Coachella Valley Weekly - March 5 to March 11, 2015 Vol. 3 No. 50

News

Music

Movies

Dining

Community Events

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com • March 5 to March 11, 2015 Vol. 3 No. 50

Mambo - By Designer Lorra Lee Rose

At The La Quinta Civic Center Ca mpus

March 5-8, 2015

Christopher’s Clubhouse

pg 6

Academy Of Musical Performance

pg 11

All Night Shoes

pg 12

Melissa Etheridge

pg 13

March 5 to March 11, 2015

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Coachella Valley Weekly

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

March 5 to March 11, 2015

For the Ultimate Four Day Fine Art Experience, it’s Still La Quinta Arts Festival!

by kathleen Hughes

760.501.6228

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

Contents

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La Quinta Arts Festival............................. 3 Christopher’s Clubhouse/SafeHouse...... 6 Food + Wine............................................... 7 First Weekend In Palm Desert.................. 7 Don’t Be Cluless In The CV........................ 8 Handsome Hounds................................... 9 Breaking the 4th Wall............................... 9 Academy of Musical Performance......... 11 Tilted Kilt Open Mic Competition.......... 11 LMS - All Night Shoes.............................. 12 LMS- Melissa Etheridge.......................... 13 Miramonte “Thursday Night Live”......... 13 Consider This - Decemberists................. 14 Art Scene.................................................. 15 Pet Place................................................... 16 The Vino Voice......................................... 17 Club Crawler Nightlife............................ 18 Pampered Palate- Chef Rocco Dispirito.... 20 Screeners................................................. 22 Book Review............................................ 23 The PS Local............................................. 26 Real Estate............................................... 26 Haddon Libby: It’s All Local.................... 27 Dale Gribow............................................. 27 Safety Tips................................................ 28 ShareKitchen........................................... 28 BNP Paribas Open................................... 29 Sports....................................................... 29 Social Security......................................... 30 DBA Awards Dinner................................ 30 Free Will Astrology.................................. 31 Mind, Body & Spirit................................. 31 Life & Career Coach................................. 32 Westin Desert Rangers Program........... 32

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ou wait for it. You anticipate it.

THIS is definitely the place to be! La Quinta Arts Festival, ranked #1 Fine Art Festival the Nation for three consecutive years, is slated Thursday through Sunday, March 5 - 8, 2015 from 10 am to 5 pm at La Quinta Civic Center Campus.

You don’t have to be an art expert to know what you like, and you are sure to find it at La Quinta Arts Festival, where 220 contemporary artists converge from 38 states, Canada, Israel and Nicaragua in every fine art and craft media category. An unprecedented 36 of these exhibitors are NEW to this event, 16 of whom applied for the very first time. This is a clear indicator that because of its premier status, La Quinta Arts Festival has again raised the bar in attracting a new field of artists whose level of artistic excellence is even higher to those in past years.

Making his triumphant return to La Quinta Arts Festival this year is one of its most popular “Super Stars,” Master Glass Artist Randy Strong. Strong is one of the original pioneers of the American Studio Glass movement. He was the Featured Artist, Civic Purchase and Best in Category award winner at the 2012 La Quinta Arts Festival. Randy’s glass was so sought after

at that show that he indefinitely delayed his impending retirement to create a whole new line of hand blown art glass.

Here are the four La Quinta Arts Festival 2015 Featured Artists: Guilloume, Painting/Sculpture (Sandia Park, NM) – Booth #501. Colombian-born Guilloume was chosen as the 2015 Poster Artist for his original painting entitled “In Prayer.” Regarded as one of the foremost artists in the Southwest he self describes his work as “magical surrealism” in which

he combines the figure with surrealist abstraction to create his personal “bolismo” style. Guilloume’s bronze and stone creations have been singled out by Sculpture Magazine to place him among the 10 most important sculptors of our day.

Lorra Lee Rose, Mixed Media (Pine Grove, CA) – Booth #308. Lorra Lee’s flamboyant “Mambo” feather sculpture is one of the primary images for the 2015 marketing campaign. Rose creates visually continue to page 5

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March 5 to March 11, 2015

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March 5 to March 11, 2015 brings Operetta and Broadway from some amazing talent. Just when you thought your entertainment journey was over, make one last stop on Sunday from 2pm to 5pm to salsa, merengue and cha-cha to the Louie Cruz Beltran Latin jazz band.

