Coachella Valley Weekly - February 5 to February 11, 2015 Vol. 3 No. 46

News

Music

Movies

Dining

Community Events

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com • February 5 to February 11, 2015 Vol. 3 No. 46

PAUL RODGERS AT Saturday, February 14th

Modernism

pg 4

GFF Club Cabana

pg 7

Balloon Festival

pg 10

Sir Madam

pg 12

Alchemy

pg 13

Smoke Tree BBQ

pg 20

February 5 to February 11, 2015

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Coachella Valley Weekly

Paul Rodgers Makes a Rare Appearance at Spotlight 29 as He Kicks Off His 9-City North American Tour

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Publisher & Editor Tracy Dietlin Art Director Robert Chance Sales Team Alaina Majiros, Raymond Bill, Jorge Gutierrez, Edward L. Prichard III Classified Manager & Nightlife Editor Phil Lacombe Features Writer Lisa Morgan, Judith Salkin, Denise Ortuno Neil, Heidi Simmons, Kira Golden, Rich Henrich Writers/Contributors: Robin Simmons, Rick Riozza, Craig Michaels, Bronwyn Ison, Haddon Libby, Rachel Montoya, Angela Janus, Janet McAfee, Dale Gribow, Raymond Bill, Jack St. Clair, Rob Brezny, Eleni P. Austin, Noe Gutierrez, Sunny Simon, Karen Creasy, Richard Weiss, Dr. Peter Kadile, Dr. Maria Lombardo, Bruce Cathcart, Julie Buehler, Flint Wheeler, Laura Hunt Little, Rebecca Pikus, Monica Morones Photographers Laura Hunt Little, Scott Pam, Lani Garfield, Chris Miller/ Imagine Imagery, La Maniaca Distribution Phil Lacombe, William Westley

Contents

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Paul Rodgers at Spotlight 29................... 3 Modernism 2015....................................... 4 Girl Friend Factor - Club Cabana.............. 7 Breaking the 4th Wall- Duck & Cover...... 7 Don’t Be Cluless In The CV........................ 8 Art Under The Umbrellas.......................... 9 Dr. George Car Show................................. 9 Hot Air Balloon Festival.......................... 10 Valley Rhythms - Tony Bennett.............. 11 LMS - Sir Madam...................................... 12 LMS - Alchemy......................................... 13 Consider This - Lucinda Williams .......... 14 Art- David “LIFE” Medina........................ 15 Pet Place................................................... 16 The Vino Voice......................................... 17 Club Crawler Nightlife............................ 18 The Pamp. Palate - Smoke Tree BBQ...... 20 Screeners................................................. 22 Book Review............................................ 23 Real Estate............................................... 26 Haddon Libby: It’s All Local.................... 27 Dale Gribow............................................. 27 Safety Tips................................................ 28 ShareKitchen........................................... 28 Social Security......................................... 28 Sports Scene............................................ 29 Sports....................................................... 29 DHS Spa Tour........................................... 30 Free Will Astrology.................................. 31 Mind, Body & Spirit................................. 31 Life & Career Coach................................. 32 Local Business - Westin Mission Hills.... 32

February 5 to February 11, 2015

R

olling Stone ranked Paul Rodgers #55 on its list of the 100 Greatest Singers of All-Time.

The platinum selling vocalist and cofounder of the British rock group Bad Company will be performing at Spotlight 29 Casino on Saturday, February 14 at 8pm. He enjoyed much success during the 70s and 80s with Bad Company earning them 6 platinum albums.

After leaving Bad Company, Rodgers pursued a solo career and had a musical collaboration with guitarist Jimmy Page in the group, The Firm. Rodgers also had a fiveyear venture with Queen, and most recently has been touring with a Bad Company reunion show, as well as playing solo concerts.

The record label will be re-releasing both the albums Bad Company and Straight Shooter this year, along with Rodgers album with the band Free, which includes the stellar single “Alright Now”.

For me, as a teenager in the 70s, Bad Company was my first favorite band and Rodgers’ voice had the ability to transcend me to a place where I could imagine all things were possible. He had the vocal skill to hold you in the palm of his hand with one song and make you want to rock out with the next. The title track to Bad Company’s self-titled first album still resonates with people today as hard rock band Five Finger Death Punch did a remake of it a few years ago. That album along with Straight Shooter will forever be part of the soundtrack of my life leaving an indelible mark on my soul.

Paul Rodgers recently took time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions.

CVW: You’ve had such an amazing career and body of work. During this solo tour will you be doing songs from all of your bands?

PR: I will be doing songs I’ve written from all of those bands and solo material from my latest album which we recorded on analog called The Royal Sessions. I like to put a set together that is dynamic and interesting and involves the audience where they’re taken on a journey really. I have a great band and they play superbly and it’s such a great joy to be with them. The whole band is rock solid.

On guitar I’ve got Howard Leese who is one of the founding members of Heart and he’s been with me for 15 years. And I’ve got Todd Ronning on bass and Rick Fedyk keeping the beat.

CVW: How do you keep it fresh when you’re performing songs you’ve been doing for over 40 years?

PR: This is the first show of nine shows and my first in 2015, so this year I’m playing a limited amount of shows. Back in the 70s

By tracy dietlin

Elvis sent me a note and said ‘take time to live’. And I thought ‘what does he mean by that’ and I realize now that to keep it fresh and enjoy it I need to not do too many shows so that each one remains special and I can enjoy life a little more.

With each new town is a new audience and for them it is new. And I love it when the audience will start singing the lyrics to the songs… say, like with “Shooting Star”. There’s such a recognition factor with the songs. And with “Alright Now” I sing it different every night. A lot of people don’t know that I didn’t sing that song at all for many years. When I left the band Free and moved on with Bad Company I just left it behind. Then I was with The Firm and it wasn’t until years later when I discovered the power of that song. I was playing Blues at the time and Jason Bonham was in the band and it was a tribute to Muddy Waters album that I did and Jason was always behind me saying ‘do “Alright Now”’ and one night the audience heard him and they started calling for it. So we played it and it was a bit rough but the audience loved it and it’s stayed in the set since.

CVW: Are you continually still writing new music?

PR: Yes, absolutely. I’m writing with my producer from my last album, Perry Margouleff, and we’ve got a lot of tracks that we plan to do something with this year.

CVW: Is there anyone that you would like to collaborate with?

PR: Well…collaboration is something that happens naturally. I will gravitate towards certain people. That’s what happened with Mick and I when we started Bad Company.

We were both in other bands and we started writing together. Same thing with Jimmy Page, we were hanging together in the studio and he was listening to some of the things I was working on and we started gravitating continue to page 5

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February 5 to February 11, 2015

modernism

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By cindy duffy

Modernism Week Celebrates Ten Years in Palm Springs

F

ans of Modernism Week will be glad to learn that the tenth anniversary celebration has been expanded to include more tours, parties, neighborhoods, and lectures than ever before. Highlighting midcentury modern design, architecture, art, fashion and culture in the greater Palm Springs area February 12-22, 2015, the festival features more than 200 exciting events including the 15th annual Modernism Show & Sale, films, lectures, Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tours, nightly parties and live music, walking and bike tours, a keynote address by designer Todd Oldham, vintage fashion, classic cars, garden tours, a vintage travel trailer exhibition, and much more.

Modernism Week is going more social in 2015 with the introduction of CAMP (an acronym for Community And Meeting Place) the new central hub of activity during the 11-day event. A 30,000 square foot tented festival headquarters, CAMP will be the Modernism Week check-in location for Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tours and ticket sales, and will also offer programs, films, book signings, daily Happy Hour entertainment, and special events.

All events are open to the public with the purchase of a CAMP wristband for admission: $20 for 1-5 days, $30 for 10-days. CAMP wristbands are available at the door or in advance at modernismweek.com.

Located at 555 N. Palm Canyon Drive (at the corner of Palm Canyon and W. Chino at the gateway to Palm Springs’ vibrant Uptown Design District), CAMP will feature luxurious, designer hospitality and lounge spaces, a Café

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Designer Todd Oldham

continued from page 3

with specialty on-the-go lunch cuisine, and a fabulous outdoor bar featuring cocktails and Happy Hour specials with live entertainment daily from 3-6 p.m.

Ferguson, the exclusive Kitchen & Bath Sponsor for Modernism Week, and California Home and Design will produce a series of panel discussions at CAMP titled “Renovation Insights.” The series, featuring local designers, contractors, property owners and developers discussing various aspects of evaluating, buying and renovating midcentury homes for personal use, vacation rentals or resale, will take place in the Theater tent. For a complete schedule of CAMP events and activities please visit modernismweek.com/camp.

A highlight during the first weekend of Modernism Week will be a keynote address by designer Todd Oldham. Known to millions through his fashion lines, interior designs, and television appearances, Oldham is also a book publisher and prolific photographer.

His talk, Todd Oldham’s Alexander Girard, will be presented at the Hilton Palm Springs on Saturday, February 14.

Also new for 2015 will be the release of “Desert Modernists – The Architects Who Envisioned Midcentury Modern Palm Springs,” a special 144-page commemorative book, focused on the elite group of architects who shaped the genre of “Desert Modern” architecture in Palm Springs. Including stunning photography of their most significant and historical projects, and chapters written by an esteemed collective of 14 authors, the book will highlight notable architects Richard Neutra, Albert Frey, William Krisel, E. Stewart Williams, Donald Wexler, and Hugh Kaptur, among others. “Desert Modernists” will be available for purchase at CAMP and other local retailers in February.

One of last year’s most sought-after events, the Modernism Week Show House: The Christopher Kennedy Compound will return for a second year. Brainchild of noted Palm Springs designer Christopher Kennedy who spearheaded the project, a midcentury

modern residence in the prestigious Indian Canyons neighborhood of Palm Springs will be re-imagined by Kennedy and a collection of A-list designers and brand partners. The Compound, site of several exciting events taking place during Modernism Week, will be open to the public for tours.

The area’s captivating desert modern neighborhoods and midcentury residences, so abundant and beautifully preserved, have helped Modernism Week become one of the most popular and internationally recognized architecture and design festivals in the world.

Eleven new neighborhood tours have been added this year, including a Gene Autry Neighborhood Tour with Celebrity Guest Jackie Autry. Also new are Racquet Club Estates and Racquet Club Garden Villas, Little Beverly Hills, Park Imperial South, Indian Canyons, Sandpiper, Seven Lakes, Sandcliff, Smoke Tree Ranch, and more.

Neighborhood and home tours helped fuel Modernism Week’s growth; however, it is not widely known that the organization assists local neighborhood groups by funding their preservation efforts and other community projects. More than $219,000 of revenue generated by neighborhood tours during Modernism Week in February 2014 was given back to each community, and a special tour during October’s Fall Preview benefited the Palm Springs Neighborhood Involvement Committee – an all-volunteer service group

comprised of and representing 35 officially certified neighborhood organizations in Palm Springs.

Examples of how the funds from upcoming February tours will be used include new midcentury clubhouse furniture for Seven Lakes Country Club, refreshing the folded plate carport roofs at Park Imperial South, and several neighborhoods plan to add signage and convert to more droughttolerant landscaping. Vista Las Palmas and Racquet Club Estates support local schools and charities, and revenues from Sandpiper tours will fund programs at the Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert – The Galen, and provide a new student scholarship for a Palm Desert graduate.

This year, midcentury enclaves in the cities of Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert and Indian Wells feature prominently on Modernism Week’s schedule with exciting new tours and events: • A Mod, Mod, Mod, Mod Marrakesh (2/19) – cocktails and dinner at the fabulous Marrakesh Country Club Clubhouse • William Krisel Sandpiper House Tour and Party (2/17) – tour remarkable homes built from 1958 to 1969 and party at the Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert • Palm Desert Double Decker Architectural Bus Tour (2/19 & 20) – a twohour tour featuring homes by Krisel, Burns, White, Frey, Outcault, and more

towards each other. And that’s the way it works for me.

CVW: What is your favorite project that you’ve worked on?

PR: Well… I’m passionate about everything that I’ve done and everything that comes along is the number one thing in my mind for the duration. But recently I did a skating special for ABC and they had all these Olympic Champions skating to our music while we played live. They were all such amazing athletes and humble people.

And when they do the backflips right in front of you… you really get the power of what they’re doing. It’s on YouTube: Pandora’s Special Moments.

• Indian Wells Signature Home Tour and Luncheon (2/20) – concludes at Indian Wells Golf Resort with a light lunch and conversation with an award-winning architect Modernism Week films and lectures are a great place to learn about the origins of midcentury modern architecture and the architects who designed them. There are lectures about architecture in Palm Springs, Hawaii, Chicago, Los Angeles, Michigan, Long Island, and Europe, as well as architectural photography and garden design. New Lecture Series Package Deals (2/14-20) feature three to four lectures per day on fascinating topics and include either a delicious box lunch or a hot beverage and museum access. At Michigan Modern Monday (2/16) enjoy six lectures, one film and lunch as you immerse yourself in Michigan Modern: a design movement; a cultural phenomenon; an intersection of indigenous, imported, and exported design; and a newly defined epoch.

Free events include an Opening Night After-Party at Bootlegger Tiki, Illuminated Modern, Star dedication for legendary modernist architect Richard Neutra on the

CVW: What would you say has been the highlight of your career?

PR: There have been so many but one would be standing at the Royal Studios and singing “How Strong My Love Is”. It was so awesome to me to play with the Reverend Charles Hodges and all the guys and hear them in my head phones and for me to be singing with them. It sent shivers up my spine.

And meeting Nelson Mandela was a pretty awesome experience. We played for the support of AIDS and the Queen and I went down to South Africa.

CVW: When you were singing with Queen how did it feel singing Freddie’s (Mercury) songs instead of yours?

PR: It was interesting because the deal

Palm Springs Walk of Stars, the Vintage Car Show, SHAG’s “The Ensuing Elephant” Print Release Party with Martini Kings Playing Live, and the Modernism Yard Sale, among others.

Tickets are still available for several amazing parties – too many to mention here!

Featuring music, dancing, cocktails and more, they offer modernistas a perfect opportunity to dress to impress in vintage attire. One not to be missed is the 10th Anniversary Opening Night Party: Modernism Eclectic Dance Blast (2/12) with Jason Bentley, KCRW’s Music Director and host of ‘Morning Becomes Eclectic’ and ‘Metropolis’ who will take everyone on a wild musical ride. Located at CAMP, it will be a Throwback Thursday night celebrating 60 years of midcentury modern style at the best party of the decade! Dig out your platform shoes and bell-bottomed jeans, dust off that sharkskin suit and skinny tie, pull out the Pucci mini-skirt or the poodle skirt, give attitude with a demure 50’s or wild 60’s bouffant, or revive the Afro. Includes a 5-day wristband for return admission to MW CAMP ($20 value included).

Attendees of the Modernism Show & Sale

February 5 to February 11, 2015

was that they played my songs too and so it was a fantastic relationship. They played my songs superbly. Their production is massively gallant…with these huge bombastic lighting effects. I’m much more minimalistic in my approach so it was interesting. I did it for 5 years and then it was time for me to return to my own band… but I was happy to have had a hand in resurrecting Queen.

CVW: Who do you most respect in the music business today?

PR: I have a lot of people through the years that I have respected and loved, like my first manager Joe Bradley who could really see a spark of talent in those early days when I was 14. Ahmet Ertegun, who was the head of Atlantic Records, he was an amazing guy who was very old school, mogul of rock, but he was very nurturing. We didn’t even realize we were being nurtured when we signed with Atlantic/Swan Song.

CVW: What do you think about the landscape of music today?

PR: It definitely has changed… but I’m not sure at all that technology has improved music. In some ways it’s cheapened it. It used to be when we would buy a vinyl album it was a precious thing. It was an experience. You didn’t just download it. And the sound was so much better, which is why we recorded the last album analog on vinyl. It’s only going to be the music that comes from the heart that will stand the test of time and have deep meaning. The 70s were a very special time and I find playing live that it does recreate

that excitement.

CVW: On a personal note: I shared with Rodgers that when my daughter was a little girl I would sing “Shooting Star” to her every night and before she was 3 years old she could sing the complete song and how much that song means to both of us. His response was quite genuine when he said: PR: That’s beautiful. That’s a great story.

Would you mind if I shared that with people?

Because people often ask me if I have any stories about the songs. I’ve had people tell me that their child was conceived to “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and christened to “Seagull”.

It’s very special to me.”

CVW: I read that you are a big supporter of the animals.

PR: Yes…and by the way my wife and I love your Pet Place column. We read it all the time. We do support an Animal Sanctuary in Scotland called “Willows” and they have 98 horses, 60 cats and dogs and countless other animals so when we heard about their struggle we felt we needed to help them so we do what we can. Actually the show we did at Albert Hall, all the proceeds went to them.

Don’t miss Paul Rodgers’ special Valentine’s Day performance on Saturday, February 14.

Tickets for the show are $45, $65 and $75 per ticket, and are available at www.

Spotlight29.com, or call Star Tickets at (800) 585-3737, or the Spotlight 29 Box Office and Gift Shop. Doors open at 7 p.m.

The show starts at 8 p.m.

Preview Reception (2/13) will be the first to see and shop the world-class collection of midcentury furniture, art and objects before it opens to the general public. The Vintage Travel Trailer Show, showcasing 40+ beautifully restored vintage trailers, buses and Airstreams (many never-before-seen at Modernism Week), is the site of the first Vintage Travel Trailer Show Party “Rockin’ Saturday Night!” (2/21) with retro Rockabilly music and fun for the whole family. To see all the Modernism Week After Dark events scheduled throughout the week, visit modernismweek.com/parties.

For those who are newcomers to Modernism Week and may need help figuring out which lectures, tours, and parties to attend, check out the great Modernism Week for Newbies guide at modernismweek. com/newbies!

The City of Palm Springs is the Presenting Sponsor of Modernism Week, and all events

are open to the public. To learn more visit modernismweek.com, and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About Modernism Week: Modernism Week is a California 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. Modernism Week is also a charitable organization, providing scholarships to local Palm Springs students pursuing college educations in the fields of architecture and design; as well as giving grants to local and state preservation organizations for their efforts to preserve modernist architecture throughout the state of California.

Modernism Week’s Mission: The mission of Modernism Week is to celebrate and foster appreciation of midcentury architecture and design, as well as contemporary thinking in these fields, by encouraging education, preservation and sustainable modern living as represented in Palm Springs.

