Coachella Valley Weekly - February 16 to February 22, 2017 Vol. 5 No. 48 by CV Weekly

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coachellavalleyweekly.com • February 16, to February 22, 2017 Vol. 5 No. 48

Arial Trampway The Warburton Mozaiq & DJ Journee KCLB Presents pg5

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Bill’s Pizza

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February 16 to February 22, 2017

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February 16 to February 22, 2017

DINE IN AND ROCK OUT AT BIG ROCK PUB, THE NEWEST DINING IN THE EAST VALLEY PLUS SO MUCH MORE! BY CHRIS CLEMENS PHOTOS BY STEVEN YOUNG

Coachella Valley Weekly

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Publisher & Editor Tracy Dietlin Art Director Robert Chance Sales Team Morgan James Classified Manager & Nightlife Editor Phil Lacombe Features Writer Lisa Morgan, Rich Henrich, Heidi Simmons, Denise Ortuno Neil, Judith Salkin Writers/Contributors: Robin Simmons, Rick Riozza, Craig Michaels, Bronwyn Ison, Haddon Libby, Janet McAfee, Rachel Montoya, Angela Janus, Dale Gribow, Raymond Bill, Sam DiGiovanna, Rob Brezny, Eleni P. Austin, Noe Gutierrez, Sunny Simon, Dr. Peter Kadile, Bruce Cathcart, Lola Rossi, Laura Hunt Little, Flint Wheeler, Jack St. Clair, Dee Jae Cox, Patte Purcell, Janet Newcomb, Rebecca Pikus, Angela Romeo, Esther Sanchez, Jenny Wallis Photographers Robert Chance, Chris Miller, Esther Sanchez, Laura Hunt Little, Lani Garfield, Scott Pam, George Duchannes Distribution Phil Lacombe, William Westley

ll of the ingredients have come together for a unique dining experience at Big Rock Pub, the newest dining venue in the East Valley. Located at Indian Springs Golf Club and open to the public, the restaurant presents a Rock & Roll theme and a new concept in dining with exceptional cuisine in a sports bar setting, with regular live entertainment and more. If you haven’t yet visited the restaurant, you are in for a treat! The pub is splendidly over the top making a lasting first impression before you even enter the restaurant when you must walk across an enclosed sunken grand piano! Owner Ken Hanna had a vision of bringing a new type of venue to the Valley with hopes of it becoming a community gathering place with an engaging environment for Rock and Roll enthusiasts. The walls are adorned with one-of-a-kind artwork of Rock & Roll legends, autographed guitars, and memorabilia of AC/DC, Grateful Dead, Paul McCartney, Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Deep Purple, and numerous others. Rock music plays on a state-of-the-art exceptional sound system, while one wall features music videos, Rock-umentaries, sports events and the like. “My vision for Big Rock Pub was spurred

by the continued growth in the Coachella Valley of music festivals and a large community of music lovers living here,” said Hanna. “There is not another venue that offers a Rock and Roll theme along with sports entertainment and so this was a perfect opportunity to bring something new and exciting to the Coachella Valley, and we are excited to also debut the extensive menu of tasty cuisine that is different than you would expect of a pub.” Executive Chef Jeremy Sacardi – bringing experience most recently from Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs and Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas – has created a variety of dishes with a new twist on pub food. He uses the

CONTENTS

Big Rock Pub........................................ 3 Arial Trampway at Hard Rock PS........ 5 PSWIFT Oscar Party on El Paseo......... 5 The Warbuton - Clarke Rheney........... 6 Reggae - Mozaiq & DJ Journee........... 7 5th Annual Faith, Hope & Pups........... 7 KCLB Presents Local Band Night........ 8 Riverside County Fair & Date Fest...... 8 Art Scene - Annalisa Capurro.............. 9 Backstage Jazz - Bob DeSena..............9 Consider This - Jimmer...................... 10 Pet Place............................................. 12 The Vino Voice ................................... 13 Club Crawler Nightlife....................... 14 Pampered Palate - Bill's Pizza........... 16 Screeners............................................ 18 Book Review....................................... 19 Safety Tips.......................................... 19 Comic Con PS - Graphic Novels......... 20 Haddon Libby.................................... 21 Dale Gribow....................................... 21 Sports Scene ...................................... 22 Beauty with Dr. Maria Lombardo..... 22 Free Will Astrology............................ 23 Ask Jenny ........................................... 23 Life & Career Coach ........................... 24 Cannabis Corner................................ 24

most unique, fresh, and local ingredients to deliver dishes such as Runnin’ with the Devils, Sympathy for the Devil-ed Eggs, Fleetwood Mac & Cheese, The Grateful Flat Bread, Feels Like the First-Time Cheeseburger, Blue Oysters Cult, and legendary salads like “Almond Brothers Chopped Salad” and “Living on the Wedge,” and much more. For a “Happier Hour” from 3 to 6 p.m. daily, there is a fun variety of “On The Rocks” Happier Hour drink specials for $10, including Heat of the Moment, Back in the U.S.S.R., Summer Breeze, Apple of my Eye, and others. To be enjoyed with libations are great deals with Happier Hour food prices on popular menu items such as Hotel Calamari, Earth Wings, and Fire, Honky Tonk Sliders, and others ranging from just $5 to $8. As a Rock pub, live music currently takes place every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m., which is updated monthly on their website. During February the bands performing include Dude Jones Band, Lucky Tongue, Smooth Brothers, Hotwyre, The E&J Movement, Laurie Morvan Band, BOHEMIA. The pub also gives guests the opportunity to become their own Rock & Roll legends with karaoke on Monday nights from 8 p.m. to midnight. There is also an opportunity for local

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February 16 to February 22, 2017

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original music and bands to participate in an open mic and jam session, as well as for auditions to perform at the pub. This begins this month on Sunday, February 26 from 4 to 8 p.m. During this event the pub is also holding a monthly “Birthdays Celebration” for those who have birthdays in February to

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February 16 to February 22, 2017

come together along with their friends at a great venue for a festive group celebration. As if that weren’t enough, they also have a “Big Rock Store” offering a variety of Rock & Roll memorabilia. And, since the pub was conceptualized to also be a pub with a cause, the owners at Big Rock Pub have partnered with the local cancer support

organization, Desert Cancer Foundation, in which proceeds from the sales of merchandise will benefit the organization. Big Rock Pub is located at Indian Springs Golf Club, a popular public golf course among local Coachella Valley residents and east valley tourists. Voted ‘Best Places to Play’ with a Four Star rating by Golf Digest Magazine, a ‘Top 5 Public Course’ by Desert Golf Magazine, and noted as a ‘Best Course

Under $100’ by The Desert Sun. That being said the pub also caters to golfers with a “Players Plate” in which those playing the signature course at the club receive a $10 voucher for each player towards dining. Located at 79-940 Westward Ho Drive in Indio, the pub is open from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. For more info visit thebigrockpub.com, or call 760.200.9844.

EVENTS ARIAL TRAMPWAY TO PRESENT 3RD ANNUAL OF ROCK GLAM AT HARD ROCK HOTEL PALM SPRINGS BEGINNING SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19TH DRG SUNDAYS DIVAS OSCAR PARTY ON EL PASEO

rial Trampway Presents DRG Sundays at Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs. This concept is the brainchild of Alfie Pettit springing from his love of all things Rock and Glam. What better venue for those two passions than the Hard Rock Palm Springs? A bevy of performers from all over the Southern California drag scene will be rotating every Sunday, bringing you the hard edge and glitzy glam of all your favorite musicians, spanning the decades between early glam rock 70’s up to today’s current best known performers. Get ready to be entertained by the edginess of Courtney Love, right up to the pizazz of Lady Gaga. All are welcome under the tent of Glam Rock! Doors open in The Kitchen for seating at 11 AM and show time from 11:30 AM – 1 PM. The brunch will feature a special menu price of $35 per person which includes unlimited Mimosas, Bloody Mary’s and Bellini Bar. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Guests can reserve a table by calling (760) 325-9676 or book your reservation through Open Table. Each purchase includes same day admission to the hotel’s pool party. Alfie Pettit is a Humanitarian, Entertainer and Coachella Valley resident. Alfie Pettit’s impeccable personality and style gained him introduction and industry access to many film, television and pop stars. “Alfie’s of Hollywood” became a trusted source for photographs, autographs, memorabilia and anecdotes. Alfie

was himself featured on nationally syndicated television shows including Leeza Gibbons, American Journal, Hard Copy, CNBC Money, as well as international TV appearances in Italy and Japan. Since first arriving in Palm Springs in 2006, Alfie Pettit has been a force to be reckoned with in the realms of entertainment, philanthropy and politics. A promotional power-house, Alfie brings notoriety to all he touches, and can draw a crowd to any event, from fundraiser to dinner party. Alfie was on the team that established the Palm Springs new hit show, Carnival Cabaret, firstly as a performer, then media maven, now co-owner. As his pink Cadillac enthusiast and alter-ego Arial Trampway, Alfie has raised money for countless charities, including Desert AIDS Project, Angel View and Animal Samaritans. Arial was the show opener for Carnival Cabaret, and could be seen jetting around on his Segway promoting the show during Palm Springs’ Gay Pride Parade as well as Palm Springs’ Street Fair.

n Sunday, February 26th, the Shops on El Paseo will be hosting the 3rd Annual Oscar Party on El Paseo benefitting Palm Springs Women in Film and Television educational outreach programs and its Coachella Valley BookPALS program that extends to approximately 2,200 local students weekly. This year the event will be held under the stars, as the street will be closed between Highway 74 and Ocotillo. The street will be transformed into an elegant outdoor setting for cocktails, concert and Italian style dining. Special menu by WP Kitchen, prepared exclusively by chefs from Spago + Bar, exclusive performance by Grammy

winner Thelma Houston who will perform a “Tribute to Motown” and who has recorded 23 albums! Recently Thelma was featured on America’s Got Talent and a guest on The View! The stunning and talented actress, Donna Mills, will receive the Tiffany & Co. Legend Award. Donna is best known for the primetime soap Knots Landing in the role of Abby Cunningham, which made her a household name and one of TV’s biggest stars. The evening will include Red Carpet Arrivals starting at 4pm with Dinner & Viewing at 5pm; followed by after Party at 9pm. Attire Hollywood Glamorous! Tickets are $150 apiece and can be purchased at pswift.org/events or by calling our office at 760/238-0306.

February 16 to February 22, 2017

EVENTS

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BY LISA MORGAN

THE WARBURTON – CHAIRMAN CLARKE REHNEY NAMED “VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR” EVENT TAKES PLACE MARCH 9TH – 12TH, 2017

omewhere, working into the wee hours of the morning, a former Boy Scout and scratch golfer is returning emails, making contact with bighearted celebrities, and organizing the next meeting of his stellar event team, while tackling one detail after another to carry out a labor of love - a passion that was rooted deeply as he earned his place as an Eagle Scout decades prior. The impact of his time spent volunteering at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at age 14 rings clearly when he speaks of it. His Mississippi born Southern drawl grows deeper, his enthusiasm contagious, while his compelling devotion for the institute that serves children stricken with cancer rivals that of a Southern Baptist Preacher. For Chairman Clarke Rheney, as well as founders Patrick and Cathy Warburton and the seventeen working board members of the Patrick Warburton Celebrity Golf Tournament for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, pouring themselves into this incredible fundraising golf and music event is a “no brainer.” Now in its seventh year, rain maker, Clarke Rheney, will once again put in over 1100 hours preparing to make the annual tournament and surrounding events more successful than ever. The goal: Raise enough money to pay for one day of St. Jude’s research and patient care. That number is an estimated 2.1 million dollars, and based on their current trajectory, the tournament is on track to soon reach that goal, and then some. Retired from a grueling but extremely successful computer programming career, Rheney, along with his team of professionals, have purposely crafted something that has evolved into more than a popular golf event, but an emotional, unforgettable, life altering experience for those participating. 2017 marks Rheney’s 20th year here in the desert. He has served as Celebrity Chairman of the Bob Hope Classic and most recently, as part of the Executive Committee in charge of music and amateur golf for the PGA TOUR’s CareerBuilder Challenge. He shares freely about his inspiration for this music and golf event that supports the world renowned pediatric treatment and research facility that focuses on children’s catastrophic diseases: “The first time I walked the halls of St. Jude Children’s Hospital, I saw people my own age from all over the world, sick and probably dying, but they were happy. They just had this, ‘I’m sick, but I’m going to beat this,’ attitude. While it’s a bad place to be, it is it is a place that resonates with positivity. If you walk through the hospital, you’ll see an adult (doctor, nurse, or counselor) playing with a child, you’ll notice they are always speaking positively to them. You hear the kids saying things like, ‘When I get out of here, I want to be a doctor,’ or ‘I want to be an athlete.’ Being exposed to that at 14 years old leaves a mark. Then, when you become an adult

looking to give back, well…it’s a no brainer from my stand point.” In 2010, Patrick Warburton and his wife Cathy made their first visit to St. Jude to tour the facility and meet some of the patient families, Patrick reading to the kids, and Cathy painting a mural on one of the walls at the hospital. The inspiration gained from the patients they met and the impressive strides that have been made on pediatric cancer survival rates due to St. Jude research, made them eager to partner with Clarke to create the Patrick Warburton Celebrity Golf Tournament for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in March 2011. In only its fifth year, St. Jude named the Warburton, “Committee of the Year.” In 2016, they named Clarke Rehney, “Volunteer of the Year,” and for good reason. Over the few years the tournament has taken place, they have managed to raise over 3 million dollars for the facility that dedicates .81 cents of every dollar directly to patient care. Rheney’s golf game has made him an ideal teammate on the golf course, but it’s his genuinely warm, personable demeanor along with his ability to engage and respect the privacy of the celebrities that he’s socialized or golfed with that have made him an ideal networker and organizer for this and all the other events he’s been involved with. “I don’t mind talking to people,” shared Rheney. “I’ve demonstrated that I can be trusted not to run to TMZ. There were also a lot of bar tabs,” he chuckles. “This celebrity golf tournament is special. For example, during one of the events surrounding the Warburton three years ago, actor Kurt Fuller, (Wayne’s World, Anger Management, Midnight in Paris) introduced himself to some friends and I at our table. The next day on the driving range, he greeted us all by name. I shook his hand afterward and said, ‘Thank you. You get it.’ After you leave a tournament, having played with someone like that, you have a good feeling, and I think that’s why everybody loves playing it. I’ve been to a lot of parties, events and shows in Hollywood, and played a lot of golf with these folks. I have a pretty good sense of who’s full of it and who is really genuine. These participants might be ‘A’ or ‘B’ list celebrities, but they’re going to take the time to get to know you, maybe even know your kids’ names. Once you get that, then it’s all about

