Coachella Valley Independent March 2019

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT | MARCH 2019

VOL. 7 | NO. 3

Rodney Patrick McNeal was convicted of killing his wife, even though phone records and eyewitnesses seemingly exonerate him. The California Innocence Project is working to free McNeal—and hopes new Gov. Gavin Newsom will take up the case. By Brian Blueskye

PAGE 12

SEE BACK COVER FOR DETAILS

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MARCH 2019

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COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 3

MARCH 2019

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR I was dismayed by a recent post someone made in a local Facebook group. The gist of it was that this man was lonely and unable to find a partner, decent Chinese food and enough good friends in the cliquish town of Palm Springs—and he was debating moving somewhere else.

While I am complete agreement with him regarding the Chinese food, the rest of his post … well, it bummed me out and confused me.

First, my heart goes out to him; loneliness is one of the worst feelings a human can experience. Second … I’ve had the exact opposite experience in the Coachella Valley: This is one of the most wonderful, welcoming and exciting places in which I’ve lived.

Because I was partnered when I moved here, I can’t speak to the dating portion of his experience—but I have not found the Editor/Publisher Coachella Valley to be cliquish at all. A Jimmy Boegle clique is defined as “a small group of people, with shared interests or other Assistant Editor features in common, who spend time together and do not readily allow others Brian Blueskye to join them.” While there are, in fact, many small groups of people with shared coveR and feature design or other features in common who spend Beth Allen time together here, I’ve been welcomed with open arms into numerous groups Contributors I’ve endeavored to join. I’ve forged lasting friendships through my softball league.

Stephen Berger, Max Cannon, Kevin I’ve made friends and contacts through Carlow, Ben Christopher, Katie Finn, the business groups I’ve joined. I’ve made Kevin Fitzgerald, Bill Frost, Bonnie countless buddies via my work, and the Gilgallon, Robin Goins, Bob Grimm, nonprofits I support, and simply by being Michael Grimm, Alex Harrington, Dwight an active member of this community.

I think the Independent adequately Hendricks, Valerie-Jean (VJ) Hume, Brane Jevric, Keith Knight, Brett Newton, represents the vibe of the Coachella Valley—and I can’t imagine any Dan Perkins, Guillermo Prieto, Anita reasonable person would fail to be Rufus, Jen Sorenson, Robert Victor charmed and welcomed by the community reflected within these pages. From The Coachella Valley Independent Anita Rufus’ “Know Your Neighbors” column on a young writer who overcame print edition is published every month. a debilitating illness, to Robert Victor’s All content is ©2019 and may not be implorations in his astronomy column published or reprinted in any form to join him and the other members of without the written permission of the the Astronomical Society of the Desert, publisher. The Independent is available to Stephen Berger’s exploration of the free of charge throughout the Coachella community effort that led to Desert X, to Brian Blueskye’s ongoing coverage of Valley, limited to one copy per reader. the amazing talent within our local music Additional copies may be purchased community, to our food and drink writers’ for $1 by calling (760) 904-4208. The continuous tough but fair coverage of Independent may be distributed only by our slowly growing culinary scene … the Independent’s authorized distributors. considering all of this coverage, how could the Coachella Valley possibly be the The Independent is a proud member and/or supporter closed-minded, unwelcoming place this of the Association of Alternative Newsmedia, person sees?

CalMatters, Get Tested Coachella Valley, the Local I hope this man finds happiness and Independent Online News Publishers, the Desert companionship in his next place of Business Association, the LGBT Community Center of residence—the kind of happiness and the Desert, and the Desert Ad Fed. companionship the Coachella Valley has bestowed upon me.

Welcome to the March 2019 print edition of the Coachella Valley Independent.

Enjoy, and don’t hesitate to contact me if you have questions, criticisms, compliments or comments.

Mailing address: 31855 Date Palm Drive, No. 3-263 Cathedral City, CA 92234 (760) 904-4208 www.cvindependent.com

—Jimmy Boegle, jboegle@cvindependent.com CVIndependent.com

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MARCH 2019

Pablo Sáinz Villegas, guitar

Neil Berg’s Fifty Years of Rock and Roll

Americano Trio

Tue, March 5, 8pm Wed, March 6, 2pm & 8pm

Mon, March 4, 7pm Presented through the generosity of JoAnn McGrath

Mar. 6 presented through the generosity of Edeltraud & Patrick M. McCarthy

Oregon Ballet Theatre

Rhapsody in Blue With Special Guests Thomas H. Lauderdale and Hunter Noack, pianos Thu, March 7, 8pm

The Irish Rovers Fri, March 8, 8pm

BRAVO Amici

Capturing the Impossible Bryan Smith Mon, March 18, 7pm

Photo Credit: Pablo Durana

Mon, March 11, 7pm

Order tickets by phone

760-340-2787

Monty Python’s Spamalot Fri, March 15, 8pm Sat, March 16, 2pm & 8pm Sun, March 17, 2pm & 7:30pm

Rob Lowe Stories I Only Tell My Friends: LIVE! Fri, March 29, 8pm

Order online

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COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 5

MARCH 2019

OPINION OPINION

CVINDEPENDENT.COM/OPINION

KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS I

BY ANITA RUFUS

sensed fragility when I first met Crystal Harrell, due to her slight frame, gentle beauty and shy smile.

I quickly learned I was wrong—and found out how strong and determined she is.

Harrell, 23, is a native of the Coachella Valley—born in Indio, and currently residing in La Quinta. She attended College of the Desert and graduated with a degree in communication and film from the California State University, San Bernardino’s Palm Desert campus.

Harrell’s family sounds perfectly “normal”: Her mom was a homemaker, with her dad working at Lowe’s (“My dad has never had to hire anybody to do anything!”), and a brother two years younger who is pursuing creative and graphic arts. events, especially to reach people who aren’t Harrell found her calling as a writer from the Coachella Valley, who don’t really through reading. “I was always very shy,” know how much the Coachella Valley has to she says, “but reading was a big thing for offer. We have a multi-city spectrum offering me. Before I could even read them, I’d look very different things.” at picture books and make up the stories Harrell’s story seems to be very “normal” myself. Reading gives me time to digest, … until she talks about the illness that totally and to wonder whether the ideas resonate. changed her life. Pemphigus vulgaris struck My favorite book when I was young is Roald just as Harrell had completed her studies at Dahl’s Matilda. I also loved Ray Bradbury’s COD. It manifested initially as a couple of Martian Chronicles, and Michael Crichton. blisters on her nose before moving to her “In high school, I was on the newspaper, mouth and gums. She consulted dentists and then I was editor at COD. I like that kind of writing—so different from creative writing. and got no help. She began to experience open skin sores on her body and consulted I like to write in a journal. I have a desire to dermatologists—and still got no help. always learn more, and it’s a great feeling to Everyone had something they wanted to try, send something out into the world for others. from creams to pills, but nobody knew exactly I like writing about local stories and current what the underlying condition was.

Pemphigus is a debilitating autoimmune disorder that affects perhaps 10,000 people in the United States annually. Cells literally become separated, and the body begins to attack itself. Harrell finally took matters into her own hands—when her skin was literally falling off, and she was in pain to even wear clothing.

“It was a real struggle,” she says. “I didn’t know what I had. It went from a few blisters on my face and body to my skin falling off. It took about six months to finally know what was wrong. I started researching and got myself to Loma Linda, where they diagnosed it. Before that, I really thought it was the end for my future. I was then in my first quarter at Cal State, and I was determined to continue toward my goals.

“I’m in remission now, but you never know when it might come back. My body may be at war with itself, but I know I’ll come out victorious in the end. I have goals and dreams that are bigger than what I was dealing with.”

Harrell is grateful for the support of her family during the agonizing months of her worst symptoms. “I had faith that gave me the strength to push forward,” she says. “I was so pleased to have an article about all that happened get accepted to be published online so I can help others be able to get diagnosed.”

Crystal Harrell. Cruz Moore

Meet Crystal Harrell, an aspiring writer with an inspiring story to tell about overcoming a debilitating illness

Harrell’s positive attitude is evident when you spend time with her, and she is quick to acknowledge the influence of her family and her longtime boyfriend.

“My mom and I were always very close,” she says. “She encouraged me to dream big. If not for her, I might never have found journalism, because when I really didn’t know what direction to go in, she suggested it. Nobody else in my family is a writer. She always gave me the room to blossom—and my dad has been very supportive of my desire to write. I remember reading with him, sitting in his lap when I was young.

“I met my boyfriend my freshman year of high school. We connected through writing, through a way with words. He’s an aspiring film director. It’s a very special relationship, not based on outward things, but based on thoughts and a mutual passion for writing. I can feel words physically.”

Harrell’s day job is as a report editor for a medical legal firm in Indio, but she also does freelance writing, covering local events like the Palm Springs International Film

LOVE is in the HAIR

Festival, and submitting pieces to community newspapers. Although she has “dabbled” in novels and poetry, her goal is to work fulltime for a major publication, and to write a book about her personal struggle.

“Someday, I’d like to travel to Europe. As much as I love it here, I want to get out and explore,” she says. “I want to go places and meet people and learn. There is so much we never dream we can do.”

Crystal Harrell has an inspiring story to tell. Her strength and determination in the face of a debilitating illness are an example to all of us, as are her words.

“You have to find what gives you joy and hold onto that feeling. Happiness is the strongest medicine.”

Anita Rufus is also known as “The Lovable Liberal.” Her show That’s Life airs TuesdayFriday from 11 a.m. to noon on iHubradio, while The Lovable Liberal airs from 2 to 4 p.m.

Saturdays. Email her at Anita@LovableLiberal. com. Know Your Neighbors appears every other Wednesday at CVIndependent.com.

Country Club and Cook Palm Desert 760-340-5959 jasondavidhairstudio.net CVIndependent.com

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MARCH 2019

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 7

MARCH 2019

NEWS HEALTH-CARE COST CONFUSION T

CVINDEPENDENT.COM/NEWS

Hospitals are now required to post their prices online—but the info they’re posting is worthless

by kevin fitzgerald

he federal government now requires hospitals to publish online its “charge description master”—a list of what the hospital charges for various services and items.

When this new policy, which took effect Jan. 1, was announced last year, it was heralded as an overdue move to promote fairness and transparency within our country’s expensive and often-confusing health-care system.

Unfortunately … that’s not how things have turned out.

The Independent decided to see how this new policy is working at the three Coachella Valley hospitals. I dove into my research enthusiastically, easily locating and downloading the charge masters, as these lists are called, from the Eisenhower Medical Center (EMC) and Desert Care Springs, and JFK Memorial Hospital in Network (DCN) websites.

Indio. He provided a corporate statement Then … well, I opened the charge masters. which read: “The hospitals of the Desert Care Just as I thought I was gaining useful Network focus on providing high-quality, information, I discovered the downloaded cost-effective care to all patients we serve. We documents, practically speaking, are useless understand that the costs of health care can to any layperson who lacks a knowledge of be confusing. When looking at the charges oft-unintelligible medical terminology. It’s posted to our website, it is important to know also nearly impossible to compare between that the charges posted are a reference price hospitals, since each uses its own terms and not the amount that patients or insurers and formats. (See the charge masters we actually pay. When inquiring about actual downloaded with the online version of this costs of care, we strongly encourage patients story at CVIndependent.com.) to speak with their insurance provider, or Oh, one more thing: If you have if uninsured or those patients who have insurance, you and your insurance company Medicare or Medicaid, to speak with the aren’t paying the amounts listed on the hospital’s financial services department.” chargemaster, anyway.

Burke also suggested that I reach out to Jan According to the Association of American Emerson-Shea, the vice president for external Medical Colleges: “The hospital charge affairs at the California Hospital Association. description master … represents 100 percent So I did. of services used by patients in a hospital “You know, people often like to say, ‘Well, setting. The use of charge masters began in I shop for shoes, and I shop for cars, so the early 1950s with the advent of indemnity why shouldn’t I be able to shop for health insurance products; in this environment, care, and look at prices ahead of time?’” hospital rates were set based on billed Emerson-Shea said. “We understand the charges for individual services. As the health desire for that level of price transparency, insurance industry matured, hospitals moved and hospitals are always willing to do the to payments based on negotiated rates, and best they can to provide that information. the billed charges expressed in the charge But it’s important for people to understand master remained largely as a rate schedule that these things are different, because you’re for those patients who were private pay or talking about a person’s individual healthuninsured. … The process for updating the care needs. So if I happen to have diabetes, charge master is not intended to ensure that and you don’t, we might be having the same it is a comprehensive document for tracking health-care procedure, but mine might be relative prices. Instead, hospitals focus on more complicated and more expensive due adding new services and calibrating highly to my pre-existing health condition. People competitive services rather than updating have to understand that everything with rates for older services.” health-care pricing is dependent on what your Still … I wanted to ask why the charge actual needs are as a person, and then it’s masters from our local hospitals were so also dictated by what your insurance coverage unwieldly, poorly organized and confusing. is—and if you are uninsured, California has a I received no reply from Eisenhower, decade-old law that limits how much you can but I did speak briefly with Todd Burke, be liable for in terms of your hospital care.

California director of communications for Depending on your income level, this state Tenet Healthcare, which runs the two valley law says that hospitals are required to give hospitals within the Desert Care Network: you either free or discounted care based on a Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm

Jan Emerson-Shea, the vice president for external affairs at the California Hospital Association: “If you’re faced with having a procedure done at a hospital, you’ll be going to the hospital where your doctor practices, or you’re being taken to one by an ambulance. … Are you really going to shop around for prices in that situation?”

sliding scale. So, really, no patient ever winds up paying the dollar-cost amounts that are shown on any charge master list.”

In other words … all the hospitals in the United States are complying with this requirement to post their charge masters because they’re required to do so, yet everybody involved knows that the charge masters are of no use to anyone in the patient population?

“Yes. That’s exactly right,” she replied.

Where does this leave the discussion about cost transparency within the health-care industry?

“Legally, we are complying with what the laws and regulations require,” EmersonShea said. “Is it fair to say that hospitals understand that this information is not very useful, and that we’re looking for ways to make it more useful? Yes. This is not an easy discussion, but I can certainly say that our association is working with our member hospitals to figure out what other options

there may be. There are some hospitals in the state that have looked at new technologies to see if there’s a way to put a price estimator on their website that allows patients to go in pre-surgery and enter their information.

I think it’s certainly fair to say that there’s a live conversation going on.”

She them summed up the puzzle facing all parties involved.

“If you’re faced with having a procedure done at a hospital, you’ll be going to the hospital where your doctor practices, or you’re being taken to one by an ambulance. … Are you really going to shop around for prices in that situation? I know the California Health Care Foundation has done some research on this question, and they found that, for the most part, consumers are not shopping for health care in that way. … It is not similar to shopping for any other type of a consumer product. Still, I think it’s fair to say that hospitals are looking at how to make this information more useful for patients.”