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February 5 to February 11, 2015

Community

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Applications Being Accepted for charitable Car Giveaway

B

en Clymer’s commitment to the Palm Desert community will be further evidenced in March when one deserving family will receive a free car complete with paid registration fees and one year of AAA insurance.

Applications to receive the car are now being taken. Applicants must demonstrate a need and describe how the car would enhance life for their family.

Applications can be obtained by emailing Bobbie Neff at bobbie@connectriverside. org or by going to the Community Connect website at www.connectriverside.org.

Deadline for applications to be received is February 20th at 5:00 PM. Date of the Presentation is March 12, 2015 at 11:00 AM Address: Ben Clymer’s The Body Shop 73760 Spyder Circle Palm Desert, Ca. 92211 Background and history of event.

The Benevolence Car Give Away (BCGA) is one of the ways the Clymer Family gives back to the local community. The BCGA is not just a hand out, it is a hand up. This event has been designed to help those, to no fault of their own, who have fallen on hard times but have demonstrated that they are not the type to be defeated and live on hand outs. They are working to better themselves and their circumstances.

Clymer’s have partnered with the Automobile Club of Southern California

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to donate a free rebuilt car to a carefully selected person within the city of Palm Desert. AAA donates a total loss vehicle to Ben Clymer’s The Body Shop. All the team members at the repair shop donate their time to repair the vehicle back to pre-loss condition. Vendors that work with Ben Clymer’s also donate parts and materials to restore the car. Ben Clymer’s The Body Shop also provides 1 year of Registration and AAA Insurance.

This will be our 13th BCGA in the last 7 years at other Ben Clymer locations but this is Palm Desert’s 1st annual event. On this day, it is all about the life changing event for the deserving recipient. It truly takes a team effort to find a deserving recipient. People can apply for themselves or for a friend. So, who are we looking for?

The ideal recipient is a person who may be completely without a vehicle or using public transportation. They don’t let this stop them from moving forward with employment and/or schooling to better themselves and their circumstances. So please participate in actively looking for a person who is deserving of something that will be a life changing gift. A hand up for them to continue with their pursuit of better things through hard work and determination. Please join us for our 1st annual Ben Clymer’s The Body Shop Palm Desert BCGA.

events

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Chris clemens

GirlFriend Factor’s Club Cabana, Unleashed & Uncorked!

Event Showcases Over-the-Top Auction Packages

Tickets to Coachella Festival and extravagant dinners at fine restaurants, to designer handbags, gallery artwork, exquisite jewelry, and so much more!

G

irlFriend Factor, dedicated to helping women reach their potential and achieve their goals through higher education and occupational training, announces various auction package details for the upcoming Friday, February 6 event, taking place at Toscana Country Club in Indian Wells at 6 p.m.

The event’s centerpiece is the Uncorked Auction in which eleven highly recognizable men from the community, affectionately referred to as GFF Cabana Boys, are paired with spectacular live auction packages. This year includes an amazing assemblage of prizes. Here’s a sampling: Skip Paige of Goldenvoice: For the music enthusiast Two guest passes and one VIP parking to Coachella, a $3100 value.

Two guest passes and one VIP parking to Stagecoach, a $2100 value.

Note: Guest passes enable preferential stage viewing areas, artists areas and most VIP areas.

Christian Hohmann/Hohmann Fine Art on El Paseo: For the fine art enthusiast Piece of artwork from the gallery A David Einstein art studio tour for six with champagne VIP tickets to Fine Art Fair donated by Palm Springs Art Museum, The Galen A PIANEGONDA Nature’s Power Collection Necklace with sterling silver with green gold quarts and diamonds; and a VISCONTI Pen VAN GOGH Collection Starry Night inspired pen from Leeds & Son fine jewelers Intemporelle handbag carried exclusively at Leeds & Son Pair of custom shoes from Designer Debra Hovel Claudio Marfia/Il Corso; Angelo Anastasio/Presage; Nick Nicolas/Peninsula Visa: For the variety enthusiast This is a comprehensive package assembled by the three men Bottles of wine compliments Il Corso Private golf lesson with golf pro Passport renewal services for two compliments of Peninsula Visa Fashion merchandise from Presage – shawl by Italian designer Private cocktail reception for ten at Presage and shopping experience with creative director, Angelo Dinner for ten at Il Corso Remerchandising and closet makeover by Angelo Will Fuller: For the golf and more enthusiast Cocktail party and film showing for a group of eight at his distinguished residence in PGA West, featuring a private screening room Two-hour glass blowing session for four

Round of golf for foursome at PGA West includes lunch at the club with Will 60-minute in home massage by Prize Fighter David Herrlinger/Hot Purple Energy: For the social enthusiast A Hot Purple Energy pop-up cocktail party including live band Club Cabana is GirlFriend Factor’s main fundraiser of the year to support the non-profit’s mission of ensuring access to higher education and occupational training to women living in the valley, who would otherwise not be able to afford education and training on their own. In addition, the organization supports local education and work training facilities by awarding grants to be utilized in the Coachella Valley, with the goal of also growing our economy as a whole.

Club Cabana, Unleashed & Uncorked! takes place at Toscana Country Club, located at 76009 Via Club Villa in Indian Wells on February 6 at 6:30 p.m. This event is open to the public and tickets are $75 per person.

For more information about GirlFriend Factor and to purchase tickets visit www. thegirlfriendfactor.org or call 760.772.9594.

Founded in 2005, Girlfriend Factor is a nonprofit organization that aims to ensure that higher education and occupational training are financially accessible to adult women, ages 25 and older, who choose to improve their economic position in life and who strive for self-sufficiency. GirlFriend Factor has awarded over $290,000 to almost 100 recipients to date. While providing educational grants to women to achieve their educational goals, the organization also celebrates and explores the powerful influence women have on each other’s lives through building friendships, and sharing experiences.

February 5 to February 11, 2015

Breaking the 4th Wall

By Dee Jae Cox

A Stage Review of “DUCK AND COVER”

D

ezart Performs is one of the most respected and accomplished theatre companies in the Coachella Valley, but they missed the mark on the selection of ‘Duck and Cover’. Michael Kimball’s script could almost be seen as a biographical piece if you are interested in seeing the early years of the most extreme, bigoted, racist and sexist of the fanatical right. As someone who fully appreciates history and loves historical fiction, the rants of an off balance man who sees a threat around every corner and holds his family hostage to his paranoia probably isn’t what I would consider valuable insight to our past.

Hugh Whitebottom, aptly played by Michael Shaw, is a relentlessly angry man, with no redeeming qualities, who sees little difference between the mental capacity of his wife and his 12-year-old son. Though ‘Duck and Cover’ is billed as a comedy, it appeared to be much more of a tragedy. It’s a story of a family living under the threat of the Cuban missile crisis in 1962 and are forced to accept the changing world around them, some adapting to the changes much better than others.

Hugh considers birth control the end of civilization, while his wife, Claire, played by the very talented Yo Younger, is forced to sneak around and buy her pills from the milkman, the friendly, talkative and sly Mr. Rippit, (Hal O’Connell) who doubles as a dealer of such nefarious drugs. Mr. O’Connell is an obvious professional and shines in his supporting role.

Ms. Younger’s performance is noteworthy and an obvious indication of her talent and acting capabilities. What modern day woman could play the role of a subjugated wife of a control freak, with a straight face? Her edge towards emancipation by the end of the show almost made the first act tolerable. Yo Younger makes this show worth seeing.

Uncle Bunny, the blast of fresh air that shines light in the dark corners of this captive household, is played perfectly

by Scott Smith. Each time he enters the stage I am again hopeful for the survival of this family. And Robert Ramirez, as Eddie Savage, stole more than a few moments in the show.

Twelve year old Stevie Whitebottom, performed by Stephen Lee, is captivating in the role of the son, torn between being the man his father expects and just wanting a pair of Sneakers, a new fad that has taken hold and another sign to Hugh that the end of time is near.

Judith Chapman’s direction is most likely what saves this script from total annihilation. Each move seems to exemplify character and is driven by purpose. I must admit that Clair’s free flowing break out dance to the music of ‘Mack the Knife’, while housecleaning was a highlight for me.

The overall flow and scene transitions were flawless.

I loved Thomas L. Villach’s set. It was compact and complete. It had all of the nuances of a 1960’s home, and simultaneously made me realize how the world of this family was closing in around them. Clark Dugger’s sound and Phil Murphy’s lights both provided an ideal ambiance of time and place.

While ‘Duck and Cover’ could probably be acceptable for all age groups, I would have to caution against subjecting kids under 12 to the show. They won’t get much out of it and may not understand the historical context.

Dezart Performs, gets a zero stars on Broadway rating, for having no shows written by women in their current season, or past few seasons. Though they have included works by women playwrights in their annual play reading festival.

Duck and Cover is produced by Dezart Performs, at the Pearl McManus Theater in the Palm Springs Woman’s Club through Sunday, February 8th.

Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

314 S. Cahuilla Road, downtown Palm Springs For Reservations: go to www. dezartperforms.org, or call (760) 322-0179.

Dee Jae Cox, is a playwright, director and producer. She is the Cofounder and Artistic Director for The Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Project and the host of KPTR 1450’s hit radio show, “California Woman 411” in Palm Springs.

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February 5 to February 11, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Don’t Be

CLUELESS IN THE COACHELLA VALLEY

by Diane Marlin-Dirkx music camp and student mentoring, Music is Wellness performances monthly for the Memory Care Center at Eisenhower Medical Center. Reception and concert at the Annenberg Center for Health Sciences, 39000 Bob Hope Dr., Rancho Mirage. For tickets, call 760-341-4130, $65 per person/ open seating. No practice necessary.

You’re going to love it!

L

ove what you ask? Think, dear Cupcake and Stud Muffin. February 14? It’s just around the corner!

Valentine’s Day! For those aliens among us, this is the story we celebrate every year on February 14. Legend has it that when Claudius II forbid his soldiers to marry, a priest named Valentine encouraged young lovers to unite in holy matrimony. Jailed for the offense, Valentine’s heart was lost to his jailer’s daughter and the two pledged undying love (Long before he was made a saint, we surmise). We don’t know if he gave her anything other than his heart. You know the old saying, “Tis better to give than to receive” (There are people who actually believe that). But obviously on the fast track to making a name for himself, he was a good catch for a jailer’s daughter. For you, beyond giving a big, fat, box of Chocolate in all its glory and seductive selection, here is an assortment of musical evenings to complete a heart-felt gift from you to your Valentine.

Read on.

Thursday, February 5, 7:30 – 9:00 PM. Serial Musical Evenings: Pete Carlson’s Jazz for Jazz Lovers features The Banda Bros.

Sextet and all we can say is, “hot, hot, hot!”

Led by Drummer Ramon Banda and Bassist Tony Banda, brothers who’ve been playing together and playing well with others, such as Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band (a 32 year-in-tune collaboration!) since before they were teens, starting with backyard jam sessions and wedding bands. Today the Banda Bros. are trumpeted as one of LA’s hottest Latin jazz bands performing a blend of Latin, Afro-Caribbean, and straight ahead jazz and original compositions. Hear and cheer them at Pete Carlson’s Golf and Tennis, 73741 HWY 111, Palm Desert.

Admission ticket: $25 per person. Call for more information 760-568-3263, or tollfree: 1(800) 600-3263. Visit website: www. petecarlsonsgolf.com Seating is limited.

Non-profit concert proceeds support jazz education and scholarships for young musicians in the Coachella Valley.

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Saturday, February 7, 9:00 AM. The Desert Film Society presents “24 Days” (“24 Jours”). “Lia Award winner, Jerusalem Film Festival, Israel. Directed by Alexandre Arcady, in French with English sub titles, and based on true events that occurred in 2006 in France and on a memoir written by the victim’s mother. The narrative: A woman walked in to a wireless store on Boulevard Voltaire, asked for the sales attendant’s number and left. Later, she called asking to see him. Ilan wasn’t suspicious; he was 23 years old, with his whole life before him. How could he have known that he was flirting with death? Festival showings: Toronto Jewish Film Festival, Vancouver International Film Festival, Canada; Jerusalem Film Festival, Israel; Jewish Film Festival, Australia; UK Jewish Film Festival, UK; Boston Jewish Film Festival, Cucalorus Film Festival (NC), Palm Springs International Film Festival, USA .The “buzz” from Screen Daily: “French director Alexandre Arcady delivers one of the most wrenching and politically astute films to come out of France.” Palm Springs Camelot Theatres, 9:30 AM showing. Doors open at 9:00 AM w/film introduction at 9:20 AM. Discussion follows the film. Complimentary refreshments. Free to Desert Film Society Members, $15 at the door. More info call: 760-770-0507 or visit www. desertfilmsociety.com. Desert Film Society is a non-profit 501 (C)(3) Organization.

Saturday, February 7, 8 PM. Here’s a swoon-worthy evening starring Michael Feinstein, hailed as “the most prominent ambassador of the Great American Songbook,” says the Los Angeles Times.

We agree. The pianist brings his velvety vocals along with his heart to the McCallum for a show that examines the wide ranging canon of American song.

Being a personable performer and host, Feinstein showcases both the influences and golden eras of the genre, sharing insightful commentary intermingled with definitive performances. In the late 1990s, Feinstein recorded two more albums of Gershwin music: Nice Work If You Can Get It: Songs by the Gershwins (1996) and Michael & George: Feinstein Sings

Gershwin (1998). Feinstein’s albums in the 21st century have included Romance on Film, Romance on Broadway (2000), Michael Feinstein with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra(2001), Hopeless Romantics (2005, featuring George Shearing), and The Sinatra Project (2008).1988 he won a Drama Desk Special Award for celebrating American musical theatre songs. Feinstein is also a multi-platinum-selling, five-time Grammy-nominated recording artist. He currently serves as Artistic Director for The Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, Indiana. For info or tickets, call the box office 760-340-ARTS (2787) or online at mccallumtheatre.com. Please note programs, dates, and artists are subject to change.

Sunday, February 8, 3 PM. It’s tune-up time for the 8th Annual Doctors’ Concert Fundraiser for The Steinway Society of Riverside County. Ruth Moir, founder/ president, doesn’t play around for this fundraiser; she encourages those in medical practices to put down one instrument for another in the interest of programs to “engage, educate, and inspire children, changing their lives forever.” Florence Henderson, TV’s favorite Mom on “The Brady Bunch,” is Honorary Chair of the concert. And we’d bet the doctors, Rainer Bergmann, Scott Aaronson, Lisa Lindley, Murthy Andavolu, Judith Zacher, Justin Thomas, Eric Fox, and Vincent D’Auria, enjoy performing as well. The non-profit Steinway Society produces classic concerts in schools for K through 12, including performances by internationally known professionals, Piano and ukulele labs for elementary group lessons in daytime/after school programs, financial need awards including lessons, pianos, Annual Festival Competition and Winners Concert, workshops, summer

Friday, February 12 – Sunday, February 22. Modernism Week celebrates 10 Years!

So Cool! So Party-Hearty Ready! Make it a Throwback Thursday night celebrating 10 years of Modernism Week at the best party of the decade! Fasten your seat-belts as DJ Jason Bentley, KCRW’s Music Director and host of ‘Morning Becomes Eclectic’ and ‘Metropolis’ will take everyone on a wild ride! Opening night guests will be the very first to experience CAMP, our new 30,000 square foot MW Headquarters.

7 PM – 10 PM at MW CAMP (Community and Meeting Place), 555 N. Palm Canyon Drive at W. Chino, Palm Springs, CA 92262.

Cost: $125 per person. Admission includes wristband for 5-day return admission to MW CAMP. Valet parking included. Adults 21 and over, please. Tickets are available at www.modernismweek.com.

Added Attraction on Saturday, February 21, 7 – 10 PM. Celebrate Modernism Week After Dark at the Vintage Travel Trailer Show! This fun and funky outdoor soiree will showcase 40+ beautifully restored vintage trailers, buses and Airstreams – many never-before-seen at Modernism Week. You’ll have the chance to place your vote for a “secret” trailer award and see this, along with other awards – including “Best in Modernism,” presented to the proud trailer owners who have travelled from all over the West to be at Modernism Week.

Tickets: $25 per person; $15 for students (ID required); Free for children 12 & under.

Enjoy retro Rockabilly music. Your ticket includes admission to the Vintage Travel Trailer Show party, entertainment and access inside the trailers. Food, beverages, cash bar, and sweet treats are available for purchase. No pets, please. At the Hilton Palm Springs Parking Lot, 400 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs.

“Don’t Be Clueless” wants to remind you that press releases for inclusion should be in to the Coachella Valley Weekly at least two weeks ahead of the scheduled event!

Thanks!

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By kristy Kneiding

13TH ANNUAL DR. GEORGE CAR SHOW SET FOR VALENTINE’S DAY

Valley’s Largest Car Show To Benefit Desert Cancer Foundation

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he Palm Springs Cruisin’ Association (PSCA) will turn the Indian Wells Tennis Garden into a hotbed of classic cars for the 13th Annual Dr. George Car Show to be held Saturday, February 14, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All proceeds from the event benefit Desert Cancer Foundation (DCF).

Event organizers are expecting over 900 vehicles to be on display, including classic cars, muscle cars, hot rods, street rods, vintage, restored and original collectable cars, motorcycles and antique fire engines.

Some of the custom cars are worth over $100,000. The show will also feature more than 80 vendors, a beer garden, food, live entertainment, raffles and a silent auction.

The one-day show celebrates the memory of Dr. Sebastian George, a nationally recognized oncologist and co-founder of DCF. Dr. George often donated his services to help cancer patients who could not otherwise afford medical care. He passed away in 2002 and the inaugural Dr. George Car Show was introduced the following year.

“We are so pleased to organize this show and raise money for the Desert Cancer Foundation,” said Tim Smartt, chairperson of the Dr. George Car Show, who has been with the event since its inception. “This event has grown tremendously since we started it nearly 13 years ago. We will have entries from all over California, as well as from Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico. It’s

a wonderful event for car enthusiasts and a special way to keep the legacy of Dr. George alive.”

More than 8,000 people are expected to attend the Valentine’s Day fundraiser.

There is a five-dollar charge for parking and guests are encouraged to make a two-dollar donation upon entry.

The Dr. George Car Show is sponsored by the Palm Springs Cruisin’ Association, which is run solely by volunteers. From November through May the organization hosts a Cruise-In Series on the first Saturday of each month, which also benefits DCF. Over the past 12 years, the PSCA have donated over $540,000 to DCF, including more than $50,000 last year.