St. Jude. It’s hard for these guys and ladies to say no to St. Jude. I’ve seen them tear up and say, ‘I want to go sing or read at that hospital,’ and we make that happen. It’s easy. You can’t fake it. It’s about being genuine.” “We start with the Songwriter’s Dinner, Wednesday night at Castelli’s (an event that now has a wait list). Then there’s Thursday’s Songwriter Night, The Story Behind the Story, and Friday night’s Rheney Palooza Jam featuring rock and roll icons and surprise guests. We get them on the golf course Saturday. By then we’ve been playing and having a good time and then that night at the Soiree, it is all about the hospital. We’ll bring up families of the patients – Miss Mary, a grandmother who is a preacher with a Southern drawl will speak, and when she speaks, people listen. She’s going to get up there, reach down and grab your gut. It will evolve from a fun, good time into quite an emotional event.” “Here’s the thing about St. Jude,” Rheney continued. “If you have a kid and you go to your pediatrician who tells you that your child has Neuroblastoma (for example) and that there’s nothing they can do for you, St. Jude will get you on a plane to their hospital within four hours. And, by the way, you’re not paying for anything. You’ll have lodging, and gift cards for the grocery store. There are certain cancers that are rare in children that only occur in about ten cases a year. Some of the drug routines for treating those cancers cost 300k. There are just not enough occurrences for those drugs to make it profitable for pharmacology companies to produce them, so St. Jude makes them. Their research to find cures for childhood cancer is even leading to potential cures for other diseases such as ALS. With 81 cents of each dollar donated going to straight to patient care, it’s pretty remarkable.” Not every golf tournament is combined with such a fantastic line up of music.

Rheney, having lived in Nashville for much of his adult life after college, approached, his fraternity brother, Andy Kerr, with his idea for a songwriter’s night and a rock and roll jam. “I called up Andy and said, ‘I need a house band.’ He said, ‘I got them.’ They’re called Six Wire; some of Nashville’s top musicians including lead singer Andy Childs.” Kerr, Childs and Rheney make a dynamic and effective trio, relying on each other’s strengths to produce an incredible signature music experience for the four day event. “Andy Kerr is the detail guy, Andy Childs is the music director, and I bring in celebrities. There’s a certain degree of artistry that goes into the production of something like this. This is one of the few charity events where the production crew has been inspired to give back to the charity (to the tune of 10k). Do good, good things happen,” says Rheney. When asked about being awarded “Best Committee of the Year” by St. Jude in 2015, followed by Rheney being named “Volunteer of the Year” in 2016, Rheney says, “We are a working board. Each member will spend over 400 hours toward this event while working and taking care of their own families. For them to get recognized, that was pretty special. The Warburton has become St. Jude Hospital’s number one event, raising over 3 million dollars without any corporate sponsorship. 45 years after making Eagle Scout, being named ‘Volunteer of the Year,’ personally meant the world to me. I threw out my acceptance speech and spoke from the heart that day…it was a top 5 life experience for me.” “We can fight like brothers and sisters,” shared Rheney of him and his board members. “But here’s the deal – a lot of charity boards are made up of people with the same temperaments, talents and convictions… in other words, they’re pretty likely to agree with each other. I like to think we have 17 people who are very different in the talents that they bring. It’s my job to get the most out of them and give them the opportunity to succeed so that, ultimately, St. Jude benefits. It’s a charity, but when it comes down to it, you’re running a business – you’re in the business of raising money. We’ve found a formula that works and we’ll keep going with it.” “We work hard and we play hard,” he adds. “These people sacrifice a lot of personal and family time, so occasionally we go to Neil’s or Castelli’s (that’s my personal Cheers) and cut loose a little,” he says with a smile. “We bond. We truly are a family.” By year 10, this family of charity board members hopes to pay for one full day at the hospital over the course of one weekend. For more information on the tournament and its surrounding events, and how you can get involved, visit patrickwarburtongolf.com.

LOCAL MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

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February 16 to February 22, 2017

BY NOE GUTIERREZ

DESERT REGGAE RESIDENCY: MOZAIQ & DJ JOURNEE OF STRONGHOLD REGGAE

aturday, February 18, 2019 at 9 p.m. at Tack Room Tavern marks the return of ‘Desert Reggae Residency’. In conjunction with Ronnie King Music and Coachella Valley Weekly, Desert Music brings you Mozaiq LIVE with ‘special guest’ DJ Journee of Stronghold Reggae. The show is free and open to the public. Music starts at 9 p.m. Having hosted international artists like Rasun and Vibes Up Strong, then incorporating Desert Reggae artists such as Irie Junctions, Mikey Reyes Acoustic Movement and Higher Heights for its first two shows in 2014 and 2015, the Coachella Valley has developed into a reggae music destination. Desert Music vows to continue the pursuit of making an impression with our Desert Reggae artists. Coachella Valley Weekly spoke with Mozaiq lead vocalist Marc Diaz after his highly successful show at The Hood Bar and Pizza with Irie Junctions to get an update on the band’s progress: ON THEIR CURRENT PLANS: “The big news is…we just signed with Desert Music to represent us. Mozaiq has appointed Noe G. Gutierrez to act on our behalf for the purposes of exclusive representation throughout the world to effectively market us and distribute our music. We’re excited to join Noe and his team as we propel our music and Desert Reggae forward. He has helped already established artists like Kelly Derrickson and Courtney Chambers reach even higher planes. We can’t be any happier. We also plan to play live shows as often as possible. We’ve received amazing reception to our new music here in the valley and we’re anxious to record and get some of our music out to the rest of the world and see how we do. The Coachella Valley is our home, and knowing that we’re loved and respected here means more to us than anything.”

Photo By Sandy Segoviano

“We’re booked to record with the highly-talented artist/producer E.N Young, next month in Imperial Beach. E.N is well known for performing with Tribal Seeds and producing many successful reggae artists like: Hirie, Inna Vision, Ryan Gonzo and Tribal Seeds to name a few. We are beyond blessed and excited to have E.N. record and produce our first few singles. We’ll be recording two moZaiq originals and releasing them each individually. The first is titled, ‘Without You,’ a song about moving on after a broken relationship and finding positivity in a new life. The second song we’re still a bit unsure, but we’re leaning towards ‘FIYAH! FIYAH!’ a song about empowerment and self-motivation.” ON REGGAE MUSIC: “As a band, we actually talk about this a lot because we are so focused on having a truthful, conscious message in our music. Reggae is the ONE genre of music, thanks to Bob Marley and countless other reggae pioneers, that not only speaks about the truth in ‘the struggle’ and the injustices and the turmoil and darkness that our world is in, but it offers a solution in its key message of revolution and global awakening through peace, love and unity of ALL people, ALL races, ALL religions, ALL nations. ONE LOVE ...that’s what reggae means to us and that is what we, as a band, feel we are called to do: Glorify God through our music, speak only of the truth; all, while hopefully laying down a deep groove that people can feel and move to. We choose Reggae music over other genres... because of the consciousness of the message and the unity it endeavors to create.” ON THE DESERT: “The desert is our home and our love. We are so proud when we play outside of the valley and we can yell to the crowd that we’re from the Coachella Valley and represent Coachella Valley Music. It’s the single reason we have it featured into our band logo with the silhouette of palm trees and wind mills because no matter where we go, or how far this music takes us, we’re from the Coachella Valley and we’ll NEVER forget where we came from, period. Without our people behind us here, we can do nothing.” ON DESERT REGGAE: “I feel strongly that Desert Reggae is on the move upward. We would love

nothing more than to create a massive reggae scene here and we have to be the examples by finding success through hard work and humility, just for the LOVE of creating beautiful music.” We are interested in continuing to organize and unify the scene here to create some noise for Desert Reggae. Being affiliated with Desert Music, Ronnie King Music and Coachella Valley Weekly is an honor and a privilege. We know what’s right in front of us and we will take advantage of the opportunity while remaining humble and thankful.” Joining Mozaiq on stage for a unique

cross-over performance will be Desert Music artist Courtney Chambers. If you want to see Desert Reggae history in the making, you will attend the Desert Reggae Residency show and be a part of the union. The Tack Room Tavern is located at 81800 Avenue 51 in Indio, California. This show is FREE! DJ JOURNEE OF STRONGHOLD REGGAE DJ Journee has previously participated in Desert Reggae Residency and continues to fortify his ‘residency’ at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club in Palm Springs every second Saturday of the month. DJs Journee and Dash Eye spin you the best Roots, Culture, Dance Hall and Lover’s Rock reggae. DJ Journee will be supplying the music for Desert Reggae Residency before, during and after Mozaiq’s sets. Mozaiq is: Marc Diaz – vocals Daniel Torres – lead/rhythm guitar Noel Morin – drums/vocals Ryan Kerr – keys/vocals

TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR THE BIANCA RAE FOUNDATION’S 5TH ANNUAL FAITH, HOPE & PUPS

ickets are now on sale for the 5th Annual Faith, Hope & Pups polo luncheon being held Sunday, February 19 at 10 a.m. at the Empire Polo Club in Indio (81-800 Avenue 51). This event will raise much-needed funds for local animal welfare organizations including The Bianca Rae Foundation, Humane Society of the Desert and Loving All Animals. Tickets are $100 per person or $950 for a table of ten and can be purchased at BiancaRaeFoundation.org. Reception and silent auction will kick off the day’s festivities with brunch and a live auction happening just before the noon polo match. Also featured will be a raffle, various vendors, and adoptable dogs on site hoping to find their forever home. “I’m beyond proud of the work and growth of the Bianca Rae Foundation in just the past three years. This signature fundraising event of ours has raised significant money to aid the plight of homeless animals in the valley,” said Bianca Rae, founder of The Bianca Rae Foundation. “So many people come together to make this day the success it is, and that is a testament that there is a face behind the movement to become a No-Kill Coachella Valley.” Local KESQ News Channel 3 morning anchor, Bianca Rae, created The Bianca Rae Foundation in 2012 and established Faith, Hope & Pups, now a signature February

EVENTS FUNDRAISER BENEFITING LOCAL ANIMAL WELFARE ORGANIZATIONS

event. Her aim was to raise money and awareness for the Coachella Valley’s many homeless companion animals and since then, more than $100,000 has been distributed to animal welfare nonprofits. Event sponsors include KESQ News Channel 3 The Deserts News Leader, Empire Polo Club, Humane Society of the Desert, My Little Flower Shop, RumChata, The Slice Pizzeria, Brandini Toffee, Signs By Tomorrow, Freeze Booth Photo, Icon Presentations, Ice Magic Sculptures and Dunkin Donuts. For more information, visit BiancaRaeFoundation.org. The Bianca Rae Foundation is committed to helping kids and animals in their pursuit of a positive and happy future. The Foundation helps fund spay and neuter clinics/adoption events as well as Rae Of Hope Leadership Retreats for middle school girls. One hundred percent of donations go toward the Foundation’s mission of being a voice for children and animals.

February 16 to February 22, 2017

LOCAL MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

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BY ESTHER SANCHEZ

KCLB PRESENTS.. LOCAL BAND NIGHT!

