Coachella Valley Weekly - February 26 to March 4, 2015 Vol. 3 No. 49 by CV Weekly

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Music

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Community Events

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com • February 26 to March 4, 2015 Vol. 3 No. 49

“ NASHVILLE

PHOTO BY STEVE ZIEGELMEYER

COMES TO THE COACHELLA VALLEY” FEBRUARY 27TH AT SCHMIDY’S TAVERN

Warburton Golf Tournament

pg 6

Up With People

pg 7

KCOD FM

pg 11

The Jacksons

pg 12

Miro’s

pg 20

February 26 to March 4, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Travis Meadows

Coachella Valley Weekly

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

760.501.6228

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

Contents

Travis Meadows......................................... 3 Warburton Golf Tournament................... 6 La Quinta Arts Festival............................. 7 Up With People.......................................... 7 Don’t Be Cluless In The CV........................ 8 Theatre - Buyers & Cellars........................ 9 Breaking the 4th Wall............................... 9 Desert DJs................................................ 10 Frank Sinatra Gala................................... 10 Deana Martin........................................... 11 KCOD Coachella FM................................. 11 Tilted Kilt Open Mic Competition.......... 12 Valley Rhythms - The Jacksons.............. 12 LMS- Jesika von Rabbit........................... 13 Miramonte “Thursday Night Live”......... 13 Consider This - Jennifer Knapp.............. 14 Art- CV Art Scene..................................... 15 Pet Place................................................... 16 The Vino Voice......................................... 17 Club Crawler Nightlife............................ 18 The Pampered Palate- Miro’s.................... 20 Screeners................................................. 22 Book Review............................................ 23 The PS Local -........................................... 26 Desert Town Hall..................................... 26 Haddon Libby: It’s All Local.................... 27 Dale Gribow............................................. 27 Safety Tips................................................ 28 ShareKitchen........................................... 28 Shelter From The Storm.......................... 28 Sports Scene............................................ 29 Sports....................................................... 29 Boys & Girls Club..................................... 30 Youth & Leadership in the CV................ 30 Free Will Astrology.................................. 31 Mind, Body & Spirit................................. 31 Life & Career Coach................................. 32 Ask The Doctor........................................ 32

February 26 to March 4, 2015

By Lisa Morgan

“An orphan who turned into a preacher, a preacher who turned into a songwriter, a songwriter that turned into a drunk, a drunk that is learning to be a human being.” “I run into people every day in search of Captured by Rolling Stone Country’s, authenticity. They want to discover the real Joseph Hudak: “ ‘When I was getting high, I deal. Well, call off the search – I’ve found wanted everybody to get high too…on drugs, him. His name is Travis Meadows. I am proud on alcohol, on Jesus.’ He went on to tour the to call him a friend and I’m in awe of his world as a Christian rock artist, spreading talent. Killin’ Uncle Buzzy is the most honest ‘The Word’ across the globe the only way record I’ve ever heard. In one word, it is stellar! he knew how, through music. However, he I can’t wait to hear what comes next!” found that ‘the truth will set you free, but - Eric Church, 2014 eventually it’ll piss you off.’ He arrived in ou need to check this guy out,” he Nashville and learned the hard way about “ told me. “This guy’s so hot, Nashville fame and fortune.” gathers around him just to keep their Killin’ Uncle Buzzy, a journal turned hands warm.” When my friend and former album/survival guide, documents the band leader, Jon Eben (a well-respected truth behind Meadows’ fourth and so far, musician in California and Nashville himself) successful journey in sobriety. As with most brags that hard on another musician, I know everything, softened by an endearing, better than to ignore him. So I checked out sharp wit, Meadows sings the story of the Travis Meadows. Eben wasn’t wrong. The unconventional fame he found in Nashville: honesty in Meadows’ music was riveting, and “I came to make a difference. I had a story it connected to my very core. to tell. I told it loud, but my opinion didn’t go Travis Meadows is Mississippi through and over so well. Waiting for offers, they never through. He says so in his music. He grew up came, the Davidson County Police know my where “Hell ain’t half that hot…you could fry name…if dumb makes you famous, then I eggs on the parking lot.” His love for his roots can’t complain, the Davidson Country Police is undeniable, and eloquently expressed in know my name.” songs about his grandfather teaching him to Rolling Stone goes on to accurately stay away from the sissy stuff and drink his describe Meadows as “an unforgettable coffee «Black». But underneath the country performer...an open wound, the rawness of charm, what is also undeniable is the deep his words and his vocals pulling you into his well his songs are drawn from, one that was world; a Mississippi childhood, learning to chiseled out through pain and loss, death and drink his coffee black in dives off the highway, rebirth. his battles with cancer, alcohol, drugs, God Loss became more than a lesson for and demons, and all the characters along the Meadows growing up in Mississippi. It way.” was the norm. His first memory was of his Going through my first year of sobriety brother drowning, followed by his parents’ myself when I discovered Travis, I felt as divorce. Then there was the loss of his leg, though Killin’ Uncle Buzzy was a life line. and perhaps even more devastating to the Suddenly, I wasn’t alone, and I didn’t have 14 year old at the time, his hair, to cancer near as much to be ashamed of as I thought. and chemotherapy. Meadows grew up Even better, even though I was broken, there desperately hungry and thirsty - thirsty for was hope that things get better. Come to find a father figure, hungry to fill the holes left out, Killin’ Uncle Buzzy had the same affect in him from the losses. He went from one on people not suffering from addiction. Pain addiction to another to fill those holes, and and fear is pain and fear, no matter where through some kind of grace, lived to tell (and it comes from, and we all could smell the sing) about it. blood in these songs, mixed in with our own. Our special group of “Travlers”, a closed group of supporters, bonded tightly through Meadows’ music. There’s even yearly gatherings. We’ve seen his career explode over the last two years, and cheered with him as it did. There was Blackberry Smoke’s release and CMT promotion of “Pretty Little Lies”. Then there were rumors of songs on hold by major artists for far too long. Dierks Bentley making “Riser” the title song of his soon to be, Grammy nominated album had us tuning in to every performance of it. We all about imploded when Eric Church made “Dark Side” part of HIS soon to be, Grammy nominated album. And fell head over heels in love with Jake Owen when he not only made the song, “What We Ain’t Got” from Killin’ Uncle Buzzy a single, but had Travis come up on stage in front of thousands in a stadium to sing it with him, filming the whole thing and releasing it to all of his fans. Although his career has continued to explode, he still is the same

guy who would spend time joking back and forth with us like we were all one big family. For that, we will always support him, because that’s what family does. In spite of all the commercial success of his writing career, Meadows isn’t rolling in the dough as one might think. With a publishing deal that includes three partnering entities, it takes quite a bit of success for financial gains to trickle down to the writer, especially in the climate of the industry today. “There is this misconception in this business, that there’s all kinds of money in it,” explained Travis. Kobalt is an admin company (an admin company that has the likes of Prince and Paul McCartney on their list). The guy who created the company, did it in the spirit of complete transparency, where the writers keep their copyrights. They administrate the copyrights and administer the licensing all over the world. They do all the paperwork to find your money, for a small percentage. My publishing is a little different. There’s Kobalt, a financial backer (who cannot be named) and another partner (big names from Sony with a contact list to shop songs to, also who cannot be named). I am very happy with the way things are. I’m making a living making music. The lights are on, and I pay my rent on time. There are a lot of people in this town waiting tables that would love to have the opportunity that I’ve been provided. “ “I’ve slowed my writing schedule a bit. I’m out performing more, which is where my heart is. I don’t like to write more than twice a week. If I do more than that, it all starts running together and sounding the same. I’m still writing more than 8 times a month. I’m booking about as much as I want to. I have my son every other weekend. Sometimes I have to juggle it around with his mom. 90% of what I do is house parties. I think people assume hosting a house party is going to be all this tedious work or they feel like they’re not qualified for some reason. The reality is, I’m just a guy from Mississippi that loves to play music, and if you’ve got 30-50 friends, me and Jack (peddle steel player) will rock for about an hour and a half.” continue to page 5

February 26 to March 4, 2015

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www.coachellavalleyweekly.com continued from page 3

“This is basically a four year young career, singing country music, or whatever genre you want to call it,” he continued. “I don’t know if it’s true country, but it’s soul music. It’s heart music. I think I’ve got a great fan base, and it just reminds me that I’m doing pretty damn good for somebody who’s only been trying to do this for four years. Before this, I had worked in churches for 17 years - a whole different audience. It was like working 17 years in plumbing, and then deciding to become an electrician. I had to go get a whole new clientele.” “I came to town and started hitting all the songwriter nights in town, and playing all the open mics. It was really kind of a humiliating, humble beginning. I had accomplished a lot in my previous career; I’d traveled to 20 different countries, been interrogated by the KGB, and was told by a Hindu in India that if I ever said the name ‘Jesus Christ’ he’d have me stoned to death. I was in Russia handing out Bibles to school kids when I received an ASCAP award. But those open mics all ended up being the best thing that ever happened to me. I started writing a different kind of song, started drinking, and one thing led to another and Killin’ Uncle Buzzy was born. It was really the beginning of my country career. It was about a year after Killin’ Uncle Buzzy when I called my friend, Levi Lowery and said, ‘I got this record. I don’t have anywhere to play. I want to play in front of people who are hard to play for - get it over with and just play these songs about getting sober in front of people who don’t really want to hear about

song title from Killin’ Uncle Buzzy). There was something really magical in the release of that dream. I don’t have anything to prove to my publishing company anymore. No record label is going to come out and hear me play. I’m just going to write what I’m going to write, and fuck everybody else. Amazingly enough, that’s when a change really took place. I’ve always had a battle with fear and struggled with confidence, but I’ve never been closer to finding it.” “There’s something really powerful and magical about confidence. And when I didn’t have anything left to prove, it was like somebody flipped the confident switch. So

now, it’s like this: Here’s my music. If you like it, great. If you don’t, go to a Kenny Chesney concert. And that’s not a knock. I love Kenny, but if you want stadium country, you’re not going to get that from me. This is all I do. There is one damn Travis Meadows in the world, so this is what you get. I’m gaining fans by the ones baby. I’m knockin’ ‘em down. I’m living the American dream.” Travis Meadows will be making a rare appearance in Southern California. This is a rare opportunity to see the soul behind the songs that are causing a stir in Nashville. 2/26 Pappy & Harriet’s, Pioneer Town 8pm-12am 2/27 Nashville & SoCal Songwriter Showcase Benefiting Street Life Project for Local Homeless @ Schmidy’s Tavern in Palm Desert (corner of Hwy 111 and Fred Waring Drive) 7pm-1am. $10 Suggested Donation for Street Life Project 2/28 Desert Road, VIP Concert, La Quinta 2pm-6pm. Call (760) 464-6773 for details or go to desert-road-music.ticketleap.com/ travis-meadows-vip 2/28 Millcreek Diamond Jims, Mentone 8pm-1am with Wade Crawford and the Country Trash and R Buckle Road. Must RSVP (951) 840-7521, 1874 Mentone Blvd, Mentone, CA, United States 92359 3/1 House Parties, in Palm Desert & La Quinta, afternoon and evening. Call (760) 464-6773 3/2 BMI Acoustic Lounge, Genghis Cohen, Los Angeles genghiscohen.com Follow Travis Meadows, purchase music and tickets at travismeadows.com.

00 8

& FO R K

it.’ We went and played Dixie Tavern. I was doing “Good Intentions”, and let’s face it there’s nothing easy about that song. I hadn’t played in about 2 years, and hadn’t played sober in 8. It was all kind of terrifying, when a drunk guy came up and got in my face and yelled, ‘You know any fast songs!’ I had to not lose my shit, not forget my words, and keep my cool. That right there was more terrifying than the KGB or the angry Hindu. I did a few more shows with Levi, a few in town, then I posted on FB asking if anybody wanted to do a house show. One thing led to another, and that’s pretty much been the last four years.” When I asked Travis what his formula is, he said, “Lot’s of trouble, and lots of not giving a damn. It was the weirdest thing man. When I moved to town, I was 38 years old, and I had two things I wanted to do before I died. I always tell people that I wanted to write with the best writers in the world. The other, I never talk about, maybe because it was too painful. The other dream was getting a record deal. You know, I spent a lot of my youth whishing I had a father figure. Finally at one point I finally just said, ‘He’s not comin’. You be the man.’ There was some real liberty in that. The same thing happened when it came to that record deal. It was like being stuck in the middle of the ocean begging for somebody to come find me and bring me an oar. There was something about wanting that record deal. I knew the clock was tickin’ man, and about the time Uncle Buzzy came around, I was 45. I knew it was just too late. There was no record deal comin’. So I gave up on it. I buried it, and ‘let it go’ (another

February 26 to March 4, 2015

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February 26 to March 4, 2015

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5th Annual Warburton Celebrity Golf Tournament Brings New Stars & Events to the Coachella Valley this March

by andrea Carter

events

A 5k Walk/Run is the Latest Addition to “St. Jude Week” in the Desert

he 5th Annual Warburton Celebrity Golf Tournament will return to the Coachella Valley shining with stars, songwriters, rock legends and golf March 5-8, 2015. In its 5th year, the event has grown to become “St. Jude Week” in the desert, kicking off with a 5k Walk/Run on March 1st – all to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other deadly diseases. The tournament and its events will be held at JW Marriott Desert Springs and Classic Club in Palm Desert. Tournament host, actor Patrick Warburton, perhaps best known for playing Puddy on Seinfeld as well as the star of the syndicated sitcom Rules of Engagement, the voice of Joe on Family Guy and numerous movie roles in movies like Ted, The Tick, Disney’s The Emperor’s New Groove and Planes: Fire & Rescue, and DreamWorks’ Mr. Peabody & Sherman, brings together many of his celebrity friends to highlight a star-studded weekend in the desert raising much-needed funds for kids fighting cancer. More than 60 celebrities are planning to spend the weekend in the Palm Springs area to enjoy a rock legends jam session, songwriter’s night, golf and a Saturday Soiree featuring dinner and music by Sixwire & Friends (unannounced celebrities who will join Sixwire for a few numbers). While St. Jude is located in Memphis, the hospital’s research and treatments help kids worldwide including children from right here in the Coachella Valley. The tournament brought in $881,000 in 2014, and has the goal of raising $1 million this year. The hospital costs $2 million per day to open its doors, so every dollar counts. It is devoted to children with cancer, and no

family ever pays St. Jude for care. “St. Jude Week” in the desert will kick off with an all new 5k Run/Walk this year, to be held Sunday, March 1st at the Classic Club. Registration is at 8:00am and the Run/Walk will begin at 9:00am. The 5k will feature refreshments, live music and the winner will receive 2 tickets to the Friday Night Jam Session. Other medals and prizes will be presented, as well. Registration is $50 and a family registration package is available for $100 – which includes participation by 2 adults and 2 children. The weekend festivities start with the Thursday evening “Songwriters’ Night: The Story Behind the Story” – which will be held at the JW Marriott Desert Springs, Thursday, March 5th at 7:00pm. This will be an evening with a group of renowned Nashville songwriters telling the stories behind their biggest hits, along with performing those hits. Songwriters scheduled to appear include Tim Nichols, who penned Tim McGraw’s iconic #1 hit, “Live Like You Were Dying” and Jo Dee Messina’s “Heads Carolina, Tails California”; Rivers Rutherford, who had the song of the year in 2001 with Brooks and Dunn’s “Ain’t Nothing About You” and Gretchen Wilson’s “Homewrecker”; Bob DiPierro, who had huge #1 hits with “American Made” performed by the Oak Ridge Boys, “Little Rock” performed by Reba McEntire and “Southern Voice” performed by Tim McGraw; and Kelley Lovelace, who wrote the smash hit “All-American Girl” performed by Carrie Underwood as well as huge Brad Paisley hits like “Ticks,” “I’m Still a Guy” and “Camouflage.” The event will be hosted by HLN morning news anchor, Robin Meade. Tickets are $100. Friday night’s Celebrity Jam Session, which will be held at 8:00pm at the JW

events

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kathleen hughes

Giddy Up! Look Who’s Headed to La Quinta Arts Festival March 5-8

Marriott, has received rave reviews by attendees in years past, gathering rockand-roll legends to jam together for an unforgettable night of fun – all for charity. Scheduled to perform this year are Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Alice Cooper, Don Felder (The Eagles), Steve Cropper (Booker T & the MG’s and the Blues Brothers) and Mike Mills (R.E.M.). Also participating will be Mickey Thomas (Starship), John Elefante (Kansas), Kim Carnes, Kevin Griffin (Better Than Ezra), Dave Brock (The Doors/Wild Child) and more are still being confirmed. Celebrities not necessarily known for their music, but who also happen to be very talented singers and will perform at the jam session include HLN’s host of “Morning Express with Robin Meade,” Robin Meade, and actor Rob Morrow. Celebrity Jam Session tickets can be purchased for $125. “This tournament is so extraordinary because of the way it incorporates musicians,” said Clarke Rheney, tournament chairman. “Most celebrity golf tournaments focus on athletes and actors, but we really wanted to do something different. We have rock and roll legends and hall-of-famers who come out to this event to share their music and do their part to raise money and awareness for the kids of St. Jude.”