“Every dollar that is raised and donated to Desert Cancer Foundation turns into seven dollars worth of treatment for a patient in need,” said Paula Simonds, Executive Director of DCF. “We are so grateful for the Palm Springs Cruisin’ Association and all the time and effort they put into this car show.

It’s a wonderful event for the community, pays tribute to our adored founder Dr. George, and raises much needed funds for those going through treatment for cancer in the Coachella Valley.”

For more information, visit www. palmspringscruisinassociation.com.

For more information about Desert Cancer Foundation, visit www. desertcancerfoundation.org

February 5 to February 11, 2015

By kathleen Hughes events Art Under the Umbrellas Events Scheduled February 7 & 14 at Old Town La Quinta

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rt Under the Umbrellas, La Quinta Arts Foundation’s wildly popular series of art events held at Old Town La Quinta throughout the desert season, is on tap for the first and second Saturdays in February — February 7 and February 14 (Presidents’ Day Weekend). The events run from 10 am to 4 pm with free admission and free parking throughout the Village of La Quinta.

Each show hosts over 80 amazing artisans and craftspeople set-up along Old Town’s closed off streets exhibiting their original works of art. Patrons will be treated to eclectic entertainment by members of the Steve Madaio Band as they explore the artist booths and visit Old Town’s boutique shops and restaurants.

In anticipation of Valentine’s Day, an impressive lineup of Fine Jewelry Artisans will be showcased at both February events.

The first is German born goldsmith Dorothee Naumburg, renowned for her bold, high karat sculptural designs. Her pieces are created in 18K gold, 14K gold and platinum. They are finished with a variety of surface textures like her ‘crinkled’ gold (which mimics gold leaf) and accented with fine pearls, drusy and gemstones. Dorothee explains, “The aim is to create a sculptural feel for my jewelry, while reducing the lines of my design to the essentials. Editing out unneeded elements and distractions in the process creates contemporary but wearable pieces.”

Naumburg creates her exquisite jewelry masterpieces at her studio in Dana Point and has established a large base of collectors at La Quinta Arts Festival.

Also spotlighted in February is La Quinta based jewelry designer Kathy Caldwell whose professional journey in the world of fine jewelry started from a small studio in Chicago, where her jewelry designs quickly attracted the attention of local galleries and jewelry stores all over the city. From there Kathy moved to California and into the corporate world where she served as a vice president and head merchandiser for a series of high-end jewelry stores in San Diego, with a specialty in precious and semiprecious stones. Now in La Quinta since 2004, she returned to her studio creating her successful line of handcrafted silver and gold jewelry designs — first at Art Under the Umbrellas, then onto the prestigious La Quinta Arts Festival. Caldwell was honored by her community in 2010 by being designated as a “Distinguished Artist of La Quinta.”

Jewelry may reign supreme in February, but let’s not overlook the other media categories represented like painting, ceramics, sculpture, mixed media, photography, and wood.

Exhibiting on February 7th will be Ceramicist Fred Stodder from San Juan Capistrano.

Stodder’s work is unlike traditional ceramics in his use of extremely hard edges, bright bold colors, and razor sharp glaze delineation. His

work is instantly recognizable, mostly inspired by architecture, minimalist painting, and jazz music.

“HAVE A HEART” ON FEBRUARY 14TH — The Art Under the Umbrellas show on Valentine’s Day will hold special significance for one of its longtime friends, glass artist Lucy Chamberlain. Lucy has been a participating exhibitor at La Quinta Arts Festival over 10 years and more recently at Art Under the Umbrellas. The event will be designated as the “Have a Heart” fundraiser for Chamberlain, who is struggling with her husband’s early onset Alzheimer’s disease, which has escalated to almost unmanageable levels.

With a small adopted child and no means of support outside of her art glass sales, it has become increasingly harder for her to travel and exhibit at shows, as her husband is no longer able to help with the strenuous task of setting-up and taking-down. And then there is the no small matter of providing day care for him and their child.

To help, La Quinta Arts Foundation has waived participation fees for her at this event and will accept donations on her behalf at the LQAF table located in front of La Rue Wine Bar. Contributions in any amount will be greatly appreciated.

Lucy Chamberlain’s vibrant hand blown art glass is instantly recognizable – usually executed in an explosion of color. While primarily known for her table-top sculptures reminiscent of floral and ocean forms, her suspended “chandelier” sculptures and glass ocean flowers have been recently added to her repertoire, as well as multi-layered wall pieces.

Info: LQAF.com or 760-564-1244. See our Art Under the Umbrellas ad for directions to Old Town La Quinta.

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February 5 to February 11, 2015

events

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by Lisa Morgan

photos by pacificimages.biz

Love is, Literally, In the Air! Cathedral City Hot Air Balloon Festival

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magic brought to us by the husband and wife team that stood up against the suit until the end.

“My husband, Steve, and I founded Fantasy Balloon Flights in 1981, ballooning out of Rancho Mirage and Palm Desert to provide balloon tours to tourists and snowbirds,” shared event co-founder, Cindy Wilkinson. “Some of our first customers were the Carl Karcher family celebrating Carl’s Jr.’s birthday. Since then we have flown thousands of guests, made movies, commercials, music videos, reality shows. We flew Playmates, and celebrities including Sylvester Stallone, Edie Adams, John Travolta, and James Garner, and this past summer we did a rave and flew the DJs Dada Life into their show. We operate corporate balloons for Applebee’s, Limoneira, Windermere Real Estate, Curves, and the Equality Balloon. Our latest balloon addition is a gigantic bunch of bananas!”

Justin Wilkinson, son of Steve and Cindy, has been a commercial hot air balloon pilot for our business Fantasy Balloon Flights for the past 10 years. He is also a great drummer, playing in the band, Ideation, with John Marek. He is putting the line-up for the musical entertainment together for the event. Many good local bands will perform including Long Duk Dong, Avenida Band, the Yip Yops, the Brosquitos, Alchemy, and of

course, Ideation.

The Wilkinsons met with the new Events and Communications Director for the City of Cathedral City, Christopher Parman, in September to discuss ways they could use the hot air balloons to promote some of the new attractions at the Town Center between the UltraMax and the Mary Pickford theaters.

“Steve and I were at the largest balloon meet in the world, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, in early October, when Chris pitched the plan for a balloon festival to the city council members. They agreed with us that it would be a great event for the city and the Coachella Valley and it was approved and we began building the new festival.”

Saturday Feb. 14 between 7:00 AM- 9:30 PM, and Sunday, Feb 15 between 7:00 AM and 12:00pm, there will be tethered balloon rides available, weather permitting, in the early part of the morning. There will be a Kids Zone, Gourmet Food Trucks, the Applebee’s Community Pancake Breakfast, Vintage VW Buses and Campers, Vendors, Beer and Wine Gardens, bands and the Disney Pixar movie ‘Up’ played on the largest outdoor screen in the valley. And, of course, the big event is the Sunset Wine Dinner and Balloon Glow Sat. evening.

People should arrive early for the balloon events, as it may become too windy or gusty

ony Bennett is a musician who touches your heart with the beautiful music he sings. His career spans over 60 years, and is still going strong.

His daughter, Antonia is a talented vocalist, who opened the show last Friday and later, she joined her dad on stage for a song that included a few dance steps that delighted the audience. Bennett and the musicians in the band were outstanding.

Every note he sang was delivered flawlessly.

Here is a personal story: Bennett and I had a mutual friend, Zena Shervin. She worked for PBS television and followed his career ever since they met in New York City.

She would tell me stories about him during the days they were hanging out. She said, “I would always tell Tony how much I loved his art. One night, I said to Tony, you’re such a great artist, but you never draw me anything.”

So he took out his sketch pad and drew her a charcoal sketch of her cat. He signed it ‘79 - Benedetto. She treasured that gift from him, very much and always saw Tony when he was in Concert.

I had an opportunity to meet Tony

for the balloons later in the day. The rides are $25 for adults, $15 for kids, and children under 5 years are free with a paid adult. The weddings include the California marriage license, an officiant, 15-20 minute ceremony, a Champagne or sparkling juice toast and a photo for $550. Additional guests may join the wedding couple in the balloons for $50 per person.

More information is being added to the web site daily so be sure to check it. You may purchase tickets there also. And if you’d like to be a volunteer, the website provides that information as well. Go to www. hotairballoonfest.com

Bennett when he performed at Spotlight 29 Casino. We called his office in New York for tickets and were also given Back Stage passes. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see him after the show, however, his touring

February 5 to February 11, 2015

by Lola Rossi

Multiple Grammy Award Winner, Tony Bennett, performed to a full house at Fantasy Springs Casino

Valentine’s Day Weekend, February 14th, 7am-9:30pm, and February 15th, 7am-1pm

his just may be the most fun Cathedral City has ever had. The first ever, Cathedral City Hot Air Balloon Festival is open to all colors, shapes, sizes, ages, genders and income levels. All that is required for most of the events is an attitude of love and a sense of awe and wonder. And if you are feeling a little short of those, the owners of Fantasy Balloon Flights (who also happen to be the owners of Café Italia in Indian Wells) will be happy to share some of theirs. The adventures will begin bright and early on Valentine’s Day morning, packing in as much fun and as many inspirational and romantic events as the day can hold. There will be lover’s getting married and becoming engaged in beautifully decorated balloon gondolas, 100’ in the air, as well as balloon rides provided to the public Saturday and Sunday mornings beginning at 7:00 AM. The Saturday night, Sunset Wine Dinner & Balloon Glow, is the perfect, romantic date for Valentine’s evening. It includes a 4 course, chef prepared, dinner under the stars, set around 20 glowing hot air balloons, with wine pairings from Sonoma, California and Italy, all set to music. The City of Cathedral City and the producers of the event purposely kept much of the day free, and open to all ages.

Emphasizing that the event is open to all, is the presence of the “Equality Balloon” because, as co-founder of the event, Steve Wilkinson says, “It’s the right thing to do.”

It wasn’t long ago, in the cool desert mornings, you could look up and see several brilliantly colored balloons floating across the skies of the Coachella Valley. They and their dragon like rumble of friendly flame gradually disappeared; a result of a lawsuit filed and ultimately dropped by JCM Farming. The owners of the mysterious, 80-acre olive farm off Avenue 54 between Monroe and Jackson streets filed a lawsuit in March 2009 against virtually all low-flying air traffic in the sky over and around the property. Eventually with most of the balloon companies beaten down by thousands of dollars in legal fees, defending their right to fly, Fantasy Balloon Flights was one of the only surviving defenders in the apparently groundless lawsuit. All that being said, it is no small magic that is launching these beauties back into our desert skies, a

Valley Rhythms

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manager called and arranged for us to meet them at 8 a.m. the following day at the hotel.

The thought of meeting such an Icon was very exciting, but Zena said to us, “Don’t you dare embarrass me by taking pictures.”

But I took my camera, anyway, just in case.

We met with the Legendary Tony Bennett, and I thought to myself, “He is more handsome in person than in any photo I have ever seen.” He gave Zena a big hug and we all sat down and had some tea and a little bite to eat. The two talked about old times and the many friends they shared. We talked about his incredible performance, his family, the wife he adores, tennis and his beautiful Art. Unfortunately the conversation had to come to an end. We were saying our goodbyes, and as Tony reached over to give me a hug, I whispered in his ear, “Zena won’t let me take any pictures.” Tony whispered back, “I’ll take care of it.” So as he was saying goodbye to Zena, he looked at me and said, “Lola, is that a camera?

Zena, would you mind if we took some pictures?”

Tony suggested we step outside with the beautiful scenery, and we took several photos. As he left, I know Zena was happy I took photos, especially when I put the picture of her hugging Tony in the 2004 May issue of the LA Jazz Scene.

My cousin Terri and I attended the concert and went backstage. When it was our turn to speak with him, I took out a copy of the cat he drew with two photos.

He looked at it with a big smile and said, “I remember doing this. Zena was a dear friend.” He was very happy I brought him a copy, but because he was on tour, I was told to mail it to his office. But Bennett insisted, “Oh no, I’ll take that now.” That put a smile on my face, because I know that touched his heart.

Bennett and his wife Susan established the charitable organization, Exploring The Arts, to support Arts Education in Public Schools. They founded the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in his hometown of Astoria, Queens; currently support 14 NYC public high schools and just expanded to support 3 Los Angeles high schools. www.

ExploringTheArts.com.

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February 5 to February 11, 2015

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Local Music Spotlight

Sir Madam I

Local Music Spotlight

by Lisa Morgan

Sir Madam - Coming to Schmidy’s Tavern THIS SATURDAY, February 7th @ 9pm

f you’ve been feeling a warming trend here in the desert, it is very likely that it can be blamed on the encroachment of a fresh, hot duo heading our way – Sir Madam. Riding the asphalt wave from Huntington Beach, Sir Madam, comprised of Kishori Holiday and Andrew Garza, Sir Madam will be playing in our desert for the first time. Staying in the cabin her grandfather built just outside of Joshua Tree, the weekend will serve as much as a spiritual retreat as an opportunity to do what they love, Saturday, February 7th at Schmidy’s Tavern. They will be accompanied by some of the best uniquely original bands our valley has to offer: The Hick Ups, Right On Right On, and Wicked Tongues, a great combination of expert level originality and musicianship.

It’s impossible to not compare the power-two-piece to Jack White and White Stripes. It’s even harder to not compare Holiday’s voice to the fabulous Chrissie Hynde. The similarities are an after-thought though, as their uniqueness is what tickles your ears and senses first. Perhaps it’s the pinch of metal and punk, and the rawness of Holiday’s vocals and guitar technique atop the deliciously articulate rhythms of Garza, an absolute passionate, technician on drums. The skill level that causes these two simple pieces to have the presence of four, is a special kind of magic.

Speaking with Holiday was easy. As you sit back and listen, the passion for her craft, her faith in this 2 year old adventure with Garza, and her love for her family are impossible to miss. Growing up in Huntington Beach, Holiday was the kid sister of world renowned, Joey Hawkins, the only world champion long boarder to come out of Surf City. The girl may have had

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more rockstar moments growing up in the surf community than she has in the music world, but she remembers them fondly, still idolizing her big brother. She could hold her own on the water, but dad had guitars laying around, and when she picked it up at age 11, her course was set.

Sir Madam’s 2014 debut album, Crooked Teeth, was recorded at the Station house in 3 days. CV Weekly music expert and columnist, Eleni P. Austin says of the album, “This is a nearly perfect debut. Kishori Holiday’s playing is sharp and concise. Her vocals recall the take-no-prisoner style of progenitors like Patti Smith, Chrissie Hynde and Exene Cervenka. Andrew Garza isn’t content to simply keep time. He pounds his kit with economy and authority.” Austin adds, “Crackling with intensity, Holiday and Garza have crafted an audacious debut. Sir Madam has come up with the first great album of 2014.”

“Just a few takes for each song,” Holiday shared. “got the fresh, hot takes and the immediacy and laid it down before it lost its lust. We recorded “Midnight Tower” together, all at once. It was an amazing way to capture the song and what we do. Scott Holiday from Rival Sons produced it, and he knows how to bring out our sound. The guitar I used was a 1960 Gibson Melody Maker P90. There was no auto-tune. We just captured the real thing. People like our shows because it sounds like the record.”

“I’m not a shredder, guitar player, or an American Idol singer, and that’s ok,” Holiday laughed. You don’t have to be Joe Satriani to make a difference in music. Imperfections are the things that speak to me the most.”

To read Eleni P. Austin’s full review of Crooked Teeth, go to coachellavalleyweekly. com/sir-madam-crooked-teeth.

Follow Sir Madam at the following links: www.sirmadamband.com reverbnation.com/rpk/sirmadamband

February 5 to February 11, 2015

by Lisa Morgan

Alchemy, Round 1 Winners of Tachevah

Better yet, make sure you are at Schmidy’s Tavern, Saturday, February 7th at 9pm to hear the real deal. Schmidy’s Tavern is located on the corner of Fred Waring Drive and Highway 111, next to Men’s Warehouse. www.schmidystavern.com

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econd time in the battle of band versus band for the coveted shot at playing the annual Tachevah Block Party, Alchemy took the audience and apparently the events judges by storm.

The very young band that had spent the last year, working through band member changes while making a Tachevah win their goal, was beyond thrilled to have won against steep competition.

Last year’s entry was not the best. Bassist Erik Lopez and guitarist Danny Gonzales had to act fast to put a full band together when they found themselves in the list of finalists.

Last year’s voting system allowed the band with the most votes to move forward, and voting was allowed as many times as one could sit in front of their computer and press the vote icon. This year, things were a bit different. Voters could only vote one time from any particular device (laptop, desktop, phone or iPad). According to Bruce Fessier of The Desert Sun, this eliminated a lot of less amateurish bands from proceeding in the contest. Having played as much as

competition. This might signal the band has the synchronicity to continue to grow on this new path. Alchemy is currently putting together a new album, producing it themselves using Logic Pro X from their computer. Whether it will be an EP or a full album is more of a marketing decision for the band, as they already have 11 songs in the tank, and many more waiting for their final pieces. The band spokesman also cited that they felt Elektric Lucie and Ideation were the bands to beat in the competition, as they really liked and respected their performances.

You can follow Alchemy’s music at the following links: facebook.com/AlchemyCV youtu.be/DHtUFnaT5B0 soundcloud.com/Alchemycoachella

they could to refine their performance and sound, Alchemy’s hard work paid off big time.

“Erick and Danny had been jamming out for about two years before adding Luis Monroy, the drummer,” shared keyboardist, Roger Chavez, who had been added to the band specifically for last year’s Tachevah competition. “For last year, when they won a spot at the Tachevah showcase, they recruited me on keys and had a different singer. Throughout the year, we’ve been just trying to play as many shows as we can, and have stayed pretty busy. We’ve been through a few different singers, and each time, the band’s style would change. We’ve had Andrew Gonzales singing for about two months now, and it’s affected our style as well.” That recent addition was obviously the winning competition that Alchemy needed in order to take the win. They had a very strong following of supporters as well.

The band’s last song was new as well, the result of a jam that they came up with while they were getting ready for the

I had the chance to ask some of the other bands who competed how they felt about the competition: Death Merchants: “First off we would like to thank everyone who came out to see us perform. It was an amazing turn out, and the fans were LOUD! We had so much fun rocking that stage for everybody there! As far as our performance that night, we didn’t hold anything back.

I would rate our performance a 9.5/10.