THE ANNUAL RIVERSIDE COUNTY EVENTS FAIR & NATIONAL DATE FESTIVAL IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE A STAR-STUDDED PERFORMER LINEUP FOR 2017

DESERT MUSIC SCENE GETS SUPPORT FROM LOCAL RADIO

retty much any Coachella Valley resident who hasn’t been living under a rock for the past couple of decades can tell you that our beloved desert empire has become a virtual Mecca to artists of all types. From the dusty, rock formations of Joshua Tree to the fertile fields of Thermal, musical acts from multiple genres have been emerging around every corner. These artists are proud of their desert roots and are starving for their chance to make their mark on the valley and beyond. The venues that are willing and equipped to feature local musicians are vastly limited considering the sheer volume of acts available to perform. That said, support from local media is extremely important. So, when I sat down for a chat with local radio personality Todd Killman, AKA, T.K. from 93.7 KCLB and he informed me of his vision for a platform for promotion of local music, I was definitely intrigued. A So-Cal native, T.K. grew up in San Diego and began his career in radio at the age of 17. T.K.: “I have been fascinated with radio since I was 7 years old and I always loved music. At some point it dawned on me that you could get into radio broadcasting and love music and do both. I loved both equally but was having a difficult time making the connection between music and radio because in my experiences, it seemed like so many of the folks in radio didn’t particularly love the music so much as they were

broadcasting in the DJs sort of corporate way of doing it.” T.K. continues… “With all of the stations I have worked for in the past, whether commercial stations or not, we were always able to find a way to reach out to the community and include them in what we were doing, which is what we are striving for now at KCLB. There is something amazing about being able to support and nurture the local scene which is what community is all about and what local radio should and is supposed to be about. To be able to reach beyond the commercial aspect of radio and promote our neighbors should be what it’s all about.” T.K. and the good folks at KCLB aren’t just spewing nonsense with their ideas of supporting local musicians. In fact they have already began booking shows at local venues such as The Hood Bar and Pizza in Palm Desert and are bringing local bands on the air for interviews and live performances, which they intend on making a regular affair. T.K. “We are reaching out to everyone in the valley. This is what local radio is supposed to be all about and we at KCLB are so proud to be a part of trying to make our local scene as huge as it deserves to be.” KCLB will be hosting local favorites Right On Right On with The After Lashes and Drop Mob this Sunday, Feb. 19th at The Hood Bar and Pizza, 21 and over, no cover.

he Eli young Band will be performing at the Fair on Saturday, February 18th at 7:30 p.m. With three number one hits under their belt as well as a Grammy nomination and an Academy of Country Music Award for Song of the Year for their hit “Crazy Girl,” the Eli Young Band approached their second Republic Nashville album, 10,000 Towns, with a sense of confidence and purpose. “We were genuinely excited about making this new record,” says bassist Jon Jones. Voz de Mando will be performing at the Fair on Sunday, February 19th at 7:30 p.m. The band made a name for itself with the self-released albums Levantando la Vos (2009) and 12 Impactos de Alto Calibre (2009). The early success led to a contract with Universal’s Latin music imprint Disa Records. In 2010, they made their major label debut with Con la Nueva Federacion. One of several songs on the album written by Gaxiola brother Miguel, the corrido “Comandos del M.P. (500 Balazos),” was a breakout hit single for the group, reaching the Top Ten in the Billboard Regional Mexican Songs chart. Cheap Trick will be performing at the Fair Friday, February 24th at 7:30 p.m. Cheap Trick is part of the very fiber of American music, inspiring and delighting generations with their unique union of massive melodies and razorblade riffs, their own special brand of mischievous wit and maximum rock ‘n’ roll. Frontlined since 1974 by Robin Zander (vocals, rhythm guitar), Rick Nielsen (lead guitar) and Tom Petersson (bass guitar), the Rockford, IL-born band is set to impact still another era with the spectacular new BANG ZOOM CRAZY…HELLO, their 17th studio collection and first in more than five years. WAR will take the stage at the Fair on Friday, February 25th at 7:30 p.m. WAR

spoke out against racism, hunger, gangs, crimes and turf wars as they climbed the charts with hits such as, “Low Rider,” “Don’t Let No One Get You Down,” “Why Can’t We Be Friends?,” “The Cisco Kid” and “Slippin’ Into Darkness.” WAR’s global popularity is a tribute to the timelessness of its music and message. Perhaps, nothing epitomizes this truth greater than the fact that WAR has twice been honored by its hometown of Los Angeles, over twenty years apart, for its music making positive contributions to the betterment of the community. “There will always be a reason to play our songs,” says singer/keyboardist Lonnie Jordan. On the last day of the Fair, Sunday, February 26th, Super Fiesta will pack the house with excitement. Performing in the Fantasy Springs Concert Pavilion at 3pm is Los Areyes La Sierra and Sonora Santanera. Presented by Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, as always, the headliner entertainment is included with the price of Fair admission. New in 2017 is Robosaurus and Jest In Time Circus. You won’t want to miss the world’s largest transformer will stun fairgoers with thirty tons of car-crushing, fire breathing, awe-inspiring entertainment on closing Sunday of the Fair, February 26th. Families are sure to be delighted by the physical comedy and juggling acts of the Jest in time Circus at the Family Fun Stage daily! Back, and always a favorite are the hilarious and unpredictable Camel & Ostrich Races, the Marvelous Mutts, WGAS Monster Trucks & Demo Derby and the Nightly Musical Pageant. The Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival is a sure way to entertain the entire family, and all at the price of a single admission ticket! For more info or to purchase tickets go to datefest.org or call 800-811-FAIR.

ART SCENE

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BY ANGELA ROMEO

February 16 to February 22, 2017

BACKSTAGE JAZZ

BY PATTE PURCELL

‘ILLUMINATING MODERNISM’ ANNALISA CAPURRO BOB DESENA LATIN BAND AT “JAZZ AT

o say that Annalisa Capurro is passionate about the protection and preservation of mid-century architecture would be an understatement. This Australian, aka Ms. Modernism, is the caretaker of the iconic 1957 Sulman Awardwinning Jack House by architect Russell Jack in Sydney. She lectures at the Sydney’s Design Centre Enmore. She is a much sought after public speaker and architectural tour host for the Historic Houses Trust, Australian Architecture Association, Twentieth Century Society and the Design Institute of Australia. Annalisa is also an architectural photographer and most importantly will be exhibiting during Modernism Week 2017. Contrast + Repetition, hosted by Mark Davis of The Art Room, 68845 Perez Rd. Unit H-6, Cathedral City, CA, will primarily feature Annalisa’s black and white photography along with a few select color images. The photographs are indicative of her passion for architecture and particularly all things modern. The exhibition will be open to the public and run the length of Modernism Week. An opening reception is set for Sunday, February 19, from 7-10 p.m. Mid-century modern is used to describe the period from 1933-1965. This period saw a change in style and brought designers such as, Florence Knoll, Le Corbusier George Jensen, Russell Wright and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. The era brought forth the work of architects such as Albert Frey, Joseph Eichler, Richard Neutra and Donald Wexler. For many the movement ushered in the change that society was going through – the atomic age was beckoning and all things “new” and streamline were being introduced. Yes, the man in the gray flannel suit wanted to work 9 to 5 and be the family man on the weekend, but suburban ideal was the latest and most modern appliances and conveniences. The lure of midcentury design continues to be the clean timeless design that still offers the promise of simplicity and the flying car in the driveway. And good design will always attract one’s eye. Annalisa believes “Good design doesn’t date.” The images presented in her exhibition do carry that message. The lines of the architecture stand as testament to

THE MANSION” 420 FRIENDLY PARTY ob DeSena is not only one of my

Annalisa’s tenet – good design is timeless. Annalisa’s interest in repeated forms and the patterns they create within the built environment reinforce not only the crispness of design but also that promise of uncomplicated organic design wrapped in the brave new world of technology. There is an element of hope that permeates mid-century aesthetic. Her photographic exhibition articulates and accentuates these elements, sometimes to the point of abstraction, using light, along with high contrast black and white, to manipulate negative and positive space. Viewing the images one feels as though they have landed on an alien yet very familiar place. The “Twilight Zone” quality of the work masterfully captured by the starkness presents to many Coachella residents a new way of viewing our own environment. Noted Annalisa, “My aim is to get people to see these modernist/midcentury buildings in a new light, with the hope of fostering a new appreciation. People look after what they love. I call it ‘preservation by appreciation’. It’s what I am all about. And it’s what Modernism Week is all about.” There is functional beauty that Annalisa captures. In a throw-away society built upon the falseness of the reality TV world, she reinforces the notion that old does not necessarily mean obsolete or irrelevant. Follow her at Instagram.com/ms.modernism and Facebook.com/MsModernism.

favorite musicians but he’s also a dear friend. We met on Facebook and I had him at our Celebrity Jam Latin Night last February and at every Celebrity Jam since then. He is a multi-talented composer, vibes, trumpet, and flugelhorn player and he’s a vocalist. I listen to his music often and enjoy the sexy Latin rhythms he produces. His last CD After Midnight won the LA Music Awards Jazz Album of the Year (24th Annual) and he also received Jazz Artist of the Year in 2014. In 2015, he was nominated for the Los Angeles Music Award for International Jazz Artist of the Year for the United States and he also received a Lifetime Achievement Award for live musical performer. This year he is receiving the Las Vegas Fame Award on March 23 for Best Jazz Live Performer at the Hard Rock Rock Hotel and Casino. It’s tribute night and they asked him to perform some Santana music. So he and his band will be performing a Tribute to Carlos Santana. As an added bonus, he’s bringing in the desert’s own Alex Santana on guitar to perform with him. He’s a regular performer at the Fisherman’s Village Music Series in Marina Del Ray and has been performing there for 18 years and will be back on Saturday, Feb. 25. It’s a beautiful outdoor venue. He’s also a regular performer at the Huntington Beach Concert Band Series and has been for 20 years. His biggest project is a live jazz club in Las Vegas that he’s been working on. The location is set in the heart of the Las Vegas strip and he’s close to having the investors he needs. If everything goes, it will open sometime in 2017 about a mile from the new NFL stadium that is opening. He will be performing with his band and will also feature other live jazz groups. They will then play salsa music until 5 in the morning. This is something so needed in Las Vegas away from the clanging of the slot machines. Go Bob! I’m pleased to announce that Bob and his band will be performing at the next Jazz at the

Mansion, a 420 Friendly Party in Palm Springs on Sunday, Feb. 26, from 4:20 until 7:00 pm. It’s a private Party with an all- inclusive ticket for $75 that includes appetizers from Todo El Dia, Alien Tequila Anejo, Reposado, and Silver tastings (sipping tequila), vendor gifts from 420 sponsors including Cy Solutions, Crater Lake specialty mixed cocktails, limo valet from Palm Springs Limousine from parking to the mansion and more. Sponsorship support by Coachella Valley Weekly. You are free to bring your own bottle of wine or other liquor as this is a private party. The show will open with Alex Santana on guitar (he will also be playing with Bob, and then Amsterdam Connection (from Holland) will be performing from 4:30-5:00. Bob and his band will start at 5 and play until 7:00. Our last party saw the movers and shakers of the desert in attendance. Everyone loved it! We hope to be doing more 420 friendly Jazz events throughout the year. To get on ‘the list’ for an invitation text your name and email to 1-702-219-6777 and we’ll text you the ticket link. Address of the mansion is given with the ticket purchase. To contact Bob visit his website at bobdesena.com or call 702-994-0776.

February 16 to February 22, 2017

CONSIDER THIS

JIMMER S “

BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

“GOD LIKE THE SUN” (JIMMERMUSIC.COM)

omedays I confess I’m happy living with unhappiness, somedays I’m right as can be, some kind of faith has got a hold on me/Somedays I embrace the world just like we were the best of friends, and somedays I can’t resist doing shit to make my girlfriend pissed.” That’s Jimmer Podrasky on his song “Rollercoaster USA.” Those concise couplets perfectly encapsulate the dichotomy that is Jimmer. He is equal parts endearing and exasperating, a romantic with a rebel heart, but most of all, he’s a Rock N Roll survivor. Jimmer grew up in Natrona Heights, a small steel town just north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Early on, music became a lifeline. He was inspired by Punk Rock and John Prine in equal measure. In 1979, while attending college at Carnegie-Mellon, he formed the first incarnation of his band, the Rave-Ups. The four-piece gained a loyal following playing local Punk Clubs, like the Electric Banana. Soon, the band relocated to L.A. and quickly imploded. The other members returned home, but Jimmer stuck it out, recruiting new bandmates in 1982. Two years later the line-up had solidified with Jimmer handling lead vocals and guitar, Tim Jimenez on drums, Tommy Blatnik on bass and Terry Wilson on lead guitar. By day, some of the guys worked in the mailroom of A&M records. By night, the fourpiece honed their sound in myriad L.A. clubs. They created an irresistible amalgam of Country, Blues, Folk, Pop and Punk. Teen actress Molly Ringwald was an ardent fan of the band. In fact, Jimmer had begun dating her older sister, Beth. When writerdirector John Hughes, (a.k.a. the Teen-whisperer), wrote the movie “Pretty In Pink” for Molly, she used her considerable clout to get the Rave-Up’s in the movie. The quartet was featured performing two indelible tracks in the film, “Positively Lost Me” and “Rave-Up/Shut Up.” “Pretty In Pink” was a huge hit, when it came out in the Spring of 1986. Ironically, A&M released a soundtrack which was packed with “oh-so-‘80s” synth hits from New Order and OMD. Weirdly, there was no room in the grooves for the Rave-Up’s rangy Roots-Rock. (A style that presaged the Americana and alt. country by nearly a decade). The irony wasn’t lost on local music critics, who devoted a lot of ink railing at A&M’s short-sightedness. Despite the missed opportunity, the RaveUp’s raised profile translated into bigger gigs and more fans. Their long-awaited long-playing debut, Town+Country, had been released in 1985 through the indie label, Fun Stuff. Exposure from

