Buble with an evening of Buble’s hits at 8 p.m., Saturday, April 16. Tickets are $20 to $45. For something more original, the Chippendales-esque cowboys of Country Thunder From Down Under will return to the valley at 8 p.m., Friday, April 29, and Saturday, April 30. Tickets are $15 to $25. Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage, 32250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage; 888-999-1995; www.hotwatercasino.com. continued on Page 36 CVIndependent.com
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COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 35
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MORPHING METAL CODE ORANGE
PROMISES A HEAVY AND UNIQUE By COACHELLA PERFORMANCE
FOR THE METALHEADS
out there who think the genre is fading, allow me to introduce you to Code Orange. Code Orange blends headbanging metal with sci-fi and industrial-electronic aspects. For the past decade, the group has been continually proving there are metal bands producing fresh music worthy of public attention; the group has even been nominated for two Grammy Awards. Code Orange will be playing Coachella on Friday, April 15 and 22. “It’s always been an uphill battle for us, in terms of growing the band and getting out there to more people, because I think we definitely do something that’s unique— something that checks certain boxes for some people, and doesn’t for others,” shared frontman and drummer Jami Morgan. “I think that we are different, for lack of a better word. It’s a long-term game that we’ve been playing, and any new opportunity to present ourselves in front of a different group, or just be out there in a different light, is very exciting to us. We’ve never felt like we’ve quote-unquote ‘made it’ or anything, because it’s not like we’re going somewhere specific, but at the same time, we’re not shy about the fact that one of our top goals, besides our art, is to grow the band. … (Coachella) is another one of those awesome opportunities, and I’m really looking forward to it.” The band’s music, while rooted in metal, has morphed through phases of punk, electronic and more throughout the group’s career. “A lot of the things you hear us do now, there were embryos of those things on earlier records, and you can go back and hear those things are not fully realized,” Morgan said. “We weren’t fully confident in those skills or in those moves, and it’s kind of similar to the way we view growth. I think we’ve always had similar goals; it’s just our scope changes of what’s possible or what you want. At the end of the day, though, if you follow us from a distance, you might see one thing—but those who follow us closely know the investment we make in our art is absolutely everything. It’s been absolutely everything since we were teenagers, and we just push and push and push and push until we nearly drive ourselves totally insane. “During the pandemic, we were pushing the entire time, and we weren’t taking any breaks. We did a livestream; we started a
series; we made some animated videos. We did everything that we could do, and it took up every moment of our time.” Morgan is grateful for the close relationships he has with his bandmates. “I think we’re so tight personally that there’s no line in between band and personal,” Morgan said. “At times, that’s difficult, because we’re just pushing it so far, but at the same time, it’s really not. We’ve known each other for so long, and I think we have a closeness that is unparalleled. … I think that we’re walking a different path, and it’s hard at times, because nothing’s off limits, but I think at the end of the day, we all have the same goal, and that is to push it forward as much as we can push ourselves to make something as unique as possible and grow the band. Those are kind of our two simultaneous goals. That can be a tough tightrope to walk, but we’re all on the same page with that. The love is already there between us, and I think it will always be there.” In 2020, Morgan, who was the drummer and lead vocalist for both the band’s recordings and live shows, announced he would no longer be playing drums live. “When we were kids, we kind of had the band on one path artistically,” Morgan said. “We hit a wall. We didn’t know where to go with it, and therefore, it was time to take a new route—and that’s kind of the same situation with me on drums. … I’ve always written all the lyrics, and we were playing shows where we didn’t feel like we were really connecting. At the same time, we were writing a record, which was our last record, Underneath, that was much more complicated,
Matt King
and would be really difficult to play, in the manner that we were set up, with any type of real energy. There was no way for me to play those drum parts and connect more; if anything, we were going to connect less. I was scared for sure … but it’s been the best choice that I’ve made. It’s been a lot of fun, and anybody who knows me knows that’s how my annoying ass is, anyway—I always try to be in the front. “I’m still sharpening my sword, but I think it turns us into a whole new monster. It frees up all my other guys to not have to be a halffrontman as well; they can still be their most
energetic selves and play really well. We just look like an absolute monster out there, and we’re definitely not going back.” Finding a drummer meant finding someone who could match the unrelenting approach of the rest of the band. “Our drummer now is actually a kid named Max Portnoy, who has his own little following as a drummer,” Morgan said. “He’s just a great kid, so we’ve been loving that experience. He’s hungry, wants to work, and wants to win—and that’s all that really matters. It’s all
about the effort, and if you’re willing to put in the effort with us. We practice a lot, but we’re all just punk kids at the end of the day. That’s what we come from. We’re not these amazing musicians, but we want to play like amazing musicians.” Where does Code Orange go from here, after the Grammy Award nominations and an appearance at the biggest music festival of them all? “When it feels stale, when it feels stagnant, when it feels downhill, we’re pulling the plug,” Morgan said. “The mission statement of the band is excitement, and keeping it fresh in the music, and the records, and the presentation, and the growth. That’s not to say we haven’t hit many, many, hard walls. We’ve played to no one a million times, and I’m sure we’ll play to no one again. When it starts feeling like it’s not fresh, that’s pretty much it. … We want to grow, and we don’t want to make a stagnant record, so we have to live and die by that. “We’re not scared to say we’re going to try, either. We’re not like fearful of failure, because who gives a Photo: Jim Louvau fuck? It’s all self-constructed, and we believe in ourselves, Things get hard, but we believe that we’re doing something different. For Coachella, for instance: There’s not one fucking band that’s ever played Coachella that is anything like us, so we’re doing something the right way, and I think we’ve just got to keep pushing. “I’m ready for Coachella, I think it’s gonna be really interesting. I don’t think they know what they signed up for.”
