Coachella Valley Weekly - February 12 to February 18, 2015 Vol. 3 No. 47

News

Music

Movies

Dining

Community Events

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com • February 12 to February 18, 2015 Vol. 3 No. 47

Like No P lace Else!

Palm Springs is Hip, Happening & Ultra-Cool!

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block party

Barbara & Jerry Keller

pg 5

Jann Browne

pg 13

Maracas

pg 20

The POP Shop

pg 26

Get Tested

pg 30

February 12 to February 18, 2015

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Coachella Valley Weekly

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com publisher@coachellavalleyweekly.com facebook.com/cvweekly

760.501.6228

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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Palm Springs State Of The City................ 3 Barbara & Jerry Keller............................... 5 Bradley Ryan & Savannah Valdez............ 6 Modernism - Art & Design Center........... 7 Don’t Be Cluless In The CV........................ 8 PS Gay Men’s Chorus................................. 9 Breaking the 4th Wall- Lizann Warner.... 9 Fantasy Springs Upcoming Events........ 10 LMS - Downfall 2012............................... 12 LMS - Gand Band..................................... 12 LMS - Jann Browne.................................. 13 Consider This - L’Avventura ................... 14 Art- PS Fine Art Fair................................. 15 Pet Place................................................... 16 The Vino Voice......................................... 17 Club Crawler Nightlife............................ 18 The Pampered Palate- Maracas............. 20 Screeners................................................. 22 Book Review............................................ 23 The POP Shop.......................................... 26 Haddon Libby: It’s All Local.................... 27 Dale Gribow............................................. 27 Safety Tips................................................ 28 ShareKitchen........................................... 28 Sports Scene............................................ 29 Sports....................................................... 29 Get Tested Coachella Valley................... 30 Free Will Astrology.................................. 31 Mind, Body & Spirit................................. 31 Life & Career Coach................................. 32 Ask The Doctor........................................ 32 Weiss Cracks............................................ 34

February 12 to February 18, 2015

Like No Place Else! Palm Springs is in demand and ultra cool

By amy blaisdell

Join Mayor Steve Pougnet for the State of the City.

February 19 at the Palm Springs Convention Center.

T

he City of Palm Springs is experiencing a historic renaissance as one of the hippest, most happening, ultra-cool resort destinations in Southern California and beyond--and the entire community is invited to join Mayor Steve Pougnet for his annual State of the City address at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19 at the Palm Springs Convention Center, presented by the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce. Learn more about the transformational Downtown Revitalization Plan and the new 155-room Kimpton Hotel and roof top bar coming soon along with updates on public safety, tourism and a host of important capital improvement projects moving forward in the city. In addition, Mayor Pougnet always has a few exciting developments to announce to the crowd, which is expected to total as many as 500 local business and community leaders.

“The past year has been one of tremendous success for our city and our thriving business, tourism and hospitality community,” said Pougnet. “With the passage of Measure J and so many much anticipated city-wide improvement projects moving forward, this is an exciting time to live and work in the City of Palm Springs and I invite everyone with an interest in our future to join me for this important progress report. Palm Springs has a lot to celebrate and I am incredibly proud of all that we have accomplished as a community working together.”

The annual State of the City luncheon is slated for 11:30 a.m. at the Palm Springs Convention Center, 277 N. Avenida Caballeros. Tickets are $60 and free seats will be available for residents wishing only to hear the Mayor’s address, which will begin promptly at 12:15pm. To reserve a spot

for the luncheon, visit www.pschamber. org or call (760) 325-1577. Residents and visitors will also have the opportunity to view the Mayor’s speech throughout the month of February and March on Palm Springs Community Television 17 and on Time/Warner Cable – or watch it online at www.palmspringsca.gov by clicking on Government or Residents.

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February 12 to February 18, 2015

by heidi Simmons

Barbara and Jerry Keller: A Love Story

S

ome valley residents may not be familiar with the names Barbara and Jerry Keller or know them personally, but if you live in the Coachella Valley it is very likely you have been affected by their community philanthropy.

Between the two, they are involved with 30 plus different charities and non-profit organizations. Together they serve on four valley boards.

Jerry and Barbara are owners of Lulu California Bistro in Palm Springs. Jerry serves on the board of the Coachella Valley Repertory Theater and the Israel Cancer Research Fund. He has been in the publishing business for 60 years and the restaurant business for 14.

Barbara is Chairperson for Desert AIDS Project. She serves as Vice Chair for the Palm Springs Art Museum. They have lived in the Coachella Valley for 30 years.

Barbara and Jerry have been married for 34 years. They have four children and seven grandchildren ages 10 to 19.

Here is some insight on how this charismatic couple stays happy and in love.

What do you most remember about each other when you first met?

Barbara Keller: Jerry was adorable in his tennis clothes.

Jerry Keller: I remember Barbara was adorable in her red bikini.

Barbara Keller: We were at a recreational area in our hometown, Great Neck, New York.

How long did you date?

Barbara Keller: About five months.

What do you most admire about each other?

Barbara Keller: I admire those things which I don’t always see in myself: Like his ability to go with the flow. He always has a

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smile. He makes lemonade out of lemons time after time.

Jerry Keller: Barbara constantly amazes me with how capable, caring and brilliant she is to work with so many different people and organizations and help them all be so successful. She brings her wealth of information to each one of them in the nicest, smartest, absolutely fantastic way.

She has a tremendous compassion for people and is extremely considerate. She is a terrific, upbeat person.

What is your favorite thing about being married?

Barbara Keller: Waking up next to my husband just makes me smile.

Jerry Keller: Being able to spend my life with somebody so spectacular, so much fun and so interesting and so challenging. She does her best to keep me on the straight and narrow with what I say and do and how I act – and even how I drive!

What is the secret to your successful marriage?

Barbara Keller: You really have to be lucky to find the person that fits with you.

It’s different for everyone.

Jerry Keller: You have to be able to adapt and change to different ages, lifestyles, happenings, problems, pleasures, friends passing. Lately, we’ve had a lot of that happening and it can be a downer. But you have to accept life’s vicissitudes and by having someone so terrific with you, it makes life a lot easier.

What do you do to keep the love alive?

Barbara Keller: It’s not difficult.

Jerry Keller: It’s easy because we do spend quite a bit of time together, although Barbara is out doing her things and I’m out doing mine. We always find time together for dinner or late at night. I have so much

respect and love for her it’s just always a lot of fun -- usually.

What advice do you give your children and young couples about love?

Barbara Keller: We rarely give advice unless it’s extremely important.

Jerry Keller: If somebody asks us for information or help or how they can do something better – we’ll tell them. But Barbara’s right. We try not to interfere with our children or grand children too much.

Barbara Keller: We are here for them.

They know we are here for them. But we don’t like to give advice unless it’s asked for.

Jerry Keller: I know I still make mistakes.

I’ve been around for nearly 80 years and in business for more than 60 and I’m still making mistakes, so I’m very careful about giving advice. We try to do it in the nicest of ways. There’s love between us, and the love of our family. We have a wonderful group of interesting and challenging friends. This is a magical place. There are so many good people to be with. We are lucky to be able to share so much love with so many.

What’s your favorite thing to do together to relax?

Jerry Keller: I would tell you, but I’d blush.

Barbara Keller: We talk about that sometimes because we don’t get to relax as much as we’d like to. But we are working on that. There were days when we could just sit next to each other and read a book and we would be perfectly happy. We plan on doing that again.

Jerry Keller: We used to travel. But we just need to make more time to spend together.

Barbara Keller: But we’re often happy to just walk down El Paseo and look at the art galleries.

Jerry Keller: Yes, and have a nice dinner together.

Do you have any Valentine rituals?

Barbara Keller: No. Jerry Keller: Well, I do. Late at night, I go out, buy a bunch of roses, cut the stems off and put them in water. After all these years, surprise presents just don’t work. We know each other so well the ritual is simple: We just appreciate everything we can as often as we can.

Barbara Keller: Everyday is Valentine’s Day for us.

Grateful to have found each other, this is Barbara and Jerry’s second marriage. Their family is blended – two children are his and two are hers from previous marriages. But this couple has made sure to share their love equally with all who come into their sphere.

As busy as this power couple is they find and make time for family and friends.

Barbara’s father, who is 103, lives nearby. It is one reason they like to stay close to home.

For Barbara and Jerry Keller, life is good and they appreciate every day and the precious time they have together. Their marriage is a partnership and a continuous love affair.

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modernism

by Lisa Morgan

Bradley Ryan, Savannah Valdez and Baby Bradvannah

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Quinta. We had a nice time. Since I moved here from Boston, I haven’t had a lot of people I can really talk to. For some reason, I felt like I could talk to her. I took her to Hair of the Dog in Palm Springs on our second date.

I thought I’d get her drunk, then take her out back and make out with her. She didn’t let me,” he laughed.

Something Ryan did must have worked, because on December 21st, at the huge, annual Mix 100.5 Acoustic MixMas, in front of a packed house, Bradley Ryan got down on one knee in front of everyone, and asked Savannah Valdez to be his wife. She, being the smart AND beautiful woman that she is, gave him an excited “Yes!” “I knew she was the one,” shared Ryan.

“I wasn’t nervous about whether she would say yes. I was nervous that I’d trip and fall on my way over to her.”

Tuesday, February 3rd, more big news came from the couple. With a Facebook post, Ryan and his bride posted a picture of his adorable dog, Bubba, standing next to a picture of a sonogram and a sign that read, “I’m going to be a big brother!” It has since been confirmed that Baby Bradvannah will be arriving sometime very close to July 25, 2015. Now all of you can quit doing the math. Yes, Ryan knew the love of his life was expecting when he proposed to her, but he had been saving up for the ring long before that. Co-worker, Dawn McManus, at RR Broadcasting (as much a family as a work team), shared, “It’s great seeing Brad so happy! They make an awesome couple. Brad BEAMS when he talks about Savannah and the baby. It’s so cute to see him so excited for the future. He’ll be a terrific daddy!” Mel Hill, who is very much a mother type as well as a team leader at RR Broadcasting says, “You just never know where you’ll find love. Who would have guessed that Bradley, hosting

our Bartender’s Bash radio promotion, would meet Savannah, they’d fall in love, get married and start a family. When love is in the air, there’s no stopping it.”

Manny De la Rosa, known throughout the land as “Manny the Movie Guy” has worked closely with Ryan for many years both on and off the air. Bursting with excitement (as only Manny can), he shared his feelings about these developments in his friend’s life: “Congrats on the happy couple! Through the years of working and being friends with Bradley, I’ve never seen him this content and glowing! Savannah has the magic touch! By the way, they promised me that I’ll be the fairy godmother of their child, so I can’t wait to dust off my magic wand! I wish Bradley and Savannah eternal happiness, and to their baby, a life full of love and wonderment!”

I asked Ryan if he had any words of advice for those still out there this Valentine’s Day, single and searching for true love. “Quit looking,” he said. “When you’re looking for it, you put on a facade...you’re not being your most authentic self.”

March 1st, among their family and friends, Bradley Ryan and Savannah Valdez will have a “Reveal Party”, where they will announce whether their little bundle of pure joy will be a girl named Providence or a boy named Easton.

All of us here at CV Weekly wish the Valdez-Ryan tribe (yes, that includes you too,

February 12 to February 18, 2015

by chris clemens

New Architecture and Design Center, Edwards Harris Pavilion, Makes It’s Modernism Week Debut

CV Weekly’s Pick for Valentines of the Year, 2015 first got to know Bradley Ryan, one of the most popular radio personalities and entertaining event hosts in the desert, when I wrote an article about him for CV Weekly. I wondered why the guy was single. This good looking guy had steady employment at the top of his field, a stellar sense of humor, and one of kind, Bostonian charm. It seemed he could easily have his pick of the single women out there. Yet, there was a small seed of cynicism and hurt hiding underneath the surface that I only discovered after listening closely to his original music (yes, on top of everything else, the man is musically talented as well). Like all of us, Ryan had his heart broken at some point. Being a guy with a small circle of trust, this could have taken him out of the game completely.

“I wasn’t looking,” Ryan says. “I was nearing 40, and I wasn’t panicked about the idea that I might not find ‘the one’. I met Savannah at our Mix 100.5, Crater Lake, Bartender Bash at Tilted Kilt. She worked there. She wasn’t competing, but she was definitely getting plenty of attention. We started talking. A couple of Sea World tickets for her family later, I asked her out.”

Gregg Aratin, a close friend and RR Broadcasting colleague of Ryan’s, was there at the events surrounding this connection.

“She was friendly. It may have been pure attraction at first, but she seemed to be honest and real. I think he finally found someone who can stand up to his crap. She cares about his health. He loves her for all of that.”

That very important first date almost didn’t happen, according to Ryan. “She almost didn’t go. I guess she didn’t want to spend another evening with another loser,” Ryan laughed. “Her friend talked her into it. Our first date was at the Cliff House in La

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Bubba) all the joy and beautiful adventure this life can shower on you. And to all you Valentine’s and Singles, may you find your greatest sense of contentment and hope during this season of love. I promise, Love is all around you, even if it doesn’t come in a heart shaped box. It can always be found in the giving of it.

The Newly Opened A+D Center Will Feature 10 Days of Modernism Week Events

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alm Springs Art Museum’s new Architecture and Design Center, Edwards Harris Pavilion in downtown Palm Springs will make its thrilling debut to Modernism Week attendees just in time for the 10th Anniversary of the annual 10-day celebration of desert modernism, taking place February 12-22, 2015.

“With more than 45,000 people participating in Modernism Week, many of them from other states and numerous foreign countries, we are excited to provide them the opportunity to see our dazzling facility for the first time,” commented Sidney Williams, curator of architecture and design. “We have planned a full schedule of events to enhance the Modernism Week experience for our visitors.”

Among the events hosted by the A+D Center, in conjunction with the Palm Springs Art Museum’s Architecture and Design Council, is a symposium, tours, lectures, a glamorous party, and numerous book signings throughout Modernism Week. In addition, the A+D Center will have extended hours, 10AM to 8PM, February 13 - 19 and 22, which will allow for viewing of An Eloquent Modernist: E. Stewart Williams, Architect, which closes on Sunday, February 22.

The schedule of events is as follows: Frey House ll Tours: February 16 - 20 Daily: 8:30AM - 4:45PM ADC Lectures: February 17, 2-3PM Albert Frey: Zurich to New York City - Theme and Variations February 18, 2-3PM Mon Petit Americain: Albert Frey and Paris, 1928 ADC Symposium: February 21, 9AM-1:30PM Urban Visions and Public Space Fundraising Party: February 21, 8-11PM Party Like it’s 1961!