Festival goers will enjoy great cuisine and beverage selections on Restaurant Row featuring Fisherman’s Market & Grill and West Coast Hofbrau, plus lighter fare and libations at the Island Bar. Try the Oasis Lounge catered by Shanghai Red’s for Asian specialties in the NE corner. The Chocolate Bar by Brandini Toffee will have two locations this year: at the Meadow Bar and in Restaurant Row. “Make it a Mimosa Morning” as all bars will be serving Mimosas and Peach Bellinis, as well as wine, beer and refreshing soft drinks.

Tickets may be purchased at the gate or in advance at www.LQAF.com. Please see our ad for prices and directions. No pets allowed with the exception of service animals. La Quinta Arts Festival is presented

by La Quinta Arts Foundation in partnership with Premier Sponsor The City of La Quinta.

continued from page 3

stunning artworks with the nontraditional medium of feathers that have gained her a worldwide reputation. Her spectacular feather masks and amazing life size human figures are completely detailed in natural color feathers. Lorra Lee is a La Quinta Arts Festival 2014 Award Winner for Best of Category.

Stan O’Neil, Glass (Sedro Wooley, WA) – Booth #329. Stan’s exquisite glass sculpture “Snowbird” was chosen as the design image for the men’s t-shirt as a tribute to our large contingent of Coachella Valley Snowbirds.

Kay Cummins, Jewelry (Phoenix, AZ) – Booth #100. A piece from Kay’s 2nd Chance

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“Tweet” Collection was selected as the adorable image for the women’s t-shirt embroidery design and other retail items.

Come for the Art - Stay for the Entertainment! La Quinta Arts Festival is a total sensory experience and just as you will see every art medium imaginable, you will delight in the variety of music entertainment too! This year’s lineup is takes you on a trip around the world starting with smooth flamenco guitar stylings of Milton Merlos, meditative Bolivian Pan Pipes by master Oscar Reynolds, and favorites Jerry Evaro and Friends will have you swinging and singing. For those classically inclined, a new alliance with CV organization OperaArts

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March 5 to March 11, 2015

Community

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events

by heidi simmons

FOOD + WINE FESTIVAL PALM DESERT ANNOUNCES WINE DINNERS STARTING ON MARCH 10 FEATURING CELEBRITY

Keeping Kids Safe From Predators O

ne in three girls and one in four boys will be sexually assaulted before the age of 18. In the United States, 800,000 children go missing every year. The majority are run-a-ways and second largest group are throw-a-ways –- kids who are kicked out of their homes, usually by parents.

58,000 children are never found. 115 to 150 are “stereotypical abduction” – grabbed by someone they don’t know.

These children are taken over 20 miles from their homes, molested and killed within the first three hours of their abduction.

These terrifying statistics and ways to protect children were shared with parents and families at the “Keeping Kids Safe: What Every Parent Should Know About Child Predators,” presented by SafeHouse of the Desert and Christopher’s Clubhouse. This informative and focused event was held at the Desert Hot Springs Wellness Center.

Organizers offered advice and presented available services to address community concerns after the arrest of a Desert Hot Springs man accused of luring local children into a pornography ring.

“We want to do everything we can to protect, strengthen and help our communities,” said Kathy McAdara, Executive Director, Operation SafeHouse.

Former Palm Springs Police Chief and Palm Springs school board member, Gary Jeandron moderated a panel of five experts.

Jeandron is a Marriage and Family Therapist and is on the board of SafeHouse.

“This evening is about how to keep kids safe, what to do if you need services and how to report an incident,” said Jeandron.

“We will not be taking questions regarding the recent arrest. There is an on-going investigation and we want to be sure that justice is served.”

Mika Moulton is Founding Director of Christopher’s Clubhouse. Her non-profit

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GUEST CHEF, SPQR’S MATTHEW ACCARRINO

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organization provides safety camps where children, teens and adults are instructed on how to be safe and avoid exploitation.

Moulton’s son Christopher was abducted when he was eight, molested and murdered.

“I thought it was something that happened to other people,” said Moulton. “I taught my children not to talk to strangers. Yet I became one of those other people. It’s important to do whatever it takes to teach our children to be safe.”

McAdara warned parents about the Internet. “Many chat-sites for kids are fronts for predators,” McAdara said. “Just because a site asks for parent’s permission doesn’t mean kids are safe.” McAdara suggested parents monitor Internet activity and place restrictions on their children’s phones. The panel warned that once a picture is on the Internet, there is no deleting it! NOT EVER! McAdara also warned parents about advertisers who seek teens to work on weekends offering hundreds of dollars and transportation. “Don’t do it!” she said.