CVIndependent.com

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MARCH 2019

MAKE THE EASY CHOICE

THE #1 CHOICE COMFORT AIR

By Shonda Chase, FNP Nurse Practitioner, Co-owner, Artistic Director and Advanced Aesethetic Injector at Revive Wellness Centers in Palm Springs and Torrance, and Medweight, Lasers and Wellness Center in Irvine

SAVE UP TO

This month, I’m sharing secrets about effec�ve, pain free, no-down�me solu�ons for men and women’s hair loss.

There are two ways to relocate hair from one part of the scalp to a loca�on that is losing hair. The old technique was to cut out a sec�on of scalp; separate as many individual hair follicles as possible; gra� the follicles in the area losing hair; and suture the scalp back together, leaving a 4-6 inch permanent scar.

Elon Musk in 2008.

The current technique uses the BRIANSOLIS/FLICKR NeoGra� medical device to painlessly remove individual hair follicles without leaving a scar, and gra� the follicles where hair restora�on is needed.

Secret No. 1: Most men’s hair on the sides and back of their scalp is gene�cally permanent and will not fall out.

We use Neogra� at Revive to relocate permanent follicles to areas where men are experiencing male-pa�ern baldness. These follicles retain their permanent gene�c characteris�cs a�er reloca�on for life-long results.

Secret No. 2: Women can have the eyebrows they’ve always wanted with Neogra�.

Women with thinning-hair issues on top of their scalp or in their eyebrows can use Neogra� to fill in thinning hair.

Secret No. 3: Many celebri�es and athletes use Neogra� to solve their hair-loss issues.

Men can now look younger and stay relevant with restored hair. Celebri�es like Jamie Fox, LeBron James and Elon Musk—as you can see via photos from him 10 years ago versus newer photos— show how men are successfully growing their own hair with the help of Neogra�.

Allan Wu, M.D., and Revive Wellness Centers have been doing hair transplants with Neogra� since 2010—so you don’t have to go far to have your hair look Elon Musk with Neogra�. KATHY be�er.

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COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 9

MARCH 2019

NEWS

CVINDEPENDENT.COM/NEWS

LOVING ARMS Democrats in the Legislature launch an

effort to expand California’s gun-control laws

C

Call Travis today!

(909) 466-5339 ext.7805

By BEN CHRISTOPHER, CALMATTERS

alifornia already has 109 laws on the books that regulate the use of firearms—more guncontrol rules than any other state.

More, it seems, are on the way.

In February, a Democratic contingent of lawmakers announced plans to send a raft of new gun-related bills to the governor before the end of the legislative session. The 16 lawmakers were joined by former Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, a gun-control advocate and massshooting survivor, along with representatives of the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence.

With Democrats now wielding unprecedented political power in Sacramento, including the recent election of Gov. Gavin Newsom, who embraces his role as public enemy of the National Rifle Association, the time seems ripe for a new legislative push.

“We have expanded Democratic majorities in both houses; we have a bright and ambitious new governor with a real track record on this issue,” said Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel of Encino, who helped form the “gun violence working group” with Berkeley Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks. “We have a special opportunity here in California to draft some forwardthinking, meaningful, evidence-based legislation that is going to help end mass shootings and end gun violence.”

Among the legislative proposals introduced: • AB 165, by Gabriel, which would call for standards to be developed to teach police officers how to temporarily remove guns from people a court has decided pose a threat to themselves or others. That may include those charged with domestic violence. After a man shot and killed 12 people at a Thousand Oaks bar last November, it was reported that police had paid a home visit to the shooter prior to the incident, but decided not to seek a “gun violence restraining order” against him.

• A proposal by Wicks to boost funding to the California Violence Intervention and

Prevention grant program, which funds local programs that strive to reduce gun violence.

• A proposal by Assemblyman Mike Gipson from Carson that would regulate certain metal components that can be assembled into firearms. A similar bill of his was vetoed by Gov. Jerry Brown last year.

“America’s love affair with firearms has got to end,” said Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson from Santa Barbara. “I am hopeful that we are going to take our country back.”

But as lawmakers ramp up gun control legislation in California, the judicial winds seem to be blowing against them.

The U.S. Supreme Court recently agreed to hear a challenge to a New York City law that strictly limits where gun owners can carry their firearms. That decision was widely taken as a sign that the current court may take a more expansive view of the Second Amendment— perhaps at the expense of California’s strict gun-control laws.

“We, as a state, have the right to protect our citizens, to protect our kids and to protect our schools, and so we think we can accomplish both of those things while being consistent with the second amendment and also doing big things to prevent gun violence,” said Gabriel.

CALmatters.org is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics.

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TAKE THE INDEPENDENT CHALLENGE 1. Peruse the Independent.

Look at the quality of the writing, the layout, the topics, etc.

2. Do the same with any other local publication.

3. Compare.

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MARCH 2019

NEWS

SNAPSHOT

CVINDEPENDENT.COM/NEWS

A look back at the Third Annual Palm Springs Craft Cocktail Championship

A sold-out crowd of more than 100 people enjoyed nine fantastic cocktails—all made with Ketel One Botanical vodka—at the Third Annual Palm Springs Craft Cocktail Championship, held Wednesday, Jan. 30, at Moxie Palm Springs.

Carlos Argumedo, of Farm, was declared the champion of the event, earning an amazing 92 points (out of 100 possible) on the judges’ scoresheets. The tally was close—three points separated first place from fourth place. Argumedo follows in the footsteps of 2018 winner Hunter Broggi, of Lulu California Bistro (who also participated in this year’s event), and 2016 winner Sherman Chan, of Trio Restaurant.

Trio’s Garrett Spicher was the Audience Choice winner.

Nine bartenders competed in the event, which sold out for the first time in its three-year history. Each competitor made tastes of their drinks for each attendee, before making full drinks for the judges: Ketel One’s Leslie Barclay; Brad Fuhr, of media sponsors Gay Desert Guide and KGAY 106.5 FM; and representatives of Palm Springs Craft Cocktail Week’s beneficiaries: the Desert AIDS Project’s Darrell Tucci, and the LGBT Community Center of the Desert’s Alexis Ortega.

The championship was the highlight of Palm Springs Craft Cocktail Week, a production of the Coachella Valley Independent.

Carlos Argumedo, of Farm, shouts to the crowd as he makes the drinks that would go on to earn him the championship. Kevin Fitzgerald

Trio’s Garrett Spicher, who won the Audience Choice Award. Kevin Fitzgerald CVIndependent.com

The judges: Leslie Barclay, of Ketel One; Darrell Tucci, of the Desert AIDS Project; Brad Fuhr, of Gay Desert Guide/KGAY 106.5; and Alexis Ortega, of the LGBT Community Center of the Desert. Kevin Fitzgerald

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 11

MARCH 2019

NEWS

CVINDEPENDENT.COM/NEWS

MARCH ASTRONOMY I

The month brings beautiful planetary sights

Planets and Bright Stars in Evening Mid-Twilight in the mornings—and the start of spring!

For March, 2019 This sky chart is drawn for latitude 34 degrees north, but may be used in southern U.S. and northern Mexico.

N

By Robert Victor

n March 2019, early risers can enjoy a widening panorama of planets in the southeast quadrant of the sky—from the lower left to the upper right, one hour before sunrise, they are Venus, Saturn and Jupiter.

A waning moon adds its beauty to this section of the sky through March 2, and again March 26 through April 2. Moon pairings with bright Jupiter, the westernmost of the three planets, occur on Feb. 27 and March 27. Since Saturn is currently 26 degrees (two days of moon travel) east of Jupiter, the moon will pass Saturn on March 1 and 29. Venus, the easternmost of the three planets and the brightest, is rapidly moving eastward, so Venus’ pairings with the moon occur on March 2 and on April 2.

After March, Coachella Valley residents won’t into the western evening twilight glow. By the catch Venus in a dark sky (in the absence of 30th, Mercury recovers to first magnitude and twilight) again until mid-November, after the begins a poor, horizon-hugging apparition in planet emerges from its mid-August passage the morning twilight glow—keep binoculars through superior conjunction beyond the sun, handy!—low in the east, 12 degrees to the lower and into the evening sky. left of Venus. Mercury will approach within 5 Bright stars visible in March’s morning degrees to the lower left of the brightest planet twilight include the Summer Triangle in a quasi-conjunction April 11-23. of Vega-Altair-Deneb high in the east; Here is a selection of sights involving solar Arcturus and Spica in the southwest to west; system bodies: and Antares, heart of the Scorpion, in the Through March 3: The waning moon passes south, to the right of Jupiter. On mornings Antares, Jupiter, Saturn and Venus at dawn. in March, we preview all these stars and the Watch for close moon-planet pairs. Can you slow-moving planets, Jupiter and Saturn, in spot the thin, old crescent moon for two more about the same places in the sky where we’ll mornings, 8 degrees to the lower left of Venus, catch them on warm July evenings. on March 3, and 18 degrees to the lower left of Evenings: Find slowly fading Mars in the Venus on March 4? west at dusk, and watch it approach the Pleiades The new moon occurs on March 6 at 8:04 (Seven Sisters) all month. On March 1, Mars a.m. On the following evening, March 7, about is 20 degrees below the star cluster. On the 30 to 40 minutes after sunset, can you spot the 31st, the red planet passes only 3 degrees south thin, 2 percent crescent moon, just 34 hours of the cluster, providing beautiful views for past new? Forty minutes after sunset, it’s only 5 binoculars for about five evenings before and degrees up and 8 degrees south of due west. In after March 31. clear skies, from places where mountains don’t Also in the evening, the Big Dipper’s curved block your line of sight to the moon, binoculars handle, extended, leads the eye to the rising of give an excellent view. Follow the moon daily at golden Arcturus in the east-northeast, and blue- dusk until it is full, on March 20. white Spica in the east-southeast. When both Tuesday, March 12: Aldebaran, eye of stars rise before the end of evening twilight, it’s Taurus, is 5 degrees to the upper left of the fat a sure sign that spring has arrived. The season crescent moon at dusk. As the sky darkens, begins astronomically on March 20 at 2:58 several stars of the Hyades star cluster become p.m., when the sun stands directly over Earth’s visible in the same binocular field. The “V” equator. Just more than two hours earlier, at formed by Aldebaran and the Hyades form the 12:54 p.m., midday in Palm Springs, the sun head of the Bull, with Aldebaran at the top of the reaches its high point for that day—34 degrees left side of the “V.” As the evening progresses, south of overhead (because we’re 34 degrees watch the moon close in on some of the cluster north of the equator). At dusk in the early members. From the Coachella Valley, just a few spring, all of winter’s brightest stars are still seconds before 11 p.m., the moon’s leading dark around for evening viewing, but by early April, edge will occult, or cover up, one of the Hyades all have crossed into the western half of the sky. stars, 3.8-mag. Delta-1 Tauri. The occultation Retrograding on the near side of the sun will be best observed with a telescope. from evening into morning, Mercury still March 14, about an hour before sunrise: As shines at magnitude zero at dusk on March 1, you look toward Jupiter in the southern sky, but it fades to +1 by March 4 and even more visualize the motion of our Spaceship Earth rapidly in the following days, while dropping heading toward that planet at a speed of nearly

March's evening sky chart.

ROBERT D. MILLER Deneb

Arcturus

Capella

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Regulus

Castor Pollux Mars Aldebaran

1

8

29 22 15

Mercury

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Betelgeuse Procyon Rigel Sirius

Canopus

Evening mid-twilight occurs

19 miles perwhen second. and Venus also lie Sun isSaturn 9o below horizon. minutes after sunset. ahead of us.Mar. We 1:are40catching up to Jupiter and 40 " them " " June 10 and Saturn and will15: overtake on 31: 39 " " " July 9 as we pass between those outer planets and the sun.

March 20: Spring begins at 2:58 p.m. The full moon occurs at 6:43 p.m., and today, the moon sets very near the time of sunrise and rises a few minutes before sunset. Watch the moon rise more than an hour later nightly for the next several evenings, farther south each time. Since this full moon occurs so early in the spring, Easter this year occurs not on March 24, the first Sunday after the first full moon of spring, but on April 21, after the April 19 full moon.

This spring, we’ll have four full moons.

March 25-29: The moon passes Antares, Jupiter and Saturn at dawn. The moon and Jupiter are 5 degrees apart on March 27; the moon and Saturn are 4 degrees apart on March 29.

S

Stereographic Projection

March 29-April 1: Mars passes 3 D. degrees Map by Robert Miller south of Pleiades at dusk. It’s excellent through binoculars.

Check the website of the Astronomical Society of the Desert at www.astrorx.org for dates and times of our evening star parties at two locations: Sawmill Trailhead, our high-altitude site (elevation 4,000 feet), will next have sessions starting at dusk on Saturday, March 2 and April 6. Our primary, more-accessible location is at the Visitor Center of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument (on Highway 74, within 4 miles south of Highway 111 in Palm Desert). Our next session there is on Saturday, March 16, at 7 p.m. Wishing you clear skies!

Robert C. Victor was a staff astronomer at Abrams Planetarium at Michigan State University. He is now retired and enjoys providing sky watching opportunities for a variety of groups in the Coachella Valley.

CVIndependent.com

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MARCH 2019

‘It Just

Doesn’t Add Up’

Rodney Patrick McNeal was convicted of killing his wife, even though phone records and eyewitnesses seemingly exonerate him. The California Innocence Project is working to free McNeal—and hopes new Gov. Gavin Newsom will take up the case.

By Brian Blueskye

On March 10, 1997, Rodney Patrick McNeal

out the location of her appointment. The call was not answered.

Two of Patrick’s co-workers rode in an elevator with him at went home during his lunch break, around 12:30 p.m., to take his wife, approximately 12:10 to 12:15 p.m. He then made the 2 1/2-minute Debra, to a doctor’s appointment. walk through the parking lot to his car, and the eight-minute drive to Instead, the San Bernardino County probation officer found Debra, their home. who was six months pregnant, dead in their bathtub. Submerged in Police arrived on the scene, after Patrick McNeal called 911, at water, she’d been beaten and stabbed before being strangled to death.

12:32 p.m.

The words “Nigger Lover” were written on the mirror (Debra McNeal There was no forced entry into the McNeal residence. There was a was a Native American), and the house had been ransacked, with several blood trail leading from the master living room through an entryway, firearms stolen. into the kitchen and then into the master bedroom. The waterbed was Patrick and Debra’s marriage had been rocky at times, and police punctured and leaking water, and there was an odor of bleach and/ visited their home following domestic disputes at least twice in or other cleaning products in the master bedroom and bathroom. A the months leading up to Debra’s death. According to a 2009 court bloody footprint on the carpet came from a dress shoe that did not document, a San Bernardino County deputy sheriff went to their match any of Patrick McNeal’s shoes. Hairs and fibers on Debra’s body residence in December 1996 after a domestic-disturbance call. Patrick also did not match anything from Patrick. and Debra appeared upset at each other, but no arrest was made, Yet in 2000, Rodney Patrick McNeal was convicted of two counts of although two handguns were taken for safekeeping. In January 1997, Rodney Patrick McNeal, in a picture from happier second-degree murder. He’s been in prison ever since—and his case a deputy responded to another domestic disturbance, after Patrick times. COURTESY OF THE CALIFORNIA INNOCENCE PROJECT has captured the attention of the California Innocence Project. reportedly took Debra’s purse to prevent her from leaving.

