Coachella Valley Weekly - March 2 to March 8, 2017 Vol. 5 No. 50

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coachellavalleyweekly.com • March 2, to March 8, 2017 Vol. 5 No. 50

The Warburton

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Desert Smash

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A.M.P.

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David Macias

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Giselle Woo

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Desert X

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March 2 to March 8, 2017

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March 2 to March 8, 2017

MAKE A SPLASH! 35TH LA QUINTA ARTS FESTIVAL

Coachella Valley Weekly

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

760.501.6228

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

CONTENTS

La Quinta Arts Festival........................ 3 The Warburton..................................... 4 Theatre - Drowsy Chaperone.............. 5 13th Annual Desert Smash................. 6 Follies at the PS Aerial Tramway ........ 6 Derby Downs........................................ 6 Rebecca Loebe-Desert Roots Music... 7 Desert's Got Talent.............................. 7 Academy of Musical Performance...... 7 David Macias........................................ 8 Giselle Woo........................................... 8 CV Open Mic Competition .................. 9 Backstage Jazz - DRG BRNCH...............9 Consider This - Colin Hay................... 10 Art Scene - Mario Pikus..................... 11 Art Scene - Desert X........................... 11 Pet Place............................................. 12 The Vino Voice ................................... 13 Club Crawler Nightlife....................... 14 Screeners............................................ 18 Book Review....................................... 19 Safety Tips.......................................... 19 Sports Scene...................................... 20 Haddon Libby.................................... 21 Dale Gribow....................................... 21 Lotus Botanical Elixirs....................... 22 Ask Jenny........................................... 22 Beauty with Dr. Maria Lombardo..... 22 Free Will Astrology............................ 23 Mind, Body & Spirit ........................... 23 Life & Career Coach ........................... 24 Cannabis Corner................................ 24

MARCH 2ND TO 5TH

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amed #1 Fine Art Festival in the Nation by Art Fair Sourcebook (2013, 2014, 2015) and #3 in 2016, the 35th La Quinta Arts Festival returns to the stunning La Quinta Civic Center Campus this Thursday through Sunday, March 2-5 2017. Join us for the ultimate cultural experience with 220 premier artists exhibiting in every media category and price range at a magnificent outdoor gallery.

Gather with family and friends for the opportunity to meet and mingle with the artists, learn about the inspiration for their creations, and how they craft their work.

La Quinta Arts Festival 2017 Featured Artist Heather Ward – With UN World Wildlife Day celebrated around the world on March 3rd under the theme “Listen to young voices”, it’s a perfect time to learn about talented wildlife artist and firsttime exhibitor Heather Ward. Based in Los Alamos New Mexico, Ward aims to portray all animals as worthy of our curiosity and respect--helping local wildlife hospitals and international wildlife conservation efforts. Working first in pencil, the selftaught artist delved into books on drawing and soon progressed to charcoal, exploring its qualities of darkness and softness. In 2014 Heather discovered scratchboard, a medium in which lines are scratched through a black surface to reveal the layer of bright white clay beneath which makes her realistic images seem vibrantly alive.

A signature member of the International Society of Scratchboard Artists and a protégé of Media Partner, Southwest Art, Ward has spent a lot of time drawing portrait-style boards of animals and, not only majestic tigers and elephants, but also lesser-known and under-appreciated animals such as vultures and reptiles. Her scratchboard “All About Attitude”, featuring a cool, unruffled green iguana, was chosen as the design image for the 35th Anniversary La Quinta Arts Festival commemorative men’s t-shirt.

See the detailed depth and textures of her art at Booth #126.

Drawing from the 35th Anniversary Festival Poster by artists Signe and Genna Grushovenko (South Carolina), the theme is ‘Make A Splash!’ Their painting “Defying

“Defying Gravity” by Signe & Genna Grushovenko

is the event official beer sponsor, served beside fine wines, beer, coffees, and E & E Pels Italian Ices. A new partnership with So Delicious Dairy Free will bring samples of coconut and almond based dairy-free delights.

Come for the Art - Stay for the Entertainment! This year’s lineup includes guitar stylings of Milton Merlos and Scott Carter, plus eclectic mixes by IAMNOTADJ. Get up and dance at the Amphitheater in the afternoon to enjoy grooves by Horace & the KG’s on Friday, and jazz standards by Mike Costley & Friends on Saturday. Festival favorite Steve Madaio Band will have you swinging and singing on Sunday.

Featured Artist Heather Ward

Gravity” portrays the pure joy and frivolity of three female friends, hands joined, leaping into water - surely to make some attention getting waves! Their work derived from vintage photographs celebrates the uplifting spirit of La Quinta Arts Festival’s success and community memories made over the years.

AND MAKE A SPLASH WE WILL, with superb food and drink, a fabulous lineup of live entertainment, and lots of new fun experiences! Savor cuisine at Restaurant Row from Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Fisherman’s Market & Grill, Shanghai Reds and satisfy your sweet tooth at the Chocolate Bar, tended by the sweet masterminds from Brandini Toffee. Raise a glass with refreshing libations: Stella Artois

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Artists Signe & Genna Grushovenko

“Run Girls” by Signe & Genna Grushovenko

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March 2 to March 8, 2017

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STAR-STUDDED WARBURTON CELEBRITY GOLF TOURNAMENT

BRINGING 75 CELEBRITIES, ONE-OF-A-KIND MUSIC EVENTS AND BMW RACE TO THE DESERT MARCH 9-12 7TH ANNUAL FUNDRAISING WEEKEND RAISES FUNDS FOR ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL®

EVENTS

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he seventh annual Warburton Celebrity Golf Tournament will return to the desert from March 9-12, 2017, bringing in more than 75 stars, songwriters and rock legends for a weekend of golf and one-of-a-kind music events – along with a race day at the BMW Performance Center.

The event has grown to become “St. Jude Week in the Desert,” all to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, which is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The tournament and most of 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 and Ted 2, 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 battling pediatric cancer and other lifethreatening diseases. Warburton can now be seen on Netflix’s top-rated Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events – where he plays narrator Snicket and co-stars with Neil Patrick Harris.

Children from all 50 states, including California, and around the world receive care at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. St. Jude also freely shares the breakthroughs it makes, so doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children.

Celebrities will begin arriving on Thursday, March 9, for Songwriters’ Night – which will be held at the JW Marriott Desert Springs at 7 p.m.

This will be an evening with a group of renowned Nashville songwriters telling the stories behind their biggest hits, along with performing those hits. New songwriters this year include Deric Ruttan, who wrote Blake Shelton’s #1 hit “Mine Would Be You;” the Dierks Bentley hit “What Was I Thinkin” and songs recorded by dozens of artists including Jason Aldean and Eric Church. Also new this year is David Lee Murphy, who’s penned a number of Kenny Chesney hits such as “Living in Fast Forward” and “Pirate Flag” as well as a his own hits, including “Dust on the Bottle” and “Loco.” Other songwriters scheduled to appear include Tim Nichols, who wrote Tim McGraw’s iconic #1 hit, “Live Like You Were Dying” and Jo Dee Messina’s “Heads Carolina, Tails California;” and Kelley Lovelace, writer of the smash hit “AllAmerican Girl” performed by Carrie Underwood as well as huge Brad Paisley hits like “Ticks,” “I’m Still a Guy” and “Camouflage.” The event will

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be hosted by HLN morning news anchor, Robin Meade. Tickets are $100.

On Friday, The Rush will be a race event limited to 100 people. The BMW Performance Driving Center West in Thermal will host a day filled with a celebrity race and driving experiences for participants beginning at 10:30 a.m. and wrapping up at 4:00 p.m. Drivers will have the opportunity to do timed autocross, drag racing and performance driving while receiving tips an instruction from a BMW professional driver. Cost is $475 per driver and includes lunch.

Friday night’s Rheneypalooza Jam has generated a lot of buzz as “the best event in the desert” because of its unique line-up of Rockand-Roll Hall of Famers and other famous rock recording artists who perform some of their hits in what becomes essentially a 4+ hour rock-androll variety show. Scheduled to perform this year are Huey Lewis, Kevin Cronin (REO Speedwagon), Steve Augeri (former lead singer of Journey), Skunk Baxter (Steely Dan & The Doobie Brothers), Mickey Thomas (Starship), Alice Cooper, Don Felder (The Eagles), Robby Krieger (The Doors), Mike Mills (R.E.M.), Danny Seraphine (Chicago), Micky Dolenz (The Monkees), Tommy Thayer (KISS) and Robin Meade (Headline News anchor, “Morning Express with Robin Meade”). Celebrity Jam Session tickets can be purchased for $150 prior to March 1st – after which they will go up to $200.

“This tournament is so extraordinary because of the way it incorporates musicians – we keep hearing consistently there is no other event like this in the desert,” said Clarke Rheney, tournament chairman and St. Jude’s 2017 National Volunteer of the Year. “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 Children’s Research Hospital.”

Other commitments for celebrities who are scheduled to appear at the golf tournament include actors Richard Kind, John O’Hurley, Richard Karn, Sam McMurray, Peter Gallagher, Bruce McGill, David Leisure, Gregory Harrison, Galen Gering, Ben

Reed, Bill Smitrovich, Bruce Thomas, Kurt Fuller, Pauley Trickey, Raymond Cruz, Matt McCoy, Rob Morrow, Mark Moses and Brian Thompson; and athletes like former NFL pros, Sterling Sharpe, Jim McMahon and Andre Wadsworth; Major League baseball players, Steve Garvey, Scott Erickson and Kurt Bevacqua; NHL Hall of Famer, Grant Fuhr; and volleyball gold medalist, Dain Blanton. Other celebrities include national news personality, Bret Baier and MTV/VH-1 founder, Les Garland. Golf tournament entries are sold out.

The Saturday Soiree will feature red carpet appearances that evening 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 $300.

Event sponsors include Castelli’s Ristorante,

Classic Club, Enterprise Holdings, the Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau, the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation; Michael Shubert & Associates, News Channel 3/CBS Local 2, Prime Source Entertainment Group, Shakti Warriors, Sixwire and Tito’s Handmade Vodka.

It will cost nearly $1 billion this year to run St. Jude, and 75 percent of the funding comes from the public. Thanks to events like the Warburton Celebrity Golf Tournament, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.

The Warburton is the top highest grossing golf tournament for St. Jude nationwide, and surpassed its goal of raising $1 million for St. Jude at last year’s event.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit thewarburton.com.

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LQ ARTS FESTIVAL continued from page 3 YARN BOMB - Wrap, stitch, knit, crochet, or weave your design on a park bench, railing, temporary fence, bike rack, etc.

Colorful Surprises throughout the Festival Site: Look for, and vote on Facebook for your favorite Yarn Bomb displays contributed by local community creatives.

Find one of the hidden beach balls throughout the festival and exchange it at the Festival Shop for the 35th Anniversary Commemorative Festival Poster (value of $35).

Honoring the legacy of La Quinta Arts

March 2 to March 8, 2017 “All About Attitude” by Heather Ward

Festival’s positive impact in the community is the visual art college scholarship program which has awarded over $1.23 million dollars from festival proceeds. Look for site installations, exhibits and performances by former scholars Chris Sanchez, ‘Kas Infinite’ just beyond the Island Bar, Marnie Navarro, ‘MLN17’ in the Splash Lounge, smile for photographer Julio Vasquez, and view story boards highlighting many LQAF Hall of Fame Scholars.

Brought to you by La Quinta Arts Foundation, The 35th La Quinta Arts Festival is March 2-5, 2017, 10am to 5pm, at La Quinta Civic Center Campus, 78495 Calle Tampico. Avoid lines at the gate and purchase your tickets in advance at WWW. LQAF.COM Tickets: $17 Single Day, $22 Multi-Day, Children 12 and under are free.

Free parking is available in the Village of La Quinta, along with paid valet and self parking options.

THEATRE DESERT THEATREWORKS PRESENTS THE TONY AWARD WINNING PERFORMANCES ONLY, AT THE ARTHUR MUSICAL-COMEDY THE DROWSY CHAPERONE TEN NEWMAN THEATRE BEGINNING MARCH 9, 2017.

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he Drowsy Chaperone was called “the perfect musical” by New York magazine. It begins as a diehard theatre fan puts the cast album of his favorite stage musical on his record player to chase his blues away. Suddenly, his dingy apartment’s magically transformed into a 1928 Broadway set and he finds himself in the center of a “musical within a comedy,” mixed up in mayhem with a starlet, her groom, a desperate producer, gangsters, a drunken chaperone and more.

Featuring such songs as “Fancy Dress,” “As We Stumble Along” and “Show Off,” the original Broadway run of The Drowsy Chaperone won Tony Awards for Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score.

You simply can’t miss this crowd-pleasing musical treat!

Lance Phillips-Martinez directs the talents of: Timm McBride (Man in Chair),

Timm McBride

Coco Girelli (Janet Van De Graff), Ryan Holmes (Robert), Karen Ellison Schmitt (Chaperone), Allan H Jensen (Aldopho), Angus Feath (George), Arnie Kleban (Feldzeig), Adina Lawson (Kitty), Marjory Edson Lewis (Tottendale), Steven Ciceron (Underling), Mark Demry (Gangster #1), Ed Lefkowitz (Gangster #2), Denise Carter & Keisha D Sings (alternating as Trix), Heidi Hapner (Ensemble/Dance Captain), Daniela Ryan (Ensemble) and Alex Updike (Ensemble).

The production team includes: Heidi Hapner (Choreographer), Donald Kelley (Musical Director), Jenny Ferguson (Stage Manager), Ron Phillips-Martinez (Sets), Phil Murphy (Lights), Janelle Kauffman (Props/ ASM), Claudia Brigitte Gomez (Props/ Production Assistant).

“We are very honored to present this fantastic musical to the Coachella Valley another Neil Simon comedy treasure.” says Artistic Director/Director Lance PhillipsMartinez, “This five-time Tony award winning musical aims to please and have something for everyone. It is hysterically funny and the music is beautifully crafted.

You simply cannot miss this show!”

The Drowsy Chaperone is a musical with book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar and music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison. It is a parody of American musical comedy of the 1920s. The story concerns a middle-aged, asocial musical theatre fan; as he plays the record of his favorite musical, the (fictional) 1928 hit The Drowsy Chaperone, the show comes to life onstage as he wryly comments on the music, story, and actors. The Drowsy Chaperone opened

on Broadway on 1 May 2006 The show was nominated for multiple Broadway (2006) and London (2008) theatre awards, winning five Tony Awards and seven Drama Desk Awards.

The Arthur Newman Theatre is located at 73-750 Catalina Way, Palm Desert CA, 92260.

Show Times: Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7pm, with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2pm.

Ticket prices: General admission $28, Senior $26, Student $16 (with ID) For tickets call (760)980-1455 or go to WWW. DTWORKS.ORG. THE DROWSY CHAPERONE is recommended for ages 8 and up.

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March 2 to March 8, 2017

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BY BRITTANY LEVINE

13 ANNUAL DESERT SMASH A CHARITY CELEBRITY TENNIS EVENT HOSTED BY JON HAMM. FEATURING TOP-RANKED TENNIS PROS AND HOLLYWOOD CELEBRITIES. BENEFITTING ST JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL TH

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he Desert Smash is known for bringing together some of the biggest names in Hollywood with the world’s most accomplished tennis elite, and this year is no exception as one of Hollywood and television’s most adored leading men is set to kick off the 13th annual event in the desert!

