Coachella Valley Independent December 2022

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 Editorial intern Kevin Mann 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, Matt King, Keith Knight, Kay Kudukis, 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 All content is ©2022 and may not be published or reprinted in any form without the written permission of the publisher.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.

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

I was fortunate enough to attend the Lewis Black show at the McCallum Theatre in October. At the end of every show, Black has a feature called “The Rant Is Due,” which is livestreamed on his social media channels. Audience members and fans around the world can submit their own rants for the segment, which Black will read in his hilariously unique way, before offering his two cents.

On this particular night, more than a few of the rants submitted by the McCallum Theatre audience had a theme—the theater’s face mask and vaccination policies.

Unlike most local venues, the McCallum continues to require attendees to show proof of vaccination before entering the theater, and wear face masks while inside. Based on the rants submitted to Black, it was clear that these policies—especially the face mask rule—deeply offended some members of the audience.

On the ride home from the show, one word kept coming into my mind: selfishness.

I really, really dislike wearing face masks. I wear eyeglasses, with both progressive lenses and astigmatism adjustments, and whenever I wear a face mask, I have two choices: I can wear the mask below my glasses and deal with the lenses fogging up, or I can pinch the tippytop of the face mask between my nose and the bridge of my glasses, which stops the lensfogging, but throws off my vision. I can work around it, of course, but it is annoying.

Despite my dislike of face masks, however, I deal with them … because I am not a selfish twerp

Face masks offer some protection for the wearer, yes—but they also offer significant protection to people near the wearer. We know we can’t be sure we’re not asymptomatic and spreading SARS-CoV-2 or some other virus, unless we’re testing ourselves for everything constantly. So … in crowded spaces where people will be sitting around for hours at a time, maybe a face mask policy is not a bad idea?

It’s also worth pointing out that face masks also decrease the spread of viruses other than COVID-19—and we are at the start of what is going to be a record-breaking season of sickness. The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is filling up children’s wards at some hospitals, and flu-case rates are already skyhigh. On Nov. 11, Andrew Pekosz, a professor of molecular microbiology and immunology at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, tweeted out a graph of influenza-testing results for this and the previous four flu seasons at the Johns Hopkins Hospitals—and this year’s line is almost straight up, surpassing the highest number of cases at any other time in the last five years. Normally at this time of year, flu season has barely gotten started.

Meanwhile, some Southern California hospitals are already setting up overflow tents to deal with patients suffering from respiratory illnesses, and local wastewater testing shows that RSV, flu and SARS-CoV-2 levels are on the rise.

There’s one easy, cheap and relatively painless way we could keep all of these illnesses in check to some degree: face masks. Alas, too many Americans are too selfish to wear them given the choice … even while sitting stationary in a crowded theater. —Jimmy Boegle, jboegle@cvindependent.com

OPINION

OPINION HIKING WITH T

BY THERESA SAMA

The Big Morongo Canyon Preserve offers a variety of trails, wildlife and beautiful flora

preserve.

Ihave numerous “favorite” hiking places around the Coachella Valley—but one of my all-time favorites is one of the most majestic areas around, the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve. This desert oasis is one of the 10 largest cottonwood and willow riparian habitats in California. The 31,000-acre wildlife preserve sits among the Little San Bernardino Mountains in the Sand to Snow National Monument, in the transition zone between the higher-elevation Mojave Desert and lower-elevation Colorado Desert section of the Sonoran Desert. The upstream end of the canyon lies in the Mojave Desert at an elevation of 3,000 feet; the downstream portion, the canyon floor, is at 600 feet of elevation and opens into the Colorado Desert section of the Sonoran Desert. Its diverse landscape has been an important part of the Morongo Basin’s natural and cultural history

for almost 2 billion years.

The preserve is open year-round from 7:30 a.m. to sunset (when the gate is locked) in Morongo Valley, just northwest of Desert Hot Springs, between Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park. The entrance is one block south of State Highway 62. There is an information kiosk upon entering the

preserve from the parking area, where you can find trail maps, brochures, plant and wildlife pictures, and a bird identification system that’s most interesting. There’s no charge to enter the preserve, but donations are welcome. A picnic area and restroom facilities with flushing toilets are located near the parking lot. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed in the

Several different hiking trails, at a variety of levels, can be found within the preserve; there is also an easy, mostly shaded interconnecting boardwalk, the Marsh Trail, that meanders through the marsh and stream habitats of the preserve. This is a flat and most-amazing half-mile, wheelchair-accessible nature walk that consists of a maze of sections, with secluded areas that are great for meditation, having a picnic, bird-watching or just taking a rest break.

More than 240 species of birds have been observed in the preserve, and it is home to many animal species, especially during the spring and fall migration seasons. The water attracts desert bighorn sheep, raccoons, bobcats, coyotes and other mammals.

The water also attracts bears and mountain lions, so remember to never hike alone. It’s always a good idea to make noise so you don’t startle any animals as you approach them coming around a corner or at any point along the trails. It’s smart to carry an air horn—but only use it if needed. Should you see a mountain lion or bear, never run. Make yourself big, and blast your air horn/make noise to scare them away. Fortunately, I’ve never come across a mountain lion or bear while hiking, but I’ve seen tracks and traces, so I know they’re around. It’s rare to see them during daylight hours, but it’s possible, so always be prepared, especially if hiking in the early morning or at dusk.

Back to the trails: Beautiful and majestic ridge and canyon trails branch off from the boardwalk, with varying levels of difficulty. You can do any of the many trail loops, or make your hike an out-and-back. One of my favorite things about the preserve is that you can make your hike what you want it to be.

From the Mesquite Trail loop, you can often hear the calming sounds of the tree frog while enjoying the beautiful desert flora. From this trail, you can connect to the Canyon Trail or West Canyon Trail and go all the way to the canyon; it’s about 4.5 to 6 miles one way, depending how far you go. If you take that route, and you are not familiar with the area, I recommend turning around at the metal fence, at about 4.5 miles one way. If you continue beyond the metal fence, consider yourself warned: It’s basically open desert and can be kind of trashy, as the area seems to be used as a dumping grounds. Also, the area just beyond the fence at the edge of the canyon is often used as a shooting range. My hiking buddy and I have continued through this area, and

although people are shooting away from you and into the canyons, it feels sort of like what I’d imagine a battlefield feels like. The shooters can’t see you coming through, so it can be quite frightening at times.

I had the pleasure of introducing this trail to a family friend, Char Lene Mowery, an emergency-room nurse from the Midwest, during her first visit to California. We did not hike all the way into shooting area, even though Char is not a novice hiker by any means; hiking is her main escape and breakaway from her work. Char stated that hiking and enjoying nature is an uplifting experience for her, and has both physical and mental benefits, such as reducing her blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as improving her overall mental health. Also, it helps to reduce her back pain.

The best part? “It’s free!” she said.

When I asked Char about the differences between hiking in the Midwest and the Western deserts, her first response was somewhat obvious: The surroundings are very different. Although there may not be much difference in the elevation, there can be significant differences in the heat index, the humidity and the terrain.

“Considering the terrain, I quickly noticed that it can be easy to get disoriented and lost,” Char said. “The pathway was unique, as it was mostly small rock, gravel and dry powdery dust that blended throughout the area. Here, you’re surrounded with beautiful canyon walls that have openings at times with views for miles, whereas the terrain that I am used to consists mostly of moist green and sometimes muddy pathways, with large canopies of trees that line the pathways.

“The most enjoyable part of my visit at the Big Morongo Preserve was seeing the varieties of beautiful cactus and wildflowers starting to bloom, along with the many species of birds and butterflies that greeted us along the way. It was a most beautiful walk with nature.”

The preserve is managed by the Bureau of Land Management with the assistance of the nonprofit Friends of Big Morongo Canyon Preserve; there are also 147 acres managed under a cooperative agreement with San Bernardino County to protect rare and endangered wildlife, enhance sensitive riparian zones, promote the growth and restoration of a wide variety of plants, and offer educational opportunities.

For more information about the preserve and its trails, visit www.bigmorongo.org.

Char Lene Mowery enjoys the Mesquite Trail loop at the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve. Theresa Sama

OPINION OPINION

THE GIRL CLUB

BY KAY KUDUKIS

Meet Solange Signoret, a high school senior who may very well change the world

Mom and Dad.

Her first recollection is a party hat with her name and her birth date written on it. All the birthday kids at Desert Son-Shine Preschool wore them. She remembers standing up and saying how old she was turning, 6. There were cupcakes and pizza, and her parents where there. She was especially excited, because she knew her extended family would all be at their house on Saturday to celebrate, too.

WE'RE #1 FOR A REASON

I’m glad she doesn’t remember the day she was actually born—specifically the first 19 hours of her life when her bio-mom took a hike, and the hospital did what they always did when little brown babies were abandoned: They called Silvia Signoret (the subject of last month’s column). Most of the babies Silvia helps end up in other loving homes; she makes sure of that. But that

night, the universe did some bibbidi bobbidi boo, and the Signorets fell in love. From that

This is Solange’s senior year in high school, her final year at David Green’s Musical Theatre University (MTU). She is a Broadway hopeful, and if her past is any indication, she’s going to get there. Green’s very positive about her chances.

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day on, she was Solange, No. 3 of the seven adopted kids who call Silvia and Tony Signoret

“I have trained and mentored hundreds of young people to successful careers on Broadway … including multiple Tony Award winners and nominees,” Green says. “Solange is as talented, committed and passionate as all of them.”

When she was 11, she sang Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing” in Desert’s Got Talent, sponsored by Boo to Bullying. Among others, she competed against her older sister, Juliette.

“She has the most beautiful, angelic voice,” Solange says about Juliette.

When the time came to call the winner, neither were announced at fifth, fourth, third or second. When they finally announced first place, it was little Solange.

She’s got a lot going for her—looks, talent, brains—yet none of that is why I have inducted Solange into The Girl Club. I’m going to tell you why, but the knowledge comes with this caveat: If you have low self-esteem and don’t need to feel any worse about yourself, then stop reading. Right now. I mean it.

When she was 8 years old, Solange spoke at Palm Springs City Hall in support of same-sex marriage. She is and has been an ambassador for Boo to Bullying since she was 11. At 14, she lobbied in Washington, D.C., for the Equality Act; performed “Rise Up” to kick off the Palm Springs Women’s March; and sang the anthem openers at the California Winter League’s baseball playoffs. At 16, she won the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and this year, she won the First 5 Riverside’s Champion for Children Award, “created to honor and bring awareness to people and organizations whose leadership and advocacy embody the vision of First 5 Riverside.”

I’m not done.

This girl has a black belt in karate, and she has performed in more than 15 productions on the musical theater stage.

But she had help, right? I mean, come on; her mom is an adoption activist, and her dad works for the Palm Springs Unified School District, so she got it from them, right?

Yeah, no. “I think Solange came out that way,” Silvia says. Fully baked. Ready to rumble.

When asked what called her to action, Solange will tell you it happened when George Zander, a local LGBTQ activist, spoke about marriage equality. “I remember standing in the crowd at the rally, listening and watching him,” she says, “and thinking, ‘What if I wasn’t able to have the uncles and cousins I have, because a law tells them because they’re same sex, they can’t marry each other?’” That’s what she said when she found a mic in her hand.

She was 7 years old Let me repeat that: 7 years old. That moment led to a profound friendship with Zander, who helped her better understand the issues. They began to speak at rallies together.

On Nov. 1, 2015, Zander and his husband, Chris, were jumped and beaten in downtown Palm Springs. It was a hate crime. They busted Chris’ head open and broke George’s hip. The men responsible were arrested, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief when George and Chris were expected to make a full recovery. What they did not expect was for George to die six weeks later from “unrelated causes.”

Solange was devastated. She got involved with Boo to Bullying right away, and has been an ambassador for seven years.

“We (go) to schools of all ages, and we talk to (students) about how to eradicate bullying. We work with the bullied, those who bully, and the bystanders who watch it happen,” Solange says. They discuss suicides resulting from cyberbullying, physical bullying, and social media bullying.

“The amount of negativity that is on those platforms is insane,” Solange says.

If you’re passionate about an issue, Solange has suggestions. Educate yourself, and use social media to find likeminded groups to talk about it.

“Use technology to your advantage in the most positive way that you can. If you’re in school, start a club that talks about worldwide issues, how you can fix them, how you can make it better,” she says. “Your school can tell you what events your community has going on where you feel it (ties in). Attend those events, and then start talking about your mission and how you can help with what they do.”

A final note: When I arrived, I couldn’t help but tell Solange how pretty she is. In response, Silvia teased: “Don’t feed the beast.”

I don’t know for sure if Solange was born to greatness, but if her life so far is any indication, this badass might just change the world. … if she wants. No pressure. We’ll see what happens with Broadway. Maybe she can do both?

Solange Signoret won First 5 Riverside’s Champion for Children Award this year.

ARGUMENTS NOT ACTION

by kevin Fitzgerald

Coachella Valley residents are doing their best to cope with a disastrous drought. “Through August, no other three-year period in California history has been this dry— even during the last historic drought from 2012 through 2016,” reports CalMatters, a California nonprofit news organization.

Because of the ongoing drought, the Colorado River is shrinking rapidly. As a result, the seven states (and part of Mexico) which rely heavily on the Colorado River to provide water to citizens and businesses—including the agricultural industry, which delivers fresh produce to much of the nation—find themselves teetering on the edge of drastic consequences.

But instead of coming together to come up with a reasonable, fair plan to deal with the crisis, water agencies, state water administrators and political representatives have been sniping at one another.

In August, the Bureau of Reclamation released a two-year study of the Colorado River Basin, used to set the annual operations for Lake Powell and Lake Mead. At the time, the

Interior Department sounded an alarm, saying the drought posed a critical threat to the stability—and even the continued existence— of the Colorado River basin system.

“Every sector in every state has a responsibility to ensure that water is used with maximum efficiency,” said Tanya Trujillo, assistant secretary for water and science, in an Aug. 16 news release. “In order to

avoid a catastrophic collapse of the Colorado River system and a future of uncertainty and conflict, water use in the basin must be reduced.”

On Oct. 5, four Southern California water agencies came together to present a proposal to the Bureau of Reclamation, promising a 400,000 acre-foot reduction in annual water usage. The group included two valley water agencies, the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD), the Imperial Irrigation District (IID), as well as the Palo Verde Irrigation District and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. The proposal was made public in a press release from the California Natural Resources Agency.

We asked to speak to the CVWD’s general manager, James Barrett, but the water agency declined the request, stating, “Unfortunately,

the CVWD cannot discuss any details of the (Bureau of Reclamation) offer, as it is still being negotiated.”

The general manager of the IID, Henry Martinez, was willing to talk with us. Even though 97% of the IID’s water goes to agricultural businesses, the IID pledged to deliver 250,000 acre-feet of the promised 400,000 acre-feet reduction, Martinez said.

“We believe there are several opportunities that we can utilize to realize these reductions,” Martinez said. “The first option is to increase the amount of conserved water through a program we’ve been operating … which is the on-farm efficiency conservation program. We have not tapped out the maximum amount of water we can conserve using more efficient water consumption techniques on farming operations.

“The second portion—another tool that we anticipate using, although we have not formalized this matter—is a rotational fallowing program,” Martinez said. “Many years ago, the district had a program similar to this, which basically incentivized the farmers to do rotational fallowing of land to reduce the consumption level of water in the farming communities, and produce more water savings. It’s a less-attractive option, but it can be used in a very targeted effort to reduce water consumption.

“Fallowing land has a number of other consequences that we don’t want to see in an agricultural community. Basically, it starts affecting collateral surfaces that farmers use to maintain their farming operations.

By (utilizing) seasonal fallowing, there are some reduced impacts to the community in general, because you don’t take the farming operations entirely out of service; you only do it on a temporary, rotational basis. It’s a more surgical approach to fallowing land to conserve water. Of course, there has to be compensation given to the farmers as well.

“The third element is (making) longerterm system improvements to reduce water consumption through programs like canal lining, for canals that don’t have concrete linings at this point, so it reduces seepage,” Martinez said. “Also, increasing the ability to install more efficient sprinklers … as well as improving our delivery gates to the farmers are some of the long-term programs that can be implemented. But they’re all going to cost money.”

The four California water agencies’ pledge is one of the very few reduction commitments so far. Instead, the affected states continue

Four Southern California agencies agree to voluntary Colorado River water cutbacks—while other Western officials argue and point fingers

One of the Imperial Irrigation District’s irrigation canals in the Imperial Valley. Maven’s Notebook

Henry Martinez, general manager of the Imperial Irrigation District: “We could basically sit back and say, ‘Well, we’re going to be the last ones to (have our Colorado River water allocation) cut, because the ‘law of the river’ establishes priority rights that have been granted to the district for many, many years as senior water rights.”

to bicker rather than coming up with a coordinated plan.

For example, in July of this year, Colorado Public Radio reported: “Colorado and the states that make up the upper half of the Colorado River Basin have submitted a twopage proposal (to the Bureau of Reclamation) on how they will reduce their use of the river. In the letter, water managers in the upperbasin states—Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming—agreed that all the states need to work together to restore balance to the river system. … The upper-basin states argue that because the governments in the lower half of the Colorado River Basin— Nevada, Arizona, California and Mexico—use twice as much water, the cuts should be focused downstream.”

Can you say, “Pass the buck”?

Another example: On Oct. 25, U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, of Arizona, sent a letter to the Interior Department saying that if the federal government imposes restrictions, it should look toward California first.

“We are out of time. The hydrology of the Colorado River is unlikely to improve next year,” Kelly wrote. “The longer the department waits to press for an agreement in the Lower Basin, the more difficult this crisis will be to solve, leading only to tougher choices and litigation. … I encourage the department to outline scenarios for mandatory reductions, including accounting for evaporation losses from Colorado River contractors in California, and strengthening limitations on California’s withdrawal of surplus water that it banks in Lake Mead. Additionally, I call on the department to withhold federal funding for Salton Sea drought mitigation until California commits

additional water for long-term conservation.”

Martinez expressed displeasure with the Arizona senator’s stance.