“Parents must take control of their children the best that they can.”

Randy Boyd, Founder of Courageous Healers Foundation shared his personal story of abuse by his stepfather. “According to the 2010 census, 74,000 men and boys have been sexually abused. The sexual molestation in the Coachella Valley is reaching epidemic proportions,” Boyd said.

“The most important thing you can do is to believe your children.”

Francisca La Franco of SafeHouse, shared the signs and symptoms of an abused child.

They include: Sudden changes in behavior, learning problems, poor concentration, poor or excessive hygiene, change in wardrobe, angry or fearful, aloof, self-destructive. “If your child is exhibiting behavior that isn’t normal, stop what you are doing and listen to your child,” said La Franco.

Sofia Campos, Director of Program Services, United Cerebral Palsy of the Inland Empire, spoke about the safety of kids with special needs. “Special needs children are

so loving and trusting, they are easy targets for predators,” Campos said. “They are three times more likely to be abused and four times more likely to be abused if the child has a mental disability.”

Predators look for kids who are vulnerable and alone. The panel recommended the community get involved to teach children ways to protect themselves. They encouraged parents to be present in the lives of their kids and to really hear them when they talk.

If you suspect a child is being abused, the panel recommends calling 911 or Child Protective Services and let the professionals handle the situation. The panel agreed that it is better to err on the side of making a mistake. Jeandron said, “We’ve seen cases where if someone would have called, we could have prevented victims down the line.”

For more information on local education programs call 760-989-2182 or visit www. christophersclubhouse.org. To talk to a crisis counselor call the Child Help National Child Abuse Hotline at 800-422-4453. To further understand the signs and symptoms of child abuse go to www.childwelfare.gov.

aking place at the Purple Room Restaurant & Stage and Ruth’s Chris Steak House, the dinners, ranging from $75-$150, offer guests an exclusive sneak peak of the festival taking place March 27-29 WHAT: Starting Tuesday, March 10, Food + Wine Festival Palm Desert presented by Agua Caliente Casino Resort and spa toasts this year’s celebrations with a series of wine dinners leading up to the fifth annual festival, which takes place from Friday, March 27 – Sunday, March 29. The wine dinners will feature several talented local desert chefs alongside sommeliers pairing wines for the special evenings. Scheduled dinners include: • Tuesday, March 10 at 7 p.m. | Purple Room Restaurant & Stage featuring a fourcourse Italian prix-fixe menu from celebrated guest Chef Matthew Accarrino from SPQR in San Francisco voted Food & Wine’s “Best New Chef” in 2014 cooking alongside Chef Jennifer Town with Master Sommelier and Mentor Reggie Narito from the movie SOMM pairing a selection of Italian wines. Sample dishes include Sformato de Parmigiano with parmesan custard, black truffles, and porcini paired with Michele Chiarlo, “Reyna” Barbaresco DOCG 2011; Lasagna de Anatra—a pastrami inspired duck lasagna with Brussels sprouts paired with an Agricola Punica, “Montessu” Isola dei Nuraghi IGT 2012. Guests can purchase tickets at www.purpleroompalmsprings. com or by calling 760.322.4422.

• Friday, March 13 at 6:30 p.m. | Ruth’s Chris Steak House featuring a four-course prix-fixe menu with wines from the historic Frank Family Vineyards from Napa Valley.

Featured dishes including Sliced Tomato & Onion Salad with field greens, red onion,

vinaigrette, and blue cheese paired with Frank Family Chardonnay, Napa Valley 2013; Veal Osso Buco Ravioli with sautéed baby spinach and white wine demi-glace paired with Frank Family Zinfandel, Napa Valley 2012. Guests can purchase tickets by calling 760.325.2333.

The wine dinners offer guests a preview of the fifth annual Food + Wine Festival Palm Desert taking place from Friday, March 27 – Sunday, March 29 in Palm Desert’s famed El Paseo shopping district. The three-day food event kicks off with a four-course James Beard Luncheon titled the “Salute to Women” with cooking demos from Cat Cora, Gale Gand, Lulu Powers, and Brooke Williamson with proceeds benefiting The Friends of James Beard Foundation. The subsequent two days of grand tastings include a series of live cooking demonstrations from some of the country’s most celebrated culinary personalities including Ari Taymor and Brian Malarkey, wine seminars, and samplings from over 50 restaurants and 80 premium wineries and spirits purveyors. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.palmdesertfoodandwine.com.