Award-winning actor, Jon Hamm, will be hosting and playing in this year’s notorious Celebrity vs. Pro match for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the leading children’s hospital pioneering research and treatments for kids with cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Taking place on Tuesday, March 7th, 2017, at the world-renowned Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage, California, this year’s annual charity Pro-Am will also be hosted by actor, Boris Kodjoe and benefit Sophie’s Voice Foundation. A portion of the event’s ticket sales will also be donated to local Palm Springs charity, Variety – Charity of the Desert.

“The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa is thrilled to be hosting the Desert Smash for the second consecutive year. Building on the success of last year, we look forward to hosting some of the top tennis professionals in the world along with top Hollywood celebrities in support of Variety of the Desert and Sophie’s Voice Foundation,” said Jim Pedone, Director of

Sales and Marketing at The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa. Ryan Macaulay, Founder of the Desert Smash notes, “We’re thrilled to be back for our 13th annual event at the Westin Mission Hills Resort & Golf Club. The resort runs a first class operation and their facilities are second to none. The Desert Smash has always been about accessibility to players and celebrities, and the Westin’s intimate tennis stadium continues in that tradition. We look forward to a full house and a great day raising money for some great charities!”

The Desert Smash Celebrity/Pro-Am Tournament is arguably one of the country’s most prominent charitable set of matches, composed of ranked WTA and ATP Tour players and some of the most notable and recognized celebrity players from Hollywood.

Past professional tennis participants include ATP World No. 1 Novak Djokovic, John Isner, Stan Wawrinka, ATP World No. 1 doubles team

FOLLIES SINGERS DEBUT AT THE TRAM

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t’s been almost three long years now since the Fabulous Palm Springs Follies closed its doors at the Plaza Theater in downtown Palm Springs. During its 23 seasons, the Follies described itself as a “Broadway-caliber celebration of the music, dance, and comedy of Mid-Century America with a cast old enough to have lived it!”

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is proud to present the debut performance of “The Ladies Who Sang with the Follies” on March 9 beginning at 7:00 p.m. on the Pines Café Stage. Headlining the show is 20-season Palm Springs Follies vocalist Judy Bell and two-season Follies vocalist Terri Olsen. The show’s music director is Wayne Abravanel, who was an integral member of the Follies orchestral team for nine seasons.

While not widely known, Tramway General Manager Rob Parkins actually played a pivotal role in the original founding of the Fabulous Follies. “I was Palm Springs’ city manager when then-Mayor Pro Tem Tuck Broich took Follies CoFounders Riff Markowitz and Mary Jardin to see our vacant Plaza Theatre,” remembers Parkins.

“When they explained the type of show they

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BY CRAIG MICHAELS

were thinking about, many thought they were crazy. I didn’t and—along with other members of the city council—pushed to grant them the lease.

The rest, as they say, is history. What a treat it is to have this reunion occur at the Tramway.”

According to Tramway Vice President of Marketing Nancy Nichols, “Since opening the Pines Café Stage with our recent holiday choir series, we’ve been trying to decide what we should present as our first headline act? We worked so closely with the Follies for over two decades in promoting our wonderful destination that this seemed like the logical choice…and we still hear how much folks miss the Follies.”

General admission show ticket is $39 (including tram fare) and seating is extremely limited. Phone orders only by calling 760-3251449. Cocktail and appetizer menu will be available. Pre-show dining in Peak’s Restaurant is also available that night beginning at 4:00 p.m.

For additional information, please visit www. pstramway.com/folliesladies.

Written By: Craig Michaels Productions (760) 880-3848

Mike and Bob Bryan, Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf, Maria Sharapova, Caroline Wozniacki, Victoria Azarenka and Eugenie Bouchard.

Each year, this sell-out event attracts both celebrity and tennis fans for a once in a lifetime opportunity to play and rub elbows with the world’s best tennis players. Past celebrity hosts and attendees include Will Ferrell, Kevin Hart, Kevin Spacey, Rebel Wilson, Joel McHale, Michael B. Jordan, Justin Chambers, Timothy Olyphant, Lance Bass and Boris Kodjoe.

In traditional Desert Smash fashion, the day kicks off with the ultra-exclusive, VIP Pro-Am Tournament and renowned Southern California competitive, high-energy on-court workout, “Tennacity,” also known in some circles as “LiveBall.” Following these fun, interactive

experiences is the fan favorite Pro vs. Celebrity Exhibition singles and doubles matches, which will take place on Westin’s Stadium Tennis Court.

Following an unmatched day of tennis and fundraising, The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa will host an evening cocktail party and live concert with a set by DJ Bob Sinclar and surprise celebrity artists. Previous performances included sets by Justin Bieber, Ja Rule, Lifehouse, Nelly, Natasha Bedingfield, RedFoo, Boyz II Men, Skunk Baxter and Gavin Rossdale.

Tickets are available for purchase now!

For more event info, AND TO PURCHASE PLAYING SPOTS AND TICKETS, please visit: www.desertsmash.com.

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF THE DESERT HOST 1ST ANNUAL DERBY DOWNS: A NIGHT AT THE RACES

BY NYLA PATZNER

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ig Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert will hold their 1st Annual “Derby Downs: A Night at the Races” Fundraiser at Toscana Country Club in Indian Wells. It will be a spirited evening of horse races, betting, dinner, dancing, drinks and auction will be held on Saturday, March 25th, 2017 at Toscana Country Club. (76009 Via Club Way, Indian Wells, CA.).

This dashing 1st annual event channels the sporty days of derby encouraging their wellbred guests to wear their finest derby attire.

The event kicks off at 6 p.m. with an elegant champagne reception and spectacular silent auction, followed by dinner, wine, racing program, betting, dancing and prizes.

All proceeds from the event will help children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships with mentors. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert serve children throughout the Coachella Valley, ages 6 through 18.

“We are thrilled to bring an evening of horse racing and derby style to the Coachella Valley,” said Executive Director Judy May. “What a unique way to support the important work of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert opened its doors in 1996 and has since been helping the children in our community reach their full potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships with mentors. They serve children throughout the Coachella Valley, ages 6 through 18; serving over 300 children,

in two core mentoring programs. Their vision is for each child to achieve success in life, and are accountable for each child served in the program to achieve: 1) Higher aspirations, greater confidence, better relationships, 2) Avoidance of risky behaviors, 3) Educational success.

Gentlemen dust off your seersucker and ladies don your derby style hats and fascinators and let’s sip mint juleps under the stars together!

Event ticket prices are $125 per person before March 10th and $150 after. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more info and to purchase tickets, visit bbbsdesert.org.

NEXT DESERT ROOTS MUSIC HOUSE CONCERT ON MARCH 8 PRESENTS

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EVENTS

AUSTIN SINGER/SONGWRITER REBECCA LOEBE DESERT ROOTS’ HOUSE CONCERT SERIES FEATURES INTIMATE POOLSIDE PERFORMANCES

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esert Roots Music will present its next performance by singer Rebecca Loebe on Wednesday, March 8 at the historic, midcentury modern Desert Star resort in Palm Springs.

Following five successful concerts during the 2016-17 season, Desert Roots Music will continue its house concert series with a performance by Austin-based singer/ songwriter Rebecca Loebe who will perform selections from her impressive body of work.

Following her appearance on Season One of the television program The Voice, Rebecca received praise from Adam Levine who told her: “I just love listening to you sing.”

Loebe’s performance in Palm Springs is one of five California stops on her world tour before heading to Europe for a twomonth string of shows to promote her new album Blink, her fourth full length studio album with Atlanta-based Will Robertson as producer. Loebe and Robertson, have worked together on half a dozen musical projects over the years; Blink is their first fulllength studio collaboration since Mystery Prize (2010), which ended up on many Americana Top 40 year-end lists including the Americana Music Association’s Top 100 Albums of the Year. Loebe has also received recognition from Alternate Root Magazine’s annual listing of The Top 10 Female Singers in America. NPR’s radio show Art of the Song noted that as an artist, she is “coming into full stride as a sleek, polished, rough-edged woman…The word seminal comes to mind.”

The Desert Roots is a house concert series launched in the 2016-17 season with a

LOCAL MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

BY NOE GUTIERREZ

ACADEMY OF MUSICAL PERFORMANCE: ONWARD AND UPWARD IN 2017

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unique spin on the traditional house concert concept by taking the performance outdoors poolside under the stars.

Desert Roots Music is brought to the Coachella Valley by music magazine owners Danny McCloskey and Jeff Taylor from The Alternate Root plus local artists Debra and Richard Hovel, co-founders of Makerville.

Desert Roots Music produces concerts by new and emerging artists to bring cuttingedge talent to Palm Springs audiences.

The music and performers are all singersongwriters from a wide variety of genres but share the common thread of performing in an acoustic setting.

The house concert concept provides music enthusiasts an opportunity to hear live music in a casual and intimate setting while enjoying an “upclose and personal” musical experience with a maximum of 75 people.

Tickets are $20 per person and may be purchased online at www.desertrootsmusic. com or at the door.

DESERT’S GOT TALENT AUDITIONS

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oo2Bullying proudly presents the Desert’s first annual talent showcase “DESERT’S GOT TALENT” featuring the Desert’s breakout stars of tomorrow. DGT is a talent show that features singers, dancers, magicians, comedians, and other performers of all ages.

Hosted by KMIR’S “Desert Living” host Bryan Gallo on Saturday, May 6, 2017 main event held at the Annenberg Theater, Palm Springs.

Auditions are being held on March 11, 2017 from 10 am- 3pm at the Marquee Academy of Performing Arts 441 S. Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262 email: desertsgottalent@gmail. com.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Must be at least 18 years old and or have the full, complete and unrestricted right, if under 18 years old a parent or guardian must be present.

Boo2Bullying proudly presents their first signature fundraiser, the first annual talent showcase “DESERT’S GOT TALENT” featuring the breakout stars of tomorrow. DGT is a talent show that features singers, dancers, magicians, comedians, and other performers of all ages.

DGT gives an opportunity to talented amateurs or unknown performers, with the results decided by the audience and Celebrity Judges. Desert’s Got Talent gives performers of all ages the opportunity to self-express and promote unity as a bridge

March 2 to March 8, 2017

towards encouraging, educating and engaging with our communities. This talent showcase supports and benefits the anti-bullying 501(c)3 non-profit organization Boo2Bullying.

Boo2Bullying is a collection of artists and visionaries who are dedicated to help transform this generation into one of strength and empowerment. Boo2Bullying was founded in 2011 in response to the challenges faced by our youth today around the issues of bullying and intolerance and is located in Palm Springs, California, serving that community, as well as Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange County and Los Angeles.

Boo2Bullying depends on our community for support, and they depend on their generous friends, family and neighbors to help them provide free services and resources to youth and their families around the issues of bullying and tolerance.

he Academy of Musical Performance (AMP) is a non-profit music education organization created for young musicians in the Coachella Valley who are seeking the complete rock band experience.

With grant funding from Goldenvoice, AMP has been able to achieve its primary goal of enriching the lives of young musicians living in the Coachella Valley by fostering productivity and social responsibility through creativity, communication and collaboration in the development and enhancement of musical performance and concert production skills through participation in a “rock band” style educational setting. This statement of purpose will be on full display Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at 6 p.m. at Tack Room Tavern at the Empire Polo Grounds for AMP’s Jam Session #2 Showcase. You’ll see and hear what the bands have been working on for the last six weeks.

This summer AMP will again be looking for students interested in vocals, guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, drums, percussion, electronic music, promotion, stage, lighting and production. The camp features the desert’s top musicians teaching in a small band format providing support for musicians in their performance and concert production skills through rehearsals, workshops, individual instruction and live performances. The camp runs Monday, June 26th thru Saturday, July 22nd 2017 at Shadow Hills High School in Indio.

AMP was created in 2015 by a committee of volunteers involved with The Coachella Valley Community Trust. Kate Spates, AMP’s Program Director, is joyful in the community’s embracing of the program. “It’s wonderful how the community has embraced this program and local organizations have offered opportunities for our young musicians to showcase the results of collaboration, communication, hard work and dedication to their craft. I’m continually impressed by their professionalism and perseverance at such a young age. We are so fortunate to have an outlet for their creativity with this program and we are so incredibly grateful to Goldenvoice for their seed funding and our dynamic committee who produce it all.”

Coachella Valley Weekly spoke to some of the parents and program participants about their experiences with AMP. Annemarie Campbell (parent) expressed her thankfulness and the reality of the lack of funding for the arts in public schools. “It’s an amazing program that has allowed our daughter Tiffany to go above and beyond anything that a school could possibly provide.” According to the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation (2016), students who are involved in music are not only more likely to graduate high school, but also to attend college as well.

Cecilia Aldaz (parent) shared the benefit AMP has made to their family as a whole.

“It’s been a wonderful experience for our child as well as for us. She has developed so much these last few years in AMP. She has advanced as a musician.” 82% of parents rate music education highly as a source for greater

student creativity, a 21st century skill that’s highly likely to help young people stand out in an increasingly competitive global economy, NAMM (2016).

Israel Pinedo (musician) shared of his transformation. “It’s changed my life for the better. I’ve met lots of new people and lots of musicians. AMP has made me a better musician overall.” Music connects our youth and encourages freedom. Teenagers can use their musical experiences to form friendships and to set themselves apart from their parents to develop their individuality and independence.

Ultimately, music is enjoyable for children.

Jake Besant (musician) talked about how music brings an element of joy. “It’s been super fun and I really love being part of AMP.” Bob Hamilton, AMP Music Director shared this, “AMP has the potential to create a music scene of young professional musicians to represent our community at festivals and events across the Coachella Valley. Our core values include creativity, communication, and collaboration. Aside from the musicianship, accountability and professionalism are needed to thrive in our program. We build strong leaders and listeners in tune with the people and environment that surrounds them.”

We’ll leave you with this fitting quote from John Quincy Adams, our sixth President of the United States; “I must study politics and war, that my sons may study mathematics and philosophy...in order to give their children the right to study painting, poetry, music and architecture.”

AMP Upcoming Events: Tuesday, March 7, 2017: AMP Jam Session 2 at the Tack Room Tavern Indio, CA 5 to 9 p.m.

Friday, April 7, 2017: 7th Annual FIND Food Bank Telethon AMP Bands Performance broadcast live on CBS 2 5-11 p.m.

Wednesday, April 19th, 2017: Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs 7 p.m.

Friday, April 28th – Sunday April 30, 2017: Stagecoach Festival AMP Bands Performance Monday, June 26th – Saturday, July 22, 2017: AMP Summer Camp at Shadow Hills High School, Indio, CA www.ampcv.com If you have an event where you would like an AMP band to perform, please send inquiries to: inquiry@ampcv.org

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March 2 to March 8, 2017

LOCAL MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY RICH HENRICH

MUSICIAN PROFILE: DAVID MACIAS

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he Yucca Valley musician just returned from an urgent missionto find his dog. “He escaped, I was worried he would be coyote feed. You know it’s open desert, you hear the dogs being eaten all the time. Gene Navarro’s dog just got attacked by a coyote that jumped the fence. Another lady had her horse taken down!” says the former combat medic with the Marines 3rd Battalion. His awareness is all encompassing of the dangers that exists, perhaps a parallel for the music business itself.

While stationed at 29 Palms, David discovered the Joshua Tree Music Festival. He knew then that it was time for him to get out of the military and start playing music. “You know, I was risking my life for a cause I didn’t fully understand but I was a Patriot. I loved it.