“The latest letter that Sen. Mark Kelly issued basically says that Arizona believes that California should be offering more water than the 400,000 acre-feet that we put on the table right now,” he said. “The reaction at one point (to the initial voluntary reduction proposal) was, ‘It’s great that California has come out, because nobody else has really put any water on the table, per se.’ California has been the only one so far. Then this letter came out from Sen. Kelly (stating) that California should offer more. Now he’s added this other qualification that if California doesn’t offer more water, the federal government should not put any money into the Salton Sea remediation.”

Martinez pointed out that the reductions his agency has already proposed could harm the Salton Sea.

“This is one of the issues that we brought up with both the state of California and the federal government: Any reductions that we do through voluntary conservation in the fields basically impacts the Salton Sea, because the Salton Sea is fed primarily with the runoff from the farm fields, and also the inflows that come in from the New River

and the Alamo River, which feed in from Mexico,” he said. “So the decline of the sea will increase, and therefore, additional funds are required to provide mitigating programs and projects that will address the increasing playa that we find ourselves dealing with at the Salton Sea.”

For that reason, in the Oct. 5 letter, the four Southern California water agencies unequivocally stated: “Voluntary waterconservation actions outlined in this letter depend on a clear federal commitment to contribute meaningfully to stabilization efforts at the Salton Sea.”

What would constitute a clear federal commitment from the IID’s perspective?

“Basically, it will be a formalized agreement between the state of California and the federal government that funding will be allocated to address the impacts to the Salton Sea as a result of the decline in inflows to the Salton Sea,” Martinez said. “… This is something that’s been discussed, and is under negotiation between the Bureau of Reclamation and state of California as we speak. So that process is under way, and hopefully, we anticipate that there will be an agreement formulated and entered into here within the next month or so. That agreement will solidify the commitment of the federal

government to address the issues of the Salton Sea as it addresses impacts of the drought on the Salton Sea.

“If you look at the history of the Colorado River, there are a number of contracts and agreements that have been established over the years to manage the river. They all kind of fall under the general term of ‘the law of the river.’ … When the federal government decides to take emergency actions, and (in light of) the fact that we’re addressing this issue on a voluntary basis now, any breach of those contracts and agreements that are already established … has to be brought into consideration.”

Martinez pointed out that the IID has “senior” rights to Colorado River water.

“We could basically sit back and say, ‘Well, we’re going to be the last ones to (have our Colorado River water allocation) cut, because the ‘law of the river’ establishes priority rights that have been granted to the district for many, many years as senior water rights, just like with the tribes along the river,” he said. “The (IID) board has taken the position not to play that specific card at this point. Let’s try to see if we can get voluntary contributions, and voluntary participation— more of a soft approach to get to where we need to be.”

The Rockwood Main of the Imperial Irrigation District’s irrigation-canal system in the Imperial Valley. Maven’s Notebook

CIVIC SOLUTIONS

Trust in government is at an all-time low. In June 2022, just two out of every 10 Americans said they trust the federal government to do what’s right “most of the time,” per the Pew Research Center.

One of the most prominent ways in which this distrust has manifested is the discourse around voting integrity and ballot counting since the 2020 presidential election. The conspiracy theories and denial around the results led to the horror of the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. But a longer-term effect involves the perception of what goes on during the ballot-counting process on Election Day and afterward.

In response, election officials, both locally and elsewhere, are finding new ways to be transparent about the process with voters.

This year, the Riverside County debuted a livestream of its ballot-counting process via YouTube. First tested during the June primary, the cameras again went live in early November as soon as the staff started counting vote-bymail ballots, said Registrar of Voters Rebecca Spencer.

The hope is that the livestream—which goes live when staff is in the office—adds transparency, trust and engagement to the voting process, Spencer said.

“Anytime that we have ballot-counting

going on, we have the livestream available so that anybody can watch it on the Riverside County YouTube channel,” Spencer told the Independent Viewership isn’t terrifically high. Prior to Election Day, Spencer said, there might be five people on at any given time—and it’s hardly the most riveting content. Getting ballots out of the envelopes and unfolding them is the most time-consuming part of the counting process, Spencer said. Throughout the process, the livestream cameras showed ballot workers hauling in unfolded ballots. Then they were stacked onto plastic carts, before being fed into the counting machines.

The stream is available to those who are interested and online. The Riverside County YouTube channel has a mere 227 subscribers, as of this writing, who could be notified of the live event, and it’s linked to on the county’s election website.

The livestream idea came out of a civil grand jury report published in June 2021. Empaneled to provide oversight of Riverside County government, the grand jury opted to investigate whether election protocols were followed during the 2020 election. While the report found that votes were counted accurately, and that there was zero evidence of fraud, the grand jury did point out a few areas of possible improvement, including livestreaming the ballot processes.

Spencer said her office was happy to take up the recommendation. The current climate of distrust has resulted in an influx of feedback coming into her office, and it tends to be “negative comments, rather than the positives,” Spencer said.

“Since 2020, we do receive comments from constituents saying they don’t trust us,

that they believe there’s fraud going on,” she said. “We do definitely hear comments, both verbally at our front counters and on the phones, and through our emails regarding not trusting the system.”

In addition to the livestream, Spencer said her office has also been offering more tours and welcoming more observers in the counting process. “Giving tours, and explaining what the process is—it’s really our way of trying to be as transparent as possible,” Spencer said.

The livestream stayed up as the postElection Day counts proceeded, with several viewers tuning in at any given time to watch as a handful of staffers processed the remaining ballots.

It’s not just Riverside County that has implemented more public-facing outputs in its system. The Carter Center, a nonprofit founded by former president Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter, counts promoting democracy among its missions. While it has traditionally trained its focus on observing and strengthening election processes in other countries, the organization after 2020 began working on efforts to combat distrust in the U.S.

In a report on tips to increase transparency this cycle, The Carter Center listed livestreaming of ballot-counting as a way to allow more observation. It also suggested giving tours and streaming any post-election audits. It cited Boulder County, Colo., and Orange County, Calif., as two other locales using livestreaming as part of the tabulation process.

Whether such measures can help restore trust in the election process in future cycles remains to be seen. But at least one poll suggested that voters are regaining some trust in the system, despite continued unfounded complaints by former President Donald Trump and his followers: Some 42% of GOP voters surveyed by Morning Consult this fall said this election would be free and fair, up from 35% this June; 85% of Democrats said it would be fair.

Partisanship aside, getting a behind-thescenes view of a high-stakes event is a new way to engage voters. The county could further the effort by sharing the link more frequently on its social-media channels, or adding it to other platforms, like Instagram or TikTok.

Seeing the ballot counters, clad in casual office garb and face masks, humanizes the process. And if we are going to build back trust into the infrastructure that upholds our institutions, that doesn’t sound like a bad place to start.

by Melissa daniels

Riverside County adds to election transparency by livestreaming the ballot-counting process

A screenshot of Riverside County’s ballot-count livestream.

CV HISTORY

by Greg Niemann

Alvah Hicks started out as a carpenter, but the hard-working, astute and opportunistic man ultimately left a legacy—not only of development and commitment to the village of Palm Springs, but also sons and grandchildren who continued the family’s prominence.

Alvah Hicks was a master carpenter, born in 1884, who relocated from New York to Los Angeles in 1912. The following year, he came out to Palm Springs—not for health reasons, like so many did in that decade, but because there was work for him here. With his wife and two small sons, Hicks established a homestead north of town, and soon found plenty of building and contracting work. He started buying Palm Springs-area land

and became a general contractor. Known for doing quality work, he quickly found many new settlers wanting the finest desert residences. With the assistance of developer Prescott T. Stevens, he bought 20 acres of land in town, subdivided it, built quality homes—and promptly sold them.

His work was increasingly in demand. In 1921, he began construction on a lavish Moroccan-style home for Lois Kellogg, the wealthy and beautiful socialite daughter of an ambassador who had relocated to the desert from Chicago. Harold Cody was architect of that elaborate project. It would earn the nickname Fools Folly, because when Cody died in 1924, work stopped, and the home was never finished.

Hicks and Stevens formed the company in 1926 that built the sprawling, luxurious El Mirador Hotel, just north of downtown Palm Springs. It became the “in” spot for celebrities visiting the valley for decades.

In the 1920s and 1930s, Hicks built some of the finest desert homes, including the Ingleside Inn (which is still in operation) and “The Cloisters,” which became Liberace’s opulent home. He is responsible for building 20 of the finest homes in the Merito Vista and Las Palmas areas, which he had subdivided. He constructed many of The Desert Inn buildings, as well as oil magnate Tom O’Donnell’s house above what is now the O’Donnell Golf Course.

Among all of his real estate dealings, one stands out: In 1934, Hicks sold 53 acres to actor Charlie Farrell so he could build his Racquet Club. Farrell paid Hicks $66 an acre for the parcel, which sounds pretty inexpensive—until you consider that Hicks had bought the land, in the windy north end of town, for $5 an acre. Not a bad profit.

Realizing water is the most valuable commodity in the desert, Hicks acquired numerous water rights, including the Whitewater Mutual Water Company. In the mid-1920s, he bought control of the Palm Valley Land and Water Company, started decades earlier by village pioneer John G.

McCallum. He later founded the Palm Springs Water Company, into which he invested vast amounts of time and effort to ensure that the water flowed freely. The company was worth $6 million when, in 1968, it was sold to the Desert Water Agency.

In 1926, Hicks also established Palm Springs Builders Supply, on Sunny Dunes Road. The hardware store eventually became the oldest continuously operated business in Palm Springs, and is still going strong. Builders Supply Company opened a second store in Desert Hot Springs. In 1960, the Hicks family sold their interest in the stores, and in 2010, Builders Supply Company was purchased by the Parker Company.

In 1937, Alvah Hicks became president of the 46th Agricultural District and helped plan the desert’s original date festival and horse show. Alvah and his wife, Teresa (Tess) Hicks, were both prominent civic leaders. Alva Hicks served on the first Palm Springs City Council and helped with the city’s incorporation. He served on numerous boards and was a founding member of the Desert Riders and the Polo Club.

Teresa died in 1942, and Alvah Hicks died in 1944; both are buried in the Welwood Murray Cemetery in the Old Las Palmas area.

Their son Milton (Milt) Hicks (1914-1966) took over the Builders Supply Company and became known in the desert as Mr. Golf, a title he acquired not only because of his intense love of the game, but his enthusiastic sharing of that passion. He was the chairman of the famous Bob Hope Desert Classic.

Son Harold Hicks (1909-1997) was involved in insurance and real estate, selling numerous properties in the Las Palmas area. He became chairman of the committee to incorporate the city of Palm Springs, and was a member of the Committee of 25 that oversees the O’Donnell Golf Course. He was president of the water company from 1942 until it was sold in 1968. Harold then moved to Santa Barbara, where he spent his remaining years.

One of Harold’s children, Jim, continued to serve the village of Palm Springs. Jim

Hicks took over his father’s real estate business and eventually became president of the large Eadie Adams Real Estate Company. The leadership role was nothing new for him. After becoming student body president at Palm Springs High School, Jim went on to become president of the Palm Springs Jaycees, the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce, the Desert Water Agency board of directors, the Downtown Development Advisory Commission, and the O’Donnell Golf Club. He was also a member of the city’s

Planning Commission.

He passed away in 2017; his wife, Carole, died in 2018.

Sources for this article include Desert Memories, The Desert Sun (2002); assorted The Desert Sun articles; Palm Springs: First 100 Years by Mayor Frank M. Bogert (Palm Springs Heritage Associates, 1987); Palm Springs Legends by Greg Niemann, Sunbelt Publications, 2006); Community Connection (May 10, 2005).

Alvah Hicks moved to Palm Springs in 1913 as a carpenter—and went on to help build and lead the city

Milton, Alvah, Harold and Tess Hicks. Photo courtesy of the Palm Springs Historical Society

DECEMBER ASTRONOMY

Planets and Bright Stars in Evening Mid-Twilight

By Robert Victor

All the planets of our solar system (except Earth, our viewing platform) appear in a long lineup across December’s early evening sky.

Mercury and Venus begin the month deep in the sun’s glare; emerging from the far side of the sun, they’ll become visible by midmonth from sites with a good view toward the direction of the setting sun, but 30 minutes later. Venus will be possible to see with the unaided eye, and Mercury with binoculars in the same field, as sky darkens a bit. Watch the moon cozy up to each of the three other naked-eye planets within a 10-day span: Saturn in Capricornus on Nov. 28, Jupiter in Pisces on Dec. 1, and Mars in Taurus on Dec. 7. In a rare occultation of the red planet at opposition and at its brightest (magnitude -1.9), the full

moon will actually cover and uncover Mars early that evening.

Uranus and Neptune, discovered in 1781 and 1846, respectively, are fainter and require at least binoculars and a finder chart. It’ll be best to search for them when the moon is absent, or just a crescent and not close by.

The moon returns to the evening sky to sweep past all seven planets in 11 nights, Dec. 24-Jan. 3.

The December 2022 Sky Calendar, the December Evening Skies constellation map and the Uranus finder chart, available at CVIndependent.com, will help you see the events mentioned in this column and find your way around the sky.

At dusk on Dec. 7, the full moon is closely to the upper right of Mars, low in the eastnortheast, and poised to occult it. Thirty minutes after sunset, Mars appears about 1 degree to the lower left of moon’s center, or three-quarters of a degree from its edge. From the Coachella Valley, around 6:30 p.m., the moon takes about 30 seconds to “snuff out” Mars, because the planet is not a point source, but has a sensible disk, at least when viewed with a telescope. Around 7:30 p.m., Mars reappears at the moon’s upper edge.

Using binoculars within 30 minutes after sunset on Dec. 8, try for Mercury, 4.8° to the upper left of Venus, very low in the southwest to west-southwest, with the moon rising within 12° to the lower left of Mars in the eastnortheast. From a place with unobstructed views in the critical directions—no high mountains—you may be able to spot all six bright members of the lineup, in order from horizon to horizon, Venus, Mercury, Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, and the moon, simultaneously. That’s a 177° span! After Dec. 8, moon rises later and drops out of the early evening sky for two weeks, while Mercury and Venus get easier to see, as both climb higher nightly.

Those folks who enjoy getting out early can follow the moon in the morning sky. It’s near

full, in the west-northwest, to the lower right of Mars on Dec. 7, and to its upper left on Dec. 8; waning gibbous, near the “Twin” stars of Gemini, Pollux and Castor, on Dec. 10 and 11; near Regulus, heart of Leo, on Dec. 14; as a crescent near Spica, on Dec. 18; and finally, as a thin, old, 5 percent crescent low in the southeast with Antares, heart of Scorpius, 5-6° to its lower left, on Dec. 21.

Returning our attention to the evening sky, we find Mercury appearing farthest (5.9°) to the upper left of Venus Dec. 16 and 17; reaching greatest elongation 20° from sun and 5.3° to the upper left of Venus on Dec. 21; and ascending highest in twilight on Dec. 23 and 24.

On Dec. 19, Saturn is midway between Venus and Jupiter, 39° from each.

On Dec. 21 at 1:48 p.m., the sun, in the constellation Sagittarius, the Archer, enters the zodiacal sign of Capricorn, and reaches its southernmost excursion directly over the Tropic of Capricorn in the south Pacific Ocean. This marks the beginning of winter for the Northern Hemisphere.

On Dec. 24, the moon returns to the evening sky as a crescent, in a pretty gathering with Mercury and Venus. That day, note sun’s location in southwest to west-southwest, 38 minutes before sunset. On Dec. 24, Venus follows sun’s path, 68 minutes later. You can also find Venus 8° to the lower right of the 4 percent crescent moon. Binoculars will show Mercury 5° to the right of the moon and 4° to Venus’ upper left.

At dusk on Dec. 25, the 10 percent crescent will be in the southwest, with Venus 21° to its lower right; Mercury 3.5° to Venus’ upper left; and Saturn 12° to moon’s upper left.

On Dec. 26, the 19 percent crescent will appear within 6° to the left of Saturn. The moon is midway between Venus and Jupiter, 35° from each. Mercury is 2.8° to the upper left of Venus.

On Dec. 27 at dusk, the 29 percent crescent moon will be high in the south-southwest,

with Saturn and Venus respectively 19° and 48° to its lower right, and Jupiter 21° to the moon’s upper left. Mercury will be just 2° above Venus. Mars will be in eastern sky, 90° east of the moon.

Mercury passes within 1.5° north (to the upper right) of Venus on Dec. 28, and will fade sharply and drop lower in twilight in the month’s closing days. The moon this evening is a fat crescent, 39 percent full, and 7° to the lower right of Jupiter.

On Dec. 29 and 30, the moon and seven planets—in order of their positions in the sky from west to east, Mercury, Venus, Saturn, Neptune, Jupiter, the moon, Uranus and Mars—reach their minimum span during this apparition, 135°.

On Dec. 30, the gibbous moon, 61 percent full, is 21° to the upper left of Jupiter. Mercury, fading rapidly as it faces more of its

dark side toward us, is within 2.9° to the lower right of Venus.

At dusk on New Year’s Eve, the 71 percent moon has nearly reached the halfway point of the 68° gap between Jupiter and Mars. Bid farewell to Mercury, 4.4° to the lower right of Venus. Sirius, the “Dog Star,” reaches its high point in the south in the middle of the night, halfway in time between sunset on New Year’s Eve and sunrise on New Year’s Day.

For $12 per year, Sky Calendar subscribers receive quarterly mailings, each with three monthly issues. For info and a sample, visit www.abramsplanetarium.org/skycalendar.