Other commitments for celebrities who are scheduled to appear at the golf tournament include actors Richard Kind, Danny Masterson, Michael Pena, Bruce McGill, Kevin Sorbo, Luke Perry, Sam McMurray, Kurt Fuller, William Devane, Galen Gering, Scott Wolf, Joel Gretsch, Oliver Hudson, Bruce Thomas, Pauley Trickey, Bill Smitrovich and Brian Thompson; and athletes like former NFL pros, Robbie Gould, Sterling Sharpe, Kordell Stewart and Eric Dickerson; and NHL Hall of Famer, Grant Fuhr. Golf tournament entries are $2,500 per player. On Saturday evening, a Saturday Soiree will feature red carpet appearances by many of the celebrities involved with the tournament, as well as a dinner and dancing to music by the band, Sixwire & Friends, the featured band on the television show, Nashville. Tickets for the Saturday Soiree are $250. The event’s presenting sponsor is Spinal Elements, with additional sponsors as follows: the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation; Shakti Warriors; Precise Corporate Staging; Classic Club; Sixwire; News Channel 3; CBS Local 2; Castelli’s Ristorante; and Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Presenting sponsor for the the 5k Walk/ Run is Hightower, and other sponsors include Classic Club; Hyde’s Heating & Air Conditioning; West Coast Turf; News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2. The Warburton Celebrity Golf Tournament is the second highest grossing golf tournament for St. Jude nationwide, second only to the tournament sponsored by The Trump Foundation in New York. For more information or to purchase tickets to any of the shows or register for the golf tournament, go to thewarburton.com.

ason Napier, a perennial favorite artist at La Quinta Arts Festival, is on his way from Friday Harbor, Washington with a real bronze beauty in tow named “Stir’d UP.” The life-size stallion is a sight to behold standing at 7 foot tall, 14 feet long, and weighing in at 1,200 pounds! Stir’d UP will be given prime placement at La Quinta Arts Festival this year, along with the rest of Napier’s growing menagerie of incredible bronze wild life sculpture in Booth #122 just inside the Main Gate. La Quinta Arts Festival, the #1 Fine Art Festival in the Nation for three consecutive years, returns to the La Quinta Civic Center Campus Thursday through Sunday, March 5-8, 2015. Delight in viewing the spectacular artwork of 220 talented artists in every fine art and craft category arriving from 38 States, Israel, Canada and Nicaragua for this event! Come for the art - stay for the entertainment! La Quinta Arts Festival is a total sensory experience and just as you will see every art medium imaginable, you will delight in the variety of music entertainment too! This year’s lineup is takes you on a trip around the world starting with smooth flamenco guitar stylings of Milton Merlos, meditative Bolivian Pan Pipes by master Oscar Reynolds, and favorites Jerry Evaro and Friends will have you swinging and singing. For those classically inclined, a new alliance with CV organization OperaArts brings Operetta and Broadway from some amazing talent. Just when you thought your entertainment journey was over, make one last stop on Sunday from 2pm to 5pm to salsa, merengue and cha-cha to the Louie Cruz Beltran Latin jazz band. Festival goers will enjoy great cuisine

and beverage selections on Restaurant Row featuring Fisherman’s Market & Grill and West Coast Hofbrau, plus lighter fare and libations at the Island Bar. Try the Oasis Lounge catered by Shanghai Reds for Asian specialties in the NE corner. The Chocolate Bar by Brandini Toffee will have two locations this year – at the Meadow Bar and in Restaurant Row. La Quinta Arts Festival hours are 10 am to 5 pm each day. Tickets may be purchased at the gate or in advance online at www. LQAF.com. Ticket prices are: Adults $17 or $22 for a four day pass. Children under 12 are free. Patrons may take advantage of valet parking $10, self-parking $7, or free parking in designated areas throughout the Village of La Quinta. La Quinta Arts Festival is presented by La Quinta Arts Foundation in partnership with Premier Sponsor The City of La Quinta. La Quinta Civic Center Campus is located at 78495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA. Directions: From I-10 or Hwy 111, take Washington St. south to Calle Tampico. More info at LQAF. com or 760-564-1244.

events

February 26 to March 4, 2015

Jennifer Carlson

Up with People Coming To Coachella Valley

he multinational cast of Up with People is headed to Coachella Valley. Up with People (UWP), which has toured over 40 countries around the world during the last 50-years, has announced that Coachella Valley will be a stop on their 2015 tour. On Friday, March 20 at 7pm Up with People will perform a public show at Indio High School and on Saturday, March 21 at 7pm Up with People will perform a second show at Palm Springs High School. The proceeds from show ticket sales will benefit The Ophelia Project; which empowers and encourages teenage girls to increase their sense of self-worth and maximize their potential contribution to society. The Ophelia Project works with hundreds of young girls in the Desert Sands Unified School District, Palm Springs Unified School District, and Coachella Valley Unified School District. While in Coachella Valley between March 16 and March 23, 2015, Up with People will spend time participating in service projects and live with local host families. Beginning in February, Up with People will be recruiting families to host international cast members during their stay in Coachella Valley. The sharing goes both ways...while families share their traditions and local attractions, the cast members share their experiences and cultures. By the end of their five-month world tour, the cast will visit dozens of communities throughout the United States, Europe and Mexico. The international cast of 110 will also complete more than 1,000 hours of community service reaching out to and supporting many local non-profit organizations. Community members are invited to join the cast to give back to their own communities. Volunteering is not the only way to get involved, if you or someone you know is between the ages of 17 and 29, local youth can apply to travel in future programs. In the 50 years that Up with People has been traveling the world we have had many Coachella Valley natives participate

in the program, most recently, Breah Stewart from La Quinta! Best known for their high-energy, upbeat, family-friendly entertainment, the cast of 110 participants representing 20 countries are participating in UWP’s international global education program for young adults. For 50years, the casts of Up with People have toured the globe performing for millions, including an unprecedented four Super Bowl halftime shows. “The Journey will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Up with People, while acknowledging that UWP’s mission is an ongoing journey, and is as relevant in 2015 as it was in 1965,” explains Up with People Executive Producer Eric Lentz. “The show will feature historical highlights from throughout Up with People’s existence, including pop medleys from the last 5 decades, and a medley of iconic UWP international dances. Original UWP songs will introduce timeless themes, and include messages of hope, movement, peace, and an overriding sense of motivation to go out and make a positive change in the world.” Lentz added. To purchase tickets and find out more about Up with People’s visit to Coachella Valley go to www.upwithpeople.org/coachellavalley. Up with People’s visit to Coachella Valley is sponsored by H.M. and Frances C. Berger Foundation. The Ophelia Project is the beneficiary of the show. Up with People is an independent nonprofit, [501(c)(3)] organization without any religious or political affiliations. It provides young adults an international and intercultural experience that teaches service leadership and uses the performing arts to deliver messages of hope and goodwill throughout the world. Up with People exists today to spark people to action in meeting the needs of their communities, countries and the world while building bridges of understanding as a foundation for world peace.

February 26 to March 4, 2015

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Don’t Be

CLUELESS IN THE COACHELLA VALLEY

by Diane Marlin-Dirkx Hills Resort, 71-333 Dinah Shore Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270. Reservations/ Information: SafeHouse of the Desert, 760409-0902. www.safehouseofthedesert.com

We’re in the midst of The Season..

s if we needed to tell you. You, who have your manicurist and hair stylist on Speed-dial. Along with the Nanny your kids spend more time with than they do with you, and the cleanup crew who know how to get red wine out of the mink-embellished cape you inherited from Aunt Bess, but you know what? We don’t want you to be “Clueless;” we want your time to be well-spent---literally as well as figuratively. Every week, we make sure this calendar is chock-a-block with local, worthy fundraisers, as well as national/ international fun-raisers that we hope you will support and enjoy. In the verbiage of Carney folks the world over noisily barking for all to come in and see the show: “A little song, a little dance, a little seltzer down your pants!” Why not? That’s seasoning,too! Don’t miss out!

Monday & Tuesday, March 2 & 3. Palm Springs Art Museum Unites Artists From Across the World for “The Art of Shopping.” The Museum Associates Council or “MAC” at Palm Springs Art Museum is pleased to present once again the highly anticipated fundraising event---and our favorite pastime, not only “shopping,” but even better, the “art” of it all. Every step of the way, this event brings together 34 studio craft artists from across the world for a shopping extravaganza of jewelry, apparel, accessories, and other unique treasures. Held at Palm Desert Art Museum in Palm Desert, The Galen and the Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden, this international ensemble includes original creations from Germany, Canada, and the Netherlands; as well as United States artists coming from 20 states. Attendees will find purses, hats, scarves, necklaces, rings, bracelets, hand-dyed tops, bespoke jackets, hand-painted silks, and much more. This is an opportunity for men to find that oneof-a-kind tie or wallet as well. On Monday, March 2, a delectable lunch is included in the ticket price of $100, but must be purchased in advance. On Tuesday, March 3, the ticket price will be for admittance only and is $10 in advance or at the door. Palm Desert

residents receive complimentary admission on Tuesday. For more information and tickets contact the Museum Associates Council (MAC) at (760) 322-4816. For more information about Palm Springs Art Museum visit www.psmuseum.org or call (760) 3224884. The Museum Associates Council or “MAC” was established in 1966 by a small group of members. Today, more than 250 MAC members plan and execute a variety of fundraising events. The funds raised each year by MAC allows Palm Springs Art Museum to offer exceptional opportunities for up to 15,000 children and adults take part in the many activities. Money raised also supports essential museum operations which allow for world-class exhibitions.

Thursday, March 5, Reception 10 AM, Luncheon 12 PM. “Lights, Camera, Action,” is the appropriate theme when philanthropist Harold Matzner, Chairman of the Palm Springs International Film Festival is honored by the Visionaries of Tools for Tomorrow with the 9th annual Vision for the Future Award. Tools For Tomorrow, a local nonprofit provides an arts literacy enrichment program integrating music, drama, writing and art, free to “at risk” children in elementary schools from Palm Springs to Mecca. The agenda begins with a Red Carpet Celebrity Artists’ Reception, and features a Movie Premiere starring the children of Tools for Tomorrow, Live Entertainment and Award Ceremony to honor Matzner. The event takes place at the Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage. For more info and/or sponsorship opportunities please call 760-601-3954, or email visionaries@toolsfortomorrow.org or visit toolsfortomorrow.org. Friday, March 6, 8 PM. Young Croatian cellists Luka Sulic and Stjepan Hauser together known as 2CELLOS have no limits when it comes to performing live, and are

as impressive when stroking their way across the strings playing Bach and Vivaldi as they are when rocking AC/DC. Case in point: 2CELLOS rose to fame in 2011 when their version of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” took the world by storm, receiving over three million YouTube views in the first two weeks. The YouTube video became a massive viral sensation, leading to a record deal with Sony Masterworks and an invitation to join Sir Elton John on his worldwide tour. In February 2014, Luka and Stjepan published their rendition of AC/ DC’s “Thunderstruck” to YouTube. The video went viral, gathering 10 million views in the first two weeks. ‘Nuff said? See and hear this Dynamic Duo at The McCallum Theatre. Tickets are priced at $65, $45, $35 and $25 and are available at the Theatre’s web site at www.mccallumtheatre.com, or by calling the McCallum Theatre box office at (760) 340-ARTS. The McCallum Theatre, located at 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert CA 92260.

Tuesday, March 10, 10 AM – 2:30 PM. Once upon a “WOW!” It’s time for the Annual “WOW” Event, a day celebrating the Wonder of Women” in its 10th year produced by and featuring local doctors Dr. Lisa Lindley and Dr. Jeralyn Brosfield with delightful Luncheon, must-haveit Shopping and lively Auction where all proceeds benefit SafeHouse of the Desert, an emergency shelter for at-risk youth in the Coachella Valley. Author, Speaker, Humorist, the “Hilariously funny” Judy Carter is Guest Speaker. And, Guess What, Gals! This exhilarating fun and fun-fabulous adventure in the middle of the day, stars you, giving you the best lines between friends, colleagues and neighbors, as you turn to the gal-pal on the right and next on the left with these encouraging words, “You are so sexy.” (Add three o’s to soooo.) It’s Bonding at its very best, amusing and what-the-hey-true. We kid you not. Tickets: Individual Ticket $120, Individual VIP Ticket $250.$1500 - $5,000 Gold Sponsorships Available for tables of 10 to 12. Event is at The Westin Mission

Thursday – Sunday, March 5 – 8, 10am to 5pm each day! Save the Dates for Arts sake! Explore, savor, and celebrate the 33rd La Quinta Arts Festival! Recognized as Southern California’s premier fine art festival, it has been ranked #1 in the Nation. In a magnificent outdoor gallery setting, LQAF showcases a juried selection of 230 top artists from around the nation and around the globe in Ceramics, Drawing & Pastel, Fiber/Textile, Glass, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture and Wood. Live entertainment, food and drink complement your experience. Art. Culture. Life. Art touches every aspect of life. Creative imaginings give birth to innovation, moving people ever forward, dynamic, engaging and inspiring – art is the glorification of the human spirit. Experience LQAF’s diverse offerings of events, activities and programs providing cultural enrichment and opportunities for residents, visitors, and artists of the Coachella Valley & beyond. La Quinta Arts Foundation is host of the #1 in the Nation La Quinta Arts Festival and a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization, incorporated in 1982. “Promoting and Cultivating the Arts” is the mission. To learn more go to www.lqaf.com. Ticket prices: Adults, $15. Multi-Day pass, $20. Children under 12 are free. Tickets may be purchased at the gate or in advance on our website. Free parking is available in the Village of La Quinta, along with paid valet and self-parking options. La Quinta Arts Festival is located at La Quinta Civic Center Campus, 78495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta. CA. Event proceeds have to date funded LQAF scholarship awards totaling over $1.1 million to students pursuing an education in the visual arts. More info, go to website or call 760-564-1244. “Don’t Be Clueless” wants to remind you that press releases for inclusion should be in to the Coachella Valley Weekly at least two weeks ahead of the scheduled event! Thanks!

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

theatre

February 26 to March 4, 2015

By johnathan tollins

COYOTE STAGEWORKS PRESENTS “BUYER & CELLAR” Emerson Collins of “Sordid Lives” and “Southern Baptist Sissies” to Star in Popular Comedy

oyote StageWorks is pleased to present the most talked about comedy of the year, “Buyer & Cellar,” from March 27 through April 5, 2015 at the Helene Galen Performing Arts Center. Obtaining the rights to the hysterical show while it was still playing Off-Broadway was a huge coup for the young award-winning theater company, currently in its sixth season. An outrageous comedy about the price of fame, the cost of things, and the oddest of odd jobs, “Buyer & Cellar” is part truth and part fiction, inspired by Barbra Streisand’s “My Passion for Design.” As detailed in the 2010 book, Streisand has a shopping mall in the basement of her Malibu home featuring a doll shop, an antique clothing store and a sweets shop, complete with a frozen yogurt machine. Playwright Jonathan Tolins takes the wackiness a step further as he imagines a man who is hired to work in the mall, with Streisand as his only customer. The show tells the story of Alex More, a struggling Los Angeles actor who takes a gig working in the basement mall and develops an unlikely and hilarious friendship with Streisand. Starring in the one-man show is awardwinning actor and producer, Emerson

Collins, current star of Bravo TV’s newest hit “The People’s Couch.” Collins produced and starred in “Southern Baptist Sissies,” the film of the play by Del Shores, which won 15 film awards from Stillwater, Oklahoma’s Red Dirt International Film Festival. He also co-produced and played “Max” in “Sordid Lives: The Series” on Logo TV, and has earned numerous acting awards for his theatre work in Los Angeles. Collins’ production of the world premiere of the Del Shores play “Yellow” earned the LA Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Production. “The New York run of ‘Buyer & Cellar’ won multiple awards for best solo show and performance, so we were thrilled to obtain the rights to this popular show and to secure Emerson Collins as its star,” exclaimed Chuck Yates, Founding Artistic Director of Coyote StageWorks. “We are enthusiastic about our beautiful new home at the Helene Galen Performing Arts Center, and are extremely grateful to our sponsors and the community for continuing to support high-quality theater in the Coachella Valley.” The production of “Buyer & Cellar” will be Coyote StageWorks’ first performance in its new home at the Helene Galen Performing

Breaking the 4th Wall

Arts Center, a state-of-the-art theater at the recently opened Rancho Mirage High School. Tickets for matinees, scheduled at 2 PM on Saturday and Sunday, are $45 – $55 per person, and 7:30 PM evening performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday are $50 – $60 per person. Twice voted “Best Live Theater” by Desert Magazine in 2013 and 2014, Coyote StageWorks received fifteen Desert Star Awards from the Desert Theatre League in 2013, and was awarded twenty at the organization’s 2014 gala. Coyote StageWorks is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 company dedicated to advancing theatre as a vital art form in the desert communities of the Coachella Valley. It is their mission to provide a forum for thought-provoking,

entertaining, and culturally significant works in an environment that nurtures the creativity of the individual and the enrichment of the community. For more information about Coyote StageWorks and its 2015 season, please visit coyotestageworks.org. Group sales: 760318-0024. To purchase individual tickets or subscriptions, call 760-202-6482 or visit hgpac.org.

By Dee Jae Cox

A Stage Review of “A Funny Thing Happened on The Way to the Forum”

here are multiple classic Broadway musicals that should be seen in Revival. Gypsy, West Side Story, Peter Pan, My Fair Lady and the Sound of Music just to name a few. But some shows, really are better off being left to bygone eras. “A Funny Thing Happened on The Way to The Forum,” originally produced in 1962, is one of those shows. With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart, the play is said to be inspired by the farces of ancient Roman playwrights, and maybe ancient Rome is where it was most appreciated. The time is ancient Rome and it is the story of a slave named Pseudolus, beautifully performed by Rob Weidert, who wants his freedom so badly that he is willing to go to any length to gain it. Neighbors living in three houses all in a row, weave together an absurd comedy of errors. The house of Senex is where our young upstanding hero, creatively named ‘Hero’ (played by Nicholas Sloan) lives, next door to a brothel (of course) where he falls in love with the lovely Philia, one of the courtesans in the brothel. Philia, though a courtesan, is still a virgin (every brothel has to have at least one) who has just been sold to the comically, ego driven Roman General, Miles

Gloriosus, Gallantly performed by Stephen Blackwell. Pseudolus will win his freedom if only he can manage to get Hero and Philia together. I thoroughly enjoyed Weidert’s take on the character of Pseudolus. He almost saved this play from the antique shop where it belongs. He was farcical and funny without falling off of the edge of absurdity. I did find myself smiling when he entered the scene. Jamie Leigh Walker, as Philia, previously seen in the Palm Canyon Theatre’s production of ‘Cinderella’ was as remarkable as ever in this show, with a singing voice that was flawless and a definite highlight of the presentation. It takes talent for an obviously skilled actress to play a

stereotypical airheaded virgin courtesan. Personally I find sexist stereotypes about as funny as racist stereotypes. Garnett Smith as Erronius, proved the adage that there are no small roles, only small actors. Any time he entered the stage, he stole the scene. He was really funny. Not the slapstick, pie in the face funny, but the talented actor who knows how to skillfully deliver a line, funny. Just loved him. And the three young Proteans, Jackson Dean, Holden Hartle and Jake Mule must be applauded for their abilities to quick change from a ‘Eunuch’ to a Roman soldier in the blink of an eye. A male actor in drag, in the role of Gymnasia, the ‘athletic’ Courtesan was a fun choice. Ben Reece was sexy in a dominatrix kind of way. Peter Mins’ costumes were creative, a step beyond the expected togas. And I truly appreciated J.W. Layne’s simple set and lighting designs. But none of the production elements are enough to make this play a ‘must see’ unless you really love outdated farce. The Palm Canyon Theatre is a class act. I have loved so much of their work and I can’t wait to see what they do next. But “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” wasn’t one of their better production

choices. “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” is being performed through March 8th, at the Palm Canyon Theatre, located at 538 North Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs. For Reservations: Box Office: 760.323.5123 www.palmcanyontheatre.org Dee Jae Cox, is a playwright, director and producer. She is the Cofounder and Artistic Director for The Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Project and the host of KPTR 1450’s hit radio show, “California Woman 411” in Palm Springs.