Book Signings: February 13(all times to be determined): Barbara Lamprecht Neutra: Complete Works and The Furniture of Richard Neutra Alice Friedman: American Glamour and the Evolution of Modern Architecture Sidney Williams: An Eloquent Modernist: E. Stewart Williams, Architect and Beth Harris February 14: 1PM- Alan Hess Frank Lloyd Wright: Natural Design, Organic Architecture Noon- Daniel Chavkin and Lisa Thackaberry: Hand in Hand - Ceramics, Mosaics, Tapestriesby and the California Mid-Century Designers Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman February 15: 2PM Sidney Williams: An Eloquent Modernist: E. Stewart Williams, Architect 2PM Lauren Bricker: Steel and Shade: The Architecture of Donald Wexler February 16: 1PM Michael Stern: Julius Shulman Palm Springs 2PM Donald Albrecht: Designing Home: Jews and Midcentury Modernism

February 17: 2PM Gary Gand: Julius Shulman: Chicago Modern February 18: T.B.D. Danny Heller Signing Collectible Postcards and Prints February 19: 2PM Jack Lenor: Larsen LongHouse February 20: T.B.D. James Schnepf: Palm Springs Living February 21: 1PM Charles Montgomery: Happy City: Transforming Our Lives Through Urban Design 3PM Adele Cygelman: Palm Springs Modern 3PM Steven Ehrlich: Ehrlich Architects February 22: 2PM Nancy Baron: The Good Life

To order tickets visit the website modernismweek.com and for more information visit psmuseum.org.

“We feel the variety of events we are presenting during Modernism Week will give the public a range of fun and stimulating ways to enjoy our wonderful museum,” said Williams. “Also, since we are housed in a 1961 Class 1 Historic Modern building, it will give our Modernism Week visitors a chance to learn about successful adaptive reuse of a historic site and Palm Springs’ architectural heritage in the process.”

Go to www.psmuseum.org to become a member of Palm Springs Art Museum and have free access to the A+D Center all the time. Join the Architecture and Design Council and enjoy additional events and activities. Contact Bethany Morse at (760) 423-5265 or bmorse@psmuseum.org for more information regarding ADC.

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February 12 to February 18, 2015

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Don’t Be

CLUELESS IN THE COACHELLA VALLEY

Fair Warning!

H

ey there, Guys and Dolls!

(Gender incorrectness be-darned) Valentine’s Day is two days away.

Celebrate your Sweetheart by getting tickets to The McCallum Theatre for the musical “Guys and Dolls” playing five performances this weekend. Whether your significant other answers to Babe, Tomato, Broad, Doll, or in the words penned by author Damon Runyon, your “favorite character of a female nature,” “Guys and Dolls,” first produced “on the great white way” in 1955, is a show that will tickle your “arm-candy” down to her toes. Set in make-believe New York City (yeah, right), this oddball rom-com (romantic-comedy) is considered the perfect musical comedy.

The language--- colorful slang crossed with snooty upper class--- was written by late chronicler Damon Runyon, a newspaper man of the people born in Kansas into a family of newspapermen. The vivid characters include Sarah Brown, the upright but uptight “mission doll;” Sky Masterson, the slick, highrolling gambler; Adelaide, the brassy-voiced showgirl; and Nathan Detroit, her devoted fiancé, desperate as always to find a spot for his infamous floating crap game. It’s a fun romp and the music and lyrics by Frank Loesser are unforgettable. Read on. Happy Valentine’s Day!

“Guys and Dolls,” Evening and Matinee performances: Friday, February 13, 8PM, Saturday, February 14, 2PM & 8PM, Sunday, February 15, 2PM & 7PM. Tickets are priced at $105, $85, $65 and $45 and $95, $75, $55 and $35 and are available at the Theatre’s web site at www.mccallumtheatre. com or by calling the McCallum Theatre box office at (760) 340-ARTS. The McCallum Theatre, located at 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, accepts payment by cash, personal check, VISA, MasterCard, Discover andAMerican Express. The McCallum Theatre Box Office, its phone center and website, are the only authorized outlets for tickets to performances presented at the Theatre.

Tickets purchased from any other sources, such as brokers or secondary market websites, are purchased at consumer’s own risk and cannot be guaranteed as valid.

Friday, February 12 - Sunday, Feb 22.

Modernism Week celebrates 10 Years!

Added Attraction on Saturday, Feb 21, 7-10PM. Celebrate Modernism Week After

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Dark at the Vintage Travel Trailer Show! This will showcase 40+ beautifully restored vintage trailers, buses and Airstreams-many neverbefore-seen at Modernism Week. 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 traveled from afar. Visit our new headquarters MW CAMP, 555 N. Palm Canyon Dr at W. Chino Dr, Palm Springs. $125 admission includes wristband for 5-day return admission to MW CAMP. Valet parking included. Adults 21 and over, please.

Tickets are available at modernismweek.com.

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.

Sunday, February 15, 6-9PM. Gold Medal Olympian Greg Louganis will be honored with the ”When I Rise III” award by OperaArts for rising above all odds to become the most decorated diver of our lifetime. Reception and sit down dinner followed by a music program with Haqumai Sharpe, tenor, Zachary Gordin, baritone, accompanied by Victoria Kirsch, OperaArts Music Director. Location: Palm Springs Hard Rock Hotel, 150 S. Palm Canyon. Individual tickets are $125.00, tables of ten $1250.00 Call (760) 323-8353 for reservations or more information. Or go to www.operaartspalmsprings.org.

Wednesday, February 18, 8PM. Stepping out for College of the Desert with awardwinner Brian Stokes Mitchell presented by College of the Desert Foundation. What a grand night for entertainment featuring the powerful baritone voice and charismatic personality of the celebrated Tony Award winner who is returning to the desert and the McCallum for an enchanting evening of New York’s fabled Broadway favorites music in support of the COD Foundation. The foundation’s mission of educating and training the future workforce of the Coachella Valley is their prime interest and as locals we’re all the better for it. Contact COD Foundation for sponsorships and more information at 760-346-3363, or foundationevents@

by Diane Marlin-Dirkx collegeofthedesert.edu Follow online at collegeofthedesert.edu. Tickets are priced at $105, $85, $65 and $125 available at the website mccallumtheatre.com or by calling the McCallum Theatre box office at (760) 340-ARTS. The McCallum Theatre, located at 73000 Fred Waring Dr, Palm Desert.

Presenting sponsor: Wells Fargo.

Sunday, February 22, 3:30 Red Carpet Oscar Party Benefit Variety Children’s Charity.

Vicky’s of Santa Fe will host starting with a Red Carpet parade, followed by the Oscar Awards telecast that starts at 4PM. Guests will receive photo souvenirs at the step- and- repeat backdrop. Complimentary cocktails, appetizers, and a gourmet buffet dinner will be served while the show broadcast on a large screen.

Guests will enjoy entertainment, a silent auction, live auction, cast ballots to predict

Oscar winners and all attendees will take home a “swag” bag. Variety Children’s Charity of the Desert is a 501 (c) 3 organization which is dedicated to promoting and protecting the health and well-being of underprivileged and special needs children in the Coachella Valley.

All programs and funds benefit local children and families. Since 1928, Variety the Children’s Charity has been known for its international influence. Since 1987, Variety has donated over forty 12-passenger Ford vans to Angel View, Boys & Girls Clubs and Family YMCA of the Desert. The vans provide transportation for disadvantaged children to and from school and sports programs and for children undergoing cancer treatment at Loma Linda University Medical Center. Tickets are $85 per person and must be purchased in advance available by calling Vicky’s of Santa Fe at 760345-9770, and include dinner, tax, tip, and complimentary cocktails. Vicky’s of Santa Fe is located at 45-100 Club Drive in Indian Wells, at the corner of Hwy 111. A video invitation is available at: youtu.be/KVbSRalETOc. “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!

events Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus Brings the Music of ABBA to Life in “ExtrABBAganza”

T

he Swedish pop group known as ᗅᗺᗷᗅ, topped the music charts from 1972 - 1982 with over twenty singles on the Billboard Hot 100 List and fourteen hitting the Top 40 List. Now, the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus (PSGMC) will bring all of the Rock And Roll Hall of Famers hits to Palm Springs audiences in “Extrᗅᗺᗷᗅganza” for two performances only Saturday, April 25; 8:00p.m. and Sunday, April 26; 3:00p.m. at the Jewish Community Center, 332 West Alejo Road in Palm Springs.

With music and lyrics by Bjoern K. Ulvaeus and Benny Goran Bror Andersson and their female lead counterparts Agnetha Faltskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, their music found new life in the films Muriel’s Wedding and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert along with the smash Broadway musical, “Mamma Mia!” The PSGMC will take you on a nostalgic journey with 17 of their incredible songs including: “Super Trouper”, “Fernando,” “Does Your Mother Know,” “Take a Chance on Me,” “Lay All Your Love On Me,” “Waterloo,” “Voulez Vous,” “The Winner Takes It All”, “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme -A Man After Midnight,” “Thank You for the Music” and everyone’s favorites “Mamma Mia” and “Dancing Queen.”

The foursome decided to record their first album together in the autumn of 1972, and sessions began on September 26, 1972.

Agnetha and Annie-Frid shared lead vocals on “Nina, Pretty Ballerina” (a top ten hit in Austria) that day, and their voices in harmony for the first time gave the foursome an idea of the quality of their combined talents.

In early 1973, Stig Anderson, manager of ᗅᗺᗷᗅ, tired of unwieldy names, started to refer to the group privately and publicly as ᗅᗺᗷᗅ. Abba is also the name of a well known fish-canning company in Sweden, and itself an acronym. However, since the fish-canners were unknown outside Sweden, Anderson came to believe the name would

Breaking the 4th Wall

Lizann Warner

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usic has a way of magically taking you to any time and place just through the words and melody. And so it’s not surprising to hear a song that transports you to that first high school date or the first dance you shared with your significant other.

What is truly magical and special is to see a performance that has the ability to take you on a journey throughout the seasons of your life. Lizann Warner is such a performer.

Billed as a Vocalist Entertainer, Recording

Artist and Impressionist, Lizann Warner is an artist extraordinaire. Appearing on Wednesday evening from 6:30-10:00pm, at Vicky’s of Santa Fe in Indian Wells, Lizann takes the audience on a ride from the 1950’s Boogie Woogie Bugle boy, to the contemporary hit, All about the base.

A little soul from Etta James and a visit from ‘Cher’ performing her hit song ‘Believe’ (life after love) set my emotional roller coaster in motion. If you’re looking for that mid-week break that will get you over ‘hump’ day, the musical talent of Lizann Warner will give you that pick me up. Her impersonations of Stevie Nicks singing ‘Dreams’ and Barbara Streisand’s ‘People who need People’ are top notch, and a highlight of the evening, making it obvious that a lot of time and effort went in to researching her impersonations of these performers. The audience was being taken on a musical journey that kept me smiling the whole evening. If I could have had a wish, it would have been to see even more of the impersonations that this talented performer seems to do so beautifully. Her rendition of Gloria Gaynor’s “I will Survive” had me dancing on the Disco floor Lizann’s latest musical adventure, “ELIZA” [pronounced: “Eh-lee-zah”], is a project that she wrote, performed and produced and is getting air time in over a dozen stations. (www.eliza-muzic.com) This

work in international markets. A competition to find a suitable name for the group was held in a Gothenburg newspaper. The group was impressed with the names “Alibaba”, “FABB”, and “Baba”, but in the end all the entries were ignored and it was officially announced in the summer that the group were to be known as “ABBA”. “ABBA” is an

February 12 to February 18, 2015

acronym formed from the first letters of each group member’s first name: Agnetha, Björn, Benny and Anni-Frid. During a promotional photo, Benny flipped his “B” horizontally for fun, and from 1976 onwards the first ‘B’ in the logo version of the name was “mirrorimage” reversed on the band’s promotional material and ᗅᗺᗷᗅ became the group’s registered trademark.

“This concert was a natural fit for our chorus, it’s fun, upbeat and our four sections of 1st Tenor, 2nd Tenor, Baritone and Bass are really enjoying harmonizing the lyrics. Now over 80 voices strong, our upcoming spring concert will be one of our best concerts yet,” said Douglas Wilson, Artistic Director, PSGMC. For individual tickets and for best selection of seating in the Jewish Community Center, purchase your tickets now at www.

PSGMC.com.

By Dee Jae Cox versatile singer can do the gamut. I have never had the privilege of seeing a singer that could command music from so many eras and genres. A night of 1950’s rock through 1970s disco. A little bit of country, definitely some blues and a contemporary sounds that makes you wonder if there is anything this singer can’t perform.

I am currently on the look out for a performance of her Heart Tribute band, “DOG ‘N’ BUTTERFLY” (www.dognbutterfly. com). I have seen few singer/impersonators with such a wide range of talent and skill when it comes to impersonations, Lizann Warner is most certainly one of those performers.

This is most definitely a show that can

be appreciated and enjoyed by all ages. It’s a family evening, though you may want to just leave the kids at home and enjoy a night out with dinner, drinks and a show that will have you feeling good long after it’s over.

Lizann Warner can be seen on Wednesday evenings from 6:30- 10pm at Vicky’s of Santa Fe, 45-100 Club Dr, Indian Wells, CA 92210.

No Reservations/No cover. vickysofsantafe.com lizannwarner.com 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 12 to February 18, 2015

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Upcoming events at Fantasy Springs resort casino

MELISSA ETHERIDGE, THIS IS M.E. SOLO TOUR, COMES TO FANTASY SPRINGS RESORT CASINO IN MARCH Following the release of her 2014 album This is ME, Melissa Etheridge brings her namesake solo tour to southern California with a stop in Indio at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on Saturday, March 7th.

The album’s declarative title is fully fitting and features powerful lyrics, her incomparable voice, indelible melodies and blazing guitars that are housed in songs like “A Little Hard Hearted,” ”Do It Again,” “Ain’t That Bad” and “Stranger Road.” This is her 12th collection of new material where she teamed up with some of the most creative, inventive figures on the music scene: Jerrod Bettis (Adele, One Republic), Jon Levine (Nelly Furtado, Selena Gomez), Jerry Wonda

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(Fugees, Akon) and Roccstar (Usher, Chris Brown).

The singer-songwriter counts two Grammy Awards and 17 nominations, an Academy Award (for “I Need to Wake Up” from the Al Gore documentary An Inconvenient Truth) and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame among her many accolades. In addition to her steady touring, both with her band and as a solo act, she did a week stint in the role of St. Jimmy in American Idiot on Broadway in 2011 and continued her noted activism speaking to the United Nations on LGBT rights as human rights.

Tickets for the 8PM Melissa Etheridge performance are on sale Friday, February 6th for $59, $39 and $29 at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, via telephone (800) 827-2946 or online at www.FantasySpringsResort.com.

EARTH WIND & FIRE RETURNS TO FANTASY SPRINGS ON APRIL 25TH One of the most musically accomplished and critically acclaimed bands of all time returns to the Fantasy Springs’ Special Events Center. On Saturday, April 25th, the legendary Earth Wind & Fire will light up the stage with their iconic sound and play the tunes that made them skyrocket to stardom.

Earth Wind & Fire is one of the most successful bands of the twentieth century.

The band has performed for fans on every continent in the world. Rolling Stone has described them as “innovative…sensual… galvanizing” and has also declared that the band “changed the sound of popular music.”

Through the course of four decades, the band has received 20 Grammy nominations,12 American Music Awards nominations and have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and sold over 90 million albums worldwide.