Tension was high on the day of the murder, too. According to Debra’s son, Marcus Frison, the day before, Debra got upset with Patrick regarding some leftover pizza, Since it was founded in 1999, the California Innocence Project, and she took a knife to the family’s sofa. On March 10, Debra decided it was time to seek some a clinical program at California Western School of Law in San Diego, has helped free 30 professional help and called Kaiser Permanente to schedule a counseling appointment. On that wrongfully convicted inmates, and it currently is working on the cases of 13 people who remain day, she and Patrick spoke on the phone three times. They discussed the appointment, and behind bars, including that of Patrick McNeal. “(Debra McNeal) was strangled, beaten, stabbed and thrown in the tub,” said Raquel Cohen, apparently had an argument over money, although Patrick’s co-workers never heard him with a an attorney representing McNeal with the California Innocence Project. “For years, all the loud or hostile tone of voice. evidence has shown the timeline doesn’t add up giving Patrick enough time to commit this The last known person to see Debra McNeal alive was a friend, Terrylyn Walker, who went to crime. He still got convicted.” visit Debra around 9:15 a.m. At 10 a.m., while Debra was on the phone with Kaiser, someone Cohen said the domestic disputes between the McNeals helped the prosecution make their she apparently knew entered the home, according to the Kaiser clerk. case against Patrick.

Patrick McNeal got to his office somewhere between 7:30 and 8 a.m. that morning, and from “They had some marital problems and some domestic-disturbance calls, but nothing that was 10 a.m. to noon, he met with clients. Patrick’s computer records show him working on a report too serious,” Cohen said. “They had arguments resulting in the police saying, ‘Hey, you guys shortly before noon; records also show he made a phone call to Debra around that time to find CVIndependent.com

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 13

MARCH 2019

need to calm down.’ Juries are unpredictable; Kim Long’s case was also very similar, where they attack the character of the defendant and say, ‘They are a very violent person, and there’s only one person who could have committed the crime,’ and (prosecutors) don’t have any other suspects.”

Kimberly Long is a California Innocence Project success story. The Independent first covered her case back in 2015; she was convicted of the 2003 murder of her boyfriend, Oswaldo “Ozzy” Conde, in Corona.

In 2016, a Riverside County Superior Court judge reversed her conviction—which, like McNeal’s conviction, was largely based on the couple’s history of domestic strife.

“That’s really the evidence they had against him during his trial,” Cohen said about the McNeal case. “There was a bad relationship, and he found the body. But there’s a timeline issue, and it becomes, ‘Where were you at what time?’ Patrick had a lot of hard evidence—the last time he modified a document on a computer, and co-workers riding down (with him) in an elevator. The worst-case scenario has a neighbor placing him at home at 12:15 p.m.—and that is the worst case for him and best case for the prosecution. That’s not enough time for him to commit the crime, clean up—and (Patrick McNeal) had no blood or bleach on him—and then call the police.

“It just doesn’t add up.”

The California Innocence Project has put forward another suspect in the murder of Debra McNeal—Patrick McNeal’s halfbrother, Jeffrey Todd West.

“A few people have come forward saying that (West) confessed to the crime,” Cohen said. “He was a very bad person. He had killed other people and served time for it in Nevada; I believe he might be locked up somewhere right now. He has a history of choking people.

He poured gas on his ex-wife, and there are chemicals involved in this case. … He told people that he killed Debra after it happened, because he was worried about Patrick’s future. We presented that to the court … and unfortunately, they found the witnesses were unreliable for a number of reasons.”

In 2005, West pleaded guilty to a doublehomicide in Nevada. Both West’s ex-wife, Janice Williams, and Charlotte Lazzie, an ex-girlfriend, testified regarding West’s violent nature. Ebony Grant, the half-sister of both Patrick McNeal and West, also talked about violent attacks by West, including an incident during which she was choked. Grant said West told her a week before the murders of Debra McNeal and her unborn child that he believed Debra was destroying all of his stuff, and that he would “kill the bitch”; according to the California Innocence Project’s website, West also confessed to Grant after the murder. Cary McGill, a co-worker of West, said that West confessed the murder to him, stating that Debra was ruining Patrick’s future and that he had to “handle the bitch.”

of the phone calls and the blood evidence (and think I did it). If you put everything together along with the fact no one ever said that I was the one who did this, along with where I worked as a probation officer—I would have to have had a co-conspirator in the Probation Department for someone to make phone calls from my office to my home and not tell the police about it—it’s like nothing makes any sense. Would I really tell a fellow probation officer, ‘Hey, I’m going to go kill my wife. Just in case the police come after me, can you make these phone calls from my office?’”

For more information, visit californiainnocenceproject.org.

However, the court denied all of this new evidence—and Patrick McNeal remains behind bars.

“We are kind of at a roadblock, but we’re still investigating whether or not West told other people who might be more credible, or whether or not West will confess—which would be ideal, but I don’t know if that will ever happen,” Cohen said.

“There were a lot of issues at the evidentiary hearing with the witnesses who said West confessed, (whom) the judge found not to be credible. For instance, Cary McGill, who came forward saying that West had confessed to him, failed to appear on the first day; he had some issues with work and didn’t appear. When he showed up to testify, the court threw him in jail. When he got on the stand, he was in custody and was pissed—he tried to help somebody and ended up with a failure to appear (charge). The court found him not credible because his demeanor was just irritated.

“There were a lot of bad things that happened at that hearing that turned the case to deny the petition and keep Patrick in prison.”

The Independent was given

about 10 minutes to talk via phone to Patrick McNeal, who is currently serving his sentence of 30 years to life at the California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi.

During the phone call, he expressed extreme frustration with his conviction.

“It’s so hard for me to believe at times,” McNeal said. “I told them during the interview that I made phone calls that day that were on the phone record, and I walked out with other probation officers from my job.

I can’t make all that stuff up. … My phonecall records make it impossible for me to be at the murder, along with the probation officer I walked out with. They were ignored, or there were excuses made for phone records.”

McNeal said his attorney failed to adequately defend him during his original trial.

“He told me that he was going to question them on the timeline and do all of this and that. He didn’t do anything that he told me that

he was going to do and just said, ‘The defense rests,’” McNeal said. “When I asked him about that, he said, ‘Oh, well, that’s just how I like to do my cases, and there’s no need for me to do it. The prosecution didn’t present their case.’ I was completely blown away.

“By that time, it was too late.”

Cohen said that even though McNeal’s case is currently at a standstill, they remain hopeful that he could be freed one day soon.

“He’s very optimistic; he checks in on his case regularly, and he knows that we’re sort of at a dead end,” Cohen said about McNeal. “We have a clemency petition pending with the governor, where we’re hoping (Gov. Gavin Newsom) sees this evidence and commutes his sentence or grants him a pardon. That’s one big hope he has going forward. Obviously, we talk about other ways we can break this case open. But … we all know West is very dangerous, so we’re all very cautious about it, and we’re hoping there are other people who will come forward. All of our (main) hope right now is with our governor’s office, and we’re hoping the new governor will take action on this and see there’s no way for (McNeal) to have committed this crime.”

Patrick McNeal said he wants more than just his release from prison.

“Getting out is, of course, the No. 1 goal, but I wouldn’t be satisfied just by getting out,” he said.

California Innocence Project attorney Raquel Cohen: “We have a clemency “I can’t believe petition pending with the governor, where we’re hoping (Gov. Gavin Newsom) sees that a reasonable this evidence and commutes (Patrick McNeal’s) sentence or grants him a pardon. person would look That’s one big hope he has going forward.” COURTESY OF THE CALIFORNIA INNOCENCE PROJECT at the case with all CVIndependent.com

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CVI SPOTLIGHT: MARCH 2019 History Repeating? One-Man Play ‘Wiesenthal (Nazi Hunter)’ Offers Valuable Lessons “The history of man is the history of crimes, and history can repeat. So information is a defense. Through this we can build, we must build, a defense against repetition.” —Simon Wiesenthal

T

om Dugan is bringing his one-man off-Broadway show Wiesenthal (Nazi Hunter) to Palm Desert for two shows—one already sold out—as the start of a nationwide tour.

When I spoke to Dugan, I had to ask: Why did he tackle a subject as heavy as the Holocaust for this one-man show?

“My father was a product of the Great Depression, and when he fought at the end of World War II, he went to liberate one of the death camps,” Dugan said. “He saw all these people starving and dying. He saw that there plenty of food in the reserves for all these Iwas know I should explore solar, but people. (The Nazis) chose not to give it to I’ve been procrastinating. What will them—and instead, to use it against them— motivate me to take the next step? why and he never quite grasped the reason The bestwould motivation should be the people do that to each other. savings youwanted can expect witha solar.

In was “I always to create piece that exchange for just a little bit of your time, powerful and uplifting at the same time.

I you can reduce electric bill didn’t know howyour to doaverage that until one day, I anywhere from 25-50 percent—and was reading about Simon Wiesenthal.” just Wiesenthal (1908-2005) was a Holocaust keep that money in your pocket each survivorThen who spent about four years in month. you can take your time various concentration camps. he was deciding what to do with theAfter savings! freed, he dedicated his life to tracking down If you Nazi war decide tocriminals.

“The point is just to take a sliver out of move forward time and life,” Dugan said. “… Simon was quickly, your a good subject to pick, because he was an system be comedian before World War aspiringcan amateur up and II, so it’srunning easy to add levity to the story. There before thefriends huge of his who have relayed his are many summer anecdotesbills and jokes to me. The experience is hit.

If you lease, meant to be an uplifting and poignant night you’ll out.” enjoy

Dugan said Holocaust survivors who have seen the show have expressed gratitude.

“The most fulfilling of surprises have been when survivors from the Holocaust come to the show and bring their families.

Oftentimes, they will come up to tell me that I could tell their story better than they could—and now they feel that their family can truly understand the experience they had,” he said.

I had to ask Dugan what Wiesenthal would think about the resurgence of nationalist movements, both in the United States and abroad.

“I can only make a speculation that he would not be surprised,” Dugan said. “Things have been moving this direction for a while.

It works in a cycle. People who (lived through the) experience are gone, and the others forget. Then things go back. He is often system, and if you lease, the company quoted of speaking about the human savage, you lease from takes it, lowering your and it is mankind’s job to control and contain monthly payment.

Solar also this savage within us.

Thecompanies lessons from this have panels in in stock now that were playsome are very topical our country today. here before components panels Wiesenthal’s mission wasand/or to give voice to were subject to the new tariff—so that those who were silenced, encouraging future means you have great pricing rightand now. generations to fight against hatred intolerance for all people.

“This is what is time fun about thetalking? questions Wow. How much are we andRenova answers aafter show. never know Give call,the and we’llYou look at your whowhile will show upon or what they will say.

I once roof you’re the phone and give had a student even tell me you that an theinitial show ‘didn’t suck like I thought itevaluation. would.’”

While Dugan has a number of TV and Assuming film credits on his résumé, his most notable things look successes have come via the one-man good, a site historical shows he’s written. survey at your “I wrote a play called Shades of Gray home will about Robert E. Lee,” he said. “It’s gotten collect detailed too controversial to do now, because who information Robert E. Lee was is not who the general about public thinks he was.” Dugan also roof wrote and

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Tom Dugan in Wiesenthal (Nazi Hunter).

directed a show about Frederick Douglass, In the Shadow of Slavery; The Ghosts of Mary Lincoln; and Jackie Unveiled, about Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

I asked him whether it’s harder to write about real people than fictional characters.

“You can’t make things up,” he said. “You have to know who you’re writing about and really learn who they were.”

Wiesenthal (Nazi Hunter) will be performed at 2 and 7:30 p.m., Saturday,

March 9, at the Riverside Theatre on the UC Riverside-Palm Desert Campus, 75080 Frank Sinatra Drive, in Palm Desert; a question-and-answer session follows each show. Tickets are $55; as of our press deadline, tickets remained for the 2 p.m. show, while the 7:30 p.m. show had sold out. For tickets or information, call 866-811-4111, or visit wiesenthaltheshow.com.

—Dwight Hendricks

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ARTS & CULTURE

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THE RETURN OF ‘DESERT X’ T

The second edition of the Coachella Valley’s biennial features an amazing array of site-specific installations

By Stephen berger

he second Desert X biennial exhibition, on display through April 21, consists of 19 sitespecific works of art, created by an international group of acclaimed artists, spanning the Coachella Valley—including eight of the nine valley cities.

The sites, all open to the public for free, stretch from the windmills of North Palm Springs down to the Salton Sea—but the impact is being felt worldwide.

Desert X is the fulfillment of a dream are invisible to the naked eye and can only be by founder and president Susan L Davis, a viewed through a cell phone app called 4th public-relations professional and founding Wall. (“Revolutions” had to be moved due to member of the President’s Committee for the Valentine’s Day flooding; watch the Desert the Arts and Humanities. The idea was to X site and 4th Wall app for updates.) create a conversation between cities, art Another installation with two locations organizations, local residents and visitors. is “Lover’s Rainbow” by Mexico City artist The inaugural event in 2017 was acclaimed by Pia Camil. Brightly painted rebar is used to the international art community, with more construct identical arches—one in Rancho than 200,000 visitors. Excitement has been Mirage and the other across the invisible building over the last two years for the second international border in Mexico. The only edition. way to get the full experience of her work I had the privilege to participate in this is to cross that border and view it from two excitement at the two-day press briefing and perspectives. tour, held before the opening to the general My personal favorite comes from local public. Neville Wakefield, Desert X’s artistic artist Armando Lerma. “Visit Us in the Shape director, explained how artists and curators of Clouds 2019” is a mural painted on a water collaborated with the desert environment, tower near an east valley landfill. The work is while co-curator Matthew Schum said one monumental in scale and utilizes iconography of his inspirations was a desire to make of the American Southwest to create a Palm Springs more contemporary. However, sacred site in a location usually thought of as the most prophetic statement came from utilitarian. co-curator Amanda Hunt: “The purpose of I met with Coachella native Lerma at Desert X 2019 is to make the invisible visible.” his studio/gallery to discuss this work, his This, she said, was possible through the evolution as an artist, and his views of what exploration of the dynamics of things like the Desert X means to the oft-neglected east end wind, psychology and energy. This statement of our valley. resonated with me at each of the installations.