We definitely left everything out on that stage. At the end of the night, we were very confident that the decision was going to come down to us or Thr3 Strykes. We thought our groups had the strongest performances of the evening. It was pretty disappointing that neither group was chosen to advance, especially when the media was billing this to be, ‘Two of the best hip hop groups going head to head for the right to play at Tachevah.’ We don’t want to take anything away from the other groups performing. They ALL killed it that night! Shout out to Ideation and Elektric

Lucie. But with all that being said, we want to congratulate Alchemy on their win, and we wish them the best of luck performing at Tachevah. We may or may not try this competition again. We will have to see how the next year plays out, and how we feel at the time. Our ultimate goal is to somehow impress the people at GOLDENVOICE so we can play at Coachella Fest. The music is more diverse, and we will probably be more accepted for being a hip hop act.” - David Lumpkin (DJ Lumps of Death Merchants) Elektric Lucie: “Last week’s Battle of the Bands at The Date Shed was awesome. We put on a great performance. The turn out and love from our crowd was so overwhelming. We were so humbled to experience this. On behalf of Elektric Lucie, we would like to extend a great thanks to The Desert Sun, Golden voice, CV Weekly, K.C., the bands that participated, and most of all to all the Elektric Lucie fans. Without you, there is no Lucie. Don’t forget, Lucie loves ya!” – Viktor Estrada (Elektric Lucie vocals, guitar and frontman) The next competition will be held at The Hood Bar and Pizza in Palm Desert. Bands vying for the chance to play Tachevah are Caxton, R Buckle Road, 1000x, Mozaiq and Beisbol. This show will include the first contestants representing country (R Buckle Road) and reggae (Mozaiq).

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February 5 to February 11, 2015

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by Eleni P. Austin Where The Spirit Meets The Bone” LUCINDA WILLIAMS “Down (Highway 20 Records/Thirty Tigers)

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ucinda Williams began her recording career in 1978 at age 25, with her debut, Ramblin’ On My Mind. It was an album of Blues, Country and Folk covers, released on the tiny niche label, Folkways, and it paved the way for a rich, rewarding and sometimes frustrating path.

Lucinda was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana in 1953. Her father was poet and literature professor, Miller Williams. An Arkansas native, he is probably best known for reading his poem, “The Shrinking Lonesome Sestina,” at President Bill Clinton’s 1997 Inauguration.

Lucinda had a nomadic childhood, as her father’s teaching jobs took the family from Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, Utah, Mexico and even Santiago, Chile. A precocious kid, she showed an affinity for music as a toddler and began writing at six years old.

She soaked up the college environment, receiving early exposure to the music of Bob Dylan and Joan Baez. Later she devoured Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen. After her parents divorced her father gained custody of Lucinda and her younger brother.

By now the family settled in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Never satisfied with conventional schooling, she was ejected from high school in 1969 for refusing to recite the pledge of allegiance.

Although she never went past the 11th grade, she was accepted by the University Of Arkansas.

But Lucinda had other plans. She had already begun performing publicly, mixing covers with original songs. She relocated to New Orleans, then Austin Texas, drawing on that city’s nascent roots music scene. Finally she moved to New York. A demo reached the Smithsonian Folkways label and she recorded “Ramblin...” in Jackson, Mississippi.

Her second album, Happy Woman Blues, was comprised of original songs. It was released in 1980. By now, Lucinda’s wanderlust had taken her to Los Angeles. After a brief marriage to Long Ryders drummer Greg Sowders, she began to attract the attention of major labels.

CBS (ne’ Sony) Records began to court her, but lost interest when they couldn’t easily categorize her style. Meanwhile she continued recording the follow-up to Happy Woman…. She finally signed with Rough Trade. The venerable British indie label had been home for Punk upstarts like Stiff Little Fingers and Cabaret Voltaire.

Lucinda’s self-titled third album arrived in 1988.

Rough Trade didn’t bother to craft an image for her they simply let the music do the talking. The

WESTFIELD MALL 72840 Hwy 111 #171 Palm Desert, CA 92260 760-341-2017 www.recordalley.com

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album was a revelation, eight years in the making, the songs were concise and economical, yet they packed a punch.

Critics took notice, as did other artists. Patty Loveless opened the door by recording Lucinda’s song, “The Night’s Too Long.” Not long after, Mary Chapin Carpenter recorded “Passionate Kisses” and it shot to the top of the Country charts and won two Grammys. Later, Tom Petty added her “Change The Locks” to his She’s The One Album.

Lucinda leap-frogged to Chameleon Records, a boutique imprint on the Elektra label. The slightly sadder and world weary Sweet Old World arrived in 1992. This effort solidified her reputation as a songwriter’s songwriter.

Emmylou Harris covered the title track on her atmospheric Wrecking Ball album, but it would be another six years before there was any new music from Lucinda Williams.

She spent that time writing, recording and re-recording what would become Car Wheels On A Gravel Road. After originally recording the tracks in Austin with longtime producer, guitarist Gurf Morlix, Lucinda scrapped those sessions, rerecorded with Steve Earle behind the boards in Nashville. The third and final version was produced

by E-Street Band keyboardist, Roy Bittan.

Despite the tsuris the album felt like a musical epiphany. It was a critical and commercial triumph. Not only did it receive a Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Album, it also topped the prestigious Village Voice Critics Poll.

The drama surrounding the making of the album branded her a perfectionist. That reputation would be perfectly respectable for a man, but for a woman, it’s code for “difficult” or “temperamental.”

The next few years saw Williams recording albums at a furious clip, (for her). The subdued Essence arrived in 2001 and received a Grammy for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance. World Without Tears followed in 2003. In 2005, she released her first live album, Live At The Fillmore.

By 2007, she had written enough material for a double album, but her supposedly artist-centric label, Lost Highway, cautioned against a two record set. So her efforts were bifurcated; half the songs appeared on West in 2007, while the remainder found a home on the 2008 collection, Little Honey.

In 2009, Lucinda married record company executive Tom Overby. Two years later she released Blessed, an album reflecting her new domestic happiness. Free of her contract with Lost Highway, they have just created their own label, Highway 20 Records. To celebrate, Williams has finally released

Consider This

her double album, Down Where The Spirit Meets The Bone.

The album title is derived from the opening track. Here Lucinda adds music to a Miller Williams poem, “Compassion.” Spare and bare bones, it’s basically vocals and an acoustic guitar. The words advocate kindness, even in the face of callous behavior. “You do not know what wars are going on down there where the spirit meets the bone.”

Right off the bat, three tracks juxtapose Lucinda’s contradictory nature. The stripped down riffs that open “Protection” feel like a clarion call.

The melody walks the line between twang and soul as she constructs an emotional coat of arms. “Livin’ in a world of endless troubles, livin’ in a world of darkness doubles/But my burden is lifted when I stand up and use the gift I was given for not givin’ up.”

“When I Look At The World” offers a sweet benediction. The melody is wrapped in a propulsive rhythm accented by chiming 12-string guitar, tinkling piano and chamberlain. Initially the words feel like a wearisome catalog of woes, “I’ve been unwelcome, I’ve been unloved/I’ve been cheated on and made a fool of.” But by the chorus, Lucinda has flipped the script, sharing some unexpected optimism, “But when I look at the world and all its glory, I look at the world and it’s a different story.”

Meanwhile “Temporary Nature (Of Any Precious Thing)” reveals Lucinda’s very spiritual side. Subdued instrumentation is underscored by churchy piano and organ. A sharp mediation on the ephemeral quality of life, the lyrics offer up this hard won wisdom: “It’s always the sweetest reddest roses that kiss the sharpest thorns/It’s always the deepest saddest joys that prove the richest ones.”

Both “East Side Of Town” and “West Memphis” tackle real-life events. The former offers a stinging indictment of an out-of-touch, opportunistic politician. Over sweet Wurlitzer fills and a soaring twin guitar attack she assails his hypocrisy. “You got your ideas and your visions, and you say you sympathize/You look but you don’t listen, there’s no empathy in your eyes.”

The latter is anchored by a leap-frog backbeat, swampy guitar notes and scorching harmonica. The lyrics recount the true story of the West Memphis Three. A 1993 murder case that tried and convicted three teenage boys for a crime they didn’t commit.

The tale would feel like pure Southern Gothic if it wasn’t true. Lucinda puts herself in the shoes of the defendants. “They didn’t like the music I listened to, they didn’t like the way I dressed/They set me up with a forced conviction, I never had a chance.”

Three tracks pay subtle homage to the Blues women who have paved the way. Powered by sneering, circuitous guitar and plinking, insistent piano, “Foolishness” is a sideways update of Bessie Smith’s “T’Ain’t Nobody’s Business.”

On the countrified “It’s Gonna Rain,” she receives a vocal assist from Jakob Dylan. The duo navigate an emotional downpour that echoes the mighty Ann Peebles’ “I Can’t Stand The Rain.”

Finally, there’s the slithering “Something Wicked.

The melody is buttressed by waspish guitar riffs, plaintive lap steel and gritty piano. It recalls the take-no-prisoners vibe of Koko Taylor’s “Wang Dang Doodle.”

No Lucinda Williams album is complete without songs that display her patented “you took my joy and I want it back” brio. There are several to choose from here. On “Cold Day In Hell,” “Wrong Number” and “Big Mess” she verbally eviscerates ex-lovers, finding fresh and pithy ways to say piss off.

art Scene

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

February 5 to February 11, 2015

By monica morones

LIFE

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“Cold Day...” is a simmering, Bluesy ramble.

On “Wrong Number,” swirly guitar and auto-harp collide as she unspools a laundry list of flaws and foibles. With “Big Mess” her dismissive words strike like a coiled python. Spiraling guitars provide a Greek chorus for her brutal rebuke.

Both “Walk On” and “This Old Heartache” offer sardonic methods to survive heartache. On the former, Lucinda delivers a sly pep talk to herself over a shimmering ‘60s groove. She shares this epiphany; “Life is full of heartbreak, but it’s never more than you can take.” Alas, the jangly acoustic charms of the latter can’t really camouflage the ache beneath the pretty façade, “It’s hard to take, this old heartache,” she admits, “it’s driving me out of my mind.”

The best tracks here are “Everything But The Truth,” “Stowaway In Your Heart” and “One More Day.” Urging personal accountability, “Everything...” is powered by guitars that buzz and howl and soulshouter backing vocals. The melody shares musical DNA with Bob Dylan’s “Serve Somebody.”

Anchored by a rollicking backbeat and skittery guitar, “Stowaway In Your Heart” is an unsentimental encomium to husband, Tom Overby.

Finally, “One More Day” pulls out all the stops.

Propelled by intertwining saxophone, trumpet, wurlitzer and honeyed guitar licks, the track is bathed in a Stax-Volt patina This tender plea for understanding shares the same gravitas that made “Dock Of The Bay” a classic.

The album closes with an epic version of the late J.J. Cale’s “Magnolia.” The original was a languid reflection of lovesickness. Lucinda’s version is a ripe rumination of erotic ennui. Stretching past the eight minute mark it’s a sprawling end to an ambitious album.

Down Where The Spirit Meets The Bone received adroit production from Tom Overby and multi-instrumentalist and session whiz, Greg Liesz.

Lucinda borrows Elvis Costello’s rhythm section, drummer Pete Thomas and bassist Davey Faragher for almost every cut.

Guitar duties are handled by luminaries like Bill Frisell, Val McCallum, Laurel Canyon wunderkind Jonathan Wilson, Stuart Mathis of the Wallflowers and visionary singer/songwriter, Tony Joe White, (“Polk Salad Annie”). British Invasion legend Ian MacLagan and Patrick Warren are on keys. Aside from production chores, Greg Leisz provided electric, acoustic, 6 string and 12 string guitar and pedal steel.

The instrumental breaks on each song are bursting at the seams with fillips and filigrees. All this room to breathe gives the listener permission to (paraphrasing, Mr. Mojo Risin’) to “wallow in the mire” of each track’s heartache, heartbreak and sheer irritation. Her measured and economical language is as poetic as her father’s. Down Where The Spirit Meets the Bone represents another triumph for Lucinda Williams.

raffiti artist, body painter, and muralist David Medina also known as LIFE, has been making a name for himself all over the valley with his steady work flow and hustle mentality. The 26 year old artist was born in Brawley, California but raised here in the Coachella Valley. Booked for months with commissions and drawing constantly on the daily, Medina shows true dedication to his craft and is a good example that hard work pays off!

MM: What would you describe as your style?

DM: If I had to describe my style, I would say it’s somewhat wild style at times. I try to be clean as possible and have structure and balance in my style.

I always like to be different and twist things around, flip words and make them read both ways. Like my good friend MESRO said, “Always have tricks up your sleeve.” I always keep that in mind when I paint.

MM: You go by the name LIFE- how and why did you come up with that name?

DM: I go by LIFE which is Living In Freedom Everyday. I remember having a session in my room hitting up a book and thinking of a new name for myself, one that I would keep and write for a long time. Graffiti is my life. I love art and I knew this was going to be part of me forever. It was simple. That’s when I knew I had to go by LIFE. MM: How did it all begin?

DM: Well I remember years back when I started, my cousin got me into drawing letters. I remember seeing him drawing and tagging gangster letters and seeing his art on his binder. I immediately got hooked and wanted to learn. I started drawing letters from magazines not knowing graffiti was graffiti. I was just a kid drawing letters. That’s when I got more into doing my own and adding designs next to my letters, making them curve and ending the corners in smooth turns, adding shades and using color. I want to say I started around 8th grade and never looked back.

MM: Out of everything you do: Graffiti, Murals, body painting, airbrush, which do you like the best?

DM: I would say my favorite would have to be graffiti; doing letters on any kind of surface. Mostly walls because I love working with aerosol and the spray paint smell. Being able to see your work on a bigger scale is amazing. Don’t get me wrong, I love painting on models/girls and how sexy the graffiti art looks on the female body, but doing graffiti is my first choice.

MM: Where have you shown your work?

DM: My work has been in a few art galleries.

I’ve been at events here locally showcasing my canvases and doing live body art, also in Moreno Valley, Banning, Los Angeles, and the DUB show in Anaheim doing body art.

MM: What do you think of the art scene in the Coachella Valley?

DM: I think the art in the valley should be exposed more. The valley has talented artists that deserve to be known and have the freedom of painting more walls. The Coachella Valley needs more art, more murals and colors. Why have blank walls when you can make someone smile with beautiful art? The art scene can be bigger, with more opportunities

to paint. I do feel there is support but then again it also feels as if there is no support from others who only want to see you fail. That’s where I show them wrong.

MM: Do you find that being a graffiti artist in an area where it is looked down upon limits your creativity?

DM: I don’t feel it limits my creativity being looked down upon. If you let it happen then it will limit your creativity. As an artist it is important to express yourself and have an open mind to expand your creativity. Being a graffiti artist is amazing and I enjoy it every day. People will always judge no matter what. I let my art speak for itself.

MM: What artists have influenced you and your work?

DM: There are many artists who have influenced me and still influence me today to become a better artist. Most are friends of mine who are artists I’ve collaborated with and artist who I have met throughout the years such as Mesro, Qwest, Dekm, Chris V., Magoo, and my cousin Sancho Tattoos.

These artists have helped me to keep pushing, go bigger, never stop the art movement, and to always keep hustling.

MM: You started a clothing brand back in 2009 called KGR which then turned into something greater. What is KGR? DM: KGR- Keeping Graffiti Real. KGR, the movement. My Team. A group of artist who love to paint and stay humble, and support each other through art and life. A movement to push. I want to bring more events and contests from KGR, for other artists to get involved and keep making art.

MM: What is your ultimate goal as an artist?

DM: My ultimate goal is to be well established as a graffiti artist. To have my own business and provide the KGR clothing brand. I also want to keep teaching young kids the art of graffiti. I can say some of my future goals are becoming a reality to me and that is to travel and paint and be self-employed as an artist.

MM: Where can we see more of your work?

DM: You can see my work and be part of the kgrcontests on Instagram, LIFEKGR and follow my life as I paint! I am currently working on my website where I will be selling custom art, clothing, and bookings for events. Stay Tuned!

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February 5 to February 11, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

PET PLACE

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Janet McAfee

TWO CATS ARE BETTER THAN ONE! HOW TO PROPERLY INTRODUCE A NEW CAT enny Smith was thinking about getting a

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second cat to join her household. However, she was not so sure her 5-year-old cat Sweetie, pampered little queen of the household, would be pleased about a newcomer arriving. Jenny rescued Sweetie as a tiny kitten, and Sweetie had no experience interacting or playing with another feline. Could Sweetie learn to share all the attention with a stranger after all these years? Jenny contacted Loving All Animals about getting a rescue cat. It was agreed that it could be a disastrous pet introduction if the adoption meeting was not handled properly.

This is even more likely with a cat like Sweetie who was never socialized with other cats. A meeting was scheduled when Jenny had several hours to try a “new cat introduction” method which explained in great detail in the book, The New Natural Cat by Anitra Frazier. The basic steps for introducing a new cat are listed below.

An adoption counselor brought the newcomer, a kitten later named Iris, in a carrying case to Jenny Smith’s home. Jenny was instructed to ignore Iris. Sweetie was present in the living room, but she purposefully pretended not to know Iris had arrived. Several steps involved moving the animals closer, and requiring the humans to ignore the newcomer until their older cat accepted the new one. Success here meant there was no “cat fighting” and no hissing. The drama unfolded as Sweetie

appeared more curious than threatened by Iris.

Jenny was amazed that there was no hissing or fighting between the two. A couple weeks later, Jenny reported the two cats were bonding and she caught Sweetie licking Iris a couple times. For the first time Sweetie is learning the joy of playing with a member of her own species. Jenny reports, “It took about a month for them to become best buddies, but now they go everywhere together. Sweetie is very protective if anything happens with Iris. They especially love playing together in paper grocery bags.”

Careful planning avoids the horrible hissing and fighting that occurs when some cats meet for the first time. This great introduction method allows folks to adopt a second cat without worry. What could be more fun than 2 cats engaged in joyful play, happily pouncing and chasing, twirling like circus acrobats? If she could talk, Sweetie would agree that two cats are better than one!

INTRODUCING A NEW CAT TO THE HOUSEHOLD Many owners think their “Fluffy” would be jealous or miserable if they adopted another cat.

To the contrary, cats that live with a cat friend live longer, healthier and happier lives. Selecting one that compliments your cat’s personality is always a good idea. If you have an elderly cat, a mature and calm companion works better than an active kitten.