We were in Ramadi, Iraq and a lot (of soldiers) didn’t make it back. I made myself a promise that if I did make it back alive, I would play music. I left the military to pursue music. I feel a lot of responsibility,” says the musician.

“There is so much sh!% in war, I thought how much worse can it be if I bet on me?

Life is about pursuing our dreams,” he says, echoing wisdom. Macias left the military in 2009 and enrolled in Dr. Anthony Fesmire’s, Music Theory class at College of the Desert.

“I had played music and always had a guitar and knew a few chords but nothing serious.

I played a little mariachi but I wasn’t a musician. Once I understood theory, music opened up,” he beams. He started playing in the California Celts and learned how to really manage a band. He says that no matter what, he is a musician first. “Music has been my therapy. There are a lot of universal triggers if you pay close attention that guide you to what you really should be doing,” says the stoic singer and songwriter.

He misses the group unity of the military and being with people he can trust with his life. He says being in a band allows for the group cohesion but sometimes you must journey on your own and then return to the group to be stronger as a person. “Once you realize you don’t owe anyone anything, you owe it to yourself to do what you need to

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do. It’s great to have support but if you don’t have it, what are you going to do roll over and die? I’m on a mission. I am a musician and I’m not exclusive. I play music and it’s great to share that with other musicians. That’s why I play in a few bands. It’s a state of mind- I’m not going back to the medical field. There is no back up plan, there’s only music. Set up your GPS or otherwise you end up making a left into a strip club,” he exclaims. The twotime combat medic says there is nothing in this life that can be harder than what he’s already had to overcome.

“As a kid, I had an obsession with The Doors so I think that’s part of why I love the desert,” says the man who once shared the stage with Robbie Krieger. “I love the quiet. I bought a house here. There is a lot of mysticism, too. I’ve learned a lot about myself. There are a lot of influential artists here and I feel comfortable (in the High Desert),” reflects the rhythmic performer of several projects including Machin’, Desert Rhythm Project, and every Saturday Co-Hosting Global Lounge Sessions with Producer/Songwriter Esjay Jones at The Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs. He’s also spending more time writing and recording at High Lonesome Studio. “You spend a lot of time hustling and gigging for the band and less time developing, “ says the music maker in preparation of his solo project, a stripped down acoustic version of mostly material from Machin’, the band chosen by Goldenvoice to perform at Coachella Valley Music and Art Festival in 2014.

David Macias embodies the force we can all create when we trust the courage of our convictions and pursue the passion of our dreams. He says, “Find the thing you truly love and it becomes healing. Go after it because when it ends, it ends and it won’t matter if you were making a million dollars.

Achieve your daily goals by believing what you want to be.” The proud father is now passing the values his family gave to him onto his own son. “No matter what, achieve by going forward. Achieve your dreams!” His words resonate with the wisdom of a warrior. www.davidmaciasmusic.com

Coachella Valley Music Awards 2016 “Best Duo” Winners

BY RICH HENRICH

MUSICIAN GISELLE WOO LETTING LOCAL BE HEARD

AROUND THE WORLD THE WORLD

T

his weekend, the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System will hold the 77th Annual International IBS Conference and Awards in New York City where KCOD, College of the Desert’s student-run radio station has been nominated for multiple awards. One nomination is the Coachella Valley’s own musician Giselle Woo, up for Best Music Director and Best Artist/ Band Interview along with multi-award nominated Station Manger Toni Bakal, for their Coachella Music and Arts Festival interview with Joywave.

In the Fall of 2015, Giselle Woo had an opportunity to apply for a position as Public Affairs for the local college radio station.

She did and she nailed it. “After meeting with Toni Bakal (station manager), I had an opportunity to do more. I really wanted to add a lot more local music to the format,” she says. The position quickly evolved.

“Sometimes things happen not because you want them to but you realize looking back that they had to and it happens when you least expect it,” reflects the local singer/ songwriter.

When she was in middle school, she recalls listening to 100.5 and thinking how cool it would be to be that person on the other side of the radio. “I guess I had been manifesting this since middle school, it’s the only time I have envisioned myself as a DJ, really,” she recalls. Now she is the Local Music Director at KCOD and joins colleagues, Station Manager Toni Bakal and Social Media Director, Micaylee Johnson, who collectively are up for multiple nominations including Best Community College Radio Station. “The hard part has really been balancing my classes. I dove in as a volunteer. We all do it because we love it. I started to think if all the effort was really worth it. Getting the nomination(s) helped make sense of all the sleepless nights!” she exclaims.

Slowly but surely, the whole dream of a station that could be heard throughout the Coachella Valley with local music evolved into one that can be heard around the world thanks to technology, Tune In, which allows you to hear the music through the internet.

“We have a couple thousand listeners around the world now. We are hoping to have an AM transmitter and expand our FM reach, too,” says the proud programmer. “I know as an artist, I just want to be heard and I wanted to create a program that allowed all these local talented musicians in the Valley to be heard,” the pride of accomplishment resonates in her voice.

KCOD has been nominated in over a dozen categories and as Ms. Woo says, they are just starting to benefit from their experience and becoming more refined and finding their groove as a staff and a

station. “KCRW is a huge inspiration for us.

I would love to be that for the Coachella Valley. I wanted to put local music in the system to be heard- high desert and low, the go together. No one is asking us to do it, we are just doing it and it’s helping a lot of bands,” she proclaims. Giselle Woo plays local music on KCOD M-F from 2-4pm that includes DJ’s, songwriters and a broad spectrum of musicians. She is proud to have been a part of creating this platform.

“It feels good to be doing this. The bands are grateful and supportive, too. We are creating a greater sense of community. It gives me the chills actually!” Her wish is to encourage people to keep writing amazing music. “Just because a billion people are not listening, we want local musicians to know, we are still listening. Keep making rad music!”

The local singer/ songwriter is also working on her own single, recording at High Lonesome Studio. “I have a hard time hearing myself the way others hear me. I sang into that really expensive microphone and I finally heard myself like others do! It moved me to tears,” says the music major and incredible local talent. I am definitely looking forward to hearing her single in the coming months.

Congratulations to KCOD and the entire staff! We are proud of your accomplishments and wish you the best of luck at bringing home a Golden Microphone! Don’t forget to Tune In and listen to the talent of the Coachella Valley.

If you are a musician and want to have your music considered for air play, e-mail an MP3 file to: KCODlocalmusic@gmail. com and remember to keep it clean, no swearing, radio edit only. Giselle and her station mates will give it a listen and soon the world will celebrate your beat as well! kcodcoachellafm.com

LOCAL MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY MORGAN JAMES

CV OPEN MIC COMPETITION 2017: WEEK 1

W

eek #1 of the CV Open Mic Competition 2017 at The Block Sports Bar & Grill in Cathedral City brought on some enthusiastic performers who took the stage with confidence and conviction. Live video feeds filled social media and photos flashed throughout the night. Audience giveaways like t-shirts from The Block and Brutal Bee Music Group got the crowd roaring for a chance at a quality, custom t-shirt. Our judge had a tough time scoring all of the talent, although our new scoring system implemented kept things running smoothly and fairly for all. Once the votes were tallied, it was Daniel Scopelitis performing as Fantasma Satanica who was awarded 1st place. The theatrical performer took home a $25 gift certificate to The Block and will now move on to the Semi Finals May 17th. If he wins there, Daniel will compete in the Grand Finals on May 24th for an MTV Quality Music Video Production from Desert C.A.M. Studios/Winmill Films and award winning Director Chip Miller, plus a $500 trip to Las Vegas from Crater Lake Rye Whiskey, as well as an Artist Development Session from Grammy nominated Producer Ronnie King, a Promotional Photo Shoot from Rav Holly, and an artist merchandise package from Brutal Bee Music Group including logo design and 25 t-shirts, stickers and more! 2nd place was awarded to singer/songwriter and storyteller Jim Holiday who chose to took home a $25 gift certificate to The Block. 3rd place went to rapper Frankie Lopez aka Wrist-Lock who also took home a $25 gift certificate to The Block.

THANK YOU to ALL our performers at the

CV Open Mic Competition for putting on a great show AND making the environment so supportive for all of the artists involved: Daniel Scopelitis, Jim Holiday, L Boogie Da Mann and Zack No Slack of Desert Pirates, Christopher Guzman of Who Shot the Drummer, Gabriel Reyes aka MCKG, Frankie Lopez, Andrew Pauldo aka Drew West, James Vasquez aka Music on the Bones, Moses Osmosis, Markie Avila aka Smokie Da Bandit, Kody Gross aka KodeMan Ceno, Luis Hernandez aka Wrekless, Erick Estrada aka Zero Sum Game. Also a big thanks to Johnny Carmona, our amazing sound technician. I hope to see you all next WEDNESDAY at THE BLOCK SPORTS BAR & GRILL in Cathedral City! 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: Desert C.A.M. Studios/Winmill Films & Chip Miller, Ronnie King Music, Crater Lake Rye Whiskey, Rav Holly, Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill, CV Weekly, Canyon Copy & Print, Brutal Bee Music Group, and The Block Sports Bar & Grill.

Be sure to “LIKE” Facebook.com/ CVOpenMicCompetition for updates! ALL AGES ALLOWED and 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 to join us for excitement, music and fun!!! For questions or information about sign-up, please see Facebook.com/CVOpenMicCompetition or contact creator and host, Morgan Alise James at MorganAliseJames@gmail.com or (714) 651-1911

March 2 to March 8, 2017

BACKSTAGE JAZZ

BY PATTE PURCELL

PAPARAZZI ALFIE PETTIT DRG BRUNCH AT HARD ROCK HOTEL PALM SPRINGS

O

k, it’s not jazz, but it sure is a lot of fun! Alfie Pettit aka Arial Trampway puts on one great party at the DRG Brnch at Hard Rock Hotel in Palm Springs. Sunday’s a fun day starting at 11:00 am. The show starts with a parade of the performers through ‘The Kitchen’ at the Hard Rock Hotel. All the staff members wear DRG Brnch t-shirts with a hilarious eye chart on the back.

We enjoyed the diverse crowd of gays and straights, media and management.

Alfie Petit is the Creator, co-producer and star of the show. Producer David Reese did a great job of putting together a snappy, fast paced show replete with costume changes.

Impersonators included Whitney Houston, Tina Turner, Jennifer Lopez, Adele, Megan Trainor and Amy Winehouse. The $35 show includes your choice of bottomless bloody Marys, Bellini’s, or mimosas, along with your choice of brunch entree. I chose the Eggs Benedict, which was delicious and Karl had the roasted red pepper tomato bisque with a crunchy grilled cheese.

Kudos to the new GM, Juan Rivera, and the super-efficient F&B Director, Kristian

Alfie and the staff including new F&B Director Kristian Zambrana

Eugenia Castillo & Juan Rivera (GM)

Zambrana, from the International Hard Rock division (parent company), which recently took over. They are bringing some fresh ideas, great food and top notch management to the property.

Here’s some of the fun pictures we took at the event. It is every Sunday beginning at 11 am. Don’t miss this! It’s one of the ‘musts’ when you visit Palm Springs.

Patte Purcell - Muze Muzic pattepurcell@yahoo.com 1-702-219-6777

Alfie Pettit aka Arial Trampway and the performers.

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March 2 to March 8, 2017

CONSIDER THIS

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

MERCY” (LAZY EYE RECORDS/COMPASS RECORDS) COLIN HAY “FIERCE

I

f you look up the term “Raconteur” in the dictionary, you will probably see a photo of Colin Hay. The man is a born yarn-spinner and storyteller. Best of all, he sets his stories to music. He is probably best known as the front-man for Men At Work, one of the most successful bands of the early ‘80s. These days, he’s content being a solo troubadour.

Colin Hay was born in Scotland in 1953 and moved to Australia with his family at age 14. He quickly gravitated toward music and by 1978 he had struck up a musical partnership with Ron Strykert. The duo began performing as Men At Work. Initially, their sound was acoustic, until they added drummer Jerry Speiser, bassist John Rees and multi-instrumentalist Greg Hamm on keys, saxophone and flute.

They took up residency at the Cricketeers Arms, honing their chops as they entertained notoriously rough and tumble crowds. Their sound was a sharp blend of poppy New Wave and gritty Pub Rock with just a hint of Reggae. Their popularity soared and they attracted the attention of American producer Peter McIan. He got the band signed to the Australian division of Columbia Records and Men At Work headed into the studio.

Their debut, “Business As Usual,” was released in Australia in late 1981, and the rest of the world in Spring, 1982. MTV was in its infancy and hungry for new music. The music channel quickly embraced the band’s quirky videos and clever songs. “Who Can It Be Now” and “Down Under” went into heavy rotation and the album shot up the charts spending an astonishing 15 weeks at #1.

Men At Work’s music appealed to nearly everyone. In 1982 they opened for the Clash and Fleetwood Mac. They quickly recorded Cargo, their second album, but Columbia delayed the release, intent on wringing additional sales from their debut. When Cargo dropped in the summer of 1983 it shot to #3 in America and #1 in Australia.

The five-piece were now headlining world

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

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tours.

After an extended break in 1984, recording sessions for their third album were fraught with in-fighting. Speiser and Rees quit the band and Hay, Hamm and Strykert soldiered on as a trio, bolstered by studio musicians. When Two Hearts arrived in 1985, it received lukewarm reviews and lackluster sales. The band called it quits the following year.

Although Men At Work had amassed 15 million fans world-wide, when Colin Hay reemerged as a solo artist in 1987, he basically started from scratch. He put down roots in California, making sunny Los Angeles a home base. He began touring tiny clubs, armed with only his acoustic guitar. Slowly but surely, he began cultivating a following. His solo debut, Waiting For Jack was released through Columbia in 1987. Three years later he recorded Wayfaring Sons for MCA. That was the last time he made an album for a major label.

Throughout the ‘90s he recorded four albums, Peaks & Valleys, Topanga, Transcendental Highway and Going Somewhere. All were released on his own Lazy Eye imprint, distributed by the Nashville label, Compass Records. It was his live shows that really increased his popularity, his inbetween song patter included stories that were equal parts humorous and poignant.

By the turn of the 20th century, actor Zach Braff had become an ardent fan. Soon after, he was starring in the TV series “Scrubs,” and he began inviting Colin to act and perform on the show. When he made his directorial debut with the popular (albeit tedious) film, “Garden State,” he personally curated the soundtrack. It contained a heady mix of 21st century up-and-comers like Coldplay, the Shins, Zero 7 and Frou Frou, as well as some deep tracks from Nick Drake and Simon & Garfunkel. But it was Colin’s song, “I Just Don’t Think I’ll Ever Get Over You,” that was the stand out.

Drafting off his renewed acclaim, Colin continued his regular cycle of writing, recording and touring. Every couple of years a new album would appear: Are You Looking At Me in 2007, American Sunshine in 2009, Gathering Mercury in 2011 and Next Year People in 2015.

Recently, Colin has been performing regularly on both Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon’s late night shows. He is also the subject of a documentary; “Colin Hay: Waiting For My Real Life.” But the extracurricular activity hasn’t slowed his music output. Fierce Mercy is his 13th solo album, recorded in his Topanga Canyon home studio as well as Compass Sound Studio in Nashville.

The album gets off to a rousing start with “Come Tumblin’ Down.” Twangy guitar connects with wheezy accordion, spiraling banjo and a kick drum beat. The breezy melody belies lyrics that recall better days

of a small town weathering a recession; “We took a ride on the ferris wheel, built from glass and steel and such/Now it’s melting in the sun, and it’s not worth that much.”