Lerma, born in 1975, grew up on a local At the Salton Sea’s “A Point of View,” ranch. His interest in art began early in viewing platforms were constructed in a childhood, as he spent hours going through combination of pre-Colombian and brutalist the family’s encyclopedia, looking at art to architecture by Colombian-born, Parisescape from the boredom. Running served based artist Iván Argote, allowing visitors the same purpose and fostered a deep an elevated view of the landscape and an appreciation of nature in general, and the opportunity to communicate with each other. desert in particular.

Messages in both Spanish and English are “I felt like an orphan culturally,” he said. pressed into the concrete steps and change in “There were no artists (within) 10 years older meaning depending on whether they are read than me. I had to begin my own journey to top to bottom or vice-versa. find out what art is.”

The most enigmatic and environmentally Lerma studied art in college and taught friendly installation comes from Los Angelesmiddle-school art for two years. He left the based Nancy Baker Cahill. The installation valley for a number of years but returned is actually in two locations which serve as and started after-school art classes for gateways to the biennial: “Revolutions” is local children at a church in Coachella. This located near the windmills to the north, with led to the first art shows held in the city.

“Margin of Error” at the Salton Sea to the With a group of friends, he created the first south. They speak to the capturing of energy organized “Day of the Dead” celebrations and the toxic results of human intervention there as well. in the natural order, respectively. These pieces In 2012, Lerma purchased an abandoned

A photo at “A Point of View,” by Iván Argote.

building on Grapefruit Boulevard and began transforming it into his studio and events center. He’s currently working on his “Coachella Walls” project. It encourages and creates murals in his beloved hometown; one of these murals was featured in the first Desert X. I asked him how he become involved in Desert X. “Susan Davis was working at Sunnylands,” he said. “I went there to do a presentation of ‘Coachella Walls.’ Several months later, she contacted me and invited me to participate in her new project, Desert X. The whole purpose of ‘Coachella Walls’ was to bring people to a town they might never visit. It was a slow start. Desert X came around, and I started seeing a diverse group of people showing up. There was a new cultural exchange happening.”

I asked him about the process of creating his new work for Desert X 2019.

“The idea was already brewing,” he said. “I approached the city last year about painting a water tank. My original proposal was rejected, because the tank I selected was scheduled to be refurbished. The city offered me a different

site. At first, I was hesitant. I didn’t like the location. The road leading to it was in bad shape, and it was next to the landfill. The city agreed to regrade the road.

“I began to change my mind. The new location was away from the city. There would be less pressure from people living near it about what I was doing. I could be more creative. It was elevated, and you could see the whole desert, the raw desert, from it.”

I noticed a small collection of bottles and small rocks at the base of the water tank.

“It is a shrine,” he said. “Those are objects I found while working on the mural. I’ve always had an interest in building altars. I was hoping that visitors would add their own pieces to it.”

There are many other compelling, thoughtprovoking, timely and perhaps controversial works of art to be experienced in this new incarnation of Desert X. It is impossible to see all of them in one day; even a two-day tour was far too rushed. I’ll be going back to revisit many of them.

Desert X 2019 is on display through Sunday, April 21. For more information visit desertx.org.

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ARTS

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A TRUE RENAISSANCE MAN Michael Childers celebrates ‘Midnight Cowboy’ while preparing for his star-studded ‘One Night Only’

M

By Brian Blueskye

ichael Childers is truly a renaissance man; Merriam-Webster’s definition—“a person who has wide interests and is expert in several areas”—describes him perfectly.

The Coachella Valley resident is an awardwinning photographer, producer, writer and documentary filmmaker—and his talents are being showcased in several upcoming events.

Childers was the photographer and production assistant on the movie Midnight Cowboy, the legendary 1969 film directed by his late partner, John Schlesinger. Childers and former Variety editor Peter Bart will be sharing memories and photos at a special 50th anniversary screening of the film on Saturday, March 2, at the Palm Springs Cultural Center.

On Wednesday, April 24, Childers will bring his annual One Night Only Broadway extravaganza back to the McCallum Theatre.

Childers has been very busy as of late; in fact, he just picked up the award for Best Short Documentary at the 2019 Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival in Los Angeles for I Knew Andy Warhol, which he produced. He’s also working on a documentary film about the late actress Natalie Wood. He recently took some time to speak to me about all these goings-on.

His gorgeous book of photography, Icons and Legends, graces coffee tables in homes across the country—but as far as the desert is concerned, Childers’ crowning achievement would have to be One Night Only, the musicalvariety extravaganza he produces each year at the McCallum. He created the event 15 years ago as a fundraiser for local charities. Since then, more than 150 Broadway performers have participated in the show.

This year’s production, “Broadway Showstoppers,” features some of the best songs from Broadway musicals, including Cats, The Phantom of the Opera, Wicked and Dear Evan Hansen. Proceeds will benefit the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center, which provides services for abused and neglected children. The nonprofit center was founded in 1986 by Frank and Barbara Sinatra and offers individual, group and family counseling, as well as outreach and prevention programs.

“Showstoppers” will be directed by Broadway choreographer and director Larry Fuller, with musical direction by Christopher Marlowe. This year’s cast includes Ann Hampton Callaway, Liz Callaway, Lucie Arnaz, Christine Andreas, John Barrowman, Davis Gaines and Sal Mistretta.

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The production will be dedicated to the memory of two desert icons we lost recently, Carol Channing and Kaye Ballard. Both appeared in his One Night Only shows, and Childers knew them both well. In fact, he told me that he photographed Channing’s Michael Childers. wedding to her former high-school sweetheart, Harry Kullijian, at her Rancho Mirage home— and Ballard actually introduced Childers to his partner of 30 years, the aforementioned director John Schlesinger. She set them up on a bind date.

“Something just clicked,” he said.

Childers said he always has themes and dream casts for future shows floating around in his head. One Night Only is a huge undertaking, requiring seven months of planning and preparation. He said that having a great team around him, including the hard-working crew at the McCallum, makes it possible.

The show sells out every year, and because of its reputation, many Broadway stars are eager to join the cast.

“Who wouldn’t want to come enjoy the sunshine in Palm Springs when it’s cold and rainy in New York?” Childers said. Also worth noting: Performers are treated royally, with lots of perks and parties thrown into the mix.

JetBlue is once again a main sponsor, offering a number of free airline tickets to those performing.

So what’s on Childers’ bucket list? He says he would like to produce more documentary films.

In other words, it does not seem that the multitalented Michael Childers will be slowing down anytime soon.

The 50th Anniversary of Midnight Cowboy takes place at 6 p.m., Saturday, March 2, at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, in Palm Springs. Tickets are $20 to $45. For tickets or more information, call 760-325-6565, or visit Eventbrite.com. One Night Only, a show benefiting the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center, takes place at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 24, at the McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, in Palm Desert. Tickets are $75 to $175, with a limited number of VIP tickets, including an after-party, available for $495. For tickets or more information, call 760-340-2787, or visit www. mccallumtheatre.com.

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CAESAR CERVISIA

Is it worth your time and effort to stand in line for that rare-beer tapping?

By brett newton An object in possession seldom retains the same charm that it had in pursuit. —Pliny the Younger (A.D. 61-113), author; imperial magistrate to Roman emperor Trajan; nephew and adopted son of the famed naturalist (among other titles) Pliny the Elder.

A

lmost two millennia later, a man named Vinnie Cilurzo began brewing what came to be considered the first double IPA, in nearby Temecula at his small brewery called Blind Pig. Cilurzo’s name for this beer was Pliny the Elder and was based on a wives’ tale of sorts that the historical Pliny had discovered and named wild hops (lupus salictarius, which were not actually hops, it turns out). The beer itself was experienced this at The Salted Pig gastropub undeniable: Despite being brightly dank, catty, in downtown Riverside a few years ago, citrusy and piney from the generous amount and it drove home the point that I ought to of hops added both during the boil and after, figure the time and effort spent to obtain and being 8 percent alcohol by volume, it an experience into the overall equation. This was all well-balanced with the beer’s malt is not to denigrate anyone involved, be it foundation. “Deadly quaffable” would be how I Russian River, the venues that serve Pliny remember it being when I first tried it. the Younger, or the people for whom the Cilurzo eventually moved his operation up equation “four hours waiting in line + one north to Santa Rosa and renamed his brewery pour of Younger (and often other RR beers) Russian River Brewing Company. His beers, = worthwhile.” I just want to make a case for Pliny the Elder especially, have retained a the overall overrated nature of the beer. hype that is impressive and mostly deserved In many beer circles, that previous since Elder was first brewed in 2000. statement is blasphemy. Truly. Pliny the Imagine the hype, then, that developed Elder is far more available today, and it is for a triple IPA version of the beer, which still treated with the utmost reverence, to Cilurzo dubbed Pliny the Younger: It was the point that when it’s available in the 10.25 percent ABV, copper in color, with even Coachella Valley, there are certain people who bigger hop flavors and a more-substantial will hoard it. In the not-so-recent past, Elder malt backbone to match. This beer became was the Holy Grail as far as beer traders were legend for the very small amount brewed concerned. You could get many prized beers and allotted to select locations, mostly for the right amount of it. However, between throughout California, in February.

Russian River Brewing’s upgrade to a moreI experienced the fervor some years back expansive brewhouse in Windsor, and the when I went with a group of my Coachella sheer proliferation of amazing double IPAs, Valley Homebrew Club friends to the nowPliny the Elder’s trade value has declined. sadly defunct Barley and Hops Olde World Might we see a similar decline in the general Family Tavern in Temecula. After waiting in circus surrounding Pliny the Younger? Well, line for 30-60 minutes and drinking one of I have tasted three imperial/triple IPAs Russian River’s many gorgeous wine-barrelthat I can wholeheartedly recommend to aged sour ales, I finally got my allotted anyone that are just as good (if not better) as 10-ounce pour. This was about six years Younger—all made in Southern California. ago, but I remember it being very intense, Let’s start in Long Beach with Beachwood with citrus and pine aromas and flavors, Brewing’s Hops of Fury, and then move south properly balanced out by the malt. It was to San Diego with Societe Brewing’s The hard to distinguish from a hoppy American Roustabout. Traveling east down Interstate 8 barleywine—but it was a very nice beer. from there puts us at Alpine Beer Company, However, I have a weird habit of bringing where their Exponential Hoppiness, while much of the overall experience, including once brewed in much smaller amounts the hassle of obtaining the beer itself, to my and less easily obtained (but easier than opinion of a beer. So … was all the hoopla Younger—and in bottles!), has been made for worth the chance to taste this beer? more than a decade.

I chose the word “chance” not incautiously: A perfect illustration of this point is the In many instances, you can find yourself speed at which Pliny the Younger sold out at arriving early at such events to find that the legendary Toronado San Diego. All three many people arrived far earlier—with of these other beers were also on tap—and the beer running out before your turn. I still are as I type this, two days after Younger

La Quinta Brewing Co.

went on. I would be the guy that skips the nuttiness and happily gets pours of the other beauties relatively hassle-free. (Also worth a mention on the “alternative to Younger” front are Melvin Brewing’s 2X4 and Revision Brewing’s Dr. Lupulin, both of which are big, beautiful, hoppy beers that can be found at the right times of year at our local Total Wine and More.)

The reason I chose this topic now is the fact that for the first time, the Coachella Valley has seen not one, but two tappings of this iconic beer. A tapping of Younger at La Quinta Brewing’s Old Town Taproom has already happened (alongside a plethora of other RR beers I’m more excited about, frankly), and another might have also happened at Eureka! Indian Wells. I went to the former tapping at La Quinta (in the name of science, of course). I got there an hour early, having been conditioned by these events that this was already late. I was third in line, and I needn’t have really worried.

That’s the charm of our desert beer scene, I guess. I will say that when I finally got my glass, it was brightly citrus and tropical (hints of guava and papaya), with some pine—a

shockingly drinkable triple IPA. Yeah, it was worth waiting a little bit for, but had it been more than that, I could have been at peace with missing out.

Those who view me as a “Debbie Downer” will be ecstatic to know that I think this these tappings are a very good sign for our local beer scene—as are the first local sightings of Beachwood Brewing and Beachwood Blendery beers. I’m personally more excited about the beers that will come from the latter breweries, but from what I’m told about Russian River’s new brewing facility, I’m definitely looking forward to what they do next.

Life is short, and it’s important to put a value on the time and effort that goes into any endeavor. Does everything balance toward the positive? Did the object of your desire retain the charm that it had in its pursuit? I sincerely hope so.

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

He currently works at the Coachella Valley Brewing Co. taproom in Thousand Palms. He can be reached at caesarcervisia@gmail.com.

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ON COCKTAILS T

Our resident bartender’s handy guide to maximizing adventure for Coachella Valley visitors

BY kevin carlow

his month, in an attempt to defeat sleeping in, I’ve been exploring all sorts of interesting spots in the desert with my intrepid companion. Among other things, we learned that visiting Giant Rock, near Landers, in a two-wheel-drive vehicle is not easy.

We’ve recently been checking out the Desert X exhibits all over the Coachella Valley. While I am no art aficionado, it was a great way to motivate myself to visit parts of the desert I don’t frequent. I heartily suggest getting out there!

Aside from the art, I got to bounce on the trampoline-like beach of the Salton Sea, which filled me with equal parts dread and wonder. I also got to visit The Ski Inn in Bombay Beach and had one of the friendliest (and most enjoyable) bar experiences I’ve had in a while. As the sun went down over the water, and I sipped a cold bottle of domestic beer while chatting with locals, it got me thinking about this unique place of beauty and the challenges it faces. But I will leave the Salton Sea story to the real journalists.

I have been thinking a lot about adventure lately. The desert, among other things, provides many opportunities for adventure. Whether that adventure is in search of spiritual growth or the downright silly, you can find it here. The very word “adventure” itself has meant many things throughout the centuries. It originally meant “that which happens by chance, fortune, luck.” These days, it means, more or less, exposing yourself to a certain amount of risk for some potential gain. What better description of a night (and/or day) of consuming cocktails?! If chance, fortune and luck tag along, what better companions?

Anyway, after much preamble, here are some tips for minimizing risk and maximizing luck on your desert adventure.

1. Don’t brunch. “Whaaaat?!?!” I can practically hear the clamor: “Brunch is the best!

Brunch is part of the reason we come to Palm Springs!” Yes, and brunch is the reason you are in bed at 8 o’clock when you come here.

Yeah, and it’s also the reason you never went to Joshua Tree for that hike or visited those homes on your list for Modernism Week. Anthony

Bourdain famously once said something to the effect of, “Brunch is for ‘people who brunch.’”

Another way to look at it is: If you brunch, then that is all you will do that day. I am known to enjoy the occasional brunch myself, but if you plan on enjoying the bottomless mimosas, you are really just buying yourself a bottomless headache for the rest of the day. What a bargain!