If you have an energetic cat, one that is equally

playful or a kitten would be a good match. The steps below may take several hours to complete, but are well worth the investment when they spare you days of hissing and “cat fighting”. These steps will prove helpful if you decide to adopt a second or third cat.

This is also good information if you are blending “cat families” with a new roommate or spouse.

1. Have someone outside the household, preferably a stranger, arrive with the newcomer cat in a carrying case with plenty of air holes. Have torn strips of newspaper in the bottom of the case for later use.

2. All family members must act completely oblivious to the new cat. The visitor sits in the living room with the cat inside the carrying case on his lap for about 20 minutes.

3. After 20 minutes, the visitor moves the carrying case containing the new cat to the floor next to his feet. If your cat comes over and sniffs the case and walks away, ignore him, continue chatting and proceed to step 5. If your cat stays away from the case, include step 4.

4. The visitor takes a few of the newspaper strips from the carrier, makes a trip to another room dropping a trail of the strips behind them. This gives your cat a chance to become familiar with the new cat’s scent from a safe distance.

5. Have the visitor continue to sit and talk a while longer. When your cat sits calmly in the room without staring continually at the carrying case, you may proceed to the next step.

6. Have all family members take your cat into the kitchen for a snack, closing the door behind. The visitor in the living room now opens the carrying case and lets the new cat out. Your cat won’t feel like its family put the newcomer in its territory, and this gives the new one some time to explore the new home without being quite so tense.

7. When your cat finishes his snack and decides to return to the living room, the family stays behind in the kitchen.

8. When the cat returns to the living room, the visitor joins the family in the kitchen. Everyone acts oblivious to the cats who are now roaming free in

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the home.

9. At no time should anyone offer expression of encouragement or interest in the cats. If you must check on things in the living room, have one person enter but without paying obvious attention to the cats. At this stage, hissing is perfectly normal; disgruntled muttering is less desirable but still to be ignored. However, if loud growling and screaming occur, you may need to separate them, and this may mean one of the earlier steps was not carried out properly.

10. When the cats reach the stage where they are not pacing around, but sitting in the same room together, the humans leave the house for about a 30 minute walk.

11. When you return home, greet your own cat while continuing to ignore the newcomer. If there is nothing worse than hissing going on, the visitor can leave at any time.

12. The final stage of the introduction occurs at the cats’ own pace over the next few days or weeks. Hard as it might be, you and your family must continue to ignore the new cat, not touching or talking to him, until your first cat has accepted him into the household. Chasing can be a good sign, especially if they reverse roles. Another sign of progress occurs when the cats sit in the same room without staring continuously at each other.

Encourage activities for the 2 cats to do together, such as putting a couple of cardboard boxes together in a room for them to play on.

The reward for all this work comes from the strong bond of communication and affection that develops between the two cats. Eventually that bond extends to their human companions. Watch the drama unfold, be proud of your success, and enjoy having two little furballs greet you when you arrive home! Your cat will never be lonely now when you’re away from home.

Looking for second or third cat to complete your household? The Riverside County Shelter, the Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms, is a great place to find a new feline companion.

You can view their adoptable animals on their website at www.rcdas.org. This website includes the pets available at both Thousand Palms and City of Riverside shelter locations. With the proper introduction, one of these wonderful cats or kittens can become a joyful addition to your household.

February 5 to February 11, 2015

by Rick Riozza

That Sinatra Swing is Underway at Fantasy Springs

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tart spreading the news—the yearly cluster of celebrity sightings are going on at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, the venue to the 27th Annual Frank Sinatra Starkey Foundation Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament, co-hosted

by Barbara Sinatra and Robert Wagner and scheduled for February 19-21.

The Eagle Falls Golf Course will be the host course and the social events will take place at the Fantasy Springs Resort & Casino.

Starkey Hearing Technologies will return to their role as proud sponsor of the event.

Known affectionately as “Frank’s little party in the desert”, Barbara and Frank Sinatra founded this celebrity invitational in 1988 to raise funds for the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center for Abused Children at Eisenhower Hospital in Rancho Mirage, California. More than 18,000 children have been helped since the Center opened its doors in 1986. This celebrity invitational has become one of the most successful fund raising events of its kind. You can visit www. franksinatragolf.org to sign up and check out the heavy celeb list, event up-dates, and other info.

A few of us media peeps and valley celebrities were very privileged to be welcomed to join Barbara Sinatra for a luncheon at The Bistro, the 2nd floor eatery at the Fantasy Springs Casino to “assist” in selecting and determining from a wonderful array of dishes prepared by Executive Chef Freddy Rieger. And he prepared a bunch!

Over a dozen plates of salads, entrées, and main courses that were all stellar, but needed to be narrowed down to our tasty favorites!

The nice thing about this type of selection process, Mrs. Sinatra along with her table advisors pretty much had the last say. Chef Freddy was so agreeable: He told me that he had prepared cuisines from around the world with a special emphasis on “Asian fusion and Pacific Rim flavors”. Mrs. Sinatra, however, is a lover of Chef’s Mediterranean fare; but being a true epicure she also chose to include some of Freddy’s inventive combinations from all of the proffered plates.

Meeting up at The Bistro was perfect.

It specializes in exciting, contemporary fine cuisine including succulent seafood and tantalizing sushi selections. We had a great view of the exhibition kitchen where Chef Freddy and his veteran staff of sous-chefs prepared and plated the inventive dishes.

And just as fun, was the sampling of wines from the very formidable, efficient, and so reasonably priced wine list by the glass, who’s offered varietals can match the panoply of plates that the restaurant provides/serves.

Some very tasty favorites include Fumé Blanc Ferrari-Carrano $8; Chardonnay Chateau St. Jean “Robert Young Vineyards” $12; Riesling Chateau Ste. Michelle & Dr. Loosen “Eroica” Washington $10; Erath Pinot Noir from Oregon $11; Cecchi Chianti Classico, Tuscany $10; Zinfandel Cosentino “Cigar Zin” $9; and, Beringer “Knights Valley” Cabernet Sauvignon $14.

So—voilà! Here’s the completed menu or the two of the event’s functions.

LADY’S FASHION SHOW LUNCHEON SALAD COURSE: INSALATA CAPRESE vine ripe tomato, buffalo mozzarella, fresh basil, baby spring greens, roasted eggplantasiago crostini, chianti vinaigrette.

ENTRÉE: CHICKEN CARCIOFINI, BOURSIN PESTO SALMON - artichoke, brioche, roast pepper filling spinach agnolottis, grilled vegetables, marsala demi, lemon-caper sauce.

DESSERT: STRAWBERRY NAPOLEAN vanilla anglaise, strawberry coulis.

SINATRA BLACK TIE DINNER GALA FIRST COURSE: BABY ICEBERG SOCLE, CRAB DIJONAISE - grape tomato-cucumberblack olive relish, shaved parmigiano reggiano, Chef Freddy’s abbondanza dressing, boursin profiterole.

INTERMEZZO: PINOT GRIS ROSEMARYMINT GRANITE - shaved ice of crisp citrus and fragrant herbs MAIN COURSE: MADEIRA GLAZED FILET MIGNON, ADRIATIC GRILLED PRAWN - pear william potato, spring vegetable melange, madeira demi, salmoriglio.

DESSERTS: FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE CAKE - Baily’s chocolate sauce, raspberry coulis, Chantilly cream.

Festivities kick-off Thursday, February 19 with registration and Pairings Party for participants; Friday begins the first round of golf with a silent auction and Luncheon & Fashion Show in the afternoon; Saturday is the final round of golf with the Live Auction & Black Tie Gala Dinner in the evening with Burt Bacharach as the Gala Headliner. Sunday concludes the event with an open house hosted at the Barbara Sinatra Center for Abused Children from 11:30am – 1:00pm.

Multiple levels of event participation are available including Golf and Party Packages as well as individual event tickets.

Detailed information and tickets available at franksinatragolf.org or by calling them at 760-674-8447. Follow the Frank Sinatra Celebrity Invitational on Facebook and on Twitter @GolfSinatra_PS. Barbara Sinatra is quick to acknowledge supporters and tournament participants who make it possible for the center to keep doing the work she considers critical.

Barbara Sinatra herself will graciously host the popular two day celebrity–amateur golf

tournament, along with her longtime friend, Robert Wagner. Along with the celebrity golf event, there will be three nights of parties, entertainment and a luncheon and fashion show.

I always have a good time at this event.

Things are comfortable, fun, and social with world famous celebs at every turn, and at every bar, and at every dinner table. We’ll see you there!

Bon Appétit & Cheers!

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February 5 to February 11, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

February 5 to February 11, 2015

Club Crawler Nightlife

Scan the QR Code to get the Club Crawler Nightlife on your Mobile Device via the Smartphone Phone Book!

­­THUR FEBRUARY 5

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29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Reunion w/ DJ Day Amigo Room 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-2021111 Paul Elia 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Tommy Dodson 6pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Live Entertainment 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 6pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6pm DESERT FOX; PS; 760-325-9555 Thirsty Thursdays 7pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760-9920002 Courtney Chambers 5pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 T.B.A. 7:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Open Mic 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Battle of the Bands 8:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Country Night w/ TBA 8pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 Quinto Menguante 8-1am MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Jazz and Supper Club Night w/ Kal David 7pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Generationals w/ Rose Quartz 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Game Night w/ The Deep Ones 8pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 Jason Weber 5pm, Dion Khan 7pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3278311 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 6pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 8-12am THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Tony DiGerlando 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-3459770 Rodeo Drive’s Happy Hour Cabaret 3:30-5:30pm, Stan Watkins Latin Swing

6:30-10pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-9pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-3285955 Michael Keeth 6-10pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Powerman 5000, Hed Pe and Knee High Fox 8pm THE WINE BAR BISTRO; LQ; 760-5648744 Rob Martinez and Todd Ashley 7pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Bill Saitta 6pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Tropicana Nights 9pm

FRI FEBRUARY 6 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 The Bob Garcia Band 6pm 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ T Bone 9pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 LA Witch w/ DJs Julie ( Deap Valley ) and Phil ( JJUUJJUU ) 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-2021111 TBA 7:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Fleet Easton 7:30pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 T.B.A. 10pm BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-5010620 The Carmens 6pm BLUE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760775-5566 DJ PWee 8pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 The Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CAFÉ DES BEAUX- ARTS; PD; 760-3460669 Brigette Marie Valdez 6pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 6pm CLEMETINE; PD; 760-834-8814 Gina Carey 6pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 The Green w/ Through the Roots 9pm DICKIE O’NEALS IRISH PUB; PS; 760325-2600 The Hive Minds 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-3422333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm EUREKA; IW; 760-834-7700 TBA 6:30pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 House Band 8:45pm HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 “Jump Off” DJ 9pm Lobby THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Latin Night w/ Nel Pastel 9pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Live DJ 8:30pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-

2794 Palm Springs Sound Company in the afternoon, Hot Rox in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Hot Sauce 9pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 DJ 9pm MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-327-4080 Kevin Quinn & The Typical Lizard 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-345-0222 212 Band 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Honky-Tonk w/ Rio Peligroso 8pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 T.B.A. 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 The Gand Band’s Beatles Show 8:30pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Robotic Humans and In the Name of the Dead 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3278311 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 7pm, Stoney “B” Blues Band Sidebar Lounge 10pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 MoonBaby Rising 9pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-3229293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Rock 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Demetrious and Co. TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 The Refills 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Pat Rizzo 6:30pm TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 T.B.A. TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760-328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE; MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951755-5391 The Rick Whitfield Band 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-3459770 Trish Harley & Barney McClure Duo 6:30-10pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 T.B.A. 1:30-4:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Slim Man Solo Show 5:30pm

WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 T.B.A. 9pm THE WINE BAR BISTRO; LQ; 760-5648744 Rob & jb 7:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Rose Mallett 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Girl’s Night Out w/ The Men on the Hollywood Strip 9pm

SAT FEBRUARY 7 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bev & Bill 6pm 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 9pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 LA Witch noon, Stronghold Reggae 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-2021111 Cabaret on the Green Open Mic w/ Les Michaels and Wayne Abravanel 7:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Denise Carter 7:30pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 The Vintage Belles: A Night of Burlesque 10pm BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-5010620 The Carmens 6pm BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760775-5566 DJ PWee BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Gina Carey 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 6pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6:30-9:30pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 Strangers You Know and Alchemy 9pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm DICKIE O’NEALS IRISH PUB; PS; 760325-2600 Karaoke 8pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-3422333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 T.B.A. 9pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 T.B.A. 8:30pm THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ 8pm HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 “Solid” Guest DJs, 11am poolside, 9pm Lobby THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Rockabilly Night w/ The Deadbeat Daddies, Pachuco Jose and The Jubilee Train 9pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 T.B.A. 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 DJ Geo 9pm continue to page 24

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February 5 to February 11, 2015

The Pampered Palate

Smoke Tree BBQ Bar & Grill

S

ome people believe change is bad.

I see it as an opportunity for a new adventure. Philip Pullman, author of The Golden Compass, wrote, “You cannot change what you are, only what you do.”

This is how I would sum up my recent experience dining at Smoke Tree BBQ Bar & Grill. Originally a ‘Grill Your Own Meat’ Supper Club, This Palm Springs eatery has transformed their menu and concept into perhaps the best Barbeque hot spot in the Coachella Valley! And they did this while maintaining the same high quality of meats and caliber of service.

For weeks after my previous visit, I shared with friends my experience of grilling my own steak while learning some tips from the chef.

Now I cannot stop talking about the most mouthwatering barbeque I have tasted here in the Coachella Valley. On this dinner date, I was certain to have the best company for what would be an unforgettable meal. My good friend and I would begin by taking a seat at a community table. Upon our server’s recommendation, we started with a rare treat

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of Burnt Ends. This is the name of an appetizer that is not always available as quantities are limited. These sweet and tangy pieces of beef are appropriately named as they are the trimmings from a most tender brisket.

All I can say is WOW! Each morsel melted in my mouth, rich with intense flavor from just the right amount of seasoning and charred BBQ sauce. I am not at all exaggerating when I tell you it is certainly the best comfort food I have tasted.

We savored each bite while enjoying a cocktail from their full bar. I was worried that we would follow this dish with disappointment as nothing could possibly compare to this plate of heaven placed between us. I was, fortunately, wrong. We shared a combination of items that left us in pure delight. The Baby Back Ribs were so tender that we could practically pick the bones out. The meat was smoky and addicting! We went back and forth

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

February 5 to February 11, 2015

By Raymond Bill

from the ribs to the tri tip to the pulled pork and then to the brisket. It was all so incredibly delicious and satisfying.

Our server was quite proud to be sharing with us her favorite dishes and sides as she made her recommendations. Her eyes lit up and after my first taste, I understood why.

It was simply perfection. We shared Cole Slaw, Baked Beans, Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon, and Creamed Corn. Now one would think the Mac n’ Cheese would have been the star side dish but surprisingly, the Creamed Corn stole that title. It was smooth and creamy with bursts of crisp sweet corn.

I would say it rivals that of the local Prime Steakhouses.

The restaurant boasts four types of sauces to accompany your meal. A traditional Barbeque sauce with the perfect balance of

smoky and tangy, a Spicy Barbeque for those that like a little fire with their meat, a Sweet Barbeque for those that appreciate a touch of molasses, and finally their mustard sauce that took their pulled pork to a whole new level!

I personally do not care for mustard but this was unlike any brand mustard sauce. This was award worthy! If and when they decide to bottle and sell these condiments, I will be in the front of the line!

Truly, we were on cloud nine, thinking we had peaked with perfection… and then dessert happened. Although the chef is playing with some recipes and admits that there will be some changes to the menu, the Cheesecake was better than anything you could find at that Factory Restaurant by a mile! The time and care put into that recipe confirmed the talents of their chef and culinary team.

Smoke Tree BBQ Bar & Grill still plans on offering ‘Grill Your Own Meat’ nights or events in the future but is now focused on providing the best BBQ cuisine and service in the valley and I for one am happy for their much deserved success. Located at 1775 East Palm Canyon Drive in the Smoke Tree Shopping Center, stop by for lunch or dinner Wednesday through Sunday, or call for more information at 760-778-6521

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February 5 to February 11, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Movie Reviews with Robin E. Simmons

IN DEEP BLACK SEA Royal Navy Captain Robinson (Jude Law) puts together a crew of half English/ half Russian marine specialists to steal a golden hoard on a sunken WW II era Nazi U-boat at the bottom0of the Black Sea. The treasure already is marked by the greedy salvage company that just let Robinson go and tied up in complicated red tape. To accomplish the heist, Robinson must pilot a derelict sub to the site without being detected by the Russian naval fleet above.

And before simmering tensions among the crew explode.

As directed by Scottish filmmaker Kevin Macdonald from a screenplay by Dennis

Kelly, the compelling and story stays focused on the goal, the men and the underwater obstacles in their path. However, I was far more interested in whether or not they get the gold than in their psychological problems. That said, Law is a solid lead -with a consistent Scottish accent no less.

Screeners No.150

Most of the supporting cast, however clichéd, fulfill their plot functions. I loved the combined feelings of paranoia and claustrophobia. There were places in the movie a felt I could hardly breathe -- the tension and feeling of impending doom was so pervasive.

This is old school filmmaking at its best.

It more than fulfills the premise of the poster and the promise of the trailer. (How rare is that?) This adventure is a tight and thrilling underwater treasure hunt that will hold your attention from first frame to last. “Brave the deep. Find the gold. Trust no one.” Indeed! Now playing at Cinemas Palme d’Or. Recommended.

OSCAR© NOMINATED SHORTS The best short films of the year are often hard to find. With wonderful premises and fabulous execution, these gems are worth taking the time to enjoy on a big screen. At this writing, Cinemas Palme d’Or is screening these marvelous Academy Award© nominated short films as a single 82 minute show that’s a real treat for film buffs. Don’t miss this cool collection of clever animation art.

ME AND MY MOULTON

T

for their older mother. Their animation technique blends life-size wall-painted characters that inhabit full-size sets and interact with real objects. This UK film has already garnered lots of awards.

A SINGLE LIFE

Life unfolds in one song in this witty and dazzling two minute film from Marieke Blaauw, Joris Oprins and Job Roggeveen.

Upon playing a mysterious vinyl record, Pia finds herself traveling through time and space, experiencing her life at different ages and stages. Netherlands.