Although his solo work has mostly remained bare bones and acoustic, there is a sweeping grandeur to a couple of songs here. The instrumentation and arrangement on “Secret Love” tilt toward Phil Spector’s Wall Of Sound. Rolling timpani rhythms underscore tinkling glockenspiel, swelling strings and tinkly piano. Even Colin’s vocals feel more stentorian on this sturdy declaration of love.

His mien is more playful on “I’m Walking Here,” his gruff repetition of the title echoes the crusty indignation of Ratso Rizzo, from the film “Midnight Cowboy.” Over wah-wah guitar, pillowy French horn, fluttery strings and a sinewy conga beat, Colin trades verses with backing vocalist Joe Lopez. Joe’s rapid MC flow initially feels incongruous next to Colin’s measured tone. But Joe’s words have a street verisimilitude that Colin can’t pull off; “Yeah some say we glorify, nah we tell the facts, walk a peaceful path but still get harassed/Stray rounds make kids want to duck down, and run when the muffler backfires like a gun sound.”

Mortality is a theme that threads through several tracks on the album. The twinkling “A Thousand Different Reasons” blends lush strings and baroque orchestration with rippling percussion, sun-kissed guitar and sprightly piano figures. A stately ballad, the lyrics pay homage to his long-standing marriage to Cecilia Noel; “And in this world truth be told, we’re the lucky ones/And if we find someone to love until we fade away into the rise and fall, of each and every night and day, together we’ll breathe into the wind.”

“Two Friends” is a graceful tribute to fallen friends. Filigreed acoustic fretwork lattices over gauzy piano notes, both are buttressed by a steadfast martial cadence.

Bereft but resolute, Colin soldiers on; “What I feel is emptiness, it’ll fade over time I guess/Sometimes there’s a price to pay for love, and we’ll just carry on.”

“The Last To Know” introduces the concept of “fierce mercy.” Over a rock steady rhythm, percolating guitars and a sunshiny mix of piano and Hammond B3, Colin acknowledges that at some point, we

all must put our lives in the hands of a higher power. “Don’t blink an eye or look the other way, mercy comes to visit you should let her stay/It may happen on any given day, don’t be the last to know.”

Finally, “The Best In Me” is anchored by stuttery Spanish guitar, swirly Hammond B3 and a loping rhythm. The lyrics note that sometimes we are only at our best when we connect with a soul mate; “Shadows in the night, danger is all I know, so difficult to let go/If I close my eyes and breathe, gets easier to believe, and you bring out the best in me.”

On two tracks, “Frozen Fields” and “I’m Going To Get You Stoned,” Colin easily slips into character. The lyrics of the former offer a sort of homecoming for a veteran who has outlived his family and is haunted by memories of a painful childhood.

The bittersweet melody is tethered to a galloping gait, underscored by warm piano fills, swoony strings and languid guitar chords.

The latter mines the same territory as Steely Dan’s “Hey Nineteen.” Over a hazy, meandering melody, an aging lothario puts the moves on a nubile millennial. As he riffs on a series of Baby Boomer touchstones, the girl remains nonplussed until he cuts to the chase and offers to get her stoned “like it’s 1967.” Nothing like a little herbal refreshment to bridge a generational divide.

The album closes with its most heartfelt track, “She Was A Friend Of Mine.”

Delicate acoustic guitar wraps around woozy trombone accents and a supple string section as Colin sketches out a loving elegy to his late mother. It’s quiescent and affectionate in equal measure.

There is a deluxe version of this record that adds more songs: the Bluegrass-meetsNew Wave crunch of “I’m Inside Out,” the Country comfort two-step of “Blue Bay Moon” and the tough love punch of “Love Don’t Mean Enough.” Here Colin adheres to a hard-won philosophy; “When life has no certainty, I stick to the melody.” All three are excellent additions, and well worth a little extra dough.

Co-writing 10 of the album’s 13 tracks on Fierce Mercy is guitarist Michael Georgiades.

In fact, he has worked on Colin’s last three records. He also relied bassist Yosmel Montejo, drummer Charlie Paxson, Fred Kron and Jeff Babko on keys and guitarist/ tres player San Miguel Perez, and of course, his wife Cecelia Noel who provides back-up vocals.

Most bands and musicians from the early ‘80s have either become a trivial footnote, or are reliving the glory days as part of a reunion tour. Colin Hay has managed to segue effortlessly into a second act.

Fierce Mercy is a welcome addition to his impressive body of work.

ART SCENE

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www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

MARIO PIKUS - BACK TO THE FUTURE

s it possible for an Artist to be Futuristic -- and Old School -- at the same time?

Well painter & sculptor Mario Pikus proves it can be! Throughout the ages, many artists -- writers, painters, sculptors, musicians, poets, have let their imaginations soar to the future, the heavens, the universe, the realms of science fiction, the possibilities of UFOs. Pikus has always looked to the universe and beyond for inspiration. That is his Future. But he has also looked to the past - Ancient religions, Kaballah, myths, previous generations of artists, for Old School inspiration. In today’s millennium world of digital art and manipulated mediums, he is a throwback artist who embraces real canvas, real oil paint, real brushes, real wood, metal, & chrome -- all the tactile sensations that artists of his generation want and need.

Mario Pikus, Painter & Sculptor, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, won his first art award at 8 years old. By his teens he was painting commissioned murals. At age 20,

he traveled to New York to meet one of the only living Paris-of-the-20s artists — Cubist sculptor Jacques Lipchitz. The young Mario knocked unannounced at Lipchitz’s studio in Hastings-on-the-Hudson, built for Lipschitz by the Museum of Modern Art. Lipchitz believed Mario to be an artistic genius, and that Mario was the reincarnation of Chaim Soutine. Lipchitz became Mario’s lifelong mentor. Mario Pikus’ art has evolved over the years from Classical to Cubism, Surrealism, & Abstract Expressionism.

In the 1970s & 1980s, while living in his loft in Soho and later Tribeca in New York City, Pikus became a famous activist in fighting for the legal rights of artists to both live and work in their loft spaces. He was responsible for case law & new legislation signed by Gov. Hugh Carey that protected thousands of artists and their families to remain in their lofts. He had numerous exhibitions during these years, including his one man show at Soho’s Cayman Gallery — “Pictures of an Eviction”. During the New York years, he became a beloved Hero and a legend to all NYC artists — while also garnering both national & international collectors.

In 1985, Pikus moved to Silverlake, Ca. It was here that he branched out from painted wood sculptures into a new art form that he innovated — “Harley-ism”. His unique chrome & metal sculptures are created from discarded motorcycle parts and flat rolls of sheet metal; some are raw chrome, others painted in bright, strong colors. He does not weld the pieces — they are bolted together to create a perfect balance of weight & form.

The final sculptures are abstract versions of

DESERT X – THE JOURNEY BEGINS

D

esert X has now become reality.

As the inaugural event takes over the Coachella Valley a perfect opportunity to showcase ecotourism is upon us. The event runs through April 30th.

Desert X involves 16 artists: Doug Aitken, Lita Albuquerque, Will Boone, Jennifer Bolande, Claudia Comte, Armando Lerma, Jeffrey Gibson, Sherin Guirguis, Norma Jeane, Glenn Kaino, Gabriel Kuri, Richard Prince, Rob Pruitt, Juliao Sarmento, Phillip K. Smith III, and Tavares Strachan.

Each has created site-specific installations that incorporate the valley’s landscape as the canvas for these site-specific works.

The works are spread throughout the area – indoors, outdoors, in tunnels, and some a chase to see the elusive work. The exhibition is free, self-guided or via tour but it does something very wonderful – it brings ART to all. This is truly PUBLIC ART – in a way that many are not to use to viewing art in public places. Some may see the work as esoteric. Some may see it as approachable.

But all will see it as conversation.

Desert X is the vision of Susan L. Davis.

Ms. Davis saw the impact of art and the importance of site-specific installations. She also knows the impact of taking art out of

the traditional venues. By removing art form institutions and galleries she transforms the art world into a self-guided interaction between the viewer, the landscape, the piece and the artist. As Ms. Davis stated, she is taking art, the viewer and the notion of art out of our collective comfort zones. And oh, the places we can go!

Local artist Phillip K. Smith’s piece is located at Portola and Frank Sinatra Drives, in Palm Desert. “300 geometric reflectors angled at 10 degrees” form the work, entitled Circle of Land and Sky. The installation makes full effect of the landscape features as well as the environmental factors. Like snowflakes, the piece is unique at any given moment.

Not far from Phillip’s work is the work of Lita Albuquerque. Her work, hEARTH, is located on the grounds of Sunnylands Center, Rancho Mirage. The work is a journey into listening, a skill many have lost in the hash tag world. The work debuted with performance employing 3 dancers and 15 chorale members. As the troupe challenged us to listen and to question why we are hear/here, the sculpture, a prone figure in ultramarine blue pigment lay in a circle of white, the figure’s ear to the

March 2 to March 8, 2017

BY REBECCA PIKUS

horses, musicians, dancers, female nudes & other persona.

In 2002, Mario Pikus moved to Rancho Mirage, Ca, where he continued to paint large, bold, colorful paintings — as well as creating even larger sculptures in his sculpture garden.

Recently with the donations of not only discarded motorcycle parts but also airplane parts, he has created his new “hybrid” sculptures. In 2009, he was awarded “Best of Show” at Palm Springs Art Museum’s ACE for his sculpture “The New Ride”. In Nov. 2009, he was chosen for an installation of his Art pieces for the Dennis Lambert Concert at the Agua Caliente Showroom. He also exhibited at Cabot Museum’s Earthday (for his use of found & recycled metals). He had a highly successful one-man show at David Blank Gallery in Palm Desert, Ca. Then in 2012 he

BY ANGELA ROMEO ground. The performance emphasized the impact of truly listening to the world around us. Like her figure in hEARTH, we have to engage our senses and become part of the community of man and earth.

Local tourism publicist Joe Enos had this to say about Desert X. “While Desert X’s impact on the destination has yet to be seen, the overall visibility it is giving to cultural tourism cannot be understated.

The worldwide press alone for the exhibit and the Coachella Valley is almost priceless.

I think this is a watershed moment for us, and much like the environmental art of, say, Christo, this is an opportunity to define arts and culture and the arts community here and to spread this news around the globe.

It’s simply a world-class and terrificallycurated show.”

had an exhibition of selected drawings & paintings at the Palm Desert Community Gallery.

In Feb. 2012, his hybrid sculpture “Palm Springs – Color & Form” was awarded Best of Show by the Palm Springs 13th Annual Juried Art Show. Also in 2012, Pikus donated a new sculpture “Clouds in the Desert” to the Agnes Pelton Society’s new Sculpture Garden. In 2013 Mario hosted a Desert Arc Fundraiser with Steve Connelly, “Spirit of the King” as well as “The Wild & Mad Party” in association with the Stanley Kramer Film Festival at his home. In addition, in 2013 he was nominated to receive a Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars for “Humanitarian”. In 2014-2016 his 2 magnificent chrome & metal horse sculptures were selected to be in the El Paseo Sculpture Gardens in Palm Desert, Ca. Since Oct. 2015-present, his work has been on exhibit at Rebecca Fine Art Gallery in Cathedral City, Ca. His Cubist sculptures were selected to be on exhibit in the 2017 Palm Springs Art Fair. Pikus paintings can be seen in the current exhibit “Masters of Abstract Art” at Rebecca Fine Art Gallery, together with Joe Novak, Donald Spencer, Robert Tahar, Robert Reeves, & Nathan Slate Joseph. Also see more of Mario Pikus artworks on Rebeccafineart.net “MARIO PIKUS - ARTISTS RECEPTION” SAT. March 4, 2017, 5PM-8PM - REBECCA FINE ART GALLERY, 68895 Perez Rd, #7, Cathedral City, CA (760) 534-5888 - Rebeccafineart.net Open Bar, Music, Great Art.

ART SCENE Desert X is an adventure into art and into self if one is willing to accept that art is more than an oil painting hung over a sofa. For more information on Desert X visit www.desertx.org.

11

March 2 to March 8, 2017

PET PLACE

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XENA, THE WARRIOR PRINCESS

I

n a time of ancient gods, warlords and kings, a land in turmoil cried out for a hero. She was Xena, a mighty princess forged in the heat of battle. The power... the passion...the danger. Her courage will change the world.” – (Introduction to the television series, “Xena: Warrior Princess”) How does a dog have the courage to triumph over extreme adversity, including starvation and abuse? How does a dog learn to trust and love humans again after her first family betrayed her?

The German Shepherd dog was a gaunt skeleton, her bones protruding through her dull coat. Her eyes were vacant, devoid of hope, and her tail curled fearfully beneath her. Her nipples sagged, and it was apparent she recently had a litter of puppies, perhaps “

12

numerous litters. The kennel card on her cage at the San Bernardino City Shelter listed her as 7 years old, an age when most adopters would pass her by in favor of a younger pet.

Foster mom extraordinaire, Debbie Karp, wanted to foster a large dog, a “project” dog that she could work with and prepare for adoption. I rescued the German Shepherd for Loving All Animals once Debbie enthusiastically agreed to foster her. The dog walked calmly out of her kennel for the freedom ride to a better life.

We named her Xena (pronounced Zena) after the warrior princess, knowing she overcame many struggles. A visit to Desert Dunes Animal Hospital revealed Xena had gastro intestinal issues, anemia, a low red blood cell count, and she tested positive for canine ehrlichiosis due to a tick infestation. A mammary tumor also had to be removed, which fortunately was benign.

The vet noted Xena was so emaciated that it would be dangerous to spay her until she could gain a significant amount of weight.

Debbie reflects back on her experience with the dog she will never forget. “I want to believe that all people are genuinely good, but who could imagine there are people out there who could inflict such cruelty on an animal? These precious innocent beings depend on us for survival. Dogs were put on this earth for many reasons, including teaching us about unconditional love. I was so blessed to foster Xena after Loving All Animals rescued her from a high kill shelter.

BY JANET McAFEE

My goal with taking her into my home was to rehabilitate her and ensure she was adopted into a home where the rest of her life would be in a loving, safe environment.”

“If you pay attention, a dog will tell you their past. Xena was initially terrified to get in or out of a car, and I suspect she may have been thrown out of one and abandoned. She was covered with ticks and fleas. It appeared she had never been inside a home before, nor was she walked on a leash. She was Leary of sounds and new people. She was in such poor health we had to take her to the vet numerous times.”

Debbie added, “Xena the Warrior Princess, a name she so deserves, transformed once she knew she was safe and loved. She accepted affection and learned she could trust me. She began to anticipate our morning walks, she relaxed and started to run around the yard.

Through fostering, we show the dogs that humans can be loving and kind, and we benefit from seeing them become the dogs they were meant to be. I am thrilled that Xena is now adopted and has a wonderful new Mommy.”

MEET DEVON & DIXIE Double the fun and adopt both Devon & Dixie. These sweet little bonded pups are 3-yrold mama and 1-yr-old daughter. Rescued by Loving All Animals, www.lovingallanimals.org (760) 834-7000.

MEET PERRI This handsome Blue Point Himalayan fellow seeks a home where he gets lots of loving companionship. Perri was rescued by www.ForeverMeow.org after his human died.

Contact (760) 335-6767.

Xena’s “furrever” mom, Paula Fortier, reports, “Things are going great with Xena!

When she first arrived here, she tried to hide, but she soon became my best friend.