February 26 to March 4, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

desert djs

By craig michaels

The Bill Feingold Show Featuring Kevin Holmes on K-NEWS 94.3

events

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Local Music Spotlight

by kira golden

by Crystal Harrell

The Frank Sinatra Celebrity Invitational Black Tie Gala benefiting the Barbara Sinatra

KCOD CoachellaFM is rebranded, revamped, and ready to rock

Center for Abused Children

hen you tune into K-NEWS 94.3 FM in the morning, you’ll hear more than just news, weather, and sports. The Bill Feingold show featuring Kevin Holmes is exceptionally entertaining and takes pride for being live and local. The unlikely radio pair knows how to use their age difference to their advantage. Bill, who is 20-years Kevin’s senior, discloses how fun it is to reference all of the older celebrities that Kevin doesn’t even recognize. Bill specifically remembers when Kevin tried to book Loretta Young for the show, only to discover that she had died some 12 years prior. The real attraction is their on-air transparency: “I think what’s true for both of us are that we’re totally open and honest with our audience. We are exactly the same off-air as on. I love meeting our listeners and they always seem surprised that we really our radio personalities are the same as our real life personalities,” Bill explains. The Bill Feingold Show hit the airwaves six years ago at the Desert Radio Group (DRG) in Palm Springs for one hour every Saturday. Bill had no problem filling the 60 minute time slot with the help of Kevin, who was originally assigned to work as the board operator for the show. The two began an on-air friendship which quickly grabbed the ears of local listeners. Soon they could be heard five nights a week and their show went from one hour to three! Capitalizing on their popularity, the DRG moved the duo to the morning drive where they can be heard broadcasting weekdays from 6am to 9am. If you’re a channel surfer you’ll also find them on 970 AM and now in the high desert on 103.7 FM. You would never know this was the first attempt at a talk show for both Bill and Kevin. Like a well-oiled machine they have settled into their respective duties on and off the air. Bill is quick to give kudos to Kevin for his role in booking the guests for each show. Listeners have had the pleasure to ease drop on interviews

with A-list celebrities in the past such as Larry King, Liza Minnelli and Jonny Mathis. On any given morning you might also see desert residents, Suzanne Somers or Gavin MacLeod (of Captain Merrill Stubing) roaming the hallways of the DRG waiting for their turn to grace the show. While flipping on the mic and chatting with celebrities sounds fun and easy, there is a lot of prep work involved to making sure there is no dead air. Bill explains what a typical morning is like for him: “I am usually in the office by 2:30am and work up until the show goes on at 6am. I want the news to be the very latest that you will hear. I want you to hear stories you haven’t heard the day before and if a celebrity or author is coming on, I want to be well prepared for them.” While they both contribute to the show off the air, it’s what happens once the two get behind the microphones that’s the interesting part: “I think the listeners will appreciate the fact that when the show starts, Kevin has no idea what the show is going to be about— so in a sense, I am presenting the show and the topics to Kevin and the audience at the same time. It makes for great spontaneity and that’s where many of the laughs come in,” Bill confesses. The show continues to grow and has an impressively loyal fan base. Their “Odd Couple” like relationship has earned them the number one local morning radio talk show in the Valley. Even though they promote their program as the “Voice of the Valley,” you can hear them online around the world at www.knewsradio.com. They truly love making people smile and are grateful for the advertisers who make it possible. If you want to contact them you can email: bill@knewradio.com or call: (760) 416-8446. Written by: Craig Michaels Craig Michaels Productions (760) 880-3848

obert Hays, Jackie Flynn, Kevin Sorbo, Joe Mantegna, Frankie Muniz, Pat Boone, Richard Karn, Robert Wagner, and Beverly Johnson are just a few of the many celebrities who gathered at the Fantasy Springs event center this last Saturday to enjoy cocktails, delicious food, and stunning live entertainment at the 27th Annual Frank Sinatra Black Tie Gala. All the invitees participated in a golf tournament together, and this illustrious event was the conclusion. Prior to dinner, everyone milled about the open bar, sampling spinach quiche and smoked salmon hors d’oeuvres, while given the opportunity to browse the silent auction. Among the items being auctioned were an electric guitar signed by Robby Krieger of The Doors, vacation getaways to Costa Rica, spa packages, a box of cigars, and golf packages. Jack Daniels, being Frank Sinatra’s drink of choice according to Barbara Sinatra, generously donated a set of monogrammed lowball glasses and a golf stand bag with their logo emblazoned on it. There were also lovely works of art, one of which was painted by Frank Sinatra himself. All the proceeds from the auction and the dinner go to benefit the Barbara Sinatra Center for Abused Children. Michael Dante, a good friend and co-star of Frank Sinatra’s and Paul Newman’s, has attended this event for the last 26 years, and he explained that the Center is a safe place for children to go when they have no one else to protect them. It a place of refuge and of healing— both of the body and the mind—so that these helpless children don’t have to grow up to become helpless adults. “My wife and I visit sometimes,” Dante said. “It’s a

beautiful thing to see the work they do there, and the children are so sweet.” Dinner was a spectacular four-course affair, including a baby iceberg socle with crab dijonaise, a main course of Madeira glazed beef tenderloin and grilled prawns, and to top it all off, a decadent flourless chocolate cake. Wine donated from the Monte de Oro winery flowed freely, and before dessert was over, we were graced with a stunning performance by the night’s headliner, Burt Bacharach. Accompanied by his band and his three soulful singers, Burt Bacharach played a medley of his most famous songs, of which there are many. During his career, he’s had 48 Top Ten hits and nine #1 songs. He is known for composing the scores to such classics as What’s New Pussycat and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. He won 3 Oscars and 8 Grammys. He concluded the night by having the entire audience sing along to “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head” and not a one of us didn’t know the lyrics! All in all, it was a fabulous night for a fabulous cause. The people, the food, and the conversation were all sparkling, and all anyone could say was how wonderful the night turned out to be.

February 26 to March 4, 2015

DEANA MARTIN TO PERFORM LIVE events AT THE LIVING DESERT’S GALA

Zoo’s 26th Annual Gala will be held March 7th

he Living Desert is pleased to announce that its 26th annual Zoobilee Gala is returning to the zoo on Saturday, March 7 and will feature “Deana Martin LIVE at The Cheetah Lounge.” The Living Desert is celebrating its 45th anniversary and to honor that era, the gala will transport guests back to the time when the Rat Pack ruled the desert. Attendees are encouraged to dress the part. The highlight of the evening will be an incredible performance by Deana Martin, Dean Martin’s daughter. Deana will pay homage to the Great American Songbook, singing some of the most popular songs of the 20th century. Thanks in part to technology, Deana will also perform a few special duets with her late father. The evening begins with a cocktail reception and silent auction, featuring the Deana Martini and entertainment by the desert’s own charismatic crooner, Michael D’Angelo. An elegant dinner and drinks will follow at The Palm Garden Patio, which will be transformed into The Cheetah Lounge and feature a full menu inspired by the 1960s. A special Raise the Paddle effort will support the new Desert Carnivore Conservation Center. A generous, anonymous donor has graciously offered to match up to $150,000. The money generated from Raise the Paddle will help renovate the carnivore enclosures for animal rehabilitation and breeding work with threatened, endangered and near-extinct animals in the zoo. The animals included in the renovated Small Carnivore Conservation Center

are the Fennec Fox, Swift Fox, Kit Fox, and Sand Cat. The Center will also introduce the breeding of the very rare Black-footed Cat for accredited zoos all across the country. “After several years of holding our gala offsite, we are thrilled to be able to return to The Living Desert to celebrate our 45th anniversary,” said Allen Monroe, President/CEO of The Living Desert. “This night is all about the animals and the zoo environment, so it’s nice for our guests to be among them on this special occasion and they can directly see where their support is going.” Individual tickets for “Deana Martin LIVE at The Cheetah Lounge” are available for $500 per person. A table for 10 people can be purchased for $5,000 and includes preferred placement in The Cheetah Lounge. Event host table sponsorships are available for $20,000 and include a private meet and greet with Deana Martin, special gifts, priority table location in The Cheetah Lounge and early admission to this inaugural event. The gala is The Living Desert’s largest fundraiser of the year and all of the proceeds from the evening go to support the mission of desert conservation through preservation, education and appreciation. This year’s gala is also providing the opportunity to improve the health and lives of the animals in The Living Desert, as well as improving the population of selected species worldwide. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.LivingDesert.org or call 760-346-5694, extension 2166.

odern, authentic, informative, and innovative—these are just a few brand values that the crew at COD’s radio station seeks to promote at the official launch of KCOD CoachellaFM this semester. With the reinvention of the college’s student-led broadcast, KCOD CoachellaFM’s mission is to maintain an active interaction with the community through music, news, and public service programming that is both interesting and relevant to local listeners. Since its establishment by advisor Laurilie Jackson in March of 2011, KCOD has earned a reputation of delivering quality radio broadcasts to desert residents. With the new KCOD CoachellaFM, the station upholds a vision of diversifying programming and expanding its audience, while educating students about the field of radio production. The rebranding process began when KCOD’s co-advisor Brad Fuhr decided that the station needed to take a different approach that would better sync with the Coachella Music and Arts Festival—a popular tourist staple that garners thousands of concertgoers each year and an event that makes the Coachella Valley truly unique. “Once people come here for Coachella and then go away, they lose that connection to the festival until next year. They may stay up-to-date with the Coachella Valley newsletter, Goldenvoice, etc. But the crew thought, what better way to both highlight the local music scene and all the other artists that play at Coachella than create KCOD CoachellaFM?” Fuhr stated. With that goal in mind, Station Manager Toni Deluca Bakal met with a logo designer from Los Angeles that helped redesign the image of what is now KCOD CoachellaFM— complete with color palettes, font styles, and a new tagline: Where the Music Comes Together. The entire process began in October of last year and was finalized at the start of 2015. “It did take some time to get everything going with the designer on board, but once we did, it really flew through. All the crew

members made a final decision on the logo and approved the new design, so it was a group effort,” Bakal explained. KCOD CoachellaFM plays indie, rock, pop, dance, and hip-hop genres, along with some local artists and songs from bands that performed at the music festival in its 24-hour playlist. The station also broadcasts several shows, including the comic-oriented Toongasm, Morning Talk with Czarny hosted by the station’s sports director, Bryanna Czarny, and KCOD Culture Source, which provides a five-minute rundown of the month’s happenings around the desert. In addition to emceeing events like last year’s International Tamale Festival, KCOD CoachellaFM was recently nominated for three Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) awards in the categories of Best Campus News, Best Promo Series, and Best Website. The competition was open to college radio stations across the nation and KCOD CoachellaFM was in the 10 percent of entries selected. “I feel very honored to be a nominee because Manny Gomez and I had been doing campus news just out of fun, and we sent in our work without expecting anything to come of it. I was really shocked [to find out we were nominated],” stated Best Campus News nominee Alex Winner. The 75th Annual IBS International Conference will take place March 6-8 in New York City. According to Bakal, her time as the station’s manager is ringing in a new era with “a passionate crew and fun times ahead.” KCOD CoachellaFM can be heard 24/7 on www.coachellafm.com or on Tunein, under KCOD College of the Desert.

February 26 to March 4, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Local Music Spotlight

Tilted kilt Open Mic competition new years edition - Week 6

eek #6 of The Tilted Kilt Open Mic Competition New Years edition brought fun for all! Between the new $100 weekly cash prize for 1st place, fantastic prizes for 2nd and 3rd places, and the new 50% judge vote and 50% audience applause vote, the crowd was pumped and musicians gave it their all. Plus, giveaways from the Mary Pickford Theater such as hats, t-shirts, and movie tickets got the audience on their feet. After the tallying of the anonymous judge vote and the audience applause score, it was Mike Sick-boy & Felipe Reyes who won 1st place and $100 cash. The duo will now move on to the Grand Finals for a shot at a 3 day, 2 night trip to Las Vegas from Crater Lake Vodka, a $500 shopping spree at Guitar Center an Artist Development Session with Producer, Ronnie King, an artist spotlight article in Coachella Valley Weekly and a band/ artist showcase concert from Morgan James Entertainment. 2nd place was a tie between newcomers, Shaman Rock who took home $20 to Stuft Pizza and competition regular, Jim Holiday who chose 2 movie tickets to the Mary Pickford Theatre. THANK YOU to ALL of our performers at the

Tilted Kilt Open Mic Competition for putting on a great show AND for being so supportive of the other artists: Daniel aka The Puppet, Will Kelly, Jim Holiday, Gustavo Gonzalez, Eduardo Gallega, Maddy Ebersole, Brent Simpson, Malachai Rosmino, Joseph Gonzales, Richard Finn, Jason Romero, Daniel Gaylor, Jon Gaylor, Juan aka Razor J and Neebs. I hope to see you all next week! Look for coverage of this week’s event and the announcement of winners in the next issue of Coachella Valley Weekly! SPECIAL THANKS to all of our sponsors: Ronnie King Music, Guitar Center, Crater Lake Vodka, CV Weekly, Morgan James Entertainment, Stuft Pizza, Mary Pickford Theater, Skitzo Kitty and KAM Music Studio. Remember, the Tilted Kilt Open Mic Competition is ALL AGES and runs EVERY WEDNESDAY. YOU may compete EVERY week! PLEASE NOTE: Due to our overwhelming number of interested performers, sign in starts at 7pm and will be closed at 7:45pm. BRING YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY and FANS and note that the competition may run to 11pm so be sure your friends and family know to stay until the end to voice their vote!!! For questions or information about sign-up, please see Facebook.com/ TiltedKiltOpenMicCompetition or contact creator and host, Morgan James at MorganAliseJames@ gmail.com or (714) 651-1911

Valley Rhythms

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Lola Rossi

The Jacksons perform at Fantasy Springs Casino

Local Music Spotlight

Jesika von Rabbit Releases New Video “Psychic Spice”

plus Record Release Parties in Hollywood & Palm Springs

usic Icons The Jacksons celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Jackson 5 by heading out for their 2015 Unity Tour and tearing up the stage with an exciting, high energy show at Fantasy Springs Casino, this Saturday, February 28, at 8 p.m. Born and raised in Gary, Indiana, Jermaine, Tito, Jackie, Marlon and Michael Jackson, started their musical journey, winning the Roosevelt High School Talent Show in 1965. A lot of hard work and dedication went into the act before they made it. They performed at the Apollo Theater during their summer vacations and performed at nightclubs for almost five years. While at the Regal Theater, Bobby Taylor introduced them to Motown; and Berry Gordy used Diana Ross to present The Jackson 5 to the world. Their dream became a reality. I highly recommend going to The Jacksons Official website and viewing them on YouTube. The Jackson Family live their lives with love and respect for each other. They have their ups and downs in life, just like anybody else, but the bond they have as a Family and their Faith in God, keeps them focused. They are very appreciative of all the fans who have supported them over the years. They made history when their first four singles reached #1. This gave them International fame and yet, they never won a Grammy nor an American Music Award, but they really enjoyed being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with The Bee Gees in 1997; and the Vocal Hall of Fame in 1999. During a telephone interview with Marlon Jackson, I mentioned a photo I saw on The Jacksons FB Page. It was of Tito, Jackie and Marlon visiting an orphanage. “While on tour, we went to visit the Selangor Orphanage in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and the kids were just so excited,” said Jackson. “We stopped at McDonald’s and we brought food for about 80 kids. They had fun, we had fun running around and we came to find out, the lady had two homes, side by side, and all of these kids were staying with her, because they were homeless. She was taking care of them, raising them and making sure they

went to school.” Before they left the orphanage, they found out the ladies were behind in their rent and didn’t have money for the following Month. The Jackson Brothers talked about it and decided to pay their rent for the entire year. “The ladies were so excited and it was at that moment, I really felt in my heart, this is the reason why the Lord put us in this position, for these types of movements. How could we not do it? I tell people all the time, when I leave this earth, we aren’t going to be judged for what we’ve done for ourselves and for the material things we have; we will be judged for what we have done for others.” The Jacksons started touring again in 2011 with their first performance in Montreal, Canada. Since then, they have toured all over the world, sharing the Love with their fans. Music is what they were born to do. When I hear a song on the radio, it brings back memories of where I was when I heard it for the first time. According to Marlon, when he hears a song, he thinks about where they were and what they were doing in the recording studio. And how they were tutored in hotel rooms and when Jermaine was reading his book upside down. They were living their dream and enjoying it. “God plays a very important role in our lives because without Him, none of this would be possible. What I have come to realize, as I’ve gotten older, is that there is a reason why the Lord put my family or put me in a position to travel the globe and to experience all of the various Cultures and to see things that a lot of people will not see in their lifetime. And, I’ve come to understand that with all the fame and notoriety internationally, it comes with some sort of responsibility as well. So, to be able to help in certain ways, when you can help, you do it.” A project dear to his heart; in the process of being formed and soon to be “officially” announced, is The Marlon Jackson Study Peace Foundation. “I really do believe that the world needs to unite as one and live in a more peaceful environment, not only for us, but for our youngsters who are our future. Everything I do is from the Lord.”

ead singer, keyboardist, and songwriter of Gram Rabbit, Jesika von Rabbit has released a new video, “Psychic Spice”, which is also a track from von Rabbit’s upcoming solo album titled Journey Mitchell. The album reflects a shift in energy for von Rabbit now that Gram Rabbit are on a sabbatical of undetermined length. For her new project which was entirely written and recorded on her own, von Rabbit is extending the electronic element of Gram Rabbit with “Adult ThemePark Pop”. The video, directed by Jessica Janos, starts with von Rabbit auditioning to be a new Spice Girl and unravels into a cornucopia of outrageous imagery featuring a warehouse of weirdos which von Rabbit refers to as her “prairie gangsters.” Watch the video before von Rabbit and friends are committed to the nearest mental ward... View at VideoStatic.com/ Jesika von Rabbit “Psychic Spice”- http://ow.ly/JBEtU Song available for FREE download: jesikavonrabbit.bandcamp.com/track/ psychic-spice In celebration of the release of her Journey Mitchell CD (a vinyl LP is currently in the works), von Rabbit will be performing at two record release parties, in Hollywood and Palm Springs: Saturday, March 21, 11 PM at Bar Sinister: 1652 N Cherokee Ave, Los Angeles, California 90028. www.barsinister.net Saturday, March 28, 11 PM, Bar Palm Springs: 340 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs. www.barwastaken.com

February 26 to March 4, 2015

Miramonte Resort & Spa Debuts “Thursday Night Live”

by chris clemens

iramonte Resort & Spa introduces “Thursday Night Live” in the resort’s Vineyard Lounge beginning February 26 through May 21. Every Thursday night from 5 to 8 p.m. guests will enjoy musicians performing live. Gennine Jackson is the featured musician debuting the series on February 26, and performing through March 19. Ms. Jackson is a phenomenal vocal talent and entertainer from Los Angeles. Her music style covers a broad range of genres including Jazz, R&B and Pop. Notably recognized for her tribute performance to Whitney Houston – “The Essence of Whitney” – that took place across the U.S. and Canada, Ms. Jackson also looks stunningly similar to her. She has been named Entertainer of the Year by Orange County, has opened shows for Jennifer Holiday, and has appeared on Jay Leno with Aaron Neville. In addition to Ms. Jackson’s live performance while enjoying cocktails and

appetizers, visiting guests can stroll the beautiful property taking in the Italianinspired ambiance. Nestled at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains, the resort feature romantic architecture, soothing fountains, fine-crafted stonework, tranquil outdoor piazzas, and outdoor fire pits – all complimented with awe-inspiring views. Miramonte Resort & Spa is located at 45000 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells, CA. For more information about the resort visit www.miramonteresort.com or call (760) 341-2200.