Robert Victor originated the Abrams Planetarium monthly Sky Calendar in October 1968, and still produces issues occasionally, including the December 2022 edition. He enjoys being outdoors sharing the wonders of the night sky.

presented by

Runners up: 2. Melissa Morgan Fine Art 3. CODA Gallery 4. Heather James Fine Art 5. Stephen Baumbach Gallery

BEST MUSEUM

Palm Springs Art Museum Runners up: 2. Palm Springs Air Museum 3. Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert 4. Coachella Valley History Museum 5. La Quinta Museum

Runners up: 2. Giselle Woo and the Night Owls 3. Christine and the Lost Keys 4. Crucial Culture

BEST LOCAL DJ DJ Galaxy Runners up: 2. DJ ModGirl 3. Femme A 4. DJ Alf Alpha

BEST OUTDOOR VENUE

It started off with the worst COVID-19 spike yet in terms of cases, thanks to the omicron variant. The supply-chain issues we all dealt with in 2021 continued into 2022—joined by the scourge of record inflation. We watched in horror as Russia invaded Ukraine, and the U.S. Supreme Court apparently decided that legal precedent isn’t important anymore, overturning Roe vs. Wade. At times, it seemed like our democracy itself was at stake—but then election-deniers did poorly in the 2022 election, giving people who believe in facts and truth a glimmer of hope.

Despite all of this weirdness, the Coachella Valley’s businesses, professionals and organizations kept on keeping on.

The best of these businesses, professionals and organizations are listed on the coming pages, because they were selected by you, dear readers. I’d like to congratulate all of this year’s Best of Coachella Valley winners and finalists—and thank them for making this such an amazing place to call home.

I’d also like to thank our partners at News Channel 3, for helping get out the vote, and all-around being amazing to work with. Be sure to watch for their special Eye on the Desert coverage of Best of Coachella Valley winners!

Finally, and foremost, I’d like to thank our readers who took the time to vote this year. (Although I don’t know what the plurality of you were thinking in the Best Burger and Best French Fries categories. In-N-Out and McDonald’s?!) We know it can be daunting to face down a ballot with more than 140 categories (up 15 or so categories from last year), but you did, and for the most part, you picked an amazing slate of winners and finalists.

Welcome, everyone, to the Best of Coachella Valley 2022-2023. —Jimmy Boegle, jboegle@cvindependent.com

BEST LOCAL VISUAL ARTIST Shag Runners up: 2. Lynda Keeler 3. Chris Kempton 4. Tysen Knight 5. Zach J.F. Boyles

BEST LOCAL ARTS GROUP/ORGANIZATION

Palm Springs Art Museum Runners up: 2. McCallum Theatre 3. Backstreet Art District 4. CREATE Center for the Arts 5. Desert Theatricals

BEST PRODUCING THEATER COMPANY

Palm Canyon Theatre Runners up: 2. Desert Ensemble Theatre Company 3. CV Rep 4. Dezart Performs 5. Desert Theatricals 6. Desert TheatreWorks

BEST LOCAL MUSICIAN (INDIVIDUAL) Keisha D

Runners up: 2. Giselle Woo 3. Gary Gand 4. John Stanley King 5. Brian Scott

Oscar’s Palm Springs Runners up: 2. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace 3. Fantasy Springs Rock Yard 4. Palm Desert Civic Center Park 5. Rancho Mirage Amphitheater

BEST INDOOR VENUE

McCallum Theatre Runners up: 2. The Show at Agua Caliente 3. Michael Holmes’ Purple Room 4. Palm Springs Cultural Center 5. The Alibi

BEST OPEN MIC

Oscar’s Palm Springs Runners up: 2. Hunters Palm Springs 3. The Hood Bar and Pizza 4. V Wine Lounge

5. MTU Broadway at Willie’s

BEST MOVIE THEATER

Mary Pickford Is D’Place

Runners up:

2. Century La Quinta and XD

3. Camelot Theatres at the Palm Springs Cultural Center

4. Century at The River and XD

I THINK WE CAN ALL AGREE THAT 2022 HAS BEEN A REALLY WEIRD YEAR.

BEST ANNUAL CHARITY EVENT

LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert Red Dress/Dress Red

Runners up: 2. Palm Springs Animal Shelter Faux Fur Ball 3. DAP Health Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards 4. McCallum Theatre Annual Gala 5. Concert for Autism

BEST LOCAL ACTIVIST/ ADVOCACY GROUP/CHARITY

Palm Springs Animal Shelter Runners up: 2. DAP Health 3. LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert 4. Boys and Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley 5. Habitat for Humanity

BEST STAYCATION HOTEL

Parker Palm Springs Runners up: 2. JW Marriott Desert Springs 3. Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs 4. TIE Renaissance Palm Springs The Paloma Resort

BEST HOTEL POOL

Ace Hotel and Swim Club Runners up: 2. Hyatt Regency Indian Wells 3. The Saguaro 4. Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs 5. The Paloma Resort

BEST PLACE TO GAMBLE

TIE

Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage

Agua Caliente Palm Springs

Runners up: 3. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino 4. Augustine Casino 5. Spotlight 29 Casino

BEST RADIO STATION

KGAY 106.5

Runners up: 2. The Eagle 106.9 3. 107.3 Mod FM 4. 93.7 KCLB 5. Channel Q 103.1

BEST LOCAL RADIO PERSONALITY

John Taylor, KGAY 106.5

Runners up: 2. Patrick Evans, KWXY 101.9 FM/1340 AM

Bradley Ryan, MIX 100.5

Don Wardell, 107.3 Mod FM

BEST BOWLING ALLEY

Fantasy Lanes Bowling Runners up: 2. Palm Springs Lanes

Yucca Bowl

BEST INDOOR FUN/ACTIVITY

Escape Room Palm Springs

Runners up: 2. Boomers Palm Springs 3. Get Air Trampoline Park 4. JW Entertainment Zone at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa

Kids Clubhouse Indoor Playground

BEST YOGA

Urban Yoga Runners up:

Coachella Yoga, Therapy and Wellness

Power Yoga Palm Springs

Hot Yoga Plus Palm Springs

Iyengar Yoga Palm Desert

BEST GYM World Gym Palm Springs Runners up: 2. One Eleven Conditioning Club

BEST PLANT NURSERY

Moller’s Garden Center Runners up: 2. Moorten Botanical Garden

Bob Williams Nursery

Vintage Nursery

GDNC Cactus and Desert Plant Nursery

BEST CAR WASH Quick Quack Car Wash Runners up:

BEST PET SUPPLIES

BEST LOCAL SPECIALTY RETAIL SHOP Destination PSP

Runners up: 2. PS Homeboys 3. Crystal Fantasy 4. Just Fabulous 5. Bobo Palm Springs Stationary

BEST DOGGY DAYCARE

Barkingham Pet Hotel Runners up: 2. Doggie’s Day Out

The Village Pup

BEST MARIJUANA DISPENSARY Reefer Madness Dispensary and Lounge Runners up: 2. Lighthouse Dispensary

The Leaf

Libra Cannabis Co. 5. Cannabis 21+

BEST BANK/CREDIT UNION Chase Runners up: 2. Bank of America 3. FirstBank 4. US Bank 5. Mechanics Bank

BEST RETAIL MUSIC STORE

Palm Springs Vinyl Records and Collectibles

Runners up: 2. Gré Coffee House and Art Gallery 3. Dale’s Records 4. Music Heals

BEST COMICS/GAMES SHOP

TIE Desert Oasis Comics Comic Asylum Runners up: 3. Interstellar Comic Books 4. Rated Comics

BEST SEX TOY SHOP

Skitzo Kitty Runners up: 2. Not So Innocent 3. Gear Leather and Fetish 4. Q Trading Company

BEST LOCAL DANCE GROUP

Nickerson-Rossi Dance

Michael Nickerson-Rossi is an inspiration to many.

As a grieving young man who lost his parents at 17, he watched a dance ensemble in a darkened theater. Faced with the possibility of a lifetime of medication prescribed by a therapist, an epiphany came as a response to what he saw onstage: The language and movement of the dancers expressed everything he was feeling.

He studied dance technique and became a well-known choreographer, before founding Nickerson-Rossi Dance in 2011. He recently opened a 6,000-square-foot state-of-art dance theater in Palm Springs.

Most importantly, he gives back to the community by organizing the annual Palm Springs International Dance Festival and The Palm Springs Dance Academy.

He helps others learn the therapeutic benefits of dance, by providing access to

professional performances. He works with the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center at Eisenhower Health in Rancho Mirage, offering dance-therapy classes for abused children, and with Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, working with cancer patients. He also brings dance programs to Riverside County schools and communities.

Nickerson-Rossi has a message for those who don’t think they’re up for the challenge of dancing or, well, anything else: “Never give in when you lose something. Find out what empowers you. Research it; dive in deep; then pursue it, and never stop.”

—Cat Makino

BEST DAY SPA (NON-RESORT/HOTEL)

Desert Zen Day Spa

Runners up: 2. Palm Springs Fine Men’s Salon

Grounded Bodyworks 4. Courtney Lauren Skincare

BEST SPA IN A RESORT/HOTEL

The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Rancho Mirage Runners up: 2. TIE The Spa at Desert Springs at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Sunstone Spa at Agua Caliente 4. La Quinta Resort 5. The Well Spa at Miramonte Indian Wells

BEST HAIR SALON TIE

Brien O’Brien Salon

Palm Springs Fine Men’s Salon

Runners up: 3. Infinity Hair Design

G TOURNAI Hair + Creative Studio

Vetiver Salon

BEST TATTOO PARLOR

Adornment Tattoo

Runners up: 2. Cactus Tattoo

Blue Rose Tattoo

Iron Palm Tattoo

Stratta Tatto Lab

BEST NAIL SALON

Palm Springs Fine Men’s Salon Runners up:

Nails World and Beauty Salon

Best City Nails

Lavender Nails and Lashes

Zen 2 Nails

BEST ANTIQUES/COLLECTIBLES STORE

Misty’s Consignments

Runners up:

Antique Galleries of Palm Springs

Sunny Dunes Antique Mall

Victoria’s Attic Antique Mall

BEST FURNITURE STORE PS HomeBoys Runners up:

H3K Home+Design

BEST CLOTHING STORE (LOCALLY OWNED) Destination PSP

up:

BEST JEWELER/JEWELRY STORE

El Paseo Jewelers

Runners up:

Tiffany and Co.

Covet Palm Springs

Jewelry Boutique

BEST EYEGLASS/OPTICAL

Costco Optical Runners up:

RETAILER

Desert Vision Optometry

Oh La La de Paris

Panache Optical Gallery

Perspective Optometry

BEST RESALE/VINTAGE CLOTHING Revivals

Runners up:

for Humanity ReStore

BEST FLORIST

My Little Flower Shop

Runners up: 2. Jensen’s

Rancho Mirage Florist

Indio Florist

DHS Florist

BEST ROCK ’N’ ROLL TIME CAPSULE

The Dreamboats

The Dreamboats look like they were frozen in 1950—and thawed out in 2022.

The Canadian four-piece rock ’n’ roll revival group has been performing across the Coachella Valley so much that they made the desert their second home. The band combines matching suits, jumping-filled live performances, and a great selection of ’50s/’60s covers and era-reminiscent originals to create a nostalgic experience. Electrified versions of “Hello Josephine” and “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” combine with early rock-inspired originals like “Water Under the Bridge” and “Fool for You,” making for an all-around rockabilly good-time. If you get the chance to see The Dreamboats perform live at one of their many upcoming performances in the valley, make sure to check whether they are dripping with sweat … or if they are still melting the cryogenic freeze off.

—Matt King

Photo credit: Bailey McLean Photography

Keisha D pays ‘Tribute to Women of Soul’ in a major show at the Palm Springs Cultural Center.

by Matt King

For many years, Keisha Mimms—known as Keisha D—and her soulful, emphatic performances have wowed local audiences. Therefore, it’s no surprise that for the second time in three years, our readers have selected Keisha D as the Best Local Musician in our Best of Coachella Valley readers’ poll.

Audiences can catch Mimms performing at the Palm Springs Cultural Center every Sunday—and she’ll soon be performing a special show featuring music by Tina Turner and Chaka Khan. A Tribute to Women of Soul will take place at the Cultural Center at 7 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 18.

During a recent interview, Mimms explained how the show came to be.

“Every Sunday, I’m at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, doing Soulful Sundays, and in talking with Nunzio Sisto and Michael Green

(of the Cultural Center), they wanted to do something special, kind of an offshoot of the regular Soulful Sunday,” Mimms said. “We came up with this series that I’m going to be doing called A Tribute to Women of Soul. We’re going to take two iconic women, and I’m going to perform the songs of those women, so I picked Chaka Khan and Tina Turner to start. The next one will probably be Dionne Warwick and Aretha Franklin.”

Both Turner and Khan resonate with Mimms in special ways.

“I really have always admired Tina Turner,” Mimms said. “Her style, her delivery, her energy, her background of abuse—I suffered that in a past relationship while I was a musician and had a kind of kooky husband who didn’t want me to perform, and things of that nature. … I’ve always been drawn to her tenacity, and that she still went forward with her career and succeeded, regardless of him.

She didn’t let any of that get her down, and she didn’t stop. A lot of women just stop and say, ‘Oh, well, I can’t do it,’ and she didn’t do that. She rose above.

“Chaka Khan, man, she’s just funky. She just has that funk, that soul, and I just wanted to start off with her, because she’s just near and dear to my heart. I love her style.”

At her Soulful Sundays shows, Keisha D serves as more than just a performer.

“Music for me is about love, and music for me is about community coming together, first and foremost,” Mimms said. “When people show up to my show, I’m there at the front door going, ‘Welcome. Come on in. How many? I’m gonna seat you,’ and they’re like, ‘Wait, what? You’re the star.’ I say, ‘No, I’m Keisha D, and this is my house right now, so come on in.’ … It’s taken off really well. We get a lot of people from out of town who have heard about the show, which always just floors me.”

Mimms, who has been open about her struggles with pancreatic cancer and autoimmune disease in recent years, is one of the most humble performers I have ever met. I believe that this aspect, combined with the depth of her talent, is why she is so appreciated.

“You have to be humble, and you have to be thankful, and grateful, and kind,” Mimms said. “I don’t take this for granted; I don’t take any of it for granted. I don’t take me even being here for granted. I fought to keep going. I fought to stay here, and I’m working to get healthy and get back to things. I’m just always so grateful. … There are times I don’t want to do it, or I’m tired, or I’m not feeling that great, and then the next thing you know, I’m like, ‘What do you mean, you don’t want to do it? Of course you want to do it!’ Once I’m there, it’s everything.”

When I asked Mimms about her health, she said she is doing “pretty good.”

“I’m a patient at DAP (Health), and those doctors there have just been dead-on with keeping me going, watching my numbers, and making sure I stay on point and stay healthy,” she said. “It’s just really been a blessing to have DAP there for me. We’ve had other conversations that weren’t so good. … I’ll always have to fight with the disease a little bit, but at this point, I’m pretty stable. Nothing’s metastasized. Everything is going quite well, actually.”

I didn’t tell Mimms about her Best Local Musician win until the end of our phone call. She was moved to tears, but managed to say: “I just try to give a great show and to make people enjoy what I’m doing.”

Michael Green, executive director at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, is a huge fan of

Keisha D.

“I’ve known Keisha for a number of years, and I’ve always really loved her music,” Green said during a recent phone interview. … “We added her in February to do a Sunday, 5 to 7:30 program for us, which we’ve called Soulful Sundays, and we’ve been doing it ever since. We did it all through the summer, we’re still doing it—and every Sunday, it just is packed.”

When I told Green about Mimms’ Best Local Musician honors, he had nothing but good things to say about her.

“I’m totally not surprised. She’s just such a dynamo, and she’s such a great musician,” he said. “I think it’s very exciting for her, and we’re thrilled that she’s part of our program. I’ve known her a long time, and I just adore her. She’s a great performer to work with.

“The nice thing about Keisha is … she doesn’t just do the same show every time, so you’re always in for something new. We’re one of the few places where she plays with a full band; most other places, she plays with tracks. It’s nice to be able to go and see that whole group performing and backing her up. That’s part of what really makes it unique.”

Green and Mimms worked together on planning the Tribute to Women of Soul event.

“We had to close our upstairs lounge because we were renovating it, and so we moved everybody downstairs into Theater 3, our live theater space,” Green said. “When Keisha and Leanna (Rodgers, who performs every Tuesday) went downstairs, they wanted to do something with the theater as a backdrop, and have lights and sound and movement behind them. We just got the idea that: Wouldn’t it be fun to put Keisha back into our large theater, and have her do a full show? We initially started talking about just Tina Turner, and then Keisha said, ‘What if I kind of keep the theme of the women of soul, and mix it up with Tina Turner and Chaka Khan?’ … We want to think that it might be the first of several shows focusing on the women of soul.”

Green said he’s very much looking forward to the first A Tribute to Women of Soul show.

“This is probably the biggest show she’s done locally in a long time, so we’re really excited about it,” Green said. “She’s going to have a band and backup dancers. It’s going to be an exciting show.”

A Tribute to Women of Soul featuring Keisha D will take place at 7 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 18, at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, in Palm Springs. Tickets are $35 to $55. For more tickets or more information, visit psculturalcenter.org.