She now plays with balls and other toys, and she enjoys playing with the other dogs at the dog park. She loves to travel with me in the car. Xena has four dog beds, including one in the car, and she sleeps on the one in my bedroom. We went to the vet at Desert Dunes last Saturday for a checkup, and it was amazing how she happily greeted the staff. A lot of people know Xena’s story, and remark on her gentleness.”

How many years did this dog endure starvation, abuse, and neglect? How many years did she suffer outdoors unprotected from the elements? We can only promise her a brighter future. Today there is light and happiness in the soft eyes that once had no hope. Today Xena lives like a princess, in a wonderful home where there is lots of food and lots of love.

For more information about fostering or adopting a rescue dog, contact Loving All Animals at www.lovingallanimals.org or (760) 834-7000.

Jmcafee7@verizon.net

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THE VINO VOICE

March 2 to March 8, 2017

BY RICK RIOZZA

SAUNTERING UP TO SAUTERNES

S

auternes, a French term pronounced saw-turn even with the “s” at the end, might be the most expensive dessert you’ll ever order. Wine enthusiasts, including myself, will describe this wine with non-wine adjectives such as “heavenly”, “blissful”, “sublime”, “idyllic”—you get the gist.

After returning from France, Thomas Jefferson shared a bottle of Yquem sauternes with President George Washington who thereafter ordered 30 bottles. Château d’Yquem still produces the wine and is still considered the best dessert wine in the world.

Well—the consensus surely rates Yquem [EE-kem] as the best Bordeaux dessert wine.

The real wine world will never discount or quantify the best classic dessert wines on earth, the similarly sumptuous nectars: namely, beerenauslese riesling, Tokaji Aszu, Coteaux du Layon from the Loire or even fortified examples like port and malmsey Madeira.

But Sauternes is an amazing quaff. I’ve enjoyed many a time offering a glass of Yquem to those who’ve never savored it, and thereafter, watch and listen to their culinary response. And “culinary” is the right word to use here as the wine is a momentous flavor experience—any foodie will assent to that, even those who don’t drink much at all. (Do note: that fractious group who assert to “never touch!/drink white wine, are surely staunch in their position: I don’t think I’ve ever persuaded even one to taste Sauternes—even after all of my rants and raves, their loss!)

For you wine geeks, Sauternes is an Old World wine, so it’s named after its area of origin. Sauternes is comprised of Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes.

The Sauternais region of the Graves area in Bordeaux is “heavenly” situated, meaning, the contours of the rivers and slopes work a morning mist and a mini-climate where Sauternes is grown that causes the Sémillon grape to rot, allowing the benevolent fungus to do its magic. I’ve seen this up-close and it looks like the grapes are sick, shriveled, and desiccated with full-on leprosy.

Who on earth would ever consider making a wine from these grapes. Maybe someone already drunk who ventured to taste the seepage of black rotten grapes— yuck! But God loves to play counterintuitive with his people, and this “Noble rot” goes to make one of the lushest, luscious, and most delectable sweet wine available.

So just how does Sauternes taste?

Well—like heaven! Expect Sauternes to exhibit intense notes of honeyed apricot, butterscotch, caramel, coconut, mango, ginger, marmalade, and panoply of citrus themes, along with tropical fruit, honeysuckle, and toasted baking spices. The key here is that the wine is not cloying: it’s full sweetness is balanced with an underline of acidity that

keeps the flavors fresh. Present also can be a nutty and a touch musky flavor that gives way to a finish that lasts for up to a few minutes.

Words can probably fail here, that’s why the wine needs to be tasted to experience that je ne sais quoi taste & feel. Though large bottles are produced, Sauternes is typically sold in half-sizes, of 375 ml.

My son Paolo recently grabbed a couple of 375 ml. bottles from his great stash of wine held at the Wine Vault of the Desert in Palm Desert. We decided to treat the table with a 2001 Rabaud Promise Sauternes. As with other great Bordeaux, there are vintages better than others. And then there are great vintages: 2001 being one of them. The conditions in producing the perfect Noble rot that year was stellar, making wines of fantastic flavor, complexity, and age ability.

After a “Bordeaux” themed dinner, we enjoyed the Rabaud by itself for dessert.

Although medium-bodied, it was rich with orange and orange syrup notes, good acidity, honey, floral, toffee, and spicy palate. Served at around 57 degrees, as it warmed in the glass it developed more aromatic complexities with a varied marmalade profile. It was more on the savory side and less on the sweet.

Although this wine pairs wonderfully with very sweet desserts, it’s almost kind of overkill to do so when the wine itself is sweet enough. Consider cheesecake of all kinds, almond tart, lemon tart, meringues, and custards. That said, Sauternes really shines

alongside something more savory such as Roquefort & fresh goat cheese. Foie gras is a perfect pairing with its natural sweet, salty and savory characteristics this all creates a beautiful balance on the tongue.

Pairing it with seafood dishes, especially shellfish, lobster, crab and oysters on the half shell, sushi or sashimi works great. Also it’s wonderful with herb-roasted chicken & poultry, and with veal & pork dishes that are either spicy, or prepared with a touch of sweetness. It’s a sexy choice with spicy Asian cuisine, where the sweet tames the heat. And, latkes and Sauternes is a perfect Hanukkah match of savory and sweet.

In Bordeaux, Sauternes is often recommended with lobster: sauté medallions of lobster with shallots, and deglaze the skillet with Sauternes. Drizzle the deglazed pan juices over the lobster, and drink the Sauternes with glee as you eat it.

As your local wine steward and sommabout-town, I’ve noticed that few seem to buy and/or drink much Sauternes anymore.

Sauternes has been victimized by the trending sweet moscato-type quaffers. Once, sweet wines like Sauternes, the product of arduous labor, meticulous care and the luck of the vintage, were venerated as an ultimate pleasure. Their place on the table was evidence of great good fortune and perhaps a heightened perception of the sweetness of life.

C’est la vie—Cheers!

13

March 2 to March 8, 2017

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THUR MARCH 2

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bobby Furgo & Co 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Discoteca w/ DJ Victor Rodriguez 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Trio w/ Francesca Amari, Bill Marx and Doug MacDonald 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 CV Hardcore Presents: Terror Cult, Decapitate the Kause, Sleeze Fix and In the Name of the Dead 9pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 John Stanley King 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 The Bill Baker Show 6pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 Barry Baughn and Bob Gross 6:30pm GADI’S RESTAURANT AND BAR; YV; 760365-6633 Open Mic Night 7pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Chris Lomeli 7pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Open Mic 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Punk Rock Night 9pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LA RUE BISTRO; LQ; 760-296-3420 Slim Man 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live Entertainment 5:30pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Country Night w/ Hollywood Hillbillies 8pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 Quinto Menguante 8-1am MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm MIRAMONTE; IW; 760-341-2200 Courtney Chambers 5-8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Tony Marsico’s Band of Thieves 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Tone-E, Lance Riebsomer and Upper Class Poverty 9pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 TBA 9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 The Smooth Brothers 7pm STUFT PIZZA; PD; 760-777-9989 Acoustic Live 6pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 T-Bone Karaoke 8pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Anthony DiGerlando Show 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Robert Salisbury 5-6pm, Carolyn Martinez Trio 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-9pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Derek Jordan Gregg 6pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Linda Peterson Jazz 6pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 8pm

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FRI MARCH 3

19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 TBA 9pm 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Wonder People 6:30pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Spiritual America After Party w/ DJ Helado Negro 10pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 The Gilmore & Bryan Show 6:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Friday Night Sour Hour w/ Pink Lemonade Drag Show 9pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Bricktoyaface Presents: InColor w/ Niceguyxvinny, Amavida, DXSKO and Skywalker Mike 9pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Dude Jones 9pm BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-501-0620 The Carmens 6pm THE BLOCK; C.C.; 760-832-7767 Karaoke 9pm BLUE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-7755566 DJ Double A 8pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 The Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CATHEDRAL CANYON GOLF CLUB;C.C.; 760-328-6571 Coachella Valley All Stars 6-9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 The Bill Baker Show 6pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 DJ Ceddy Cedd 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-7766533 Gina Carey 6pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 The Myx 8:30pm THE HARD ROCK HOTEL PS; PS; 760-3259676 Esjay Jones Presents: Acoustic Sessions w/ Esjay Jones, Lisa Lynn Morgan and Caxton 8pm Lobby THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Drag Queen Bingo 7pm, Shinobi Ghost, Glifos and DJ ODC 10pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Bill Ramirez 6:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Live DJ 8:30pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Peter (Lucky) Johanson 8pm LA QUINTA BREWERY;PD; 760-200-2597 TBA 7pm LA RUE BISTRO; LQ; 760-296-3420 Slim Man 6pm

LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company in the afternoon, Hot Rox in the night LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live Entertainment 5:30pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Hot Sauce 9pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 DJ Jerry 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm MITCH’S ON EL PASEO; PD; 760-779-9200 Michael Keeth 12-3pm MOXIE; PS; 760-318-9900 TBA 5-8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760345-0222 Meltdown 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Desert Daze Caravan w/ Temples, Night Beats, Deap Vally, Froth and JJUUJJUU 6pm PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 Karaoke 7:30pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Dick Taylor Presents: Joanne Worley 8pm RANCHO LAS PALMAS; RM Hotwyre 5:30pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 TBA 9pm RIVIERA; PS; 760-327-8311 TBA 6-9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Carmens 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOLANO’S BISTRO; LQ; 760-771-6655 Michael Madden 6-9pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Rock 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Demetrious and Co. 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 TBA 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Pat Rizzo & Dennis Michaels 6:30pm TJ’S; PD; 760-345-6744 TBA 9pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE; MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-7555391 The Rick Whitfield Band 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Meet the Corwins 5:30pm, The John Stanley King Show 8pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 T.B.A. 1:30-4:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am

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WANG’S IN THE DESERT; PS; 760-325-9264 Karaoke 8:30pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-3285955 Michael Keeth 6-10pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Rob Martinez and Todd Ashley ft. Lisa LaFaro Weselis 5-8:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Rose Mallett 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 9pm

TBA 9pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LA RUE BISTRO; LQ; 760-296-3420 Slim Man 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live Entertainment 5:30pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Hot Sauce 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 Cover Boy 9pm 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; Bev & Bill 6:30pm 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 TBA 9pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DJ Wynn Karaoke 8-1:15am 11am poolside, Highlife w/ DJ Day 10pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm IW; 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 327-4080 Southbound and Co. 9pm Cabaret on the Green Open Mic 7:30pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Denise Carter 345-0222 Off Da Cuff 6:30pm 7:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Rich Jesika Von Rabbit and Yip Yops 9pm Brandon & Friends 9pm PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 BEATNIK LOUNGE; JT; TBA 9pm Karaoke 7:30pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 The E&J PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND Movement 9pm COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760-775Rockstar Karaoke 9pm 5566 DJ 9pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Dick BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Gina Carey Taylor Presents: Joanne Worley 8pm 6-10pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 TBA 9pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; RIVIERA; PS; 760-327-8311 Michael Keeth PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am 7-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Tuzzolino 5:30pm Brothers 8pm CHILL BAR; PS; 760-327-1079 TBA 9pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn The Bill Baker Show 6pm Blues 8-11pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Carmens ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228- 8-11pm 1199 DJ Ceddy Cedd 9pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm Furgo 9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-329-7929 Jack Ruvio 6pm Karaoke w/ Milly G 6pm GADI’S RESTAURANT AND BAR; YV; 760SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron 365-6633 Dana Larson & Friends 6-9pm James 6pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 TBA 8:30pm Latin Music 10pm THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ 8pm 3560 TBA 6pm THE HARD ROCK HOTEL PS; PS; 760-325TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 9676 Esjay Jones Presents: Global Lounge TBA 9pm Sessions w/ David Macias 8pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Lisa & The Dennis Michael 6:30pm Gents 9pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE 328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Bill Ramirez TRYST; PS; 760-832-6046 TBA 10pm 6:30pm VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-755HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm 5391 DJ Hektik 10pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm Rose Mallett & Barney McClure 5pm, Kal JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 David, Lauri Bono & The Real Deal 7:30pm

SAT MARCH 4

March 2 to March 8, 2017

VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Rob & JB 1:30-4:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 Abie Perkins and Bert Vela 7pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-3285955 TBA 7-11pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Yve Evans Jazz Brunch 10am-2pm, The Stanley Butler Band 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ Bigster 9pm

SUN MARCH 5

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob Garcia 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Sunset Sundays w/ Brian Waters 4pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Brunch w/ Joel Baker 11am AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 The Judy Show 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Latin Night w/ DJ LF, Richie Rich 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Michael Keeth 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT; PS; 888999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 9pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 5:30pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Radio 60 3-6pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm GADI’S RESTAURANT AND BAR; YV; 760365-6633 Dana Larson &Friends 5-8pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 CV Music Showcase Round 4 w/ Razor J & The Blades, Instigator, Black Water Gospel, 5th Town and Avenida 8pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Ted Herman’s Big Band 6pm

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15

March 2 to March 8, 2017

GOOD GRUB

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BY DENISE ORTUNO-NEIL

ASADERO LOS CORRALES DELIVERS WITH AUTHENTIC FARE!

A

sadero Los Corrales delivers in so many ways! The Coachella Valley restaurant quietly sits as one of THE BEST Mexican eateries in the desert.

Specializing in authentic homemade Sinaloa fare, with excellent service and lingering flavors, they will leave you wanting more.

One of two locations, their La Quinta spot sits off of Hwy 111, near Home Depot, the other off of Harrison St. in Coachella. The Coachella restaurant has been in business for over a decade, with their La Quinta established four years ago.

The windows covered with blatant menu signage, might give one pause to think if it’s a restaurant or specialty market. But don’t be mistaken, it is a restaurant indeed.

Upon entering, it is not the blank walls that will invite you in, but rather the aroma that promises a more than satisfying Mexican food experience.

It is a seat yourself scenario at Asadero Los Corrales, which lends well to their casual dining room. The friendly server’s wave guests in encouraging you to seat yourself. After that, your table is greeted with chips and a little tray of salsa goodies. The restaurant offers a variety of beers (they make a mean Chavela) and an impressive selection of sodas, the cool kinds in glass bottles that you would find in Mexico, circa 1975.

So there you are, munching on the chips and salsa tray, trying in earnest to decide on what to order. The good news is that you pretty much can’t go wrong, and you will most likely measure other Mexican restaurants to the short stick that Los Corrales has opened you up to. That is what happened to us after we ate there; we were disappointed by the next Mexican restaurant we went to….it just wasn’t the same.

The first time we went we had the Chicken Enchiladas and Shredded Beef Tacos, both served with beans and rice. About their beans and rice, I could honestly go there just for this side dish. The beans are rich and velvety, and almost disintegrate in your mouth, and the rice is a perfect accompaniment, seasoned lightly with corn kernels folded in. Their tacos have a different element that I had not seen before. It came with a small cradle of broth to put on the tacos. We were confused at first, but then once we added it to the tacos, we got the point. Delish!!Albeit a bit messy, it’s totally worth it, and that’s what napkins are for anyway. Right?

On our next trip there, I had already mapped out what I would order, as I studied the take home menu beforehand. I had my eye on the Queso Fundido (melted Mexican cheese with chorizo, sliced avocado and tomato) and the Canoa de Camaron (refreshing Ceviche in a hollowed out cucumber). My boyfriend was slightly undecided, but ultimately went for the Wet Grilled Chicken Burrito with green and red sauce.