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

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the movie meant it went into heavy rotation on L.A.’s big alternative station, KROQ, and MTV began playing their videos. Major labels came calling and following a protracted dispute with Fun Stuff, the band signed with Epic, a division of Columbia Records. 1987 saw the release of their assured, first effort for Epic, Book Of Your Regrets. But the heat surrounding the band had cooled considerably. The label, (home to million-sellers like Michael Jackson and the more simpatico Stevie Ray Vaughan), somehow couldn’t figure out how to market them. The L.A. music scene was now in the thrall of Sunset Strip Hair Metal bands, Roots music had gone underground. In 1990, The Rave-Ups made one more record, Chance, named after Jimmer and Beth Ringwald’s infant son, (his face graces the cover). Where Book... was muscular and hook-driven, Chance was expansive and slightly psychedelic. The band actually appeared as themselves on “Beverly Hills, 90210.” Not long after, they called it quits. After the break-up, Jimmer connected with exConcrete Blonde drummer Harry Rushakoff and ex-Agent Orange bassist Sam Bowles and formed the Lovin’ Miserys. They recorded one album that remains unreleased. Pretty soon Jimmer was concentrating on being a full-time single dad to Chance. Music took a backseat and he took a behind-the-scenes job in the movie industry. Although Jimmer walked away from the music business, he never stopped playing and writing music. Through good times and bad, music has always sustained him. Occasionally, the RaveUp’s would reunite for live shows around town, but it was a chance meeting with an admirer and a reunion with an old Natrona Heights pal that got Jimmer back in the recording studio. After a suffering some financial setbacks, Jimmer was shopping for groceries when he met longtime admirer, Robbie Rist. Best known as the child actor who played cousin Oliver on the “Brady Bunch,” (during their horrible fifth and final season), Robbie still acted, but he was also a working musician, playing a variety of instruments in a plethora of L.A. bands. He befriended Jimmer and encouraged him to reignite his music career. Ed Sikov had been childhood friends with Jimmer, playing sports and bonding over books, movies and poetry. The friends reconnected on facebook in 2010. A film scholar and author, (he wrote excellent biographies on Billy Wilder and Peter Sellers) Ed generously offered to help finance a solo album. They enlisted producer Mitch Marine, who was also the drummer in Dwight Yoakam’s band. In turn, Mitch corralled another Yoakam alumnus, guitarist Brian Whelen. Ted Russell Kamp, from Shooter Jennings’ band added bass, lap steel and mandolin. Also pitching in were Wallflowers’ keyboardist, Rami Jaffee, more lap steel from Marty Rifkin and backing vocals were provided by Jonathan Clark, Mark Dutton and Sarah Taylor. Jimmer’s solo debut The Would-Be Plans, arrived in early 2014. Receiving rapturous reviews, the album was hailed as the welcome return of a protean talent. The momentum continued in 2016 when the Omnivore label reissued Town+Country, the Rave-Up’s long out of print debut. To celebrate the release, band played a few select dates in L.A. Not letting any grass grow beneath his feet, Jimmer headed back into the studio last year. Mitch Marine gathered together the same wolfpack of players, adding Lee Pardini on keys,

and the result is his sophomore effort, God Like The Sun. The album crackles to life on the opening cut, “Your Heaven Or Mine.” Jangly acoustic guitars crest over piquant electric riffs, warm organ colors and a walloping back beat. The sunshiny arrangement cushions lyrics that shift between sharp social commentary; ”If there’s a God he’s pissed, just take a look at this,” and soul-searching self-preservation; “Know that it’s best to believe...in a God, in love, anything/But I think that it’s best that you’re leaving, ‘cause baby...I got me.” A stinging ‘70s Rock-God guitar solo briefly kicks the tune into interstellar overdrive. Jimmer’s style has always been sui generis, there’s an originality to his phrasing, lyrics melodies and arrangements. Three songs bear his trademark imprimatur, but he’s also added some new colors to his sonic palette. On “Like Money Spent” shimmery guitar, handclap percussion and cascading piano wash over a Roots-Rock melody. Here he equates the ephemeral pleasures of Christmas Day with his brief turn as a Rock Star; “Christmas came and Christmas went, like so much fame, like money spent.” A Glam-tastic guitar solo pinballs through the echo and sway. The aforementioned “Rollercoaster USA” blends smoky harmonica, slap-back bass, sparkling keys and a stuttery back-beat. Jimmer’s countenance is honest and introspective, as he questions his instinct for self-sabotage; “And rollercoast me now, sure was somewhere to be/ But I want to know was I fooling me?” Meanwhile “Shoot The Moon” offers a prickly recollection of his broken romance with Chance’s mom. The melody is a slow-cooked synthesis of Country-Soul anchored by sleepwalk guitar, crisp organ, a swoony doo-wop rhythm and sighing back-up vocals. Their courtship was bumpy; “Well, we fell in love like trucks collide, pretty noisy, pretty hard/It was just like us to find some kind of trouble in our own backyard.” And cohabitation was worse; “Pretty soon we were mom and dad, things went good and things went bad/It was ‘tomayto-tomahto’ to me, everything gets blurry eventually.” Still, Jimmer came out the other side with his sense of whimsy intact. Both “Grandma’s Song” and “The Ballad Of Addie Polk” offer melancholy character studies. The former is propelled by a fluttery martial cadence, churchy organ runs and blistering bottleneck guitar riffs. Jimmer effortlessly slips into the skin of a bereft widow, longing to rejoin her soul-mate. Call-and-response backing vocals give the song a spiritual verisimilitude. The latter opens with skittery, scorching guitar riffs, (think the Osmonds’ “Crazy Horses,” seriously, go ahead and think it). But the arrangement quickly downshifts as strummy acoustic guitars fold into a kick-drum rhythm. Initially, Addie Polk feels like a 21st century

Eleanor Rigby, a lonely recluse dulling the pain with prescription medication. Ultimately, nothing salves her psychic wounds. The album’s best tracks display Jimmer’s effortless sense of Pop-craft. The Psychedelic stomp of “(I’m In Love With) A Girl We All Know” is powered by slithery marxophone runs, (in case you didn’t know, that’s a fretless zither), spooky organ notes and guitars that fuzz and growl. Jimmer’s mien pivots from effervescent to equivocal as he checks off this mystery girl’s attributes and idiosyncrasies; “She’s the wi-fi, she’s the tv, she’s the front door/Now I know who the sun up in the sky’s for…she puts the get in forget-me-not, she makes night of the day/She catches moments that can’t be caught, what else can I say?” The Bubblegum crunch of “Half A Day” echoes the sunny charm of the Archies. Although the lyrics limn the lonely logistics of shared custody, the percolating melody nearly camouflages the sadness and heartbreak “I don’t love you Wednesday through Sunday, all I need is half a chance/Let bygones be bygones because I’m being half-a-dad.” The instrumentation is buoyed by crushed velvet organ, a pummeling back-beat, bangshang-a-lang guitar and peppery backing vocals. Of course, Jimmer being Jimmer, he begins this tale of woe with this well-turned phrase, “Sunday comes as fast as a teenage boy, know what I mean?” (Sadly, yes). Finally, on the duet “You Can Count On Me,” Jimmer pairs with singersongwriter Syd Straw. Although the cognoscenti have been digging Syd’s nonpareil charms since she teamed up with the New York/No Wave collective Golden Palominos waaay back in the ‘80s, she has flown under the radar for most of her career. Along with three brilliant solo records to her name, Syd has performed the aristocracy of alt. (or modern or whatever the fuck you call it) Rock; from the db’s to Rickie Lee Jones, Dave Alvin, Los Lobos and Wilco. Before this entire column is hijacked to extol her myriad attributes, let’s return to Jimmer. “You Can Count On Me” flips the script on Sonny & Cher’s unofficial theme song, “I Got You, Babe.” Over high lonesome pedal steel, chugging guitars and a chunky backbeat, Jimmer and Syd trade sarcastic rejoinders championing each other’s resilience. It’s a sweet n’ sour back and forth until their voices warmly intertwine on the chorus. The album closes on an ambitious note with the title track. A loping song-suite, it opens with a Country-tinged spoken intro before kicking into an urgent rocker. The lyrics offer a mordant meditation on faith, spirituality and love. Gritty guitars and pedal steel pinwheel and collide, the melody is tethered to a galloping gait. Beatific backing vocals act as an insistent Greek chorus latticed over honeyed harmonica notes, as Jimmer presents this cogent theory; “Maybe God is like the sun, well, you know it’s up there but sometimes it’s gone/And maybe love is like that sound when the big tree falls and you’re not around.” A thought provoking conclusion to an amazing record! God Like The Sun extends the winning streak that Jimmer began with Would-Be Plans. Each album confirms his status as a singular singersongwriter. Sure, according to the Chinese Zodiac, this is supposed to be The Year Of The Rooster. But in a perfect world, 2017 would be proclaimed The Year Of Jimmer.

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February 16 to February 22, 2017

PET PLACE

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BY JANET McAFEE

LIMOUSINE SHELTER TOURS MAKING MATCHES

alling Coachella Valley pet seekers! Loving All Animals now takes humans to local shelters and rescues to find their perfect canine or feline best friend. These shelter tours are popular with pet seekers who don’t know where the public and private shelters are located and would like to have an enjoyable experience in selecting a rescue animal. Karen, a passenger on a recent tour reports, “I live here part time and didn’t know where the shelters are located. This was a fabulous experience. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable. We met dozens of dogs and had so much fun!” These limousine shelter tours may be the only program of its kind in the country. Loving All Animals, a Palm Desert animal welfare organization, received a donated limousine several years ago. It served as a moving billboard encouraging the adoption of shelter animals with the message “FROM A HOME IN A SHELTER TO THE SHELTER OF YOUR HOME”. While the stretch limousine was recently retired, the shelter tours continue thanks to Christian Soto, owner of Desert Limo Inc., who graciously offers the use of one of his fabulous SUV limousines. Evanne Levin is the best spokesperson for the limousine shelter tours. She adopted her precious little dog, Bodhi, from the Coachella Valley Animal Campus during last season’s final shelter tour in May. Ev reports, “I can’t say enough for Loving All Animals and their limousine tours. Had this not been available to us, we would not be the thrilled owners of our rescue dog Bodhi. The tour of the BG Bird Gardens was incredibly interesting and informative, the perfect way to begin our day. At $20 for the tour, lunch, comradery, and the chance to meet so many adoptable animals, it was a bargain.” Each tour includes a visit to several shelters as time permits. The first stop is the lovely Pet Rescue Center in Coachella where the homelike setting, beautiful grounds, and agility course defy the stereotype of a

gloomy animal shelter. The dogs run free in the lovely, home like backyard where visitors can meet them. Next stop is our large Riverside County shelter in Thousand Palms, the Coachella Valley Animal Campus. This modern structure with roomy indoor/ outdoor kennels has the largest number of adoptable animals in our Valley. Next door is Animal Samaritans’ state-of-the-art veterinary clinic, and around the corner on Ramon Road there is an opportunity to meet their shelter animals. If potential adopters are interested in large dogs, the Humane Society of the Desert in North Palm Springs is a good resource. Next stop is the gorgeous new Palm Springs Animal shelter with its inviting artwork, pet boutique, modern surgical suite, and of course more animals! Loving All Animals recently added something new to the tours. Guests are treated to a tour of the BG Bird Gardens, a bit of paradise in Palm Desert housing 75 exotic birds in the backyard of the African style mansion. Thatched huts, surrounded by cascading water features and tropical landscape, house some of the gorgeous

feathered residents. A focal point is the lovely flamingo lagoon. A visit to this desert gem is an exciting addition to your day with the animals. Our next limousine tour is scheduled for February 22. A nominal donation of $20 includes refreshments and lunch. Join the fun and meet your “purrfect” match. Contact Loving All Animals at (760) 8347000 or lovingallanimals.org to make your reservation. Jmcafee7@verizon.net

MEET CHAPS This loveable 20-lb Border Terrier fellow adores his humans, but does best as an only pup in your home. Loving All Animals rescued 1-yr-old Chaps from the shelter. Contact (760) 834-7000 or lovingallanimals.org.

MEET MJ MJ is a legend whose original owner was tracked across 3 states through 400 Facebook page. But alas, she ended up at the shelter where www.ForeverMeow. og rescued this precious “Golden Girl”. Contact (760) 335-6767.

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THE VINO VOICE

February 16 to February 22, 2017

BY RICK RIOZZA

MORE RED WINES FOR DINNERTIME!

ice to be back writing regarding our rhetorical red wine truck and all of the vino it’s toting during the desert’s waning winter days. And as we commented last time, our wine community is applauded for considering perhaps new and different red wines apart from the usual Cabs and Merlots. It’s been said that the wine Italians love to drink is Montefalco Rosso. That has our ear. However, what we don’t have is a plentiful supply of the stuff, because the Italians keep so much of it for themselves. Travelers to Umbria know this already, having enjoyed meals in the region. And the folks who’ve been there agree that it is a wine that bespeaks the red—“rosso” soul of Italy. Well—don’t know about all that, a little too dramatic maybe, but the price is right and the wine is fine, indeed very tasty! Umbria is home to the exquisitely intense, quite popular wines of Montefalco Sagrantino D.O.C.G., a wine we covered last winter. It’s a full flavor red with tannins and grit, having unique characteristics that perhaps bear no similarities with any other grape variety in Italy. Flying under the regional radar however is a lighter, more approachable (and generally more affordable) alternative: Montefalco Rosso. As with the famed Brunello di Montalcino and its “baby brother”—Rosso di Montalcino, Montefalco Rosso is the more accessible and “starter-wine” for the budgetconscious version of the great red wine of Umbria. Montefalco Rosso is a blend of Sangiovese and Sagrantino. Sangiovese, as we cover continuously, is the grape of Chianti in Tuscany. The grape, Sagrantino, is probably less known to this readership; but stay tuned, stay thirsty, and give it a stab as we’ll no doubt discuss it again. The D.O.C. requires that Montefalco Rosso be comprised of 60-70% Sangiovese, 10-15% Sagrantino, and the remainder from other red grapes (typically Merlot). Defined by rich deep color, earthy complexity, dusty tannins and concentrated red-black fruits, these wines are ready-todrink. Rosso’s have some fruity bluster, with its red & black cherries and plums along with earth, herbs, and leather notes. Surely it’s got its tannins and an interesting underlying minerality. It’s almost difficult to discuss the unique (step-down) flavor of the Rosso, if one hasn’t tried the “big brother” Sangratino— like trying to describe the flavor profile of a loaded cheese burger: one needs to consume it; then, we well know what’s up. Speaking of burgers, the Rosso would be a fine match—although I’m a bit quirky and partial to pairing hamburgers with Bordeaux! Keeping it Italian, Rosso can pair with aged cheeses, beef, duck, lamb, pasta, pizza, sausages, stews, black truffles, and wild boar. Buon Appetito!!