Earth, Wind & Fire is known for the dynamic sound, their horn section and their energetic and elaborate stage shows. The

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February 12 to February 18, 2015

band’s many hits include, “Shining Star”, “That’s the Way of the World”, “Devotion”, “Reasons”, “Sing a Song”, “Can’t Hide Love”, “Getaway”, “Fantasy”, “Love’s Holiday”, “September”, “Boogie Wonderland”, “After the Love Has Gone”, and “Let’s Groove”.

Tickets for the 8PM Earth Wind & Fire performance go on sale Friday, February 13th for $79, $69 and $49 at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, via telephone (800) 827-2946 or online at www.FantasySpringsResort.com.

HIP HOP SUPERSTAR, R. KELLY HEADLINES AT FANTASY SPRINGS IN MAY Named by Billboard Magazine as the most successful R&B/Hip Hop artist in history, rapper R. Kelly brings his mega-hits like “Bump N’ Grind” and “Ignition (Remix)” to the Special Events Center stage at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on Saturday, May 23rd.

A native of Chicago and often referred to as the King of R&B, Kelly began performing during the late 1980’s and debuted in 1992 with the group Public Announcement.

In 1993, he went solo with the album 12 Play. The singer-songwriter is known for his collection of major hit singles including “Trapped in the Closet,” “Your Body’s Callin’,” “I Believe I Can Fly,” “Gotham City” and many others.

R. Kelly is recognized by the Recording Industry Association of America as one of the best-selling music artists in the United States with 40 million albums sold. In total, he has released 12 solo studio albums, sold over 100 million records, won three Grammy® Awards and collaborated with legendary hip hop artists such as Jay-Z, Nas, Sean Combs and The Notorious B.I.G. Tickets for the 8PM R. Kelly performance are on sale for $109, $89, $69 and $49 at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, via telephone (800) 827-2946 or online at FantasySpringsResort.com.

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February 12 to February 18, 2015

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Local Music Spotlight

by James West

photos by steveoshoots.com

Downfall 2012 – A Talk with Casey Bowen

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ownfall 2012 are currently starting on a tour that features Otep and Terror Universal. Casey Bowen, drummer for DF2012 recently spoke with me about the tour and the music of Downfall 2012.

For those who aren’t familiar with Downfall 2012, they currently have two EP’s out entitled Every Man for Himself: Issues 1 & 2. The general theme of these albums and the upcoming third installment feature the topic of the end of the world, corruption in government, every day struggles we all face, and many more informative topics.

Downfall 2012 lineup is: Danny Gil – Vox/ Guitars; Boo Rogers – Vox/Bass; Casey Bowen – Vox/Drums DF2012 is a unique band that incorporates punk, metal, hardcore, rap, R&B, soul, and whatever else they feel fits the music they are creating or covering. With all those different styles mixed in, each band member equally takes the helm on vocals and are even known to switch up their instruments in live shows.

They also incorporate a 6-7 minute bucket song comprised of each member playing on… you guessed it, buckets!

With those fun facts put on paper let’s move on to the discussion I had with drummer Casey Bowen.

When asked about the recent placement on the tour with Otep, Casey told me: “Well.

To be honest I don’t know exactly how it all happened. But we knew a promoter in California from previous tours. 3thirteen happened to drop our names down for the tour with Otep and we connected with them and here we are.”

Casey also mentions how DF2012’s music fits in with their tour companions: “Actually I think it’s a pretty good compliment.”

Casey adds that DF2012 will also be working with HED P.E and Alien Ant Farm this year as well which he is pretty excited for. No doubt Downfall 2012 is going to have a very ambitious tour schedule this year.

Asking Casey about his experience meeting musicians that he’s a fan of, he commented: “It’s pretty humbling when you meet these guys. You know it’s not all roses out there.

Sweat, blood, and tears no matter where you are. It’s really humbling and helps you keep going.”

Casey also gives us all the insight into each of his bandmates and his own tastes in music that influence the sound of Downfall 2012: “Well that’s always a fun story about us. The

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by Lisa Morgan

Gand Band Parties Like It’s 1961!

Benefiting the Architecture and Design Council for the Palm Springs Architecture and Design Center.

Local Music Spotlight

JANN BROWNE

A Shining Nugget of Authenticity from a Golden Era of Country Music

“There’s something about the way Jann Browne sings that is so pure and honest, and her writing is wonderful.”

-Emmylou Harris here are few voices more perfectly paired with the lilt, originality and heart wrenching sweetness of country icon, Emmylou Harris. Harris’s voice can often be a distraction when she sings “background” on someone’s record, as it tends to haunt the song, and can even take over it’s essence (never a bad thing in my book). But something magic happens in her vocal pairing with singer/songwriter, Jann Browne. The hit song, “Mexican Wind”, displays Browne and Harris’ voices dancing together like sisters, each with their own enchanting, soul gripping strength. Perhaps, the only difference between the two artists was one’s ability over the other to tolerate the politics of the music business, a business that to this day, could stand to make improvements for its talented women.

Jann Browne is “a singer/songwriter whose eclectic body of work has embraced both retrostyled honky tonk and tough, bluesy lyrical introspections. She is an artist with the talent to craft a mainstream success, and the guts and integrity to walk away from Nashville when she grew uncomfortable with the music industry,” says Mark Demming, for CMT.com. Raised in Indiana and on her grandparents’ brand of country music, her first musical endeavors leaned a little more mainstream with Stevie Nicks and Linda Ronstadt as influences. But from the minute a friend of hers introduced her to Emmylou Harris, she knew that this was the kind of music she wanted to do. Tapping back into her roots, Browne performed briefly with the Grammy Award winning group, Asleep at the Wheel, before moving to Nashville, and caught the ear of Curb Records.

Browne was signed to the label in 1990, and she released her debut album, Tell Me Why, that same year. Tell Me Why was received well, with two hit singles, “Tell Me Why” and “You Ain’t Down Home.” The album earned her a nomination as Female Vocalist of the Year by the Academy of Country Music. The California Country Music Association named her “Entertainer of the Year” two years in a row. But

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three of us have very different tastes in music, we kind of come from different sides of the world.

Danny for instance has a very eclectic collection from the mainstays from his childhood to rap to Metallica and classic metal. Boo has been more like punk rock and hardcore stuff. For me it’s kind of the opposite side. I grew up on Motown blues and jazz and I like classic rock too, traditional classic stuff.”

Me being a musician myself, I can understand how different tastes in music styles can overall influence how you create.

So me being mainly into blues and reggae style, yet I play mainly metal when I pick up an instrument, I couldn’t resist to ask Casey how he makes his musical tastes into metal music. “[Casey laughs at the question] You play in a band with Boo. That guy can make anything metal. I mean we covered a Britney Spears song recently and we gave it to him to make it metal.”

It’s almost infamous for those that go to a DF2012 show to know that these guys will cover any songs considered weird, pop, and even country, which always makes for a fun live experience for the audience when something they can spot right away is being played.

I wish I could fit in my entire conversation for you all to read but the burden of a writer is always knowing when to stop the article. I would like to thank Casey Bowen and Yvonne Laughlin for bringing this interview together.

For more info on the band check them out at the following links : www.downfall2012. com www.facebook.com/DF2012 Downfall 2012 will be playing at The Hood on Sunday, Feb. 15 with OTEP, Remnants of Man, Perishment, Thira and Terror Universal.

Show starts at 7pm. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. 21 and over.

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he fabulous Gand Band, the house band that has been packing them in at the fabulous Purple Room in Palm Springs, invites you to come party with them like it’s 1961. Join them at the newly-restored Architecture and Design Center, Edwards Harris Pavilion, for a party that celebrates the year of the building’s birth. “ Designed by E. Stewart Williams, the midcentury Modern building, which sparkles like a jewel box in downtown Palm Springs, is the prime setting for the event,” they share. “Guests will enjoy delicious 1961-inspired fare, a premium vodka martini lounge sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, beer by the Coachella Valley Brewery, vintage cars from 1961, and of course, live music by The Gand Band!”

The event will also host a 60s fashion show by William Miller of The Deja Vu Room - Vintage Clothing Boutique, along with jewelry and accessories by Matt Burkholz of Route 66 West. Put on your best 1961 inspired outfit, and dance under the stars. “Think Audrey Hepburn doing the

Twist,” says Joan Gand, keyboardist, vocalist and spokesperson for the band. She also let us in on a little secret: The Original La Bamba, Trini Lopez, will be making a surprise appearance! All proceeds benefit the Architecture and Design Council for the Palm Springs Architecture and Design Center.

The Gand Band is a guarantee that this party, topping off the city’s renowned Modernism Week, will make the party happen for even the most weary of Modernism participants. Blowing in from Chicago, the retro blues, rock, jazz, funk encrusted troubadours have been pleasing crowds every weekend at the Purple Room.

They regularly play music from the 50’s - 70’s (they promise, nothing newer than 1979... unless it’s a jam and they “work in a little bit of Highway to Hell”). But for this event, they have been studying the music of 1961, and will have a set list ready that will make you “Twist” with glee. You see it’s not just their stellar musicianship and knowledge of the music - it’s their energy! There is just no way NOT to love these musicians and their great music, which at any moment can be played atop a table by guitarist and band cofounder, Gary Gand. You can get a taste of them every Friday and Saturday night at the Purple Room, but you won’t want to miss this very special event: PARTY LIKE IT’S 1961, Saturday, February 21st, 8pm-11pm At Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center.

300 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs. Tickets can be purchased at modernismweek.com.

Sponsored by TRIO Restaurant, the Purple Room Restaurant & Stage, Windermere Real Estate, Tito’s Vodka. Special martini lounges presented by TTK Real Estate Group and Yares Art Projects.

according to CMT.com, “Browne, a maverick, who felt at home with such off-mainstream country and western artists as Emmylou Harris and Iris DeMent, both of whom have recorded with her, very soon discovered she had little taste for the politics of the major-label music industry. After her second album, 1991’s Only When I Laugh, failed to sell as well as her debut, she opted out of her contract with Curb and moved back to California.”

Jann’s song “Trouble’s Here” was recorded by country singer Lee Ann Womack, and gave Browne and her co-writer/guitarist (husband) Matthew Barnes, their first gold record. Other artists including Joy Lynn White, Dwight Yoakam and Texas singer Danni Leigh have also recorded music penned by Jann.

Her album “Buckin’ Around” (Jann’s tribute to her friend Buck Owens), was chosen as one of the TOP 30 Albums of Decade by Paul W. Dennis, a “The 9513” contributing writer. Jann has performed on the Grand Ol Opry, CMT, and many other TV and radio shows. She has been featured in “People” magazine and “USA Today”.

The artists that Jann has toured and performed with is a virtual Who’s Who of country music history - names such as George Jones, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Vince Gill, The Judds, Trisha Yearwood and many more. Browne still has a substantial audience in Australia and Europe, and in 1995, she recorded her third album, Count Me In, for Red Moon Records, an independent label in Europe (it later received an American release from the independent Cross Three label). The album won a number of enthusiastic reviews and re-established Browne as a singer/songwriter with a sharp and distinctive vision. For her fourth album, 2001’s Missed Me by a Mile, Browne co-produced the album herself, and released it in America on her own label, Plan B Records.

I had the pleasure of getting to know Jann Browne, now a resident of Desert Hot Springs.

The artist is deep into writing again, preparing for a new album after a long hiatus of caring for a close, aging family friend as well as for her mother, who bid her final leave just this past August.

CVW: What advice would you give younger

February 12 to February 18, 2015

by Lisa Morgan artists pursuing music as a career today?

Browne: I’m not a real good one to give advice. Everything has changed so much since I was in the business. I would just say, ‘Go out and get yourself a pole and become a stripper (she laughs). You’ll make more money.’

CVW: Of all the amazing people you’ve worked with during your career, including George Jones, who was your favorite.

Browne: I’m still so in awe, and there’s so many. But I’ve always said that Waylon Jennings was my favorite. He was always such a gentleman and so very thoughtful. He’d always wait for me when it was time to do meet and greets or the press. He didn’t treat me like I was an opening act. He treated me like an equal.

CVW: Was it different for women than men in that industry?

Browne: There were definitely times I felt an unfairness. I remember touring with this one guy. I had more hits, more songs on the radio, more fans, but I found out he got paid more than me. It definitely had its moments.

CVW: What was it like to work and sing with Emmylou?

Browne: First of all, let me just say, she’s the whole reason I chose to sing what I do. The day she was coming in to the studio, I had just come off of singing 31 days straight. I was singing some vocals there in the studio with Rosie Flores, and I wasn’t quite hitting those high notes. But as soon as I saw Emmylou walk in, I started hitting them. My producer even made a comment, ‘So NOW you found it.’ I was just so afraid that she wouldn’t want to sing with me if I sounded like a screaming cat.

CVW: Do you have favorite albums or songs of yours?

Browne: (Laughs) I hate everything I hear of mine. Actually, I loved the whole process of making my first record. It was such an adventure that first time, trying to do something of significance. And then I felt myself experiencing that again, after I broke away from Nashville and found myself as a VERY independent artist. I was wondering what was going to happen next, and I started writing the Count Me In album. I think really that was a great strength for me, as far as really finding myself as a songwriter. I didn’t have anyone standing over me, telling me what to write or if it was good enough. It allowed me to be truly independent and creative.

CVW: I was told to ask you why people call you “James”.

Browne: Who told you to ask that? Good old Russell Finch. Well, yeah. We were playing in Europe, and over there, they pronounce my name with a long “a” sometimes. So the radio said that “Janne Browne” would be playing.

So this one gentleman took the train all day to see the show, and when I came out, he had a strange look on his face. He kind of scared me a little. After the show, he came back to the green room. I had all my friends, family and people around me, and he said, “Well, you’re no James Brown, but you’re good.” That name followed me over the pond. Family and even my husband call me James to this day. I know I’m in trouble when Matty (husband) calls me Jann!”

CVW: How long have you and your husband been together?

Browne: We’ve been together about 20 plus years. Matt used to play guitar with Billy Davis before Davis went on to play for Foghat and Bad Finger. We have a lot of fun because we share such a strong connection with music.

CVW: You both will be participating in the “Nashville, LA and SoCal Songwriters Night” benefiting Street Life Project, February 27. Can you share why you’re excited about being part of the benefit show?

Browne: I met a homeless person a while back, walking into the grocery store. He asked me for some baloney. Someone had given him some bread, and he wanted something to put on it. I got the baloney and all the things that go with it: chips, fruit…something to drink. I handed him the sack, and he started rifling through it, looking for the baloney. I told him, ‘No, it’s ALL for you.’ He looked flabbergasted.

I told Matt about him. He ended up hiring him.

Some friends of ours helped us find him a place and set him up with everything he could need.

He lasted about 6 months then went back to the streets. Turns out, “Homeless John” was bipolar, and not medicated. We stayed friends.

His dad died recently, and left him and his sister an inheritance. Now he runs two big hotels in Los Angeles!

CVW: So, aside from becoming a stripper, do you have any other advice for musicians?

Any words of wisdom about what helped you find your place in the music business?

The key to getting where you want to go, when you have a hunger and a passion, is the people around you who believe in you even when you don’t. It’s those people that help you get to the next step. There’s three things I think I needed to do what I’ve been able to do: A higher source than just myself, a sense of humor and the people who have believed in me.