Jesika von Rabbit will be a guest, live in-studio on Over Under Sideways Down, LuxuriaMusic.com streaming internet radio, Wednesday, 2/25, 3-5 PM PST. Join Jesika’s Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram! facebook.com/jesikavonrabbitmusic

February 26 to March 4, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Eleni P. Austin

JENNIFER KNAPP

ack in 2002, Jennifer Knapp was the biggest star in Contemporary Christian Music. But she walked away from it all to lead a more authentic life. Jennifer Knapp and her twin sister, Lori, were born in Chanute, Kansas in 1974. Her parents divorced when the twins were three years old. She endured an unhappy (and non-religious) childhood, living with her remarried father until she left for college. It was at tiny Pittsburg State University that Knapp converted to Christianity. Although she studied trumpet throughout high school, it wasn’t until college that she began performing her own music. Knapp’s self-released debut, Circle Back arrived in 1994. She quickly followed up in 1996 with Wishing Well, selling both CDs at her shows. That album garnered some attention from the independent, Contemporary Christian label, Gotee. Founded in 1994 by former dc. talk member, Toby McKeehan (ne’ Tobymac), the label had a distribution deal with industry giant, EMI/Capitol. They signed Knapp and got her into the studio for what would be her breakthrough album, Kansas. Kansas was a revelation. Most Contemporary Christian Music comes across as gentle Soft Rock anthems to “Him.” The glory of “Him,” the wonder of “Him,” the inevitable infallibility of “Him.” Jennifer Knapp flipped the script. Her album was filled with songs of

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

“Set Me Free” (Righteous Babe Records)

introspection and self-doubt, laced with spirituality. More importantly, the melodies and instrumentation actually rocked. The album catapulted to the top of the CCM charts and was certified gold. Her next two albums continued the trend, Lay It Down, arrived in 2000, shot to #1, and received a Grammy nomination. It also included a knowing cover version of Shawn Colvin’s “Diamond In The Rough.” Knapp quickly returned with The Way I Am in 2001. That one also made the Top 10. The songs on both albums strike a tone of humble reflection. She is always questioning, herself, her God and society. The decision to take a break from touring and recording in 2002 was viewed as career suicide, but Knapp was adamant. The relentless tour schedule that followed the release of each left her feeling burnt out, physically and emotionally. Also, there was a part of her that Knapp could no longer deny her sexuality. During her unhappy teen years, Knapp turned to alcohol and sex to dull the pain. Of course that ended once she had converted to Christianity. However, following that life-altering event, she also realized that she was gay. Because that lifestyle felt like the complete antithesis of her evangelical teachings, she chose to remain celibate. One of the reasons Knapp took her sabbatical was because she fell in love. Feeling she couldn’t continue her career, she put down her guitar and relocated with her partner to Australia. There she was free to live her life without scrutiny. By 2009, Knapp felt the need to return to music. After writing a plethora of new songs she returned to the United States, setting up house with her partner in Nashville. By early 2010, she released her first secular album, Letting Go, through the independent label, Graylin. She also came out. Predictably, most of the Christian community renounced her, and the Gay community embraced her. Throughout the firestorm of controversy, Knapp realized being gay and Christian are not mutually exclusive.

Consider This

In 2011, she founded Inside Out Faith, an advocacy organization for LGBT people of faith. Sharing her coming out journey at churches and universities inspired Knapp to write her autobiography. “Facing The Music: My Story” was published in 2014 by Howard Books, a religious imprint of Simon Schuster. She also found a perfect home for her music, Righteous Babe Records. Founded by Folk-Punk warrior/iconoclast, Ani Difranco in 1990, the Buffalo, New York label is a haven for uncompromising artists. Set Me Free is her first album for the label. The album is off to a rollicking start with “Remedy,” a crackling rocker propelled by peppery guitar riffs and a driving backbeat. Here she revisits her Kansas roots with mixed results. Her past feels like an albatross. “You’ve been around my neck so burdensome you say I’ve changed, you rue what I’ve become.” Much like “Letting Go,” on this record she is free to explore the myriad twists and turns of love. Four tracks, “What Might Have Been,” “Why Wait,” “So Happy” and “The Tale” chart the highs and lows of romance. “What Might Have Been” is a sharp treatise on carnal attraction. Acoustic and electric guitars intertwine over feathery violin and a slow groove that is equal parts liquid and languid. Knapp paints a vivid portrait of the frisson of desire. “You are like the spice of tobacco on my lips, the cardinal sin/You’re no good for me, still I proceed, damned for the taste of you darling.” The urgent and anthemic melody of “Why Wait” shares some musical DNA with Jackson Browne’s “Running On Empty. The arrangement is powered by scorching guitar licks, pounding piano runs and a breakneck beat. The lyrics plant the seeds of erotic betrayal. “I believe in what you say, that this is not what it looks like/It’s just an ordinary night.” By “So Happy” the façade has cracked. Over gritty guitar, honeyed keys and a midtempo rhythm, promises are made and deals are struck, but nothing is resolved. “... all I have to share with you, these moments fleeting/I am not the one who’s leaving you

art Scene

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

February 26 to March 4, 2015

By sarah scheideman

Hello Art Luverz!

out, don’t leave me out.” By “The Tale,” the writing is on the wall. Splinter-y guitar riffs skate over a minor key waltz. Knapp’s double-tracked vocals soar as she navigates the shoals of recrimination and regret. Her heart in tatters, she resolves to learn from her emotional battle scars. “Usually blows like this leave a mark so I can remember/Leave me safe so I won’t embark on some new adventure.” Both “Set Me Free” and “Mercy Tree” slyly address her break with the Evangelical community. The former is tethered to a loping rhythm. Sweet acoustic arpeggios blend with sawing violin notes and tinkling piano fills. Knapp is defiant, “Should I find my resting place amidst the ruins of shame and disgrace/Who are you to care? You’re no longer there to judge what I’ve become.” The latter is propelled by shimmering, spiraling guitars and a stuttery beat. She offers some astute criticism…”We trade truth for a banner, a slogan or two/ Underneath it we all look insane…We hold our breath when the winter comes, act as if faith makes the springtime bring the sun/ What have we done.” Other interesting tracks include “Neosho.” A clear-eyed tribute to the tributary that runs from Kansas to Texas. The lyrics take a sweeter pass at childhood memories without papering over the pain. Knapp also offers up a rustic revision of Anita Baker’s Quiet Storm classic, “Sweet Love.” Meanwhile, the sunny melody of “The End” belies lyrics of equivocation and loss. The album closes with the quiet contemplation of “Come Back.” Here Knapp suggests that anything worthwhile requires struggle. “Who said easy was what we wanted or what we need/It takes blood to make good history.” “Set Me Free” is packed with hook-filled melodies, and Knapp has a sure facility with language. But her voice is the album’s secret weapon: Tremulous and earthy one minute, soaring and crystalline the next. Her singing is rich and nuanced and eloquent. Jennifer Knapp may never enjoy the same commercial success that accompanied her CCM career, but that’s okay. She has crafted an excellent record, while remaining true to herself. What could be better?

he CVAS team has been busy busy busy! Last week we hosted over 5 events, this week we will produce even more. And although it may sound overwhelming, it’s actually a lot of fun. We love our community and seeing it come together before our eyes. So don’t miss out! Pick an event from the list below meet me there. Would love to chat IRL (in real life). Sarah Scheideman, Executive Director to The Coachella Valley Art Scene 68571 East Palm Canyon Dr. Cathedral City, CA 92234 760-650-CVAS TheCVArtScene.com @TheCVArtScene Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 1pm-6pm

GENERATOR GENERATION: Our current exhibition in the gallery is photographic documentation of an era of desert rock that took place in late 1980’s-early 1990’s. All photos from this time period taken by Larry Lali. Printing courtesy of BuzzFactory. Available for viewing during business hours. Available for purchase.

FABRIC FACTORY: Hang out. Make art. Come get fabric, paint on it, sew it, cut it - just have fun with it!! Explore the creative side of yourself that you’ve neglected with artist Sofia Enriquez. Fabric, paints, yarn, rope, scissors, glue, puff paints, etc provided. $10. Thursday, February 26th.

YOGA AMONGST THE ART: Every Monday & Wednesday come practice power yoga with Symara Stone & Yoga Tony. All levels welcomed. $5 suggested donation. Starts at 8pm, Mon & Wed.

CRAFTS N COCKTAILS: Have a brew, make a souvineer, support a local non-profit organization! Listen to live music from La Quinta musicians, Maddy Ebersole + All Night Shoes. Tuesday, February 24th 4pm - 8pm

BEER GARDEN AT CANADA FEST This weekend The CVAS will be taking over the beer gardens at Canada Fest 2015 at the University of California, Riverside - Palm Desert campus. Have a brew, help an organization! Proceeds from alcohol will go towards programming at The CVAS. Saturday February 28th 10am-6pm. Sunday, March 1st 10am-3pm. UCR-PD 75080 Frank Sinatra Dr. Palm Desert, CA We hope to see you at one of our events soon! Thank you for your continuous support.

February 26 to March 4, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

PET PLACE

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Janet McAfee

Lucerne Valley Puppy Mill Crisis

id you know that less than 20% of the people seeking a pet will go to an animal shelter to adopt one? It would be hard to believe this if you were at the San Bernardino County shelter at Devore this past week. Throngs of people lined up outside the shelter, beginning at 5:00 am, and five news crews brought in their trucks to cover the story at 10:00 am when the shelter opened. There was no room for the hundreds of prospective adopters and rescue groups to fit inside the tiny shelter lobby. The shelter staff worked frantically to control the crowd and implement a system that allowed 190 dogs rescued from a nearby puppy mill to find a home with humans who care about them. The scene was reminiscent of a bargain basement sale at Macy’s. I wish folks realized they can get fabulous dogs at shelters any day of the week. I went to the shelter on the first day the puppy mill dogs came available for adoption and rescue. I was in the dual role as a journalist for the CV Weekly and as a rescuer for Loving All Animals in Palm Desert. I didn’t know whether to bring 10 crates in a van or 3 crates in a car. The story was on televised news throughout Southern California. The newscast showed horrific scenes of the ramshackle home in the middle of the high desert where the dogs were kept amidst debris and broken windows. The house was abandoned, and the dogs were out of food of water. People came from Orange and San Diego counties to adopt these beautiful animals. It turned out that I was the “lucky” person who, in a lottery system, obtained a “rescue only” 2-yr-old Yorkshire Terrier. Tiny Bitsy is now in a wonderful foster home, and she is starting to relax and loves being in her foster dad’s arms. This may be the first time this pup was ever held. I suspect her foster parents will add Bitsy to their family. Pictured here is Royce Bordes, with Angels

N Paws, a nonprofit group that helps animals at the Devore shelter year around. Royce, on the left, rescued three little Chihuahuas, knowing that Chihuahuas are the second largest breed to be euthanized in California public shelters. Usually Royce is alone during trips to this shelter, and reports she’s never seen anything like the public outpouring to help this group of animals. Sandra Sneed, on the right, is with Gone To The Dogs, another private rescue group on the scene. Hidden away from public view, often down dirt roads in rural areas, these large commercial breeding facilities operate without licensing. They warehouse animals in unfathomable conditions, without decent food, without human contact, without heat or air conditioning, and certainly without medical care which would eat into their profits. The animals are badly matted, often sick, and often frozen in distress. On February 6, 2015, a phone call alerted San Bernardino county animal control that a large numbers of pure breed dogs were abandoned in a Lucerne Valley home without food and water. At least 2 of the dogs had died, and the remaining animals would have suffered a horrible death in the middle of the desert had animal control officers not arrived when they did. There is an ongoing criminal investigation into this case. The Lucerne dogs were a bit luckier than some large scale operations. These 190 dogs had a concrete or dirt floor, and were housed in areas where they could move around amongst their companions. Some animals are confined outside in small wire cages stacked up on top of each other. The females often lose their teeth due to over breeding. They are kept outdoors in the freezing cold and in the scorching heat. Have you ever purchased a pet online? Do you know someone who has? Have you ever purchased a cat or dog from a pet store? If so, do you know where that

by Rick Riozza

Finally - SAVED by Wine & Tattoos

animal came from or the conditions of the parent animals? The pet shop owner might tell you that their animals come from “reputable local breeders”. In fact, no responsible breeder who cares about their animals would ever deliver them to a pet store. Nor would they sell them online and ship them by cargo across the country to a complete stranger. A responsible breeder would welcome you into their home and facility, show you the parent dogs, and provide information about pet care. Many would argue there is no reason to buy from any breeder because 30% of the animals in shelters are pure breed animals. My confession comes next. Twenty years ago, I purchased a Tonkinese cat from a breeder in the Oakland hills. I wanted to ensure that I was getting a cat with a friendly personality to match up with my senior cat, Isis, a rescue from the San Francisco SPCA. Back then, I was unaware of the crisis of unwanted dogs and cats in shelters. The cat I purchased had none of the traits typical of her breed, and Bianca even bit my landlord. If I had gone to a shelter, I could have adopted, saved a life, and saved a lot of money. I plan to write more articles on the topic of puppy mills in this column. One article will focus on socializing dogs rescued from

puppy mills, and share the amazing road to “recovery” of some. Another story will examine the legal and regulatory issues concerning these large scale breeding operations. Meanwhile, if most people knew better, they would do better and “adopt rather than shop”. Communities across the country are starting to ban the commercial retail sale of dogs and cats, the city of Oceanside being among the most recent. These communities battle with some commercial breeders who claim breeding dogs in any conditions they choose is their right, and the government should leave them alone. Those of us who love and appreciate these creatures God gave us hate to see them suffer, and would argue otherwise. We need to stop blaming the shelter staff for problems fueled by financial greed by those selling animals for profit, and ignorance on the part of the public who purchase from them. I witnessed the staff at the Devore shelter doing all they could as a government agency to care for and find homes for this huge influx of dogs while the usual stream of strays and owner turn-ins continued. The county must follow laws that protect animals and the laws that protect our citizens from unreasonable search and seizure of property. Domestic cats and dogs are considered personal property, and due process must be conducted before these animals could be legally adopted. Whether or not you love animals, your tax dollars fund an expensive shelter system to deal with the crises caused by puppy mills and “back yard breeders” that often neglects and abuses animals. Go to petfinder.com to find a particular breed or type of pet from a rescue. Contact Loving All Animals at (760) 834-7000 to obtain a list of local shelters and rescue groups where you can adopt that special animal. Call our office and get on our mailing list. We will make it fun for you to be part of our “rescue family” with Yappy Hours and events for you and your pet. ADOPT, DON’T SHOP. Jmcafee7@verizon.net