My favorite Rosso to recommend is the delicious 2012 Terre de la Custodia Montefalco Rosso DOC, around $22. A deep purple red wine, medium bodied, with aromas of wild berries, plum, violets, and mint, with a flavor profile of plum, licorice, earth, tobacco, and bitter chocolate. Good acidity, requiring a couple hours of decanting to bring roundness to the wine. That’s right!—let the baby breathe! Next, please consider the 2013 E. Guigal Crozes-Hermitage, around $22 This wine is also “baby brother” status to the more famous, big, brawny and expensive Hermitage: The north Rhône Syrah that is big on black pepper, dark & plummy fruits, along with bloody, iodine-tinged savors—all in the best imaginable way! This is the wine profile that would pass muster for California diehards—getting their big fruit fix with additional complexities only found in the Syrah of the Rhône Needless to state, Hermitage is uberSyrah—one of the most valued and expensive vino in the world. Its scent and flavor is almost overwhelming, it can age forever, and is like a stellar vintage port without the added brandy. Stunning stuff at stunning prices! In its shadow, is the Crozes-Hermitage that gets you towards that experience, but much easier on the wallet. To you wine enthusiasts, the winery, vineyard owner and producer E. Guigal needs no introduction. You’re quite familiar already that when this winemaker releases

a particular wine, it consistently sets the standard and raises the bar when it comes to brilliance. The 2013 E. Guigal Crozes-Hermitage is medium purple with a dark pitched nose. It carries blackberries and cherries, a little bacon & smoke, flowers and earth on a medium light palate. Silky, smooth and velvety, it’s delicious with meaty foods and comforting stews. What’s not to like in this picture? Let’s revisit a ripasso wine that can revitalize a meal. (Although a touch embarrassing for writers and editors, a “correction-alert” from a previous article, is not principally a problem for wine columnists. We simply get to high-light again a favorite wine pick.) In this case, in my earlier article on ripasso wines, particularly the 2013 Tommasi, Ripasso Valpolicella, the correct bottle price is around $25 to $30. Last time I quoted wine critic Jim Suckling’s praise of the wine. This time, let’s hear from the winemaker himself: “Intense ruby red, the Ripasso has a nose that recalls spicy black pepper and raisin, while the palate is intense and spicy, with lots of sweet red cherry flavors. Pairs with white and red meat, game, and exquisite with a piece of aged Gorgonzola cheese.” That reminds me: it’s time to do a wine & cheese pairing article. Keeping with our red wine theme for the season, let’s find some fresh, hard, or stinky cheeses for a red vino roundup! Cheers!

February 16 to February 22, 2017

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THUR FEBRUARY 16

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bobby Furgo & Co 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Discoteca w/ DJ Victor Rodriguez 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Trio w/ Francesca Amari, Bill Marx and Doug MacDonald 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 DJ and Dancing 9pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 John Stanley King 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CHILL BAR; PS; 760-327-1079 Symara Stone 6:30pm THE CONGO ROOM; PS; 760-322-7353 Karaoke 7pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 The Bill Baker Show 6pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 Barry Baughn and Bob Gross 6:30pm GADI’S RESTAURANT AND BAR; YV; 760-3656633 Open Mic Night 7pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Chris Lomeli 7pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Open Mic 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-3456466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Punk Rock Night 9pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LA RUE BISTRO; LQ; 760-296-3420 Slim Man 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Hot Rox LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live Entertainment 5:30pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Country Night w/ Whiskey Tango 8pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 Quinto Menguante 8-1am MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm MIRAMONTE; IW; 760-341-2200 Courtney Chambers 5-8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Brandy Clark, Greg Holden and Sara Petite 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Game Night 9pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Gutter Candy 9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 The Smooth Brothers 7pm STUFT PIZZA; PD; 760-777-9989 Acoustic Live 6pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 T-Bone Karaoke 8pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Anthony DiGerlando Show 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Robert Salisbury 5-6pm, Carolyn Martinez Trio 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-9pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Derek Jordan Gregg 6pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Linda Peterson Jazz 6pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 8pm

FRI FEBRUARY 17

19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 TBA 9pm 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Alex Santana 6:30pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 The Sleep-Over 9pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 The Gilmore & Bryan Show 6:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Friday Night Sour Hour w/ Pink Lemonade Drag Show 9pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Daise, The Brosquitos, The Big Nothing, Dreamers DoTap and Nicolas Artorius Lara 9pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Dude Jones 9pm BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-501-0620 The Carmens 6pm THE BLOCK; C.C.; 760-832-7767 Karaoke 9pm BLUE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-7755566 DJ Double A 8pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 The Stanley Butler Trio 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 CATHEDRAL CANYON GOLF CLUB;C.C.; 760328-6571 Coachella Valley All Stars 6-9pm THE CONGO ROOM; PS; 760-322-7353 Guzman Jr. 7pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 The Bill Baker Show 6pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 DJ Ceddy Cedd 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 Gina Carey 6pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 The Myx 8:30pm THE HARD ROCK HOTEL PS; PS; 760-3259676 Esjay Jones Presents: Acoustic Sessions w/ Eevaan Tre and Bill Anderson 8pm Lobby THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 5th Town, Upper Class Poverty and The After Lashes 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Bill Ramirez 6:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-3456466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Live DJ 8:30pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Petting Zoo 8pm LA QUINTA BREWERY;PD; 760-200-2597 Derek Jordan Gregg 7pm LA RUE BISTRO; LQ; 760-296-3420 Slim Man 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company in the afternoon, Hot Rox in the night LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live Entertainment 5:30pm

LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Kool Breeze 9pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-9991995 DJ Jerry 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm MITCH’S ON EL PASEO; PD; 760-779-9200 Michael Keeth 12-3pm MOXIE; PS; 760-318-9900 Eevaan Tre 5-8pm 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 DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-3450222 Agave Bluesmasters 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Cordovas 8pm PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 Karaoke 7:30pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Steven Brinberg: Simply Barbra 8pm RANCHO LAS PALMAS; RM Meltdown 5:30pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 The Refills 9pm RIVIERA; PS; 760-327-8311 TBA 6-9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Carmens 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOLANO’S BISTRO; LQ; 760-771-6655 Michael Madden 6-9pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Rock 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341-3560 Demetrious and Co. 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Off Da Cuff 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Pat Rizzo & Dennis Michaels 6:30pm TJ’S; PD; 760-345-6744 TBA 9pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE; MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-755-5391 The Rick Whitfield Band 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Meet the Corwins 5:30pm, The John Stanley King Show 8pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 T.B.A. 1:304:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am WANG’S IN THE DESERT; PS; 760-325-9264 Karaoke 8:30pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 Michael Keeth 6-10pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Rob Martinez and Todd Ashley ft. Lisa LaFaro Weselis 5-8:30pm

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February 16 to February 22, 2017

THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Abie Perkins and Bert Vela 7pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 TBA 7-11pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Yve Evans Jazz Brunch 10am-2pm, The Stanley Butler Band 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ Bigster 9pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 E & J Movement Motown Event 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 9pm

LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company, in the afternoon, Hot Rox, in the night LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live Entertainment 5:30pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Kool Breeze 9pm 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bev THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999& Bill 6:30pm 1995 Basix 9pm 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 TBA 9pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 The Sleep-Over MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm 11am poolside, The Sleep-Over 9pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm Cabaret on the Green Open Mic 7:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Denise Carter 7:30pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-327BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 DJ Kronika 4080 Telos 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-345and Space Grave 9pm 0222 Meltdown 6:30pm BEATNIK LOUNGE; JT; TBA 9pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Lucky Shadow Mountain Band 5pm, Lola Kirke and Tongue 9pm BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760-775-5566 Wyndham 9pm PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 Karaoke DJ 9pm 7:30pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Gina Carey PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND 6-10pm COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; Karaoke 9pm PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Trish, Hans CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick and Phil 8pm Tuzzolino 5:30pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Grit Band 9pm CHILL BAR; PS; 760-327-1079 TBA 9pm RIVIERA; PS; 760-327-8311 Michael Keeth THE CONGO ROOM; PS; 760-322-7353 7-10pm Guzman Jr. 7pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 The SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm Bill Baker Show 6pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S DATE SHED; IND; Cash’d Out and Lisa & The MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn Gents 8pm Blues 8-11pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Carmens ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2288-11pm 1199 DJ Ceddy Cedd 9pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm 9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-329-7929 Jack Ruvio 6pm GADI’S RESTAURANT AND BAR; YV; 760-365- Karaoke w/ Milly G 6pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron 6633 Dana Larson & Friends 6-9pm James 6pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 TBA SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin 8:30pm THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; Music 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341-3560 760-775-5566 DJ 8pm THE HARD ROCK HOTEL PS; PS; 760-325-9676 TBA 6pm Esjay Jones Presents: Global Lounge Sessions w/ TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Reggae Night w/ Mozaiq and DJ Journee 9pm David Macias and Darlene & Jasmine 8pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Twin Seas, Dennis Michael 6:30pm Blue Diamond & His Grand Mercury, The Violet TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760Minefield 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; 328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm TRYST; PS; 760-832-6046 TBA 10pm PS; 760-322-9000 Bill Ramirez 6:30pm VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-755HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345- 5391 DJ Hektik 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Rose 6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm Mallett & Barney McClure 5pm, Kal David, Lauri JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Bono & The Real Deal 7:30pm TBA 9pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Rob & JB 1:30-4:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines LA RUE BISTRO; LQ; 760-296-3420 Slim Man 6pm 9-2am

SAT FEBRUARY 18

SUN FEBRUARY 19 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob Garcia 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 The Sleep-Over 11am AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Brunch w/ Shelley Mark Kahny 11am AZUL;PS; 760-325-5533 The Judy Show 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Latin Night w/ DJ LF, Richie Rich 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Michael Keeth 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT; PS; 888999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 9pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 5:30pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Radio 60 3-6pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm GADI’S RESTAURANT AND BAR; YV; 760-3656633 Dana Larson &Friends 5-8pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 KCLB Holiday Jam Session w/ The After Lashes, Right On Right On and Drop Mob 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-3456466 Ted Herman’s Big Band 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Open Jam 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company, in the afternoon, Hot Rox, in the night LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live Entertainment 5:30pm continue to page 20

February 16 to February 22, 2017

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BILL’S PIZZA COMES TO PALM DESERT!

ast valley pizza lovers take heart, because we no longer have to make the long trek to Palm Springs for scrumptious Bill’s Pizza…as they are now in Palm Desert too! Opened in 2010 at their Palm Springs location, Bill’s Pizza has been satisfying pizza cravings for years. However, for those of us who live east of Palm Springs, we have had to either drive the distance (really only 25 min or so), or go without their award winning pizza. But we can all breathe a sigh of pizza relief now that we have Bill’s Pizza in our own backyard. I have heard about Bill’s Pizza for years, and last December when I saw the “Bill’s Pizza Coming Soon” sign smack dab in the middle of Palm Desert, I was delighted. The building that houses the new tenant has had many lives, from a former Chinese restaurant, to the Village Lounge, Produce Market, and even another pizza place before Bill’s Pizza. Upon entering Bill’s Pizza Palm Desert, you are greeted by an almost dizzying red brick floor and appetite stimulating aromas. It is an inviting space and offers indoor and outdoor seating. Their menu offers pizza many ways. Like most pizza joints, you can either create your own concoction with a myriad of toppings, or try out one of their own tried and true specialty creations. What is not usual however, is their Fast Slice option. This menu choice allows customers to get a large slice “on the fly” and for an awesome price, from $2.75 to $3.25. Fast Slice standard

BY DENISE ORTUNO-NEIL

selections vary from a cheese slice, pepperoni, combo (cheese, sausage, pepperoni, olives, onion) or the Elton John ( garlic infused olive oil sauce, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, cooked spinach, red onions, & four cheeses plus feta) and a specialty pizza slice that changes daily. On our visit to Bill’s Pizza, my boyfriend and I decided to share one of their salads, a 10” specialty pizza and a Fast Slice. For the salad we ordered the Orange Chipotle Candied Pecan salad with mixed greens, candied pecans, jicama, mandarin oranges, avocado, and orange chipotle dressing. The salad was crisp and refreshing with sweet tones from the mandarin oranges and candied pecans. The avocado provided creaminess and the jicama a snap, it was a leveling salad to the upcoming carb fest that we were about to ingest. It was anything but easy to decide on our specialty pizza. The choices were extensive ranging from items such as The Coachella Pizza (Alfredo sauce, smoked bacon, roasted zucchini, red onion, Italian dry salami, mozzarella & parmesan cheese), Bacon Me Cray ( Garlic infused olive oil sauce, cooked spinach, light four cheese, feta cheese, pepperoni, roasted garlic, smoked bacon, diced tomatoes, chili flakes, asiago & parmesan cheeses), Mooselini ( Red sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, Sicilian sausage, chorizo & topped with asiago cheese), the Charlie Sheen (Red sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, salami, smoked bacon, chorizo meat balls, and shaved asiago), plus so many of their most popular pies. With the assistance of our

THE PAMPERED PALATE

kind and informative server Raphael, we chose The Charlie Sheen, which delivered big time with big flavors, much like its namesake. The toppings all worked well together, achieving addictive lavors ( no pun on Charlie intended) all floating on a well baked sour dough crust (imported Italian pizza flour). Our slice selection was geared towards their specialty slice selection for the day, Malot’s Favorite (Bill’s sauce, which is pesto and red sauce, mozzarella, salami, Sicilian sausage, onion, tomato and pineapple). It was fantastic!!With both pizzas on the table, we were overwhelmed….but in a happy way. Both pizzas were absolutely delicious and shined from their creativity and fresh ingredients. Since I wasn’t driving, I indulged in a couple of Stella beers, which because we went on a Monday, and Mondays are Cheap Drink Days all day, I got my beers for only $2.50. It’s quite a deal, and if you like Bud Light, it’s only $.75 for your first one…but only on Mondays. The prices at Bill’s Pizza are not over the top by any means, specialties range from about $12.50 for a 10” and $25.50 for an 18”. They are open for lunch and dinner from 11am to 9pm and until 10pm on the weekends. It is so great that Bill’s Pizza has come to Palm Desert and made it easy for east valley residents as well as Palm Springs residents to partake in their awesome pizza. Thanks Bill! Bill’s Pizza Palm Desert is located at 73-196 Hwy 111, Palm Desert 92260 * 760-834-8476. For more information visit www. billspizzapalmsprings.com.