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Includes green fees, range balls, shared golf cart, and lunch call: Elisabeth at 661-492-0287 or DeAnn at 760-831-3090 www.amyspurpose.net • info.amyspurpose@gmail.com Amy’s Purpose, Inc is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to pet safety & predator awareness. CVIndependent.com
The Venue REPORT continued from page 33 Agua Caliente in Palm Springs continues to feature Jazzville and Caliente Comedy. On Jazzville Thursdays, you can catch the piano- and accordion-led Ben Rosenblum Trio (April 7), the Latin quartet Conganas (April 14), obscure and old-timey selections from the Holy Crow Jazz Band (April 21), and the bluesy Moontones (April 28). Shows take place at 7 p.m., and tickets start at $10, available at jazzvillepalmsprings.com. On Caliente Comedy Fridays, announced performers as of this writing include Quinn Dahle (April 1), Bobby Tessell (April 8), Jessica Michelle Singleton (April 15) and Greg Wilson (April 22). You must be 21 to attend, and tickets start at $19.99, available at www.eventspalmsprings.com/calientecomedy. Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs, 401 E. Amado Road, Palm Springs; 888-9991995; www.sparesortcasino.com. Morongo is hosting a few featured events in April. Filipino singer-songwriter, television presenter, comedian, parodist and actor Ogie Alcasid is set to perform at 5 p.m., Sunday, April 3. Tickets, if any are left, start at $58. Sixteen-time (!) Grammy Award nominee Brian McKnight is bringing his R&B hits to Cabazon at 9 p.m., Saturday, April 23. Tickets start at $59. At 6 p.m., Sunday, April 24, American Idol winner Scotty McCreery will perform his popular brand of country music. Tickets start at $47. Morongo Casino Resort Spa, 49500 Seminole Drive, Cabazon; 800-252-4499; www. morongocasinoresort.com. Pappy and Harriet’s has an extensive April calendar; here are a few shows that caught my attention. At 7:30 p.m., Friday, April 1, garagerock king Ty Segall and his riff-rock three-piece band Fuzz will rumble Pioneertown. Tickets are $28 in advance. Psychedelic jammers Circles Around the Sun return to the desert for a long night of tunes at 9 p.m., Sunday, April 10. Tickets are $25 in advance. At 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 19, catch alternative-pop performer Still Woozy in between his two Coachella performances. Tickets are $58. Punk rockers Bikini Kill are headed for the palace at 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 26. Tickets are $39.50. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace, 53688 Pioneertown Road, Pioneertown; 760-228-2222; www.pappyandharriets.com. Oscar’s continues to offer a lot of unique shows in April. At 7 p.m., Friday, April 1, comedy and music duo Deven Green and Handsome Ned take the Oscar’s stage. Tickets are $35. Saxophonist MikeMRF, featuring Perfect Mark arrives at 7 p.m., Thursday, April 21. MikeMRF is celebrating the release of Wait Just Listen, his new live album with Lisa Bello. Tickets are $30 to $35. Sutton Lee Seymour and Cacophony Daniels are Dragamaniacs, and will be performing a night of songs and laughs, at 7 p.m., Thursday, April
28. Tickets are $35 to $45. Oscar’s Palm Springs, 125 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs; 760325-1188; oscarspalmsprings.com/events. The Purple Room is bringing the goods! At 8 p.m., Friday, April 1, cabaret star Carole J. Bufford will perform her new show Vintage Pop!, a journey of pop music throughout the decades. Tickets range from $30 to $35. Palm Springs resident and nine-time Grammy winner Cheryl Bentyne (of the Manhattan Transfer) is gracing the Purple Room stage at 8 p.m. on both Friday, April 8, and Saturday, April 9. Tickets are $45 to 55. Comedy duo Lee Squared, who imagine how Liberace and Peggy Lee would navigate today’s world, are returning for a two-night stay, at 8 p.m., Friday, April 15, and Saturday, April 16. Tickets are $35 to $40. At 8 p.m., Friday, April 22, and Saturday, April 23, Black Market Trust will perform hits from Sinatra, the Rat Pack and beyond! Tickets are $35 to $45. Michael Holmes’ Purple Room, 1900 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs; 760-322-4422; www.purpleroompalmsprings.com. The Alibi in Palm Springs is back! From Husker Dü, Bob Mould will bring his Solo Electric sound to The Alibi stage at 8:30 p.m., Friday, April 1. Tickets are $27. Alternative rock group Lemonheads will be playing album It’s a Shame About Ray in its entirety at 8 p.m., Saturday, April 2. Tickets are $45. At 9 p.m., Saturday, April 16, and Sunday, April 17, the queen of bounce music herself, Big Freedia, will perform her hits. Tickets are $35. At 8 p.m., Monday, April 25, the duo of Andy McKee and Yasmin Williams team up for a night of guitar excellence. Tickets are $30 to $45. All events are 21+. The Alibi Palm Springs, 369 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs; 760656-1525; thealibipalmsprings.com. The Palm Springs Cultural Center has added enough music to earn inclusion in The Venue Report! Enjoy Soulful Sundays with Keisha D, one of the valley’s best soul singers, every Sunday at 5 p.m. Monday at 5 p.m. is time for Mon Petit Salon; violin virtuoso Jeremie Levi Samson hosts an evening of eclectic jams every week. Tuesdays at 5 p.m., the Cultural Center welcomes Jazz on the Second Floor with Leanna and the Jazz Collective. These events are free all free with a twodrink minimum. At 5 p.m., Saturday, April 2, Rosemary Galore hosts Drag-O-Rama, an evening of drag and history! Tickets are $15 to $25. At 6 p.m., Wednesday, April 13, Martinis and Moxie present a tribute to Dino and Dinah. Tickets are $55 to celebrate the entertaining history these legends. Alohana, Palm Springs’ regular celebration of tiki culture, returns at 10 a.m., Sunday, April 17. Tickets are $5! Bring your grass skirt! Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs; 760-3256565; psculturalcenter.org.
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TAKE THE INDEPENDENT CHALLENGE 1. Peruse the Independent. Look at the quality of the writing, the layout, the topics, etc. 2. Do the same with any other local publication. 3. Compare. CVIndependent.com
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MUSIC
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LUCKY 13
Get to better know a DJ spinning at Coachella, and the musician known as Blue Diamond by matt king What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live? Queen. What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure? Bossa nova. What’s your favorite music venue? Enmore Theatre in Sydney, Australia. Lots of great memories there, and I was lucky enough to play it a few times. What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head? Kylie Minogue, “I just can’t get you outta my head.” What band or artist changed your life? Daft Punk. Their sound and songwriting are a huge inspiration for me.
NAME Hayden James MORE INFO The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival would not be complete without its DJ sets. Considering the amazing history, it would be unwise for attendees to miss any of the great spinning that Coachella artists have to offer—from the iconic Daft Punk pyramid in 2006, to RÜFÜS DU SOUL’s wild 2019 set. Hayden James is set to perform at this year’s festival on Sunday, April 17 and 24, bringing his dance-y and groovy jams along with him. Learn more at haydenjamesmusic.com. What was the first concert you attended? The Wiggles. What was the first album you owned? Craig David. What bands are you listening to right now? Tame Impala, and RÜFÜS DU SOL. What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get? Trap music. CVIndependent.com
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking? How do you approach writing new music? What comes first? The question is for Kevin Parker (of Tame Impala). What song would you like played at your funeral? “Bye Bye Baby,” The Bay City Rollers. Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time? AM, Arctic Monkeys. What song should everyone listen to right now? My new song with Elderbrook and Cassian, called “On Your Own.” NAME Joshua Adams, aka Blue Diamond GROUP Fever Dog, solo performer MORE INFO Fever Dog is one of the valley’s most spectacular bands; everything, from the group’s glammy rock to the sparkling stage wear, has left audiences entranced. Drummer Joshua Adams’ nickname in the band is Blue Diamond—and it is the name he used for his new solo record, Tales From Mojo Saturn, a flashy concept album about space travel
and epic battles. Learn more and listen at bluediamond.bandcamp.com. What was the first concert you attended? My very first concert was at the Anaheim Convention Center, Toy Story (Disney on Ice), and I loved it. What was the first album you owned? It was either the Randy Newman Toy Story soundtrack or Van Halen, 5150. It’s hard to remember, because both came into my world at a similar time. What bands are you listening to right now? I’ve always been an avid listener of the Great American Songbook and songs of the music hall. When I’m listening to something, 90% of the time, it’s from there. What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get? I don’t enjoy anything that’s low effort and sucks. Like, it’s so easy; just rock harder. There are too many lazy posers in this industry. What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live? I’d like to see The Association, my all-timefavorite band. What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure? I wouldn’t call it a guilty pleasure, but I love meme songs, like “Gangnam Style.”