BEST CASUAL EATS

Lulu California Bistro Runners up: 2. Stuft Pizza 3. Billy Reed’s 4. Bongo Johnny’s 5. Trio Restaurant 6. John’s Grill

BEST UPSCALE RESTAURANT

Spencer’s Restaurant Runners up: 2. Copley’s on Palm Canyon 3. Le Vallauris Restaurant 4. Eddie V’s 5. The Tropicale 6. Sol y Sombra at The Paloma Resort

BEST ORGANIC FOOD STORE

Chef Tanya’s Kitchen Runners up: 2. Clark’s Nutrition and Natural Foods Market 3. Whole Foods 4. Sprouts Farmers Market

BEST DINER Billy Reed’s Runners up: 2. Elmer’s Restaurant 3. Keedy’s Fountain Grill 4. Rick’s Restaurant 5. John’s Grill

BEST LATE-NIGHT RESTAURANT Blackbook Runners up: 2. The Tropicale 3. The Beer Hunter 4. I Heart Mac and Cheese

BEST OUTDOOR SEATING Spencer’s Restaurant Runners up: 2. Las Casuelas Terraza 3. The Tropicale 4. Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge 5. Bongo Johnny’s 6. Sol y Sombra at The Paloma Resort

BEST FOOD TRUCK TIE

Cousins Maine Lobster Nick’s Pizza Runners up: 3. El Luchador 4. Mama Ola’s Soul Food 2 GO 5. R & K Yummies

BEST JAPANESE Kobe Japanese Steakhouse Runners up: 2. Okura Robata Grill and Sushi Bar 3. Sandfish Sushi and Whiskey 4. Musashi Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar 5. Otori Sushi 6. Taka Shin

BEST STEAKS/STEAKHOUSE

LG’s Prime Steakhouse Runners up: 2. The Steakhouse at Agua Caliente 3. Ruth’s Chris Steak House 4. Mr. Lyons Steakhouse 5. Spencer’s Restaurant

BEST FRENCH

Le Vallauris Restaurant Runners up: 2. Si Bon 3. Farm 4. Pomme Fritte 5. French Rotisserie Cafe 6. French Miso Cafe

BEST THAI Thai Smile Palm Springs Runners up: 2. Thai Smile of Rancho Mirage on El Paseo 3. TIE Pepper’s Thai My Thai 5. Uncle Chai Thailand Street Food

BEST CHINESE City Wok Runners up: 2. Wang’s Chinese Cuisine (Cathedral City) 3. Roly’s China Fusion 4. Canton Bistro

BEST INDIAN Monsoon Indian Cuisine Runners up: 2. India Oven 3. Its Taste of India 4. India Kitchen

BEST GREEK Santorini Gyro Runners up: 2. Nina’s Greek Cuisine 3. Athena Gyro 4. Koutouki Greek Estiatorio

BEST KOREAN You Grill Korean BBQ Runners up: 2. JOY at Fantasy Springs 3. Umami Seoul 4. K-Tofu House

BEST TRANSITION FROM POP-UP TO BRICK-ANDMORTAR Ruberry Salsa

After Ruberry Salsa’s successful three-year run with pop-up restaurants—serving festivalgoers at Palm Springs VillageFest and saloon patrons behind Hair of the Dog on Palm Canyon Drive—husband-and-wife team Ruben and Terry (Rub-erry, get it?) decided to expand and open a storefront hidden away on El Paseo in Palm Desert earlier this year.

Ruberry Salsa’s success has been almost entirely attributable to word of mouth—so you know it’s good. The salsas are made fresh daily, and they taste like it. The nine varieties vary in heat, from G-rated “Mild & Wild” to XXX “Don’t Do It.” (We didn’t.) But the stars of the show are Ruberry’s fusion tacos, combining flavors based on the owners’ backgrounds and travels to Argentina, Hawaii, Korea, Japan, Vietnam and, of course Mexico. You’ll look at the clever menu selections and think, “Hmmm, I’ve never thought of that on a taco … but why not?”

The shrimp tempura tacos are our favorite so far; we will eventually try them all, as well as the other interesting menu items, like the quesabirria ramen and Spam musubi. The owners are experimenting with a weekend brunch menu and live

performances on the space’s small but serviceable new stage; watch www. instagram.com/ruberry_salsa_tacos for details.

—Jeffrey Clarkson

BEST ITALIAN Castelli’s Runners up: 2. Il Corso 3. Mario’s Italian Cafe 4. Johnny Costa’s Ristorante 5. Il Giardino

BEST MEXICAN El Mirasol Runners up:

2. La Tablita

3. Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill

4. El Mexicali Cafe

5. Tac/Quila

BEST VIETNAMESE

Pho Vu

Runners up:

2. Rooster and the Pig 3. 533 Viet Fusion

4. La Baguette Vietnamese Sandwiches 5. Fuzion Five

Ruberry’s chili gueritos tacos. Photo from Ruberry Salsa social media

BEST VEGETARIAN/VEGAN

BEST BUFFET Fresh Grill Buffet at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino Runners up:

BEST CALIFORNIA CUISINE Lulu California Bistro Runners up:

BEST

BEST BREAKFAST

BEST BARBECUE Babe’s BBQ and Brewery Runners up:

BEST BAGELS Townie Bagels, Bakery and Café Runners up:

BEST SANDWICH Sherman’s Deli and Bakery Runners up:

BEST FRENCH FRIES McDonald’s Runners up:

Norma’s at Parker Palm Springs

BEST SEAFOOD

Fisherman’s Market and Grill Runners up:

Seafood

V’s

BEST SUSHI

Okura Robata Grill and Sushi Bar Runners up:

Sandfish Sushi and Whiskey

Misaki Sushi and Grill

TIE The Venue Taka Shin

BEST VEGGIE

BEST BURGER

In-N-Out

Runners up: 2. Tyler’s Burgers 3. Grill-A-Burger 4. Tony’s Burgers 5. Gastro Grind Burgers

BEST SALSA

Las Casuelas Terraza Runners up: 2. El Mirasol 3. TIE Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill Blue Coyote Grill 5. La Perlita

BEST BURRITO

Las Casuelas Original Runners up: 2. TIE El Mirasol El Ranchito Taco Shop 4. Casa Blanca 5. Bongo Johnny’s

BEST CUSTOM CAKES

Over the Rainbow Runners up: 2. Nothing Bundt Cakes 3. Exquisite Desserts 4. Bristol Farms

BEST BAKERY

Sherman’s Deli and Bakery Runners up: 2. Aspen Mills 3. Peninsula Pastries Palm Springs 4. Townie Bagels, Bakery and Café 5. Carousel Bakery

BEST DESSERTS

Sherman’s Deli and Bakery Runners up: 2. TIE Nothing Bundt Cakes Manhattan in the Desert 4. Jake’s 5. Jensen’s 6. Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream

BEST DOUGHNUTS/PASTRIES

Swiss Donut

Runners up: 2. Krispy Kreme 3. Peninsula Pastries Palm Springs 4. French Corner Bakery 5. Jelly Donut 6. Carousel Bakery

BEST LOCAL COFFEE ROASTER Koffi Runners up: 2. Coachella Valley Coffee Company 3. Joshua Tree Coffee Company

BEST COFFEE SHOP Koffi

Runners up: 2. IW Coffee 3. Ernest Coffee 4. Vintage Coffee House 5. Cafe la Jefa 6. Ristretto

BEST SMOOTHIES

Jamba Juice Runners up: 2. Fresh Juice Bar

3. Juice It Up! 4. Bowl of Heaven

BEST DATE SHAKE

Shields Date Garden Runners up: 2. Hadley Fruit Orchards 3. Great Shakes 4. Windmill Market 5. Nature’s Health Food and Cafe

BEST JUICE/JUICE BAR

Fresh Juice Bar Runners up: 2. Jamba Juice 3. Juice It Up! 4. Bowl of Heaven 5. Big Juice Bar

BEST CATERER

BEST BEIGNETS

Sam’s

Place

I don’t remember why we ordered the beignets on our initial visit to Sam’s Place, the downtown Palm Springs restaurant in the space that previously housed Ruby’s Diner. Perhaps the server recommended them; perhaps we wanted something to satisfy our sweet tooth.

Whatever the reason, I am glad we did.

I’d had beignets before, including some from the legendary Café Du Monde in New Orleans, and I don’t remember being impressed. But, wow, I am impressed by the version at Sam’s Place: They’re pillowy nuggets of deep-fried pastry dough, topped with strawberries, blueberries and whipped cream, with agave syrup on the side, and a dusting with powdered sugar.

When the plate you see in this photo arrived at our table, my husband and I thought there was no way we’d finish it all—and that if we did, we’d be regretting it later. But such was not the case: Because these beignets were so light, so fluffy, and so delicious, we finished it all without feeling like we had bricks in our stomachs.

We’ve returned to Sam’s Place several times since that initial visit, and we’ve always ordered something different—except for the beignets. We’ve always ordered them, and we’ve always been delighted.

—Jimmy Boegle

BEST FROZEN YOGURT Tutti Frutti Runners up: 2. Monster Shakes 3. Yogurtland 4. Beach House Yogurt 5. Swirlyz Frozen Yogurt

BEST ICE CREAM/SHAKES

Lappert’s Ice Cream Runners up: 2. Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream 3. Great Shakes 4. Kreem 5. Perfect Pint

Lulu California Bistro Runners up: 2. Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge 3. Lynn Hammond Catering 4. TIE

F10 Catering Carousel Catering

BEST OUTDOOR VENUE * BEST OPEN MIC Oscar’s Palm Springs

Oscar’s Palm Springs

has long been known for a variety of events, most notably its popular Sunday tea dance.

However, in recent years, Oscar’s owner Dan Gore has made a number of improvements, sprucing things up and elevating the entertainment offerings—and Independent readers have noticed, voting for Oscar’s as both the Best Outdoor Venue and the home of the Best Open Mic event in this year’s Best of Coachella Valley readers’ poll.

“I’ve always been involved in entertainment,” Gore said during a recent interview. “I came from entertainment, I’m not another restauranter; I’m more of a show producer and stage producer. The restaurant part just fell in my lap. It all stems from the restaurant business being so hard to manage and to make enjoyable. The entertainment, the open mic, and the celebrities who we’ve had there—that came to fruition because I wanted it to be more fun for me as a business owner, because running a restaurant was not a fun aspect of it all. The entertainment was

what has driven me all along. … I take great pride in the entertainment I bring to Oscar’s, and we try to bring unique things there. We try to be the first with all our types of entertainment.”

A gander at the Oscar’s events calendar illustrates this unique variety: musicals, cabaret shows, bingo, popular drag brunches, a TV show taping, and much more.

“I take it all very seriously,” said Gore. “The one thing I’ve learned as far as running a restaurant is making sure that my staff and myself understand that there’s a bit of caring that needs to happen with the customer. We have unique items; we have unique events. At Oscar’s, we try our best to make sure that customers know we care about their stay when they’re with us. … If I get to add to that great entertainment, or I can add to that a unique experience, then I’ve created something that’s a guarantee of that.”

One of the most popular regular Oscar’s events is the monthly open mic, hosted by Michael Orland, a musical director and vocal

coach from American Idol.

“The open mic came about because a few mutual friends of ours were taking vocal lessons from a very prominent musical arranger,” Gore said. “… He had mentioned to a mutual friend that he wanted to get back into doing open mic nights or cabaret shows, because he kind of missed it.”

Gore said he reached out to Orland, without really knowing who he was.

“I said, ‘Hey, I think I want to do this open mic night at my restaurant in Palm Springs; is that something you’d be interested in doing?’” Gore said. “He said yes, without him knowing that I knew he wanted to. When we got into the negotiation part of it, he said, ‘I can’t really do it without being paid by my rate.’ I tell people when they come to Oscar’s that he’s an expensive person to have at Oscar’s, but he promised me he’d bring me major celebrities—and he’s brought us major celebrities. He’s definitely come through with what he promised me, and I’ve come through with what I promised him. … He’s not even from Palm Springs. He drives in once a month just to do that event.”

You never know who you’re going to see at the open mic.

“Within the first couple of months, he brought us Kristin Chenoweth, David Foster and Katharine McPhee, and also Kevin Chamberlin, a Broadway actor who actually now calls Palm Springs his home,” said Gore. “Of course, the regulars have come out, and there are other stage producers.”

Michael Orland has an impressive resume, and he could be performing or coaching anywhere in the world, yet there is no place he’d rather be than hosting his open mic at Oscar’s—even if he was a little hesitant at first.

“Dan called me, and he’s like, ‘Hey, you want to come do your own show here?’ And I was like, ‘Not really,’” Orland said during a recent phone interview.’ “I don’t really do a show, but I said I would come and do, like, a sing-along thing. I worked in the piano bars a long time ago in New York City, and I did all the famous piano bars, like the Duplex and Don’t Tell Mama and Brandy’s on the upper east side, literally in the heyday of the piano bars. I said I would come do a piano-bar thing where everyone would sing along, or we could do something fun, like an open mic, and it would be a really fun place to get everybody up and singing. He goes, ‘Let’s give it a try,’ so we did it—and it was packed, so we kept going. It’s now been going for a long time, and I just love it.”

Palm Springs has long been a getaway for the stars, and when they get away, they often come to Orland’s open mic—if they haven’t moved here already.

“There’s this whole community in Palm Springs of all these people who were in showbusiness, from New York and L.A. and San Francisco, who all now live in Palm Springs,” said Orland. “All these people who are in showbusiness, or who were in showbusiness, come in, and it’s amazing. It’s almost like this family; everybody knows everybody. There are these regulars who come in every single month, and it’s just been the most fun ever. We have the piano—a real piano out there—and a great sound system and lights. When it gets really hot, we get the misters going, and when it gets really cool, we get the heaters out there. It’s literally the most fun I ever have.”

Orland said the free, no-shame atmosphere of the open mic keeps him coming back month after month.

“I am a vocal coach. I worked on American Idol for 16 years, in its heyday, so that’s what I do,” he said. “I’ve played for countless people all over the country, in the world, and I love playing piano for people. I have a ton of students—and all my students come there. Anything goes; you don’t have to be perfect. You could sing a bad song; you can sing a song that doesn’t work; you can go, ‘I don’t think I should ever sing that song again, but it was so fun to try it.’ It’s a loving, appreciative crowd. … Most people don’t even bring music. I’ll either fake the song, or I’ll look it up on my iPad. We just wing it.”

Oscar’s has recently been adding co-hosts to share duties with Orland, giving even more of a wow factor to the talent and celebrity-filled experience that is the Oscar’s open mic.

“Dan had the idea of bringing in a co-host once in a while to just mix it up a little bit,” Orland said. “In December, we have this amazing Tony nominee, Mary Bridget Davies, who was nominated for a Tony playing Janis Joplin, and she’s a killer singer. In January, we have Jai Rodriguez, who is one of the original cast of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. He’s in a ton of movies and TV. We just had Joely Fisher and Kevin Chamberlin. It’s really fun for the audience, and I just think it’s just a little escape for everybody. It’s very affordable, a $15 or $20 cover. It’s not like when you go to a club, and it’s a $50 or $60 show, plus dinner and drinks and all that stuff. It’s just the greatest atmosphere, and we want everyone to have fun. I’m so honored that people are loving it so much.”

Open Mic Night with Michael Orland takes place every first Thursday of the month at 6 p.m., at Oscar’s Palm Springs, 125 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way. Tickets are $20, with a food/drink minimum. For tickets or more information, visit oscarspalmsprings.com.

At Michael Orland's monthly open-mic night, anyone can come sing along side big names. by Matt King

Michael Orland, Desi Arnaz and Dan Gore at an Oscar’s open mic night.

Bongo Johnny’s Runners up: 2. Spencer’s Restaurant 3. TIE Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge 19th Hole 5. Sloan’s

BEST MARGARITA

TIE Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill Las Casuelas Terraza Runners up: 3. Blue Coyote Grill 4. El Mirasol 5. Tac/Quila 6. Bongo Johnny’s

Paul Bar/Food Runners up: 2. Spencer’s Restaurant 3. The Tropicale 4. Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge 5. Eddie V’s 6. Bongo Johnny’s

BEST WHISKEY/BOURBON/ SCOTCH SELECTION TIE Mr. Lyons Steakhouse Blackbook Runners up: 3. Sandfish Sushi and Whiskey 4. Michael Holmes’ Purple Room 5. The Tailor Shop 6. The Beer Hunter

BEST COCKTAIL MENU Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge Runners up: 2. Blackbook 3. Sol y Sombra at The Paloma Resort 4. Bongo Johnny’s 5. The Tailor Shop

BEST CRAFT COCKTAILS Bootlegger Tiki Runners up: 2. Seymour’s 3. Bongo Johnny’s 4. Sol y Sombra at The Paloma Resort 5. TIE Window Bar at The Rowan The Tailor Shop

BEST BEER SELECTION Yard House Runners up: 2. La Quinta Brewing Co. Taprooms 3. 1501 Uptown Gastropub 4. The Beer Hunter 5. Bongo Johnny’s

BEST LOCAL BREWERY

La Quinta Brewing Co. Runners up: 2. Coachella Valley Brewing Co. 3. Babe’s BBQ and Brewery 4. Las Palmas Brewing 5. Desert Beer Company

BEST HAPPY HOUR

BEST MUSICALLY DIVERSE DYNAMIC DUO Analog Lab

You would think a band with only two members would be limited in what it can create.

Analog Lab has proven that thought wrong.

Local musicians Miguel Arballo and Sean McCune tackle alternative, grunge, metal and more—oftentimes within the bounds of one song. Through only three single releases, the band has put its musical diversity on full display, not shying away from experimentation, genre-fusion or having fun.

Dedication has also been a big factor for the group. Even though Arballo and McCune are both busy participating in other local music projects, Analog Lab intends to maintain a consistent release schedule, and has been picking up a number of local, out-of-town and even out-of-state gigs.

This duo is most certainly dynamic, and they are worth checking out. To hear them pull off some really cool musical shifts and combinations, I recommend “In the Shadows.”

—Matt King

BEST NIGHTCLUB

Michael Holmes’ Purple Room

Runners up: 2. Hunters Palm Springs 3. The Nest 4. Chill Bar 5. Copa Nightclub

BEST DIVE BAR

Tool Shed Runners up: 2. The Hood Bar and Pizza 3. Blackbook 4. Fireside Lounge 5. Neil’s Lounge

BEST BAR AMBIANCE

Paul Bar/Food Runners up: 2. The Tropicale 3. PS Air Bar 4. Michael Holmes’ Purple Room 5. Blackbook 6. O’Caine’s Irish Pub

BEST SPORTS BAR

360 Sports at Agua Caliente

Runners up: 2. The Beer Hunter 3. Burgers and Beer 4. Henry’s Sports Bar and Grill 5. 19th Hole

BEST PLACE TO PLAY POOL/BILLIARDS

Hunters Palm Springs Runners up: 2. Blackbook 3. The Tropicale 4. The Beer Hunter 5. One Eleven Bar

BEST WINE BAR V Wine Lounge Runners up: 2. Cork and Fork 3. TIE Bellatrix Restaurant Zin American Bistro 5. La Fe Wine Bar

BEST GAY/LESBIAN BAR/CLUB

Hunters Palm Springs Runners up: 2. Blackbook 3. The Roost 4. Chill Bar 5. One Eleven Bar

Hunters Palm Springs Runners up: 2. The Beer Hunter 3. The Hood Bar and Pizza 4. Neil’s Lounge 5. 19th Hole

BEST WINE/LIQUOR STORE

Total Wine and More Runners up: 2. Costco 3. BevMo! 4. Bouschet

5. Palm Springs Bottle Shop

BEST NEW-ISH LOCAL ALBUM Daytime Moon, You Are the Dusk, I Am the Dawn

Since 2010, Joshua Tree’s Daytime Moon has been creating a plethora of unique songs. While staying rooted in an indie/ alternative sound space, the band has still done plenty of exploration—and the group’s latest album, You Are the Dusk, I Am the Dawn, is their most polished work yet.