Upcoming shows: Friday, February 27, 7pm to Close at Schmidy’s Tavern in Palm Desert Hear her beautiful songs and voice as she shares the stage with Nashville songwriters, Travis Meadows (Jake Owen, Eric Church, Lynyrd Skynyrd) and Granville Automatic, LA song writers Cisco & Dewey (Gerry Goffin, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen, and more), and many of our best local songwriters. All musicians are donating their music to support Street Life Project, a local outreach that helps transition our local homeless back into civilian life.

Friday, March 20, Swallows Inn, San Juan Capistrano. Jann Browne has played for the return of the swallows for the past 36 years.

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February 12 to February 18, 2015

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by Eleni P. Austin

Star Was Shining” (elliptical Records) L’Avventura “Your

Consider This

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

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February 12 to February 18, 2015

By rebecca pikus

PALM SPRINGS FINE ART FAIR

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nyone who is passionate about music usually has that one band they loved desperately, but that band never achieved the acclaim or financial success they richly deserved. For many Los Angeles denizens in the late ‘80s, The Balancing Act was that band.

Formed in 1984, the four-piece, featured Jeff Davis and Willie Aaron on guitars and vocals, bassist Jeff Wagner and drummer Robert Blackmon. Their debut EP was produced by ex-Plimsouls front man Peter Case and released in 1986.

The EP garnered enough attention to get them signed to Primitive Man, an imprint of the very influential indie label, I.R.S. Their first full-length album, Three Squares And A Roof arrived in 1987. Quirky instrumentation and clever wordplay, rendered it nearly perfect.

The band quickly followed up in 1988 with Curtains, produced by Gang Of 4 visionary, Andy Gill. The album expanded their already expansive sound to include the Free Jazz stylings of “Fishing In Your Eye” and a trenchant cover of Parliament’s “Can You Get To That.” (25 years later, Jeff Tweedy “borrowed” the same arrangement when he produced Mavis Staples’ version).

In 1989, the band split up, worn out from relentless touring and very little label support.

The guys sort of scattered. By the dawn of the new millennium Robert Blackmon had become a successful photographic artist too and Steve Wagner founded the craft beer business, Stone Brewing Company.

Willie Aron was still a working musician in Los Angeles and Jeff Davis had relocated to London.

While in London, Jeff began busking, basically performing music in the streets for gratuities. He came upon Fergus Griffin, in the London Underground doing the exact same thing. The two formed a fast friendship, bonding over a shared love of Roxy Music, Nick Drake T. Rex. By 2005, the duo had relocated to the Bay Area, writing their own songs. After connecting with bassist Aldo Silver, the trio

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began woodshedding in earnest. When they started performing around San Francisco they had evolved into a seven piece band.

Settling on the name L’Avventura seemed apropos, since their sound is as revolutionary as the Antonioni film it references. Finally they have released their debut, Your Star Was Shining.

The first three tracks offer a smorgasbord of styles, displaying L’Avventura’s taut versatility. The album kicks into gear with “Swandive.” Phased guitar riffs slur and shimmer atop a loose-limbed, swaggering, T.Rex-tastic groove.

Davis summons his powers of seduction and moves in for the kill. “With your skin like that, like some nectarine, and your lips sweetened with nicotine/ And the way you read your magazine, Baby take a swandive with me.” Underscoring this louche lothario’s rap is a stuttery guitar solo that pivots between droning and morse code riff-age along with “haa-ooop” ing backing vocals.

The super crunchy Power Pop of “Pretend You Don’t See Me” is accented by thwomping guitar licks and a loping backbeat that nearly gets fractured in the echo and sway. Davis charts the course of a doomed relationship with hipster chick, from first blush…“I saw you there at the record rack, ain’t you hip with that Bacharach in your hand...” to the bitter denouement, “...pretend you don’t see me.”

Anyone who came of age in the ‘60s and 70s understands the magical power of radio. It offered a musical respite from everyday troubles. More importantly, a powerful connection was made with the DJs that seemed to craft a perfect playlist to accompany the adolescent angst everyone

felt they experienced alone. “Rocket Sue” pays homage to that wistful rite of passage.

Propelled by a sugar rush of acoustic guitars, the lyrics paint a vivid portrait the alienated teenage disconnect. “I listened late at night, to hear her voice come flowing down my lonely average street/To find its way to me.”

The best track here is also the most ambitious. “Black Venus” opens with fuzzedout riffs that are sun-kissed cousins to the Standells’ seminal Garage Rock nugget, “Dirty Water.” Anchored by a sinewy conga rhythm, the song’s arrangement expands sonically, adding chunky, ‘60s flavored organ and electric piano to a kick-ass horn section.

The lyrics are as bold as the instrumentation, spinning a yarn that’s equal parts foreign intrigue, forbidden assignations and deadpan humor. The narrator, dealing in stolen clocks, meets a temptress on the docks in old Marseilles. They rendezvous, “She brought along an accordion, I never even knew that she could play/’Well you remind me of Thalassa, the goddess of lonely shores,’ she said ‘You would believe how many times I’ve heard that said before’/And I would not, and I did not.”

The recurring theme here is girl trouble.

Three tracks, “Ms. Yugoslavia,” “Olivia” and “The Queen Of The Forrest” illustrate scenarios that are heartbreakingly droll. The melody of “Ms. Yugoslavia” is a sideways homage to the Byrds’ “Mr. Spaceman,” (there’s also a sly shot-out to the Beatles’ “Drive My Car”). The arrangement blends jangly guitars and whimsy. The story feels like a Baltic version of the Audrey Hepburn classic “Roman Holiday.” “The two of us riding on a scooter built for one/Laughing in the sun,

rolling past the lovesick.”

“Olivia” is a Sunshine Pop confection.

The infectious melody nearly camouflages the acrid recollection of a seaside summer romance. “And there beneath my bed sheets, your caramel skin your sandy feet/It meant so much to me, to you it was trivial…Olivia.”

Tethered to a galloping beat, and guitars that gently weep, “The Queen Of The Forest” offers a snapshot of a couple in flux. “The Queen of the Forest she came down through the trees into this town, ‘well, I’ve seen you before’/The King of the Jungle he was me, or at least he used to be, ‘till it became a chore.”

Other interesting tracks include the feather-light tenderness of “Angela Priest.”

On “Nightmare Blues,” shared phobias are dissected over a tick-tock beat and guitars that boomerang through the tensile melody.

The album closes with the shimmering farewell, “Here’s To Absent Friends.” Tentative instrumentation frames this plaintive goodbye to a fallen comrade, as Davis intones “I’ll see you in the ethers, baby/I’ll meet you in the vapors sometime.”

There are a surfeit of players that brought this album to life. Drum duties were shared

by Michael Urbano and Micah McClain; Violin was split between Batya MacAdam-Somer and Steve May; Hans Christian on cello and sitar; David Medine on viola; Ed Goldfarb on piano. The horn section is comprised of Gavin Distasi on trumpet, Joshi Marshall on alto sax, Marty Wehner on trombone and Erin Matas on French horn. David Dieni plays timpani and Matt Henry Cunitz deserves MVP status for tackling Wurlitzer electric piano, Rhodes electric piano, Mellotron, octave cat, acetone organ, pump organ, mini-moog, Hohner claviola, celeste, melodica, clavinet, orchestron, Hammond organ and bul-bul. (phew).

Your Star Was Shining is lush and wonderful, sharp and literate: A baroque masterpiece along the lines of the Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds and Love’s Forever Changes. Like those ‘60s touchstones, this is a “headphone” record, not an earbud download. Instead of “hearing” this record, take some time and really listen. Your effort will be richly rewarded with an aural banquet.

The good news is L’Avventura is hard at work on their second album. The better news is The Balancing Act are reuniting in 2015.

The best news is you get to listen to it all.

he most spectacular Art Event in the Desert is the annual Palm Springs Fine Art Fair -this will be the 4th year and it just gets better & better! This year Post-War and Contemporary Art will be on display at the Palm Springs Convention Center from Feb. 12-15, 2015. Participants include 60 local, national & international Galleries and art organizations. Our Coachella Valley galleries participating in the event include: Archangel Gallery, Dawson Cole Fine Art, Heather James Fine Art, Hohmann (Gallery), Imago Galleries, Jorge Mendez Gallery and J. Willott Gallery. National galleries range from those in Laguna Beach, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Seattle, Santa Fe, Denver, Chicago, New York (to name a few) to international galleries from France, Belgium, Ireland, Hungary, Korea.

Beginning this year, Rick Friedman, the art fair President, has added a booth for the Palm Springs Art Museum. It will feature works from 10 members of their Artists Council. Charlie Ciali, president-elect of the Artists Council, considers this opportunity a tremendous honor. The artwork will be rotated throughout the event, and exhibiting Artists will be on hand to answer questions.

In addition to the exciting artwork displays the show will feature Receptions, Lectures, and the chance to purchase rare works by many celebrated Artists including Robert Rauschenberg, Roy Lichtenstein, & Andy Warhol. This event is an Art Feast for art lovers! The excitement in the air is almost palpable -- stroll from booth to booth with refreshments such as a glass of fine wine in hand -- gourmet appetizers are also available. Whenever I attend, it is hard for me not to almost run from exhibit to exhibit at the event -- the art is literally breath-taking! Over 14,000 art lovers attended last year, & this year will be even bigger.

Palm Springs Fine Art Fair will run in conjunction with Modernism Week, also at the Convention Center. The Art Fair›s Opening Night Preview is February 12. The Art Fair runs from Feb. 12-15 (President’s Day) at the Palm Springs Convention Center, 277 N. Avenida Caballeros, Palm Springs, Ca -- For information & tickets go to www. palmspringsartfair.com

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February 12 to February 18, 2015

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PET PLACE

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by Janet McAfee

THE ACCIDENTAL RESCUERS, A VALENTINE TAIL

V

alentine’s Day is about love, and that includes love for the creatures with whom we share this planet. One amazing Coachella Valley couple celebrates Valentine’s Day in a special way. David and Leigh Kirk share a home with their foster daughter and an assortment of family and rescue cats. They are the founders and operators of ForEverMeow cat rescue, a charity that saves the lives of countless homeless cats and kittens.

The couple met by chance while working in Washington D.C. It was a Halloween evening in the late 1990’s. David recalls, “I had no idea how my life was about to change.” Meeting the love of his life was only the first of two major changes for David that day. David had only ever owned dogs, but never had a cat until he met Leigh and her amazing cat named Poodie, Leigh rescued Poodie as a tiny feral kitten from the Washington D.C. streets. David was quick to fall in love with Leigh. When asked how he fell in love with cats, David quickly responded, “By living with one named Poodie.”

Poodie and her humans moved west and made plans to sail around the world. Poodie was fitted with a cat life jacket, but she always

managed to wrangle out of it. David and Leigh’s plans changed, they ended up living in San Francisco, and their furthest destination by sailboat was Catalina Island. On New Year’s Day 2001, David and Leigh married, noting that the date 01/01/01 was significant in both Celtic and Chinese culture.

After sharing many adventurous years with David and Leigh, Poodie passed away in 2007.

They buried their beloved cat’s ashes under a Jacarunda tree on the island of Lamu, off the coast of Kenya. It was a peaceful, moving ceremony for the Kirks, juxtaposed with the turmoil and riots occurring just across the water in Nairobi and Somalia. The island of Lamu is a significant place for feral cats believed to be the descendants of the ancient Egyptian cats. David and Leigh each had a paw print with the dates of Poodie’s life tattooed on their hands.

In 2005, they began living part time in the Coachella Valley, and after Poodie’s death, Leigh volunteered with the cats at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, our county shelter. Like most animal lovers, they had no idea that the vast majority of cats in America’s public shelters never make it out alive. They

discovered the live release rate for cats at the shelter was less than 20%. They began fostering some of the animals to save them, focusing initially on the seniors with little chance of adoption.

Their common purpose brought them closer as a couple. Saving the lives of the animals they loved became more and more important. They had a vision and a mission, and it took them down a path they traveled together. They joined the ranks of thousands of other “accidental” animal rescuers who become part of an army to save them once they discover that adoptable, loving cats and dogs are being euthanized in America’s expensive sheltering system. Away from the public eye, overcrowded shelters struggle with a pet overpopulation crisis caused in part by unaware or irresponsible owners who fail to spay and neuter.

Realizing they could save more cats if they incorporated as a 501(c)(3) charity, ForEverMeow was launched. When they became full time Coachella Valley residents, the Kirks began a search for the “purrfect” property that could accommodate their own pet cats and growing rescue operation.

In 2014, David applied his skills acquired as an executive in the Silicon Valley computer industry to develop a power point presentation about the crisis facing our homeless cats and dogs. The couple attended Best Friends’ “No More Homeless Pets” conferences, conducted more research, and became experts on TNR (trap, neuter, return).

They were shocked to learn that in 2013

over 1,000 underage kittens were euthanized in our local county shelter system. A public shelter cannot accommodate the needs of tiny motherless kittens that require around the clock bottle feeding. The Kirks began recruiting more kitten foster homes. A kitten nursery was just added to their home, and they anticipate this will save between 200 and 300 underage kittens yearly.

David has a mind for strategy and numbers, and developed visual images so that others could grasp the issues. As part of a community team, David and Leigh helped develop a plan to reduce the euthanasia experienced by homeless adoptable pets. That plan resulted in a coalition that brought together the directors of our two public shelters and every private animal rescue organization in our Valley. The organization I work with, Loving All Animals, is part of this effort that has already seen tangible progress.

Rescuing animals is a labor of love. David and Leigh Kirk are blessed to be together working on this effort, where each of them understands the heart and mind of a rescuer.

You can make a tax deductible donation to their organization at www.forevermeow.org.

If you don’t have a date on Valentine’s Day with the love of your life, you can find an amazing fur creature that will melt your heart from the moment your eyes meet. A cat or dog will love you unconditionally. Visit the animals at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus at 72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, (760) 343-3644. View them at www. rcdas.org. Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone!

Jmcafee7@verizon.org

February 12 to February 18, 2015

by Rick Riozza

Valentine Wines to Your Heart!

R

osé bubblies always seem to blush romance; and, they are some of the tastiest sparklers around. Rosé Champagnes and rosé sparklers tend to have a richer, more robust flavor than their non-rosé counterparts and often more suitable with a variety of foods. It’s the best of both worlds: Light-bodied as a white wine, flavorful as a red, rosé wines are so food friendly because they’re a little bit of both.

Some rosés are really white wines with a splash of red wine added for color and flavor while others are made by crushing red grapes and then bleeding or siphoning off the juice.

Whether dry or slightly sweet, sparkling or still, the best rosé wines have a balance of freshness, fruit and acidity that make them the universal wine for aperitifs, quaffs, and meals.

And no matter what romantic feast you love-birds are enjoying, like butter-poached lobster tails, filet mignon with mushroom wine sauce, seafood risotto, pan-seared scallops on linguine, veal medallions with apple-thyme sauce or simply strawberries & cream, there’s a rosé that can complement your favorite dishes in style.

“Rosé is the hottest thing in the wine industry right now,” says The Tasting Panel magazine editor Anthony Dias Blue. “And— rosé makes sparkling wine more interesting,” he adds. There’s a heart-healthy consideration as well: most common rosés are a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir; thus, rosé wines are filled with antioxidants.