Directed by Torill Kove, this 14-minute personal animated story is about a girl who asks her parents for a bicycle, but gets something completely different. Canada.

FEAST

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THE BIGGER PICTURE Filmmaker Daisy Jacobs and animator Chris Wilder created this clever sevenminute mix of 2D and 3D (stop motion) about two brothers struggling to care

Book Review

February 5 to February 11, 2015

By Heidi Simmons

The Fruit of Our Labor

THE DAM KEEPER

Co-created by first-time filmmakers Patrick Osborne and Kristina Reed, this six-minute short from Disney Animation Studios premiered in front of Big Hero 6 in 3D. It’s the story of a man’s love life seen through the eyes of his dog (and best friend) Winston in bite sized bits.

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From celebrated artists and filmmakers Robert Kondo and Dice Tsutsumi , and made up of over 8,000 lush paintings, this 18 minute story is set in a desolate future.

It’s about one small town’s survival that rests solely on a large windmill dam that acts as a fan to keep out poisonous clouds.

Despite bullying from classmates and an indifferent public, the dam’s operator, Pig, works tirelessly to keep the sails spinning and the town alive. However, when a new student, Fox, joins Pig’s class, everything changes. Danish actor Lars narrates this ageless fable. Directors Kondo and Tsutsumi are known for their art direction on ICE AGE, RATATOUILLE, and TOY STORY 3. USA robinesimmons@aol.com

here are endless tales of how we humans toil with life. In Edith Pearlman’s Honeydew (Little, Brown and Company, 279 pages) we get a taste of the eccentric in 20 short stories.

In “Castle 4,” Zeph Finn is a socially awkward anesthesiologist who finds love with a dying patient. The hospital is a Victorian Gothic building constructed after the Civil War. It is nicknamed the Castle for its balustrades and turrets. Although it is old, it has been kept up and modernized.

Yet there is something creepy about the place and the role it plays in the lives of those who live in the community. Finn carries a walking stick and prides himself on his organized surgical cart. “He always wore a jacket and tie to work. You would expect these garments to smarten him up. In fact they made him seem more shambling and unaware: a tall loose-limbed guy carrying a stick for no purpose.”

Finn shows compassion for his patients and takes his job seriously. He’s a good listener and provides the right amount of drugs and pain relief. When he meets Catherine, he knows she will not live and that eventually the drugs will have little effect. His solution to the undeniable

honeydew

By Edith pearlman Fiction outcome is to provide love. So he marries her.

“Blessed Harry” is the story of Mr. Flaxbaum, a husband and father of three boys, who is invited to speak about “The Mystery of Life and Death” at King’s College.

Feeling honored and proud, his family shares his delight and congratulates him.

He is a teacher at a private girls school and wonders what brought him to their attention.

By the end of the week Mr. Flaxbaum discovers the invitation was a hoax. But the

love and respect of his family sooths the hurt. “At some point he’d probably caught the aroma of scam that the rest of the family had sniffed -- erroneously, they’d hoped -from the start. She saw him standing next to the computer, his head lowered, his glasses at the end of his nose, one stubbly finger on DELETE.” In the story “Conveniences,” Amanda and Ben are living together in a sublet near campus, where she is a student and he is a professor. Amada is writing a paper on ‘Connubis’ a coined word for being as if married. Her thesis is that conventional marriage is out-of-date. People no longer marry for security and there is no advantage to being married.

Pearlman writes: ”He particularly respected Amanda, whose upright Maine family he also respected. Once, years ago, he loved her older sister, presently married.

Now he loved Amanda, but in a casual way.”

Ben goes along with her ideas. But when the sublet is nearly up, Amanda decides to move out and move in with another man.

Suddenly Ben is confronted with his real feelings for Amanda but is unable to do anything but embrace it.

The books title story “Honeydew” is about Emily, an anorexic girl whose only interest is insects. Her mother and father are perplexed as to why she won’t eat and she is often hospitalized and force-fed.

Emily gives a fascinating lecture to her classmates on ant anatomy, how they eat, share food and build their society. Through Emily we learn that manna, found in the desert and eaten by the Israelites, was a type of sweet insect dung from beetles.

It was not a miracle of god but Coccidae excrement. “Ah, Coccidae. She could draw them -- she loved to draw her relatives -- but unfortunately the mature insect is basically

a scaly ball: a gut in a shell.”

For Emily, she discovers there are moments of sweetness, but sometimes they are hard to swallow.

Author Pearlman sets many of her stories in a town call Godolphin, Massachusetts.

Several characters and places reappear crossing over into other stories. This continuity gives the stories gravity and creates an intimacy that engages the reader as we become familiar with the places and the people, as in a novel.

What Pearlman does really well is include a B and sometimes a C story that weaves in and out of the main character’s narrative.

For being short stories, these minor characters have an equally interesting role in the bigger world of the main character.

A mostly female centric collection, Pearlman stories are about young, old, single, married and widowed women. She does not shy away from sexism or sexuality.

Her story, “What the Ax Forgets the Tree Remembers;” is about Female Mutilation and the differing views of two women who have suffered the terrible ritual. Pearlman shows the reader there are things which we think we understand but will never understand.

There are times reading Honeydew that I required a dictionary. And some of the stories I had to mull and reread. But it’s worth the effort.

Pearlman is 80 years old. Her wisdom and observations about women and men are honest, brave and insightful. Honeydew looks into a world of people who must work at life. Sometimes the fruit of our labor is sweet and sometimes it’s bitter.

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February 5 to February 11, 2015 continued from page 19

LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760345-2450 Hot Sauce 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 Circle of Fifths 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-327-4080 Wicked Jed 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-345-0222 Trill 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-3655956 Shadow Mountain Band 5pm, Dead Rock West 8pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 T.B.A. 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 The O.G.R. Band 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext230 P.S. Sings 5:30pm, The Gand Band’s Beatles Show 8:30pm RENAISSANCE PALM; PS; 760-3226100 Art of Sax featuring Sax Man Will Donato & Eddie Reddick 7-10pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 T.B.A. 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3278311 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 7pm, Machin’ Sidebar Patio 7pm, Stoney “B” Blues Band Sidebar Lounge 10pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 CV Weekly Presents: Sir Madam w/ Wicked Tongues, The Hick Ups and Right On Right On 8:30pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-3229293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-3297929 Karaoke w/ Milly G 6pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Music 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 TBA 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-3271773 Darci Daniels 6:30pm TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 T.B.A. 9pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760-328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951755-5391 DJ Hektik 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-3459770 Pat Rizzo & All That Jazz Band 6:30-10pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Rob & JB 1:30-4:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am

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VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Chris Lomeli 8pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Dueling Piano Show 8pm THE WINE BAR BISTRO; LQ; 760-5648744 Scott Carter 7:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Stanley Butler Trio 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJs 9pm

SUN FEBRUARY 8 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-3673505 Bob & Allison 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DJ Aaron Castle noon, Slacker Sunday w/ Induce 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-2021111 Jazz Brunch 11:30am AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 The Judy Show 7:30pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Steve Madaio 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT; PS; 888-999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 9pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 Industry Night w/ Von Petersen 8pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-3422333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 “Fusion” Pool Party 11am poolside INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Ted Herman’s Big Band 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Open Jam 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Sunday Jam 4-8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7:30pm THE NEW YORK COMPANY RESTAURANT; PS; 760-778-7789 Lili Rose 7pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-327-4080 Longest Running Jam Session in the valley. Hosted by JB, Sign up 6pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-3655956 The Sunday Band 7pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 The Jam Session 5-9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 The Judy Show 5:30pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3274080 Art of Sax Sidebar Patio 5pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Eddie Gee 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Smooth Brothers THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-3271773 Luck Be a Lady w/ Francesca Amari and Darci Daniels 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-3459770 Jazz Time Band 2-5pm, John Stanley King 6-9pm

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Scott Carter 1:30-4:30pm, Rob & JB 4:30-9pm, DJ Idol Eyez 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Tony DiJerlando 6pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Line Dancing w/ Tina 5:30-9pm THE WINE BAR BISTRO; LQ; 760-5648744 Michael Keeth & Martin Barrera 7pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 The Smooth Brothers 5:30pm

MON FEBRUARY 9 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-3673505 Bonny Jean 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Ron Kalina’s Jazz 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760325-2794 Hot Rox NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 Spencer Day 9pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 T.B.A. 6pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-2am, Michael James & 3sum 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Tony Grandberry 6:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Richard & Mary 6pm

TUE FEBRUARY 10 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-3673505 Paul & Jo 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Ace Karaoke with Kiesha 9pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Bella da Ball Dinner Revue w/ guest performers 7:30pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 Vinyl Sessions 8pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 6pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760992-0002 Jesse Sweitzer 5pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Karaoke hosted by Phillip Moore 9pm INDIAN CANYONS GOLF RESORT; PS; 760-833-8700 DJ Randy Johnson 6pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Michael D’Angelo 6:15pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Ted Quinn’s Open Mic Reality Show Jam 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Tim Burleson 7:45pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 Rose Mallett 6:30pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Open Mic 8pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3274080 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 6pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Demetrious and Co. VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-3459770 T.B.A. 4pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Live entertainment VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Chris Lomeli 6pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 John Bolivar & Barney McClure 6pm

WED FEBRUARY 11 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-3673505 Dan Horn 6pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-2021111 Jazz Jam 7:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Tommy Dodson 6pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 T.B.A.

6-10pm CAFÉ DES BEAUX- ARTS; PD; 760-3460669 John & Gina Carey 6pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 6pm ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760992-0002 Jesse Sweitzer 5pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Open Mic w/ Rich Bono & Poupee Boccaccio 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Live Music KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Open Mic hosted by Amy Angel 6:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760325-2794 Hot Rox MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 “Sing Jam” w/ Michael Healy 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2881199 Karaoke w/ KJ Ginger 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 The Michael Holmes Trio 6pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 D Phillips Band 6pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Straight Ahead Jazz THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-3271773 Open Mic w/ Les Michaels 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-3459770 Lizann Warner 6:30-10pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-2am, Nite Fixx 9-2am WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Karaoke THE WINE BAR BISTRO; LQ; 760-5648744 Scott Carter 7:30pm WOLFGANG PUCK’S; PD; 760-5682700 WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Deana Bogart 6pm

February 5 to February 11, 2015

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February 5 to February 11, 2015

Real Estate

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

By Bruce cathcart

LOCAL REAL ESTATE SCHOOL CONTINUES TO EXCEL

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n a world which has gone “hyper tech,” Desert Cities Real Estate School continues to prepare new agents for a career in Real Estate in the old school method, LIVE CLASS ROOM INSTRUCTION. For the past twenty years, DCRES has been the premier Real Estate Sales Licensing School in the Coachella Valley. Many of the valley’s best known, and successful Realtors began their careers at the school.

While some may prefer the availability of an on-line curriculum, each DCRES student seeks a live classroom environment in which they can engage in serious learning conducted by an experienced instructor.

John DeLeo has been the primary instructor for twelve years. His teaching style and methods keep his students engaged and entertained in a style uniquely his own. Heavy on humor, and passionately challenging each student to confront the harsh realities of becoming a successful Realtor is his mantra. Students are challenged from Day One to begin developing a personal business plan along with passing their state exam so “they hit the ground running!”

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www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Live classroom instruction may seem old school, but John combines his instruction with technical, internet driven marketing instruction for today’s world. The result is a curriculum that prepares graduates with a real perspective on their challenges ahead.

Real Estate Brokerages throughout the valley enjoy a close working relationship with DCRES. Why? John DeLeo stated, “Our students learn there is no such thing as a commission fairy! Each graduate has developed a realistic approach for becoming successful in a saturated, competitive market.

The nationwide average career span for a Real Estate Agent is just FOURTEEN MONTHS! We don’t sugar coat that reality.”

Everyone is invited to sit in on a class and see for their selves which education format is preferred, on-line versus live instruction.

Brokerage placement, Sales Person Licensing, Broker Associate Licensing and Continuing Education curriculum, conveniently located in Palm Desert, call them today and see for your self at 760346-5051.

Looks Like We Are On Our Own this Year

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love living in the Coachella Valley in January! It might be that “schadenfreude” thing, you know, feeling better about yourself when compared to other’s misfortune? Of course I am talking about our amazing weather here in the Coachella Valley. While we enjoy mostly sunny days with daytime temperatures in the mid 70’s the majority of our nation is battling some polar express arctic blast and many folks are shoveling snow on a daily basis. The “Bob Hope Desert Classic” golf tournament, now called the “Humana Challenge”, for many years has broadcast our chamber of commerce ad type weather to snowbound viewers around the world inviting them to join us with images of golfers playing in short sleeved shirts in mid-January. The effect of this on our local real estate market has no doubt brought tens of thousands of “snowbirds” to rent and buy condos and homes here in our valley year after year.

A few years back the Canadian dollar reached parity with the US dollar for the first time in many years. This generated a Canadian invasion of sorts into our real estate market. I was fortunate enough to sell several second homes and investment properties to Canadian buyers who viewed our Coachella Valley real estate as a real bargain. And it was, to them! To understand their perspective just think about what a bargain it is for us to go to Mexico and enjoy a hotel room plus a steak and lobster dinner for about $50.00. The same was true for the Canadians coming to our valley. Sadly, the Canadian dollar, along with most other world currencies, has plummeted in value compared to the US dollar. That means that homes here in the Coachella Valley are now 25% to 30% more expensive, even without price increases, to foreign buyers. Add to that last year’s average price increase of 11% and home prices are up over 40% to foreign buyers in just one year!

Last year (2014) The Coachella Valley saw the first significant drop in the number of homes sold when compared to the previous 5 years. The number of homes sold dropped 11% when compared to 2013. Fortunately the total dollar volume remained the same at approximately $3.5 billion dollars resulting in the 11% average price increase. The big question for 2015 is, “are we going to be able to sustain those numbers with little or no foreign investment this year? Before I try and answer that question let’s take a quick look at the January 2015 numbers.

Last month (January), according to the Desert Area MLS (as of 02/01/15) there were 801 pendings of residential properties here in the Coachella Valley. There were only 574 pendings in the previous month (December) which means activity is way up and we are off to a great start this year! In December there were 653 solds and in January there were only 555 solds. This is down due to the lack of holiday home sales in December, but it does become a cause for concern when compared to a year ago in January when we closed 673

sales (down 18%)… not such a good start for closings in 2015. But it is still too early to make any predictions here; we will have to watch these numbers closely in the coming months. Our inventory of homes for sale was up slightly to 4,971 as of February 1, 2015 compared to 4,606 at the beginning of January. This is another number we will keep a close eye on this year.

So, can we go it alone in 2015 without much help from our foreign buyers? To do so we will have to rely upon our home grown buyers consisting of first time home buyers, “boomerang” buyers, and baby boomers who are retiring and or buying second homes here in the desert. First time homebuyers typically make up the largest portion of the home buying market but here in the Coachella valley they will still be facing the challenges of relatively expensive housing and low wages, student loans, higher health insurance costs etc. There is hope for them with rock bottom interest rates and relaxed mortgage insurance and lending guidelines this year. Paying less each week at the gas pump also means more money left at the end of the month for rent and mortgage payments. Boomerang buyers will likely benefit from these as well. Boomerang buyers are those buyers who lost their homes to short sales or foreclosures in the great recession, many of whom are now eligible to re-purchase a home again. Many of the baby boomers had a set back with the great recession and had to provide financial aid to their children, assumed increased health care costs, and had poorly managed retirement portfolios combine to delay their retirement plans. I see 2015 as a break out year for many of these folks and with the Coachella Valley still ranked as one of the top ten retirement resort communities in the US we will likely see our share of these folks coming our way. These are some positive signs that we just might make it on our own this year!

Join me each month this year as we keep a close eye on our Coachella Valley real estate market. If you have a real estate question or concerns please email me at the address below.

Bruce Cathcart is the Broker/Co-Owner of La Quinta Palms Realty, “Your Friendly Professionals” and can be reached by email at laquintapalms@dc.rr.com or visit his website at laquintapalmsrealty.com.

Haddon Libby:It’s all local

Loonies, Orcas & Snowmen

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n recent years, the Coachella Valley has benefitted from the free flow of Loonies to our community. I am not talking about that guy who inexplicably stops for green lights, argues with ghosts at Wal-Mart or spouts endless conspiracy theories.

I am taking ‘aboot’ our friendly neighbours to the North - Canadians. When these snowbirds migrate to our warmer confines for the winter, our desert becomes a happier and more crowded space.

Our community also becomes wealthier because of their Loonies.

As I did at ‘aboot’ this time last year, I want to share with you and our Canadian friends a few news tidbits from the Great White North.

If you are having a pop with a Canadian, they might want to know that Canadian Coke will have its sugar content reduced from 10.5 to 9.7 teaspoons per can this month. Until now, Canadian Coca-Cola was sweeter than its American counterpart. As the Loonie has fallen by 15% over the last six months alone (25% since 2011), offer to pick up the tab.

Canadians are well known for their neigbourliness. Local police in Cornwall, Ontario proved how kind Canadians can

be when they came to the rescue of a struggling couple. With a wife suffering from Alzheimer’s, her loving husband of 54 years was struggling to making ends meet. In order to buy groceries, he sold his wedding ring. When the local police heard about this, they collected money for the couple to live on, bought groceries and repurchased the elderly gentleman’s ring.

With this as a backdrop, it comes as no surprise that a recently released report

by The Economist found that Toronto and Montreal are two of the best large cities in the world to live in. Both ranked ahead of San Francisco 5th, Los Angeles 11th and New York City 13th.

Remember Toronto’s former crack smoking Mayor and current councilman, Rob Ford? He is battling an especially aggressive cancer in his abdomen. While he readies for his sixth 27 day chemotherapy treatment in advance of having the tumor removed, he continues to be seen at numerous political events and has already begun talking about running for Mayor again in 2018.

In an unrelated story, whale watchers are stunned by recent observations of Orca whales rubbing themselves on smooth stones. This is happening near the Discovery Islands in British Columbia and appears to be the only place in that world that Orcas do this.

Down the river in Vancouver, someone recently ‘erected’ a 9-foot tall statue of a naked devil in the middle of the night. City officials quickly removed the statue.

Over in Ottawa, residents set a Guinness Book World record by building 1,299 snowmen in one hour, besting Salt Lake City’s mark of 1,279 snowmen in 2011. I personally think the Ottowans cheated as a large number of their snowmen were just piles of snow with carrot noses and coal eyes stuck on top.