Whether it’s the headbopping “Flame,” the somber march of “When We Were Friends,” the true indie-pop gem “Selfless” or the heart-wrenching tale of “Spirits,” the songs on the LP show Daytime Moon bringing their best efforts forward.

Their indie/alternative sound is seasoned, yet limitless, as they visit different interpretations of alternative, ranging from heavier tones and guttural vocals to sparkly, mellow sections of chill indie. The production quality elevates the top-notch performance by the tight band, which has been deserving a proper showcase of their skills.

I’d like to extend our deepest condolences to the Daytime Moon crew after the loss of bassist Daniel Hovis, who passed away on Oct. 30.

—Matt King

BEST LOCAL BAND The Gand Band

The Gand Band has been selected by Independent readers as the Best Local Band for three years running. When the band first won in 2020, we discussed with Gary and Joan Gand how the band does “whatever the music calls for” when it comes to performing songs from ’60s greats for local audiences.

Two years later, the band is still set on honoring music greats—but in a much bigger way.

The Gands are working with the Palm Springs Cultural Center to present The Trini Lopez Immersive Musical—alongside hosts Claudia Ried and Alan Kraemer, with a special performance by The Dreamboats—on Wednesday, Dec. 14. Utilizing footage from My Name Is Lopez, a Trini Lopez documentary the Gands helped make, the event will be part history and part musical performance, in remembrance of the folk-rock legend and Palm Springs resident who passed away in 2020 due to complications from COVID-19.

“We were good friends with Trini; he was our next-door neighbor, and he started performing with us,” Gary Gand said during a recent phone interview. “There was the documentary movie that we made, so it’s kind of an outgrowth of that. One of our plans with the documentary before Trini passed away was that we wanted to go on tour to promote the movie, and we wanted to get him into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. We had all of these grand plans, and then he passed away,

of local favorites The Dreamboats will be assisting.

“We’re going to have Chris Hummel from The Dreamboats, who bears a striking resemblance to Trini, playing as Trini live,” Gary said. “When we present Trini being interviewed on the screen, he’s going to talk about the old days playing with Buddy Holly or playing with the Beatles; then we’ll perform the song he’s talking about live, with Chris playing the part of Trini.

by

so now we’re trying to keep his memory alive.”

The Trini Lopez Immersive Musical will truly be immersive, as the Gands will perform live music as clips of Lopez play onscreen.

“We did an event at the Grammy Museum about a year ago where we showed the movie, and we had a Q&A afterward with the directors, P. David Ebersole and Todd Hughes, and then we performed,” Gary said. “We took a section of the live film that we performed in with Trini, and then we took the band out of it and left just Trini singing, and then we played live with him singing onscreen. It was really cool; everybody loved it, and they all said we should make it into a musical or something, and that’s what we’re going to try and do with this. … We came up with the idea to take pieces of the documentary film, the interview sections, and have a live interview where we’re talking to Trini on the screen. We ask him a question that he answers in real time. He’ll talk about a song that’s related to that, and then we’ll play the song live on the stage.”

Added Joan: “The other thing that kind of inspired it was the Palm Springs Cultural Center itself. … They want to do more live shows there, but they also have a big movie screen. We felt like there was an opportunity to take what we did at the Grammy Museum and expand it, and it’s just perfectly suited for the venue that it’s going to be in.”

The Gands said that pulling off the complex show will be, as Joan put it, “quite challenging.” Thankfully, one of the members

“To add to the mayhem, after Trini passed away, we became the keepers of a lot of Trini’s musical instruments, and some of his costumes and a lot of his photographs, gold records—and all of that stuff. We’re going to have an exhibit in the lobby with some of that, and I actually fit in Trini’s costumes, so I’ll probably be wearing some of them. They’re heavy, too; they’ve got rhinestones and all sorts of stuff. … We’ll be playing all the original Trini Lopez instruments. There’s going to be a lot of authenticity to it in addition to the theatrical side of it.

This event features many hands on deck joining forces to honor the music icon.

“It really comes down to what great creative people we have in Palm Springs as friends,” Joan said. “We met Trini, who became a friend of ours, and we met Claudia Ried and Alan Kraemer, and they became good friends. Alan comes from a video background, so he’s very much going to be extremely helpful putting this together. They’ve been doing this

series “Martinis and Moxie” at the Cultural Center, and so they invited us to do one. … The Dreamboats, we love those guys, and we were looking forward to a chance to work with them some time. This seemed like a great opportunity, so all of us can work together and create something. Hopefully it will be special.”

The Gands said their work to increase awareness about the music and history of Trini Lopez seems to be paying off—with the most prominent evidence involving Lopez’s signature Gibson guitars.

“Since the documentary came out, the price of vintage Trini Gibson guitars and the various different models have quadrupled,” Gary said. “You used to be able to buy a Trini Gibson for $5,000; now, that’s $20,000.”

Joan said they discovered that a lot of people collecting the guitars didn’t actually know much, if anything, about Lopez.

“Putting the documentary together, now they’ve got this great history, and they understand where the guitar came from, who was the man behind the guitar, and why it was created,” Joan said.

The Gands are thrilled that My Name Is Lopez is leading to a broader awareness about one of music’s best forgotten legends.

“His popularity was pre-Beatles,” Gary said. “When the Beatles came out, a lot of musicians thought that was the beginning of pop music in the 20th century, but Trini was actually bigger than the Beatles before they hit. There was this whole folk scene that was there. When I started playing when I was a kid, I was a folk musician. To the folkies, Trini was a big deal. Basically, there was Bob Dylan, and there was Trini. … Dylan was never on The Carol Burnett Show. Trini was really the one that kind of pushed folk rock to the forefront.”

Martinis and Moxie:

The Trini Lopez Immersive Musical will start with a cocktail party at 6 p.m., with the musical starting at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 14, at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, in Palm Springs. Tickets are $55. For more information, visit psculturalcenter.org.

The Gand Band at the Grammy Museum. Photos courtesy of the Recording Academy™/photo by Rebecca Sapp, Getty Images © 2021.

The Gand Band gets a little help from their friends to create ‘The Trini Lopez Immersive Musical.’

Matt King

BEST CHIROPRACTOR

Nazemi Musculoskeletal Center

Runners up:

Dr. Jim Cox

Dr. Scott Redfern

Acker Chiropractic

BEST PLASTIC SURGEON

Dr. Timothy Jochen Runners up:

Dr. Mark Sofonio

Dr. Bruce Chisholm

Dr. Maria Lombardo

Dr. Ritu Chopra

BEST DOCTOR

Dr. Laura Rush Runners up: 2. Dr. Maria Garcia

Dr. Michael Hughes

Dr. Bruce Ferguson

Dr. Russell Hisscock

Dr. Tien Vo

BEST DENTIST/ORTHODONTIST Tahquitz Dental Group Runners up:

Dr. Scott Shepherd (Palm Springs Family and Cosmetic Dentistry)

Dr. Michael Seto

Hospitality Dental and Orthodontics Rancho Mirage

Desert Dental Spa

BEST EYE DOCTOR Dr. Kailee Watson Runners up:

Dr. Bart Ketover

Dr. David Esquibel

Dr. Keith Tokuhara

BEST AIR CONDITIONER REPAIR

Comfort Air Runners up:

Timo’s Air Conditioning and Heating

Desert Air Conditioning

General Air Conditioning

Best In the West Air Conditioning and Heating

BEST PLUMBER Valley Plumbing Runners up:

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT Shann Carr

Runners up: 2. Scott Histed 3. Mary Gomez 4. Niels Kosman

BEST VETERINARIAN

Dr. Terry Hicks, Palm Desert Pet Hospital (retired) Runners up: 2. Dr. Nicole Brockmeier, VCA Desert Dunes Animal Hospital 3. Dr. Lillian Roberts, Country Club Animal Clinic

4. TIE Dr. James H. Clark Dr. Rachel Reedy, Ridgeline Veterinary Clinic

BEST FLOORING/CARPET COMPANY

Flooring Innovations

Runners up:

2. Carpet Empire Plus

3. Prestige Flooring

4. Premier Flooring Solutions

5. Tile Designs by Fina

BEST ATTORNEY

Walter Clark

Runners up:

2. Christopher Heritage 3. Brian Harnik

4. Kathie Browne

BEST MORTGAGE COMPANY

FirstBank

Runners up:

BEST SOLAR COMPANY Hot Purple Energy Runners up:

BEST LOCAL HOME IMPROVEMENT COMPANY Ace Hardware Palm Springs Runners up:

BEST PEST CONTROL COMPANY

Dewey Pest Control Runners up: 2. Frasier Pest Control 3. Truly Nolen 4. Mr. Beez Termite and Pest Control 5. Lloyd Pest Control 6. Pestology Pest Control

2. Homebridge 3. American Pacific Mortgage 4. Contempo Lending

BEST PERSONAL TRAINER

Ted Guice

Runners up: 2. Jaime Jimenez (One Eleven Conditioning Club) 3. Alvin Crowe

BEST COFFEE CUSTOMER SERVICE Coachella Valley Coffee Co.

BEST AUTO DEALERSHIP Exotic Motor Cars Runners up:

To say I am a coffee lover is an understatement. I brew coffee every morning; I grind my coffee fresh and use a French press, because I love the fullness of flavor that results. I also love the morning ritual; I drink black coffee with just a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor and mitigate any bitterness.

Kia

BEST AUTO REPAIR Sergio’s Automotive Runners up:

BEST PUBLIC SERVANT Rep. Raul Ruiz

Runners up: 2. Palm Springs Mayor Lisa Middleton

La Quinta Mayor Linda Evans

State Sen. Melissa Melendez

Palm Springs City Councilmemberelect Ron deHarte

I experimented with a few different coffeesubscription services during the pandemic, but I was never blown away by them. That changed about two years ago, when Coachella Valley Coffee Co. proprietor Cliff Young started a subscription service: For less than $40 per month, you can get two 12-ounce bags of coffee delivered directly to your door! (I should note that Young says the program’s parameters may change soon, as his costs have risen considerably in the last year.)

The quality of the coffee is outstanding; I have never gotten a bag that I did not thoroughly enjoy. I also appreciate the company’s commitment to working with women-owned coffee farms and the amount of good it does in the community, from scholarship programs to working with the unhoused.

—Charles Drabkin

Valley Coffee Co. owner Cliff Young visits one of his coffee-bean growers. CVI file photo

Coachella

BEST DESERT ROCKERS … FROM L.A. Flames of Durga

Flames of Durga—identical twin sisters Béah and Cecilia Romero, with Nate Million— moved to Yucca Valley in 2018. Even though they started their musical careers in Los Angeles, Flames of Durga has resonated with the desert, and the local music scene has truly embraced the band as one of their own. They’ve recorded with Dave Catching at Rancho de la Luna; they played a vinylrelease show at Pappy and Harriet’s; and they’ve performed all over the Coachella Valley.

Their music is in tune with that of some of the area’s greats. There are fuzzy riffs galore, some psychedelic jams and even really cool harmonized vocals from the twins, on tracks like “White Owl,” “Darkest Hour,” and “Shine.”

Like many other local bands, Flames of Durga are operating largely on a D.I.Y. basis: While the group is gaining traction in the local scene, and taking advantage of some notable opportunities, the members take pride in getting stuff done themselves.

—Matt King

BEST PUBLIC GARDEN

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

Runners up: 2. Sunnylands 3. Moorten Botanical Garden 4. Japanese Memorial Garden at the Coachella Valley History Museum

BEST PARK

Palm Desert Civic Center Park Runners up: 2. Ruth Hardy Park 3. Downtown Park Palm Springs 4. Wellness Park 5. Ironwood Park

BEST PUBLIC GOLF COURSE

Desert Willow Golf Resort Runner up: 2. Indian Canyons Golf Resort 3. TIE

The Lights at Indio Golf Course PGA West La Quinta Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort 6. Classic Club Golf

BEST RECREATION AREA

Joshua Tree National Park Runners up: 2. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway 3. Indian Canyons 4. Palm Desert Civic Center Park 5. Palm Springs Swim Center

BEST HIKE

Indian Canyons Runners up: 2. Tahquitz Canyon 3. Bump and Grind Trail 4. Lykken Trail 5. Araby Trail

BEST BIKE SHOP

Palm Springs/Palm Desert Cyclery Runners up: 2. Bike Palm Springs Rentals 3. Alcorn Adaptive Bike and Mobility Shop 4. Big Wheel Tours 5. Jade Bicycle Repair

BEST PLACE FOR BICYCLING

CV Link

Runners up: 2. City Loop in Palm Springs 3. La Quinta 4. Indian Canyons

BEST SPORTING GOODS

Dick’s Sporting Goods Runners up: 2. Big 5 Sporting Goods 3. Yellow Mart 4. PGA TOUR Superstore

BEST OUTDOOR/CAMPING GEAR STORE

Dick’s Sporting Goods Runners up: 2. Big 5 Sporting Goods 3. Yellow Mart

BEST PUBLIC GARDEN * BEST PLACE FOR FAMILY FUN

BEST PLACE FOR A BIRTHDAY PARTY The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

feels welcome when they walk through our gates. That’s our main priority here.”

Visitors can check out sensory-inclusive bags for free during their visit.

“They contain noise-cancelling headphones, because there are some parts of the park that are a little bit louder,” Hopkins said. “They contain digit toys and non-verbal cue cards, for someone who may struggle to voice what they’re feeling or what their needs are. The cards (display) basic emotions on one side— you know, happy, sad, tired—and on the other side, you have different basic needs, including a drink of water, or a restroom, or snacks, or just a quiet-time break. That way, everyone can communicate together and be clear about what they need. Also, we became a certified autism center recently.”

Scott said The Living Desert has received positive feedback on the sensory-inclusivity initiatives thus far.

“We had a couple of Yelp reviews that said how amazing it was to have these resources; it really made their visit,” she said. “They wouldn’t have come otherwise, or they were worried about coming until they found out we’d taken these steps to make sure we are a welcoming and inclusive place for all.”

On Saturday, Dec. 3, the Living Desert will host, for the second year in a row, its annual World Disability Day event, in conjunction with the SoCal Adaptive Sports organization and the Desert Recreation District.

“We can see physical disability, and we can (ascertain) intellectual disability. We can see or hear when someone may be on the autism spectrum—but you can’t see mental-health disorders. You can’t really feel or understand someone’s chronic pain and fatigue. Yet those difficulties are as challenging, or maybe more challenging, than someone’s physical disability. So every year, we all like to come together and celebrate the capabilities of people with disabilities, or as a former CEO of mine in India used to call them, ‘discoverabilities.’”

Rosenkrantz said he recently gave a lecture at which he asked attendees how many of them watched this year’s Paralympic Games.

“Nobody raised their hand,” he said. “I was a little surprised at that, or maybe a lot surprised. It made me realize just how far we still have to go to create a more inclusive society. But now, this is the second year in a row that we’re working with The Living Desert, and that’s because they’re very open and welcoming.”

Hopkins said The Living Desert is looking forward to hosting the event.

by Kevin Fitzgerald

If you’re looking for a sure bet, you can place a wager each year on The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens winning several categories in our annual Best of Coachella Valley readers’ poll—and such was the case this year, with the Palm Desert wildlife and botanical refuge earning top honors in three categories.

“For more than 52 years, The Living Desert has been a community icon here in our Coachella Valley, serving a variety (of needs), not only as a spot for families to get together and have a good time at the zoo, but also for education and conservation programs that we do every day,” said Erin Scott, senior manager of marketing and public relations, during a recent interview.

The Living Desert welcomes more than 500,000 visitors a year through its gates— and in recent years, the staff has placed an emphasis on making the experience sensory inclusive, making it more enjoyable for

visitors with disabilities.

“We are a certified KultureCity sensoryinclusive facility,” said Jordan Hopkins, the senior manager of guest relations at The Living Desert. “That means that we partner with KultureCity, which is another nonprofit organization, to do training for all of our staff and our volunteers here at the zoo. We aim to better provide the best day ever for any of our guests who may be on the spectrum for autism or Down syndrome, or may be suffering from traumatic brain injury or PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder).

There is a whole slew of disabilities that are visible or invisible, so we just want to make sure that everyone

Michael Rosenkrantz, the co-founder of SoCal Adaptive Sports, talked about World Disability Day, officially called the International Day of Persons With Disabilities, during a recent interview with the Independent.

“It was started by the United Nations” in 1992, Rosenkrantz said. “Every year, there’s a new theme, and this year’s theme is: ‘Not all disabilities are visible.’

“We’ll have a bunch of different organizations present from all over the Coachella Valley,” Hopkins said. “We’ll get together here at The Living Desert and create a resource fair where anyone can come and talk to all these different organizations to learn what services they have available to them here in the Coachella Valley. We’ll have anywhere from 15 to 25 different organizations join us that day. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and everyone is invited to come and participate. It’s a really fun day filled with opportunities to learn about the valley itself.”

Organizers were still in the planning stages for the day’s activities as of our press deadline, but they expect to offer some athletic pursuits, such as boccia ball and a sports-wheelchair obstacle course, as well as art and educational experiences.

It’s just one event during a busy holiday season at The Living Desert, with the 30th anniversary edition of WildLights kicking off Nov. 23.

“It’s our family-friendly, festive holiday tradition for so many here in the Coachella Valley, and a great way to celebrate the holidays and support The Living Desert,” Scott said.

For more information, visit www. livingdesert.org.