“Things that are good for your heart are good for your libido, too,” says culinary expert, Diane Brown Savahge, author of The Seduction Cookbook and among other publications, is a contributor to eatseomethingsexy. com. She cooks and develops recipes using aphrodisiac and sensual foods. This last week, Diane performed a SuperFood Aphrodisiac Demonstration at The Patio at Pinzimini at the Westin Mission Hills Resort in Rancho

Mirage.

At the demonstration, Chef Diane prepared delicious dishes such as a Ceviche of Shrimp, Avocado and Pomegranate & a Salad of Quinoa, Black Beans and Cilantro. Of course, everyone fell in love with her preparations.

Here are some delicious rosés to help you uncork romance this Valentine’s Day: NV (non-vintage) Lanson Rosé Label Brut Rosé: The Lanson Champagne House was one of the first to produce a rosé Champagne over 50 years ago and their experience shows with an incredibly fresh tasting bubby that pours a flurry of bubblies that exhibit strawberries, raspberries, citrus, bread and some minerals on both nose and palate. It’s the perfect aperitif wine to start a passionate evening.

The bottle is beautifully designed prettyin-pink and suggests a full-on Valentines mood and display. This definitely shows class and romance. Around $55.

Rosa Regale Brachetto d’Acqui: Talk about a romantic Italian. This grape is prized in its native Piedmont as an aphrodisiac, perhaps because of its seductive aroma and sweet-tart flavor that blends floral note with raspberry and cranberry. It was reported that Cleopatra loved the wines from this northern Italian ancient grape and both Marc Anthony and Julius Caesar wooed her with the vino.

It’s very festive by itself and can be paired with a box of some bittersweet chocolate, or, some tangy lemon curd tartlets. And it’s quite delicious with sexy savory foods like figs stuffed with blue cheese. Around $20.

J Brut Rosé NV (non-vintage): This bottle is very sleek and sexy with a beautiful pink salmon copper wine nuance with black. It’s a California wine made from 59% Pinot Noir and 41% Chardonnay.

The winery’s notes state: “This J Brut Rosé sparkles with a luminous cool pink hue and exudes delicate aromas of strawberry, nectarine and juicy red apples. On the palate, the wine opens with flavors of cherry, blood

orange, citrus peel and tropical star fruit that are underlined by a bright acidity that keeps the overall impression delightfully fresh.”

It’s really a tasty wine that is both elegant and quite effervescent. And it has a very lively and lingering finish. This will be wonderfully paired with Oysters Rockefeller, roasted pork, and prosciutto & cheese. Around $45 Henriot Brut Rosé NV: By the way, the ever popular Veuve Cliquot Brut Rosé, which sells for around $72, is very lean and a rather quiet tasting Rosé Champagne. It’s a classic and is very good; but, the Henriot, comparatively, is a much tastier bubbly, at only around $60, which makes it a really great buy. It’s a perfect apero and a wine for all types of romantic dinners.

Wine Spectator magazine recently gave this Henriot Brut Rosé 94 points, stating, “A rich and toasty version, featuring roasted almond, brioche, honey and graphite notes.

Vibrant acidity and a finely textured bead keep this mouthwatering. Drink now through 2020.”

Of course, for that romantic dinner, we all love a red wine as well, so let’s enjoy one of California’s own Petite Sirah grape.

PS I Love You is the name of the San Francisco based Petite Sirah group who

are fanatical about their wines. They do all they can to promote this wine of decadent pleasure, “a love-at-first-sip style of wine where exotic complexity comes dressed to party with gobs of blue-black fruits and supple soft tannins. Given the amorous qualities of this wine it’s also a natural fit for your Valentine’s Day dinner.”

Look for Michael David Winery’s, Petite Petit, from Lodi, at around $18. It’s crafted from 85% Petite Sirah and 15% Petite Verdot, and is rich and bold with some smoky notes, warm spices and loads of blackberry.

And that’s the heart of the matter! Here’s to love. Cheers!

Goldie Girl

Goldie Girl, the pup with a heart of gold, promises you love and smiles on Valentine’s Day. She says, “Thank you Pet Rescue Center for saving me!”

Contact them at (760) 398-7722 to adopt this precious 1-yr-old angel in fur.

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February 12 to February 18, 2015

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www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

February 12 to February 18, 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 12

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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.; 760-202-1111 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 5:30pm 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 EUREKA; IW; 760-834-7700 Duover 6pm 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; 760345-6466 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/ River Road 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 Mojave Sky 7:30pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Intimate Acoustics 8pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 Jason Weber 5pm, Mike Costley 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 13 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 The Full House Band ft. Nena Anderson 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 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 5:30pm 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; 760-342-2333 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 Tribe-O 9pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 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; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company in the afternoon, Hot Rox in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-

2450 Kool Breeze 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 Geninne Francis 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Rye Coalition Documentary w/ The Holloys ft. Jon Gonnelli 8:30pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228-1199 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 1967 Flashback Show 8:30pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 TBA 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 CV Weekly Presents: Burning Bettie, Spankshaft and Deadend Paradox 9pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 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 Wyldsky 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; 951-7555391 The Rick Whitfield Band 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Trish Harley & Barney McClure Duo 6:3010pm 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 14 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 The Sleep Over: Lovers and Heartbreakers noon and 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 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 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 5:30pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6:30-9:30pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 Long Duk Dong Valentine’s Day Show 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; 760-342-2333 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 Guy Worden’s 2nd Annual Art for the Homeless 8pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9p m INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm, Doo Wop in the Desert 8pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 T.B.A. 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 DJ Geo 9pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Kool Breeze 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 In-A-Fect 9pm continue to page 24

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February 12 to February 18, 2015

The Pampered Palate

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www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

February 12 to February 18, 2015

By Raymond Bill

Maraca’s Mexican Cantina & Grill

W

ith so many incredible Mexican restaurants here in our valley, it can be increasingly difficult for one to find success. There is simply, too much competition. But with the right formula and a talented staff, a new restaurant can outshine its competitors and become a valley staple. Such is the case with Maraca’s Mexican Cantina & Grill. Their second location in Rancho Mirage has been getting much attention and I had to see for myself what sets this Mexican restaurant apart from the others.

It was a typical busy night with much foot traffic from the nearby Rancho 16 Movie Theatre. I was treating my daughter to a celebratory dinner for her recent academic achievements and Maraca’s was the perfect reward. We were seated at the only remaining table in a filled restaurant. I

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immediately took notice of their beautiful bar with rich, dark wood and flat screen televisions. Inspired by America’s favorite bar on Cheers, this bar is the focal point of the restaurant. Offering well over 100 brands of tequila, I was in margarita heaven.

We began with an appetizer of Nachos with grilled chicken and steak, as we could not decide on just one meat topping. The Original Macho Gabacho Nachos were placed between us on a large plate. It was a feast and there was no way we could finish them but we gave it a valiant effort. The house made chips topped with ranchero sauce, refried beans and melted cheese were outstanding. The salsa was superb with a smoky spicy flavor that became quite addicting with each bite.

For our entrées, my daughter enjoyed her steak filled quesadilla and gave it two thumbs up. Upon our server’s recommendation, I ordered the Carne Asada Plate. Recently added to the dinner menu, our server mentioned how increasingly popular this dish has become. Arriving on a long boatlike plate, the well-seasoned grilled steak was topped with onions and accompanied by a cheese enchilada, rice and black beans (per my request). Finished with the standard guacamole, pico de gallo and sour cream, and served with warm tortillas, this plate

was perfect in presentation and flavor!

Dessert never had a chance. The selections looked incredible and I’m sure they are. There was simply no room for it on this visit so we’ve made a promise to return and enjoy dessert for our first course to be sure we have room for it.

The staff is very friendly, smiling from the time we arrived to the moment we left. We were fortunate on this visit to enjoy some live music by a very talented duo in the front of the restaurant. Maraca’s Cantina & Grill has what it takes to last in this desert. They have found the formula for success and can’t wait to share it with the valley. The Rancho Mirage location offers happy hour at the bar all day and trust me, this bar is spectacular.

Visit their website and view their mouthwatering menu at maracas-restaurant.com.

The original Palm Springs location is

at 155 S. Palm Canyon Drive and the new Rancho Mirage location is next to The Slice at 72775 Dinah Shore. Stop in for lunch or dinner 7 days a week. I can’t say enough how happy I am to have found this place.

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February 12 to February 18, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Movie Reviews with Robin E. Simmons

“JUPITER” SINKS & “SPONGEBOB” SOARS

I

was thinking of doing a Valentine’s themed column this week about the best love story on film, but after talking to friends and strangers at a local pub about their favorites, I was overwhelmed with suggestions from WUTHERING HEIGHTS to Disney’s animated SLEEPING BEAUTY to NIGHT PORTER that it led to a loud argument.

Obviously there was not going to be a consensus of the best movie love stories. I slipped away as the voices grew louder.

After thinking about it, my two best movies about sweet, pure, true love are: George Roy Hill’s A LITTLE ROMANCE (1979) starring a young, early teen Diane Lane and Carroll Ballard’s BLACK STALLION (1979), about a boy who loses his father at sea and rescues a magnificent horse that heals his heartsick soul. Meanwhile, here are some new big and little screen titles to consider.

Jupiter Jones (Mila Kunis) was born under a night sky that predicted a fabulous destiny.

As a grown woman, she still dreams of the stars but awakens to a world of cleaning toilets. So when Caine (Channing Tatum), an intergalactic droid-like warrior arrives on earth to track her down, she begins to realize her true destiny as queen of the cosmos. I know, it actually sounds kind of interesting even in this truncated synopsis, but the sad reality is quite the opposite. Now playing.

JUPITER ASCENDING How did this get made? Another misfire from the Wachowski siblings stars Mila Kunis, Sean Bean, Channing Tatum and Eddie Redmayne. The admittedly great cast is undermined by a mindless, befuddled script and spectacularly but overwrought production design.

THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER Who would have guessed that the best new film on the big screen stars SpongeBob and his sea-worthy pals? Ardent fans of the TV show, and that includes adults and kids, need no special invitation to experience the crazy invertebrate denizens and their onshore

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Screeners No.151

music score (Marco Beltrami, A.R. Rahman and Tuomas Kantelinen) deserves a better movie.

NEW FOR THE HOME THEATER: NIGHTCRAWLER

adventures that impinge on our world. The plot is merely an excuse buffoonery – visual and verbal -- of the highest order. On a quest to retrieving the stolen recipe for Krabby Patties, SBSP is forced to work with his old enemy Plankton in battling the pirate Burger Beard, who has truly dastardly plans for the delicacies.

Make no mistake, this is one trippy, goofy, crazy, manic and heroic adventure for Mr. SquarePants. If you enjoyed the first SpongeBob movie, this ramps up the insanity by quantum leaps. Actually, the plot is irrelevant since this movies is about the absurd ride itself. It’s a doozy. And it’s eyepopping! Adults who take young kids to see this will be surprised and delighted. Personally I am convinced this film was intended to be embraced as a stoner film. I’m serious. No doubt it will achieve cult status and endless midnight screenings. The opening weekend gross has already trumped the other two feature films on this page. When you read this, it will probably have surpassed $100 million! Now playing. Big recommendation.

Among the small handful of the very best films of 2014, NIGHTCRAWLER showcases a nearly perfect, ultra lean original screenplay from director Dan Gilroy and a terrific lead performance from Jake Gyllenhaal as Lou Bloom, a restless, single-minded and creepy young man who prowls the dark streets of greater LA in search of carnage he can video for sale to local TV stations. Unsettling and relevant, this brilliant film reminds that there is no limit to the media exploitation of human depravity for profit and ratings. Rene Russo (Gilroy’s wife) delivers a chilling portrait of an amoral TV news director determined to not lose a grisly image to a competitor. There’s a fascinating commentary from director Gilroy.

Recommended. Blu-ray. Universal.

VIKTOR

SEVENTH SON

A great cast works hard to make a bizarre story engaging in this often-disappointing fantasy adventure.

The evocative score, notable set design and generous CGI do not disguise the weak character development and obvious linear narrative drive; i.e., saving mankind from dark magic.

It must be noted that the meandering and sometimes illogical storyline does include lots of sword fighting and sorcery along with big dollops of supernatural silliness. Yes, that can be visually diverting but in the end is not satisfying.

The plot has something to do with an ancient evil (is there any other kind?) that’s about to be unleashed. If not stopped, it will again inflame primal forces between mankind and the supernatural. Master Gregory (Jeff Bridges), a knight who had previously imprisoned the evil witch Mother Malkin (Julianne Moore), has escaped and is seeking revenge and is set to to unleash her awful wrath on an unsuspecting world. Only Master Gregory stands in her way. Director Sergei Bodrov does his best with a story from Joseph Delaney. I thought the interesting

In this fast-paced film noir-style thriller, a grieving father revisits his dark past to avenge his son’s death. Viktor (Gérard Depardieu), who has just completed a seven-year sentence for an art heist in his native France, is crippled with guilt over the murder of his son three months earlier in Moscow. Obsessed with unraveling the mystery of the murder and consumed with a rage for vengeance, he returns to the city where he himself has a very dark history. There he enlists the help of his long-time love and partner in crime, the glamorous Russian nightclub owner Alexandra Ivanova (Elizabeth Hurley) and his best friend Chechen ballet choreographer Souliman (Eli Danker). Unconcerned for his own fate, Viktor enters a dark and violent underworld of drugs, diamonds and smugglers. When he meets Katerina Polina Kazminskaya) and discovers he is about to become a grandfather, it triggers hope for his own future, but now he must keep Katerina safe from the same killers who whacked his son in a relentless and lethal game of cat and mouse. Can a father’s sins be redeemed and a bitter man find his heart? This visually stunning film was shot entirely in Russia.

Recommended. DVD. Inception Media Group.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Comments: robinesimmons@aol.com

Book Review

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

February 12 to February 18, 2015

By Heidi Simmons

Sometimes Family Makes You Feel Like Dirt

D

ysfunctional families are often found in literature. Perhaps reading about other families is a way to minimize our own family’s odd or despicable behavior. In David Vann’s Dirt (HarperCollins, 260 pages) a mother and son relationship cannot be cleansed.

Galen, a twenty-two year old mama’s boy who lives at home on the family estate, narrates the story. Galen and his mother, Suzie-Q, maintain a minimal life from what remains of a family trust.

Their Sacramento walnut orchard is now surrounded by new housing developments, but Galen and his mother live an isolated life. Cut-off from the world around them, they’re locked in a strange time-warp. Galen and his mother drink high-tea everyday with formal china and silver under an old fig tree. They eat sandwiches with the crust cut off. The story takes place in the mid 80s and everything they have is aging and they’re dirt poor.

Galen longs to go to college and see the world, but his mother says they can’t afford it. Resigned to his station in life, he instead reads Siddhartha, Jonathan Livingston Seagull and Khalil Gibran’s The Prophet. He tries to practice eastern philosophy. Galen

Dirt

By David Vann Fiction desires to be enlightened and rise above his existence; to be one with the universe. He is anorexic and bulimic.