WHEN: Tuesday, March 10 at 7:00 p.m. – Purple Room Restaurant & Stage Friday, March 13 at 6:30 p.m. – Ruth’s Chris Steak House COST: $75 per person (including tax and gratuity) – Purple Room Restaurant & Stage $150 per person (including tax, gratuity, and complimentary valet parking provided) – Ruth’s Chris Steak House WHERE: Purple Room Restaurant & Stage- 1900 E. Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92264 (760.322.4422) Ruth’s Chris Steak House- 74740 Hwy 111 Palm Desert, CA 92260 (760.325.2333)

events

March 5 to March 11, 2015

by

Judith salkin

March into Spring with First Weekend in Palm Desert Featured Events in March

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ity of Palm Desert’s First Weekend program brings featured events and a plethora of special activities to the first weekend in March on March 6, 7 and 8. Celebrating the dazzling diversity of the cultural aspects of this city, First Weekend is designed to offer residents and visitors to the area an opportunity to experience a variety of exciting special events and engaging things to do in Palm Desert.

The featured events in March will include a special concert on Friday at Palm Springs Art Museum, The Galen and Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden by Lincoln Jesser. As a singer and songwriter, Jesser performs at 7:30 p.m. in the beautiful outdoor sculpture garden. Jesser is home-grown Coachella Valley musician from La Quinta and poised to hit the charts with his vocals reminiscent of the soft inflections of Al Stewart and influences of Daft Punk, and The Killers.

On Saturday the Gardens on El Paseo showcases its annual concert series with an exciting performance by Art of Sax, taking place in the center courtyard. Art of Sax is a much-in-demand band throughout California, wooing audiences with their special blend of Hip-Hop, Motown, R&B, Funk, Dance and Groove Jazz music. With a $12 donation, with the proceeds to benefit Shelter From the Storm, attendees are provided seats on the lawn, two glasses of wine and light snacks are available. Ticket sales begin at 4:30 p.m., with entertainment beginning at 6 p.m.

On Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Desert Willow Golf Resort features a delectable ala cart brunch menu. Surrounded by the picturesque desert setting, guests will enjoy breathtaking mountain vistas. Reservations are not required for small parties, but can be made by calling (760) 346-7060, ext. 104.

Hikers learn about desert wildflowers during the interpretive hikes led by members of the Friends of the Desert Mountains at the 2015 Coachella Valley Wildflower Festival at the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitors Center.

Other highlights of First Weekend March include the free Wildflower Festival on Saturday, showcasing The Sand Guys - stars of the Travel Channel’s “Sand Masters” - who will sculpt 24 tons of sand into a fantastical creation. This takes place at the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center off of Highway 74 in Palm Desert. Free parking and shuttles are available from St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church on Highway 74.

A variety of stage shows in March include “Nunsense: The MEGA Musical” at the Arthur Newman Theatre at the Joslyn Center, and the incomparable Johnny Mathis at the McCallum Theatre on Saturday evening, also fill the weekend.

In addition to the featured and special events, there is also outdoor art to be enjoyed at Civic Center Park, the median on El Paseo, or the beautiful Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Gardens at Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert, The Galen. A bit further north, The Art Place on Corporate Way offers an art walk of another color. It is a hidden gem for interior designers and decorators as well as discerning homeowners looking to outfit their homes with one of a kind art and displays. Plus, there are dozens of art galleries with a variety of fine art along the famed El Paseo Drive.

First Weekends run through May, with many of the activities free. For a complete schedule of activities go to www. pdfirstweekend.com or call (760) 568-1441.

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March 5 to March 11, 2015

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Don’t Be

CLUELESS IN THE COACHELLA VALLEY

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orry, this response is so tardy, but I was so impressed by Lady Gaga’s awesome tribute to The Sound of Music at the Oscars (February 22) and the surprise appearance of the also-impressed film’s star, Julie Andrews, that I could hardly type and keep my all-agog well-lined lips closed. The pop icon with the name so long we can’t repeat for lack of space, Gaga found new friends among the standing audience, sending the applause meter into overdrive.