The Queso Fundido was just as fantastic as I thought it would be from its vivid menu photo. As a bonafide cheese freak, and chorizo

16

lover, this dish beckoned me. The fundido was served in a curved pan, which allowed for the bottom of the cheese to have a light crust to it. It was served with homemade flour tortillas (corn is also available), that I could have easily eaten by themselves with a little butter.

The chorizo had an aggressive smoky essence, and was mellowed appropriately by the tomato and creamy avocado. It will most likely be my opening dish every time I visit Los Corrales….so good!!

My boyfriend’s burrito had a hefty girth, and was loaded with grilled chicken, rice, beans, avocado, tomato, lettuce and cheese (the lettuce and tomato are optional). He chose, with my encouragement, red and green sauce. Both sauces had a noticeable amount of heat and stood alone in taste.

The Canoa de Camaron was a bigger portion than I thought it would be. The shrimp ceviche was chilled and had a crisp savory character, with a bountiful amount of shrimp….they did not skimp. The leftovers made for nice low calorie lunch the following day.

Besides the dishes that I’ve highlighted, the menu at Los Corrales has other delicious items at every turn including Torta’s, Chilaquiles, Bistec Ranchero, Chorizo con Huevo, Tamales, Sopa de Tortilla, Pozole and the list goes on.

The restaurant is opened for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and is very reasonably priced. I must note that Asadero Los Corrales is not fast food by any means, they make everything to order, with meticulous detail in the preparations….so basically, the food takes time, but it is so very worth it.

There are many great Mexican restaurants in the Coachella Valley, and Asadero Los Corrales ranks high on the list and delivers as one of the Best! I look forward to returning again and again.

Asadero Los Corrales is located at, 79710 Hwy 111, La Quinta, CA 92253 760-863-0690 & 49-975 Harrison Street Suite G, Coachella, CA 92236 760-398-1871.

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March 2 to March 8, 2017

17

March 2 to March 8, 2017

SCREENERS

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BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS

No. 254

FIRST “BEST MOVIE”

L

ike the Super Bowl, the Oscar© are hard to not watch. I guess at least for the past several decades we have been conditioned through repetition to experience en masse these two near liturgical American rites. It must be some kind of primitive tribal thing that calls to our collective consciousness. The massive audience for the movie awards far surpasses that of the football game. This year was no exception, even though more than half the country had not seen any of the 2017 nominated picture. This year especially, the real payoff came only if you watched both competitions through the very last seconds.

Anyway, I dozed off – or lapsed into a coma -- during the rather tedious and seemingly endless show and awakened briefly for the lame Starlight Tours bit and again for the last five minutes, only to discover presenter Warren Beatty awkwardly explaining “Moonlight” was in fact the winning picture and that “La La Land” was wrongly announced as the big winner. Apparently the envelopes so dramatically opened during the broadcast were somehow switched or mishandled.

Confused and embarrassed, host Jimmy

18

Back then the winners were announced three months in advance. So there were no surprises. The entire ceremony -- a private dinner for 270 at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel lasted a whopping 15 minutes!

That year, top movie awards were in 12 categories and honored films made in 1927 and ’28.

Kimmel promised the audience he’ll never come back. We can only wish. It was indeed a sad debacle.

Personally, I am thrilled “La La Land” did not win best picture, I thought it was a pretentious piece of meaningless fluff.

At the early private industry screening I attended, there were a number of walkouts.

But the brouhaha at the awards show got me thinking how far the exquisite art of motion picture story telling has advanced since the first Academy Awards on May 16, 1929.

WINGS (1929) The first assembly of the Motion Picture Academy honored this still entertaining motion picture as “outstanding” – that’s the equivalent of a “Best Picture” award today.

Set during World War I, the storyline is essentially one of love, war and loss. David Armstrong (Richard Arlen) and Jack Powell (Charles “Buddy” Rogers) join the military hoping to pilot American fighter planes.

Mary Preston (Clara Bow), is the girl who’s in love with David but committed to Jack.

When dispatched to France, the newly minted pilots take to the skies in one of the war’s climactic air battles. Frantic Mary longs for the safe return of both men, but one pays the ultimate price for his bravery.

On the ground, the story kind of plods – except for the earthbound combat sequences. But during the aerial dogfights, the film is spectacular on a big scale. It’s the “Titanic” or Avatar” of it’s day and was a huge hit almost immediately after its release.

Nothing like it has ever been duplicated.

It’s better than the similar and more expensive Howard Hughes film “Hell’s Angels” (1930) and even “The Blue Max” (1965).

Director William “Wild Bill” Wellman, only 28, was a wartime aviator. He secured the cooperation of the US War department and it shows in the jaw-dropping ground and aerial combat recreated on film.

The storyline is essentially one of love, war and loss. David Armstrong (Richard Arlen) and Jack Powell (Charles “Buddy” Rogers) join the military hoping to pilot American fighter planes. Mary Preston (Clara Bow), is a local girl who’s in love with David but committed to Jack.

When dispatched to France, the newly minted pilots take to the skies in one of the war’s climactic air battles. Frantic Mary longs for the safe return of both men, but one pays the ultimate price for his bravery.

When Buddy Rogers, Richard Arlen and the luminescent Clara Bow share the screen, there’s a genuine emotional punch to the somewhat trite love triangle. Bow is wrapped in nurse’s garb throughout most of the film, but in a great scene, disguised as a Parisian floozie, she displays a lot of flesh.

One of the film’s main claims to fame – besides it’s ground-breaking aerial footage -- is its “introduction” of Gary Cooper (even though he’d actually been in several films since the early 1920s). His few minutes on screen as a cheerfully sardonic pilot made him an instant star, much like Harrison Ford’s leap to stardom as a good-natured cynical pilot in “Star Wars.”

Upon its original release, the movie included a stunning sequence lensed in the wide-screen “Magnascope.” The new hi-def transfer is eye-popping and does justice to some of the best flying sequences ever captured on celluloid.

Subsequent war epics have borrowed heavily from the original Best Picture winner, but they’ve all lacked Clara Bow’s luminous screen presence and William Wellman’s magnificent direction.

The restoration is stunning and the restored sound track is a perfect fit that gives a nice feeling of what it must have been like attending an original theatrical screening of what is perhaps the greatest of all silent films (no dialogue was recorded).

A trio of interesting, informative and better than average bonus features focus on the making of and restoration concerns. This is one for the digital home library. Highest recommendation. Paramount. Blu-ray.

And who knows, maybe the Motion Picture Academy may even take a hint from their first awards ceremony and see an opportunity to make needed improvements in the ritual that still holds the world’s attention.

BOOK REVIEW

THE NOT SO SIMPLE LIFE -----------------------------------------------------

“UNSETTLERS”

BY MARK SUNDEEN NONFICTION

-----------------------------------------------------

P

art of the American spirit is the desire to be independent and live free. But in today’s world, freedom comes at a cost.

In Mark Sundeen’s Unsettlers: In Search of the Good Life in Today’s America (Riverhead Books, 336 pages) the simple life is extremely difficult to achieve.

Author Sundeen tells the story of three remarkable couples who dare to live outside our traditional system. In captivating detail, he explores what it takes to live off the grid, survive without government intervention and live a sustainable life without abusing or harming the environment.

Sarah and Ethan bravely move to Missouri to create an enlightened, sustainable lifestyle without negative impact on the environment. They take a train and ride bikes to find the 40-acre farm they bought from an Amish family sight unseen.

Without any amenities, no electricity or running water, the couple struggles to build a life and farm.

Not wanting to contribute to the military industrial complex, they deliberately keep their income below $9,000 so as not to be required to pay federal income taxes. After a lot of hard work and with the help of friends, the couple perseveres to form an idyllic sustainable teaching community

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March 2 to March 8, 2017

BY HEIDI SIMMONS called “The Possibility Alliance.”

Greg and Olivia create “Brother Nature,” a successful and prosperous organic farm in the middle of Detroit’s abandoned ruins. Growing vegetables in the midst of drug dealers and gangbangers, the couple restores part of the community by giving away and trading fresh food for pulling weeds As the city struggles with bankruptcy and an inept bureaucracy, the couple worries how much they should continue to invest.

In Montana, Steve and Luci become profitable organic ranchers with their company, “Lifeline Produce.” Over several decades, the couple manages to buy more farmland and eventually grow the country’s best green produce. They raise three kids. Their only electricity comes from solar panels.

Among the first to champion organic produce, Steve and Luci help other farmers understand what organic farming really details. With America’s growing demand for organic produce, the couple mentors other family farmers. When the government gets involved with organic certification requirements, Steve and Luci stop calling their vegetables organic because the certification is inaccurate and unprofitable.

Sundeen does a wonderful job introducing the reader to all three couples. He beautifully renders each person’s background, how they met and married. He does not shy away from the incredible challenges they all face pursuing their commitment and dreams to live a self-reliant, sustainable and natural lifestyle.

Tying the three narratives together, the author interjects his own desire to live free and reduce his impact on the planet. Sundeen shares how he

met his wife, Cedar, a beautiful woman raised by Buddhist hippies on a rural farm. As he embeds himself with the three couples, he learns about his own strengths and weaknesses. He is charming, self-deprecating and honest.

Sundeen does an excellent job including the history of the changing agribusiness and the move away from family farms to corporately (like Monsanto) grown food. He shows with good humor and notable examples how our modern life has become dependent on fossil fuels and corporate dominance.

I was particularly enchanted with the couple who are making a living as farmers in Michigan’s devastated Detroit. Sundeen reports on the fascinating rise of the city once considered the Paris of the Midwest to its present day decay.

This vivid history is a provocative snapshot of not only Detroit and its changing population, but the country’s history as a whole when the agrarian age was replaced by the industrial age.

The economics of these couples’ lives was clearly spelled out in profits and losses. All refused to borrow money from banks to enhance their lives or farms. Their spending was focused on only

what they needed to exist. They reinvested any profits. The Missouri couple never owned or used cars. They carried no insurance of any kind.

Sundeen shows how they live with “reduction economics.” They eliminate all frivolity from their lives and live within their means. I found this very appealing, brave and beautifully anarchical.

The couples all hold strong philosophical and ethical beliefs. They don’t compromise or sell out even when offered big money and as easier way of life. They couples constructed personal guidelines that in part include protecting the earth and promoting justice.

Another common denominator for all three of Sundeen’s couples was the personal responsibility to have their own households in order. No matter what the world was doing, they had a sense of peace and satisfaction knowing they and their families were healthy and happy. Their success is not only commendable, but also inspiring.

In a press release, the author said: “So many people have anxiety about the state of the world – climate change, extinction, financial inequality – but so few have an idea of what they can actually do to extract themselves from the system, much less change it. This book illuminates those who are trying with all their might to do just that.”

I love this book! It was such a pleasant and entertaining surprise. I devoured it quickly, highlighting passages and earmarking pages. As a child, when I learned about Yeomen farmers, I believed it would be the ultimate lifestyle. For me, there was something so intriguing and romantic about living off the land, dependent only on one’s own cleverness, hard work and tenacity.

Unsettlers dropped me into that world with great satisfaction.

SAFETY TIPS

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

THE WHITTIER PD TRAGEDY: REMEMBER S.A.M.

F

rom every tragedy come lessons learned. In public safety, this process is even more necessary; although we must first grieve for those who protect us, we must quickly recognize a second responsibility: to study what happened and identify steps to try to prevent it from happening again.

The tragic death of Whittier (Calif.) Police Officer Keith Boyer is a good example.

First, a brief summary: On Feb. 20, 2017, Officers Keith Boyer and Patrick Hazell responded to the scene of a vehicle collision.

There they encountered suspect, who had been recently paroled following a spate of sentences for drug crimes and violent acts. The officers didn’t know this when they approached the accident scene about 8 a.m., nor did they know he was driving a stolen car and was suspected of killing another man hours earlier in East Los Angeles.

While investigating the incident he pulled a gun and shot them both, killing Boyer and seriously wounding Hazell. The suspect was shot and wounded in the incident.

Who would have thought a routine traffic accident could result in one officer killed and another seriously injured? I’m certain they didn’t think so.

Why should this incident be of concern to you? As you know, the world has changed dramatically over the past years, and not much for the better. This could have easily been one

of us as violent people perform violent acts on innocent people every day.

And though many people lack the training police officers do, as citizens it’s important to remain vigilant and remember the acronym SAM. Situational Awareness Matters! Stay alert of your surroundings at all times. Get off your phone and get on to being ‘present’ to what’s happening around you at all times. Situational Awareness!

Expect the unexpected. Because things happen “un-expectantly” and that’s when we become victims directly or indirectly. If you see something suspicious, say something. Be part of the solution and start being more kind and patient with others all the while keeping SAM (Situational Awareness Matters) in the forefront of your mind!

Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

19

March 2 to March 8, 2017

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CLUB CRAWLER NIGHTLIFE continued from page 15 BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 8pm Open Jam 6pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3255:30pm 2794 Palm Springs Sound Company, in the INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760afternoon, Hot Rox, in the night LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live 345-6466 Larry Capeloto 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325Entertainment 5:30pm 2794 Hot Rox MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 760-325-2323 Sunday Jam 4-8pm Live Entertainment 5:30pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 MIRAMONTE; IW; 760-341-2200 Michael Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Red’s Rockstar Keeth 6-9pm Karaoke 8pm-1:15am NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry Karaoke 8pm-1:15am 7:30pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760Henry 7pm 327-4080 Sunday Night Jam Session w/ Jos PAPPY & HARRIET›S; PT; 760-365-5956 Burrell 7pm Open Mic 7pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND The Sunday Band 7:30pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 The Judy COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Industry Night w/ DJ Tone 2pm-close Show 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Eddie Gee 3560 T.B.A. 6pm 7pm VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341Mike Costley’s Showcase 6:30pm 3560 The Myx 6pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Khodi Rayne 4:30-2am, Michael James & The Chris Gore Group Pro Jam 7pm 3sum 9-2am VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565John Stanley King and Trio 6:30pm 5512 The Might Sweet Nothings 6-8pm THE WINE EMPORIUM; LQ; 760-565-5512 WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Rob Martinez and Scott Carter 6-8pm Trish Hatley and Barney McClure Jazz 6pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Dude Jones Linda Peterson Jazz Brunch 10am-2pm, 9pm Smooth Brothers 6pm

MON MARCH 6

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 The Luminators 6pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Bill Marx and Chris Bennett 6:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Motown Monday w/ DJ Addemup, Amavida and Cornbreeze 9pm

TUE MARCH 7

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bill Winter 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Ace Karaoke with Kiesha 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Linda Peterson 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Bella da Ball Dinner Revue w/ guest performers 7:30pm

BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 DJ and Dancing 9pm-2am BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Valentine’s Day w/ Eevaan Tre 7pm THE BLOCK; C.C.; 760-832-7767 Karaoke en Espanol 9pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 5:30pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 The Bill Baker Show 6pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-7766533 Chuck Alvarez 6:30pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Drag Queen Bingo 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; 760345-6466 Michael D’Angelo 6:15pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Ted Quinn’s Open Mic Reality Show Jam 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live Entertainment 5:30pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Tim Burleson 7:45pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Acoustic Open Mic 7pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Ladies Night 7pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Rose Mallett 6:30pm

SPORTS SCENE

SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Demetrious and Co. TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Two Step Tuesdays w/ Cinch 6-10pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Douglas McDonald Duo 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Mike Costley Trio 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Tequila Tuesdays 9pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 John Boliver and Tony GranberryJazz 6pm

WED MARCH 8

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Daniel Horn 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Comedy Night w/ Brent Pella and Morgan Jay 7:30pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Jam w/ Shelley Yoelin Group 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 TBA 9pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 The Smooth Brothers 7pm THE BLOCK; C.C.; 760-832-7767 CV Open Mic Competition Hosted By Morgan James 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 TBA 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Jack Ruvio 6pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 The Bill Baker Show 6pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760228-1199 Karaoke 7:30pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-7766533 TBA 6pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Open Mic Nite hosted by Josh Heinz 8pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm

INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Open Mic w/ Rich Bono & Poupee Boccaccio 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Live Music KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Open Mic hosted by Amy Angel 6:30pm LA RUE BISTRO; LQ; 760-296-3420 Andy Cahan 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox LAVENDER BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-5353 Live Entertainment 5:30pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 “Sing Jam” w/ Mikael Healey 8pm MITCH’S ON EL PASEO; PD; 760-7799200 Michael Keeth 12-3pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Karaoke 8pm1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Roger & Friends 7pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-288-1199 Karaoke w/ KJ Ginger 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Michael Holmes Jazz Trio 6:30pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 The Myx 6:30pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Acoustic Sessions 7pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Mike Costley Band 6:30pm TJ’S; PD; 760-345-6744 Derek Jordan Gregg 9pm VICKY’S OF SANTE FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Barry Minniefield 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-2am, Nite Fixx 9-2am WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Deanna Bogart 6:30pm

BY FLINT WHEELER

THE BEST (AND WORST) OF THE US PGA TOUR’S WEST COAST SWING

A

look back at what we’ll remember in pro golf from the opening stretch of 2017.