February 26 to March 4, 2015

ine has always been in a world of collaboration. Simple enough as when God provided the hardware and prompted man to tinker around, wine is a great example of teamwork, relationship, and alliance that provides joy to the world. And besides a blending of human talents to the product, wine is blended in many different ways. At its most basic, vintners blend wine made from different grapes and different vintages in order to add more complexity to the aroma, flavor and texture of wine. So jump to late August 2013 at Hollywood’s Chateau Marmont where SAVED Wine was introduced to the world. SAVED brought together Scott Campbell, a famous New York tattoo artist, who has inked the likes of Johnny Depp, Jennifer Aniston and Kanye West, and, Clay Brock, the winemaker for Wild Horse Winery, to team up on a designed bottle of wine that utilizes Rhone and Bordeaux style combinations with California’s favorite Zinfandel. SAVED is named for Campbell’s Brooklyn, New York tattoo studio. And now he has left his mark on wine bottle design that is the talk of the wine town along with the flavor profile of the vino itself. For sure, it’s a very tasty wine at around $20. As the wine steward at Pavilions in Rancho Mirage, I see the recent popularity of Prisoner, a red wine blend I’ve written about—a previous Orin Swift wine that continues to be made and simply woos the red wine fanatics. It is wonderfully tasty, but comes with a $40 price tag. Now enter— SAVED. So—I come dragging into Pavilions on an early Sunday morning (that’s how serious Pavilions is about their wine program when they have a wine steward around at that

time!) and I see a wine enthusiast (yes—I can always tell when one has the luxury of browsing) shopping for wine and indeed picking up a bottle of SAVED. Ironically, I was just sent a sample of this wine to review (thus this article), so I dashed up to the gentlemen, Javier—who recently moved down here with his family from Paso Robles, an area that houses its own share of great wineries, and asked him how did he know about this wine and he answered that his brother had recommended it and it is the “bomb”. I agreed. Such a delicious wine with wonderful acidity: a wine that can be enjoyed on its own and accompany any sturdy dinner. Right out of the gate, I got a whiff of a European candy cane, then came the “Bordeaux” famous cassis scent, then black olive, then black pepper. On the palate, a nice tart cranberry with raspberry, red cassis, all around vanilla. Full-bodied and a smooth quaff with an extended finish of plush plum, coffee and oak. The winery’s tasting notes include, “An eclectic blend of grapes deliver rich color and full-bodied flavors: red currant, black cherry and black olive. Soft tannins balance well with distinct oak flavors—French oak for vanilla and coconut; American oak for caramel, crème brûlée and coffee. 31% Zinfandel, 23% Carignane,12% Petite Sirah, 11% Malbec, 10% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot, 2% Mixed Blacks,1% Ruby Cabernet, 1% Syrah. The alcohol level is around 15.2%” The bottle is etched rather than having a label. Around the edged ring it says “Reverence of beauty, eradication of doubt through systems of superstition, adversities exiled by incantations of compassion and tenacity of heart”. SAVED also makes a rosé wine. Campbell calls “a pink wine for tough guys,” The following is an excerpt from pastemagazine.com from an interview by Lindsey Grossman of Scott Campbell: As a collaboration between you and winemaker Clay Brock, how much of a say do you have in the wines? How much of a say does he have in the art? Campbell: I think we are both very re-

spectful of each other’s craft. He doesn’t direct me in the artwork and I am surely not about to tell him how he should make wine, but he certainly inspired a lot of the story and “juju” that went into the design. I love the artwork on the bottles. Can you explain the meaning behind your designs? Campbell: Oh man, there are so many little stories and references in there. Some about Clay and his craft, some about me and my creative process; my wife, Lake, gets a little nod in there somewhere. Altogether I just wanted to make references to the idea

that whatever thoughts and intentions you put out into the world will manifest themselves in one way or another, so make sure they’re positive. It says on your site that you’re inspired by the enduring symbolism that wine brings to our tables. That’s a beautiful sentiment. Can you talk a bit more about what you mean by that? Campbell: I guess I like the role wine has played throughout history as a symbol of romance and indulgence. Uncorking a bottle of wine is a sort of signal that everyone being poured is family. There’s no judgment being passed, so smile at whomever you’re with and don’t take anything too seriously from that point forward. What’s your beverage of choice (when you’re not sipping on Saved)? Campbell: Tequila. Favorite ink on your body? Campbell: I have a small tattoo on my leg that a buddy of mine did years ago. He did it by hand, and it came out so terrible that he felt bad and tattooed “sorry” underneath it. It’s a perfect tattoo. Cheers! Rick is your somm-about-town entertaining and conducting at wine events and tastings. winespectrum@aol.com

February 26 to March 4, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

February 26 to March 4, 2015

Club Crawler Nightlife

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

THUR FEBRUARY 26

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Reunion w/ DJ Day Amigo Room 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-2021111 Paul Elia 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Tommy Dodson 6pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 Eevaan Tre 9pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Live Entertainment 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6pm DESERT FOX; PS; 760-325-9555 Thirsty Thursdays 7pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760-9920002 Courtney Chambers 5pm EUREKA; IW; 760-834-7700 TBA 6pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 T.B.A. 7:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Open Mic 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Battle of the Bands 8:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Country Night w/ TBA 8pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 Quinto Menguante 8-1am MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Blues and Supper Club Night w/ Kal David 7pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Granville Automatic, Ted Russell Kamp and Travis Meadows 7:30pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Desert Beatz Open Rap Session 8pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 Jason Weber 4:30pm, Mike Costley 7pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3278311 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 6pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 8-12am THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Tony DiGerlando 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-3459770 Rodeo Drive’s Happy Hour Cabaret

3:30-5:30pm, Stan Watkins Latin Swing 6:30-10pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-9pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-3285955 Michael Keeth 6-10pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 TBA 8pm THE WINE BAR BISTRO; LQ; 760-5648744 Rob Martinez and Todd Ashley 7pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Yve Evans 6pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Tropicana Nights 9pm

FRI FEBRUARY 27 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 The Bob Garcia Band 6pm 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ T Bone 9pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Tall Tales & The Silver Lining w/ DJ Infinity Jacuzzi 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-2021111 TBA 7:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Fleet Easton 7:30pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 T.B.A. 10pm BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-5010620 The Carmens 6pm BLUE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760775-5566 DJ PWee 8pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 The Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CAFÉ DES BEAUX- ARTS; PD; 760-3460669 Brigette Marie Valdez 6pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CLEMETINE; PD; 760-834-8814 Gina Carey 6pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 The Green w/ Through the Roots 9pm DICKIE O’NEALS IRISH PUB; PS; 760325-2600 The Hive Minds 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-3422333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm EUREKA; IW; 760-834-7700 TBA 6:30pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 House Band 8:45pm HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 “Jump Off” DJ 9pm Lobby THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Hive Minds, Caxton and The Classy Mother Fu?kers 9pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Live DJ 8:30pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Nobody’s Station 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company in

the afternoon, Hot Rox in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Opposite Attraction 9pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 DJ 9pm MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-327-4080 Kevin Quinn & The Typical Lizard 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-345-0222 Roadrunners 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Sara Petite 8pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 T.B.A. 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 Miss Coco Peru 5:30pm, The Gand Band 8:30pm, CIVX and SA!NT 11pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 TBA 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3278311 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 7pm, Mercedes Moore Sidebar Lounge 10pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 CV Weekly Presents Lisa Morgan’s B-day featuring Nashville and SoCal Songwriter’s Showcase 7pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-3229293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-7771601 Smooth Brothers 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Rock 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Demetrious and Co. TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 DJ 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Pat Rizzo 6:30pm TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 T.B.A. TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760-328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE; MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951755-5391 The Rick Whitfield Band 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-3459770 Trish Harley & Barney McClure Duo 6:30-10pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 T.B.A. 1:30-4:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Slim Man Solo Show 5:30pm

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

SAT FEBRUARY 28 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bev & Bill 6pm 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 9pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DJ Infinity Jacuzzi noon, poolside, Highlife w/ DJ Day 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-2021111 Cabaret on the Green Open Mic w/ Les Michaels and Wayne Abravanel 7:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Denise Carter 7:30pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 10pm BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-5010620 The Carmens 6pm BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760775-5566 DJ PWee BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Gina Carey 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6:30-9:30pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm DICKIE O’NEALS IRISH PUB; PS; 760325-2600 Karaoke 8pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-3422333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 T.B.A. 9pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 T.B.A. 8:30pm THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ 8pm HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 “Solid” Guest DJs, 11am poolside, 9pm Lobby THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 MC Manny G’s B-Day Bash w/ DJ Smoke 1, Crux and Mike Doe 9pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm, Doo Wop in the Desert 8pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 T.B.A. 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 DJ Geo 9pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company, in the afternoon, Hot Rox, in the night continue to page 24

February 26 to March 4, 2015

The Pampered Palate

Miro’s Restaurant

here are but a handful of restaurants here in our valley that can claim over 20 years of service. These valley gems have found the right balance of quality food, service, and ambiance that every restaurant struggles to achieve. Although I have lived in the Coachella Valley since the late 1980’s, there are still some fine, successful restaurants that are new to me. Miro’s Restaurant in Palm Springs offers a fine Mediterranean cuisine with a refined sophistication that is reminiscent of my dining experiences in New York City. They rely on word of mouth advertising and that has been enough for over two decades. Recently, I had the pleasure of sharing my first dining experience at Miro’s with some new friends. After bragging for some time about the incredible meal I enjoyed, I returned for more. Now after a second helping, I must share with everyone what makes this place special. I arrived early to my reservation and was greeted by a lovely woman who guided me to our table on the patio. The table was dressed in white linen and set perfectly. Not a single utensil was out of place, I notice these things. The staff was present and professional, ready to fulfill every need of their guests. I took this moment to observe the interactions between servers, bussers and the owner(s). As my

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party arrived and joined me on the patio, we were promptly provided beverages and we were off and running with a tour of the menu from our server. I always appreciate when a server takes a moment to share some favorites from the menu in addition to reciting the nightly features. This first impression made by the server sets the tone for the evening, and our server was very informed and quite engaging. Each entrée selection includes a choice of soup or salad and we all began with our first course of salads. Upon recommendation, I ordered the cabbage salad. The crisp cabbage was complimented by a savory garlic dressing that gave me a whole new appreciation for cabbage. The menu is rather large, offering a variety that would please most diners. From Goulash to Schnitzel, and fresh fish and seafood, I was the last to decide what to order. On this first visit, I would enjoy the most delicate, flakey fillet of Chilean Seabass I have tasted in the valley. It simply cannot be prepared any better than the way it was presented to me on this particular evening. Perfectly pan seared and served over mashed Yukon Gold potatoes, the Seabass was complimented by fresh asparagus, carrots and broccolini. What made the dish unforgettably incredible was the velvety smooth saffron beurre blanc that tied it all together. It was quite simply, perfection.

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February 26 to March 4, 2015

By Raymond Bill

My companions raved about their fresh catch of the day, a Mediterranean fish presented over baby bok choy with mashed potatoes. I was able to taste another nightly special served to my guest: Pork Tenderloin stuffed with mushrooms and wrapped in crisp bacon. The pork was very tender and rich with flavor from the hunter mushroom sauce. The portions were plentiful and the quality was truly remarkable. Every dish was beautifully plated and presented. One word comes to mind when I recall how effortless it seemed to be for the staff to provide such a flawless experience for us: Magical. Though my first visit did not leave room for dessert, I was fortunate to return for a taste of their Apple Strudel a la Mode. With fresh baked Granny Smith apples and bites of raisins and walnuts, this dessert will put a smile on your face. What a treat! I know I have set the bar high for this restaurant but I am confident they will

consistently deliver. See for yourself. Miro’s Restaurant is open seven nights per week from 5pm to 9:30pm and located at 1555 South Palm Canyon Drive. Visit their website at mirospalmsprings.com or call 760-3235199 for reservations or more information.

February 26 to March 4, 2015

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Movie Reviews with Robin E. Simmons

OSCAR RESIDUE

ere your favorite movies Oscar© winners this year? Did you lose money betting on what you thought was a sure thing? Were you shocked at the choices of the Motion Picture Academy members? I was hoping BOYHOOD would win Best Picture, but glad that BIRDMAN won. It’s a great film that has universal appeal because it’s about ambition, identity, performance and madness. No matter how stupid or inept the Academy Awards© broadcast sometimes gets, and I thought Sunday’s show was a low point, the fact remains that movies matter and the entire world is watching American movies. Movies are our collective experience. They divert, warn and define us. They reveal our hopes, fears and possibilities. Movies are who we are. We go to movies because we crave stories that help us shape a collective narrative. Movies about real people and big issues were again acknowledged. We, the audience, seek ways to understand our common humanity. Movies do that. And the best movies, those timeless ones, recognize the great need for compassion toward the misunderstood and marginalized among us. That‘s what movies do best. No other art form comes close.

With today’s cutting edge technology, anything that can be pictured or imagined, anything at all, can now be put on the big screen and pass for reality. On the other extreme, basic digital filmmaking tools are so readily available and cost effective, there’s no longer any excuse for anyone with a movie dream to not make a nice looking film at minimal cost. The age of extraordinary story telling is upon us and there’s never been anything like it in the history of the world. NEW FOR THE HOME THEATER: Check out these mainstream and worthy but, obscure titles. They all have something to recommend them. HORRIBLE BOSSES 2 Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, Jason Sudekis are back as our favorite working stiffs Nick, Dale and Kurt. Jennifer Aniston and Jamie Foxx reprise their roles from the prequel while Chris Pine and Christophe Waltz star as new adversaries between our guys and their dreams of success.

Screeners No.153

Fed up with answering to higher ups, Nick, Dale and Kurt decide to become their own bosses by launching their own business. But a slick investor soon pulls the rug out from under them. Outplayed and desperate, and with no legal recourse, the three wanna-be entrepreneurs hatch a misguided plan to kidnap the investor’s adult son and ransom him to regain control of their company. But thankfully, their half-baked plans go awry. If you laughed out loud at the first iteration of this rude, slapstick farce – as I did – you will laugh again. Sean Anders directs from a screenplay he co-wrote with John Morris. Extras include an Extended Cut and six amusing featurettes. Blu-ray. Warner bros. ST. VINCENT

This highly praised and popular comedy drama has garnered numerous awards and accolades. Maggie (Melissa McCarthy) is a single mother who has just moved into a new home in Brooklyn with her 12 yearold kid Oliver (Jaeden Lieberher). Forced to work long hours, she has no choice but to leave Oliver with their new neighbor, Vincent (Murray), a retired curmudgeon with a desire for alcohol and gambling. An odd friendship soon blossoms between the improbable and unlikely pair. Together with a pregnant Russian stripper Daka (Naomi Watts), Vincent brings Oliver along on his daily stops – the racetrack, a strip club and the local dive bar. Vincent helps Oliver grow into a man, while Oliver begins to see in Vincent something that no one else is able to: a misunderstood but good man with a noble heart. Blu-ray. Anchor Bay. VANDAL I was transfixed by Héliere Cisterne’s terrific coming-of-age film that follows Chérif, a troubled young man, as he negotiates a nocturnal world of forbidden art. Like the stolen car he drives in circles, Chérif’s life is going nowhere fast. When he is arrested for the umpteenth time, his frustrated mom strikes a last chance deal with a judge to send Chérif to live quietly with his aunt and uncle

while attending a vocational school. Chérif’s sincere attempt to go straight is sending him directly into a state of stagnation and gloom. That is, until he discovers that his seemingly straight-laced cousin Thomas is actually part of a local gang of taggers, who roam the night bombing walls and overpasses in the shadow of a mysterious tagger whose death-defying works have made him a legend. Ulysse Klotz’s score is fantastic and sublime. DVD. First Run Features. CAPTIVE

French star Isabelle Huppert brings passion and courage to her portrayal of a hostage caught in what seems to be a totally hopeless situation in this relentless thriller. At a beach resort in the Philippines, an Islamic separatist group fighting for their independence kidnaps 20 guests. Social worker Therese Bourgoine (Huppert) is among those taken to a jungle island, with the Filipino army in pursuit. As the captors and their hostages hack their way through the thick, oppressive jungle terrain, trying to avoid the bullets and artillery salvos fired indiscriminately at them, an unexpected bond grows between the kidnappers and the captives. ALGORITHMS

In India, a group of boys dream of becoming chess grandmasters. But these are no ordinary players: they are all blind! This powerful and compelling documentary tells a story as intense and focused as its subjects. It’s been said the game of chess originated in India. Filmed over three years, the movie follows three boys and their mentor, an adult champion who not only aspires to bring worldwide recognition to India’s incredible blind chess players – but also to encourage all blind children to play chess. The filmmakers travel with the players to competitive tournaments, including the World Junior Blind Chess Championships. They also film these mental athletes in their home environment where the kids reveal their fears, ambitions and struggles. Moving through the algorithms of the blind chess world, the film is a tactile and mindful journey that challenges the very notion of what it means to “see.” Beautiful cinematography enhances an extraordinary experience. DVD. First Run Features. See you at the movies. robinesimmons@aol.com

Book Review

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February 26 to March 4, 2015

By Heidi Simmons

The Pursuit of Happiness

t’s great to live in a country where it is a constitutional right to pursue happiness! But, sometimes that pursuit can get you down and happiness can be elusive. In Dan Harris’ 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voices In My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, And Found Self-Help That Actually Works – A True Story (It Books, 256 pages), the author discovers an Eastern technique for his Western woes. Dan Harris is a television journalist for the ABC network. He is part of ABC’s “Nightly News,” “Good Morning America” and “Nightline” broadcasts. From a young age he was competitive and ambitious. Born in 1971, Harris was raised by “hippie” parents, both medical doctors. Harris went to yoga as a boy. Although his parents were Jewish, his mother told him there was no Santa Claus and no God. Right out of college, Harris started his career as a news anchor in Bangor, Maine. Even in a small news market, Harris would loose his temper and stress over getting airtime even if it was only about snow. In 2000, Harris was hired by ABC News. He was one of the youngest on the staff. Peter Jennings was his boss and mentor. Jennings was mean and demanding. Harris worked hard to please Jennings and fought

10% Happier

By Dan Harris Memoir to get the best assignments and his stories on the air. Harris covered domestic and foreign news events. ABC sent him to Iraq and Afghanistan where bullets whizzed by his head. He was terrified and yet grateful the camera was rolling. When he returned home, Harris started to use drugs –cocaine and Ecstasy. He couldn’t sleep. Harris didn’t

know at the time he was suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Besides the drugs and PTSD, Harris constantly obsessed about his job. Was he working hard enough, was he loosing his hair, how long until he was destitute and homeless and so on? His internal voice judged him, considered him an asshole and fixated on the past and the future. News anchors are supposed to be calm and confident, but not Harris. In the competitive environment of television news, he lost it and had a breakdown live on “Good Morning America.” Harris knew what was happening. He couldn’t read six small news stories. What came out of his mouth made no sense – so he just stopped. His bosses didn’t know the cause of the problem but were sympathetic -- worried he was ill. In fear of losing his job, Harris did not tell them the truth about the drug use, insomnia or his anxiety. But he knew he needed help and sought therapy. Jennings assigned Harris to the “religious” beat; something Harris knew nothing about and at first resented – after all, he was an atheist. As he did the religious stories on Evangelicals and Pentecostals, he was hostile. But he began to see their passion and commitment. And they were not all idiots or nuts. He realized his job was to demystify, humanize and clarify faith for his audience. Soon he found himself interested in Eastern thought. He interviewed Eckhart Tolle and Deepak Chopra for stories and for his own curiosity. They claimed they could be present and “live in the moment.” After study and spending time with them, Harris eventually decided they’re both “nut jobs.” Harris decided the best chance he had to quiet the voices in his head, was to meditate. Calling on his Jew-Bu (JewishBuddhist) friends he decides to take mediation seriously and singed up for a tenday retreat in Northern California.