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February 16 to February 22, 2017

SCREENERS

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BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS

No. 252

KOREAN CULTURE CLASH THE HANDMAIDEN

From celebrated director Park Chanwook (Oldboy, Lady Vengeance, Thirst and Stoker) comes this ravishing crime drama. The story is set in 1930s Korea when a thief goes to work as an heiress’s handmaiden. Thus begins a lush, erotically charged and depraved comedy thriller the New York Times’ called one of the best films

of 2016. Based on the novel “Fingersmith” by British author Sarah Waters, this tale of deception and romance relocates Waters’ story from Victorian-era England to Japanese-occupied 1930s Korea where a Korean street thief (newcomer Kim Taeri) poses as a maid as part of a conman’s (Ha Jung-woo) plot to defraud a wealthy Japanese heiress (Kim Min-hee) living on an isolated estate. Powered by remarkable performances from Kim Min-hee as Lady Hideko, Ha Jungwoo (The Chaser) as the conman who calls

himself the Count and sensational debut actress Tae-ri Kim as the maid Sookee. This masterfully crafted film borrows the most dynamic and sensational elements of its source material and combines it with Park Chan-wook’s singular vision and energy to create an absolutely unforgettable and satisfying viewing experience. NEW BLU FOR THE HOME THEATER: DOCTOR STRANGE 3D The story of Dr. Stephen Strange, Master of the Mystic Arts has mesmerized both audiences and critics world wide, pulling in more than $658.3 million at the international box office to date, earning a 90% critical consensus on Rotten Tomatoes. The biggest single-character introducion in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), it also carries on Marvel Studios winning streak as the 14th consecutive MCU film to debut at #1 at the domestic box office. Now “Doctor Strange” fans can bring home the critically acclaimed blockbuster on Digital HD/3D and Disney Movies Anywhere, or on Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray, Digital SD, DVD and On-Demand (on Feb 28). The Blu-ray and Digital releases come packaged with over 80 (!) minutes of fascinating, never-before-seen bonus materials that you will actually enjoy, including five behindthe-scene featurettes, five deleted scenes, crazy funny outakes, part two of the comical mock “Team Thor,” audio comentary, and an exclusive look at the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The film boasts a superb, awardwinning dream cast, including Benedict Cumberbatch as Strange, Chiwetal Ejiofor as Mordo, Rachel McAdams as Dr. Christine Palmer,Benedict Wong as Wong, Michael Stuhbarg as Dr. Nicodemus West, Benjamin Bratt as Jonathan Pangborn, and Scott Adkins as Lucian/Strong Zealot, with Mads Mikkelsen as Kaecillius and Academy Award® winner Tilda Swinton as The Ancient One. The extraordinary production design is state of the art in every way as is the hi-def 3D disc. Usually, I am not fan of 3D movies on the big or home screen, but this title is an exception and the extra dimension of the visuals helps bring the mystical theme and core story to life in the most vivid, eyepopping way imaginable. There’s so much more to say but space here is limited. Please do not hesitate to bring home this terrific, mystifying and truly mind-bending movie. Take the trip. Highest recommendation. Marvel/Disney Blu-ray 3D. Comments? robinesimmons@aol.com

BOOK REVIEW

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

February 16 to February 22, 2017

BY HEIDI SIMMONS

THE BROKEN PULL TOGETHER -----------------------------------------------------

“WHAT YOU BREAK” BY REED FARREL COLEMAN FICTION -----------------------------------------------------

oes our past affect our future? Does it lie in wait? Or, is our past a part of our present? In Reed Farrel Coleman’s What You Break (Putnam, 358 pages) the past not only plays a part in life, it will rear its ugly head and find the ones you love. This is Coleman’s 25th novel, his second “Gus Murphy” mystery. What You Break finds Murphy, griefstricken and depressed after the death of his 20 something son. His marriage has fallen apart and he’s no longer a cop. Instead, he lives and works at an airport hotel driving the courtesy van, working part-time security and serving as the lounge’s bouncer. The hotel is the perfect hide-away for Murphy. He can keep his head down, and his secrets, and nobody asks too many questions. He discovers that other hotel employees also like to keep a low profiles and secrets. But, when Murphy discovers his Ukrainian buddy, a co-worker and confidant, might be in some trouble, Murphy takes an interest, which leads to him witnessing an assassination. Murphy quickly becomes a person of interest to the police, to the assassin and to his buddy.

At the same time, Murphy’s friend Bill, a former priest, asks Murphy for a favor. The unsanctioned clergyman assisted Murphy through his darkest hours after his son’s death so Murphy is inclined to help. Bill introduces Murphy to a wealthy, unlikable, brutish businessman who wants to find out how his granddaughter died and why. With the granddaughter’s killer already convicted and in prison, Murphy doesn’t completely understand the request, but he reluctantly takes the job when the businessman offers to start a charitable foundation in his son’s name. As Murphy tries to determine the truth about the granddaughter’s life and death, he learns that the businessman’s past is appalling. Murphy realizes he is working for a monster. The businessman confesses that his past is part of the reason he must know why his granddaughter was killed. Meanwhile, Murphy’s Ukrainian buddy finds that his past has caught up to him as well, and it is as disturbing as the businessman’s. Soon, Murphy draws the attention of some very dangerous and despicable people. Author Coleman weaves a gritty tale of emotional suffering and survival. The characters are damaged human beings with dark and complicated pasts. Murphy realizes that he had the perfect

life. As he considers his current predicament he thinks, “Among my family, my friends, my house, my pensions, and time to enjoy them all, I had everything I’d ever wanted. More. Then I didn’t.” Murphy admits that before his son’s death, he never experienced jealousy, resentment or had anger issues. Searching for the truth about the businessman’s granddaughter and helping his Ukrainian friend, he has a growing sense of vengeance for the injustice of his son’s death, and finds a kinship for those who have suffered and lost. The Long Island setting becomes a character in the story as Murphy makes his way around the good and bad parts of town. Author Coleman describes neighborhoods and names streets in such a way that I felt like I was a local. I like how Colman always put his hero in the thick of things. Time after time, Murphy makes things worse for himself. But Murphy can’t help it. He is on a mission he cannot turn away from. Whether it’s bravery or stupidity, he is

compelled to find answers. With short chapters and fresh characters that intersect, the mystery moves quickly. Coleman is able to develop complete lives for his characters providing the reader with a perspective that engenders some empathy. The complicated – in a good way -- ending is full of danger and action. With an unpredictable outcome, Coleman delivers an honest climax and resolution that made my hands sweat. The affable Coleman spoke at the Rancho Mirage Writers Festival in January. He was happy to share his personal story and some of his writing secrets. He told the audience that there are no minor characters. He said, “When you see someone on the street walking his or her dog, know they have a rich life and story to tell.” With his character “Gus Murphy,” Colman said wanted to write about a guy who had it all and believed life was good and easy. He thought a guy like that didn’t understand how challenging life could be until something turned his perfect world upside-down. Before the story begins there is this quote: “What You Break, you own…forever.” The lives of the characters in this novel are all deeply damaged with pernicious pasts they are forced to confront.

SAFETY TIPS

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

DON’T FLU YOURSELF!

he Flu Season is reaching its peak with over 14,000 new infections per week. Imperfect as it is, the flu vaccine is still the best weapon to blunt a virus that can land you in the hospital. And even though it takes 2 weeks for the vaccine to become fully effective, you still have time to get it. Even though it doesn’t prevent the illness, it will prevent more severe outcomes, like hospitalization and death, reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. “Run, do not walk, to get your flu shot.” The vaccine can also cut the chances that you’ll spread the flu to more vulnerable people, like infants and the elderly. Flu seasons usually last for about 12

weeks, experts estimate. But that can vary a lot, depending on where a person lives and how many strains are circulating. What are some ways to protect yourself? Avoid close contact with sick people. Stay at home when you are sick. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Washing your hands will help protect you from catching germs. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Drink fluids even when you feel well. Wash surfaces that are shared with others such as keyboards, telephones, exercise equipment, TV remotes. Exercise regularly. For additional Flu Prevention Tips visit: www.cdc.gov/flu Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

February 16 to February 22, 2017

CLUB CRAWLER NIGHTLIFE continued from page 15

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MON FEBRUARY 20

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TUE FEBRUARY 21

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TOM’S TOP 10 GRAPHIC NOVELS C

omic books used to have a negative reputation. Then Hollywood found out what the rest of us have been enjoying for years, and brought it to the mainstream. With that, I wanted to share my top 10 choices for graphic novels. For those wondering just what a ‘graphic novel’ is: it’s a book featuring a story that highly relies on an artist to “paint the picture” for the audience. Of late, comic book companies have been pumping them out to whet the appetite of folks who may not venture into comic book shops but saw “Captain America Civil War.” People who want to check a title out, not have to worry about a “jumping on point,” and still be able to read about the same characters they just saw on the big screen. At the same time, the graphic novel is not a new concept by any means. Comic companies have been re-releasing their books in ‘collected editions’ for a number of years, whether it be in a hardcover or soft cover form. It has just now begun to be seen as an easier thing to market to a larger audience. I’ve compiled a list of my Top 10 Graphic Novels in hopes of turning folks on to new books and/or books which they’ve yet to read. Please note: a majority of these titles are available in periodical format at your local comic book shop, more than likely available in digital formats from sites like I-Tunes and Comixology, or worst case scenario: they can be ordered on Amazon. 10.) Spider-Man: Kraven’s Last Hunt –MARVEL COMICS - Written by J. M. DeMatteis with art by Mike Zeck. This has to be my one of my favorite Spider-man stories, because instead of the standard comic book set-up of “hero vs villain - the hero saves the day as the villain is led off to jail”, you spend a majority of this book worrying if and how Spider-man is going to be taken out by Kraven, a villain with something to prove who wants to kill Spider-man. 9.) All-Star Superman- DC Comics - Written by Grant Morrison with art by Frank Quitely. Before I go into this, I want to explain that I generally find Superman to be one of the blandest and most boring characters in fiction. Granted, I realize without Superman appearing in Action Comics # 1 we’d be talking about something else. The reason why I chose this story was not only due to Frank Quitely’s art but also because Grant Morrison, for all his faults, actually wrote a story about Superman

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and his supporting casts’ back stores, without the baggage. It has the pacing of a movie I know I’d watch. With that, Morrison also did what a lot of writers in comics are afraid to: mix up the status quo. Kill the main character, show a human-esque side of an alien that longs to be truly human. I mean, Clark Kent tells Lois Lane he’s Superman. That reason alone should be enough to go pick up the book. 8.) Groom Lake – IDW Publishing - Written by Chris Ryall with art by Ben Templesmith. This story was handed to me by a friend. I read it because I was researching Templesmith’s work for another geek related endeavor, and not only could I not put it down, but I couldn’t stop laughing. I mean generally when you hear that a story revolves around aliens, a secret government base, and conspiracies, you’re not expecting to see some of the stuff that is drawn and talked about in this book. It WILL make you laugh out loud. 7.) Kingdom Come – DC Comics - Written by Mark Waid with art by Alex Ross. This story is one of the best examples of what DC comics calls an “Elseworld” story. Basically it’s their way of saying “what if all this stuff happened?” and “here’s the new status quo; if you don’t like it, well tough.” In this story we not only see a future where heroes like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman have all grown apart, but their successors have brought the planet to the edge of chaos. Now somebody has to go back and try (‘try’ being the operative word here) to stop them and save the day. What makes this story stand out even more is Alex Ross’ art. That man has to be one of the BEST modern artists in all of comics. 6.) Wolverine - MARVEL COMICS - Written by Chris Claremont with art by Frank Miller. This is the first solo adventure of Wolverine. It is honestly some of writer Chris Claremont’s best work. As we are all familiar with Claremont and how he is basically responsible for everything fans love about the X-Men, this story took him over the top. It not only took a fan favorite character out of the only book fans could find him at the time (yes it was 1982 and there was only a single X-Men title on the shelf), but it also crafted a story which is very gritty and honest. Plus there’s Wolverine fighting ninjas for 4 straight issues, and all of it was

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WED FEBRUARY 22

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BY THOMAS NOVAK drawn by Frank Miller. Oh, and yes, before anyone asks: this is also the story from which the producers of “The Wolverine” sampled from, minus, the giant stupid robot with the fiery swords. 5.) Wormwood: Gentleman Corpse Vol. 3, Calamari Rising- IDW Publishing - Written and drawn by Ben Templesmith. After reading this Graphic novel, I think it’s safe to say that Ben Templesmith is a genius. He’s found a way to make a talking, trans-dimensional worm the main character of a story in which it rides around in a corpse, consumes alcohol, and hangs out at a strip club with a robot drinking buddy and an exotic dancer/ body guard. I mean, I can honestly say I’ve never taken hard drugs; and don’t feel I need to after witnessing Templesmith’s awesome art and writing style in this book. If you want to not only laugh, but also sit in awe of amazing art and writing then pick this book up! 4.) House of Gold & Bones – Dark Horse - Written by Corey Taylor with art by Richard Clark. When most people think of Corey Taylor, they think of one of the two metal bands he fronts. Whether it be Slipknot or Stone Sour, most have no idea that he’s an accomplished author. Taylor is no one-trick-pony by any means, and this book is proof of that. It’s a story which not only features some wonderful art by Richard Clark, but also shares a title with two albums by Taylor’s band Stone Sour, and actually has more in common with 1984 and Pink Floyd’s the Wall. It’s scary to the point where you want more, even if the story has come to an end. 3.) The Dark Knight Returns - DC Comics - Written and drawn by Frank Miller. This is one of the best Batman stories ever written. Period. Everyone knows it because it’s stood the test of time. This book took the character and brought it back to its roots, helping it shed the campy reputation gained with the 1960s TV show. It had even gotten to the point that fans demanding more prompted Miller to write two sequels. Interestingly too, the origin of this book came of Miller freaking out about growing old himself. In the PBS Documentary “Superheroes” Miller says “Something terrible happened, I turned 29 years old and I realized I was about to turn 30 and I was going to be older than Batman and I could not let that stand, I had to make him older, he was the tough father figure… I… I had to come

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COMIC CON P.S.

in and fix this right quick and I made Batman older” 2.) X-MEN- God Loves, Man Kills- MARVEL COMICS Written by Chris Claremont with art by Brent Anderson. This is the quintessential X-Men story. It follows the group of outsiders we know as the X-Men: people born with extraordinary abilities and shunned for them, but who have made a conscious decision to work with and protect their fellow man. The story puts them up against a religious leader who is hell bent on eradicating them under the guise of “protecting normal people”. The X-Men, as we all know, have always served as a metaphor for anyone who felt ostracized. Whether of a different skin color, minority, sexuality, and/or anything else, folks flock to these characters. We’ve watched them grow, which has helped them last the 50 plus years’ worth of publishing. Plus this book, in case you didn’t know, served as the basis for the film “X-2”.