Where did that voice come from? Perhaps from under the Cinderella froth she twirled in on stage? (Andrews co-star Christopher Plummer, always called the legendary 50year old film, The Sound of Mucous.) In any case, the rest of the Academy Awards was mostly a snooze-fest, but I wondered who else in this season or the next here at home is going to amaze, delight and surprise us with a song, speech, dance, sculpture, fashion design, painting, a performance that we never expected from them, or anyone.

We live in a magical desert. Stay tuned.

Saturday, March 7, 8 AM- 3 PM, and Sunday, March 8, 9 AM - 3 PM. Loving All Animals “Rummage Sale” to benefit the non-profit organization’s “Whiskers & Purrs Program,” is one vast gathering up of the philosophy of “One man’s junk is another man’s or woman’s treasure!” And we recommend it as a loving gesture of caring for the two or four legged critters living in our midst who will benefit from the Spay and Neuter program the proceeds will cover. A great way to give to the cause, who doesn’t enjoy pawing through possibly valuable antiques, still working electronics, comfy stuffed chairs, or a replacement for a dining chair that collapsed under Uncle Harold? Who couldn’t use a wooden tennis racket, a putter that hits the hole every time? Who knows what you’ll find? Want to donate? Call 760-834-7000. Or Adopt!!

Volunteer! Participate! Location? Next to Loving All Animals office, north of HWY 111, off San Pablo, 75648 Alessandro Dr., Palm Desert.

by Diane Marlin-Dirkx contact Nila Tatum at 760-770-2003 or nila2361@gmail.com.For more information about the Rancho Mirage Women’s Club, please visit ranchomiragewomansclub.org or contact membership chair Micki Elliott at mickielliott@gmail.com.

Friday, March 13, 8 PM, Saturday, March 14, 2 PM (Matinee), 8 PM, Sunday, March 15, 2 PM (Matinee) 7 PM. Girls! Glamour!

Gershwin! “Nice Work If You Can Get It,” the Tony award winning musical comedy about

the Roaring Twenties, straight from today’s Great White Way”---New York’s Broadway stage---and hang on to your garters, girls-right now at our McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert all weekend. (You may want to see it more than once. In fact, we guarantee it!)

May we sing from the lyrics of the show:: “Who could ask for anything more?” Plot: There’s a cast of outrageous characters gathering in New York to celebrate the wedding of a wealthy playboy. Oops, as luck would have it, when the guy meets a feisty, bubbly bootlegger who melts his foolish heart, hilarity ensues, which is too tame a word for the evening of, you got it, girls, glamour and the gorgeous music and song of Gershwin. Tickets are priced at $95, $85, $45, $65 and $45 and $85, $75, $55, $35, and are available at the Theatre’s web site at www.mccallumtheatre.com, or by calling the McCallum Theatre box office at (760) 340-ARTS. The McCallum Theatre is located at 73000 Fred Waring Dr, Palm Desert CA 92260 “Don’t Be Clueless” wants to remind you that press releases for inclusion should be in to the Coachella Valley Weekly at least two weeks ahead of the scheduled event!

Thanks!

New Handsome Hounds for 2015 Men of the Desert

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ogs, Dudes, and Designer Menswear hit the catwalk at the Ritz-Carlton this Saturday, March 7 for Animal Samaritans’ 6th annual Men of the Desert charity luncheon and fashion show. The event raises money for the organization’s animal rescue program and to feed, shelter, and provide medical care for the dogs and cats of AnSams’ no-kill animal shelter and adoption center. Almost 300 tickets have been sold so far.

Susan Stein, Fashion Editor for Palm Springs Life Magazine and the Creative Director/Producer of Fashion Week El Paseo, directs 17 local models, aka “Handsome Handsome” and their dogs on stage. She’ll be dressing the gents in fashions by local clothiers Don Vincent, Mr. Turk, and Wil Stiles.

As usual, the men will be dressed to the nines while walking their favorite canine companion on stage. Part of the fun is watching to see what the dogs do; will they strut alongside their human, sit like a stone, or chose to pursue other distractions? The animals are not dressed in apparel (only the men), but remind all in attendance the reason behind the event: to raise money for the animals.