The family matriarch, Galen’s grandmother, 70, has dementia. She is in a high-end care facility. Galen and his mother visit her often. She has many more years to live. Galen’s aunt Helen and cousin Jennifer want their share of the estate now, but

Suzie-Q won’t give it up. Its purpose is solely for the grandmother’s care.

Jennifer is 17 and wants to use the money for college – so she says. Galen is in love with his cousin. Jennifer teases and sexually abuses the virginal Galen to the point of incest. However, he is grateful for the experience.

There is a mystery about the source of the family’s dysfunction. No one will talk about it. But it clearly has to do with violence and abuse of some kind. All Galen can get is little bits about his grandfather being a wife-beater.

Helen is an angry and violent person. She punches Galen and bruises his flesh. She pushes him hard to the ground and no one says or does anything to stop her.

The family takes a trip to their old cabin, supposedly a place of peace and good memories. The weekend becomes a nightmare of hostility and abuse. After a confrontation, it is finally revealed that there is over a million dollars in the trust that is specifically designated for the upkeep of the farm, healthcare and education.

Helen and Jennifer demand their piece of the pie and promise to never see the family again. Galen is so mad at his mother for lying and denying him an education, he can no longer tolerate her.

The story takes a turn for the worse, if that’s possible. Afraid of Galen, Suzie-Q takes action against him believing he could get help in prison. Galen finds himself unable to stop his rage against his mother and their quarrel spirals out of control.

Dirt is a sexually explicit story of incest and abuse. It is hard to take. But author Vann writes with short sentences and uses

no quotation marks, which makes the read quick and easy, even if it’s hard to digest.

Although the characters are mostly despicable, there is a sadness and vulnerability about them. You wish they could get help. There is a curiosity and mystery in the story about what exactly triggered such hatred and why it is impossible for this family to find healing.

The level of violence and abuse that made them such ugly human beings is never fully explained. Galen and Jennifer are victims destined to play out learned behaviors.

As a narrator, Galen seems to be aware of his generationally passed dilemma, but doesn’t have the tools to change anything.

As the only man in the family, he is hated. In a moment of clarity, he becomes aware that his mother and aunt are punishing him for the actions of his grandfather.

This is not a book for everyone and does not have a happy ending. But I liked the psychological honesty. I especially appreciate Galen’s quest to find a way to overcome his situation on the planet by seeking alternative philosophies. If he could only believe hard enough, he could walk on water.

I wanted Galen to find redemption and peace, even with his minimal education.

I hoped in the end he would connect to a greater universe and earth spirit.

Unfortunately, he is misguided and doesn’t have the emotional skills to rise above his predicament or see reality clearly. Galen goes over the top and that is hard to read.

In the end he does indeed connect to the earth.

23

February 12 to February 18, 2015 continued from page 19

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; 760327-4080 Valentine’s Day Bash w/ Steve Di’Tullio, Desert Daddy-O 7pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-345-0222 DuOver w/ Lisa Lynn Morgan and Jojo 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Dengue Fever and Jesika Von Rabbit 8pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 T.B.A. 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Valentine Love Songs w/ Will & Mira 8:30pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext230 Rose Mallett’s Valentine’s Show 6:30pm, The Gand Band’s Heart & Soul Show 8:30pm RENAISSANCE PALM; PS; 760-322-6100 Art of Sax featuring Sax Man Will Donato & Eddie Reddick 7-10pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Voo Doo Hustlers 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3278311 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 7pm, Arnie Vilches & Friends 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 Tribe-O, Higher Heights and Mozaiq 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 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 Valentine’s Day Show 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 VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Chris Lomeli 8pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 TBA 8pm THE WINE BAR BISTRO; LQ; 760-5648744 Rob & jb 7:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Stanley Butler Trio 6:30pm

24

ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJs 9pm

SUN FEBRUARY 15 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob & Allison 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 The Sleep Over 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 CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 Elevated Sundays w/ Cruz N Kenga and special guest The Deep Ones 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 THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Fortune Finder Music Group & RSP Productions presents: Otep, Terror Universal, Thira, Downfall 2012, Perishment and Remnants of Man 8pm 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; 760-3252794 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; 760327-4080 Longest Running Jam Session in the valley. Hosted by JB, Sign up 6pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Hot Fudge 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 TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 Reaction 3-6pm 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 VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Scott Carter 1:30-4:30pm, Rob & JB 4:30-9pm, DJ Idol Eyez 9-2am

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com 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 16 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bonny Jean 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DJ D Rad noon poolside CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Ron Kalina’s Jazz 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 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 WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Family Karaoke hosted by Joleene 6pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Trish Hatley & Barney McClure 6pm

TUE FEBRUARY 17 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 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 CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com Jaggi 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; 760-3252794 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 Darci Daniels 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 Fat Tuesdays/ New Orleans Dixieland 6pm

WED FEBRUARY 18 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Dan Horn 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Sarah Ault 7pm 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; 760-3252794 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; 760-568-2700 WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Deana Bogart 6pm

S and G

PUMPING SERVICE

Septic Tank & Grease Trap Pumping Sewer & Drain Cleaning Odor Control

February 12 to February 18, 2015

California Woman 411 with your host Dee Jae Cox

760-404-6325

(760) 340-2840 www.triabike.com

‘Talking to women who lead and inspire’ Saturday’s from 10 – 11 a.m.

KPTR 1450 AM Palm Springs, CA California

CA-WMN-411 www.CaliforniaWoman411.com

Open Daily 10 am - 6 pm Sunday 12 - 5pm 44841 San Pablo (West Side of Street), Palm Desert, CA 92260

Produced by The Los Angeles Women's Theatre Project:

www.lawtp.org www.californiawoman411.com

25

February 12 to February 18, 2015

business profile

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Haddon Libby:It’s all local

The POP Shop Thrift Store - Supporting SafeHouse of the Desert

Conflate-gate

S

afeHouse of the Desert has been in business going on 20 years now, with shelters in Riverside and Thousand Palms. This incredible program fills a hole in our government programs that seem to let our pre-adult/late teens from troubled homes or who may be a little trouble to themselves and their families, fall through the cracks. At Safe House, these teens and their families can find the support, education and structure necessary to change their rocky course. “Operation SafeHouse is well equipped to handle any crisis your teen years are dishing out to you,” the website reads. “Feel like you’ve got nowhere else to go? Then just make your way to our teen shelters where you are always welcome...just show up.”

Parents can also turn to Safe House for early intervention by calling to set up a screening for their child. At the screening, they meet with a Marriage and Family Therapist who tells them more about what they can expect to receive from their holistic approach and listens to the struggles they’re having. Together, with community support, they provide emergency shelter, intervention and outreach services to runaway, homeless and other youth in crisis, giving youth and their families positive alternatives to becoming victims of

26

the streets.

Now a new extension of SafeHouse of the Desert not only streamlines the donations received regularly through our generous community, but it also provides a work place for residents. The POP Shop sells previously owned products. Every sale supports SafeHouse of the Desert.

The store is located at 551 Industrial Place, Palm Springs, and is open every day, except Sundays, 10am-5pm.

Store Manager, Angela Kinley had this to share about the new venture: “The POP Shop started when SafeHouse decided to expand its funding base by opening a Thrift Store that would serve the community and also have clothing and items for the youth and families we serve. SafeHouse has always received such nice donations from the community--and starting a thrift store

T

he state of news reporting in America has yet again reached an all-time low thanks to Brian Williams, NBC News anchor and head of their entire news division.

For over ten years, Williams has said that, his “bird” or helicopter was hit by enemy fire while he was in Iraq ‘reporting’ the news. Williams recanted that STORY last week when he said that he ‘CONFLATED’ what happened to a helicopter in front of him with his helicopter. The actual truth was that the helicopter that was hit occurred forty-five minutes before Williams was even in the air.

In looking up the meaning of the word conflate, it means to fuse, confuse or combine. What Williams did was lie. I will prove this by using an analogy that we can all relate to: how many times have you visited someone having surgery at the hospital versus having an operation yourself? It is a bit hard to believe that you might ‘conflate’ a visit with actual surgery.

Williams is not the first ‘journalist’ to lie about the news. In a case that reached the courts, a Fox News affiliate in Florida won a lawsuit by arguing that they did not have a legal obligation to tell the truth seemed to be a logical way to expand our reach.”

After a couple of years in Desert Hot Springs where Angela Kinley, Store Manager honed her thrift store skills, a location opened up in Palm Springs. Board Member Don Schroeder, retired school administrator saw the vision in picking the location at 551 Industrial Place: “The rent was reasonable, and there was much talk of expansion in that particular neighborhood. Currently we are one of 9 vintage/antique shops at Sunny Dunes West.”

“One of the things that makes The POP Shop unique is the selection process,” shard Kinley. «The staff works hard to make sure the quality of the items on the floor are in great shape, creating more of a boutique thrift shopping experience. The POP Shop accepts donations daily in store from 10-5 (except Sundays) and offers pick up services on Saturday. Items we cannot accept include mattresses, large appliances, televisions and computer monitors (unless flat screen), children›s furniture, gas powered garden equipment as well as hazardous materials such as paint, tires, etc.”

in reporting the news. Sadly, many large news organizations in the United States supported Fox in their stance.

Independent watchdog group Politifact watches the three major cable news networks in order to report on their truthfulness. Politifact found that Fox ‘News’ talking heads make truthful or mostly truthful statements only 22% of the time while NBC told the truth 34% of the time. CNN, which has ratings that equate to the population of the Coachella Valley in August, told the truth 57% (moved up to 80% if including ‘half-truths’) of the time.

When it came to outright lies, Fox ‘News’ led by lying 40% followed by NBC at 22% and CNN at 15%. What this means is that NBC is propaganda for the left; Fox is propaganda for the right and; CNN are scratching their collective heads while looking for lost airplanes.

What about CBS? Their retired news anchor, Dan Rather, who was forced into resignation after using forged documents to discredit President George W. Bush only weeks before the presidential elections, came to the support of Williams. Brian WIlliams’ predecessor at NBC, Tom Brokaw, for all intents and purposes did not.

Larry Wilmore of The Nightly Show

interviewed Jake Tapper, formerly of ABC News and currently of CNN. Wilmore asked which of Tapper’s two organizations “kept it 70” the best. By ’70’, Wilmore meant was which one told the truth 70% of the time as he knew they did not “keep it 100”. Tapper agreed with Wilmore before giving the nod to his current employer for being more accurate.

Where should those of us who want unbiased, neutral facts a/k/a NEWS go?

It may be dry but PBS and the BBC are the best on television. For the written word from traditional media sources, Reuters and The Independent are also solid choices.

Online news sources TheRealNews.com, alternet.com and sott.net each provide unbiased news.

Unfortunately, most of the news that we receive in the United States is about ratings

February 12 to February 18, 2015

and ad sales. As such, the quality of most of the news that we get rivals the nutritional value found at fast food joints.

Looking deeper, do those with money, power and access benefit from an informed electorate or a populace that tolerates the status quo? By watching news-o-tainment/ propaganda, you are helping to erode a free and unbiased press - something critical to a strong and vibrant democracy that represents the will of the people.

Dale Gribow On The Law

SENIOR VETS SCAMMED AGAIN

I

For more information or to schedule a pick up please call Angela at 760-864-8681 The POP Shop is run by one full time employee, two part time employees and a hand full of amazing volunteers. safehouseofthedesert.com/safehouseof-the-desert/the-pop-shop facebook.com/ThePopShop92264

was shocked reading last Saturday’s Desert Sun article entitled “Rancho Mirage Lawsuit could protect seniors”.

Senior vets who have put their lives in harm’s way to protect America are again the victims of elder abuse and fraud. It could be happening to you, your parents or grandparents so read on.

This lawsuit is arguably a huge step towards protecting seniors from potential “Nationwide” financial scams…per a consumer’s advocacy group. Hopefully it will stop those that refer to themselves as “veteran advocates” from preying upon seniors. We look for it to punish these “advocates” and others from engaging in egregious fraudulent conduct against the senior vets.

The filed case arises from a widespread nationwide scheme of inducing elderly residents of retirement homes and assisted living facilities to reposition their assets earning 7-10% in order to apply for the free Aid and Attendance pension benefits offered by the US Dept. of Veterans Affairs. Unwitting senior veterans are sold unsuitable annuities that generate .06%. However they generate handsome commissions and profits for the insurance agent and insurance company.

Per the Chicago Tribune the insurance “advocate agents” sets up a “free lunch or dinner Educational Presentation” at retirement homes and assisted living facilities that are ostensibly to “educate senior vets on benefits available to them”. However they do not disclose, as mandated by California Insurance Code 785 et seq, that they are insurance

agents. Thus they violate the law demanding a duty of honesty; good faith and fair dealing when the “purchaser” is 65 or older (i.e. elderly). They also fail to advise in writing, as required by Insurance Code section 789, that use of a mutual fund or other asset to fund the annuity may have tax consequences in addition to early withdrawal penalties etc.

In 2007 the SEC and Financial Industry Regulatory authority scrutinized 110 securities firms that utilize the “free lunch”. The report found that 100% were sales presentations despite the facts they were advertised as educational.

Per the AARP bulletin “for years AARP has warned about “veterans advocates” who are unscrupulous investment advisers targeting Senior Vets throughout the country.” The advisors are not accredited with the US Dept of Veteran Affairs. They allude that they are part of the government and are a nonprofit 501c3. Sometimes they wear a picture badge (with a patriotic looking logo) that ID’s them as a “Volunteer Veteran Advocate” with a senior veterans group.

They convince the innocent victims to buy annuities under the guise of an Aid and Attendance program which benefits low income war veterans and spouses for which they are often not qualified. They go after wealthy seniors in expensive retirement facilities, because people who are truly qualified for Aid and Attendance have no money. They induce the senior to reposition their assets into an irrevocable trust so they appear poor and can thus apply for the FREE Aid and Attendance Pension benefits offered by the US Department

of Veteran Affairs. By going along with this subterfuge the senior veterans may jeopardize their chances to qualify for Medicaid and may be conspiring to defraud the government.

The AARP Bulletin explains the salesman “advocate” promises if they purchase through them they can be eligible for Department of Veteran Affairs pensions and other benefits per Joe Foster the administrator of Montana’s Veteran Affairs Division which recently set up a task force to address these schemes.

The irrevocable trusts usually utilize annuities which are long term investments that are often inappropriate for older retirees.

The filed case involves a 90 year old vet. Some annuities must be held for a certain period of time. Thus a 90 year old that purchases a 10 year annuity will likely not be around when it concludes. If they pass away their heirs will be stuck with the same investment for that 10 year period.

Rarely do victims of elder abuse pursue litigation against suspected scammers per Prescott Cole a senior attorney for the California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform in San Francisco. He explains that Real Elder Abuse requires a senior to go to court. He explains seniors can’t handle court and they don’t want to be involved. He states the schemes are NOT unusual and are nationwide to induce war vets to sign away money in exchange for service that don’t exist.

Grant Gautsche, a director of the Riverside County Department of Vet Affairs, agrees with Cole stating he has a folder of groups out there under investigation. The recently filed case explains the senior did not know what an

annuity was and the word annuity was never used in the sale. The sales person identified himself as a volunteer for a group for Senior Vets- alluding to their being part of VA and govt.