Best Player: Justin Thomas - Not only did Thomas win both events in Hawaii, but he also became just the seventh player to break 60 in US PGA Tour history and set the tour’s 72-hole scoring record in a seven-shot romp at the Sony Open. Combined with his victory at the CIMB Classic in October, Thomas already has three wins in the 2016-2017 season. It’s taken a couple years, but Thomas, 23, is finally being asked about something other than being Jordan Spieth’s good friend.

Best (International) Player: Hideki Matsuyama - Like Justin Thomas, Hideki Matsuyama also has a seven-shot win this season. Although that came last October in the early portion of the schedule at the WGCHSBC, his hot play carried over into 2017.

He finished runner-up to Thomas at Kapalua and then defended his title at the Waste Management Phoenix Open.

Most Disappointing Comeback: Tiger Woods - Woods set an ambitious schedule of four events in five weeks starting with the Farmers Insurance Open. He wound up playing just three rounds. After missing the cut at Torrey Pines, Woods shot an opening

20

77 in Dubai before withdrawing with back spasms. He then pulled out of his next two events and didn’t even attend his scheduled press conference at Riviera because of his doctor’s recommendation. Not surprisingly, his odds of winning the Masters have been slashed from 20/1 to 100/1. And at this point, even that higher number seems ridiculous.

Best Short Game: Phil Mickelson - Where do we begin? Putting off the green on purpose at Torrey Pines to set up a birdie?

Playing a perfect pitch shot off Riviera’s sixth green? Holing three chips/pitches in a NINEhole stretch? At 46, Mickelson’s short game is as sharp as ever.

Best Performance By A Former No.1: Jordan Spieth - As good as Thomas and Matsuyama have played in 2017, Spieth has

been the most consistent. And the 23-year-old reminded everyone he’s not done winning by cruising to victory at Pebble Beach. According to odds makers, he’s the clear favorite at the Masters, where he has a win and two runnerups in three appearances.

Best Performance By A New No.1: Dustin Johnson - The Official World Golf Ranking can be difficult to understand, but in this case, it makes perfect sense. Dustin Johnson, the reigning US Tour Player of the Year, dominated the field at Riviera to take the top spot from Jason Day. DJ also tops this list in the “best week” category. Two days before his latest win, fiancée Paulina Gretzky announced she’s pregnant with the couple’s second child.

Biggest Breakout Star: Jon Rahm - With one (LONG) putt, Rahm announced himself as the US Tour’s next young star. Rahm drained a 60-footer on Torrey Pines’ 18th hole that capped a stunning back nine and guaranteed the former top-ranked amateur his first victory in the big leagues. He followed that up with a T-16 in Phoenix and a T-5 at Pebble, making Phil Mickelson’s claim that Rahm is already “one of the best players in the world” hard to dispute.

Worst Performance From Someone Who Is Supposed To Be A Breakout Star: Bryson

DeChambeau - The former US Amateur champ’s switch to a side-saddle putting method drew a lot of attention, but so far, it hasn’t provided him with good results.

DeChambeau began 2017 with a T-49 at the Sony Open and things have only gotten worse. He has three missed cuts and a WD since, while also learning that his putter was deemed non-conforming by the USGA. Of course, at just 23, he’s got a lot of time to tinker.

Best Cameo: Justin Timberlake - The superstar entertainer flashed an impressive golf game at the AT&T Pebble Beach ProAm. Making the cut with partner Justin Rose, Timberlake chipped in twice and just missed an ace on Pebble’s famed seventh hole. Timberlake and business partner Tiger Woods also invested in the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour. That deserves a standing ovation as well.

Best Trick Shot: Patrick Reed - Not only did Reed pull off the ol’ hit-it-to-yourself trick, he did it at the rowdiest spot in golf. Well, arguably the rowdiest. Maybe he’ll pull this out again at the next Ryder Cup. It’s just a pity he wasn’t in Perth (as promised) to replicate it.

HADDON LIBBY

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MEDICAL ADVANCEMENTS

O

ur lives have benefitted from advances in medicine driven by technological breakthroughs. This week, let’s take a look at some of the most recent breakthroughs and advancements that we can expect to impact our lives in the next few years.

Advancements are coming fast and furious in the wearable technology field. For example, anyone who has ever cared for a baby knows that it is difficult to monitor their temperature as it can increase and decrease rapidly. The TempTraq solves this challenge as it is a patch that is placed on the baby monitoring their vitals 24/7 while transmitting this information via smartphone.

baby bump with all information transmitted via smartphone.

Sleep apnea is a serious affliction that causes people to stop breathing repeatedly while they sleep. The MOTIO HW is a watch that monitors the patient’s sleep and other vital readings in order to help doctors and the afflicted.

Athletes and those with heart conditions may be interested QardioCore’s easy-to-wear chest strap that monitors heart rate and transmits this information to their doctor or the person via smartphone. The device works with the Apple Health app or Qardio’s own app.

Is FitBit too big for you? Motiv has created a ring that you wear on a finger that works just like FitBit. Like Motiv, Bodytrak wants to monitor your vitals in a less obtrusive manner by using an earpiece. As an extra benefit, Bodytrak can be used to listen to music or make a phone call.

Expectant mothers may want to try Bloomlife’s wearable monitor which helps them to differentiate real and phantom contractions. The monitor simply sticks on the

L’Oreal has created a new hairbrush that can tell you if you are brushing your hair too roughly.

For those worried about skin health, S-Skin has a new micro needle patch that analyzes your skin to tell you its dryness, hydration and melanin levels throughout the day while suggesting actions that can be taken to improve skin health.

Google has a patent on a contact lens that can measure the glucose levels in a tear as a means of helping those with diabetes in monitoring and treating their disease.

Another area where scientists are poised for dramatic advances is in the area of implants. The obvious areas where innovation will make a difference is in helping someone to have better vision or hearing. Many believe that people may get optional eye or ear implants in order to have super-human visual or auditory abilities.

Scientists are working on both, wearable or implantable health monitors that can send out alerts if sensors pick up on an impending stroke or heart attack. In many instances, the ambulance could arrive before the afflicted

March 2 to March 8, 2017

is even aware of the severity of their health event. These same sensors can be used in other ways such as the mouth to monitor whether someone stays on their diet or smokes.

Three-dimensional printing advances are happening as well. Scientists believe that they are close to being able to grow new organs like a heart or liver for someone with a terminal condition in need of organ replacement.

3-D printers are also nearly capable of creating drugs by recreating the specific molecules to formulate the medication.

At present, new drugs require long and expensive clinical testing and trials before making it to market. The idea of ‘in silico testing’ (testing via computer simulations) is nearly at the point where it can replace animal testing making drug creation a faster and less expensive process.

As you can see, the intersection of technology and healthcare is changing the quality of life in ways few could have imagined only a decade ago.

Haddon Libby is an Investment Advisor and Managing Partner at Winslow Drake Investment Management and can be reached at 760.449.6349 or HLibby@WinslowDrake. com.

DALE GRIBOW ON THE LAW

AND THE OSCAR GOES TO LA LA.. MOONLIGHT?

S

o what does this week’s Oscar mix up have to do with an accident?

Well, you do not always get what you think you deserve. You get what the facts suggest or your lawyer is able to get into evidence. Occasionally I get a client who comes into my office complaining they had been rear ended and they think they “won the lottery.” They have read stories of large verdicts and think that is in their future.

The large verdicts are the exception rather than the rule in 2017...at least on a soft tissue injury. We have all read about the McDonalds hot coffee case that resulted

in a very large verdict for the lady who spilled her very hot coffee shortly after her purchase. The critics complained that the legal system had gone astray. This viewpoint is usually fueled by insurance companies that want to prejudice future jury pools so they do not yield large verdicts.

The truth is that though there was a large verdict against McDonalds it was drastically and incorrectly reduced by the judge to a minimum amount...and not reported. The “fake news” (and I shudder to say that) did not tell the whole truth. It did not report that she incorrectly put the hot coffee between her legs as she drove.

It was not reported that McDonalds had received thousands of complaints about their coffee being too hot.

However McDonalds had learned if you boil the coffee beans at a very very high temperature it would yield MORE CUPS OF COFFEE from the beans. Multiply that by hundreds of thousands of bags obviously yields serious money. Thus McDonalds ignored the safety of their customers and instead looked at their interests.

Clients innocently hurt their accident or DUI case by doing or saying the wrong thing. The back of my business card says:

Upon advice of my attorney, Dale Gribow, I exercise my Right to Remain Silent until you contact him at 760-837-7500 or dale@dalegribowlaw.com, My attorney has advised me the VOLUNTARY Field Sobriety & Breath Tests, at the scene, are OPTIONAL (unless one is on probation). Thus I elect not to take them. I want to cooperate and am happy to take a BLOOD TEST. On an accident case clients often innocently do the wrong thing causing their case to have less value. Clients are often the reason they lost or will lose their case by not following this advice and talking and saying the wrong thing...OR having the officer write down something s/he “thought they heard” the party say.

I had one accident case where a good friend told his doctor about the accident and when the nurse prepared the report I requested, she misread the doctors notes and thought is said their patient fell and hit his head on a rock. The doctor refused to correct his mistake.

So if you have been in an accident you should do the following to increase your chance for a larger recovery: Call the police, take pictures with your

cell and gather info at the scene; contact a “local” lawyer; don’t talk to anyone; immediately go to the hospital then to the doctor your lawyer suggests and don’t give any statements to anyone without your lawyers permission. The latest admonition is to take down your social media. The insurance company can get free info on you by going to your Facebook page and reading about you brag about your recent tennis/ golf game or your skiing trips.

If you have any questions regarding this column or ideas for future columns please contact Dale Gribow 760-837-7500 or dale@dalegribowlaw.com.

DALE GRIBOW “TOP LAWYER” - Palm Springs Life, 2011-17 “TOP LAWYER”Inland Empire Magazine, Nov 2016 PERFECT 10.0 AVVO Peer Rating “PREEMINENT” Rating - Martindale Hubbell Legal Directory “BEST Attorneys of America” Selected by “Rue” (Limited to Top 100 Attorneys per state) Legal Eagle “Best and Brightest Legal Minds” by Palm Springs Life- June 2016

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LOTUS BOTANICAL ELIXIRS

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here is no question that we live in a time where we not only need a healthy amount of energy to take on daily tasks, but also to feel balanced.

To achieve the energy part, we turn to supplemental remedies such as vitamins, food and often times, synthetic energy drinks.

However, the latter of them may leave us feeling sluggish after the initial jolt of energy, and almost drained of the energy it had promised to provide. Lotus Botanical Elixir has now brought a way to not only get the energy that you need, but to feel balanced in the process, by combining natural ingredients led by the historically beneficial Lotus Flower to influence the body, mind and spirit.

For Lotus Botanical Elixirs CEO/Founder Scott Strader, it’s all about “Flower Power”.

The Coachella Valley native came up with the idea for this revolutionary drink over a decade ago and launched it in 2015. The focus was to bring to the world a product that was more than just an energy drink, but a way to bring together ingredients that would

ASK JENNY

naturally awaken the body, mind and spirit in a balanced way, free from artificial additives.

To accomplish this tall order, Strader turned to the Lotus Flower, long known for not only it’s aesthetically and magical beauty, but for its medicinal advantages as well.

The flower has been revered throughout history by the Egyptians, Buddhist and Hindu cultures, among others. It signifies desired qualities such as re-birth, purity and spiritual awareness. It has aided in quelling physical ailments and very popular in eastern medicine. Now, Strader has incorporated the Lotus Flowers properties into a healthy energy drink that consumers can feel good about.

Along with the Lotus flower, Strader involves other key ingredients for his creations. The drink leans on the benefits of adaptogens, which help the body adapt to stress….basically a sort of equalizer, found predominantly in the ginseng family.

With stress being the main culprit in many aggressive diseases, adaptogens are

BY JENNY WALLIS

“AM I EVER GOING TO FIND THE RIGHT ONE?”

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ear Jenny, I know that most people write in and ask you questions about relationships. But I have to share with you that I am so sick and tired of relationships! I am a great girl and I have a lot to offer someone. And I think I’m a very loving person, if I do say so myself. Although, it seems that I always end up with these guys, really Great guys. They always seem to break up with me when we are only a few months into the relationship. It also seems that they break up for the same reason, at least they all give me the same reason. They tell me it is not me it is them. They say that even though they really care for me as a friend they cannot see themselves with me forever. And this is the kicker, they tell me that I’m a spectacular, amazing person and I will make somebody very very happy! I deserve the best! At least that is what they say.

But what if I don’t want anyone else? What if I want him? It is just not fair, it is not fair that this always happens to me. I am tired of being a loser and I am tired of ending up alone! Am I ever going to find the right one? Am I ever going to find a man who really appreciates me? Stuff like this always happens to me. It is just not fair.

See ya, Loren -------------------------------------------------------Hi Loren, Wow, I can almost hear the frustration in your voice as I was reading the question. So sorry that your past experiences have jaded your views of relationships. I am very glad that you have had the experiences with relationships that you have had because we always learn from the past. Or at least we should, if we do not learn, the past just keeps on repeating it self until we do. Did you get that Lauren? If we do not learn from the past the past will keep repeating itself until we do learn.

You stated that all of your relationships end up the same way, you always get hurt in the end.

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BY DENISE ORTUNO-NEIL

What is common in all of these relationships?

The only thing they have in common is you. So let’s talk about you for a bit.

You enter into these relationships so excited with very high expectations, like maybe this could be the one? But you also enter into these relationships knowing that it will end the same way the others have, no matter what you do.

Deep down inside you are sick and tired of trying to make these relationships work. And you are tired of being alone and you do not think you deserve what is happening to you.

When is it finally going to work out for you? Is this what you ask yourself? Do you feel that you are so tired of putting your best foot forward, trying to make things work out in your romantic relationships and they never do? I have a question for your Loren, why is it so difficult for you to be alone?

Maybe it is time for you to focus on your relationship that you are having with you.

For some reason you are seeking outside relationships to feel a certain way about yourself.