What’s your favorite music venue? Anything with a green room and chicken wings. What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head? “I’m a savage. Penis size average. Tickle my stomach, I’m laughing,” Ryze Hendricks. What band or artist changed your life? I would say (Fever Dog band mate) Danny Graham. I met him in the fourth-grade, and he played guitar. Before I met him, I was the only person in show business I knew of. You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking? I’d ask Doja Cat on a date. What song would you like played at your funeral? I’d imagine that you would not be able to hear any music over the sounds of the revving motorcycles. Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time? Crimson and Clover, Tommy James and the Shondells. I learned a lot from that. What song should everyone listen to right now? Everyone should go listen to my song “Doctor Circuit” off of my brand new album, Tales From Mojo Saturn, and then find me on Instagram, and tell me what you thought of it.
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OPINION COMICS & JONESIN’ CROSSWORD
“It’s In a Name”—for all across theme answers. By Matt Jones
versions of hit songs) 36. Squished circle 37. Louisiana band named for the genre it played Across 40. The Sopranos actress 1. British men’s mag Falco 4. Mennen shaving brand 41. Atmospheric prefix for 8. Dangly throat bit sphere 13. Future school 42. Had all rights to members 43. In medias ___ 14. Pig’s feed 44. Disco ___ (Simpsons 15. What “atterizar” character) means, at Ibiza Airport 45. Indian state formerly 17. Late Canadian wrestler ruled by Portugal and brother of Bret 46. Excessively theatrical 19. When many work 48. Like library materials shifts start 52. Star of multiple self20. Soup at sushi bars titled sitcoms 21. Wesley’s portrayer 56. “To Sir, With Love” on Star Trek: The Next singer Generation 57. Cold sore-fighting 23. ___ in St. Louis (1944 brand Garland film) 58. Father of Pocahontas 25. Battle cry against (and example of the Cobra Commander hidden word in the 26. Acted as guide theme answers—this 27. Was a candidate one just happens to be 28. Dungeons & Dragons consecutive) humanoid 60. Fasten again 31. The Good, the Bad 61. Legal appeal and the Ugly composer 62. “We ___ the Morricone Champions” 34. ___ Bop (child-friendly 63. Country type
2021’s Zola (and granddaughter of Elvis Presley) Down 35. Actor Ziering 1. Psychoanalyst Erich 36. Juice brand bought 2. Deal Or No Deal host by Coca-Cola, then Mandel discontinued in 2020 3. 1980s attorney general 38. Reach the limit Edwin 39. The Sun Is Also a Star 4. Pokemon protagonist author Nicola 5. Far from perfect 44. Fleetwood Mac singer 6. Television’s Spelling Nicks 7. In a befitting way 45. Stood out in the rain, 8. Team that moved from say New Orleans in 1979 46. Move stealthily 9. Determine by ballot 47. Like some small dogs 10. Arm bones 49. ___ sea (cruising) 11. Cafe au ___ 50. It might help you get 12. A as in A.D. up 16. Recliner room 51. Oscar of The Office 18. Dissimilar, say 52. Candy unit 22. It comes before “the 53. Don’t ignore wise” or “your mother” 54. Czech Republic’s 24. Cat call second-largest city 28. Roast roaster 55. Walk-on, for one 29. See who can go faster 59. “Bali ___” (song in 30. Ball of dirt South Pacific) 31. Celebrity hairstylist Jose © 2022 Matt Jones 32. “The Thinker,” for instance Find the answers in 33. JAG spinoff on CBS the “About” section at 34. Actress Riley of CVIndependent.com! 64. Himalayan monster 65. Big letters in gossip
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EAT. DRINK. GIVE. END HIV. T H U R S DAY A P R I L 28 DININGOUTFORLIFE.COM/PALMSPRINGS
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