The Living Desert takes steps to assure visitors with disabilities are comfortable and safe.

Children take in the holiday WildLights displays at The Living Desert in 2021. Courtesy of The Living Desert

Above: These sensory inclusive bags are available for free checkout to visitors of The Living Desert. Contents include noise-cancelling headphones, digit toys and non-verbal cue cards. Courtesy of The Living Desert

To the delight of my friends (and the dismay of my mother), humorous and somewhat inappropriate birthday cards are my thing.

For years, my go-to shop has been Greetings Palm Springs. Their tagline says it all: “Harming only the humorless since 1978.” I can spend hours in this Palm Canyon Drive store reading card after card—until the moment comes when the stars align, and I find the holy grail. You know, the type of card that makes you laugh out loud, then slip into an evil cackle, startling the shopper next to you.

.

the Glen Hanson

Mexican restaurants are on seemingly every other corner in much of the Coachella Valley. Most of these places offer similar fare—tacos, burritos, enchiladas, etc.

You’ll find all of those items at Delicias Mexican Cuisine, too—but you’ll also find so much more at this Desert Hot Springs spot.

During our recent visit, we actually had to do some research to find out what some of the things were. Take huarache, for example—“masa dough with smashed pinto beans placed in the center before it is given an oblong shape, fried and topped,” per Wikipedia. Or tecolatas (chilaquiles sandwiches). Or something called a “Vulcan taco.”

Vulcan, we came to learn, is an Americanization of volcánes, or volcano; the tacos are given this name due to their unique shape. But who cares about the shape, right? What matters is how tasty they are.

Boy howdy, are these tacos tasty: Delicias’ version includes either carne asada or pastor, with crispy melted cheese, spicy pickled red onion, micro cilantro and avocado sauce. It was all splendid, but the taco was truly elevated by that layer of cheese—crispy on the outside, and just a little gooey on the inside.

Yum.

If you’re craving Mexican flavors, but you want something different, this lovely restaurant on Pierson Boulevard is the place to go.

—Jimmy Boegle

ARTS & CULTURE

MUSICAL TIME TRAVEL

By MATT KING

The Coachella Valley’s rich history has been honored and showcased via many mediums over the years—and now our theater-heavy area is the subject of a new musical.

Palm Springs Getaway is a theatrical history lesson of sights, sounds and songs that have been notable in Palm Springs throughout the decades. Being produced at the Palm Canyon Theatre, the show is a collaborative effort, featuring writing by Cara Van Dijk, direction and choreography from Se Layne, and additional material Eric Stein-Steele. The musical returns this year after debuting last season, running at the Palm Canyon Theatre from Dec. 2-18 and Jan. 20-29.

“For several years, Se Layne had been telling me about this idea that she had, that she

wanted to bring an original show to the Palm Canyon Theatre that was centered around telling people about some of the fun highlights and history of Palm Springs, while making it entertaining and fun,” Van Dijk said during a recent phone interview. “She had been working with a writer outside of the valley for a few months, and in January 2020, she said the story he was putting together just kind of wasn’t working for what she had in mind. She said, ‘What do you think? Do you think maybe you could write a musical? Could you write this story?’”

Van Dijk has specialized in PR and journalism for a long time, so tackling a creative piece such as Palm Springs Getaway required some long nights—and some help from script-writing legends.

“I was actually looking for a creative project, so I was super-excited to just take it on,” Van Dijk said. “I had taken some screenwriting classes and creative-writing classes in college.

“I worked, like, 12 hours a day, three days in a row, and another day was eight hours or something, and I came up with what I thought was a pretty solid outline of a jukebox musical, (with) songs that already existed, because we thought that people would want to come see songs that were somehow associated with the community and/or the times. Of course, the pandemic put a little bit of a halt on it, and in October 2020, when things kind of seemed like maybe they were coming back, I got back into it again.”

Van Dijk said she was helped out by a writing class she took via Zoom, taught by Del Shores.

“It was a great opportunity to share my work with other writers, and we did various readthroughs on the Zooms, and I just continued to fine-tune it,” she said. “When the theater opened back up for the 2021-2022 season, Se said she wanted to run it.”

Then came the omicron variant.

“It was so touch-and-go when we were starting the theater back up that we didn’t

have any other read-throughs, or we didn’t have a whole lot of extra time, so to speak, to put together an original show,” Van Dijk said. “We said last season that we were opening in preview, essentially, because it had never been tested.”

Thankfully, the show was well-received.

“People seem to really love it, and it resonated with audiences,” Van Dijk said. “I think people loved it because it was nostalgic, and it felt good. It had a lot of things that audiences were looking for coming back out of the pandemic. I think that even going into this season, people will still love it for those same reasons.

“We’ve enhanced it a bit. We found what was working, and maybe what jokes were falling flat. We have made improvements to the script and the story, and we’ve changed some of the music out. We’re really excited to share this with both audiences that came last season, and new audiences. We think that no matter what people’s ages are, they will absolutely leave that theater singing, tapping their toes and having a real good moment enjoying what makes Palm Springs so great.”

Creating a true depiction of Palm Springs through the years required tons of research—a perfect task for the journalist-turnedplaywright.

“In the beginning, Se was doing research and attending various lectures in the community, mostly put on by the (Palm Springs) Historical Society,” Van Dijk said. “We went to some lectures that were hosted by local Palm Springs historians, and then I did my own research. As a journalist, I felt like this was the perfect piece for me to create, because I have training and have done extensive research, and then (have knowledge about) disseminating the information and paring it down to what is essential for people to know. That’s what I did with this show. There’s so much history, but I found what I thought were some of the highlights, and interesting tidbits, and then pieced it all together. That’s how the story evolved; it’s similar to how a news story

evolves.”

And more research is still to be done! Van Dijk said Palm Springs Getaway will be an everchanging production that will include different history about the city each time it is staged.

“There’s actually so much more that can be shared,” she said. “The idea of this musical is that each year, it evolves a bit, and we add something that we didn’t have the last season. We pull something, and we continue to tell the story of Palm Springs. I think the parts of the show currently are a lot of the highlights about Palm Springs that many residents already know, and many visitors probably already know. There are definitely things that people won’t know or that will be new to them, and we share it in a very fun way.

Palm Springs Getaway combines fun and history through its use of historical fiction— with a dash of science fiction—transporting a group of characters through the changes in Palm Springs via time travel.

“We’re taking people from the 1800s to today,” Van Dijk said. “It had to have a creative, fun and inventive way to help people travel through time. … Part of the musical even says,

‘It’s a fun time-space continuum musical thing that is hard to explain, but just go with us on it.’ To make it fun, we do break the fourth wall, and we try to include the audience in the show.”

A great selection of local-themed music leads the story along.

“We have songs from Elvis Presley and Nat King Cole and Louis Prima,” said Van Dijk. “… Both Christmas and Hanukkah songs will be included in the December shows … and then we’ll still have these kinds of fun songs that relate to Palm Springs. There’s a fun song that’s called ‘It’s 1,200 Miles from Palm Springs to Texas,’ and it was performed by Dean Martin. That’s fun, because it’s an actual song that talks about the desert circus parade in the communi ty. It’s a real song that was published.”

Palm Springs Getaway will be performed at 7 p.m., Thursday; 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and 2 p.m., Sunday, from Dec. 2-18 and Jan. 20-29, at the Palm Canyon Theatre, 538 N. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs. Tickets are $20 to $41. For tickets or more information, visit palmcanyontheatre.net.

Palm

Canyon

Theatre’s new ‘Palm Springs Getaway’ combines fun, history and song

A scene from last year’s production of Palm Springs Getaway

REMEMBERING JACK LYONS

by BONNIE GILGALLON

The local theater community recently lost an icon. Longtime theater critic and supporter Jack Lyons passed away on Oct. 13 from prostate cancer at the age of 90.

Virtually every valley actor, director and producer CEO knew Jack—and he was almost universally loved.

Jack studied motion picture/TV writing, producing and directing at Loyola University of Los Angeles. He earned a bachelor’s degree and went on to do post-graduate work. He had a long career as an entertainment journalist, theater critic and film critic for magazines and newspapers, both in print and online. He critiques were also featured on two locally produced

TV shows:  Desert Entertainment This Week on Time Warner Cable, and Coachella Valley This Week on KRET-TV Channel 14.

He reviewed theater productions from San Diego (The Old Globe, the La Jolla Playhouse) to Los Angeles (Mark Taper Forum, the Pasadena Playhouse), as well as here in the valley. Jack covered film, too, including the Palm Springs International Film Festival and the Los Angeles Greek Film Festival. He was a long-time member of the Screen Actors Guild, the American Theatre Critics Association, and the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

I first met Jack Lyons more than 20 years ago, when I performed in a play with his late wife, Jeannette. We became fast friends, and when Jeannette suggested that Jack join me as co-host of my weekly entertainment show on K-News Radio, it seemed like the perfect fit. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of film and theater, which added a whole new dimension to the program. We worked together for five years. Jack and Jeannette were like second parents to me, and Jack actually began to referring to me as his “honorary daughter.”

Jack was a fixture on the local theater scene, rarely missing a play. He sometimes had a habit of cornering directors at intermission to offer unsolicited critiques. Though these critiques were not always

welcomed, it was hard to get angry at Jack, since his opinions were offered goodnaturedly—and he knew his stuff. When he had to mention flaws, he always managed to be diplomatic about it, which is not always an easy thing to do. I took my cue from him when I began writing play critiques myself.

Jack was like a second father to me in many ways. He and Jeannette were there for me through some pretty tough times. He was very supportive, but did not hesitate to give me advice—even if I didn’t necessarily want to hear it at the time. We never once exchanged a cross word.

When Jack’s daughter Lisa called me to say he was in hospice, I had to go see him to say goodbye. I will be forever grateful she gave me that opportunity.

At the recent Desert Theatre League awards ceremony, there was a moment of silence to honor Jack—a lovely gesture that he would have appreciated.

Godspeed, Jack. Thank you for your contributions to theater in the valley. I will miss my “honorary dad” always.

Bonnie

Bonnie Gilgallon and Jack Lyons.

Gilgallon is an award-winning actress and singer who hosts The Desert Scene on Radio 111. She also writes theater reviews for the Independent

One of our theater critics remembers a talented man who taught her so much

ARTS & CULTURE

NEW TYPE OF MUSICAL

By Valerie-jean (V.J.) Hume

We are so very fortunate to be living in the Coachella Valley. Take, for example, the musical Why Can’t the Trains Run on Time? It opened off-Broadway in 2009, and now, 13 years later, our valley is the host of its West Coast premiere!

We saw the show during its opening performance on Monday, Nov. 14, at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. It’s a musical, but don’t expect to see another Oklahoma! or Carousel. Oh, no: This show contains no rhyming verses, nor does it contain any repetitive rhythms. You will not leave the theater humming or whistling the melodies.

“What?” you may ask. This “new” style means that the songs cut right through to the

point of the words, despite their being magnificently accompanied by Chip Prince on piano, located at the back of the theater (even though sounded like it was onstage).

There are no printed programs, so let me introduce the players to you: Sonia Reavis is the bright blonde; the other female is a longhaired brunette, a young Lizzie Schmelling. The younger man is Daniel Bateman, and the slightly older man with the whiskers is Nunzio Sisto, the author and composer of the work. It is an impressive task to produce a work for the theater (trust me; I know), and Sisto worked with Michael C. Green and the rest of the folks at the Cultural Center to accomplish the task.

The audience—nearly a full house on opening night—faces a nearly bare stage upon entry; there are just a few chairs, which are reconfigured during the show to create different scenarios. The background, high up on the back wall, is a giant photo of a space, seemingly underground, with a litter-strewn floor. On one of the chairs we see two bottles of water; they become an important part of the plot. The actors themselves move the furniture between scenes.

The plot and the characters develop together. We find out each character is a survivor of a failed relationship; this becomes

a crucial point.

The actors use the theater itself to make entrances, coming down the long center aisle to climb onto the stage. They wear headset mics, with which they had a bit of trouble; this will probably be corrected by the time you see the show. The sound—just a little loud where we were sitting—is clear, but some of the actors dropped the last words of lines fairly consistently, which can lead some audience members to be confused.

The plot eventually becomes clear: These four people have been stranded in a subway station, with little prospect of rescue. They all know each other, and we gradually learn that they have a history. The resolution doesn’t come until the last few seconds of the play— and it will come as a surprise.

The second act brings some unusual blocking, with everyone wondering about themselves and how they are supposed to behave in a relationship with someone else. Songs like “Where Do I Fit In?” and “I Wish I’d Never Met You” convince us that life, at best, is messy. People reveal secrets about themselves and their relationships.

From a technical point of view, the actors appeared more involved with honoring the blocking they had learned than using the

lighting to their advantage. As a result, some of the main lines were delivered in the dark instead of in the light. This will no doubt be cleared up in time; it’s just a question of getting used to this stage. Every one of the actors was solidly into the memorization of the difficult lyrics and melodies.

The singers are confident and strong, and the play presses forward steadily. The action goes from intimate connection to staged presentation without apology.

Why Don’t the Trains Run on Time? offers

a fascinating look at a new form of musical theater—and it makes us wonder where it will go from here.

Why Can’t the Trains Run on Time? will be performed at 7 p.m., Monday, Nov. 21, Dec. 12, and Dec. 19, at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, in Palm Springs. A preshow reception starts at 6 p.m. The show is about two hours long, with one intermission. Tickets are $35. For tickets or more information, visit psculturalcenter.org.

‘Why Can’t the Trains Run on Time?’ makes its West Coast premiere at the Palm Springs Cultural Center

Nunzio Sisto, Daniel Bateman, Lizzie Schmelling and Sonia Reavis in the Palm Springs Cultural Center’s production of Why Can’t the Trains Run on Time?

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From prevention, to treatment, to rehabilitation, we put our hearts into caring for yours.

ON COCKTAILS

BY kevin carlow

I’ve had some embarrassing moments during my years of bartending, but this is a family paper, so I won’t go into details. Well, I’ll talk about one: I recently had to tell my Negroni-craving guests that I was out of Campari, and let me tell ya—that’s right up there with the rest. What kind of self-respecting craft-bar manager runs out of “bartender blood”? In my defense, I had no idea that this silly drink, the Sbagliato, was all the rage. Someone tell me these things next time! I’m not terribly up on social media; I’m too old for TikTok. Some of you may be blaming Gen Z if you couldn’t get a Negroni from me recently; others

simply might be wondering just what this cocktail is. Don’t worry—I’m going to cover that and rehash some other favorite “Negroni clones” as well.

First, let’s get this out of the way: Don’t pronounce the “g” in Sbagliato. It’s something like “spahl-yah-toh” … that’s close enough, as I’m only part Italian. Just like the origin story of the Negroni, it takes place in Milan. Also like the story of the Negroni, it’s total BS. Here it goes, anyway.

This is according to Difford’s Guide: Sometime in the 1980s, the owner of Bar Basso, Mirko Stocchetto, was mixing a Negroni. Someone had placed the spumante where the bottle of gin was supposed to be, and voila, the Sbagliato (or “mistake, incorrect”) Negroni was born.

That’s cute. Anyone who believes an experienced bartender would mistake a bottle of sparkling wine for a bottle of gin probably thinks an experienced carpenter would mistake a hammer for a screwdriver. It’s absolutely ludicrous, and if you don’t believe me, go to the liquor store and try it. They’re not even similar!

Anyway, the “mistake” caught on (in some circles), and now it’s gone viral. For the record, I do believe this drink was made by mistake, but from my experience, I’d guess it was an untrained bartender who forgot or never knew how to make a Negroni who was responsible. I’m imagining Mirko walking in and catching the kid making them; right before a classic “restaurant owner meltdown” (I’ve witnessed a few), he actually tried the drink. He thought it wasn’t so bad, fired the kid on the spot, and took credit.

There, fellow cocktail nerds: I have solved the mystery, and this is the actual story behind the drink. At least in my mind. This drink could have fit right in with my recent column on low ABV cocktails; I did actually consider adding it. Maybe I am on trend after all. Either way, it has a little more punch than an Americano, but less than a Negroni, so it’s perfect for afternoon cocktail hours and preprandial conversation alike. Think of it as the Aperol Spritz’s big

sister; if the spritz is a college cheerleader, the Sbagliato runs her own business. In a funny way, they both take after their grandmother: The Americano, (Campari, Italian vermouth and soda water) begot the Negroni when someone (probably not a noble) replaced the soda water with gin. It only makes sense that, at some point, someone would have put bubbles back into the equation; it was just a matter of time.

So, without any further ado, here is the traditional Negroni Sbagliato recipe:

1 ounce of Campari

1 ounce of Italian vermouth (I like the kind from Torino)

2 ounces of prosecco or spumante

Build over one large cube of ice, or several cubes, if you don’t have one large cube. Garnish with a twist or wheel of orange.

Is the Sbagliato too lightweight to be your go-to “cool cocktail”? No worries; there is also the Negroni Spumante, with the recipe also from Difford’s Guide:

1 ounce of gin

1 ounce of Campari

1 ounce of sweet vermouth

Build over ice; top with spumante or any dry sparkling white wine. Stir lightly; garnish with an orange peel.

I’m down the Negroni rabbit hole now, and it never ends. You can make a Negroni variation with vodka; you can make one with orange vodka (for better results); you can top either of those with sparkling wine to make a variation of the Negroni Spumante. See what is happening here? TikTok fame is just around the corner; experiment!

How about something a little more traditional, but in the same vein? The Boulevardier might be just what you’re looking for. I’ve covered it before, but here is the recipe without all of the jibber-jabber. This is how most bartenders make it these days, but the original recipe from Harry MacElhone has equal parts, just like a proper Negroni.

1 1/2 ounces of rye whiskey

3/4 ounce of Campari

3/4 ounce of sweet vermouth

Stir; serve up, and garnish with an orange zest.

OK, you might have had a Boulevardier, but chances are you’ve never had an Old Pal. Also by MacElhone, it’s basically a Boulevardier with dry vermouth. Of course, I go back to equal parts for this one, and I use mezcal instead of whiskey … so it’s a mezcal Negroni with dry vermouth instead of sweet. Honestly, at a certain point, all of the variations collide. Call it whatever you’d like; some people call the mezcal version an Amigo Viejo.