Instead, maybe stick to a michelada/chavela, if you must brunch and you have any other plans that day.

2: Make reservations. The desert is an easygoing and friendly place … until you show up with your party of six on a Saturday night to one of the better restaurants without a reservation.

Call before walking in, and if you get offered an earlier seating than you hoped for, take it.

3: Don’t show up to a craft cocktail bar with your entire wedding party, unannounced. Craft cocktails take time to make, and if you drop 50 people into a craftcocktail place, you are not only creating bad service for yourselves, but everyone who was already there. Also, you’re going to be so loud and/or obnoxious that it will create a negative environment for the people trying to enjoy their drinks in peace. There are plenty of high-volume bars and clubs in town that would be happy to have you (call them ahead as a courtesy, though) … and we don’t have Red Bull, anyway. Instead, please visit us with a smaller group of cocktaillovers when you can get away from the pack.

Most craft places are on the small side, too, so if you think you’re going to fit into a place like, say, Bootlegger Tiki with your entire extended family and friends … it’s not going to happen.

4: Respect the environment and the community. Just as you wouldn’t (I hope) trash a beautiful desert preserve or park, remember that people actually live here, and it’s a real community. While I think most of us locals understand and deal with the little annoyances that come with tourist season, that does not mean we have unlimited tolerance. If you’re cool, we’ll be cool. If you stumble around with solo cups and act like fools, you’re going to get some side eye, at the very least. Try to remember that, in a small town, if it isn’t “your bar,” you’re a guest. We’re all small towns at heart out here. Also, try not to be “indoor cicadas.” I came up with this term for the noise that comes from having multiple bachelorette parties in the same bar. Not sure if it can be helped … just throwing it out there!

5: Talk to strangers! You’re an adult—so you can eat ice cream for breakfast now, and you can talk to strangers, too. People here love to talk to visitors and give them suggestions about all their favorite restaurants and activities.

Trust me: Everyone here has an opinion on everything. One of my favorite activities on a night off is “kidnapping” visitors and showing them around. Sometimes we end up with a veritable caravan by the end of the night. If you find yourself in one of the remaining “Old Palm Springs” places (not all of which are in Palm Springs proper), talk to the older folks. When’s the last time you chatted with seniors? It can be a lot of fun, especially when a few martinis are involved. You’ll probably get a dubious Frank Sinatra story to boot.

6: Put your phone away. I know … the light here is exquisite. Your Instagram story is going to be so cool. But resist the urge. Breathe.

Mom! Celebrate

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Put the phone away … just for like 10 minutes.

Enjoy a moment of quiet reflection. Maybe you’ll see a hummingbird at just the right time, and it will give you an epiphany. It’s just for you and not for your followers. At the very least, you’ll be less likely to get hit by a car crossing Palm Canyon.

7: Day drink. “Wait, you said not to brunch!”

Yes, but I would never tell you not to day drink.

That’s what we do in the desert; it’s practically a civic duty. Get yourself a good breakfast; hit an easy trail (you can find then all over the Coachella Valley); see an art exhibit; or engage in some other activity so you don’t feel like you wasted the whole day … and then get your drink on. Make a communal punch for your friends to enjoy at the rental. Enjoy the hotel pool with some frozen coconut monstrosity. Hit a local bar, and play your favorite song on the jukebox. Stroll down the sidewalk with a nice buzz making unnecessary purchases. Be open to adventure. Just remember to hydrate, and keep in mind that club soda gets you drunk faster, so beware those vodka-and-sodas.

8: Be safe. There are so many more things I want to say, but I will end with this. Use your common sense, and don’t underestimate the effects the sun and alcohol can have on you. For Pete’s sake, don’t drive while drinking. That’s an adventure not worth taking.

May all of your adventures end well!

Kevin Carlow is a bartender at Truss and Twine, and can be reached at krcarlow@gmail.com.

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VINE SOCIAL

When bringing wine to dinner as a guest, put some thought into it

JASON DAVID HAIR STUDIO

By KatieLOVE finn YOUR

M

HAIR

y dad is here visiting from Canada, along with 50,000 other people from Canada, and has been enjoying our balmy winter.

I, on the other hand, am freezing to death, constantly bundled up in a parka, scarf, wool socks and boots. There is no question: I should have allClub my Canadian rights revoked for Country and Cook Street being so cold in 60-degree weather.

Palm De sert Because so many of his comrades are also down here, his social calendar is as full as a newly widowed resident at Sun City.

“Opulente” that was pleasantly surprising and 760-340-5959 We began talking the other morning about made me realize it is time to take another trip food-and-wine pairings, wine gifts and what over the mountain. www.jasondavidhairstudio.net it means to be a good guest when going to I’m still holding on to a bottle of Anthill dinner at someone’s home. As someone who Farms Pinot Noir that was given to me over entertains often, this is a subject that is the holidays, because I just know it’s going to very important me—and over the years, I’ve be grand. learned some valuable lessons.

The point of all of this: When you are invited Guests will often bring flowers or offer to to someone’s home for dinner and choose to bring a side dish or dessert. This suits me just bring wine, be thoughtful with your selection. fine, because most of the time, I already have That doesn’t mean you need to spend a lot of the weird wines I’m going to pour for my guests money or chase down some rare “unicorn” wine, all lined up and ready to go. But there are times but it does mean that you shouldn’t give a bottle when it’s wonderful to have people come over that you don’t like or won’t drink yourself. If it’s and bring their favorite wine—or something a throw-away wine to you, chances are, it will be they discovered that they want to share. to everyone else, too.

Last Christmas, a dear friend of mine While we’re on the subject of what not to brought me a bottle of Michael Pozzan bring, there are a few unspoken rules that I “Marianna” Red Blend from Napa. I’m not would be remiss not to mention. sure if she knew that my darling sister-in-law’s Vintages matter, people. Unless, you’re name is Marianna, but nevertheless, this was specifically going to a dinner where the a wine that she enjoyed and thought I would “theme” is uncorking older vintages to see how enjoy it, too. they’ve held up, you’re risking embarrassment Recently, I was gifted a bottle of Gorman if the bottle you brought has gone by way of “Old Scratch” Chardonnay from Washington. balsamic. Save that older wine for a dinner I had never heard of this producer but love party at your house, where you have a backup the sense of discovery associated with trying bottle of something fresh and delicious something new. handy—just in case.

After a conversation about all the growth If you’re on a budget, steer clear of name happening in Temecula, and me kind-of poobrands. Why? Because everyone knows roughly pooing the region after a trip I had there about how much a bottle of Josh Cabernet is, and 11 years ago, I was given a bottle of Miramonte while it’s a great under-$10 bottle for your

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I happen to think that bubbles are always a good idea, and there are lots of options in the $20-$40 range that will do you proud.

Look for Cremant d’ Alsace—I love the Lucien Albrecht—or a Crémant de Limoux like the Faire la Fête. For a few more bucks, you really can’t go wrong with the Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs.

I think I’ll open that bottle of Anthill Farms pinot tonight and indulge a little. Then I’ll go turn the porch light on for Mr. Livin’ La Vida Loca and wait to hear about another fabulous night out when Dad gets home.

Here’s to living your best life, Dad! Katie Finn is a certified sommelier and certified specialist of wine with more than 15 years in the wine industry. She can be reached at katiefinnwine@gmail.com.

award-winning

*

award-winning

Monday night pizza-and-The Bachelor fest, it’s not exactly a thoughtful gift. Instead, look for a Spanish grenache or rioja, or a white called Albariño. Italian Barbera d’Asti bottles are juicy and delicious and a huge value. One of my favorites is the Michele Chiarlo Le Orme.

If you want to stick to domestic wines, there are several affordable options coming out of Lodi, and the newly hip Red Hills AVA in Lake County.

I would always suggest staying away from pinot noir unless you personally know the wine and your hosts’ palates. Over the last 15 years, pinot has taken a drastic turn stylistically.

If you’re a pinot purist, then you’ll see that comment as strictly pejorative, and if you’re a fan of Meiomi, then you’re incredibly happy about said turn. Either way, it’s become an incredibly divisive camp, not to mention an expensive one. To find a good pinot noir, no matter what the style is, you’re going to

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the

FOOD & DRINK INDY ENDORSEMENT This month, we drool over two amazing meal-starters

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By Jimmy Boegle WHAT The mac and cheese egg rolls WHERE Bubba’s Bones and Brews, 68525 Ramon Road, No. A101, Cathedral City HOW MUCH $7.95 CONTACT 760-699-7231; bubbasbonesandbrews.com WHY It’s decadent and delicious.

You know that feeling when you see something on a restaurant menu, and you think, “Holy hell, that sounds amazing, and I MUST have it!”?

Well, that’s how I felt when I saw the words “Mac and Cheese Egg Roll” on the menu at Bubba’s, the barbecue place—in a Cathedral City strip mall—that’s been winning over fans due to its delicious meats and impressive beer selection.

It was my first visit to Bubba’s, and when I saw those words all together, it Just.

Seemed. Right.

Not healthy, mind you … definitely not healthy. But right. And that was before I read the description and learned that these egg rolls also contained pulled pork!

Hell yeah!

Well, my friends, I am happy to report that these egg rolls did not disappoint: They were nothing but artery-clogging deliciousness.

I have but one quibble with these fried pieces of glory: They come drizzled with a delightful mango habanero sauce … and on certain bites, that was the only thing I could taste. Macaroni, cheese and pulled pork all have fantastic but somewhat subtle flavors, and those flavors were completely masked wherever the sauce was poured on heavy. My advice: When you go to Bubba’s and order these—and, really, you should go to Bubba’s and order these, as long as your cardiologist is looking the other way—get the mango habanero sauce on the side, and apply it, lightly, yourself.

This appetizer is not only splendid; it’s filling, and can stand as a meal if you’re just a party of one. I barely touched my main course (the two meat plate with two sides, $15.95; I got brisket and pulled pork, with fries and potato salad), as good as it was.

Egg rolls. With macaroni and cheese … and pork! God bless America.

WHAT The French onion soup WHERE Bongo Johnny’s Patio Bar and Grill, 301 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 200, Palm Springs HOW MUCH $3.95 for a cup (shown); $6.95 for a bowl CONTACT 760-318-3960; www.bongojohnnys.com WHY It’s delicious, pure and simple.

Before I begin extolling the deliciousness of the French onion soup at Bongo Johnny’s, I should explain that this restaurant holds a special place in my heart.

You see, Bongo Johnny’s supports many of the same causes I do—the Desert AIDS Project, for example, via Dining Out for Life.

It’s also an active member of the Desert Business Association (of which I am on the board) and even one of the primary sponsors of my softball team.

(Go Palm Springs Heat!) Therefore, I was crushed when an early-morning kitchen fire on March 7 of last year shuttered the restaurant— and, due to a dispute with the landlord over the rebuild, forced it to move several blocks northwest, to the space most recently occupied by Café Europa/jusTapas.

In the nearly 10 months that Bongo Johnny’s was closed, I missed it … and I especially missed one menu item—the French onion soup.

Bongo Johnny’s isn’t known for fancy fare—it features the burgers, sandwiches and breakfast items one would expect from something called a “patio bar and grill”—but its kitchen also produces some items that go well beyond standard bar fare. For example, the macaroni-and-cheese options are among the town’s best … and then there’s the French onion soup. Served with melted cheese and a crostini, as it should, this soup is simply delicious. It’s rich, packed with fresh onions and perfectly seasoned.

On my first visit to the reopened Bongo Johnny’s—for a softball team meeting, actually—the first thing I ordered was the French onion soup. When it was brought to the table and placed in front of me, I couldn’t help but smile … because one of my favorites was back.

MARCH 2019

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 25

A TASTE OF MÉXICO CITY IN PALM SPRINGS

$5 Margaritas All Day (Bar Only) $14 Lunch Special—Soup or Salad Included A sophisticated Mexican dining experience like no other

1107 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs 760-537-1279 • Alebrijeps.com

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Restaurant NEWS BITES

By Jimmy Boegle THE PALM DESERT FOOD AND WINE FEST RETURNS It’s March in the Coachella Valley—and that means it is time for the ritziest, fanciest food fest the desert has to offer: The Palm Desert Food and Wine Festival will take place Friday through Sunday, March 22-24.

Actually, the classes, tastings and various events start several days before that, but the biggest event of them all is the Grand Tasting, which takes place at the Gardens on El Paseo, 73545 El Paseo, from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday the 23rd. Tickets start at $100 and include tastes of food from 40 restaurants, as well as all sorts of wine and spirits samples. If you want to get in early for the VIP portion, or attend an exclusive chef demo even earlier than that, it’ll cost you a little bit more.

On Sunday, there’s another grand tasting, also from noon to 3 p.m.—this one called “North to South: Food of the Americas.” It promises “a menu of inspired dishes, influenced by the different spices and foods native to the Americas and infused with each participating chef’s signature style.” This tasting also starts at $100 and includes spirits, wine, craft beer and cocktails.

Beyond the tastings, there are a dozen or so other events featuring local talent, as well as celebrity chefs you’ve seen on TV. Best of all: The whole thing benefits FIND Food Bank and the James Beard Foundation. In other words, you can splurge and engage in a bit of high-brow gluttony with a completely clear conscience!

For tickets and more information, visit www.palmdesertfoodandwine.com.

IN BRIEF Coming soon to downtown Palm Springs’ La Plaza: French Miso Café, “A romantic and modern French café with wonderful Japanese influences,” according to the café’s Facebook page. It could open any day now, if it hasn’t already; look for French Miso Café on Facebook, and watch for updates. … Mark your calendars: On Saturday, April 6, La Quinta Brewing Co.’s Palm Desert location, at 77917 Wildcat Drive, will host the CountryFest 2019 parking-lot party. It’s a fundraiser for the Desert Cancer Foundation, and $15 gets you a souvenir party cup along with a day of beer, barbecue and country music from Rick Shelley and headliners Leaving Austin. The parking lot opens at 2 p.m., with Leaving Austin taking the stage at 6:30 p.m.; get tickets at the Palm Desert taproom or at lqbccountryfest2019.bpt.me. … Something very cool is coming to the city of Coachella: The Coachella Food Truck Park will set up shop at 1609 Fourth St., and is celebrating its grand opening on Saturday, March 16. The night before, Coachella Magazine will be hosting its Poets and Provocateurs party there; it’s an open-mic event featuring DJ Big Cali. Get more info and watch for updates at www.facebook.com/CVFoodTrucks. … Morongo Casino Resort, 49500 Seminole Drive, in Cabazon, will again be the spot for monthly live broadcasts of Chris Carter’s Breakfast With the Beatles radio show. The broadcasts take place along with a buffet on Sundays at the Cielo Steakhouse, located on the 27th floor of the resort.