When Harris returned to New York he found that he was passive and no longer fought for assignments and he was no longer assigned the tough stories. He had lost his edge and further was not living in the moment! Once again with the help of his Jew-Bu friends, Harris discovered a balance between being present and excelling at his job. Ultimately, Harris is content to find 10 percent more happiness as he put when asked about his change. Author Harris is on a mission. He truly believes in the benefits of meditation. Beyond his own experience, he supports his claim with science and studies. He is hopeful that meditation will become an important part of daily life for Americans just as diet and exercise have. 10% Happier is a memoir. It is not a selfhelp book. But it’s a good place to start if you are considering meditation. Harris writes well. He is credible and likable. He is witty, self-deprecating and seemingly honest. He names names. This is a fascinating account of a successful broadcast journalist who learned to control his anxiety, anger and ambition through meditation. Although Harris didn’t find “enlightenment;” ironically, his story is enlightening. He shares his personal journey. As a skeptic, he knows how silly meditation sounds. As a journalist, he asks relevant questions. As a regular guy, he finds happiness. At the back of the book, Harris includes an “Appendix: Instructions” where he confronts reasons people give for not meditating. He has simple “Basic Mindfullness” instructions, tips and FAQs. He shows that meditation can be secular and meaningful. Who doesn’t want to be happy? If meditation can help like diet and exercise, it’s a good thing and worth a try.

February 26 to March 4, 2015 continued from page 19

LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760345-2450 Opposite Attraction 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 Basix 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-327-4080 Lucky Tongue 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-345-0222 Agave Bluesmasters 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-3655956 Shadow Mountain Band 5pm, Sara Petite 8pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 T.B.A. 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Sunbaked 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext230 Miss Coco Peru 5:30pm, The Gand Band 8:30pm, DJ AimLo and All Night Shoes 11pm RENAISSANCE PALM; PS; 760-3226100 Art of Sax featuring Sax Man Will Donato & Eddie Reddick 7-10pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Spanglish Latin Night w/ Machin’ and Cholo Bueno 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3278311 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 7pm, Triple threat Rock Band Sidebar Patio 7pm, Mercedes Moore Sidebar Lounge 10pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Ted Russell Kamp and Granville Auotmatic 9pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-3229293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-7771601 Smooth Brothers 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-3297929 Karaoke w/ Milly G 6pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Music 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 Stereoflex 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-3271773 Darci Daniels 6:30pm TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 T.B.A. 9pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760-328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951755-5391 DJ Hektik 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-3459770 Pat Rizzo & All That Jazz Band 6:30-10pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Rob & JB 1:30-4:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Chris Lomeli 8pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 TBA

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8pm THE WINE BAR BISTRO; LQ; 760-5648744 Scott Carter 7:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Stanley Butler Trio 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJs 9pm

SUN MARCH 1 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-3673505 Bob & Allison 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Imogene Strauss noon, Slacker Sunday w/ Ladypills 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-2021111 Jazz Brunch 11:30am AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 The Judy Show 7:30pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Steve Madaio 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT; PS; 888-999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 9pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-3422333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 “Fusion” Pool Party 11am poolside INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Ted Herman’s Big Band 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Open Jam 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Sunday Jam 4-8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7:30pm THE NEW YORK COMPANY RESTAURANT; PS; 760-778-7789 Lili Rose 7pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-327-4080 Longest Running Jam Session in the valley. Hosted by JB, Sign up 6pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-3655956 The Hot Fudge Sunday Band 7pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 The Jam Session 5-9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 The Judy Show 5:30pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3274080 Art of Sax Sidebar Patio 5pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Eddie Gee 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Smooth Brothers TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 Reaction 3-6pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-3271773 Luck Be a Lady w/ Francesca Amari and Darci Daniels 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-3459770 Jazz Time Band 2-5pm, John Stanley King 6-9pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Scott Carter 1:30-4:30pm, Rob & JB 4:30-9pm, DJ Idol Eyez 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800

Tony DiJerlando 6pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Line Dancing w/ Tina 5:30-9pm THE WINE BAR BISTRO; LQ; 760-5648744 Michael Keeth & Martin Barrera 7pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 The Smooth Brothers 5:30pm

MON MARCH 2 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-3673505 Bonny Jean 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DJ D Rad noon poolside CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Ron Kalina’s Jazz 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760325-2794 Hot Rox NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 Spencer Day 9pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 T.B.A. 6pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-2am, Michael James & 3sum 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Tony Grandberry 6:30pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Family Karaoke hosted by Joleene 6pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Trish Hatley & Barney McClure 6pm

TUE MARCH 3 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-3673505 Paul & Jo 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Ace Karaoke with Kiesha 9pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Bella da Ball Dinner Revue w/ guest performers 7:30pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 Vinyl Sessions 8pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760992-0002 Jesse Sweitzer 5pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Karaoke hosted by Phillip Moore 9pm INDIAN CANYONS GOLF RESORT; PS; 760-833-8700 DJ Randy Johnson 6pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Michael D’Angelo 6:15pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Ted Quinn’s Open Mic Reality Show Jam 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Tim Burleson 7:45pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 Darci Daniels 6:30pm

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Open Mic 8pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3274080 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 6pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Demetrious and Co. VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-3459770 T.B.A. 4pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Live entertainment VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Chris Lomeli 6pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Fat Tuesdays/ New Orleans Dixieland 6pm

WED MARCH 4 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-3673505 Dan Horn 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Sarah Ault 7pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-2021111 Jazz Jam 7:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Tommy Dodson 6pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 T.B.A. 6-10pm CAFÉ DES BEAUX- ARTS; PD; 760-3460669 John & Gina Carey 6pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 6pm ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760992-0002 Jesse Sweitzer 5pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Open Mic w/ Rich Bono & Poupee Boccaccio 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-

February 26 to March 4, 2015

2250 Live Music KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Open Mic hosted by Amy Angel 6:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760325-2794 Hot Rox MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 “Sing Jam” w/ Michael Healy 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2881199 Karaoke w/ KJ Ginger 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke Talent Quest 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 The Michael Holmes Trio 6pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 D Phillips Band 6pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Straight Ahead Jazz THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-3271773 Open Mic w/ Les Michaels 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-3459770 Lizann Warner 6:30-10pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-2am, Nite Fixx 9-2am WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Karaoke THE WINE BAR BISTRO; LQ; 760-5648744 Scott Carter 7:30pm WOLFGANG PUCK’S; PD; 760-5682700 WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Deana Bogart 6pm

S and G

PUMPING SERVICE

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

760-404-6325

(760) 340-2840 www.triabike.com

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

February 26 to March 4, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

the palm springs Local

By Denise Ortuno Neil

Desert Town Hall Presents Worldrenowned Photographer Platon

Jackets No Longer Required

alm Springs has had a history of glamour. Movie stars who started coming to the Coachella Valley in the 1920’s brought a sense of glitz to our desert oasis, elevating it into an area of fabulous parties, nightclubs and restaurants. And when they went out, they got dressed up. Jackets for men and high fashion dresses for women were more the rule than the exception. But times have changed, and has brought a new dress code along with it, making “Desert Casual” and “Resort Wear”, the new rule. It is easy to picture how it was back in the day. Hot spot night clubs like the Chi Chi Club and the Doll House would beckon Hollywood elite and local movers and shakers to come out and play. It would be almost criminal to not be dressed to the 10’s. It was a time of classic elegance, reaching well into the late 1980’s and early 90’s. Upscale restaurants and clubs would impose a dress code to their guests. For men, a jacket was usually required and for women…well, fashionable attire was the norm. However, somewhere along the way the dress code has changed. Perhaps it is just a sign of the times and our new casual culture that as a society we have come to embrace. The majority of desert restaurants have abandoned the dress code as to appeal to a

wider range of cliental. Not every man likes to wear a jacket to dine out, and by not having a dress code, it gives the guest the freedom to wear what they like and takes the restaurant out of the awkward task of having to tell their guests what is acceptable to dine at their establishment. There are still places like Melvyns, which do ask that men wear slacks, and most of their male guests do wear jackets, but it is not demanded. The slack thing however is a no brainer…but I guess it does need to be highlighted to establish that jeans just would not be an option. It can sometimes be slightly disconcerting when dining out at one of our upscale desert restaurants, and there are people actually wearing hoodies and shorts. It takes “Desert Casual” to a whole new level. But it is understandable in a way, we are at the end of the day, a resort destination where people go to vacation. And most people in a vacation state of mind probably don’t want to mess with getting overly dressed up…I get that. And that’s why businesses have most likely left the dress code in the past, not having one won’t scare away those with a more casual sense of fashion. But there is nothing quite like admiring diners who have taken the time to be elegant, to respect not only themselves by looking fabulous, but also the restaurant itself and of course their fellow diners. It is true that we live in a resort area, and people are in a relaxed state of mind here more so than other cities. However, that doesn’t mean that classic elegance while dining out should be left in the cob webs of the past. Once in a while, a jacket should be required.

he H. N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation Presents Desert Town Hall, the desert’s pre-eminent speaker series, welcomes award-winning photographer Platon on February 27. Platon will speak at Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa in Indian Wells at 6 p.m. in the Emerald Ballroom, sharing inspiring stories behind his acclaimed photography. Platon has captured portraits for a range of international publications including Rolling Stone, New York Times Magazine, Vanity Fair, Esquire, GQ and The Sunday Times Magazine. His special relationship with TIME magazine included producing over 20 covers. He notably photographed Russian Premier Vladimir Putin for TIME’s “Person of the Year” cover in 2007. This image was awarded first prize at the World Press Photo Contest. In 2008 he signed a multi-year contract with The New Yorker. As the staff photographer, he produced a series of large-scale photo essays, two of which won ASME Awards in 2009 and 2010. Platon’s New Yorker portfolios have focused on many themes, including the U.S Military, portraits of world leaders and the Civil Rights Movement. The following year, Platon teamed up with the Human Rights Watch to help them celebrate those who fight for equality and justice in countries suppressed by political forces. These projects have highlighted human rights defenders from Burma as well as the leaders of the Egyptian revolution. Following his coverage of Burma, Platon photographed Aung San Suu Kyi for the cover of TIME—days after her release from house arrest. In 2011, Platon was honored with a “Peabody Award” for collaboration on the topic of Russia’s Civil Society with The New Yorker magazine and Human Rights Watch. The publication of Platon’s first monograph “Platon’s Republic” [Phaidon Press, 2004] coincided with international exhibitions in London at the exSaatchi Gallery as well as the Milk Gallery in New York. His second book, “Power” [Chronicle, 2011], features a collection of portraits of over 100 world leaders and includes portraits of Barack Obama, Mahmoud Ahmedinejad, Hugo Chavez, Tony Blair, Robert Mugabe and Muammar Qaddafi. Platon’s work has been exhibited in galleries and museums both domestically and abroad. He has exhibited in New York at the Matthew Marks Gallery and the Howard Greenberg Gallery, as well as internationally at the Colette Gallery in Paris, France. The New York Historical Society has exhibited a solo show of Platon’s Civil Rights photographs, which remain as part of the museum’s permanent collection. Other permanent collections holding Platon’s photography include The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts in Tampa, Florida and The Westlicht Museum for Photography in Vienna, Austria and the Scotland National Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh. Public speaking now plays a major role in Platon’s career as communicator and storyteller and is represented by the Washington Speakers Bureau. He has been invited to be a keynote speaker on leadership at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Chanel, Nike, Yale University, Oxford University, Wharton University, the National Portrait Gallery in London and International Center of Photography in NY. He has also appeared on a range of television media including “Charlie Rose” (PBS), “Morning

events

By chris clemens

Joe” (MSNBC), “Fareed Zakaria’s GPS” (CNN) and the “BBC World News.” The final speaker in the Desert Town Hall lecture series, following Platon, is Charles Krauthammer on Wednesday, March 25. Krauthammer was named by The Financial Times as the most influential commentator in America, and he has been honored from every part of the political spectrum for his bold and original writing. He was the most requested speaker for 2015. All events are held at the Renaissance Indian Wells Resort & Spa in Indian Wells. Doors open at 5 p.m. Serving as officers for 2014-15, the 23rd season of the celebrated series, are: Brian S. Harnik (Roemer & Harnik), President; Andy Clark (111 Wealth Management), President-Elect; Keith Goff (Rabobank), Treasurer; and Phillip K. Smith, Jr. (Sunrise Company), Secretary. Members of the Board of Directors are: Jerry Fogelson (Fogelson Properties), Lois U. Horvitz (Founding President), Bill Powers (Immediate Past President), Tim Sullivan (Renaissance Indian Wells Resort & Spa-retired), Tom Tabler (Renaissance Indian Wells Resort & Spa), Judy Vossler (Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau), and Mark Winkler (The Desert Sun). Desert Forum, Inc., a nonproﬁt 501(c)(3) educational corporation, produces Desert Town Hall. A portion of the ticket cost is tax-deductible. This nationally recognized series has included world leaders and other notables such as: former U.S. Secretary of Defense and Director of the CIA Leon Panetta; journalists Lisa Ling and Laura Ling; political analyst Karl Rove; pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson. Past seasons have included President George W. Bush; Vice President Dick Cheney and his daughter, political analyst Liz Cheney; neurosurgeon Dr. Sanjay Gupta; Newsweek and Daily Beast Editor Tina Brown; General Stanley McChrystal; former Florida Governor Jeb Bush; Time Editor Fareed Zakaria; author and New York Times columnist David Brooks; author Jeannette Walls; former US Senator and basketball great Bill Bradley; former US Secretaries of State Condoleezza Rice and Robert Gates; former Pakistan President Musharraf; slain Pakistani leader Benazir Bhutto; Britain’s Tony Blair; retired Army General and former US Secretary of State Colin L. Powell; peace activist Archbishop Desmond Tutu; Nobel laureate in economics Paul Krugman; former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak; former CIA Director George Tenet; retired Army General Tommy Franks; Republican leader Rudy Giuliani; Fox News’ Bill O’Reilly; Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu; UK leader Margaret Thatcher, diplomat Henry Kissinger; former President George H. W. Bush; Israeli leader and former PM Shimon Peres; retired Army General Norman Schwarzkopf; columnist and author William F. Buckley; former Kansas Senator and Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole; former UK Prime Minister John Major; former US Secretary of Defense William Cohen; PBS’s The McLaughlin Group; columnist and author George Will; ﬁlmmaker Ken Burns; longtime AP correspondent Helen Thomas; ocean explorers Bob Ballard and Jean-Michel Cousteau; political power couple David & Julie Eisenhower; and a host of others. The lecture series is sponsored by a number of local companies, organizations and philanthropic individuals including presenting sponsor, the H. N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation. Additional sponsors include The City of Indian Wells, The Desert Sun, Lois U. Horvitz, Rabobank, Renaissance Indian Wells Resort & Spa, Roemer & Harnik LLP, Sunrise Company/Toscana Country Club, ValentineDougherty-Clark/111 Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley. New sponsors, Helene Galen and Madeline Redstone, are welcomed for 2015. For additional information call (760) 610-2852, www.DesertTownHall.org. Follow Desert Town Hall on Facebook and Twitter.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Haddon Libby:It’s all local

February 26 to March 4, 2015

Happy Shiny People and their Unhappy Cousins

he Gallup Organization recently compiled 2.1 million surveys in order to capture how people feel about their daily lives. Termed the WellBeing Index, the data collected was split into five categories: Purpose, Social, Financial, Community and Physical. Purpose was defined as liking what you do with yourself each day and feeling motivated to reach for goals. Social related to having supported relationships and love in your life. Financial measured a person’s ability to reduce the stresses of life through sound personal economics. Community was about a person liking where they live and feeling safe. Physical measured whether a person was healthy enough to achieve the things that they want to do each day.

While many of us in California feel that we live in the best place in the country with Golden Gates, Redwoods, beaches, idyllic weather and beautiful people, our state came in 14th. California ranked third in fitness, 14th in purpose and social, 25th in finances and 30th in a sense of community. Just edging out our 50th state, Hawaii, for the top rankings was our 49th state, Alaska (ranked 16th last year). While being able to see Russia from their houses was not listed as one of the reasons why Alaskans felt good, they did cite their sense of purpose and the presence of a supportive community. Alaskans have the highest sense of purpose, 2nd best financial and physical rankings and 3rd best feelings on community. While Alaskans feel good about their finances, the state actually

had the 5th worst job creation levels in the United States since 2007. Hawaii came in second the top scores in finances and physical fitness. These results seem odd in that most of Hawaii’s job base is in lower paying jobs while having the costliest real estate market in the country not to mention high levels of obesity. Hawaii ranked 5th in both purpose and community - expected given their relative isolation. South Dakota came in third and had the highest Social rankings. Low unemployment and relative remoteness were primary contributors. Neighbor North Dakota which had ranked #1 last year, had the highest job creation levels since 2007 due to growth in the oil industry. Wyoming and Montana rounded out the top five, the latter with 94% of their people feeling happy with their jobs. Minnesotans ranked 11th and were the fittest in the nation. People with the worst sense of wellbeing for the fifth year in a row were West Virginians. Only 45% of all West Virginians felt they were thriving in their lives. This state had more obese people and high blood pressure than any other state in the nation.

Rounding out the bottom five were Kentucky at #49 with the highest percentage of residents on prescription drugs, Indiana with a sense of blandness, Ohio with the angriest people and Mississippi with lowest financial stability as well as a population that generally hated their jobs. At #45, Alabama has the most people unable to afford food, shelter and medication. Worth noting people in Illinois (ranked 36th) had the lowest sense of community while Rhode Island felt the lowest social support from family and loved ones. The only state with more than half of its residents attending Church weekly was Utah (51%) followed by Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana. As a whole, New Englanders were the least likely to go to Church with only 17% attending in Vermont, 20% in New Hampshire and Maine, 22% in Massachusetts and 25% in Connecticut. The Gallup Organization also found that only 43.9% of all Americans work with a shockingly low 15% of all Americans feeling happy about their jobs - a sad reflection for the state of affairs in the present day America.

to the paper. 9. Free Products: Offers of free weight loss products result in your credit card charged monthly, for something not ordered. 10. Ebola charity scams: Urgent appeals made for aid to bogus charities. 11. Mystery shopper scams: You’re promised a check for $1500 (which is fake) and asked to deposit it and keep $300 as advance payment and wire back the difference. 12. Vacation property scam: Money is wired for homes that do not exist or are not for lease. 13. Elderly Scam: ID requested by alleged government entity asking for Medicare verification giving them bank account info. 14. Lender says you owe money: Fake loan agreements are produced though you do not owe anything. 15. Health care plan scams: Affordable health care offered for payment of enrollment fees and monthly payments. 16. Utility scams: Alleged utility employees come around during outage asking for cash. 17. Government imposters: Imposter with 202 caller ID says FTC or IRS requesting money. 18. Bossy business scam: Your boss’s boss emails an urgent request that you wire transfer to a new vendor… it is a masquerader. 19. Debt Relief Scammers claim government affiliation: Phony bill payment government assistance program claims to pay consumer’s bills and repair credit in exchange for advance fee.