Canada’s leaders are worried that their economy is slipping into recession. As such, the Bank of Canada cut its key interest rate from 1% to 0.75% last week. Look for more

February 5 to February 11, 2015

interest rate cuts in April.

Canadian leaders are challenged in making policy decisions as The Labour Force Survey, their report on the unemployment rate is so flawed that economists believe this statistic is virtually useless. It is hard to manage an economy when you have no idea as to whether it is doing well or poorly.

Robert Fairholm, partner and economist at the Centre for Spatial Economics said it best, “It’s like driving with a blindfold on.

The chance of a mishap happening certainly increases.”

The difference between their flawed unemployment survey and our flawed unemployment statistics is that their errors do not appear intentional…although a conspiracy theorist might disagree.

Dale Gribow On The Law

PALMheDESERT ATTORNEY EXPOSES DUI DRIVER’S MISTAKES Indio Court is always inundated insurance.

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with DUI’s cases during the months of February and March. This happens because the season’s holiday and Super Bowl party DUI arrests are set for court a month or two after the date of the arrest.

Most drivers mistakenly believe they were not drunk and thus they should win their case. They mistakenly believe they did not deserve to be charged with a DUI. If there is a moderate amount of alcohol on your breath you could become a victim of an overzealous police officer…though that happens less often in the CV. The bottom line is that if you have been drinking there is good chance you will be arrested. The first mistake is that drivers do not realize it is not the number of drinks but rather the amount of alcohol in each drink that is determinative as well as one’s weight.

It is a mistake for drivers to talk to the officers. Drivers should be respectful and courteously explain that their lawyer advised them not to talk without the attorneys ok. Ask them to call your attorney, Dale Gribow at 760 837 7500, and if he ok’s it, then you are happy to talk. You are mistaken if you do not fully cooperate and show the officer your driver’s license and

Drivers are not aware, unless they read my CV Weekly legal column, that the Field Sobriety (FST) and Breath Test at the scene are optional (unless you are under 21 or are on probation). They mistakenly believe they have to take the walk the line, finger to nose, reciting the alphabet backwards and other so called sobriety tests.

Drivers are mistaken if they do not politely explain they want to cooperate with law enforcement and are willing to do anything that is mandatory. They should explain they understand the FST tests are elective and they elect not to take them, but are happy to cooperate and take a Blood test.

DUI drivers mistakenly believe they merely have to appear in court on the date on the bottom of the arrest citation. A DUI kicks in two proceedings, the court and DMV. Drivers are mistaken when they do not realize that DMV must be contacted within 10 days. Not only does the hearing have to be requested within 10 days but if the driver does not ask for a STAY on the suspension, they made another mistake.

This is because their license will be suspended after 30 days. The stay provides a temporary license which is good until the DMV matter is resolved.

Drivers mistakenly believe they will never encounter a checkpoint or a saturation patrols. Most drivers have heard of checkpoints but not saturation patrols.

Both have to meet the proper lawful and constitutional protocols to succeed. The idea behind a saturation patrol is that a large number of law enforcement officers will “make their presence known” by conducting stops, targeting inebriated, distracted, aggressive and speeding drivers, as well as those with seatbelt or cell phone violations….the whole nine yards of traffic violations.

With a checkpoint, you are mistaken if you think the officer must have probable cause to stop you. Normally an officer must have a reason to pull you over. At a sobriety checkpoint anybody can be stopped and requested to take a breath test. However, this does not mean your rights were compromised if you failed a breath test or a sobriety test at a checkpoint. There are procedures and guidelines that all officers at checkpoints must follow for the DUI test to be valid.

If you drank and drove you clearly made the biggest mistake of your life. Don’t make another mistake by hiring an attorney from out town who does not know the local DMV Hearing Officers, the DA’s and the Judges.

The newest mistake you can make is not taking down your social media because

you are providing the DA’s with all the information they would need to learn about you and your friends. You mistakenly allow them to contact your friends and read about drinking issues that you post on Facebook.

Don’t make a MISTAKE and DRINK AND DRIVE. Take a taxi…it is a lot cheaper than calling me.

But if you do Drink and Drive, you are mistaken if you do not realize that we also SUE Drunk Drivers that injure our clients.

If you have any questions regarding this column or ideas for future columns please contact Dale Gribow Attorney at Law at his NEW number 760 837 7500 and or his new email: dale@dalegribowlaw.com Dale Gribow 1) TOP LAWYER DUI rating by Palm Springs Life every year.

2) Perfect AVVO 10.0 Peer Review Rating by fellow attorneys 3) Preeminent Rating by Martindale Hubbell legal directory.

4) Selected for Best Attorneys of America (Limited to Top 100 Attorneys in each state.

5) Man of the Year 7 times- including the City of Palm Desert and the City of Hope.

6) Dale Gribow Day proclaimed 4 x’s.

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February 5 to February 11, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

safety tips

by Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

It’s February, put your Heart into it!

H

eart disease kills over a half million people every year. It’s no surprise February is Heart Awareness month. Together, we all can prevent and cardiovascular disease (CVD), one step at a time says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.

First, check with your Doctor. And then monitor your blood pressure. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so be sure to have it checked on a regular basis.

Get your cholesterol checked and eat a healthy diet. Choosing healthful meal and snack options can help you avoid CVD and its complications.

Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can increase your risk for CVD. Exercise regularly. Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

Don’t smoke. Cigarette smoking greatly increases your risk for CVD. Limit alcohol use. Avoid drinking too much alcohol, which can increase your blood pressure.

Manage your diabetes. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels closely. Take your medicine. If you’re taking medication to treat high blood pressure,

high cholesterol, diabetes, or another condition, follow the instructions carefully.

Need more inspiration? Try the “28 Days to a Healthier Heart” tips which can inspire you throughout February and all year long!

Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

Social Security

By maira Miranda

WEAR YOUR HEART ON YOUR SLEEVE

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ebruary is the month when we celebrate love and friendship. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has also declared February as American Heart Month to bring awareness to the leading cause of death for both women and men in the United States: heart disease.

We encourage you to wear red all month to promote cardiovascular disease prevention.

Just as the heart is vital to our emotional and physical well-being, Social Security disability benefits are often a vital lifeline for people who are unable to work due to severe disabilities—whether heart-related or not.

There are numerous ways to protect our hearts, including eating well, exercising, and not smoking. We get checkups, and make sure to keep our cholesterol down.

However, sometimes these measures aren’t enough. In fact, disability will affect one in four of today’s 20 year-olds before reaching retirement age. The Social Security disability program excels in providing financial help to people when they need it most—help they earned by paying Social Security taxes on their earnings or as dependents of someone who paid Social Security taxes.

Social Security pays benefits to covered people who can’t work and whose medical condition meets the strict definition of disability under the Social Security Act. A

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person is considered disabled under this definition if he or she cannot work due to a severe medical condition that has lasted or is expected to last at least one year or result in death. The person’s medical condition must prevent him or her from doing work that he or she did in the past, and it must prevent the person from adjusting to other work based on their age, education, and experience. You can find all the information you need about eligibility and benefits available to you by reading our publication, Disability Benefits, available at socialsecurity.gov/pubs.

If you are disabled, and think you are eligible to receive disability benefits, you will need to complete an application for Social Security benefits. It’s easy to apply online at socialsecurity.gov/disability.

We also invite you to visit our Faces and Facts of Disability website to watch and read stories about people who have truly benefited from Social Security’s disability program and to get the facts about this very important program. Helping people is at the heart of what we do. You can learn more at socialsecurity.gov/disabilityfacts.

During American Heart Month, go ahead and wear your heart on your sleeve. Go red, and go to socialsecurity.gov/disabilityfacts.

Maria M. Miranda is Social Security District Manager in Palm Springs, CA

sharekitchen It’s Your Time: An Entrepreneurial Training Series for Women An intense business start-up program given by the

Coachella Valley Women’s Business Center (CVWBC).

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unded by Citibank, participants will attend twelve workshops, work individually with a business counselor, and learn the necessary fundamentals to write a business plan. By participating in the program, aspiring entrepreneurs will learn essential information needed to start and grow a successful business.

One success story this program is Anna Geiger of Jadabugs, an upscale baby boutique in La Quinta. Not only has Anna carved out a market niche for herself but she works with program participants in launching their businesses.

To be eligible for this program, you must be a woman living in Riverside or San Bernardino County and be ready to start a for-profit business. While you do not have to have a business plan formulated as yet, it is important that you have a good idea as to what business you would like to do.

The program not only helps you to formulate and write your business plan but it helps with the planning needed to market your business, finance your endeavor, form the legal entity necessary to run your business and much more.

The cost of the program is between $15 and $100 in total for the four-month class with your cost based on your income level and ability to pay. This cost to participants would be well over $500 if not for the support of Citibank.

As this program is offered only twice a year and space is limited, act now!

All applications which are available at cvwbc.com must be received by Friday, February 13th.

Whether you would like to participate or your know someone who would benefit from this help and support, reach out to Kim Scanlon, Training Coordinator of CVWBC. Kim can be reached at 760.345.9200 or by email at kscanlon@cbwbc.org.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

sports scene Super Bowl 49: The Call That Was And What It Wasn’t

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ore people watched Super Bowl 49 than any other television broadcast in the history of

mankind.

But NO ONE could believe what they saw when the Seattle quarterback, in his 3rd year of professional football, threw a slant to Ricardo Lockette with 26 seconds left in the game.

If we freeze time at that moment, here’s what it looked like: The Seahawks trailed by 4 points, they had just seen a massively impressive pass from Russell Wilson to Jermaine Kearse for 33 yards to drop them

on the Patriots’ 5-yard line and followed that up with a 4-yard run by Marshawn Lynch to get to the 1-yard line.

They needed a touchdown in the final minute of action, they needed to take time off the clock, they needed to gain 1 yard and had 3 chances to do it.

Sounds pretty basic for the league’s best running offense. They had accumulated more than 400 more yards on the ground than any other team in the NFL, had scored the most rushing touchdowns, were the only team to gain more than 5 yards per carry and were known for bullying defenses all year with their ground game.

So as the now infamous play unfolded, and we saw Wilson in shotgun formation and watched him throw the football as Marshawn Lynch ran to his left, sans the pigskin, and we watched undrafted rookie Malcolm Butler jump Lockette’s route, we wondered why the Seahawks didn’t just hand the ball off and keep it simple.

Here’s why: the coaches got too smart, the player forced a throw and Butler made the play of his lifetime. If any one of those 3 things don’t happen, we have a different outcome, but they colluded into a perfect storm and a fantastic ending to a football game (for anyone not rooting for Seattle).

Let’s not diminish the Pats’ defense:

sports

February 5 to February 11, 2015

by Julie Buehler

only the Chiefs allowed fewer rushing touchdowns and no team allowed fewer big plays. This Pats run defense was underrated all year, the secondary and pass defense was as well.

But it doesn’t matter from one year to the next, it’s stunning how simple it is to see championship teams, it’s not easy to execute at that level, but easy to explain: Champions force their competition out of their game plan and into guessing.

That’s exactly what the Patriots did to the Seahawks.

They forced Seattle to enter into a higher-risk for same reward thinking. Now, granted Russell Wilson is pretty good in the red zone. He threw 20 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions all year, but the Seahawks aren’t a quick-timing-route kind of team.

In fact, no quarterback held onto the ball longer this year than Wilson.

By now, many people think that was the worst play call in the history of the NFL, but I disagree. It wasn’t good. It was overthinking, but that happens a lot. More than we realize. It’s just that the results aren’t usually as dramatic.

The game ended in spectacular fashion because we had over-thinking coaches with a young player who threw the ball into a tight spot and a defender who made a 1-in-

million play.

The fact the Seahawks tried to be creative during the final drive of the Super Bowl is very peculiar timing, but this is a team that scored 23 rushing touchdowns this season and only 10 within 5 yards. Most of their rushing TDs came further out where they weren’t facing goal-line run defense and a really good one at that.

And the Patriots, a championship level team, that was playing their style of football, convinced the Seahawks to peel away from their game plan and start guessing.

That’s going to lose a strategic battle every time.

Julie Buehler hosts the Coachella Valley’s most popular sports talk radio show, “Buehler’s Day Off” every day from 3-6 on 1010 KXPS, the valley’s all sports station. She can also be seen every morning between 6-7am on KMIR sharing the coolest stories in sports. She’s an avid gym rat, slightly sarcastic and more likely to recite Steve Young’s career passing stats than American Idol winners. Tune in M-F 3-6 pst at www.team1010.com or watch “Buehler’s Day Off” on Ustream and KMIR.com for her sports reports.

by Flint Wheeler

NBA All-Star Weekend fun but needs some updating..

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t says something that the most highly anticipated event for the upcoming NBA All-Star weekend is the 3-point shootout.

And hey, the chance to see Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Kyle Korver and Wes Matthews light it up from long range is something no hoop junkie wants to miss, but still, it’s not like Larry Bird is walking through that door.

All all-star games are a chore to get through — the Pro Bowl is particularly worthless — but the NBA All-Star weekend used to feel special. The dunk contest featured the likes of Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins — walk into most barbershops to this day and you’ll spark a heated debate by asking who really should have won the 1988 contest (‘Nique was cheated) — and the actual game was entertaining yet intense. Guys really wanted to win.

It just isn’t like that anymore. This year’s “event” which is scheduled for Feb. 13-15 in New York City, mostly feels like an unnecessary interruption to the most compelling regular season in recent memory.

Since new NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is so open to making changes to the

way his league does business, here are a few ideas for juicing up All-Star weekend: • Make the game matter. Major League Baseball did the right thing by putting World Series home-field advantage on the line for its All-Star Game. And while it may seem drastic to take that step for the NBA, where home court is so critical, something has to be done to jazz up what has become a glorified scrimmage.

We know guys care about getting invited to the game; it would be nice if they cared once they actually lace up those fancy sneakers. Perhaps offer a fat bonus to the winning team if it can also hold the opponent below 120 points. Do something, anything, to make the game more competitive.

• Tweak the selection process. It’s cool that fans have been able to vote for starters but when an injured Kobe Bryant, who wasn’t even playing that well when he was healthy, and Carmelo Anthony of the dreadful Knicks, are chosen as starters, something is seriously wrong.

The task for choosing starters should fall to some blend of fan votes, media votes and input from general managers. We’ll always have arguments over which players should be selected as reserves. This year, Portland’s Damian Lillard was the biggest snub but, in a league so stacked with young talent, that’s inevitable. Nailing the starters is something the league has to get right.

• Quick: who won last year’s dunk contest? (Wait for it) Either get more big names to commit to what used to be THE event of the weekend or scrap it. This year’s field: Zach LaVine, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Victor Oladipo and Mason Plumlee. C’mon, man.

At this point, you may as well pull some dudes out of the stands and have them participate. And hey, the event is in Brooklyn so it’s a good bet they may be able to throw down.

• Add a one-on-one contest. Who wouldn’t want to see LeBron James and Kevin Durant go at it? Russell Westbrook and Derrick Rose? Tim Duncan and Dirk Nowitzki? I’m talking old-school in the driveway or at-the-park style. First man to 12 wins. Make it, take it. Call your own foul.

This would be sensational and because we know these guys have huge egos, it would be real competition. Also, Anthony would finally have an excuse for not notching an assist. And we know Las Vegas would love it, too. My money would be on James Harden.

Founder of Silex Strategies L.L.C. providing sales and consulting in Insurance, Retirement, Real Estate and Taxes through A.I.G./Valic. PGA Class A Member and T.P.I. Certified Golf Trainer. Host of “The Tilted Sports Radio Show” on Fox Sports 1270 from 3-7pm on Thursdays, Live from The Kilt.

Contact at 760-409-4612 www.flintwheeler. com

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February 5 to February 11, 2015

local business

DHS Spa Tour 2015

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his night, the sky is thick with grey clouds.

The local forecast does not include rain.

But this is Desert Hot Springs, above the valley floor and against unspoiled mountains the weather is less predictable. There is barely a breeze and the low clouds keep the temperature at a balmy 74 degrees.

As is the tradition, the tour begins at the famed Two Bunch Palms Resort & Spa. Built by mobster Al Capone in the 30s, the spa has maintained its hideaway charm, but has recently spent $4 million to upgrade its facilities with the highest quality of comfort and design. It still has the celebrity vibe – a place of tranquility and privacy.

The property is 77 acres. Natural hot mineral water fills the grotto pool. The run off carves a path through the resort and enters a large pond where it seeps back into the aquifer and is eventually recycled. This weekend, all 70 rooms are sold-out.

The resort plans on spending a total of $30 million on further developing the property. It has just completed a large solar farm, part of its goal to be completely environmentally green.

With its old trees, open space, mountain views and mineral water, you can feel the healing and rejuvenation begin the second you walk onto the grounds.

Once referred to as Spa City, Desert Hot Springs has long claimed to be situated in a

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by heidi simmons

vortex that promotes health and wellness. The theory is: The city’s natural elements of mineral water, unspoiled mountain and desert expanse, its elevation, fault lines, wind and sunshine create a significant energy field. It’s believed the vortexes are negative ion generators influenced by magnetic forces, which produces good energy, well-being and healing.

Desert Hot Springs sits on two aquifers, which are divided by a tectonic fault. One side is hot water and the other is cold. Due to the depth of the aquifers, layered decomposed granite serves as a filter eliminating sulfur odor and bad taste.

Experts say the water has a perfect balance of PH and Alkalinity. This produces silky mineral water good for the body inside and out.

Soaking in geothermal heated water, the body is able to better absorb minerals like Lithium, which elevates mood. Relaxing in natural hot water increases blood flow, re-generates cells and increases the body’s natural ability to heal.

It also aids in cleansing and detoxing the body.

Like on a treasure hunt, luxury Cardiff buses traversed the city’s spa zone with VIP ticket holders. There are ten spas on the tour. Our guide is Councilmember Scott Matas, a born and raised DHS local. He says there are 40 spas in and around the city limits.

The first stop is on the main drag, Palm Drive, The Aqua Soleil Hotel & Mineral Water Spa. With 110 rooms, it is both hotel and boutique spa. Several rooms have their own large indoor spa. The resort is clean and contemporary. It has a hip and youthful feel. The four treatment

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rooms use lotions, oils, soaps and scrubs from local Palm Desert business Body Deli. It also has a spacious and friendly “Kafe Bar.”

Winding up into the hillside, The Spring Resort & Spa seems to sit on the top of the world. This retreat has 11 rooms and two villas.