Litigation has been initiated against one insurance company who has this week agreed to stop selling this product in California. A special Hotline has been set up for elder abuse victim’s complaints and assistance. Elder abuse can be financial, like the case herein, or a hospital or nursing home mistreating the senior. The law allows for a recovery of three times the amount of the punitive DAMAGES. The VETERAN FRAUD HOTLINE number is 760 837 7555.

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.

27

February 12 to February 18, 2015

safety tips

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

It’s as easy as A B C…

28

Give Your Valentine a Gift to Remember

M

F

ire extinguishers are a great way to prevent small fires from becoming large ones, but how do you know which extinguisher to use on which kind of fire?

Fires are classified into specific “types” based on their fuel source. · Class A – ordinary combustible materials like cloth, paper and wood · Class B – for flammable liquids like gasoline, alcohol and paint · Class C – for electrical fires The ABC multipurpose fire extinguisher is the most common fire extinguisher and serves as a great “all purpose” fire extinguisher for common areas and paths of egress within your home or business.

When using a fire extinguisher remember the acronym PASS. P: Pull the pin. A: Aim at the base of the fire. S: Squeeze the trigger.

S: Sweep side to side.

Knowing the right fire extinguisher to use at the right time could save your business and even your life, so make sure to educate yourself about the proper application and operation of fire extinguishers.

For additional fire extinguisher safety

sharekitchen

contact your local fire department or visit our friends at www.Desert-fire.com Desert Fire is a professional company who can help with your home or business fire extinguisher needs.

Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

ark your calendars for Sunday, February 22 at 11am to join the Palm Springs Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI) at its 16th annual fundraising event, L’Affaire Chocolat, hosted by La Spiga Ristorante in Palm Desert.

Chef Vince Cultraro is preparing a special Italian feast with a farm fresh organic salad with housemade dressing, traditional Italian fare paired with wines from Delicato Family Vineyards. Make sure you save room for dessert because this elegant luncheon features Les Dames’ famous 25foot chocolate dessert buffet. Pastries and sweets are from some of the desert’s best restaurants and pastry chefs including La Spiga, Sherman’s Delicatessen, Wilma & Frieda, Exquisite Desserts, Cello’s Pantry, ShareKitchen, New Leaf Catering, Brandini Toffee, and many more.

Keynote speaker Diana von Welanetz Wentworth is the author of seven awardwinning cookbooks including Chicken Soup for the Soul Cookbook which has sold nearly one million copies. Entertainment is

provided by the Dolce Vita duo of Constance Gordy and Joyce Kelley Lawrence who will be performing classical, pop, jazz and show tunes.

A live auction and raffle prize drawings also add to the afternoon’s excitement.

Lunch is $100 per person inclusive. For reservations and credit card payments, call (760) 895-9899 or mail checks to LDEI, 1775 East Palm Canyon, # 5048, Palm Springs, Calif., 92263. Proceeds benefit LDEI’s Thelma Pressman Memorial Scholarship Fund.

About LDEI LDEI is a world-wide organization of executive women of high achievement in the fields of food, fine beverage, and hospitality.

Each chapter conducts fundraising projects and awards scholarships to women continuing higher education in the culinary and hospitality industries who are often young women who are the first in their families to attend college.

LDEI is also involved with “Green Tables” Civic Agriculture & Garden Initiative, whose goals are to promote community health and well-being and enhance use of locally grown food in the community.

sports scene

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

February 12 to February 18, 2015

by Julie Buehler

The Brave New World Of Sports: Innocence Is Irrelevant, Guilt Is Assigned

T

he videotape TMZ released showing Ray Rice striking his then-fiancé inside an Atlantic City elevator not only changed the way we look at the NFL, it changed the way we look at innocence. Or lack thereof.

Because Rice’s offense assaulted our national consciousness on that video tape, perhaps more than any other domestic violence case in sports history, the fact the criminal justice system, the fact the laws of the land allowed Rice to go to counseling and maneuver past his transgression with relative ease has largely been lost in the shuffle. But that’s the key to effecting actual change for real domestic violence vicitms.

But rather than seek actually change to the damaging laws, most in the media simply assign guilt and proclaim a person a pariah for the punishment.

I prefer having stronger laws and more substantial consequences for abusers.

But nowadays, in a world of instant gratification, that whole “innocent until proven guilty” might work in front of a jury of your peers, but it’s not going to work in the court of public opinion.

We now live in a world that guilt is assigned, not proven. And thus, it’s often arbitrarily stapled to an athlete, somewhat based on the timing of a news cycle and certainly based on the grandeur of the voice announcing suspicions.

But rarely are the facts of a case examined with care or honest analysis without supposition.

The Mueller report, examining the NFL’s

investigation into the Ray Rice debacle, found the NFL failed to see the connections and investigate thoroughly enough because it relied on the criminal justice system to do most of the work for it.

Which, if you, as an American citizen, would prefer the age-old paradigm of presumed innocence to be the one under which you are judged, you’d understand why the NFL sought to allow that presumption to color their own disciplinary process.

We are on a very slippery slope and I’m concerned we’re about to go careening down it sooner than later.

Because reality is, there’s far too much money and far too much focus on NFL players, or professional athletes in general, and the laws on domestic violence far too soft that that standard is sufficient for those making money off the public good will.

I’m NOT saying the “innocent until proven guilty” premise is incorrect, it’s not, and as Americans, we must protect that at all costs.

But for athletes who make a living off the good will of sports fans it’s not asking too much that they be held to an exceptionally high standard of conduct in their professional life and personal life.

That means, yes, in today’s media, whether you agree with it or not, athletes who find themselves in issues of domestic violence or sexual violence may be found guilty until they prove their innocence.

sports

by Flint Wheeler

Reality Bites as Tiger withdraws (Again)…

L

ast June, after he had missed threeand-a-half months of competition following back surgery, Tiger Woods sat in a chair inside a ballroom just off the massive back veranda of Congressional Country Club’s clubhouse. The domain he once ruled, Congressional’s brawny and brutal Blue Course, spread out behind him.

There he twice won the tournament that benefits his foundation.

Woods was: “Very optimistic,” he said, folding one leg over the other. Then came reality.

Two days later, even as he departed his Quicken Loans National following a miserable showing that caused him to miss the cut by a gaping four shots, he somehow tried to declare victory saying, “The back is in the past.”

When he withdrew Thursday from the Farmers Insurance Open - staged at Torrey Pines, a venue at which Woods had won

If athletes understand that reality, they are less likely to be the victim of a potential predatory individual that would be sick enough to make false accusations.

And this means even though the charges against Greg Hardy were technically dropped by North Carolina courts, his guilt is as substantial as the assault he levied on his girlfriend as outlined in the police report.

Generally, I presume innocence until provided evidence of guilt. Generally, I offer people, even those in the public eye, the benefit of the doubt and until they prove me wrong, I’ll continue to do so.

But the case with Greg Hardy isn’t a hard one or complicated. This has to do with the laws in a region hinging prosecution of domestic violence on the bravery of the victim. Reading the police report, which is not fact, but simply an account of what happened, reads like a horror novel. If half of what’s alleged in the police report is true, Hardy should never take another million-dollar snap, but instead, have to earn a hard living in a jail cell.

Problem is, with the Hardy case, a civil lawsuit was settled and the Hardy victim became “intentionally unavailable” to prosecutors looking to ensure the guilty verdict leveled against Hardy by a judge would stick.

She obviously got a financial settlement that she deemed sufficient to move on and did so.

But according to the police report, Hardy made Rice look like a small-time offender and having been found guilty once, the NFL must take a hard look at the man and decide if they want to allow him to play football again.

I’m not saying it’s right, but it is a reality.

In the world of sports now, “innocence” is relative and guilt is assigned.

The NFL has the power to do something the North Carolina legal system couldn’t do. And they must.

Julie Buehler hosts the Coachella Valley’s most popular sports talk radio show, “Buehler’s Day Off” every day from 1-4 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.

eight times, including the 2008 US Open, the most recent of his 14 major championships – he talked about his glutes not activating.

I’m sorry what?

We know, by now, that Woods’ body is brittle. In 1997, when he was supple and explosive, he changed the parameters of what a golfer could be - a real athlete, strong and powerful.

Now, in the year he turns 40, he is broken, and there is no evidence he will ever be fixed. His first surgery came in December of 2002, removing fluid in his left knee, but he still won his first start the following year.

From 1997 through 2005, he made the cut in 142 straight tournaments, a record. Playing the weekend wasn’t a question for him.

Contending was an assumption.

But his next medical procedure followed the Masters in 2008 - arthroscopic surgery to clean up some cartilage damage in that left knee - and he carried that problem to Torrey for the Open. There, he could barely walk, due not just to the knee but to a pair of stress fractures in his left tibia. He won anyway, draining a 15-foot putt on the 72nd hole to force a playoff with Rocco Mediate.

When the ball fell, Dan Hicks, calling the tournament for NBC, exclaimed over the din, “Expect anything different?” No one did.

There was just no way to see this coming, and people who say they did weren’t watching him win by seven shots at Bridgestone or a couple at the Players or back to back at Doral and Bay Hill. This was not his heyday, not the four straight majors in 2000-01 nor the four majors of 2005 and ‘06 combined. But he could play, and he could win. And whether there was a mental block that hindered him at majors or not, he could certainly contend, and he was expected to do so every time he put the peg in the ground.

There is the back now, of course, and that’s why he withdrew at Bridgestone last August, why he walked off the course Thursday. His next appearance is now uncertain. When Woods hosted another event last December - the Hero World Challenge at Isleworth Golf and Country Club outside Orlando that is staged by and benefits his charity, which used to be the course on which he lived - something just as alarming surfaced. Suddenly, Woods couldn’t chip. This master, maybe the best ever - the guy who holed out from behind the 16th green at the 2005 Masters, a shot that Lanny Wadkins, offering analysis before Woods stood over his ball, called “one of the toughest pitches in the entire place here” could no longer find any semblance of touch or feel.

As he chunked pitch shot after pitch shot,

in some cases leaving 15-yard shots 10 yards short of the green, he looked confused. That week, he tied for 17th, which statistically looks like his best finish since the start of 2014 - until you consider that it was an 18man field, and he merely tied for last, 26 shots behind winner Jordan Spieth.

Was that the back? Was it the back when he made his 2015 debut last week at the Waste Management Phoenix Open and shot a second-round 82, the worst competitive score of his career? “I’m fine,” he told reporters then. “That’s not an issue anymore.”

In the past calendar year, Woods has completed a Sunday round four times. That’s the reality folks. We are what our scorecard says we are. Hope you enjoyed him when you had the chance.

FlintWheeler.com - 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.

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February 12 to February 18, 2015

Health&Fitness

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

by heidi simmons

Get Tested Coachella Valley!

I

magine a world without AIDS! The visionaries of Get Tested Coachella Valley have and they are doing everything they can to bring the epidemic to an end starting right here in the CV. Last week, Get Tested gave their first Annual Report at UCR Palm Desert.

Get Tested Coachella Valley is a bilingual, three-year, $5 million campaign to stop the spread of HIV that leads to AIDS. The goal is to routinely test all local residents for HIV. The test is free and confidential. It only requires a simple swab inside the mouth.

Results are obtainable in 20 minutes! The test is available to everyone 12 years and older.

In Get Tested’s first year, testing sites increased 52% and 21,406 tests were conducted across the valley! “We want to make HIV testing as simple as getting a flu shot,” said the vivacious Susan Unger, Project Director. “Having the HIV test accessible and part of standard care eliminates the stigma.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the County of Riverside Department of Public Health Epidemiology and Program Evaluation, the HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in the CV is over two times higher than the national rate, putting everyone at a greater risk.

More than half of valley residents have never been tested.

One way Get Tested is reaching out to the

30

valley’s un-tested is by using a mobile testing unit. A major component in their campaign is a bright, cheery orange colored van with nearly full-sized images of healthy, happy people.

Those who work with the organization wear the same orange color and are equally cheerful and welcoming. The bold van and smiling counselors generate attention.

“We have orange carpets, tents and umbrellas that we use with our mobile unit that really gets people to notice us,” said Ralph Gonzalez, Prevention, Intervention and Education Manager. “And we often have incentives like gift cards, frozen yogurt or concert tickets to encourage people to take the simple test.”

The Get Tested mobile van is a customized Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with two private testing stations, refrigerators, a bathroom and everything necessary to make the experience comfortable, easy and relaxed.

Week of February 12

“We are able to test two people at a time,” said Steven Chacon, Community Health Educator/HIV Test counselor. “The test just takes four minutes. Both testing areas have their own entrance and exit.” During the Gay Pride Parade, Chacon and fellow counselors were able to test 125 people using the van.

The mobile unit has heavy-duty suspension and tires so it can drive on dirt roads and rough terrain. The Get Tested team has traveled over dirt fields to reach farm workers in Mecca. In its first year, the mobile unit has been to all the valley cities and surrounding unincorporated areas.

Get Tested coordinators are eager to send their mobile unit and trained counselors to all kinds of community gatherings and events from big to small: concerts, churches, food banks, senior centers, parades, etc. Invite Get Tested and they will gladly come.

But Get Tested Coachella Valley is not only about the testing. It’s also about early intervention and linkage to care. “Doing this work is no longer an AIDS specific work but belongs to the general healthcare community,” said David Birkman, CEO Desert AIDS Project.

“We are trending higher than the national expectation but lead the way in care. Of those who tested positive last year, 87.5% were placed in treatment.”

In one year, Get Tested has increased the numbers of test sites, tests given, identified positives and those linked into care.

LabCorp, Planned Parenthood, Desert Regional Medical Center and Desert AIDS Project had 61 preliminary positive HIV tests in 2014. The rate of HIV diagnoses was 1.6%, a 22% increase from the prior year.

Get Tested Coachella Valley serves as a link to care for those with a preliminary positive test result. Offering recommendations and support, Get Test counselors follow-up with patients to ensure they get proper care and attention.

Treatment with antiviral medication has shown to reduce infectiousness by 96%.

Identification, along with education, helps prevent the spread of HIV. In 2012, the Desert AIDS Project hosted think tanks and planning sessions with over 150 community leaders to implement an HIV testing campaign. Within 12 months, more than 50 organizations, agencies, municipalities, elected officials and community leaders endorsed Get Tested Coachella Valley.

Desert AIDS Project launched the fundraising with a $500,000 donation. Desert Regional Medical Center committed $1.5 million over the three years, which is the largest single gift the hospital has made to the community. Nearly $900,000 has been contributed by individuals.

The Desert Healthcare District – an organization set up to fund healthcare discrepancies –

committed a half million dollars as well.

Part of Get Tested’s growing success is the number of community partners. Their goal is to continue to add more free and confidential HIV testing sites, both public and private. Walgreens has three stores in Indio and one in Coachella that provide the HIV test.

Greg McSwain is the Indio Walgreen’s store manger. “We’re well known and trusted in the community,” said McSwain. “Our customers can come in and get tested without the stigma.” A story was shared about a young man who felt completely comfortable taking the confidential test at Walgreens for HIV because it looked as if he just came in for an annual flu shoot.