1 ounce of rye whiskey (or mezcal)

1 ounce of Campari

1 ounce of dry vermouth

Build over ice; stir; garnish a with lemon peel. None of these cocktails is as good as the

Negroni, which was invented live on TikTok by Stanley Tucci in 2020. (I’m kidding, of course, but I’m not sure some people would know that.) Variety is the spice of life, as they say, so try some of these cocktails; you won’t be disappointed. You can always come back to the original Negroni:

1 ounce of gin

1 ounce of Campari

1 ounce of sweet vermouth

Stir over ice; garnish with an orange peel. Now I need to go log on to see what liquor I need to stock up on next …

Kevin Carlow can be reached at inahotdryplace@gmail.com.

The Sbagliato and its Negroni cousins are all the rage these days, so make sure you have plenty of Campari

The Negroni Sbagliato. KEVIN CARLOW

VINE SOCIAL

By Katie finn

n December, there is a little-known date that needs some attention. No, this isn’t a sarcastic reference to Christmas, or Hanukkah, or Kwanza. I’m very sincerely talking about Dec. 5— National Repeal Day, the anniversary of the day when the American ban on alcohol was lifted.

Amendment was ratified, officially criminalizing the creation, sale and consumption of alcohol as of one year later. Fueled by the belief that outlawing alcohol would ostensibly end poverty, crime, mental illness and—most importantly—the act of getting drunk,

law grew as citizens became more and more resentful toward the government. But what’s more, as Prohibition strangled this country

On Dec. 5, raise a glass to celebrate National Repeal Day

infamous Al Capone made millions distributing any kind of bathtub concoction they could get their hands on. It’s been said that tens of thousands of people died from the industrial alcohols, wood alcohols and cleaning products that were boiled down and mixed with Godknows-what to simply make it palatable. As organized crime increased, so did civil

conviviality. There were no public gatherings in communal celebration over a glass of wine, a pint of beer or a whiskey on the rocks. Prohibition wiped away the progress this relatively young country had made with the art of fermentation. The careful and thoughtful practices of distillation using quality ingredients was gone. Traditions surrounding the art of brewing were demonized, and family

saloons and taverns were vandalized, or even burned down.

Unemployment was skyrocketing; tax revenue was dropping; organized crime had become increasingly more brutal and violent. Then the stock market crashed. This was not the world the teetotalers had envisioned, and support for the pro-dry movement was fading.

Finally, on Dec. 5, 1933, the 21st Amendment was ratified when Utah (of all places) voted to repeal Prohibition, giving the country the much-needed three-quarters majority for Congress to turn the proverbial spigots back on.

Life in this country had been forever changed because of Prohibition. But not all of it was bad—some good that came from this dark time, too.

Because of the speakeasies, it became acceptable for women to be in a bar with men. Up until the Roaring ’20s, bars were considered rowdy and dirty places, reserved for men only. Only women of ill repute were supposedly seen in a tavern or saloon. The speakeasies made it possible for girls to knock one back with the boys, out of sight from the prying eyes of nosy neighbors. In addition to women simply being allowed in, these underground clubs and boozy hideaways ended the era of chaperoned courtship and led to (gasp!) casual dating. Young ladies no longer needed to be accompanied by a protective parent and could meet their dreamboat freely at the secret watering hole.

It was during this same time that women got the right to vote—ironically, due in part to their involvement with and support of the 18th Amendment: Women were now a persuasive voice in the political arena. The 19th Amendment was ratified, and women were empowered for the first time to have jobs, earn money and become decision-makers in their homes.

The jazz age was born during Prohibition and launched the careers of some of the greatest musicians of all-time. Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway and Earl Hines (just to name a few) were in high demand at the illicit underground clubs and speakeasies, and their place in history made jazz a bona fide American music genre. The popularity of jazz music caused white kids to venture away from their segregated neighborhoods and head to the predominately Black districts to listen to the “pop music” of their generation. Even though segregation was the rule, the era saw the rise in “Black and tan” clubs, where it was normal to see interracial socializing, dancing and mingling.

This Dec. 5 marks the 89th anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition and commemorates the only time in history where one constitutional amendment abolished another. But what truly makes this day holiday-worthy is who it celebrates: the vineyard workers picking the grapes in the middle of the night. The brewmasters developing new craft beers from unique ingredients. Distillers striving for the cleanest, purest spirits they can create. Winemakers, bartenders, sommeliers, cicerones and you—the people who savor and enjoy the fruits of the labor that make these beverages possible.

On Monday, Dec. 5, pop into the local pub, tasting room or bar. Raise a glass to the patrons, and have a toast. Maybe even buy someone a drink. Grab a bottle of wine or some beer on the way home from work—if for no other reason than to celebrate the fact that you can

Cheers!

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.

Orange County deputies dump illegal booze in Santa Ana on March 31, 1932. Orange County Archives via Wikimedia

CAESAR CERVISIA

By brett newton

rom time to time, I get to use this space to highlight local places that are doing things well. Given how small the Coachella Valley beer scene is, these opportunities are a bit rare—but this month, I’m happy to shout-out a place I’ve been enjoying since it opened. I’ve talked about it with people I know, but haven’t mentioned it here yet, for some reason:

I was there shortly after O’Caine’s opened in March 2019. It was on my drive home from work at the time, and my co-workers were there ahead of me while I closed up the taproom. I only had

flabbergasted—in the best possible way— that there was no Bud Light, and no Coors Light, and no other mass-produced-lightlager-you’ve-suffered-through on tap. I knew I would have to come back for pints after work whenever I could.

“My family opened the pub on March 15, 2019,” says Mark Pierce, who was kind enough to answer some of my questions.

“Our mindset when opening the pub was to bring a piece of Ireland to the valley. We grew up in pubs like ours back on the East Coast. We wanted the community to be able to enjoy true pub culture: good food, drink and music.”

Pierce loves all things Irish due to his heritage—County Kerry on his father’s side, Derry in Ulster on his mother’s.

“Anyone who’s ever been there will tell you it’s easy to fall in love with the Old Sod,” Pierce says. “It’s chock-full of history and culture.”

His family’s background informed what he wanted on tap. He faced pressure from beer distributors to change his mind—a pressure Mark has steadfastly resisted.

“There has been pressure since day one. No one understood my vision of having an allIrish tap lineup,” he says. “Guinness and Harp were no-brainers; they understood that. After those two, I was getting hit up with all kinds of suggestions: ‘This is what sells here; this is what sells there,’ was what I kept hearing. My answer was always, ‘Well, let me tell you what will sell here!’”

His vision for O’Caine’s taps did change a bit due to availability. Melissa, the bartender, told me of the extreme amount of Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale they would need to order just to keep it on tap—something like 20 kegs a month, an impossible amount without help from another bar in the desert. They have also added O’Hara’s Stout, Old Speckled Hen

and Lagunitas IPA to fill out the remaining taps. Trust me: You want to try both O’Hara’s equally gorgeous; frankly, the stout blows Guinness and Murphy’s away for flavor. And if you’re still missing the Kilkenny like I do, they have nitrogenated cans of Wexford Cream Ale, which is no slouch by any means.

The COVID lockdown hit them as hard as anyone else, of course.

“The lockdown had us on the ropes, like a boxer,” Pierce says, “but it never entered our mindset to give up. It’s hard for us to feel sorry for ourselves, when every small business was affected by it. While the lack of customers bringing revenue in was troubling, we were at the same time still paying our full rent, insurance, utilities, etc.”

Not to disrespect Pierce and co.’s hard work and determination, but the history of cool things in the Coachella Valley going away, combined with the severity of the pandemic, had me assuming O’Caine’s would not be there when we got to the other side. I was incredibly pleased to be wrong.

O’Caine’s excels beyond the beer selection. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming; there is often live music. The Irish whiskey section is incredible, the likes of which I haven’t seen in the valley ever, and the food I’ve had has been excellent, including a truly awesome Reuben sandwich made with Irishstyle corned beef. (It is my favorite Reuben locally, and I’ve been a lover of the sandwich my whole life.)

As for the future of O’Caine’s?

“I hope it’s a bright one!” Pierce says. “The area is starting to build up, and more and more people are finding us for the first time. We’re a proud Irish-American-run establishment. We’ve had some growing pains, but think the product we have now is as close to the best that it’ll get. We love Rancho Mirage and the whole Coachella Valley, and hope we’re contributing in our own small way to making it that much better.

A true public house is meant to bring the community together, and we think that’s the

O’Caine’s Irish Pub in Rancho Mirage has an Irish beer selection that’s unparalleled in the Coachella Valley

Brett Newton is a certified cicerone (like a sommelier for beer) and homebrewer who has mostly lived in the Coachella Valley since 1988. He

caesarcervisia@gmail.com.

FOOD & DRINK INDY ENDORSEMENT

This month, we savor the fare at two of the west valley’s top Italian restaurants

By Jimmy Boegle

WHAT Spaghetti carbonara

WHERE Sammy’s Place, 69034 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City

HOW MUCH $24

CONTACT 760-770-4030 WHY It’s a perfectly balanced dish. Sammy Pace was one of the most influential Coachella Valley restaurateurs in recent decades. He was a co-owner of Trilussa (in Cathedral City) and Sammy G’s Tuscan Grill (in downtown Palm Springs) before leaving them and starting Sammy’s Place, a little spot tucked into the corner of the shopping center at Palm Canyon and Date Palm drives in Cathedral City. He was much-loved due to his philanthropy, most notably his work on the annual Sammy’s International Meatball Festival, a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club of Cathedral City. Pace died in September at the age of 79. I’m sad that I never got to meet him in person—but I am glad that Sammy’s Place lives on, thanks to his business partner, Scott Robertson.

I met some friends at Sammy’s Place on a recent Friday for a lovely dinner. The atmosphere was cheerful, and the service was friendly and welcoming—but the food was undeniably the highlight of the visit.

In particular, the spaghetti carbonara (shown here with a meatball) I had the good fortune of ordering was excellent. Carbonara is a dish with fairly simple ingredients— cheese, eggs, pasta, black pepper and some sort of cured pork—that can be surprisingly difficult to properly prepare. However, Sammy’s kitchen had no problems: Their version—which also includes caramelized onions, peas and cream, with bacon as the meat—is fantastic. It was creamy and decadent, with bursts of freshness (thank you, peas), sweetness and saltiness. Health food, this is not, but I ate the whole thing with no regrets.

I do regret not making it to Sammy’s Place before Mr. Pace’s death—but I am very happy I can still enjoy his delicious food.

WHAT Cannelloni

WHERE Palmina by Puglia, 2500 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

HOW MUCH $27

CONTACT 760-770-4030; www. palminabypuglia.com

WHY The sauce.

Foodie friends were upset when Venezia—a much-loved Italian restaurant at Palm Canyon and Racquet Club drives in Palm Springs— closed last year.

However, sometimes things just work out: The Italian restaurant that opened in the same space soon thereafter is even better.

Palmina by Puglia is owned by the same folks who run Puglia Italian Restaurant at Lake Arrowhead, and I’ve been hearing nearly nonstop raves since it opened its doors earlier this year. The hubby and I finally made it in for dinner on a recent Sunday night—and now we’re the ones raving about it.

Simply put, we had some of the best Italian fare we’ve had in the Coachella Valley. Palmina isn’t perfect; while the service is stellar, the atmosphere is somewhat ho-hum, and some items can be pricey. (More on that in a moment.) But there’s no denying that the food is fantastic.

In fact, I can’t stop thinking about the cannelloni. Here’s the menu description: “Homemade egg pasta rolled with grass-fed ground beef and pork, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, (and) Italian herbs and spices, topped with besciamella (béchamel) and Bolognese sauce.” The key words there are “Bolognese sauce”: The flavor of the sauce had so much depth and nuance. In fact, it was the best restaurant Bolognese I’ve ever had.

Everything we had was splendid, from the minestrone soup ($15) to the spaghetti carbonara, a “regular special” prepared tableside ($49). However, a warning: If you’re on a budget, ask how much the specials are before ordering. We had no issue with the $49 carbonara because of the tableside prep, but we were floored to see that the culurgiones— five pasta dumplings stuffed with cheese, potatoes and mint—we had as an appetizer cost $38.

Nonetheless, we will be back, and we’ll be back soon. Palmina’s food is just so, so good.

By charles drabkin

WANT TO DINE OUT FOR THE HOLIDAYS? PLAN AHEAD!

In this resort community, it’s not uncommon for people to go out to restaurants for their holiday meals. Although I love to cook, instead of making turkey this year, I made reservations for Thanksgiving. (Thank you, Johannes!)

If you’re planning to go out for Christmas or New Year’s Eve, make reservations early—because things fill up! We have many great options here in the valley, with restaurants offering special multicourse meals or elaborate buffets and even live entertainment. A few of my favorites, in no particular order, are The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage, the Purple Room (Palm Springs), LG’s Prime Steak House (Palm Springs and La Quinta), Copley’s (Palm Springs), the aforementioned Johannes (Palm Springs), Vicky’s of Santa Fe (Indian Wells) and, of course, any of the casinos.

One more thing: Make sure you tip your servers well, as these people are working on the holidays to help make yours a bit merrier!

IT’S TIME TO GET YOUR TAMALE ON

One of the year’s most delicious events is almost here: The 30th Annual Indio Tamale Festival is back and has expanded to four days—Thursday, Dec. 1, through Sunday, Dec. 4.

In addition to delicious tamales, this year’s festival features musical acts, a holiday night market, rides, roller-skating and the world’s biggest bounce house. Admission is free for all ages, although attendees pay for food and certain attractions. The festival does offer a $49 VIP pass, which includes expedited entry, an exclusive VIP area with premium viewing of the main stage, three tamales and non-alcoholic beverages, and more.

Full disclosure: I have never been to the Tamale Festival, mostly because I despise standing in line for food (even more than I love tamales). However, Matt King, our music scribe, knows the festival well, and he talked to the new culinary director about this year’s food offerings; turn the page to read all about it.

For more information on the festival, visit indiotamalefestival.com.

IN BRIEF

Yucca Valley’s historic airport, located at 57360 Aviation Drive, has a new restaurant, The Copper Room, named after the original restaurant in the building. The small menu has a mix of bar food classics as well as an interesting-looking cocktail menu. Learn more at thecopperroom1957.com. … Basil Thai has opened in old town La Quinta—specifically at 50855 Washington St.—offering a combination of Thai and Vietnamese food. It’s the sister restaurant to Le Basil in Palm Desert, which has long been an Independent staff favorite. Get more information at basilthailq.com. … Speaking of Thai food: One of Cathedral City’s newest restaurants is Desert Thai Authentic Thai Cuisine, which recently opened near the Mary Pickford Theatre, at 68718 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Unit 103. The only direct internet or social media presence for the restaurant we could find was an Instagram page with one photo (Instagram.com/desert_thai), but you can find the restaurant on ToastTab. … Rancho Mirage has a new place to get bubble tea—Chakaa Tea Shoppe, at The River, which means its address is 71800 Highway 111. Although this location does not have a website that we could find as of this writing, its sister location in San Diego does, and it’s chakaausa.com. … The Habitat Burger Grill chain is opening a new location in Cathedral City, next to the Baskin Robbins at 31375 Date Palm Drive. The company says it will open sometime next year, but was not willing to narrow that time frame down, given the potential for construction delays and the possibility of further disruptions to the supply chain. The corporate website is www. habitburger.com. … An update on the Mexican restaurant opening in the former Smoke Tree BBQ location, at 1775 E. Palm Canyon Drive, No. 405, in Palm Springs: The owner tells me it will be called Low Desert; the under-construction website is lowdesert.net. Keep your fingers crossed for an opening in early December.

The Venue REPORT

DecEMber 2022

By matt king

MUSIC

TAMALES AND TUNES

By matt king

The Indio International Tamale Festival has been celebrating Coachella Valley culture— including the art of the tamale, of course—for three decades.

Gladys Knight

It’s December already! Happy holiday season! Enjoy all that the valley has to offer this month—and stay safe!

Fantasy Springs has some shows worth checking out. At 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 2, catch the all-female Irish music ensemble Celtic Woman perform a special “Christmas Symphony.” Tickets start at $49. Rescheduled from last month, classic rock outfit Cheap Trick is headed to Indio at 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10. Tickets start at $49. At 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 17, celebrate Christmas a little early with “A Holiday Celebration” show by the legendary Gladys Knight. Tickets start at $49. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio; 760-342-5000; www. fantasyspringsresort.com.

Agua Caliente in Rancho Mirage has a wide variety of entertainment offerings. At 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3, catch The Price Is Right Live, a live stage show version of one of America’s most popular TV game shows. Tickets start at $35. Returning to The Show stage once again at 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 9, is Australia’s Thunder From Down Under, the top male revue in the world! Tickets start at $15. At 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10, the iconic and jazzy Harry Connick Jr. will perform a holiday show. Tickets start at $145. In the mood for some standup? Catch the best ventriloquist to do it when Jeff Dunham comes to town on 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 16. Tickets start at $85.

Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage, 32250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage; 888-9991995; www.hotwatercasino.com.

Agua Caliente in Cathedral City is hosting a free event this month, but you have to RSVP. Catch local favorites The Dreamboats play a rockin’ set at the Agave Caliente Terraza at 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3. Agua Caliente Cathedral City, 68960 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City; 888-999-1995; www. aguacalientecasinos.com/cc.

Agua Caliente in Palm Springs rolls on with its trio of residencies. On Wednesdays, experience Desert Blues Revival with three-time Best of Coachella Valley winners The Gand Band continuing their Chicago Blues Caravan (Dec. 7), local saxophone star Deanna Bogart

Last year, the hometown festival grew significantly when CUSP Agency came on board to produce the event. Former Goldenvoice employee Gopi Sangha and his team brought in popular national musicians, combined them with local bands, and added more modern vendors, roller-

skating, wrestling—and more.