According to the news release, KLOS 95.5’s Breakfast With the Beatles is “a living encyclopedia of all things Beatles. Carter’s shows feature stories about the band, rare interview tracks with the boys, as well as loads of hit music, live performance recordings and deep tracks from the Beatles musical library.” Tickets for the 21-andolder broadcast and brunch are $45; get tickets and more info, including a schedule, at www.morongocasinoresort.com. … New to Palm Desert: Coachella Pho, serving Vietnamese food at 72286 Highway 111. More details at www.coachellapho.com. … Also new to Palm Desert: Solano’s Bar and Grill, at 37029 Cook St. It’s the sister restaurant to Solano’s Bistro in La Quinta; details at solanosbarandgrill.com. … Loco Charlie’s Mexican Grill, which has earned a lot of fans in Palm Springs at 1751 N. Sunrise Way, just opened a second location in Indio, at 42250 Jackson St. Get the scoop at www.facebook.com/lococharlies.

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Craig Chaquico brings his guitar-driven music to the Westin Mission Hills Flogging Molly arrives at Morongo just in time for St. Patrick’s Day Cody White and the Easy Ride find musical inspiration in politics, social justice subatomic: Meet Tom Astley and Matt Orlove, the masterminds behind some of SoCal’s hottest parties

www.cvindependent.com/music

Matthew Morrison, known for ‘Glee’ and Broadway musicals, arrives at the McCallum

MR. SCHUESTER LIVE!

29 CVIndependent.com

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A New Kind of Public Radio

Solar Q&A

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We provide a platform for the Q-munity to access our airwaves and on-demand programming as we build a station to meet the unique needs of the Coachella Valley.

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Gay Desert Guide powers the radio station’s website: KGAY1065.com.

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Our advertising and marketing plans integrate the two media companies along with membership in the Desert Business Association for a comprehensive LGBTQ approach to reach for locals and visitors alike. ©Qchella Media Corporation, a CA 501(c)3

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I’m still not convinced solar is a good idea. What am I missing?

You can look around and see that it’s a pretty well-tested and welladopted technology at this point, so if you’re worried that the science isn’t proven, that fear should be gone.

Related to that, you shouldn’t worry that the technology will be a lot better next year, like when phones add new features and update each year—because if the solar is generating enough power to take care of all your electricity, that’s all that really matters. And if you wait, the improvements in efficiency will only be incremental, and you’ll miss out on a lot of savings while you wait.

OK—good points. What else?

Assuming you own your home, is your average electric bill at least $150 or more? Do you get your electricity from Southern California Edison? Is your credit score at least 650 (if you

want to lease your solar system)? If you answered yes to all these, then you really should explore solar. If you lease your system, your savings will start right away, and if you purchase a system, after it’s paid off with the savings (in 5 to 8 years usually), then you’re set up for free electricity for more than 30 years! That’s assuming you go with a quality panel like SunPower that’s under a comprehensive warranty for 25 years, but with an expected life of up to 40 years.

Wow—it sounds too good to be true!

If you can decide before March 1, you can still get SCE’s best solar rate before they change it—but if not, you could still get solar installed before the huge summer bills. And if it takes you even longer than that, you’ll still qualify the full 30 percent Federal Tax Credit if you decide before the end of the year.

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MUSIC

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MR. SCHUESTER LIVE! M

By Brian Blueskye

atthew Morrison is a quadruple threat: His résumé includes acting, dancing, singing and songwriting—but the Broadway star is best known for playing Will Schuester on the TV show Glee.

Morrison will be performing at the McCallum Theatre on Thursday, March 21.

During a recent e-mail interview from London—he was unable to speak on the phone as his tour took him to Europe and Asia—Morrison “Finding Neverland was a true pleasure for discussed his stints in Broadway musicals such me throughout the process,” Morrison wrote. as Hairspray, South Pacific, Finding Neverland “From the beginning stages of watching the and others. tryout runs at A.R.T. in Massachusetts, to “Performing on Broadway, to me, was the working with Tony Award-winning director big stage that I was preparing for years in Diane Paulus during rehearsals, all the way advance,” Morrison said. “When something through my last show in January 2016—there is your passion, I believe there’s no room for was an unspeakable energy that lured me to fear. I took that mentality into each role I performing each night. There’s always a little was fortunate enough to attach myself to. bit of wonder about how the audience and There was a lot of pressure when I was offered Broadway community will interpret a musical the role of Link Larkin in Hairspray, but I’m of this kind, but I truly believe that this thankful for that, as it prepared me for my production was special in its ability to connect biggest challenge yet, and that was The Light with audiences of all ages. I, like many others, in the Piazza. All I can do as an actor is prepare have always had an attachment to the story of as best as I can, in order to deliver the best Peter Pan, and I think that alone was enough possible performance. … Luckily for me, I (of a) reason to deliver each night.” feed off of the energy in the room, and I truly One of his earliest performances on believe because of that, I was able to handle Broadway—back in 2000—was in The Rocky the pressure of performing on Broadway, even Horror Picture Show. early on in my career.”

“That production was my last supporting His 2015-2016 performance in Finding role in theater, and it prepared me a lot Neverland was well-received by audiences. for what was to come,” Morrison said. “A Broadway show is demanding and challenging to any artist, in my opinion, and our job is to make sure it doesn’t seem that way when we perform. The story is entertaining in whatever production it’s told.”

When Glee premiered in 2009, it quickly became a hit with young audiences—and the first season was nominated for a whopping 19 Emmy Awards. Morrison said he was surprised by the reaction.

“I think everyone was in the beginning, to be honest,” he wrote. “Ryan Murphy is such a talented writer, producer and director, and he had such a strong vision for this show, along with Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan. I strongly feel that Glee was the most socially relevant program for its time, connecting with audiences on all levels. The storylines, characters and music clicked in a way that was so unique for television, and still is today. I’m truly proud of what that show accomplished on a social level. I hear day after day just how much that show changed lives.”

Thanks to his time on Broadway, Morrison discovered his ability to sing jazz songs, as well as American standards.

“As a Broadway actor and singer, your voice Matthew Morrison.

Matthew Morrison, known for ‘Glee’ and Broadway musicals, arrives at the McCallum

is trained to tell a story and emote in a wide range,” he said. “I’m a huge fan of American standards and the ‘feel’ of the legends from the ’60s—like Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. These standards they sung told beautiful stories, and that is why I connected with them so much. When I’m up onstage during a concert, connecting with an audience by singing these songs, it brings me back to the Broadway stage. Many of these songs were also sung throughout Broadway shows, so there’s a natural connection there as well.”

Morrison released two studio albums, both during Glee’s run; his most recent, Where It All Began, was released in 2013 on Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine’s 222 Records. I asked him if there was any new music from him forthcoming.

“Music has and always will play an integral role in my life and career,” he said. “The only thing that changes is where I see myself, and how I can authentically deliver a message to my audience. All I can say right now is that I’ve

been working very hard on creating a project that is relevant to my life as father, and I look forward to sharing it in the near future with everyone.”

There is one Broadway role that Morrison said he still wishes to play—and if you listen to his version of that play’s title track on Where It All Began, you’ll realize how perfect he’d be in the role.

“A main source of inspiration has come from Gene Kelly. He was an all-around entertainer and talented individual. A production of Singing in the Rain would be an honor to be a part of,” Morrison said. “The title song is one I perform at almost every concert. It’s my way of attaching myself perpetually to the story.”

Matthew Morrison will perform at 8 p.m., Thursday, March 21, at the McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, in Palm Desert.

Tickets are $80 to $130. For tickets or more information, call 760-340-2787, or visit www. mccallumtheatre.com.

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MUSIC FROM STARSHIP TO JAZZ

The Blueskye REPORT march 2019

By Brian Blueskye

I

Voz de Mando

March brings both the revelry of St. Patrick’s Day and increasingly warmer weather— which, given the relatively cold February we had, will be even more welcome than normal.

Oh, and March is also bringing a lot of great shows, too!

The McCallum Theatre has plenty going on in March. At 8 p.m., Friday, March 8, get in the Saint Patrick’s Day mood with The Irish Rovers. The Irish Rovers provide audiences with a good time featuring traditional Irish music; don’t be surprised if you find yourself singing and clapping along. Tickets are $25 to $85. At 8 p.m., Saturday, March 9, Grammy Award-winning vocalist Steve Tyrell will be performing. Tyrell has been a regular at the McCallum for 15 years now.

After a dozen or so albums, appearances on soundtracks for films such as That Thing You Do and Father of the Bride, and other accomplishments, he’s guaranteed to put on a good show. Tickets are $48 to $78.

Here’s an interesting one … at 8 p.m., Friday, March 29, actor Rob Lowe will be performing his one-man show Stories I Only Tell My Friends. He’ll reveal tidbits about his life in Hollywood and his acting career, which now spans four decades. Tickets are $65 to $150. McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert; 760-340-2787; www. mccallumtheatre.com.

Fantasy Springs Resort Casino has a superstar-packed March. At 8 p.m., Friday, March 1, the former lead vocalist for Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers, Michael McDonald, will be performing.

He’s collaborated with artists from Kenny Loggins and Van Halen to Grizzly Bear and Thundercat. He’s also won five Grammy Awards and charted with several singles.

Tickets are $39 to $69. At 8 p.m., Friday, March 8, ventriloquist and comedian Terry Fator will take the stage. Ever since he won America’s Got Talent in 2007, he’s been a huge hit with audiences. Tickets are $39 to $79. At 8 p.m., Friday, March 22, classic-rock continued on Page 32 CVIndependent.com

By Brian Blueskye

n 1974, a young guitarist named Craig Chaquico joined the newly formed Jefferson Starship, and remained with band through the transition to Starship. He left the band in 1991 and has been performing as a contemporary jazz guitarist ever since.

Craig Chaquico will be playing at the Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort and Spa on Saturday, March 2.

During a recent interview, Chaquico explained how he became a founding member of Jefferson Starship.

“Jefferson Airplane broke up and stopped executive thought anything was going to happen performing together in 1972. … Jorma for us. … The solo albums were interesting, Kaukonen and Jack Casady did Hot Tuna, and but they weren’t commercial success stories. I Grace Slick and Paul Kantner did solo records,” don’t think they expected gold and platinum Chaquico said. “I actually played on their solo albums from us. They looked at our band like, records, and my own band had a recording ‘Whatever!’ But think about it: What record contract on their label. The idea was to maybe executive in 1974 would say, ‘Hey, I’ve got an start a new band, and we went out on tour as idea! Let’s get a black violin player in his 50s, a Jefferson Starship before we recorded anything. pot-smoking guitar player in his teens, and put My band opened, and I played in both bands. them together with some Jefferson Airplane After that, I expected to go back to college, but and Quicksilver Messenger Service people, add a we were like, ‘Man, we all had such a great time member of the Turtles, and then put Pete Sears playing together! Let’s form Jefferson Starship in this band!’? That was the beauty of it. We and do an album.’ I said, ‘Shit yeah! Let’s do weren’t an A&R person-conceived band.” that!’ After that first tour, we went into the The band became Starship and released the studio and recorded Dragon Fly. Everything that huge hit—yet oft-maligned—“We Built This I played on went gold and platinum.”

City” in 1985.

Chaquico was a teenager when Jefferson “Starship was very pop, and it started to Starship began, and he wound up putting off rely a lot on keyboards and not so much on school. guitar,” Chaquico said. “I’m a team player, and “That was sort of my higher education; I was I’ll play on every song whether it has a lot of learning from the best,” he said. “When we did lead guitar or not. We started doing songs like the first Jefferson Starship album, there were ‘We Built This City,’ which has gotten a lot eight members, and each of the members had of bad press over the years, but if you listen distinct personalities. I don’t think any record to the beginning of that song … all of that computerized stuff and rocket science was pretty new. … Peter Wolf was our producer, and he co-wrote a lot of our songs. The original idea for the song was how there were no places for rock ’n’ roll bands to play anymore, (as pop) was turning into a lot of DJs and disco. The idea was a protest against computerized music, but it was the biggest computerized song on the radio, which I found ironic.”

While Starship enjoyed popular success, headlining shows with Foreigner and Fleetwood Mac, the band started to receive critical backlash.

“To me, it was like trying to send Apollo 13 around the moon and bring it back safely—it was high-tech computers everywhere,” Chaquico said. “It was interesting to me, but that period of time had its good things and its bad things.

We had three No. 1 singles in three consecutive years, in the course of about 15 months. That was the good part. We got to go to Japan and Europe to play concerts—but it had a doubleedged sword, and it bit us in the ass. We got Craig Chaquico. Kaye Runner via Wikipedia.org

CVINDEPENDENT.COM/MUSIC

Craig Chaquico brings his guitar-driven music to the Westin Mission Hills

criticized for ‘We Built This City,’ and it made No. 1 on the list of 50 Worst Songs in the World or something like that. Peter Wolf was also on the list at No. 3 for (producing) Wang Chung’s ‘Everybody (Have Fun) Tonight.’ I called Peter and said, ‘Dude, you’re on two of the worst songs of the world, and I’m only on one!’ On one level, we have to be proud, but it also bit us in the ass.”

Members eventually started leaving, and Chaquico had to decide whether to stay in a band that was decreasing the presence of guitar.

“I was told by the management not to write any songs, because we weren’t going to do any more rock,” he said. “At that point, I said, ‘All right, guys, I have to bail. Because what do you need me for?’ I didn’t ask for a lot of money— just to make sure I received my royalties for the earlier stuff. They broke up, didn’t have another hit and were dropped from the label.”

Becoming a successful jazz musician didn’t happen without difficulty, and he had problems finding a label to release his first solo album, Acoustic Highway, in 1993.

“My now-ex-wife became pregnant. During the pregnancy, acoustic guitar started becoming more welcoming around the house. I thought maybe I should mellow things out,” Chaquico said about the transition to jazz. “I started playing more and more acoustic guitar, and it was suggested to me that I just record that.

Ozzie Ahlers, who used to play in the Jerry Garcia Band, started working with me, and when my rock band didn’t pan out, he heard me playing acoustic guitar and had some ideas.

He gave me a demo of his keyboard ideas.

We started recording our acoustic music, and everyone passed on it, because they didn’t know what it was.

“I went to a new age label, and they said it had some rock and blues, and I should play it for a rock label. I went to a rock label, and they said they heard more new age. I went to a blues label, and they said it sounded more like jazz and rock. But a new age label called Higher Octave liked it and said, ‘We like it the way it is. We hear all that stuff, but we like it.’ They put me together with a great producer to remix it. It ended up being Billboard’s No. 1 New Age Album of the Year.”

Craig Chaquico will perform at 7 p.m., Saturday, March 2, at Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort and Spa, 71333 Dinah Shore Drive, in Rancho Mirage. Tickets are $50 to $90. For tickets or more information, call 951-696-0184, or visit tix.com/ Event.aspx?EventCode=1114738.