Community partner, Health Assessment Resource Center (HARC), plays an integral part in understanding the health of the Coachella Valley. “Getting an HIV test should be no different than getting a cholesterol test,” said Dr. Jenna LeComte-Hinely, Director of Research and Evaluations.

Hinely’s research showed that there were two main reasons why people do not get tested. “They say: ‘I don’t think I’m at risk,’ and ‘my healthcare provider didn’t recommend it.’” HARC is analyzing data now from a recent survey of doctors that should shed light on why doctors are not providing or suggesting the HIV test.

Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz is a proud champion for Get Tested Coachella Valley/Hazte la Prueba Valle de Coachella. In the 2014 Annual Report, he said: “Anyone can contract the HIV virus – regardless of age, gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or socioeconomic circumstance. Staying healthy is much easier when you get tested and know your HIV status. Ruiz encourages everyone to take the test. “Let’s put stigma and ignorance behind us and create a healthier, safer community.”

Testing centers (besides Walgreens and the three major hospitals) include: the Cathedral City Salvation Army, the LGBT Community Center of the Desert, CCBC Resort, Desert AIDS Project, Gear, Helios Resort, Martha’s Village and Kitchen and Rivals. To schedule the mobile unit or for more information regarding testing locations, go to gettestedcoachellavalley.org Celebrating their first anniversary, the Get Tested Coachella Valley and its community partners are proud and amazed at what they have accomplished. But their excitement and energy is focused on the year ahead. They are fired-up and ready to once again double, if not quadruple, the number of HIV tests.

Testing plus treatment means prevention.

Get Tested Coachella Valley has proved to be a tremendous success with a brilliant beginning.

Their enthusiasm to stop the spread of HIV is the only thing they want to be contagious. So, Get Tested Coachella Valley!

ARIES (March 21-April 19): I hope you have someone in your life to whom you can send the following love note, and if you don’t, I trust you will locate that someone no later than August 1: “I love you more than anyone loves you, or has loved you, or will love you, and also, I love you in a way that no one loves you, or has loved you, or will love you, and also, I love you in a way that I love no one else, and never have loved anyone else, and never will love anyone else.” (This passage is borrowed from author Jonathan Safran Foer’s book Everything Is Illuminated.)

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): “We assume that others show their love in the same way that we do,” writes psychologist Amy Przeworski, “and if they don’t follow that equation, we worry that the love is not there.” I think you’re on track to overcome this fundamental problem, Taurus. Your struggles with intimacy have made you wise enough to surrender your expectations about how others should show you their love. You’re almost ready to let them give you their affection and demonstrate their care for you in ways that come natural to them. In fact, maybe you’re ready RIGHT NOW. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): I’d like to bestow a blessing on you and your closest ally. My hope is that it will help you reduce the restlessness that on occasion undermines the dynamism of your relationship. Here’s the benediction, inspired by a Robert Bly poem: As you sit or walk or lie next to each other, you share a mood of glad acceptance.

You aren’t itchy or fidgeting, wondering if there’s something better to be or do. You don’t wish you were talking about a different subject or feeling a different emotion or living in a different world.

You are content to be exactly who you are, exactly where you are.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Want to infuse your romantic interludes with wilder moods now and then? Want to cultivate a kind of intimacy that taps deeper into your animal intelligence? If so, try acting out each other’s dreams or drawing magic symbols on each other’s bodies. Whisper funny secrets into each other’s ears or wrestle like good-natured drunks on the living room floor. Howl like coyotes.

Caw like crows. Purr like cheetahs. Sing boisterous songs and recite feral poetry to each other. Murmur this riff, adapted from Pablo Neruda: “Our love was born in the wind, in the night, in the earth. That’s why the clay and the flower, the mud and the roots know our names.”

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Is there any sense in which your closest alliance is a gift to the world?

Does your relationship inspire anyone? Do the two of you serve as activators and energizers, igniting fires in the imaginations of those whose lives you touch? If not, find out why. And if you are tapping into those potentials, it’s time to raise your impact to the next level. Together the two of you now have extra power to synergize your collaboration in such a way that it sends out ripples of benevolence everywhere you go.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The poet Rainer Marie Rilke said that people misunderstand the role of love. “They have made it into play and pleasure because they think that play and pleasure are more blissful than work,” he wrote. “But there is nothing happier than work. And love, precisely because it is the supreme happiness, can be nothing other than work.” I’m sharing this perspective with you for two reasons, Virgo. First, of all the signs in the zodiac, you’re most likely to thrive on his approach.

Second, you’re in a phase of your astrological cycle when this capacity of yours is at a peak. Here’s how Rilke finished his thought: “Lovers should act as if they had a great work to accomplish.”

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): About 2,600 years ago, the Greek poet Sappho wrote the following declaration: “You make me hot.” In the next ten days, I’d love for you to feel motivated to say or think that on a regular basis. In fact, I predict that you will. The astrological omens suggest you’re in a phase when you are both more likely to be made hot and more likely to encounter phenomena that

© Copyright 2015 Rob Brezsny

make you hot. Here are some other fragments from Sappho that might come in handy when you need to express your torrid feelings: 1. “This randy madness I joyfully proclaim.” 2. “Eros makes me shiver again...Snake-sly, invincible.” 3. “Desire has shaken my mind as wind in the mountain forests roars through trees.” (Translations by Guy Davenport.)

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In the TV sciencefiction show Doctor Who, the title character lives in a time machine that is also a spaceship. It’s called a Tardis. From the outside, it appears to be barely bigger than a phone booth. But once you venture inside, you find it’s a spacious chateau with numerous rooms, including a greenhouse, library, observatory, swimming pool, and karaoke bar. This is an excellent metaphor for you, Scorpio.

Anyone who wants your love or friendship must realize how much you resemble a Tardis. If they don’t understand that you’re far bigger on the inside than you seem on the outside, it’s unlikely the two of you can have a productive relationship.

This Valentine season, as a public service, make sure that everyone you’re seriously involved with knows this fact.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Love and intimacy come in many forms. There are at least a billion different ways for you to be attracted to another person, and a trillion different ways to structure your relationship. Maybe your unique bond involves having sex, or maybe it doesn’t.

Maybe it’s romantic or friendly or holy, or all three of those things. Do the two of you have something important to create together, or is your connection more about fueling each other’s talents? Your task is to respect and revere the idiosyncratic ways you fit together, not force yourselves to conform to a prototype. To celebrate the Valentine season, I invite you and your closest ally to play around with these fun ideas.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Anais Nin wrote the following passage in her novel A Spy in the House of Love: “As other girls prayed for handsomeness in a lover, or for wealth, or for power, or for poetry, she had prayed fervently: let him be kind.” I recommend that approach for you right now, Capricorn. A quest for tender, compassionate attention doesn’t always have to be at the top of your list of needs, but I think it should be for now. You will derive a surprisingly potent alchemical boost from basking in kindness. It will catalyze a breakthrough that can’t be unleashed in any other way. Ask for it!

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): How many desires do you have? Take a rough inventory. Identify the experiences you continually seek in your quest to feel relief and pleasure and salvation and love and a sense of meaning. You can also include fantasies that go unfulfilled and dreams that may or may not come true in the future. As you survey this lively array, don’t censor yourself or feel any guilt.

Simply give yourself to a sumptuous meditation on all the longings that fuel your journey. This is your prescription for the coming week. In ways you may not yet be able to imagine, it is the medicine you need most.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): The German word Nachkussen refers to the kind of kiss that compensates for all the kissing that has not been happening, all the kissing that has been omitted or lost. If it has been too long since you’ve kissed anyone, you need Nachkussen. If your lover hasn’t kissed you lately with the focused verve you long for, you need Nachkussen. If you yourself have been neglecting to employ your full artistry and passion as you bestow your kisses, you need Nachkussen.

From what I can tell, Pisces, this Valentine season is a full-on Nachkussen holiday for you. Now please go get what you haven’t been getting.

Homework: Proposed experiment: Carry out an act of love that’s unique in your history. Testify at FreeWillAstrology.com.

Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

February 12 to February 18, 2015

Mind, body & Spirit

by Bronwyn Ison

HEALTHIER HEART, HEALTHIER YOU

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xperiencing a healthier heart translates to a more positive and renewed you. With Valentine’s Day upon us, love is in the air. Red and pink, boxed chocolates, teddy bears, and ready made flower bouquets are omnipresent.

Valentine’s Day is a catalyst to recognize whom we love and care for in our lives. Also, with an emphasis on love we should be taking care of our heart from a health perspective.

Nurturing yourself, loving those near you and adopting a healthy diet … you are sure to have a happy heart.

When we love and feel loved it brings us joy. While we love year-round, Valentine’s Day provides everyone an opportunity to openly express gratitude and appreciation to someone special. Research tells us, seventy percent of people who purchase flowers on Valentine’s Day are men, while only twenty percent are women. Fifteen percent of U.S. women send themselves flowers on Valentine’s Day. You go girls! One hundred eighty nine million stems of roses are sold in the U.S. on Valentine’s Day. Preparing a special day or evening for someone you care about propels the experience to be a rewarding one.

You enjoy doing something unique for this special someone and your odds multiply to reap reciprocation.

Some of you may be single. This may be the perfect time to engage in a singles party for all of you who are ready to mingle. Singles parties on Valentine’s Day may not guarantee you falling in love, but you are certain to have a rewarding evening with friends. This surely trumps staying home alone and feeling sorry for your self.

While we may possess the need and desire to love and be loved, taking care of your heart with a healthy diet and mindset is also important. Stress is a silent killer. Stress is experienced concurrently every minute of our lives. A little stress is good for us. The American Heart Association tells us, Heart Disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. Stress does not cause heart disease but it certainly does not help. Stress may affect behaviors and factors that increase heart disease risk: high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, smoking, physical inactivity, over eating and excessive use of alcohol.

It is also important to incorporate wellness into your life. You can manage your stress with a healthy diet and routine exercise. Maintaining a positive attitude is also an important factor.

Here’s how you can begin. Assess your life as a whole. Do you have positive and nurturing people in your life? Remove anyone or anything that is a net negative effect to you.

This will assure your experiencing less stress.

Get on an exercise routine. Stick to it. Perhaps you need a workout partner to keep you motivated. Remove toxicities from you diet or daily habits. Smoking and drinking are simply ways of masking what needs to be addressed.

Get your head in a healthy mental space. Get plenty of rest. Slow down. Don’t take on more than you can handle. Delegate.

A healthy heart, mind, body, and spirit will render your heart singing with joy this Valentine’s Day. Take care of your heart and it will love you in return.

Bronwyn Ison, owner of Evolve Yoga. www.e-volveyoga.com (760)564-YOGA

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February 12 to February 18, 2015

Life & career Coach

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Sunny Simon

Lessons on Partnering with Dummies

I

t was a magical evening. After dinner we walked over to The Mirage for The Terry Fator Show. Upon our arrival a hostess informed me the six of us would be seated in second row center and not the seats we originally purchased. I was in shock knowing this was purely random as no one in my party held any kind of high roller status. A surprise offering like this never happened to me except once when American Airlines asked me if I would mind sitting in first class. Who was I to question how the gods of unexpected free upgrades select their targets? Giving the usher my most gracious smile while my husband attended to a gratuity, our happy party strutted all the way to our VIP seats.

Before long I was so mesmerized with the performance I actually forgot Fator, who according to Wikipedia is capable of doing over 100 impressions, was the voice behind the entire show. It wasn’t until much later I thought about the how many hours this ace ventriloquist logged honing his craft and playing the back stages of local state fairs before he finally hit the big time. Seeing the show up close may have been luck on my part, but Fator’s command of the spotlight had little to do with luck.

I was curious about Terry’s life before he was catapulted to success when named the

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million dollar winner of American’s Got Talent.

My research revealed a winning combination of three factors I’ve dubbed Fator Factors.

Prior to his initial gig at a church picnic, Fator learned the art of ventriloquism meant practice, practice, practice. Fator Factor Number One: Discipline. No doubt when the other kids headed to the park with gloves, balls and bats, Terry remained home in front of his mirror with the Willie Talk dummy he purchased from Sears.

Fator Factor Number Two: Resilience. Years of performing at small venues with low exposure meant exercising his resilience muscle. Terry admits the lowest part of his career was playing at a 1,000 seat theatre with a paid audience of one. Hitting rock bottom means getting back up for another round.

Fator Factor Number Three: Support. When Terry hit his late thirties, he almost quit. It was his family who encouraged him to keep going.

If you are determined to achieve your milestone, role model the Fator Factors. Stay disciplined and practice resilience. Regarding number three, you may not have a supportive family, but I guarantee you have people in your life who will cheer you on.

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

Ask The Doctor

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February 12 to February 18, 2015

by dr peter kadile

Dr. Peter M. Kadile is Board Certified in Family Medicine. He has an integrative, osteopathic medical practice and is also known as the local, house call doctor; Desert House Call Physician. He is on staff at Eisenhower Medical Center and medical director for Serenity Hospice. His office is located in beautiful Old Town La Quinta, 78-100 Main Street, Suite 207, La Quinta, CA 92253. (760) 777-7439. DesertHouseCalls@aol.com. www.deserthousecalldoc.com.

The Measles

T

he latest disease making headlines is no longer the Ebola virus, but the measles.

The measles outbreak in the United States is relatively small compared to underdeveloped countries, but is notable because the disease was declared eradicated in this country in 2000. The measles resurgence is linked to the growing number of unvaccinated or delayed vaccinated children. I don’t want to get in the middle of this hotly debated topic of anti vs pro vaccine, I simply want to provide information regarding the disease.

I recommend parents do their research on measles and vaccination, so that they can make an educated and informed choice on whether to have their children vaccinated.

What is the measles?

The measles (also known as rubeola), is a highly contagious virus. (Since it’s a virus, antibiotics will not work against it). It is passed around through direct contact and through the air. Coughing and sneezing can disperse the virus into the air and can linger in the air up to two hours after an infected person leaves the room. According to a recent article in USA Today, each measles patient can infect up to 12-18 people!

What are the signs and symptoms of measles?

It’s worth noting that as a physician practicing and in training for over 20 years, I have never seen the measles. The disease has been so rare in this country due to vaccination, that I have never seen it in training and in my private practice.

Measles initially cause runny nose, cough, and red/watery eyes. Small white spots will develope inside the cheeks. A high fever will start 10 – 12 days after exposure and the fever can last up to a week. Several days after exposure, a rash will start on the face and neck. The rash will progress down

to the feet over a 3 day period. The rash may last up to 6 days before it starts to fade.

Is measles fatal?

Most children will make a full recovery from the measles. There is no cure for the disease and death can happen. Most of the deaths due to measles are from the possible complications it can cause, such as; blindness, encephalitis (brain swelling), severe diarrhea, dehydration and pneumonia. The risk factors for the complications include; malnourished children, vitamin A deficiency, the immune compromised (people with HIV/ AIDs, leukemia, etc).

According to the World Health Organization, in 2013 there were 145,700 measles deaths worldwide.

How effective is the measles vaccine?

The vaccine first became available in 1963. It is now a 2 shot series, the first given at 12-15 months of age, the second at age 4-6. It is about 97% effective.

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