1.) Watchmen- DC Comics - Written by Alan Moore with art by Dave Gibbons. If you’ve gotten this far and hadn’t guessed Watchmen was going to come in number 1, well I don’t know what to tell you. Yes, it’s a predictable choice, BUT if you think about it: when it came out in 1986, the same year as Miller’s “The Dark Knight Returns”, it re-vitalized the comics industry. It showed that gritty stories which touch on realistic themes could keep readers’ interest. Granted, that also heralded a plethora of copy-cat books, which is by no means is an un-common thing, but Watchmen reminded us of how dangerous it is to put our faith in false idols (Superheroes). While I personally am not the biggest Alan Moore fan, I would be a fool not to recognize the impact this book had. Also, for those reading this: do yourselves a favor. Don’t watch the film based on this property. You’ll want to throw your TV out the window and run away to live in the cave next to Moore’s in whatever English swamp he’s currently holed up in.

HADDON LIBBY

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

February 16 to February 22, 2017

GEE WHIZ, THAT’S THE GREATEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD

e have all heard the phrase, “the greatest thing since sliced bread.” Have you ever wondered when sliced bread was invented? Before you learn of its origins, “Gee Whiz” is a euphemism meant as a way to avoid using the Lord’s name as a swear. This ‘minced oath’ actually means ‘Jesus Christ’. Back in Shakespeare’s day, they might have used “Gadzooks” instead, which meant “God’s hooks” in reference to the nails on the cross. Getting back to sliced bread, you may be surprised to learn that the first bread slicing machine was invented in Iowa by Otto

Rohwedder in 1912. As his prototype was destroyed in a fire, it would take another sixteen years before society would get to taste pre-sliced bread when Rohwedder’s second machine went into commercial use at a bakery in St. Louis. Upstart bakery and pseudo-food, Wonder Bread, began marketing sliced bread across the United States in 1930. With access to thinner, consistent slices, people ate more bread which led to an explosion in spreads like jam. This would be the end of the sliced bread story if not for a short-lived ban on the product by the U.S. Government in 1943 during World War II. U.S. Food Administrator Claude Wickard put a ban on sliced bread into effect on January 18, 1943 citing concerns over the thickness of the wax paper wrapper needed to keep sliced bread from drying out. As such, he banned the product from American stores. At the same time, the Office of Price Administration authorized a 10% increase in the price of flour. Six days after Wickard’s order and in response to outrage amongst his citizenry, New York City Mayor LaGuardia suggested that local bakeries continue using their bread-slicing machines. The Food

Distribution Administration would have none of LaGuardia’s insolence and warned bakeries that the FDA would take “stern measures if necessary” if rogue bakeries continued slicing bread. The whole issue came to an end six weeks later on March 8th, 1943 when Wickard rescinded the sliced bread ban due to public outcry by stating that the “War Production Board tells us that sufficient wax paper to wrap sliced bread for four months is in the hands of the baking industry.” With that, the sliced bread crisis was over. Another flour-based food, the bagel, finds its origins in Krakow circa 1610. The bajgiel as it was called then became a staple in Polish diets over the next one hundred years. During the 19th century, Polish immigrants would arrive in New York City and bring this food staple with them. Back then, virtually all bagels in the New York area were made by hand at bakeries controlled by the bagel bakers union, Local 338. Daniel Thompson disrupted the status quo when invented the bagel machine in 1958. The first kosher bagels made it to Japan in 1989. To satisfy Japanese tastes, bakers

created green tea, chocolate and banananut flavored bagels. The doughnut as we know today is said to have been created by 16 year-old American, Hanson Gregory while aboard a lime-trading ship in 1847. Gregory punched a hole in the dough prior to frying it as the center would seldom cook thoroughly. Gregory then added flavors like nutmeg, cinnamon and lemon rind while filling the harder to cook areas of the doughnut with hazelnuts or walnuts. Whether it is toast, a bagel or a doughnut, many of us feel a steaming cup of coffee is critical to the morning routine. Did you know that the first people to drink coffee were 15th century Somalis who called it qahwa. About two hundred years later, Pope Clement VIII deemed the drink “Christian” despite its Muslim ancestry. The first coffee house opened in 1645 in Rome. At present, Starbucks alone has 24,000 stores in seventy countries. Haddon Libby is an Investment Advisor and Managing Director for Winslow Drake Investment Management and can be reached at 760.449.6349 or HLibby@ WinslowDrake.com.

DALE GRIBOW ON THE LAW

THE DOWNLOW ON HOME SCAMS

receive many requests to write an article providing the Downlow on HOME SCAMS. There is good chance if you got through 2016 you or a friend were exposed to a scam...and did not know it. Sometimes the scammer moves into a rented home and complains that nothing works and ultimately refuses to pay any rent. The scammer then extorts money from the homeowner for the poorly maintained home and asks for $25,000-$50,000 to vacate, in lieu of the owner hiring a lawyer and filing an Unlawful Detainer lawsuit. Others offer to just rent the home for 1 month. They often say they want it just for August when it is hot and no one wants it then. After a month they will not leave. The homeowner may get a call offering a discount for a home DISH network. However one must pay up-front for 6 months. The homeowner is told to go to the store to buy a green dot moneypak card. The money will be gone as soon as you read the card numbers to the con artist. Another scam involves a driver coming to your home and suggesting a high price to buy it. Sometimes they suggest needless repairs for the home ...or a deal on a new deck or installing an alarm system. As we age we do not always want to

keep our timeshare homes especially in the CV. Timeshares used to be dangerous to purchase because of FRAUD risks. In 2017 it is also dangerous when you SELL. The scam starts when you get a call at home from a company that claims to have a buyer for your timeshare property. The caller even gives you the name and number of the prospective buyer, who confirms interest in the sale. Sometimes someone contacts you offering to sell your timeshare and they try to get you to pay up front fees. A company, alleging to buy lots of timeshares, but only after the owner pays $500--$2000 via credit card for registration and other fees. With respect to rental properties be wary of listings on Craigslist for rentals by owner or vacation rentals as there have been many such scams. A red flag should be raised when no phone number or email address is listed. In addition, prospective renters may be asked to send money for a home rental during a major city event, such as Coachella. It is highly possible that the home may not even exist, may already be rented to someone else, or may not even be for rent. Do your due diligence! When looking for a rental or looking to rent your home, look carefully at the

spelling and language in the advertisement as they are often prepared by people from outside of the USA. You may want to check Google Maps to be sure the address exists. Also, be wary if the renter asks for money up front or asks for $40 to run a background check. In another scam, the caller claims to be from a home utility, or a service providertype company. The victim is told their bill is overdue, or a meter needs to be replaced at the victim’s expense. The caller demands immediate payment for the overdue bill, or installation of a new meter. If payment is not received, the victim’s service will be shut off. The caller demands credit card information or a Green Dot card as previously described. Remember the bottom line is that everything is not always as it seems so be careful and check before giving out any private information. If it looks too good to be true it probably is. We must all remain diligent and stay a step ahead with the latest info and practical tips from the nation’s consumer protection agency. We should all browse the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) scam alerts by topic or by most recent scams to keep up to date on current scams. Report FRAUD and potential ID thefts by contacting:

Fraud alert hotline toll free 855-3039470 or visit website aging.senate.gov/ fraud-hotline Charitable Donation Cons / Mail / Telemarketing / Internet Fraud: State Attorney General’s Office 916-445-2021. IRS at 800-829-1040 or forward emails to phishing@IRS.gov. Federal Trade Commission ID Theft Hotline 877-IDTheft / consumer.gov/idtheft Equifax: 800-525-6285 / equifax.com Experian: 888-397-3742 / experian.com Transunion: 800-680-7289 / transunion. com Keep the above numbers and information in a safe place just in case! If you have any questions regarding this column or ideas for future columns please contact Dale Gribow 760-837-7500 or dale@dalegribowlaw.com. DALE GRIBOW “TOP LAWYER” - Palm Springs Life (DUI) 2011-2017 “TOP LAWYER”-Inland Empire Magazine Nov, 2016 10.0 AVVO Perfect Peer Rating

February 16 to February 22, 2017

SPORTS SCENE WHEELER MARCH MADNESS CONSENSUS RANKINGS AS OF VALENTINES DAY FROM LAS VEGAS

arch Madness is just about a month away and the best sports books contenders are definitely emerging to win the national title. The Gonzaga Bulldogs are the only unbeaten team left in college basketball betting and they are ranked #1 in the country. Big 12 teams, Kansas and Baylor are also looking like possible Final Four contenders while defending national champion Villanova is very much in the mix along with Arizona and Virginia. Let’s look at the Top 20 March Madness betting rankings. 1. Gonzaga Bulldogs – The Bulldogs have the top scoring margin in the nation and they have five wins against quality opponents. The problem for Gonzaga is that they play in the West Coast Conference which doesn’t give them enough tough games to prepare for the NCAA Tournament. 2. Baylor Bears – The Bears couldn’t quite get over the hump and win at Allen Fieldhouse against Kansas but Baylor has three wins against teams ranked in the Top 25 this season. 3. Kansas Jayhawks – The Jayhawks are one of the favorites at sports betting sites to make the Final Four. They have a lot of young talent and a very good coach in Bill Self. 4. Villanova Wildcats – The defending champs have only two losses and those were against quality teams in Butler and Marquette. 5. Arizona Wildcats – They are the hottest team in the country not named Gonzaga and the Wildcats are unbeaten in the Pac-12. 6. Virginia Cavaliers – The top defensive team in the country is Virginia and this could be the year they have enough offense to make the Final Four. 7. Louisville Cardinals – The Cardinals are well coached and they have no losses this season to teams that are not ranked. 8. West Virginia Mountaineers – The Mountaineers have some quality wins against Baylor, Kansas and Virginia but they always seem to find a way to lose a game they shouldn’t.

BY FLINT

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9. Wisconsin Badgers – The Badgers have lost just once since Thanksgiving and they are now favored to win the Big Ten. 10. UCLA Bruins – The Bruins were rolling along until losing two straight games including to their rival USC. The Bruins can score a ton of points but they don’t play much defense. 11. Kentucky Wildcats – The Wildcats have a great player in Malik Monk but they are not a great team as there are just too many question marks. 12. North Carolina Tar Heels – This team has won eight of their last nine and they are 8-2 in the ACC. It would not be a surprise to see Roy Williams get another of his teams in the Final Four. 13. Oregon Ducks – The Ducks are going to battle UCLA for the Pac-12 title with the winner likely getting the higher seed in the NCAA Tournament. 14. Cincinnati Bearcats – The Bearcats have been rolling in the AAC and have won 12 straight since losing out of conference to Butler. 15. Duke Blue Devils – The Blue Devils were thought to be national title contenders before the season began at sites that do sports betting sites reviews but they don’t look like a contender now. 16. South Carolina Gamecocks – The Gamecocks have been great on defense and when both Sindarius Thornwell and P.J. Dozier play they are unbeaten. 17. Purdue Boilermakers – The Boilermakers are a notch below Wisconsin in the Big Ten. 18. Florida State Seminoles – The Seminoles are not a serious contender as they can’t win big games on the road as they are 1-3 in the ACC on the road. 19. Notre Dame Fighting Irish – The Irish have fallen lately and go into the game against North Carolina having lost three straight. 20. Maryland Terrapins – The Terps have yet to beat anyone of note but they already have 20 wins and they are starting to get some respect at sports betting sites.

BEAUTY

BY DR MARIA LOMBARDO

Dr. Maria Lombardo, Lombardo Cosmetic Surgery is located in Rancho Mirage. She specializes in both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures including (but not limited to) facial, body and breast surgery, Botox, Latisse, and hCG diet program. For a consultation or more information, visit lombardocosmeticsurgery.com or call 760-610-8990. Dr. Lombardo will be writing a bi-weekly column for CV Weekly.

THERE’S A FILLER FOR THAT!

hrough the normal aging process we all lose volume or fullness in our faces. Usually the first noticeable sign is a deepening of the nasolabial folds that start at the corner of the nose and end at the corners of the mouth. Replacing the fullness with a “filler” can soften the look of those lines and restore a more youthful appearance. There are several filler options available. Hyaluronic Acid is one that is very routinely used. Hyaluronic acid is compatible with the human body because it is a substance that is found in every single organic living thing. Its main purpose in the human body is to act as a network that transfers essential nutrients from the bloodstream to skin cells. It is most present in the human body in fluids around the eye area and in the joints. In fact, aside from its applications to cosmetic surgery, it is also often injected into joints to relieve rheumatism and other kinds of joint pain. The names of some of the products that are associated with use for cosmetic surgery are Restylane, Juvederm, Voluma and Volbella. These are the most popular injectables that are used to fill lines and wrinkles. In its purest essence, HA is a gel like substance that sits between the skin and connective tissues supporting the skin. When injected, it acts like an inflated cushion to support facial

structures and tissues that may have lost volume and elasticity due to aging and other causes. It is also hydrates the skin by bringing water to the surface which helps give it a refreshed and more youthful appearance. The procedure itself is considered noninvasive and does not require anything but a topical anesthetic administered to the site of injection (to help with any pain caused by the insertion of the needle). The needles used for this procedure are very fine and tiny and depending on how many areas are being treated the treatment takes between 10 to 30 minutes. It is an outpatient procedure and people typically return to their normal activities the same day. The results usually last between 6-24 months depending on your life style, body chemistry and the rate at which you are naturally aging. It is important to realize that this is a temporary solution and not a permanent cure for facial problems. To maintain their youthful appearance most people have new injections 1-2 times a year. Several other filler products are available too. Call today to make an appointment with Dr. Maria Lombardo (760)610-8990 and discuss if fillers are the right choice for you!