When you learn to love yourself and love being alone with you, you will find a romantic partner who wants the same things. You see, the most important relationship that you can have is your relationship with yourself. When that is achieved you will only attract positive relationships. And the best part is, you will not have to look, they will all come to you, all because of your relationship with yourself. That’s where it begins and ends.

- ❤Namaste Jenny Don’t forget to follow Jenny at www. askjennynow.com, find her on facebook or contact her at 760-505-0952

HEALTH&FITNESS

definitely one of the good guys.

As far as the added energy to Lotus Botanical Elixir, it is exacted by natural sources for a natural lift. The drink is also GMO free (genetically, modified organisms), completing Strader’s goal of a clean and healthy energy drink. Utilizing all of these ingredients, and omitting what is not to his vision, lends to the integrity and transparency that Strader strives for in his product.

Lotus Botanical Elixir is based in our beautiful desert area, where Strader grew up. He could think of no other place than right here in the Coachella Valley to assemble

BEAUTY

his creation. Lotus Botanical Elixir comes in refreshing infused flavors which include Cranberry, Wild Berry, Raspberry, and soon their zero calorie Citrus Peach. The drinks are comfortably carbonated and flavored, not at all overly sweet, and are free from any chemical after taste that synthetic energy drinks leave behind. The innovative product has been excitedly received and endorsed by many celebrities.

Consumers can find Lotus Botanical Elixir locally at Clarks in Ranch Mirage, Whole Foods in Palm Desert, and online through their website as well as Amazon. With all that is going on in the world, we can all use some extra energy and balance. Lotus Botanical Elixir’s can help you get there in a natural way, to influence and awaken the body, mind and spirit.

Right before press time we were informed that the Peach Lotus Elixers were served at the Grammy Awards this year. They make the perfect Bellini.

For more info visit lotuselixir.com.

BY DR MARIA LOMBARDO

Dr. Maria Lombardo, Lombardo Cosmetic Surgery is located in Rancho Mirage.

She specializes in both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures including (but not limited to) facial, body and breast surgery, Botox, Latisse, and hCG diet program.

For a consultation or more information, visit lombardocosmeticsurgery.com or call 760-610-8990. Dr. Lombardo will be writing a bi-weekly column for CV Weekly.

THERE’S A FILLER FOR THAT!

T

hrough the normal aging process we all lose volume or fullness in our faces. Usually the first noticeable sign is a deepening of the naso-labial folds that start at the corner of the nose and end at the corners of the mouth. Replacing the fullness with a “filler” can soften the look of those lines and restore a more youthful appearance. There are several filler options available. Hyaluronic Acid is one that is very routinely used.

Hyaluronic acid is compatible with the human body because it is a substance that is found in every single organic living thing. Its main purpose in the human body is to act as a network that transfers essential nutrients from the bloodstream to skin cells. It is most present in the human body in fluids around the eye area and in the joints. In fact, aside from its applications to cosmetic surgery, it is also often injected into joints to relieve rheumatism and other kinds of joint pain.

The names of some of the products that are associated with use for cosmetic surgery are Restylane, Juvederm, Voluma and Volbella.

These are the most popular injectables that are used to fill lines and wrinkles. In its purest essence, HA is a gel like substance that sits between the skin and connective tissues supporting the skin. When injected, it acts like an inflated cushion to support facial structures and tissues that may have lost volume and elasticity due to aging and other causes. It is also hydrates the skin by bringing water to the surface which

helps give it a refreshed and more youthful appearance.

The procedure itself is considered noninvasive and does not require anything but a topical anesthetic administered to the site of injection (to help with any pain caused by the insertion of the needle). The needles used for this procedure are very fine and tiny and depending on how many areas are being treated the treatment takes between 10 to 30 minutes. It is an outpatient procedure and people typically return to their normal activities the same day. The results usually last between 6-24 months depending on your life style, body chemistry and the rate at which you are naturally aging. It is important to realize that this is a temporary solution and not a permanent cure for facial problems. To maintain their youthful appearance most people have new injections 1-2 times a year.

Several other filler products are available too. Call today to make an appointment with Dr. Maria Lombardo (760)610-8990 and discuss if fillers are the right choice for you!

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FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

Week of March 2

ARIES (March 21-April 19): I predict that you will have earned the title of Master Composter no later than March 26. Not necessarily because you will have packed your food scraps, wilted flowers, coffee grounds, and shredded newspapers in, say, a deluxe dual-chamber tumbling compost bin. But rather because you will have dealt efficiently with the rotting emotions, tattered habits, decrepit melodramas, and trivial nonsense that has accumulated; you will have worked hard to transform all that crap into metaphorical fertilizer for your future growth. Time to get started!

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): It’s a good time for you to wield your emotional intelligence with leadership and flair. The people you care about need more of your sensitive influence. Any posse or tribe you’re part of will benefit from your thoughtful intervention.

So get out there and build up the group morale, Taurus. Assert your healing ideals with panache.

Tamp down the insidious power of peer pressure and fashionable nonsense. You have a mandate to wake up sleepy allies and activate the dormant potential of collective efforts.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): If you were ever in your life going to be awarded an honorary PhD from a top university, it would happen in the next few weeks. If there were even a remote possibility that you would someday be given one of those MacArthur Fellowship “genius” grants, now would be the time.

Likewise if you had any hopes of being selected as one of “The World’s Sexiest Chameleons” or “The Fastest, Sweetest Talkers on Earth” or “The Planet’s Most Virtuoso Vacillators,” the moment has arrived.

And even if none of those things happen, I’m still pretty sure that your reputation and status will be on the rise.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): You’re wandering into places you’ve always thought you should be wary of or skeptical about. Good for you! As long as you protect your innocence, I encourage you to keep exploring. To my delight, you have also been fantasizing about accomplishments that used to be off-limits. Again, I say: Good for you! As long as you don’t overreach, I invite you to dream boldly, even brazenly. And since you seem to be in the mood for big thinking, here are other revolutionary activities to consider: dissolving nonessential wishes; transcending shrunken expectations; escaping the boring past; busting irrelevant taboos.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): I did a good job of raising my daughter. She turned out to be a thoughtful, intelligent adult with high integrity and interesting skills. But I’m not sure my parenting would have been as effective if I’d had more kids. I discussed this issue with Nathan, a guy I know. His six offspring are all grown up, too. “How did you do it?” I asked him.

“Having just one child was a challenging job for me.”

“I’ll tell you my secret,” Nathan told me. “I’m a bad father. I didn’t work very hard on raising my kids. And now they never let me forget it.” In the coming weeks and months, Leo, I recommend that you pursue my approach in your chosen field, not Nathan’s. Aim for high-quality intensity rather than scattershot quantity.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In her poem “Not Anyone Who Says,” Virgo writer Mary Oliver looks down on people who declare, “I’m going to be careful and smart in matters of love.” She disparages the passion of anyone who asserts, “I’m going to choose slowly.” Instead she champions those who are “chosen by something invisible and powerful and uncontrollable and beautiful and possibly even unsuitable.” Here’s my response: Her preferred formula sounds glamorous and dramatic and romantic -- especially the powerful and beautiful part. But in practice it rarely works out well -- maybe just ten percent of the time -- mostly because of the uncontrollable and unsuitable part. And now is not one of those times for you, Virgo. Be careful and smart in matters of love, and choose slowly.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): The poet Rainer Maria Rilke bemoaned the fact that so many of us “squander

© Copyright 2017 Rob Brezsny

our sorrows.” Out of self-pity or lazy self-indulgence, we wallow in memories of experiences that didn’t turn out the way we wished they would have. We paralyze ourselves with repetitions of depleting thoughts. Here’s an alternative to that approach: We could use our sadness and frustrations to transform ourselves. We could treat them as fuel to motivate our escape from what doesn’t work, to inspire our determination to rise above what demoralizes and demeans us. I mention this, Libra, because now is an excellent time to do exactly that.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): It’s time for the Bliss Blitz -- a new holiday just for you Scorpios. To celebrate it properly, get as buoyant as you dare; be greedy for euphoria; launch a sacred quest for pleasure. Ah, but here’s the big question: Can you handle this much relief and release? Are you strong enough to open yourself to massive outbreaks of educational delight and natural highs? Some of you may not be prepared.

You may prefer to remain ensconced in your protective sheath of cool cynicism. But if you think you can bear the shock of unprecedented exaltation and jubilation, then go ahead and risk it. Experiment with the unruly happiness of the Bliss Blitz.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In his book *The Horologicon,* Mark Forsyth gathered “obscure but necessary” words that he dug out of old dictionaries.

One of his discoveries is a perfect fit for you right now.

It’s “snudge,” a verb that means to walk around with a pensive look on your face, appearing to be busy or in the midst of productive activity, when in fact you’re just goofing off. I recommend it for two reasons: 1.

It’s important for your mental and physical health that you do a lot of nothing; that you bless yourself with a healing supply of refreshing emptiness. 2. It’s important for your mental and physical health that you do this on the sly as much as possible; that you avoid being judged or criticized for it by others.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): I wish your breakfast cereal came in boxes decorated with Matisse and Picasso paintings. I wish songbirds would greet you each morning with sweet tunes. I wish you’d see that you have more power than you realize. I wish you knew how uniquely beautiful you are. I wish you’d get intoxicated with the small miracles that are happening all around you. I wish that when you made a bold move to improve your life, everyone greeted it with curiosity and excitement. And I wish you would let your imagination go half-wild with fascinating fantasies during this, the Capricorn wishing season.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “You’re a different human being to everybody you meet,” says novelist Chuck Palahniuk. Now is an excellent time to contemplate the intricacies and implications of that amazing truth -- and start taking better advantage of how much freedom it gives you. Say the following statements out loud and see how they feel: 1. “My identity isn’t as narrowly circumscribed as I think it is.” 2. “I know at least 200 people, so there must be at least 200 facets to my character.” 3. “I am too complicated to be completely comprehended by any one person.” 4. “Consistency is overrated.”

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Your immediate future is too good to be true. Or at least that’s what you, with your famous self-doubt, might be inclined to believe if I told you the truth about the favorable developments that are in the works. Therefore, I have come up with some fake anxieties to keep your worry reflex engaged so it won’t sabotage the real goodies.

Beware of dirty limericks and invisible ladders and upside-down rainbows and psychic bunny rabbits. Be on guard against accountants wearing boxing gloves and clowns singing Broadway show tunes in runaway shopping carts and celebrities telling you classified secrets in your dreams.

Homework: What’s the best surprise you could give yourself right now? Testify at Freewillastrology. com.

---------------------------------------Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

March 2 to March 8, 2017

MIND,BODY & SPIRIT

BY BRONWYN ISON

ARE YOU SETTLING?

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ettling for second best, without a doubt, will render you feeling less empowered than what you deserve.

Yet, if you settled, you are cognizant, accepting less than what you desire. Rather thought provoking don’t you think? At what point does settling for less not agree with you? Perhaps you have never allowed yourself to accept the absolute best for you. If this sounds familiar, it is time to ask your self a few honest questions.

Pardon my request … it’s time to look deep within. You may discover your personal introspection and soul searching to be therapeutic. You may have to step back in time and revisit a few dark spaces. While this may not sound attractive, entertaining, or sexy… you will be thankful. Consider why you have settled for mediocre. Was it because someone told you didn’t deserve a certain luxury?

Or, you decided to settle because it was the next best thing to having nothing. It’s likely you have an unsettling feeling about several choices you have made. Yet, you replicate the same behavior over and over again!

Let’s take relationships for example. We are all guilty of lingering in an unhealthy relationship. There could be a myriad of reasons you decided to stay. If there are children involved, a couple may try to resolve their differences to maintain a healthy family.

Sometimes this is successful. Others may

stay true to their word (vows) and commit to working on their relationship. One of the most destructive reasons to remain in an unhealthy relationship is fear of being alone. You will only be wasting your precious time. Just think, your time could be better spent focusing on more important responsibilities in your life. In actuality, you should fear you are settling.

If you find that you are complaining about your circumstance, you are likely settling.

If you continue to procrastinate on what you truly want in life, you are likely settling.

If while pursuing an endeavor you have focused on the time and energy it has taken rather the enjoying the journey, you are likely settling.

When you have to negotiate with yourself about whether or not what your doing is worthwhile, you are likely settling.

If you have to talk yourself into a state of excitement and the feeling does not come naturally, you are likely settling.

There is always a lesson to be learned.

It depends on how exhausted you are from repeating poor behavior. My previous life experiences have afforded me incredible opportunities. Settling for less is no longer an option. When will you believe you deserve MORE? Bronwyn Ison is the owner of Evolve Yoga. e-volveyoga.com 760.564.YOGA

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LIFE & CAREER COACH

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY SUNNY SIMON

PROJECT PATIENCE

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ecently I’ve become involved in a very large project, one that will have a significant impact on my life. It’s not a solo venture. I am joined by a partner. This endeavor has many moving parts meaning I do not have full control and must often rely on others to reach a successful outcome.

Daily I touch all the bases by data diving for pertinent facts, meeting with the players for status updates and sometimes engaging in long debates with my partner on whether we take a radical step forward or remain in a wait and see pattern.

Getting to the finish line requires employing all of the above, but the most difficult factor to deal with is patience. There are days when I happily receive progress updates and smile contently knowing on some unknown date we will brake out the champagne, raise glasses and do a victory lap.

On other days, I feel so frustrated I want to kick some butt and engage in a bout of heavy duty ranting. Notice I said “want to.” Giving way to my baser instincts is not the answer. It would accomplish only the fleeting relief that follows venting.

You’ve been there, right? How do we get ourselves to surrender to time instead of demanding we want it now? A number of strategies can be employed to ease frustration

and return to the land of peace and harmony.

Let’s begin with the glass half-full viewpoint. Review your progress to date with pride. Embarking on challenging projects takes courage and fortitude which is cause for at least one high five. Consider the milestones. Moving from phase one to the next level counts for a fist bump or two.

Find inspiration by engaging in a flashback moment. Think of a time when exercising patience brought great reward. Saint Augustine nailed it when he professed, “Patience is the companion of wisdom.”

When impatience threatens, suck it up and let your wiser self take the lead.

Change your thoughts. When my partner told me I was obsessing over the situation, I didn’t like hearing it. Turns out he was right.

Making the shift I focused on other things which restored tranquility and made for a more pleasant me.

Few of us have the patience of Job, but like any other skill, we rarely get it right the first time. With practice we can improve. Things worth waiting for take time. In my case, sooner would be better than later, but I’m practicing patience.

Sunny Simon is the owner of Raise the Bar High Life and Career Coaching and the author of the blog www.lifeonthesunnyside.net

CANNABIS CORNER

BY BRENDA MARTIN

THE BENEFITS OF CBD OIL

C

BD oil is a natural non-psychoactive {meaning no high concentrate extracted from the Hemp plant. It interacts with the body through Endogenous cannabidiol system.

The Endocannabidiol system regulates the body’s homeo stasis or balance impacting functions such as mood, sleep, appetite, hormones, pain and immune response; in other words it keeps our body level.

Pops Potions CBD oil is extracted with Everclear, winterized for stabilization, distilled for purity, and homogenized for inconsistency, giving you the cleanest potency we can deliver in your edible experience.

We have seen results with elements such as fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, brain tumors, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, seizures, epilepsy, immune disorders and IBS.

CBD oil is also good for animals with ailments.

I will be sharing patient testimonies in upcoming columns. For more info on this specific product please contact Brenda Martin at Brendam777@gmail.com.

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