This year, the Tamale Festival is back for its 30th anniversary edition—and it has grown even more. The event, newly hosted at the Miles Avenue Park, has expanded to four days of programming, featuring a night market on Thursday and Friday dubbed Mercadito de Noche. Bands performing include Banda Machos, La Santa Cecilia, Together Pangea and others, taking the stage along with locals like Israel’s Arcade, Las Tías and Town Troubles. (Full disclosure: I am performing at this year’s event.)

“We were very satisfied with the experience that we sought to produce (last year), and I think it was received fairly well amongst the community,” Sangha said during a recent phone interview. “Everyone tried new things, and everyone responded to new things, so we took that as direction, and refined the things

that we thought could have been better, and then reinforced the things that went well. The luchadores we had programmed at Tamale Festival last year were just a huge hit, so we’re coming back with even more wrestlers, and even more matches, and creating a really nice experience for what we call the Chavela Throwdown.”

The Mercadito de Noche is designed to be a “shopping, retail, dining experience” that is family-friendly.

“Rides and attractions will be available, and we have really beautiful festive lighting coming in,” Sangha said. “We have some great entertainment on each of those nights, and then Saturday and Sunday, we go into the full festival, with our two large stages playing music, I think, for almost 20 hours through the weekend. With the extended hours, and it being the 30th anniversary, we have more bands than ever, which gives us the ability to program different sounds and music experiences for multigenerational families. It’s bigger, badder and, I think, funner.

“We are moving to Miles Avenue Park this year due to all the development downtown, but we really think that it’s going to be a bucolic and comfortable experience there with the trees and the grass.”

Last year, the downtown Indio setting proved to be a little cramped with all of the added stages, vendors, rides and, most importantly, people. Organizers hope the move to Miles Avenue Park will solve many of those issues.

“We’re definitely trying a new venue, but luckily, we have great interest from the tamale vendors, which are the core of this experience,” Sangha said. “If anything, I think the public and the residents are going to have a beautiful day in the park. It’s as simple as that. … We’re hoping this is a welcomed direction for the festival as a whole.”

The Tamale Festival’s growth is just one element of the city of Indio’s revitalization efforts. I asked Sangha what he and his team of curators, largely based in Los Angeles and Pomona, see in the city of Indio.

“I think Indio, as a place, is at an interesting sort of nexus in cultural and physical ways,” Sangha said. “It has relationships to metros

like Los Angeles and San Diego, but it also has relationships to places like Mexicali and Tijuana, and Yuma and Tucson and Phoenix. Indio, I think, has a lot of commonalities in being this sort of transitory place, and so we try our best to reflect that in this musical curation with Rene Contreras (booker of Viva! Pomona and the Sonora stage at Coachella), who has long been a music curator who collaborates with me. We want to speak to families, mothers, fathers, abuelas and kids. It’s hard to book enough star power to satisfy everyone, but if we sort of dig deep, and think about what makes a fun experience, the answer starts getting clearer to us. We’re wanting to book English- and Spanish-language heroes from the region, and local bands that may not be familiar to the older generations, but their sounds will be. We’re even being mindful of the youngsters and making sure that there are fun things for them, like DJ Lance Rock of Yo Gabba Gabba!, or even Hip Hop Harry, or some really bright, poppy guitar sounds from the Aggrolites. … We’re really happy with how things have come together.”

Sangha said the performers are also happy to be coming to Indio and the Tamale Festival.

“The bands do want to be a part of this, because they genuinely think it sounds fun,” Sangha said. “We’ve gotten great feedback from the bands, and they’re excited to be a part of something that’s for the community that is free admission, and that has a slate of talent that is a one-of-a-kind curation. Bands sort of get pigeonholed into bills and tour packaging and things of that nature, so I think this has been a welcome offer to them to come play at the Tamale Festival.”

While the Tamale Festival has grown and evolved in the last two years, make no mistake: Tamales are still at the event’s center.

Last year, Outside the Masa took home the triple crown of trophies—Best Gourmet, Best Traditional, and Overall Best Tamale—so it makes sense this this year, Outside the Masa co-founder Juan Carlos was asked to be the festival’s culinary director.

Carlos and his family’s business was born at the Tamale Festival in 2017.

“What was supposed to be a just-for-fun kind of booth, just to showcase my dad’s birria, ended up turning into this huge monster of an endeavor that we took on as a family kind of affair,” Carlos said during a recent phone interview. “Last year, because it was postCOVID, we really didn’t know what to expect. We definitely didn’t expect to take the triple

Some 2021 Tamale Festival offerings.

The Indio International Tamale Festival continues to grow with a new location and two extra nights

MUSIC

crown of the trophies, either. To take all three trophies was insane, but at the same time, it was so exciting. It was like validation for my parents’ cooking and everything that we had done since our beginning in the Tamale Festival.”

While Outside the Masa had been a festival vendor since 2017, 2021 was the first year in which the Carlos family participated in the competition aspect. Previously, tamales had to be stored and judged later; last year, the competition changed to a live tasting.

“We call them the ‘inside out tamale,’ which was the way that our tamale was constructed— hence the name Outside the Masa,” Carlos said. “We bring all of the ingredients together and assemble the tamale in front of the customers.

For that reason, we didn’t really care about participating (in the competition before the format change), because we knew that our particular tamale was not fit for that.

“Last year, a panel of six people were going booth to booth, asking if we wanted to participate in the contest. At that point, we were like, ‘OK, you’re here. We could give you the tamale, and you can taste it instantly.’ A few hours later—that’s when they came in with the trophy for Overall Best Tamale. My dad was there; my brothers were there, (with) my mom and everybody. It was such an amazing moment. A bit surreal in a way, but at the same time, we really did deserve it. When we started this project, it was always about the quality and the tradition, and keeping it as real as possible. Everything that we had worked for paid off.”

Carlos said his journey with Outside the Masa is helping him as the festival’s new culinary director.

“Seeing those other pop-ups kind of strug gling at certain events or street fairs—I was there at one point, so for me, helping my col leagues and my fellow foodies has been a pas sion of mine,” Carlos said. “It’s the opportunity for me to connect with all these local vendors and outside vendors and guide them through the process, because I’ve been there.

“Right now, my role is to try to scout some of the local vendors, and some of the previous vendors as well, and reach out to them, and tell them about the program. The Tamale Festival is definitely going through some changes— so many new good changes—so I talk to them about what’s going on, and about why participating is somehow cool and important if you’re going to be part of this food industry. (I also talk about) how they helped me, and maybe will potentially help them, grow as a business. We started from a pop-up and then a food truck, and now we’re looking into getting a brick-and-mortar. My role is to … look for those families who always wanted to participate, but they’re a little bit intimidated by the process. Sometimes there’s also a language barrier in between, so that’s my role in being the culinary director.”

CVINDEPENDENT.COM/MUSIC

While the growth of the Tamale Festival has been well-received overall, some longtime tamale vendors became intimidated and didn’t return in 2021.

“The balance is trying to balance the traditional part of the festival that has been happening for the last 29 years, before CUSP Agency took over, and adapting the newer and more modern approach to the festival,” Carlos said. “Only time will tell where these changes are going, but I personally believe it’s really for the good… but, yeah, it is intimidating. It’s something that we have to work with.

“The tamales are still popular—as popular as before. I think the pandemic also helped a lot of people to start selling tamales. I see my Facebook and Instagram, and see everybody selling tamales … because now they have the time, and now they realize that they could do that as a business. I’m scouting those families and looking at those posts to see who’s doing the tamales, and talk to them about participating in the Tamale Festival.”

Carlos is also working with CUSP Agency on a new “tamale consignment program,” through which locals will be able to sell their tamales without being full-fledged vendors.

“This is a way for the families who are doing small batches of tamales … or that old-school tia or abuelita who everybody knows of that has those delicious tamales that she’s been selling for years, (to participate),” Carlos said. “It’s a program where they could participate at the Tamale Festival without having to fully partici pate with having a booth and having a big infra structure and the investment to do it. … During the weekend, Saturday and Sunday, we can sell and showcase those tamales to the public.

“It’s a very smart and a very new program, so again, the challenge has been making them understand what the program is about, and how they could participate without really investing so much money into a full booth. It’s been challenging, because sometimes they don’t get it. They’re like, ‘OK, so why am I making these tamales? And why are they taking a cut? And why are they doing this?’ But at the same time, I think it’s very cool to allow them to participate. We’re also going to (share with attendees) a little story—a little history of the vendors participating, where they from, what their names are, and what they specialize in, so the community and the attendees will know where the tamales are from. I think that’s such a cool experience for families just to be out there, and have their name out there.”

The Indio International Tamale Festival will take place from 5 to 10 p.m., Thursday and Friday, Dec. 1 and 2; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3; and noon to 8 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 4, at Miles Avenue Park, 82524 Miles Ave., in Indio. Admission is free; passes for rides and attractions are $16.95 to $49. For more information, visit www. indiotamalefestival.com.

The Venue REPORT

and friends (Dec. 14), the bluesy rocker Lester Lands and friends (Dec. 21), and the east L.A. blues of The Disciplez (Dec. 28). Shows are every Wednesday at 7 p.m., and tickets start at $10, available at eventspalmsprings.com/blues.

On Thursdays, check out Jazzville with a soul and Christmas mix from Greg Adams and East Bay Soul Holiday Show (Dec. 1), local favorite the Paul McDonald Little Big Band with guest vocalists Hope Diamond and Jay Jackson (Dec. 8), the burlesque, tap and jazz mix of Joie de Vivre Cabaret (Dec. 15), a Christmas performance by Jazzville favorite Phat Cat Swinger (Dec. 22), and the jazzy trumpet and vocal skills of the Brian Swartz Quartet (Dec. 29). Shows take place at 7 p.m., and tickets start at $10, available at jazzvillepalmsprings. com. On Fridays, enjoy Caliente Comedy with Jackie Kashian (Dec. 2), Dean Austin (Dec. 9), Matthew Maloney (Dec. 16) and James Adomian (Dec. 23). Shows are every Friday at 8 p.m., and tickets start at $7.99, available at www.eventspalmsprings.com/caliente-comedy. Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs, 401 E. Amado Road, Palm Springs; 888-999-1995; www. sparesortcasino.com.

There are so many ways to celebrate Christmas at the McCallum Theatre! In 1914, Allied and German soldiers put down their arms to celebrate the holiday together by trading carols, sharing food and drink, playing soccer and burying the dead. Combining both artifacts and music, All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 is performed at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 6. Tickets start at $35. At 7 p.m., Monday, Dec. 12, experience Alton Brown Live: Beyond the Eats—The Holiday Variant. Be prepared for comedy, music and, of course, cooking demos. Tickets start at $55. Experience a multicultural Christmas celebration at 7 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 18, with Merri-Achi Christmas, featuring a performance by Mariachi Sol de Mexico de José Hernàndez. Tickets start at $25. McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert; 760-340-2787; www. mccallumtheatre.com.

At Morongo, there are few tickets left for these three events! At 9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 9, catch comedian Marlon Wayans for a special desert performance. Tickets are $49. Latin act Legado 7 heads to the stage at 9 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10. Tickets start at $39. At 6 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 11, witness Filipino singer Lani Misalucha perform her “Yesterday Once More” show. Tickets are $59. Morongo Casino Resort Spa, 49500 Seminole Drive, Cabazon; 800252-4499; www.morongocasinoresort.com.

Pappy and Harriet’s is bringing the heat this cold December. For their 30th anniversary tour, ’90s rock band Everclear is pulling double duty on Friday, Dec. 2, performing an early show at 8 p.m., and a late show at 10:30 p.m. Tickets start at $46 for one show, or $82 for both.

Indie/ alternative band Built to Spill is also two-timing the dustbowl, at 9:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 9, and Saturday, Dec. 10. Tickets start at $40. At 9 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 18, electrifying swing revivalist band Squirrel Nut Zippers will shake up the indoor stage. Tickets are $40. New alternative hard-rock group Liily is headed to the desert at 9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 23. Tickets are $10. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace, 53688 Pioneertown Road, Pioneertown; 760-228-2222; www.pappyandharriets.com.

The AWE Bar has emerged in the high desert with a full slate of entertainment! At 8 p.m., Friday, Dec, 16, Chris Shiflett (of the Foo Fighters) will perform alongside Fox Fagan Tickets are $22.66 to see the Foo do some solo material. Psych-rock jammers Earthless will rock the AWE stage at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 17. Tickets are $22.66. Celebrate New Year’s Eve in true desert fashion at 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 31, with Gibby Haynes (Butthole Surfers), Victims Family and the desert all-star lineup of The Rummer Snake Charmers (Dino Lalli, Brant Bjork, Sean Wheeler, Ryan Gut, Otis Link, Herb Lineau). Tickets are $28.33. You must be 21+ to attend. AWE Bar, 56193 29 Palms Highway, Yucca Valley. www.awe-bar.com

The Purple Room in Palm Springs has a festive December in store. Singing strippers The Skivvies are back again to perform their Christmas show at 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 2, and Saturday, Dec. 3. At 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 16, and Saturday, Dec. 17, Purple Room favorites Branden and James return, this time with vocalist Effie Passero from Postmodern Jukebox and American Idol. Tickets start at $45. Honoring the spirit of Judy Garland, Judy’s Old-Fashioned Christmas! featuring Michael Holmes is back, with only one show not sold out as of this writing, at 7 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 18. Tickets are $35. All ticketed shows include 6 p.m. dinner reservations. Michael Holmes’ Purple Room, 1900 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs; 760-322-4422; www. purpleroompalmsprings.com.

Your choice for Best Outdoor Venue, Oscar’s in Palm Springs offers up varied options for your December evenings. At 6 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 1, catch the Michael Orland Open Mic, an event our readers voted as Best Open Mic. This special Christmas edition will feature Mary Bridget Davies as co-host. Tickets are $25. It’s a drag-tastic Christmas celebration at 6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10, with Jackie Beat’s “War on Christmas” show. Tickets start at $29. At 6 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., celebrate New Year’s Eve the Palm Springs way with Drag Me Into 2023, featuring four great drag acts! Tickets start at $59. Most Oscar’s shows include a dinner reservation with a $20 food/drink minimum. Oscar’s Palm Springs, 125 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs; 760-325-1188; oscarspalmsprings.com/events.

MUSIC

LUCKY 13 the

NAME Carrick O’Dowd GROUP Garb

by matt king

What was the first album you owned?

The first record I remember buying was In the Aeroplane Over the Sea by Neutral Milk Hotel. I do remember a Jimmy Buffett CD laying around as a kid I used to listen to all the time.

What bands are you listening to right now?

I could name so many, but I’ll name five: Flesh water, They Are Gutting a Body of Water, Fee ble Little Horse, Alms, and Blue Smiley.

What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?

Stephen Sondheim heavily.

What’s your favorite music venue? The Lodge Room in L.A., currently. The Silent Barn in Brooklyn, N.Y., in the past (RIP).

What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head? “Jordan wanted to sign with Adidas for shoes / But Nike gave him an offer that he could not refuse / It wasn’t a pizza that poisoned him in Utah / With a hotel bill to prove / Three thousand dollars on just five dudes,” “Hangover Game,” by MJ Lenderman.

What band or artist changed your life? It would probably be Slint. Learning that they were all teenagers, not really knowing what they were doing, creating the most intricate, dark and meaningful music made me believe I could do it, too.

You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking? I’m asking Corey Feldman how he got the Snoop Dogg feature on his amazing album Angelic 2 the Core.

What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get? Nothing comes to mind, honestly. There’s art in everything.

What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live? Al Green.

MORE INFO Slowcore and emotional-rock band Garb has been hard at work. Debut album stiff as a feather came out in September, and since then, the group has captured the hearts of locals and out-of-towners alike. The band has had both valley shows and slots in Los Angeles and beyond, supporting stiff and honing their brand of heavy shoegaze rock. Hear more at garb.bandcamp.com. Carrick O’Dowd is the vocalist and guitarist.

What was the first concert you attended? It’s hard to say; probably Coachella in 2009.

I don’t know. I appreciate it all, for the most part. I’ve found it hard to get into Bladee and the Drain Gang, but even then, I like some of their songs.

What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live? Weezer with Matt Sharp on bass.

What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?

No such thing. Probably musical theater, considering it’s out there, and not a lot of people in the music scene expect that I love

What song would you like played at your funeral? “The Sunshine State” by Farrah Abraham.

Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time? Apple O’ by Deerhoof.

What song should everyone listen to right now? “Wavy Maze” by Goon.

NAME Deanna Bogart MORE INFO Deanna Bogart is one talented musician. Her blues skills extend to vocal, piano and saxophone, and the local great has performed alongside legends like B.B. King and James Brown. Bogart’s songs take her all over the nation, yet she still blesses the valley with regular performances. You can catch Bogart perform at Agua Caliente Palm Springs as a part of the Desert Blues Revival series on Wednesday, Dec. 14. For more info, visit eventspalmsprings.com.

What was the first concert you attended?

The Carpenters, and I was 10; Pine Knob in Detroit. Karen was playing the drums and singing like a bird! There’s more to the story, but that’s for another time.

What was the first album you owned? The first record I bought was a 45, Ohio Express, “Yummy Yummy Yummy.”

What bands are you listening to right now?

Joni Mitchell’s Court and Spark, The R&B Box, Danny Gatton, and Ben Webster.

What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?

Well, when my daughter was growing up, she made me listen to techno music, which is just electronic beats—but, damn, I loved it sometimes.

What’s your favorite music venue? The Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise.

What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?

“We’re still a-livin so everything’s OK,” “Everything’s Okay,” by Hank Williams.

What band or artist changed your life?

Jay McShann (Kansas City ’20s/’30s/’40s), Glenn Gould, Bill Haley and His Comets (started my boogie woogie world).

You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?

“Hey, Paul, wanna meet for coffee?”

What song would you like played at your funeral?

Hmm. That gives me something to think about for years to come.

Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time? Thelonious Monk, Brilliant Corners

What song should everyone listen to right now?

Whatever you need! For me, “Give Me Love” by George Harrison.

Get to better know Garb’s vocalist/guitarist, and a local blues great who performed with B.B. King