20. EZ Pass?: You go through tollbooths with EZ pass and get an email that appears to be from EZ pass saying you owe money and asks you to click for your invoice….thus allowing malware or stealing your ID. Report FRAUD and potential ID thefts by contacting: Fraud alert hotline: 855-303-9470 or aging. senate.gov/fraud-hotline Charitable Conation Cons/Telemarketing/ Mail/Internet Fraud: State Attorney General’s Office: 916-445-2021 Adult Protective Services, Riverside County Department of Public Social Services: 760773-6700 Medicare Fraud: 800-633-4227 Funeral & Cemetery Fraud: 916-574-7870 Senior Vet Fraud Hotline: 760-837-7555 Federal Trade Commission ID Theft Hotline: 877-ID-Theft/consumer.gov/idtheft Social Security hotline: 800-269-0271/ssa. gov/oig 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! For questions regarding this column or ideas for future columns please contact Dale Gribow Attorney at Law at 760 837-7500 and or dale@dalegribowlaw.com

Dale Gribow On The Law

PALM DESERT ATTORNEY EXPOSES LOCAL SCAMS

esearching last week’s article on senior vet scams I came upon dozens of other scams. This week I share 20 scams with the balance next week. Obviously not every free lunch or dinner advertised, and discussed last week, as an educational meeting is a scam. As a matter of fact most are very legitimate and provide helpful information. However that does not discount the nationwide scheme whereby some insurance “veteran advocate agents” fraudulently induce elderly residents of retirement homes and assisted living facilities to attend educational lunch or dinner meetings and convince the attendees to reposition their assets. This ultimately causes the elderly direct financial harm when the “mark” is induced to trade in their savings and put them into annuities that are often inappropriate for their age and circumstances. In addition to elder abuse and fraud look out for the following scams: 1. Package delivery scam: The mark receives a post office looking notice saying you missed a delivery and you are to download an attachment to take to the post office. Doing so downloads a virus or malware. 2. Phone scammers: They offer to retrieve money for scammed seniors promising they can recover 60 percent of the money lost to victims of timeshare resale or precious metal investments.

3. Spoofing Pay Pal: After an online posting of a “for sale” of a high value item like a car, you receive a full price offer. It is conditional upon payment right away, by Pay Pal. It’s a ruse to steal your personal information, money or merchandise. 4. Tech support scams: An ad says Your computer is damaged…we’ll help you fix it lures victims to on line offers to purchase software claiming to increase your computer’s performance. Website’s pop up ads direct calls to activate the software thus gaining remote computer access. 5. Health care coverage ID scams: A Medicare agent (who does not go door to door) knocks on your door selling Medicare insurance promising to save you money. You are told you will lose your Medicare coverage if you do not join their prescription plan 6. New Dog: Scam artists post ads with picture of free pups available but it is not a correct pix. They ask for a reasonable payment or payment for shipping. You will then get additional requests for vet bills, crating, inspection costs……but Lassie never comes home. 7. Free Pizza: Pizza Hut allegedly offers free pizza for their 55th anniversary but clicking the free pizza coupon button installs malware. 8. Bogus newspaper subscription renewal notices: You are advised your subscription is expiring but you can renew by paying immediately….except the money does not go

February 26 to March 4, 2015

safety tips

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

Here Kidde Kidde..

sharekitchen

opportunity around the corner.. Would you like to start a home based food business? Yes, it’s true! You can make and sell a limited selection of food products at home legally! Come to ShareKitchen on Monday, March 2 from 6pm-8pm for a FREE informative workshop that will help you get your new home food business off the ground. Workshop includes information on what a Cottage Food Operation (CFO) is, which products qualify, which forms to fill out and basic safety and sanitation practices. Located at ShareKitchen - 68805 E. Palm Canyon Dr. Cathedral City. RSVP Required to Casey@ShareKitchen.org. Funding Opportunity – Community Action Partnership Workshop Interested in FREE MONEY? If you’re willing to learn some great information and save a few bucks this workshop is for you! Marcos Coronel, Jr. of the Community Action Partnership will give workshop participants a chance to learn about this cash match program that allows qualified persons to receive FREE funds to aid in starting a business - including a Cottage Food Operation, continuing education or purchasing a home. This workshop will be held at the Indio Workforce Development

ire extinguisher maker Kidde has recalled about 4.6 million disposable extinguishers, saying a faulty plastic valve can prevent them from fully discharging when used. Kidde has received 11 reports of the recalled fire extinguishers failing to discharge as expected. Though no injuries have been reported, consumers should immediately contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher. Many of the extinguishers were sold at Home Depot, Menards, Walmart and other department, home and hardware stores nationwide, and online from August 2013 through November 2014 If you think you have one of the recalled extinguishers you are advised to contact Kidde for a replacement. You can call a tollfree number — 855-283-7991 — from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or go to kidde.com and click on “Safety Notice” for more information. The official recall site is: www.cpsc.gov/ en/Recalls/2015/Kidde-Recalls-DisposablePlastic-Fire-Extinguishers Be Safe! Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

Community

New Beginnings’ Gala to Raise Funds for Shelter From The Storm

ary Bono and Colleen Hughes to be feted at the Broadway-themed event The third annual ‘New Beginnings’ gala to benefit Shelter From The Storm, the region’s only shelter serving survivors of domestic violence, will be held on March 28, 2015 at 5:30 PM at the Palm Springs Convention Center. The presenting sponsor of the gala is the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation. Bringing a new level of sophistication to the gala’s entertainment, event Chairperson Raymond McCallister has created a partnership with the renowned ‘Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS.’ The organization, which creates Broadway musical reviews for events across the country, will deliver a magical performance featuring talented cast members from award-winning shows such as Rent, Glee, Godspell, Chicago, and Wicked, to name just a few. “We are thrilled to be able to bring this caliber of entertainment to the New Beginnings gala for a night our guests will not forget,” explains McCallister. “Unfortunately, the need for services provided by Shelter From The Storm has not diminished, so we’ve lined up some of the best talent on Broadway to raise money and help spread our message.” The New Beginnings Gala celebrates the fresh start that survivors of domestic violence

are able to receive through the assistance of Shelter From The Storm, while raising muchneeded funds for the organization. Shelter From The Storm provides emergency shelter, counseling, case management, long-term transitional housing, and legal and social service advocacy for more than 2,000 women and children each year. Being honored for their commitment to domestic violence survivors are former Congresswoman Mary Bono, who will be presented with the ‘New Beginnings Award,’ and Colleen Hughes, who will receive the ‘Unsung Hero Award’ for her work assisting victims of domestic abuse. Mary Bono has been a dedicated supporter of the desert’s non-profit community for many years. Her support for Shelter From The Storm and her advocacy for victims of abuse have never wavered. While in Congress, Mary was never more than a phone call away. She made sure that Shelter From The Storm received its fair share of federal support. Were it not for Mary’s herculean efforts, Shelter From The Storm would not be able to offer victims and their children long term Transitional Housing. Colleen Hughes is a Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Advocate for the Domestic Violence Response Team, helping law enforcement provide restraining orders against their abusers, and assisting with

shelter services and safety planning. Also performing at the Gala is awardwinning vocal group Hookslide, billed as ‘The hard rockin’ cool groovin’ vocal revolution.’ Their performance is a high-energy mix of mind blowing vocal percussion, booming bass and four-part harmony that is unlike anything ever seen or heard in the desert. Tickets for the gala are $250 per person, and tables and sponsorship opportunities are

Center located at 44199 Monroe Street on Tuesday, March 3rd from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Call Kim at the CVWBC to Register: 760.345.9200 Les Dames d’Escoffier Presents Spring Farm Tour 2015 Join the Palm Springs Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier for an in-depth educational tour of Coachella Valley farms on Monday, April 20 from 8am-1pm. • Discover some of the amazing tree and row crops grown in the Coachella Valley. • Meet growers who provide locally grown fruits and vegetables to purveyors throughout California. • Learn about sustainable farming practices and commercial food waste recycling. • See state-of-the art drip irrigation and how Coachella valley receives water. Bus departs promptly at 8am from Shields Date Garden located at 80225 Hwy 111 at Jefferson in Indio. The cost is $80 per person and includes a luxury bus, narrated tour and buffet lunch at Shields Café upon returning from the tour. Reservations required – please email: LDEIPS123@gmail.com or call 760.895.9899. All funds raised go towards funding local scholarships.

also available. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call 760-674-0400 or visit shelterfromthestorm.com. Shelter From The Storm fields more than 3,200 calls annually on its 24-hour Crisis Line, which brings many families to stay at their 70bed emergency shelter. They arrive around the clock, 365 days a year, often fleeing for their lives. With 200 beds and five distinct program locations throughout the desert, Shelter From The Storm is the only facility of its kind in Riverside County.

sports scene

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Julie Buehler

Floyd Mayweather: A Villain In The Ring And Reality

’m sorry. I’ll apologize in advance; I’m likely to burst some bubbles if you read this. But to be clear, I’m not sorry about bursting your bubble. I’m sorry that the media and sports culture has allowed you to live in that bubble. I’m sorry that media and sports culture has allowed the bubble to swell beyond the myth of storytelling and into a space that contorts bad people into good players, allows for heinous acts to be overlooked and perpetuates the narrative of entertainment over the reality of a person’s life. In sports media, we’ve always walked a tightrope of myth and reality. In order to help the sports fan understand why what they watched was something they’ll remember, sports writers and broadcasters key in on the very best, the most incredible and rely on emotional climaxes to engage fans. Thus allowing fans to use sports as “an escape” into a world of pure entertainment, free from the doldrums of daily life. I’ve often written about this false premise, because sports are NOT an escape, but life accelerated. The rollercoaster of emotions, highs, lows, surprises and disappointment a fan experiences in one great game is tantamount to the fantastic twists one’s life might take in a year or perhaps longer. So we crave sports for that incredible excitement and yet easily relate to the ups and downs because sports are played by real people and are analogous to real life. But after a tumultuous season in the NFL, watching the league badly mishandle domestic violence, then seeing players suspended and banished for domestic violence, we saw a consciousness concerning a national problem at an all-time high. We began to realize that regardless of the position on the field or the perceived importance to the team, no player in the NFL

was above banishment for domestic violence. We began to be vigilant in separating the fun of sports from the reality of life. Then other sports caught on. The NHL took swift action on Los Angeles Kings defensemen Slava Voynov, the NBA sat Jeff Taylor and most recently NASCAR suspended Kurt Busch for domestic violence. It seemed we had turned a corner and decided no one was above the law. And what happens in the next few months, leading up to the May 2nd Floyd Mayweather bout against Manny Pacquiao will determine if we have truly learned, or if those suspensions and actions taken by major sports leagues were a band-aid on a broken arm of our societal problem. Floyd Mayweather: The Unrepentant Serial Domestic Abuser The above statement isn’t a popular sentiment, but it’s real. It’s not something sports fans want to talk about, but it’s true. Floyd Mayweather faced 63 years in prison if convicted, took a plea deal and was sentenced to 90 days and served 63 days for beating his former girlfriend, kicking and punching her in the head, dragging her by the hair while his 2 sons watched. According to court documents obtained by USA Today, the older boy, 10 at the time, ran to get help as his father leveled blow after blow on his mother, but was blocked by one of Mayweather’s associates. The young man eventually outsmarted the henchman and called police. His mother said she may not be alive had her son not done so. That young man, now 14, calls Mayweather a “coward.” Do me a favor and imagine your sister, your cousin, your best friend, your mom as that woman. Imagine your gut feeling if you found out she suffered world-famous fists raining into her face while 2 young boys watched in horror. Stomach churning yet?

sports Mayweather vs Pacquiao; Too Little, Too Late?

t took only five years, but Floyd “Money” Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao have finally agreed to a fight (now that they’re past their primes). Should be great, right? Today’s two most pre-eminent brawlers putting their legacies on the line in a single fight. Most of the world seems to think so. As soon as Mayweather announced the agreement Friday, there were multiple reports that the MGM Grand in Las Vegas sold out for May 2 in mere minutes. Not quite. But this fight is sure to shatter records in money and ratings — and, of course, make the world’s richest athlete (Mayweather) a heck of a lot richer. A breakdown of the expected numbers: • Current records: Mayweather’s 2007 championship fight against Oscar De La Hoya still holds the record for pay-per-view buys, at 2.4 million. Mayweather’s 2013 title bout with Canelo Alvarez holds the all-time PPV revenue record, at $150 million. That fight, called “The One,” also holds the all-time gate record of a little more than $20 million, according to

February 26 to March 4, 2015

ESPN.com. • Fighter earnings: With a 60-40 split in Mayweather’s favor, “Money” is likely to pull in $120 million with this fight, leaving Pacquiao with $80 million, according to Forbes. • Pay-per-views: The HD version of Mayweather vs. Pacquiao will cost around $100. (ESPN.com reported the standard version is expected to cost a record $89.95.) So 4 million buys of the HD version will generate $200 million for the fighters after cable operators and HBO and Showtime get their cuts. Three million buys will get them $150 million, per Forbes. • Gate: MGM is looking at more than $40 million in ticket sales, which will cost from $1,000 to $4,000 apiece. • Betting: Sunday morning, Sportsbook had Mayweather as the favorite at minus-275, while Pacquiao was plus-215. Bovada had Mayweather as the minus-260 favorite, with Pacquiao at plus-200. The full slate of odds as of Friday: The handle in Vegas is estimated to be at least $30 million. Jason Simbal, the vice president of race and sports for CG

Mine is. Has been since I read those reports. Does every time I see Mayweather promote himself. But my friend, THAT is reality. And actually, that’s only ONE of his 15 domestic violence charges that cover dozens of years, at least 7 separate occasions and 5 different women. He’s a serial abuser. Period. And he’s the highest paid athlete on the planet. Fact. Perhaps you’re thinking the sport of boxing, as violent as it is, lends itself to athletes with a certain proclivity to violence and any women that are in their lives are an easy target. I don’t buy that. I know WAY too many good men in the sport of boxing to believe that. And there’s no way to absolve Mayweather of the responsibility of repeated decisions. This isn’t about Mayweather’s sport of choice, this is about Mayweather’s choices. After the video of Ray Rice striking his thenfinance in an elevator was released, Mayweather was asked his opinion on the media firestorm. His response: “I think there’s a lot worse things that go on in other people’s households, also,” Mayweather said. “It’s just not caught on video, if that’s safe to say. You know I wish Ray Rice nothing but the best. He’s probably going through a lot right now because football is his love...” It’s not odd that a man who used his fists on women chose to diminish and sympathize with another man who struck a woman, what is odd is how Mayweather failed to recognize the pitfall in the question and answered so brazenly. In an interview with Rachel Nichols of CNN, Mayweather was asked about the domestic violence incidents and Nichols, offered him a softball question as to whether he’d be willing to donate any money to domestic violence shelters that educates and seeks to prevent abuse. A seemingly innocuous question for the richest athlete on the planet. His response: “…What I will do is make sure that millions and millions of dollars be saved for my children because that’s who I love and that’s

who I care about.” A.K.A. Nope. His denial of responsibility, citing a lack of pictorial or video evidence of his abuse is profound and widespread and his unrepentant attitude about domestic violence, other’s who commit it and his own past is disdainful. The payday for the man is at least $120 million dollars come May 2nd and I realize he’s not the only one getting paid. Thousands of people stand to make millions off this one fight. As fight promoter Bob Arum said, it’s going to have Super Bowl type interest. So what’s a sports fan supposed to do? Watch a man who plants as many right hooks into the women in his life as he does professionally trained fighters, or boycott this man and shun him from the public eye until he chooses to change his ways? If you think people deserve to live free of domestic violence, I recommend you boycott the fight and do so vocally. Post your outrage on Facebook and Twitter and perhaps consider using the funds you’d spend on the fight or a fight party to donate to your local domestic violence shelter. There’s no need to simply accept Mayweather in the sports world when he’s not willing to abide by common decency in the real world. I don’t care how much money he makes, how good he is at boxing or how many people want to watch this fight. Doing the right thing is always more important that some boxing match that 4 years overdue. And making sure we continue our vigilance to end domestic violence is far more important than a single day sporting event. Julie Buehler hosts the Coachella Valley’s most popular sports talk radio show, “Buehler’s Day Off” every day from 1-4 on 1010 KXPS, the valley’s all sports station. She can also be seen every morning between 6-7am on KMIR sharing the coolest stories in sports. Tune in M-F 1-4 pst at www.team1010. com or watch “Buehler’s Day Off” on Ustream and KMIR.com for her sports reports.

by Flint Wheeler Technology, told ESPN that he expects this fight “will do four or five times more than the (Mayweather-Maidana) fight,” which had a “mid-six-figure” handle last year. • Fight contract: Mayweather signed a six-fight contract with Showtime. The May 2 bout will be the fifth on that deal. Per Forbes, he raked in $170 million with the last four fights, with his biggest payday (including PPV receipts) at $75 million from the Alvarez fight. • Career numbers: Mayweather is 47-0 with 26 KOs, while Pacquiao has a career record of 57-5-2 with 38 KOs. Forbes reported that Mayweather has earned $860 million in PPV revenue from 14.2 million buys. Pacquiao has earned $755 million on 13.6 million buys. All told, Mayweather has racked up $420 million in career earnings, while Pacquiao has taken in $335 million, including endorsements. Mayweather vs. Pacquiao will be a spectacular hit, the biggest for boxing in many years. It does not matter if they announced it at 5 p.m. ET on social media or at 3 a.m. in a cave under the sea. It does not matter that they are older. They could hold this fight in a country barn, Madison Square Garden, etc. When the pay per view price is announced—

reports are it could be close to $100—there will be a round of moaning and groaning followed by a record-breaking ante up. You can book it. The consensus at the moment is that the advantage is Mayweather’s, that Pacquiao has too many miles and exposed vulnerabilities, and Mayweather’s defensive evasiveness will make him very difficult to beat. But Pacquiao has long wanted this fight and he’s still Manny Pacquiao and...you don’t really know, do you? You really don’t know. They don’t know. That’s the whole point, why this matters, why it mattered all along, May 2, Vegas, Mayweather and Pacquiao, goodness gracious, this crazy thing is actually going to happen. FlintWheeler.com - Founder of Silex Strategies L.L.C. providing sales and consulting in Insurance, Retirement, Real Estate and Taxes through A.I.G./Valic. PGA Class A Member and T.P.I. Certified Golf Trainer. Host of “The Tilted Sports Radio Show” on Fox Sports 1270 from 3-7pm on Thursdays, Live from The Kilt. Contact at 760-409-4612