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CELTIC CRUISERS O

By Brian Blueskye

n Saint Patrick’s Day, you can always expect to hear Celtic music in some form—including, most likely, some music by renowned Celtic punk band Flogging Molly.

Flogging Molly is currently on tour and will be stopping by Morongo Casino Resort on the eve of St. Patrick’s Day—Saturday, March 16.

When former Fastway and Katmandu frontman Dave King started Flogging Molly in 1997, he entered uncharted territory by combining “You need context, and you need to hear punk rock with Celtic music in America. The the record. Most people think ‘Life Is Good’ first album, Swagger, released in 2000, was means caviar, champagne, yachts, excess and well-received by critics, and the second album, all that,” Casey said. “It couldn’t be further Drunken Lullabies, released in 2002, reached from the truth, and there’s a lot of irony in it.

Gold status.

Dave’s mother dying inspired a lot of that. …

During a recent phone interview, guitarist I think it’s sort of tongue-in-cheek sarcasm.

Dennis Casey said starting a Celtic punk band The title track is about Dave’s mother dying. was a unique challenge.

It’s way deeper than the first image you might “The hard part for me was being a loud have. It’s hard to hear the sarcasm in it, but guitar player,” Casey said. “It’s a bit of a it’s there. Dave has always been writing about challenge to mash all those instruments the horrible things in life but also (shining a) together, and less is more when you’re playing positive light on things as well.” with so many people at the same time. I think Flogging Molly has performed often with we were just bringing the passion and the fellow Celtic punk band Dropkick Murphys, energy to the show. That was pretty infectious which started in Boston around the same time to people. In traditional Irish music, if you go as Flogging Molly. back and look at where it came from, it came “(Dropkick Murphys) are wonderful guys, from people sitting around in living rooms and we’ve toured with them about three having some drinks, entertaining themselves times,” Casey said. “We got along great. There’s and dancing. We just amplified that.” a lot of comradery. We were jumping onstage In 2017, Flogging Molly put out its sixth playing together, and it was a really special album, Life Is Good, which took six years to time, and I’m glad we got to do it. I know we complete. share a lot of the same fans, and I think that’s “There were a lot of things happening in the a nice gift.” band on the business side—the changing of In 2015, Flogging Molly started the Salty management, agents and all the boring stuff Dog Cruise, an annual cruise in the Caribbean, like that,” Casey explained. “It takes time out which has included bands such as Gogol of your schedule when you’re trying to write Bordello, The Specials, NOFX, Less Than Jake and record. Dave’s mom died; my father died; and many others. and it was a combination of all those things “I was personally thinking, ‘OK, we’ve really that delayed us—and also inspired the record.” lost our minds.’ I thought that only old people The title may be a bit misleading, given the who drink piña coladas and play shuffleboard go many challenges the band and its members on cruises. I had never been on one, and I was faced while making the album. stereotyping,” Casey said. “We marched on, and

Flogging Molly arrives at Morongo just in time for St. Patrick’s Day

I’ll never forget when I got on the boat for the first one, and I met two people from Belgium.

And I was like, ‘Whoa! Belgium?’ It was so exciting, and I rethought the whole thing.

“It formed into this wonderful festival on a boat. There’s a sense of community. So many relationships are made from it, and the vibe is so great. It’s turned out to be one of my favorite things to do all year. It’s funny how that turned around. I tell people, ‘I defy you not to have a great time.’ It’s just about 20 to

30 bands playing punk rock with all the booze you can drink and the food you can eat. People think it’s going to be debauchery and mayhem, but it’s a really communal fun time. It’s a vibe I can’t explain, but it’s there.”

Flogging Molly will perform at 9 p.m., Saturday, March 16, at Morongo Casino Resort Spa, 49500 Seminole Drive, in Cabazon. Tickets are $45 to $65. For tickets or more information, call 800-2524499, or visit www.morongocasinoresort.com.

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The Blueskye REPORT continued from Page 30

band Creedence Clearwater Revisited will be returning to the Coachella Valley. I’ve seen this band perform on three occasions, and the group—made up of two members of the original Creedence Clearwater Revival lineup and three other fantastic musicians—sounds just as good as the original. Tickets are $39 to $69. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio; 760-342-5000; www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa has a couple of events of which you should take note. At 8 p.m., Friday, March 15, Latin-music duo Los Temerarios will be performing. Adolfo and Gustavo Angel have become Latin-music superstars since they started in 1978, earning a Latin Grammy Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Latin Billboard Music Awards.

Tickets are $55 to $85. At 8 p.m., Saturday, March 23, Prince-tribute band Purple Reign will take the stage. I watched this band’s soundcheck one time, and I couldn’t believe how well this band does Prince’s music. Others have taken notice as well—the group appeared on The Late Show With Dave Letterman on New Year’s Eve in 2009. Tickets are $25 to $35. Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa, 32250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage; 888-999-1995; www.hotwatercasino.com.

Spotlight 29 has a couple of Latin superstars coming through in March. At 8 p.m., Saturday, March 16, enjoy a double bill of Voz de Mando and Kanales. Since the group began in 2002, Voz de Mando has released seven albums; recent single “Pa’ Que No Me Anden Contando” became a Top 10 Billboard Latin Music hit in the United States. Kanales came to the United States from Sinaloa and became a big star in Norteño-music world. Tickets are $40 to $45.

At 8 p.m., Saturday, March 23, Latin-music duo Amanda Miguel and Diego Verdaguer will be performing. They are Latin-music

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Branden and James

legends who have been together since the 1970s. Tickets are $51 to $106. Spotlight 29 Casino, 46200 Harrison Place, Coachella; 760775-5566; www.spotlight29.com.

Pappy and Harriet’s is the place to be in March … or, well, any other time of the year.

At 8 p.m., Thursday, March 21, Cold Cave will be performing. Cold Cave is a project of Wesley Eisold, of the bands American Nightmare and Some Girls. Eisold was born without a left hand, which means he does not play an instrument—but he excels as a vocalist. He’s also a published writer. Tickets are $20. At 8 p.m., Sunday, March 24, cosmic-country band Green Leaf Rustlers will take the stage. The band features Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes, Pete Sears of Jefferson Starship, John Molo of the Phil Lesh Quartet, and Greg Loiacono of The Mother Hips. A “cosmic-country” band should definitely be a hit at Pappy and Harriet’s. Tickets are $30. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace, 53688 Pioneertown Road, Pioneertown; 760-365-5956; www. pappyandharriets.com.

The Purple Room has a diverse list of events for March. At 6 p.m., Saturday, March 2, powerhouse cello and vocal duo Branden and James will be performing. The duo features America’s Got Talent finalist Branden James, a classically trained tenor, and cellist James Clark. Tickets are $35 to $40. At 6 p.m., Saturday, March 9, Scot Bruce will be performing the songs of Elvis’ early years.

Bruce is a regular performer at Disneyland and is considered one of the best Elvis-tribute acts in the country. Tickets are $30 to $35.

At 8 p.m., Saturday, March 23, get ready to laugh in tribute to one of the most iconic comics who ever lived when Joe Posa stars as Joan Rivers. He’s an impersonator of many stars, including Michael Jackson and Liza Minnelli. Tickets are $30 to $35. Michael Holmes’ Purple Room, 1900 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs; 760-322-4422; www. purpleroompalmsprings.com.

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BACK TO THE 1970s E

By Brian Blueskye

veryone talks about rock these days, Keith Richards once said. The problem is they forget about the roll.

Well, local musician Cody White has most certainly not forgotten about the roll.

White and his band, the Easy Ride, are now gigging regularly in the high and low desert, and have started to stand out with a ’70s-inspired rock ’n’ roll sound. During a recent interview in Desert Hot Springs, White seemed laid back to play more stripped-down than (force) and smiled a lot while talking passionately something that was going to sound so-so or about his music. (have) people playing in the band that don’t fit “It’s a lot of the old rock ’n’ roll I love,” White what we do.” said. “I’ve been known to say that I was born White grew up near San Luis Obispo and in the wrong decade, because ’70s rock ’n’ roll credits his parents for introducing him to the is my bread and butter. Neil Young, the Rolling music that inspired him.

Stones, Bob Dylan and that kind of stuff is “When I was growing up, I was raised more where I gathered upon when I was a young on rock ’n’ roll and country music, so that guitar player. I’m also a fan of Radiohead, and I all somehow mixed,” he said. “The album I draw a little bit from that. remember listening to the most when I was “Most of my lyrics are pretty politically a kid was The Beatles’ Rubber Soul. That was driven, so I hear about something that pisses the rock album I remember listening to over me off, and I write a song about it as my and over when I was a kid. My dad was a huge therapy or whatever you want to call it.”

Frank Zappa fan, so he’d play Zappa albums White played as a duo with drummer David in his truck when my mom wasn’t around.

Driver before bassist Samantha Clark recently My mom was a radio DJ and had a folk-music entered the picture. show when I was a kid growing up in the “It took us about two years to get a solid ’80s—James Taylor, Jackson Browne and stuff rhythm section,” White said. “David has been like that. I got pulled on air a couple of times. playing with me forever. Trying to find a bass It was voluntary and her once-a-week thing.” player was a nightmare, and we were playing as When he was just starting as a songwriter, a two-piece for a few years. I figured I wanted White said he had a problem with believing in

Cody White and the Easy Ride find musical inspiration in politics, social justice

himself.

“My biggest thing was always confidence, because I was a guitar player since the age of 15. I had no problem sitting onstage and playing guitar,” he said. “But when it came time to craft my own stuff, lyrically and musically, there were probably piles of songs that went by the wayside, because I didn’t think they were good enough. It’s part of the whole songwriting process. I had a good friend who told me to write a song everyday just for the discipline, and out of that, you’d end up with a couple of songs that were worth something.

It took a look time for me to be confident as a songwriter.

“I think for me … it’s about what you feel the most passionate about. Every person is different. Writing love songs has never been my forte, but whenever political and socialjustice issues hit me hard, that’s where I’m passionate and where the good songs come out. Keith Richards said that when he got stumped trying to write a song, he would play

a song by someone else, and something comes out of that. Samantha and David are also a huge part of the songwriting process, and the songs are definitely shaped by the rhythms and the bass lines they add in. It’s taught me to play and arrange songs in a whole new way.”

White told me about an interesting show the Easy Ride recently played.

“A friend of mine did this show up in the high desert called Quema del Diablo, which is a South American Catholic traditional festival that’s known as the Burning of the Devil,” White said. “Last year, they did it bigger than before and had two stages; it was an outdoor show in the middle of December in the high desert. That was really fun. But the local shows down in the low desert have also been fun, because there are people who still want to hear rock ’n’ roll. It’s inspiring when you see where the industry is going with rock ’n’ roll these days.”

For more information on Cody White and the Easy Ride, visit www.facebook.com/codywhitemusic.

Cody White and the Easy Ride.

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Los Angeles is the epicenter of the entertainment industry, a city where people come to follow their dreams of careers in film, TV, music and more.

With all of that comes plenty of parties and events—some of the best of which are put together by Tom Astley, of L’Affaire Musicale, and Matt Orlove, of Orlove Entertainment.

While they both have their own companies, they plan almost every event together. This kind of collaboration is something you don’t see too often—and it’s refreshing. What brought them together?

“In short, the love and passion we have for music and working with artists,” Astley said. “We met at a time when we had both just moved from New York City and had set up our respective companies. We were both in the process of getting our brands and philosophies out there. We had a similar vision, so it just made sense to partner up.

Synchronicity and timing are everything!”

That comradery has helped them expand their reach not just across Southern California (including the Palm Springs area), but also to the East Coast. These aren’t two corporate groups throwing unlimited money behind soulless events; it’s two friends sharing their love for music with the rest of us. It’s rare to see that kind of passion on the business side of music.

Astley described how they choose the right artists for their events. (Full disclosure: They have hired me before.)

“While there is always a component of how a headliner will sell at our shows, we mostly book acts that we enjoy and believe in as artists,” Astley said. “As for openers, we love to dig deep into the local culture and scene of the genre we’re booking. The openers at our shows are usually the ones

running the local scene.”

Astley and Orlove work with acts such as The Knocks, Moon Boots, Pete Tong and disco legend Giorgio Moroder. In fact, Astley and Orlove are hosting Giorgio’s second annual “live disco” experience on Saturday, April 27, at the Globe Theatre in Los Angeles. This show will include New York City’s Holy Ghost! (one of my personal favorites), French disco house icon Cerrone and a special performance from Dita Von Teese. It’s events like these that set them apart from other L.A. nightlife producers.

Astley and Orlove also know how to pick the perfect venue. We aren’t talking about run-down, tired nightclubs on the strip. From the Saguaro pool here in Palm Springs, to Skybar at the Mondrian in L.A. and the Delano Beach Club in Miami, the venues are almost as cool as the artists playing. This shows not only their passion for the music, but also for providing their guests with a quality experience all around.

“Sound, lighting and location all play a big part, but what really takes it over the edge is the staff—bartenders, security, door people, etc.,” Orlove said when asked what makes a venue great. “The customer experience starts here. At all of our events, we strive to create a friendly atmosphere, so when a venue is on the same page, it’s ideal.”

Orlove Entertainment and L’Affaire Musicale have big plans. “We’re really focusing on building the brands we have and expanding them into new markets nationwide,” Astley said, “and also working on launching a series of Wicked Paradise Beach Festivals in 2020.”

When asked what their favorite show to date was, Orlove said it had to be their first show with Giorgio. You can find tickets for the next one at bit.ly/Giorgios2019.

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MARCH 2019

MUSIC

CVINDEPENDENT.COM/MUSIC

the

LUCKY 13

Meet a longtime electronic-music performer and an actress who’s also part of a well-regarded local trio

By Brian Blueskye What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?

Queensrÿche’s Operation: Mindcrime album.

What’s your favorite music venue?

I have not had the opportunity to play Whisky A Go Go in Los Angeles but would love to play there.

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

“I have a reservation for a padded room where all my dreams are of you,” Hexheart, “Lunatix.”

NAME Brett Heinze GROUP Probe 7 MORE INFO Probe 7 is an electronic-music act that Brent Heinze has kept going since 1992. He re-launched Probe 7 in 2018 with a new vocalist, Charlie Harding. Heinze recently relocated to the Palm Springs area and just released a new album. For more information, visit www.probe7music.com.

What was the first concert you attended?

I went to see Bruce Springsteen with my dad in 1984.

What was the first album you owned?

Bee Gees’ Spirits Having Flown, because I loved the song “Tragedy” and took the album from my mom.

What bands are you listening to right now?

The Faint, Skinny Puppy, The Frozen Autumn, Provision, Empathy Test, and Imperative Reaction.

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

Honestly, with Kanye West, I have never understood or enjoyed anything I’ve heard from him, not to mention anything he has said publicly.

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

I would have loved to see Joy Division in their original configuration before Ian Curtis’ death.