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

Week of February 16

ARIES (March 21-April 19): By my estimates, 72 percent of you Aries are in unusually good moods. The world seems friendlier, more cooperative. Fiftysix percent of you feel more in love with life than you have in a long time. You may even imagine that the birds and trees and stars are flirting with you. I’m also guessing that 14 percent of you are weaving in and out of being absurdly, deliriously happy, sometimes without any apparent explanation. As a result of your generosity of spirit, you may be the recipient of seemingly impossible rewards like free money or toasted ice cream or unconditional tenderness. And I bet that at least ten percent of you are experiencing all of the above. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): I am launching a campaign to undo obsolete stereotypes about you Bulls. There are still backwards astrologers out there who perpetrate the lie that many of you are stingy, stolid, stubborn slowpokes. As an antidote, I plan to heighten everyone’s awareness of your sensual, soulful sweetness, and your tastefully pragmatic sensitivity, and your diligent, dynamic productivity. That should be easy in the coming weeks, since you’ll be at the height of your ability to express those superpowers. Luckily, people will also have an enhanced capacity to appreciate you for who you really are. It will be a favorable time to clarify and strengthen your reputation. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Will Giovanni surreptitiously replace Allesandra’s birth control pills with placebos? Will Camille take a hidden crowbar to her rendezvous with the blackmailer? Will Josie steal Jose’s diary and sell it on eBay? Given the current astrological omens, you may have an unconscious attraction to soap opera-type events like those. The glamour of melodrama is tempting you. But I’m hoping and predicting that you will express the cosmic currents in less toxic ways. Maybe you’ll hear a searing but healing confession after midnight in the pouring rain, for instance. Perhaps you’ll break an outworn taboo with ingenious grace, or forge a fertile link with a reformed rascal, or recover a lost memory in a dusty basement. CANCER (June 21-July 22): All naturally-occurring matter on earth is composed of 92 basic elements arranged in various combinations. Since some of these appear in trace amounts, they took a long time for humans to discover. In the 18th and 19th centuries, chemists were exuberant when they tracked down seven of the 92 in a single location: an underground mine on the Swedish island of Ytterby. That small place was a mother lode. I’m predicting a metaphorically similar experience for you, Cancerian: new access to a concentrated source that will yield much illumination. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): The next four weeks will be an excellent time to upgrade your understanding of the important characters in your life. In fact, I suspect you will generate good fortune and meaningful synchronicities whenever you seek greater insight into anyone who affects you. Get to know people better, Leo! If there are intriguing acquaintances who pique your curiosity, find out more about them. Study the oddballs you’re allergic to with the intention to discern their hidden workings. In general, practice being objective as you improve your skill at reading human nature. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In 1787, English captain Arthur Phillip led an eight-month naval expedition to the southeastern part of the continent now known as Australia. Upon arrival, he claimed the land for England, despite the fact that 250,000 Aboriginal people were living there, just as their ancestors had for 2,000 generations. Two hundred years later, an Aboriginal activist named Burnum Burnum planted the Aboriginal flag on the White Cliffs of Dover, claiming England for his people. I encourage you to make a comparably artful or symbolic act like Burnum’s sometime soon, Virgo -- a ritual or gesture to assert your sovereignty or evoke a well-deserved reversal or express your unconquerable spirit. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): The ancient Roman

rhetorician Quintilian authored a twelve-volume textbook on the art of oratory. As ample as it was, it could have been longer. “Erasure is as important as writing,” he said. According to my reading of the astrological omens, that counsel should be a rewarding and even exciting theme for you in the coming weeks. For the long-term health of your labor of love or your masterpiece, you should focus for a while on what to edit out of it. How could you improve it by making it shorter and more concise? SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Do you know about the long-running kids’ show Sesame Street? Are you familiar with Big Bird, the talking eight-feet-tall yellow canary who’s one of the main characters? I hope so, because your horoscope is built around them. In the Sesame Street episode called Don’t Eat the Pictures, Big Bird solves a riddle that frees a 4,000-year-old Egyptian prince from an ancient curse. I think this vignette can serve as a model for your own liberation. How? You can finally outwit and outmaneuver a very old problem with the help of some playful, even child-like energy. Don’t assume that you’ve got to be relentlessly serious and dour in order to shed the ancient burden. In fact, just the opposite is true. Trust blithe and rowdy spirits. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Your lessons in communication are reaching a climax. Here are five tips to help you do well on your “final exam.” 1. Focus more on listening for what you need to know rather than on expressing what you already know. 2. Keep white lies and convenient deceptions to a bare minimum. 3. Tell the truth as strong and free as you dare, but always -- if possible -- with shrewd kindness. 4. You are more likely to help your cause if you spread bright, shiny gossip instead of the grubby kind. 5. Experiment with being unpredictable; try to infuse your transmissions with unexpected information and turns of phrase. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The meaning of the Latin phrase crambe repetita is “cabbage reheated, twice-cooked.” I urge you to avoid partaking of such a dish in the coming weeks, both literally and figuratively. If you’re truly hungry for cooked cabbage, eat it fresh. Likewise, if you have a ravenous appetite for stories, revelations, entertainment, and information -- which I suspect you will -- don’t accept the warmed-over, recycled variety. Insist on the brisk, crisp stuff that excites your curiosity and appeals to your sense of wonder. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Here’s your mantra for the next three weeks: “I know what I want, and I know how to glide it into my life.” Say this out loud 11 times right after you wake up each morning, and 11 more times before lunch, and 11 more times at bedtime. “I know what I want, and I know how to glide it into my life.” Whenever you do this little chant, summon an upflow of smiling confidence -- a serene certainty that no matter how long the magic might take, it will ultimately work. “I know what I want, and I know how to glide it into my life.” Don’t let any little voice in your head undermine your link to this simple truth. Lift your heart to the highest source of vitality you can imagine. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “We cannot simply sit and stare at our wounds forever,” writes Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami. “We must stand up and move on to the next action.” That’s your slightly scolding but ultimately inspirational advice, Pisces. According to my astrological analysis, you have done heroic work to identify and investigate your suffering. You have summoned a tremendous amount of intelligence in order to understand it and further the healing. But right now it’s time to turn your focus to other matters. Like what? How about rebirth? Homework: Imagine you have time-traveled to one of your favorite places in the year 2020. What do you see? I’m at Truthrooster@gmail.com ----------------------------------------------------------Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

ASK JENNY

February 16 to February 22, 2017

BY JENNY WALLIS

“I WAS HOPING THAT THE RELATIONSHIP WOULD RETURN BACK TO NORMAL.. ”

ear Jenny, I have been together with my girlfriend for almost a year and a half, but recently, things have not been right. Let me back up a little bit, my girlfriend spent the night with another guy four months ago. It was a very painful time, but we worked through it and eventually worked everything out. Or so I thought. I was hoping that the relationship would return back to normal like it was before the cheating happened. Or maybe our love would deepen because of the cheating, in other words, we would recognize how intense our love is. But needless to say, that did not happen. As strange as it may sound, it seems as though she is taking me for granted. If anything, I thought she would be very grateful I took her back and maybe overdo it trying to be the perfect girlfriend and make it up to me. Maybe I should have prefaced this question by telling you that I absolutely adore her and maybe I should never have taken her back, but I could not see myself without her. Please share your thoughts. - Thank you, Dustin. -----------------------------------------------Dustin, I appreciate your question. I actually had to re-read your current situation a few times. What struck me as very important was when you stated that you “absolutely adore her.” Could you be in the situation you are in right now because of absolutely adoring her? What I mean is, you had a special love, a bond with someone and when that bond was broken, you expected with a little over looking, everything would return back to normal, or the way it was before the mishap happened. Unfortunately, it is not possible for a person to overlook something that hurts them so deeply and just return back to ‘work as usual.’ Life does not work that way. We are all human beings with feelings, we all experience pain and grief. In the situation

that you are describing, you are not the only one who is expected to experience pain and grief. She should be grieving as well. She should be addressing her feelings and how what she has done to the relationship is affecting her. Perhaps it could be as easy as this, you did not take enough time to grieve before trying to return the relationship back to the way it was. You did not do what was needed, in this case it was to refocus and address if you wanted the same exact relationship that you had. Maybe you should have looked into why the cheating took place? Maybe you should have looked at why you would accept someone back into your life that had hurt you so deeply in the past. There are so many open ended questions to this scenario. But the final answer and final decision comes from only you. Are you having a great time and are you feeling fulfilled being in the relationship that you are in? If the answer is no, that needs to be addressed. Not whether your partner is taking you for granted, or whether you adore your partner, but whether you are feeling fulfilled at the present time or not. If the relationship that you are in provided you with the answer to this question, then you would not have asked the questions about being taken for granted or taking someone back. Sometimes, the only way to get answers to questions we really need to know, is to ask ourselves. You are the only person who can answer this question for you Dustin. And then the next question would be, if you are not totally fulfilled in a relationship then why be in it? - ❤Namaste, Jenny Don’t forget to follow Jenny on askjennynow.com. Contact her at (760) 5050952

February 16 to February 22, 2017

LIFE & CAREER COACH

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY SUNNY SIMON

READY FOR A CAREER REINVENTION?

ver try changing your sister into a zebra? I came across a video on Facebook depicting a creative child, perhaps about four years old, who artfully inked zebra stripes on her little sister’s body. Why? Well, as she explained to her mother, she loves zebras. Her mother softly admonished her explaining that turning the little tyke into an animal was silly. Quite frankly, I don’t think our little artist was buying it. There is a good deal of logic in the child’s thinking. If you love zebras, why not hang out with them? Makes sense to me. And by the way, the toddler turned zebra seemed to be enjoying her new persona. In a child’s world, all things are possible if you use your imagination. I once visited my three year old niece on one of Michigan’s blustery cold days. Amid a beach blanket in the cozy living room sat Aisalynn wearing a bathing suit adorned with bright coral starfish. The little darling was busy building an imaginary sand castle. As I waved hello, she smiled and told me she felt like a day at the beach. In my career coaching practice, I sometimes meet clients who have temporarily misplaced their imagination. Bored with their jobs these individuals cannot fathom making a career reinvention. When I bring up the possibility, I

often encountered at least 27 reasons why they cannot make a move from a job that makes them dread Monday mornings and long for Friday evening happy hours. Of all the 27 reasons, the most common refrain stems from fear and confusion. At first blush they have no idea what the reinvention would look like. What would they do? Well, if we fast-forward our zebra loving little friend by twenty years she will probably be working in a zoo as an animal trainer or veterinarian. Most of the time clients have to think backward and remember their cast aside childhood dreams. Perhaps a female engineer really wanted to be a gourmet chef but got sidetracked by parental pressure. When you stay open to possibilities, it becomes clear that most things really are possible. Just fend off fear and anxiety. Add a dose of childlike imagination and the belief that if you work hard enough your cast aside dream can resurface. So, how about it? Are you a zebra lover who can stand up to the challenge of someone telling you your idea is silly? If the answer is yes, move forward and follow your dream! I applaud you. Sunny Simon is the owner of Raise the Bar High Life and Career Coaching and the author of the blog, www.lifeonthesunnyside.net

CANNABIS CORNER DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA TO HOST VALLEY'S FIRST CANNABIS & MUSIC FESTIVAL

he city of Desert Hot Springs, in partnership with Wolverine Productions and CV Pharms, is gearing up to present the first “Coachella Valley Experience” cannabis and music festival, Saturday April 8 and Sunday April 9, 2017. This event promotes public awareness concerning the medicinal and curative properties of cannabis, along with celebrating California’s recent decision to allow its recreational use. Showcasing the valley’s major growers, producers, distributors and dispensaries of cannabis, this world community event will feature product vendors and Art exhibits alongside a variety of food and beverage stations. Live entertainment for the two-day festival, which expects to have well over 10,000 attendees, will feature over twenty-five all-star acts and

national stars performing rock, country, jazz, blues, reggae, rap and hip-hop on outdoor stages at Mission Springs Park. A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit Veterans For America under the leadership of General Levy. For more information log on to: TheCoachellaValleyExperience.com

FIRST COACHELLA CANNABIS CULTIVATION FACILITY BREAKS GROUND

special ground breaking ceremony was held on Thursday, February 9th for the City of Coachella’s first commercial cannabis cultivation facility. Del-Gro has rented all of its available tenant spaces and will soon be open for business on the property that was formerly Ajax Auto Wrecking. Del-Gro’s leadership is excited about the future of their site and invited City Officials, Business Leaders, Community Stakeholders, and friends to Thursday’s groundbreaking. “Opening the first cultivation operation in Coachella is an incredible opportunity for us and our partner cultivators,” said Ben Levine, founder and CEO of Del-Gro. “We forecast that our operation will ultimately bring in over $100 million in annual revenue for us and the independent growers we work with. But greater than that, we’re thrilled that the residents of Coachella have trusted us to be industry trailblazers in their city.”

Headquartered in Southern California, Del-Gro provides innovative grow facilities for boutique cannabis cultivators. In addition to a place to grow, Del-Gro helps cultivators develop their business by providing access to experienced cultivation professionals to help with distribution, licensing, compliance and raising capital. Processing and extraction services are also available on site. On top of that, DelGro provides clients with direct access to premier seed-to-sale and manufacturing systems as well as on-site lab services. For more information please visit del-gro.com or email info@delgro.com.

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