February 26 to March 4, 2015

Community

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By Kristy Kneiding

youth& leadership in the cv

By edward l. prichard iii REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF PALM SPRINGS’ 6TH ANNUAL JOHN CARLOS YOUTH TRACK & FIELD MEET CATHEDRAL CITY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS POISED egistration is now open for the Boys & TO SHINE IN UPCOMING LEADERSHIP COMPETITION Girls Club of Palm Springs’ 6th Annual

John Carlos Youth Track & Field Meet. This yearly event will take place at the Palm Springs High School football/track field on Saturday, April 11 from 4 to 9 p.m. and is open to all youths born from 2000 to 2008. The track races include a 50, 100 and 200 meter dash, plus a 400, 800 and 1600 meter run. Additional events include the long jump, softball throw, shot put and high jump. “This event always brings a great level of excitement and friendly competition to those who participate in this mix of athletic activities,” said Terry Tatum, President of Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs. “We believe in instilling healthy lifestyles in our members at an early age and this opportunity allows us to grow that initiative in a fun way.” This event pays tribute to Dr. John Wesley Carlos, a member of the USA Track & Field Hall of Fame, who won a bronze medal in the 200 meters at the 1968 Summer Olympics. He was, and continues to be, an active and notable human rights advocate who has devoted much of his post-professional athletic career to mentoring and developing programs that champion civil liberties for all. Dr. Carlos once lived in Palm Springs and also

100 LOCAL STUDENTS SET TO ADVANCE TO REGIONAL SkillsUSA 48th ANNUAL STATE LEADERSHIP & SKILL CONFERENCE IN SAN DIEGO

spent time coaching track at Palm Springs High School. All who enter will receive a T-shirt and participation ribbon. Those who place in first, second or third in any category will receive a medal, as well as the opportunity to partake in the Southern California Municipal Athletic Federation Track Meet at a later date. As a special treat to all who attend, Dr. Carlos, along with a few other Olympians, will be present to distribute medals and converse with participants throughout the day. The entry cost for each participant is $5 before 6 p.m. on March 27, and increases to $10 through the deadline of 6 p.m. on April 3. Those interested can register at Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs located at 450 S. Sunrise Way. For more information, contact Lupe Branson at (760) 327-1304 ext. 303. Palm Springs High School is located at 2401 E. Baristo Rd. Palm Springs.

he recent 2015 California Region 6 SkillsUSA leadership and skill competition blasted off to new heights this year representing 100 local Cathedral City students including 15 from Nellie Coffman Middle School and one from the HEAL program. The students earned 16 Gold, 12 Silver, and 12 Bronze medals in 22 different competitive events. The upcoming state competition runs April 9th through the 12th at the Town & Country Resort in San Diego. SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers, and community working together to ensure students learn skills and reach their potential. SkillsUSA is an integrated part of the Cathedral City High School’s (CCHS) Digital Arts Tech Academy (DATA). The DATA program is also an Apple Distinguished Program that also threads art, technology, and career-based learning with creativity and community collaboration by allowing students a multi-year opportunity to develop skills learned in the classroom while showcasing these invaluable skills at regional, state, and national level competitions. The program is led by advisor, Matt Cauthron, an Apple Distinguished Educator, Adobe Education Leader, and CUE / ISTE Outstanding Teacher, assistant advisor, Tom Buck and chapter coordinator, Debbie Applebaum, “The program continues to grow leaps and bounds this year,” quipped Mr. Cauthron. “We are extremely lucky to have such a strong program within the school district. We would not be where we are today without the dedication and hard work of all the teachers involved along with the collaboration of the California Partnership Lighthouse Academy.” added Mr. Cauthron. Also known as DATA Di, this career technical education program provides students with a range of technologybased visual arts projects which integrate digital photography, Photoshop, graphics, and 3d animation in a cutting edge high school studio environment. Students are continuously encouraged to apply the

creative skills learned in class to exciting interactions with local professionals, build dynamic art and media content, and submit award winning works to local, regional, and global competitions and collaborations. “The program Rocks!” exuberantly stated CCHS senior, Samuel Oropeza. Another CCHS senior, Kenia Meza added “the DATA program has allowed me to expand my horizons and even develop a personal sense of self-leadership that I never knew existed within me. I was basically a shy person my whole life and now I am not!” For more information about the DATA program and the SkillsUSA upcoming competition dates and results, log onto digitalartstechacademy.us & dataskillsusa. org. Mr. Prichard is a mentor for the CCHS DATA year-long program while also serving as the local Director of Community Outreach & Education Programming for Film4Change & the AMFM ‘15 Festival. He is currently launching a ground-breaking youth global leadership education program, Worldview Explorations, through his continued work with the Boys & Girls Club of America. facebook.com/worldviewexplorations. edward@coachellavalleyweekly.com

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FREE WILL ASTROLOGY Week of February 26

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Lately your life reminds me of the action film Speed, starring Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves. In that story, a criminal has rigged a passenger bus to explode if its speed drops below 50 miles per hour. In your story, you seem to be acting as if you, too, will self-destruct if you stop moving at a frantic pace. I’m here to tell you that nothing bad will happen if you slow down. Just the opposite, in fact. As you clear your schedule of its excessive things-to-do, as you leisurely explore the wonders of doing nothing in particular, I bet you will experience a soothing flood of healing pleasure. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): One of the most dazzling moves a ballet dancer can do is the fouetté en tournant. The term is French for “whipped turning.” As she executes a 360-degree turn, the dancer spins around on the tip of one foot. Meanwhile, her other foot thrusts outward and then bends in, bringing her toes to touch the knee of her supporting leg. Can you imagine a dancer doing this 32 consecutive times? That’s what the best do. It takes extensive practice and requires a high degree of concentration and discipline. Paradoxically, it expresses breathtaking freedom and exuberance. You may not be a prima ballerina, Taurus, but in your own field there must be an equivalent to the fouetté en tournant. Now is an excellent time for you to take a vow and make plans to master that skill. What will you need to do? GEMINI (May 21-June 20): If you’re a martial artist and you want to inject extra energy into an aggressive move, you might utter a percussive shout that sounds like “eee-yah!” or “hyaah!” or “aiyah!” The Japanese term for this sound is kiai. The sonic boost is most effective if it originates deep in your diaphragm rather than from your throat. Even if you’re not a martial artist, Gemini, I suggest that in the coming weeks you have fun trying out this boisterous style of yelling. It may help you summon the extra power and confidence you’ll need to successfully wrestle with all the interesting challenges ahead of you. CANCER (June 21-July 22): The prolific and popular French novelist Aurore Dupin was better known by her pseudonym George Sand. Few 19thcentury women matched her rowdy behavior. She wore men’s clothes, smoked cigars, was a staunch feminist, and frequented social venues where only men were normally allowed. Yet she was also a doting mother to her two children, and loved to garden, make jam, and do needlework. Among her numerous lovers were the writers Alfred de Musset, Jules Sandeau, and Prosper Mérimée, as well as composer Frederic Chopin and actress Marie Dorval. Her preferred work schedule was midnight to 6 a.m., and she often slept until 3 p.m. “What a brave man she was,” said Russian author Ivan Turgenev, “and what a good woman.” Her astrological sign? The same as you and me. She’s feisty proof that not all of us Crabs are conventional fuddy-duddies. In the coming weeks, she’s our inspirational role model. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): It seems you’ve slipped into a time warp. Is that bad? I don’t think so. Your adventures there may twist and tweak a warped part of your psyche in such a way that it gets healed. At the very least, I bet your visit to the time warp will reverse the effects of an old folly and correct a problem caused by your past sins. (By the way, when I use the word “sin,” I mean “being lax about following your dreams.”) There’s only one potential problem that could come out of all this: Some people in your life could misinterpret what’s happening. To prevent that, communicate crisply every step of the way. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In English and French versions of the word game Scrabble, the letter z is worth ten points. In Italian, it’s eight points. But in the Polish variant of Scrabble, you score just one point by using z. That letter is rarely used in the other three languages, but is common in Polish. Keep this general principle in mind as you assess

the value of the things you have to offer. You will be able to make more headway and have greater impact in situations where your particular beauty and power and skills are in short supply. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): “Learn all you can from the mistakes of others. You won’t have to make them all your yourself.” So said Alfred Sheinwold in his book about the card game known as bridge. I think this is excellent advice for the game of life, as well. And it should be extra pertinent for you in the coming weeks, because people in your vicinity will be making gaffes and wrong turns that are useful for you to study. In the future, you’ll be wise to avoid perpetrating similar messes yourself. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): “Love her but leave her wild,” advised a graffiti artist who published his thoughts on a wall next to the mirror in a public restroom I visited. Another guerrilla philosopher had added a comment below: “That’s a nice sentiment, but how can anyone retain wildness in a society that puts so many demands on us in exchange for money to live?” Since I happened to have a felt-tip pen with me, I scrawled a response to the question posed in the second comment: “Be in nature every day. Move your body a lot. Remember and work with your dreams. Be playful. Have good sex. Infuse any little thing you do with a creative twist. Hang out with animals. Eat with your fingers. Sing regularly.” And that’s also my message for you, Scorpio, during this phase when it’s so crucial for you to nurture your wildness. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): “Don’t worry, even if things get heavy, we’ll all float on.” So sings Modest Mouse’s vocalist Isaac Brock on the band’s song “Float On.” I recommend you try that approach yourself, Sagittarius. Things will no doubt get heavy in the coming days. But if you float on, the heaviness will be a good, rich, soulful heaviness. It’ll be a purifying heaviness that purges any glib or shallow influences that are in your vicinity. It’ll be a healing heaviness that gives you just the kind of graceful gravitas you will need. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “What I look for in a friend is someone who’s different from me,” says science fiction novelist Samuel Delany. “The more different the person is, the more I’ll learn from him. The more he’ll come up with surprising takes on ideas and things and situations.” What about you, Capricorn? What are the qualities in a friend that help you thrive? Now is a perfect time to take an inventory. I sense that although there are potential new allies wandering in your vicinity, they will actually become part of your life only if you adjust and update your attitudes about the influences you value most. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): At the turn of the 19th century, Russian laborers constructed thousands of miles of railroad tracks from the western part of the country eastward to Siberia. The hardest part of the job was blasting tunnels through the mountains that were in the way. I reckon you’re at a comparable point in your work, Aquarius. It’s time to smash gaping holes through obstacles. Don’t scrimp or apologize. Clear the way for the future. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): The British rock band the Animals released their gritty, growly song “The House of the Rising Sun” in 1964. It reached the top of the pop music charts in the U.S., Canada, U.K., and Australia, and was a hit with critics. Rolling Stone magazine ultimately ranked it as the 122nd greatest song of all time. And yet it took the Animals just 15 minutes to record. They did it in one take. That’s the kind of beginner’s luck and spontaneous flow I foresee you having in the coming weeks, Pisces. What’s the best way for you to channel all that soulful mojo? Homework: True or false: You can’t get what you want from another person until you’re able to give it to yourself. Explain why or why not. FreeWillAstrology.com. Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

February 26 to March 4, 2015

Mind, body & Spirit

WE CAN DO IT!

by Bronwyn Ison

ecently my daughter received from her grandfather a brand new shiny tin lunch box. I confess he made a splendid decision. Wrapped around this shiny new tin is the famous wartime propaganda poster of a woman flexing her bicep, Rosie Riveter, “We Can Do It!” While the United States was at war in 1942 there was a labor shortage. Between 8 and 16 million women were employed in critical trades. This gave women an opportunity to make money on their own, gain independence and see the country. As a female entrepreneur I was inspired to write. While I advocate women should be entrepreneurial, express their opinions and stand for what they believe is truth, I am not the woman who is shouting… I am woman hear me roar. Rather I am a woman who thrives on woman achieving their goals and aspirations. Wikipedia tells us, female entrepreneurs; encompass approximately one-third of all entrepreneurs worldwide. History reveals, entrepreneurship has been a male dominated pursuit. Think about the many memorable and inspirational female entrepreneurs. Forbes magazine recognizes the Top 100 Female Entrepreneurs. Although I will not be highlighting each of them in this article, I do have a couple. Prior to revealing my favorites I took a moment to ponder a few thoughts? Were these women simply lucky? Did they have opportunities that we may not have presented to us? How can we learn from

them? What makes them different than you and me? As a female with an opinion, I don’t believe it was luck. Perhaps they had a few lucky breaks along way (I like to call these blessings). We all know about being in the right place at the right time. You meet someone who knows someone and this could be timing. Each of us has opportunities displayed to us daily. It is what we do with them and how we can transition them into something greater. We can learn from other women. Other women can be extraordinary mentors. Why? They can understand more of our feelings, struggles and demands. Several female entrepreneurs are mothers. If you are a parent, receiving advice from a successful mother this can be encouraging. Because you are a parent does not mean your life stops. You will have to balance more of you energy and time. What is the difference between them and you? Nothing. One should ask; how badly do you want it? Are you willing to work harder and smarter than the other person? My two favorite female entrepreneurs are Oprah Winfrey and J.K Rowling. I appreciate the humble beginnings of Oprah’s life and her journalistic spirit. J.K. Rowling, a single mother, Founder of the Harry Potter empire, should be an inspiration to all of us mother’s. “We Can Do It,” it is only YOU that will keep you from achieving your dreams. Bronwyn Ison is Owner of Evovle Yoga. e-volveyoga.com (760)-564-YOGA

February 26 to March 4, 2015

Life & career Coach

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by Sunny Simon

The Smell of the Greasepaint, the Pushing of the Broom

met a man named Michael who told me how much he was looking forward to one day owning his own push broom. No, he wasn’t in the custodial services industry; my new acquaintance is currently an artistic director at a rented local playhouse. Each season, when the final curtain goes down Michael takes up the broom and gives the stage a thorough once over. Pushing that broom across the floor both inspires and reminds him to keep pursuing his dream of one day possessing his own 250 seat theater, equipped with broom. Giant-sized dreams are passion based. Oprah is quoted as saying: “Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.” Michael of the push broom dream did not start his career as an artistic director, however, he was always passionate about theater. Like many individuals in the entertainment industry, his theatrical career began in the chorus line. Over the years he honed his skills, added significant credits to his acting career and subsequently evolved into his role as the executive of a theatrical organization. Many aspiring entrepreneurs have the push broom dream. It begins with defining a passion that makes your heart sing. Passion is the foundation upon which dreams can flourish and grow. Passion is the driving force fueling your dreams and keeping you going when life surprises you with

setbacks, sprinkles in disappointments and erects speed bumps in your path. Passion brings out the incurable optimist in you and provides the energy and stamina required to achieve your goals and become the best version of yourself. Not feeling the passion yet? Granted, it is not always evident. Sometimes is lingers beneath the surface requiring some excavation. Often clients approach me with a desire to reinvent themselves but have no idea where to begin. One recommendation is to visit a bookstore. Of the many departments, where do you linger? For me, it’s easy. I could spend an entire day in self-help racks. It was during this very exercise I discovered a passion for coaching. Another approach is to follow your curiosity. I love the scenes in the movie Julie and Julia when a determined Julia Child embarks upon a number of endeavors before experiencing the “aha” moment when she discovered food was her true passion. Sign up for courses that interest you, interview individuals in a profession you would like to know more about, keep searching and keep an open mind. Eventually you will uncover your passion and set your sights on acquiring your own push broom. Sunny Simon is the owner of Raise the Bar High Life and Career Coaching. More about Sunny at www.raisethebarhigh.com

Ask The Doctor

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February 26 to March 4, 2015

by dr peter kadile

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

Osteopathic Medicine

’ve had several new patients recently who did not know what a “DO” is and wondered if I would be able to prescribe medication. I have been practicing medicine for almost 20 years and sometimes take it for granted that everybody knows what a DO or osteopathic physician is. There are approximately 83,000 osteopathic physicians practicing in the United States. I would like to do my part in continuing to raise public awareness of what an osteopathic physician is. Osteopathic Medicine was developed by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still M.D, D.O., in Missouri, more than 130 years ago. It was developed out of his frustration that traditional medicine at the time was relying too much on drugs and just treating symptoms. Osteopathic medicine focuses on the whole person, the interconnection of the body’s nerves, muscles, bones and organs, and the body’s innate ability to heal itself. I am an osteopathic physician who holds a “D.O.” degree (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) instead of the more traditional “M.D.” degree. I frequently get asked, “What is a D.O.?” Both DOs and MDs are fully qualified physicians licensed to practice medicine, prescribe medication and perform surgery in all fifty states. DOs and MDs are Alike in Many Ways • Students entering both DO and MD medical colleges typically have already completed four-year bachelor’s degrees with an emphasis on scientific courses. • Both DOs and MDs complete four years of basic medical education. • After medical school, both DOs and MDs obtain graduate medical education through internships, residencies and fellowships. This training lasts three to eight years and prepares DOs and MDs to practice a specialty. • Both DOs and MDs can choose to

practice in any specialty of medicine—such as pediatrics, family medicine, psychiatry, surgery, obstetrics or ophthalmology. • DOs and MDs must pass comparable examinations to obtain state licenses. • DOs and MDs both practice in accredited and licensed health care facilities. The DO Difference • Although DOs can choose to practice in any specialty, osteopathic medical schools emphasize training students in primary care. • DOs practice a “whole person” approach to medicine and focus on preventive health care • DOs receive extra training on the musculoskeletal system and may practice some form of osteopathic manipulative medicine (manipulation of the musculoskeletal system, similar but different to chiropractic manipulation). If you would like more information, check out the American Osteopathic Association’s website at www.osteopathic.org. I would also be happy to answer more questions about my particular osteopathic medical practice if you contact my office. Most people are unaware that the physician they are seeing may have a DO degree instead of an MD degree. There are a large number of osteopathic physicians practicing in the Coachella Valley.

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February 26 to March 4, 2015