Minimally appointed, the serenity makes you want to whisper. There are no televisions and no landlines in the rooms. The water here comes out of the ground at 170 degrees.

The water at Miracle Manor Retreat comes up 400 feet to fill their pools. There is a sense of stepping back into time with its Mid-century modern vibe. With only six rooms, there is an intimate, meditative quality to the spa and pool.

This bed and breakfast is all about health and healing.

If you like to travel with your dog or dogs, DogSpa Resort & Wellness Center is for you.

Dogs stay for free! Behind the gate of this retreat, a friendly Brad Pitt greets the guests -- Brad Pittbull that is. In this hotel there are dog beds, dog towels, dog snacks and a private dog park. Built in 1957, this two-story spa has kitchenettes in every room. The owner is a vet.

Lido Palms Resort & Spa feels like an oasis in the desert. Cross through the gates here and the earthy scent of lavender and geranium seems to match the changing color of the sky.

Massage therapists and aestheticians give sample massages. On my hand and forearm, a scrub is applied, then an oil and finally a lotion.

From the elbow down I feel bliss. Here at Lido, they use organic handmade skincare products from Hungary.

Vista Ventana Spa & Resort is the new kid in town, but not new to the business of resort health and wellness. The owners also run the Monroe in Palm Springs. All 16 rooms at Vista Ventana have a custom bright color. You can’t help but feel cheerful in a South Beach kind of way.

There are two two-story suites and although they serve a hot breakfast, have drinks and

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snacks throughout the day, each room has a complete kitchenette. Look for their special day spa deals like the Pretty-n-Pink Spa Party.

Ventana joyfully whispers, “Let’s have a good time!”

A spa for adults only, Anahata Springs Spa and Retreat pampers couples but invites individuals. Clothing optional, Anahata is the name given to the heart chakra. The wide-open courtyard seems to embrace the sky. A giant Buddha oversees the pool and evokes a feeling of harmony.

Want to get away somewhere exotic to rejuvenate? El Morocco Inn & Spa will take you there. It’s night and the resort is delightful. The courtyard bar is covered by iridescent cloth that undulates in the breeze as the bartender serves the signature Morocco-tinis. A belly dancer moves about the glowing pool and fire pit, her bare feet on Persian rugs. A light rain only adds to the ambiance and charm. El Morocco has a “Far Infrared” room, which promotes healing for bones and body.

The tour ends at the Hacienda Hot Spring Inn. Mature trees and large pools create a place that invites relaxation and rejuvenation. Walking through the gate is like discovering paradise. The Hacienda’s stucco walls, tile roof and exposed beams create a rustic, open feel. A communal patio space inspires sharing food and stories.

The VIP after party food is served on the Hacienda’s large hand-honed wooden table.

A combination of Mexican cuisine and sushi sums up the eclectic evening of spa styles. A jazz band adds to the celebration. VIP ticket holders received a spa robe and a bling bag stuffed with spa items like soap, lotions, sprays, salts, balms and more.

All the above spas have private treatment rooms, day spa packages that include a menu of specialized treatments by the valley’s best massage therapists and skin specialists.

There is no other CV city like Desert Hot Springs. Perched on the sunny side of the western edge of the valley, it is a bedroom community in which these amazing spas are randomly scattered. Many residents enjoy the same dazzling vistas and have their own spa-like retreats in their backyards.

But as the luxury buses traveled from spa to spa, the dark side that sometimes plagues the CV reared its ugly head. There was a shooting in town. It’s a shame that the city with its fine people and spas can be tainted by the cowards and bullies in its midst. Yet that juxtaposition is what makes DHS residents so resilient.

The Spa Tour is sponsored and organized by the Desert Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce.

The money raised from the tour goes to help market DHS, the Hotelier Association and the DHS High School award winning ROTC program.

If you are not familiar with DHS, this is the perfect way to get acquainted with the city on the hill.

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY Week of February 5

ARIES (March 21-April 19): In 1979, Monty Python comedian John Cleese helped direct a four-night extravaganza, The Secret Policeman’s Ball. It was a benefit to raise money for the human rights organization Amnesty International. The musicians known as Sting, Bono, and Peter Gabriel later testified that the show was a key factor in igniting their social activism. I see the potential of a comparable stimulus in your near future, Aries.

Imminent developments could amp up your passion for a good cause that transcends your immediate self-interests.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In the film Kill Bill: Volume 1, Taurus actress Uma Thurman plays a martial artist who has exceptional skill at wielding a Samurai sword. At one point, her swordmaker evaluates her reflexes by hurling a baseball in her direction. With a masterful swoop, she slices the ball in half before it reaches her. I suggest you seek out similar tests in the coming days, Taurus. Check up on the current status of your top skills. Are any of them rusty? Should you update them? Are they still of maximum practical use to you? Do whatever’s necessary to ensure they are as strong and sharp as ever.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): French Impressionist painter Claude Monet loved to paint the rock formations near the beach at Étretrat, a village in Normandy. During the summer of 1886, he worked serially on six separate canvases, moving from one to another throughout his work day to capture the light and shadow as they changed with the weather and the position of the sun. He focused intently on one painting at a time. He didn’t have a brush in each hand and one in his mouth, simultaneously applying paint to various canvases. His specific approach to multitasking would generate good results for you in the coming weeks, Gemini. (P.S. The other kind of multitasking -- where you do several different things at the same time -- will yield mostly mediocre results.)

CANCER (June 21-July 22): In 1849, author Edgar Allen Poe died in his hometown of Baltimore. A century later, a mysterious admirer began a new tradition. Every January 19, on the anniversary of Poe’s birth, this cloaked visitor appeared at his grave in the early morning hours, and left behind three roses and a bottle of cognac. I invite you, Cancerian, to initiate a comparable ritual. Can you imagine paying periodic tribute to an important influence in your own life -- someone who has given you much and touched you deeply? Don’t do it for nostalgia’s sake, but rather as a way to affirm that the gifts you’ve received from this evocative influence will continue to evolve within you. Keep them everfresh.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “What happens to a dream deferred?” asked Langston Hughes in his poem “Harlem.” “Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore -- And then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over -- like a syrupy sweet?” As your soul’s cheerleader and coach, Leo, I hope you won’t explore the answer to Hughes’ questions. If you have a dream, don’t defer it. If you have been deferring your dream, take at least one dramatic step to stop deferring it.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Virgo author John Creasey struggled in his early efforts at getting published. For a time he had to support himself with jobs as a salesman and clerk. Before his first book was published, he had gathered 743 rejection slips.

Eventually, though, he broke through and achieved monumental success. He wrote more than 550 novels, several of which were made into movies.

He won two prestigious awards and sold 80 million books. I’m not promising that your own frustrations will ultimately pave the way for a prodigious triumph like his. But in the coming months, I do expect significant progress toward a gritty accomplishment.

For best results, work for your own satisfaction more than for the approval of others.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Hall-of-Fame basketball player Hakeem Olajuwon had a signature set of

© Copyright 2015 Rob Brezsny

fancy moves that were collectively known as the Dream Shake. It consisted of numerous spins and fakes and moves that could be combined in various ways to outfox his opponents and score points. The coming weeks would be an excellent time for you to work on your equivalent of the Dream Shake, Libra.

You’re at the peak of your ability to figure out how to coordinate and synergize your several talents.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In 1837, Victoria became Queen of England following the death of her uncle, King William IV. She was 18 years old. Her first royal act was to move her bed out of the room she had long shared with her meddling, overbearing mother. I propose that you use this as one of your guiding metaphors in the immediate future. Even if your parents are saints, and even if you haven’t lived with them for years, I suspect you would benefit by upgrading your independence from their influence.

Are you still a bit inhibited by the nagging of their voices in your head? Does your desire to avoid hurting them thwart you from rising to a higher level of authority and authenticity? Be a good-natured rebel.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The crookedest street in the world is a one-way, block-long span of San Francisco’s Lombard Street. It consists of eight hairpin turns down a very steep hill. The recommended top speed for a car is five miles per hour. So on the one hand, you’ve got to proceed with caution. On the other hand, the quaint, brickpaved road is lined with flower beds, and creeping along its wacky route is a whimsical amusement. I suspect you will soon encounter experiences that have metaphorical resemblances to Lombard Street, Sagittarius. In fact, I urge you to seek them out.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): In the baseball film The Natural, the hero Roy Hobbs has a special bat he calls “Wonderboy.” Carved out of a tree that was split by a lightning bolt, it seems to give Hobbs an extraordinary skill at hitting a baseball.

There’s a similar theme at work in the Australian musical instrument known as the didgeridoo. It’s created from a eucalyptus tree whose inner wood has been eaten away by termites. Both Wonderboy and the didgeridoo are the results of natural forces that could be seen as adverse but that are actually useful. Is there a comparable situation in your own life, Capricorn? I’m guessing there is. If you have not yet discovered what it is, now is a good time to do so.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): In 1753, Benjamin Franklin published helpful instructions on how to avoid being struck by lightning during stormy weather. Wear a lightning rod in your hat, he said, and attach it to a long, thin metal ribbon that trails behind you as you walk. In response to his article, a fashion fad erupted. Taking his advice, fancy ladies in Europe actually wore such hats. From a metaphorical perspective, it would make sense for you Aquarians to don similar headwear in the coming weeks. Bolts of inspiration will be arriving on a regular basis. To ensure you are able to integrate and use them -- not just be titillated and agitated -- you will have to be well-grounded.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): According to the Bible, Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Author David Foster Wallace added a caveat. “The truth will set you free,” he wrote, “but not until it is finished with you.” All this is apropos for the current phase of your journey, Pisces. By my estimation, you will soon discover an important truth that you have never before been ready to grasp. Once that magic transpires, however, you will have to wait a while until the truth is fully finished with you. Only then will it set you free. But it will set you free. And I suspect that you will ultimately be grateful that it took its sweet time.

Homework: What’s the best possible mess you could stir up -- a healing mess that would help liberate you? Testify at FreeWillAstrology.com.

Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

February 5 to February 11, 2015

Mind, body & Spirit

by Bronwyn Ison

VINO & VINYASA YOGA

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contemporary yogini is how I would describe myself. Yes, I drink wine and teach yoga. Of course I am not practicing these activities simultaneously.

For several years fitness studios and yoga retreats have been designed to specifically bring wine and yoga together. Yoga, meaning to “yoke” and experience unity --wine is similar as it brings people together.

Pairing wine and yoga may sound contradictory. Yoga can be detoxifying.

Many people may adopt the thought that wine is introducing toxins into the body.

Yoga trains us to find peace and harmony within mind, body and spirit. Alcohol generally elevates our spirits, enhances and relieves our inhibitions. How do the two compliment each other? Yoga instructor, David Romenelli (a.k.a, Yeah Dave) explains, “Yoga teaches you how to age gracefully just like a great bottle of wine ages gracefully.”

I can appreciate this analogy. Many yogi’s and yogini’s may frown upon this merger.

As you may agree, moderation is everything. It is important to be flexible on and off your yoga mat. If you have an active lifestyle, as many of us do, taking a time-out is essential. Of course we want to incorporate these activities responsibly. We know too much yoga could be taxing on the body. Just as too much alcohol is damaging to the mind, body and spirit. While yoga may help relieve hangover symptoms, it is germane to find just the right balance and not to over indulge.

Women’s Health Magazine tells us, “The phytochemicals in wine raise your good cholesterol, while its antioxidants protect the lining of the coronary arteries. One or two glasses of red wine a day is the optimal amount to help you realize this effect.” We also know, “Alcohol improves the body’s response to insulin, which regulates blood sugar. And when your blood sugar is under control, your body won’t store as much glucose as fat. Score!”

The benefits of yoga are plentiful. Yoga

increases stamina, drains your lymphs & boosts your immunity. It also strengthens your bones, reduces stress, decreases your blood pressure, lower blood sugar, increases your heart rate, regulates your adrenal glands, improves balance, maintains your nervous system, helps you sleep deeper, releases tension in your limbs, improves your lungs, prevents IBS plus mitigates digestive issues, gives you peace of mind, increases self esteem and benefits your relationships.

These are just a handful of benefits you can realize by practicing yoga.

Pairing wine and yoga is something fun you can engage in to wind down. Your yoga practice should be enjoyable. A smooth glass of pinot noir every so often is simply extra relaxation post savasana (last posture in your practice.)

Join Bronwyn Ison at Whole Foods/ Taproom Patio, February 11, 2015 at 6pm for a one-hour Vinyasa Flow class paired with Vino & cheese after class. Cost: $5.00 RSVP to sp.pmd.events@wholefoods.com Bronwyn Ison is the owner of Evolve Yoga. e-volveyoga.com 760.564.YOGA

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February 5 to February 11, 2015

Life & career Coach

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by Sunny Simon

Curing Procrastination

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he bumper sticker I encountered this morning had a sobering effect on me.

The quote, “A year from now you may wish you had started today,” is an effective wakeup call for procrastinators. Looking back through the years, I clearly remember a time in my life when I sabotaged my success by putting things off. I overcame the procrastination syndrome after graduating from college. Numerous nights spent pouring over textbooks in last minute preparation for exams cured me. I never want to experience that kind of desperation again.

In fact, I still have frequent dreams where I find myself sitting in my dorm room drinking coffee at 3:00 am as I frantically review my lecture notes worrying I’ll never get a passing grade.

Having cured that negative habit, I successfully coach clients on making behavioral changes leading to increased productivity. Why do people procrastinate? There are multiple reasons ranging from fear of failure, or poor time management skills to mistakenly believing you work better under pressure. Sometimes the problem is just plain boredom as in the case of a geology course I was once forced to take.

Whatever the reason, the good news is procrastination is a behavior, and one that can be changed. If you fall into the category of continual task avoidance, read on. Procrastination can elicit a huge price tag in terms of physical ailments. Recent evidence found procrastinating

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college students contracted more flu, colds and gastrointestinal problems than those who planned ahead. Procrastination also results in stress, anxiety and nagging guilt.

To change your behavior, start by becoming a master scheduler. Begin with your “to do” list.

As soon as a task, like a term paper or important financial report is assigned, relegate it to the master list. Next, schedule it on your calendar.

Break the task into smaller parts setting deadlines for each segment. I highly recommend tying the dreaded task to reward. If you’ve spent the morning doing research for your paper, treat yourself to a special lunch.

I always remind myself of the mantra, “beginning is halfway there,” or as Aristotle put it: “Well begun is half done.” Making some immediate progress even a minimal start diminishes the dread procrastinators experience. If you are still dragging your feet, remind yourself of the consequences of waiting until the 11th hour.

Gain confidence by starting today. Think of one project you’ve been putting off, perhaps it’s getting your tax documents in order. Set a timer and dedicate one solid hour to the job. When the bell goes off you will be inspired to kick the habit.

Sunny Simon is the owner of Raise the Bar High Life and Career Coaching. More about Sunny at www.raisethebarhigh.com

local business

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February 5 to February 11, 2015

Love is in the Air at The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa

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he Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa celebrates the entire month of February with “Le Month d’amour,” paying homage to love with a variety of sweet activities and special events available throughout the resort. From romantic dining and luxurious spa treatments to the more unforgettable aphrodisiac cooking demonstration, captivating concert with worldclass musicians under the stars, stimulating golf clinics and “Love 40” tennis, couples will find a variety of ways to capture special moments together.

The resort highlights the Passion Lesson, “Love 40,” a couple’s one-hour private lesson with Peter Burwash International (PBI) Tennis Pro Kevin Connolly. Notably, the resort has been named a “Top 100 Tennis Resorts & Camps”

by Tennis Resorts Online, and Pro Connolly’s extensive history in the game earned him recognition as “PBI Professional of the Year.”

For $40 per person reservations can be made at (760) 202-2007.

For lovers of golf to become more aligned, the Romance Clinic at 3 p.m. every Friday and Saturday of the month brings couples together to get in sync with their game. Afterward couples are treated to a complimentary glass of wine at Fireside Lounge. The cost is $45 per couple. Reservations can be made by calling the resort’s Pete Dye Pro Shop at (760) 328-3198.

For a more sensual experience The Spa at Westin Mission Hills entices couples to a lovers retreat featuring Sweet Spa Escape treatments designed to not only encourage couples to fall back in love with one another, but to fall back in love with their skin! Treatments include a Sweet Transformation Facial, a Sugar and Spice Massage, a “Sole to Soul” Pedicure, and a Honey Hydration Wrap. For pricing information on the various treatments and reservations contact the spa at (760) 770-2180 or visit www. spaatmissionhills.com.

In addition, a Spa Soiree on February 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. is an opportunity for minipampering with express massages, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and DJ music. Reservations are required by calling (760) 770.2180 or emailing 01008-spa@westin.com. The cost is $25 per person.

Taking romance to another level the resort showcases a special aphrodisiac cooking experience with a special demonstration on Saturday, February 7, by Diane Brown Savahge, author of The Seduction Cookbook: Culinary Creations for Lovers. The Love Well: Super Food Aphrodisiacs Demonstration takes place at 2 p.m. on the patio of Pinzimini Restaurant, for $35 per person.Reservations can be made for this event by calling (760) 770-2150 or via email to pinziminips@westin.com.

For the traditional Valentine’s Day culinary lovers, the resort offers a romantic candlelight dinner on Valentine’s Day at the contemporary Pinzimini Restaurant, recently recognized with a 2014 Certificate of Excellence Award.

Couples receive a rose, truffles, and half a bottle of sparkling Graham Beck champagne.

Reservations are required with seating from 5 to 10 p.m. for $69 per person. Call (760) 7702150 or email pinziminips@westin.com.

Notably, on Valentine’s Day the resort rolls out its new concert series featuring world-class musicians. This debut concert with David Benoit and Phil Perry begins at 7 p.m. at the outdoor Masters Plaza. With over 25 chart topping records to his credit and several Grammy nominations, Benoit is in a class of his own, thrilling audiences with his unique piano style and beautiful compositions. Special guest and award-winning R&B/Jazz Musician Phil Perry performs with Benoit.

To fully embrace the heartwarming activities, couples can savor their time together with a staycation and have two days of reconnecting and refreshing. The Romance Package includes a champagne and strawberries welcome, breakfast for two, and a late check-out of 4 p.m., starting at $344 for a two-night stay.

The Westin Mission Hills is located at 71333 Dinah Shore Drive in Rancho Mirage and can be reached at (760) 328-5955. For more information about the resort visit www. westinmissionhills.com.

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February 5 to February 11, 2015

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