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What band or artist changed your life?

Hands down, it was The Cure. They were the first band I got obsessed with, owning all their albums.

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

Laurie Anderson: “Would you please adopt me?”

What song would you like played at your funeral?

Deine Lakaien’s “Love Me to the End.” Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?

Sisters of Mercy, First and Last and Always.

What song should everyone listen to right now?

Fires featuring The Rain Within, “Survive.”

NAME Meagan Van Dyke GROUP Trio NV MORE INFO Meagan Van Dyke is a multitalented performer. She’s been in College of the Desert musicals In the Heights and Little Shop of Horrors; she was an on-air Disney Channel host; and she performs in Trio NV with Nick Sosa and Doug Van Sant of the Flusters. Catch Trio NV every Saturday night at the Miramonte Indian Wells Resort and Spa. For more information, visit www.facebook. com/trionvmusic.

What was the first concert you attended?

I’m a little embarrassed to say the Backstreet Boys was my first concert, but the boy-band

pop-scene was huge in the late ’90s, and I was just another 10-year-old who succumbed to the sounds of five guys singing love songs.

What was the first album you owned?

Boyz II Men’s II. I can remember listening to it on repeat in my bedroom. I always find myself attached to lyrics that are romantic and poignant, and when you pepper in flawless harmonies, I’m a fan for life.

What bands are you listening to right now?

I have a very eccentric playlist, but I’m currently listening to Brandi Carlile, Janelle Monáe and H.E.R. What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?

I enjoy a lot of different music, but I’ll never understand the culture of heavy metal. If I can’t understand the words because the lead singer is screaming, I’m shutting it off!

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

Ben Platt. He’s a Broadway star and has one of the most mesmerizing voices I’ve ever heard.

I’d love to just sit and listen to him sing.

What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?

I’m a musical-theater nerd. My guilty pleasures are the soundtracks for most Broadway musicals. Currently, it’s Dear Evan Hansen and Waitress. I’m also a huge fan of just about anything from the ’80s. Foreigner, Journey, Hall and Oates—they still get blasted in my car.

What’s your favorite music venue?

The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. There’s nothing better than enjoying music under the stars.

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

“Let ’em live while they can. Let ’em spin; let ’em scatter in the wind. I have been to the movies; I’ve seen how it ends, and the joke’s on them.” Brandi Carlile’s song “The Joke” has a strong message, and if you haven’t listened to

it yet, you should!

What band or artist changed your life?

I’m definitely inspired by the Motown, funk, soul and R&B eras. Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Donna Summer, Smokey Robinson, Amy Winehouse and Lauryn Hill are all musicians who have changed my life as an artist.

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

I’d ask Diana Ross what inspired her to be the amazing performer that she was and still is today.

What song would you like played at your funeral?

An ’80s classic, “Don’t You (Forget About Me),” by the Simple Minds.

Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?

Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black. The entire album is a classic, soul-pouring novel that I never get tired of.

What song should everyone listen to right now?

“When Will Then Be Now?” by The Flusters.

Support local music!

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 37

MARCH 2019

CANNABIS IN THE CV

MONEY AND MARIJUANA Want to invest in cannabis? Here are some important things to consider

BY ROBIN GOINS

W

ith the rise of the cannabis industry in the Coachella Valley, many would-be investors are wondering whether to jump into the industry—and how/when to do so, if the answer is yes.

If you are entertaining the idea of investing in cannabis—specifically, the growth and cultivation of marijuana—there are a several important things to keep in mind.

How much do you want to invest … and how do you want to invest? The cannabis industry is growing and expanding at a rapid pace, and there are numerous levels and types of investments to consider, but the main question for investors is: Are you going to “touch the plant,” or get in as an “ancillary” business?

“Traditional investors do not want to touch the plant and are looking for ways to get into the industry without actually being in the industry,” said Michael Dickerson of EcoMaster Corporation, which is currently building the Coachillin’ Industrial Cultivation and Ancillary Canna-Business Park in Desert Hot Springs.

Dickerson said these types of investors are generally developers, landlords and builders— basically, investors in any business that helps address the challenges of the grower. He said investing in service industries that are riskadverse makes for a good rule of thumb— because he predicts that 90 percent of growers will go belly-up, while ancillary businesses will be less affected by shifts in the industry.

Why does he think growers are going to have such a tough time? State environmental approvals are difficult to get, and long-term sustainability will be challenged by water resources, water rights and environmental compliance.

Kenny Dickerson, also of EcoMaster, notes that many in the industry are unprepared for regulation; after all, they’re garage-growers who aren’t necessarily experts on business

models … making ancillary businesses a wiser place to start for investors.

Greg Rutten, COO of Mochi Holdings Group in Desert Hot Springs, also said that cannabis is risky because it is an emerging industry.

“Most private lenders will only lend 50 percent of a construction (amount), so operators need to raise 50 percent as equity and will (often) give a piece of the company or stock in the company or a preferred investment rate,” Rutten said.

Rutten said potential investors should make sure any grow operator has the necessary licenses from the state and municipality where it’s located, and has landlord approval for cannabis use. As with any business, investors should also fully read the grower’s business plan and make sure the business model clearly addresses all aspects of the business. In other words: Potential investors need to do their homework to make sure they’re making a sound investment.

One final thing to keep in mind when considering investing in the industry is the instability of local and state authorities, who are scrambling to keep up with the new and growing industry. Katherine Dickerson, also of EcoMaster, echoed and emphasized Rutten’s point about making sure any marijuana business has all the necessary permits— because they’re incredibly difficult to get.

“The state is saying they are relying on (permits being issued at) the local level, but there are people at the local level making laws who are not in the industry and do not understand it,” she said. “(Investors need to) do their homework to ensure that what they are investing in is prepared to deal with the red tape as the industry morphs and becomes standardized and becomes more consistent. It is going to be a bumpy ride for the next five years.”

Robin Goins is a business consultant for DR.G Consulting and works extensively in the cannabis industry in the Coachella Valley. For more information, visit www.drrobingoins.com.

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MARCH 2019

OPINION SAVAGE LOVE

CVINDEPENDENT.COM/OPINION

LOOKING FOR LOVE WITH ALS

BY DAN SAVAGE

I

am a 56-year-old heterosexual man, and I have lived with ALS for the past six years. I am either in a wheelchair or in a hospital bed, and I have very little motor ability in my limbs. Like most or all male ALS patients, I still have full sensory ability, including a fully functioning penis.

Are there safe websites or groups I can connect with that deal with helping paralytics like me find people who are interested in hooking up? I’m talking about people who have a fetish for paralytics. I know that some people have a thing for amputees; I imagine there’s a fetish for any number of diseases or afflictions.

When I was healthy, I was into light bondage. That seems like a redundancy now, but I can still get into dress-up and role-play. I would be cool if someone was into the whole bathing, grooming, dressing thing, and whatever baby-doll fantasy they might have. Hell, I’d be happy if someone just wanted to give me a pity fuck!

Realistic About Getting Dominated Or Lustfully Laid “I struggled to find any specific online groups with respect to ALS and sexuality,” said Andrew Gurza, a disability awareness consultant and the host of Disability After Dark, a terrific podcast that explores and celebrates the sexual agency and desirability of people with disabilities.

“But what RAGDOLL is looking for might not be directly related to his specific disability.

It sounds like he is looking to engage with a community of people called ‘devotees.’ These individuals are attracted to people primarily because of their disabilities, and that might be what he is looking for. I know a couple who used

a devotee website to find each other, who dated and eventually married.”

If you’re open to playing with a devotee, RAGDOLL, Gurza suggests checking out Paradevo (paradevo.net), a website for “female devotees and gay male devotees” of disabled men.

“Many disabled people have also set up profiles on sites like FetLife to explore not only their fetishistic sides, but also how their disabled identities can complement and play a role in that,” said Gurza.

Now … many people, disabled and otherwise, look down on devotees, who are often accused of fetishizing disability and objectifying disabled people. But people who are exclusively attracted to the able-bodied and/or the conventionally attractive are rarely accused of fetishizing the able and ambulatory or objectifying the facially symmetrical. Which is why it has always

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I am a disabled man; how do I find people interested in hooking up with me?

seemed to me—and Gurza agrees with me on this point—that if being with someone who is turned on by your whatever-the-fuck is good enough for the able-bodied, it’s good enough for people with disabilities. Provided. of course. that, able or disabled, we’re appreciated for everything we bring to the table or the chair or the bed.

Ryan Honick, a disability advocate and public speaker, doesn’t think you should limit your search to websites aimed exclusively at the disability community.

“It’s estimated that one in five people have a disability,” said Honick. “And when I think about how challenging dating can be anyway— disability notwithstanding—my immediate thought is that RAGDOLL shouldn’t exclude 80 percent of the population from his search.

So I would encourage him to use some of the mainstream apps—like Tinder, OkCupid, Bumble or Match—and put what he’s after front and center.”

Honick would caution other disabled people that putting your disability front and center— even on mainstream dating apps—is likely to attract the attention of devotees.

“RAGDOLL doesn’t seem like he would mind being with a devotee,” said Honick. “But those of us who do mind need to be a little more discerning. I’ve inadvertently attracted a fair number of people with a devotee fetish, and it honestly squicked me out.”

Zooming out for a second: Safety is always a concern when inviting a stranger over for sex, RAGDOLL, even for the non-disabled. In addition to attracting the attention of a few good and decent people, devotees or not, your relative helplessness could attract the attention of a predator. So before inviting anyone over, get their real name and their real phone number. Then share that information with a trusted friend—someone who can check in with you before and after a date—and let your potential new fuck buddy know you’re sharing their info with a trusted friend.

Second to last word goes to Honick: “Another option, if it’s available to RAGDOLL and he’s open to it, would be hiring a sex worker.”

And the last word goes to Gurza: “RAGDOLL shouldn’t resign himself to the idea that he’s a ‘pity fuck.’ His desires as a disabled man have full value and worth. And I want him to know, as a fellow disabled man, that he can have a fulfilling sex life, and that someone out there does find him attractive.”

Follow Andrew Gurza on Twitter @ AndrewGurza, and follow Ryan Honick on Twitter @RyanLHonick.

I’m interested in mummification—being covered in layers of plastic wrap and duct tape—but I am not interested in sexual activity. I created an account on what I have been told is the most popular hookup app for kinky gay men. I am not interested in sex with any gender. How can I determine if someone who agrees to mummify me can be trusted not to initiate sexual activity?

Wannabe Rare Aspie Perv I assume the app you’re using is Recon, WRAP, as it’s the most popular hookup app for kinky gay and bi men. There are “FRIENDS” listings in the lower right-hand corner of each profile.

Contact the friends of anyone you’re interested in playing with, and ask for a reference. Is this guy skilled? Can he be trusted? Does he respect limits, etc.? If the answers are yes, yes and yes, you can most likely trust him.

I’m a 44-year-old woman living in the Washington, D.C., area. I divorced my husband last year, and I haven’t had sex in seven years. Despite my premenopausal age and daily antidepressant, I’m horny as fuck. How do you recommend I find someone to do me? I am a BBW and ready to get fucked. But I also want to protect my privacy, and I’m reluctant to post pics online. I’m aware I am a fetish for some, and I’ve been something of a “crazyperson magnet” in the past, and that’s a concern.

Like A Virgin Again You can’t find someone if you aren’t willing to put yourself out there, LAVA, which these days means putting some pics up on dating apps.

There are lots of dating and/or hookup apps and websites for bigger folks, some more fetishizing than others. And who cares if someone spots your photo? If Jeff Bezos refuses to be shamed by dick pics—or blackmailed with them—you don’t have to be ashamed to show your face.

As for avoiding “psychos,” LAVA, there are shitty, toxic people everywhere. Learn to recognize the signs, and take those red flags seriously. If you have a terrible track record—if you’ve found yourself with (or married to) a lot of shitty/toxic people—then you need to make sure you’re not the problem. Because if everyone you’ve ever dated was shitty or toxic, LAVA, there’s a better-than-even chance you were the shitty or toxic common denominator in a lot of failed relationships. Do the work.

Read Savage Love every Wednesday at CVIndependent.com; mail@savagelove.net; @ fakedansavage on Twitter; ITMFA.org.

COACHELLA VALLEY INDEPENDENT // 39

MARCH 2019

OPINION COMICS & JONESIN’ CROSSWORD

“You’re All Out of Order”— was Anger in Inside Out it’s all about the position 40 GOP fundraising org.

41 It’s red, white, and Across blue for a bunch of 1 Bodily pouches (and countries not something like 43 Love Story author Segal what Santa carries, 44 “The Duchess of Alba” unfortunately) painter 5 Airline to Adelaide 45 Croquet need 11 Adversary 47 “Far out!”

14 How some sit by 49 Smallville villain Luthor 15 Lacking the resources 50 Moonrise Kingdom 16 Hedwig, for one director Anderson 17 Midday song by The 51 Addis ___ (Ethiopia’s Moody Blues, out of capital) order?

55 Breed of chicken once 19 Cup edge known as Indian Game 20 Blissful 58 Vexation 21 Jots down 59 Kimono sash 23 Throat problem, briefly 60 Punny Stephan Pastis 24 “Forgot About ___” comic strip, out of (2000 single) order?

26 Frigid 63 Guitar master Paul 27 Oscar winner 64 Honor Thy Father 29 Stylish, to some author Gay 32 “We try harder” rental 65 River from Lake company Victoria 35 “Forever Mine” singer 66 Turn purple?

Day 67 Like some tomatoes 37 Ray of sunshine 68 Boat bottom 38 Good Will Hunting campus Down 39 Comedian Black who 1 Building locations

2 Mature 3 Disperse 4 “All ___ go!”

5 College square 6 “... join in ___ reindeer games” 7 Photographer Goldin 8 Short loin cut 9 ___ gobi (Indian potato dish) 10 Mailed, as a contest entry, way back when 11 Temperature where the Fahrenheit and Celsius scales meet, out of order?

12 Boo-boo 13 They give shade 18 ___-Provera (birth control injection) 22 “But she’s calling ___” (“Mr. Brightside”) 24 Off-the-highway eatery 25 It pairs with steak 28 Parking person 29 Malia’s sister 30 Buffoonish 31 1970s song whose first two words denote the first two letters 32 Letters on a boom box 33 ’80s This Old House host Bob

34 Persevere, out of order?

36 Some side dishes 42 Country singer Campbell 44 Fail to bring up a memory 46 Is 48 Cassette contents 50 During 52 Eagle’s perch 53 Disney “princess” fond of reading 54 Adams who photographed Yosemite 55 Target of some overthe-counter medicine 56 Toe the line 57 Go after flies 58 Went 40 in a 20 zone, e.g.

61 Mint-condition 62 Ending for Nepal ©2019 Jonesin’ Crosswords (jonesincrosswords@ gmail.com) Find the answers in the “About” section of CVIndependent.com!

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