This year’s handsome hounds include:

By TOM SNYDER

March 5 to March 11, 2015

events

Brady Sandahl from Sotheby’s International Realty; real estate developer and attorney Doug Jones; Peter Gueracague, an actor and model who recently joined the cast of the History Channel’s TV series “The Vikings;” Dr. Mark Sofonio; Michael Mathews, Community Relations and Event Director from Palm Springs Life Magazine; Robert Downing of Robert & Tracy Real Estate Group; Patrick Evans, CBS TV2 Meteorologist; Cortland Knudson and Ken Waski from Renova Solar; Mark Miller, American Airlines; Bill “the Bulldog” Feingold from KNEWS; Sean Bergara, Owner of Ecore Fitness; Brian Myers, MD, from the Live Well Clinic; Doug Watson, GM of the Ritz Carlton Resort; Joey Francis an actor, model and musician featured on TV’s “The Bold and The Beautiful;” and Jim Casey, President of Integrated Wealth Management.

Date: Saturday, March 7 Time: 11am – 1:30pm Place: The Ritz-Carlton Resort, Rancho Mirage About: Includes champagne reception, luncheon, silent auction, and charity fashion show.

Tickets: $125 contact 760-601-3754 or www.animalsamaritans.org

Breaking the 4th Wall

By Dee Jae Cox

A Stage Review of “Handful of Nickels & Dimes”

Friday, March 6, 8 PM. Young Croatian cellists Luka Sulic and Stjepan Hauser together known as 2CELLOS have no limits when it comes to performing live, and are as impressive when stroking their way across the strings playing Bach and Vivaldi as they are when rocking AC/DC. Case in point: 2CELLOS rose to fame in 2011 when their version of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” took the world by storm, receiving over three million YouTube views in the first two weeks. The YouTube video became a massive viral sensation, leading to a record deal with Sony Masterworks and an invitation to join Sir Elton John on his worldwide tour. In February 2014, Luka and Stjepan published their rendition of AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” to YouTube. The video went viral, gathering 10 million views in the first two weeks. ‘Nuff said? See and hear this Dynamic Duo at The McCallum Theatre. Tickets are priced at $65, $45, $35 and $25 and are available at the Theatre’s web site at www.mccallumtheatre.com, or by calling the McCallum Theatre box office at (760) 340-ARTS. The McCallum Theatre is located at 73000 Fred Waring Dr, Palm Desert CA 92260

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Monday, March 9, Luncheon 10AM – 2 PM. “Jewels of the Nile” fashion fundraiser luncheon is hosted by the Rancho Mirage Women’s Club with an exotic touch to support its charities featuring shopping, raffle prize giveaways, silent auction and a fashion show that the event’s chair Nila Tatum calls, “definitely new, edgy and exciting. Primarily sponsored by Franz Tatum Wealth Management at the ‘purple amethyst level,”, chairwoman Tatum is second vice-president of the RMWC and says fashions will be shown by industry award-winning designers including Andrew MacLaine, palm Springs resident who has been in the semi-finals of TV’s Project Runway, Daisy Fofie, from Cameroon, Africa, who achieved her degrees at American fashion design institutes, and Tafreshu, an honors graduate of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles. Tickets are $75 per person, and guests are asked to RSVP soonest to this popular event by calling Sue at 760-898-6968. Location: Agua Caliente Resort and Casino in Rancho Mirage. For additional information about Jewels of the Nile, including sponsorship support, please

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Handful of Nickels and Dimes, Comedy and music from the golden age of Vaudeville, is currently in production at the Indio Performing Arts Center and running through March 22nd.

Between 1880 and 1920, The Gunfight at the OK Corral occurred, The Statue of Liberty was dedicated, eight states entered the union, The Ford Motor Company raises its wages from $2.40 for a nine-hour day to $5.00 for an eight-hour day, World War I was fought and Women won the battle for the vote. But in the midst of all of the changes that were going on in the country, Americans found their escape in Vaudeville.

The Vaudeville circuit was home to more than 25,000 performers, and was the most popular form of entertainment in America.

With a Handful of Nickels and Dimes, double entendres are the theme of the night, almost every song and skit played into the fun and sexy comedy of a bygone era.

Before movies and TV, Americans found our joy on the stage in the form of entertainers like Gracie Allen and George Burns, Will Rogers and Bessie Smith. Songs, dances, comedy and magic gave laughter and hope to a country who did not yet have access to the internet or dreams of Hollywood.

World Renown Jazz/blues singer and pianist, Yve Evans, leads this outstanding cast. Her performances of Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith classics such as “My Man’” or Ruth Brown’s classic, “If I can’t sell it, I’ll sit on it,” could be a show all on its own. Evan’s has a voice that is as enticing as a cool drink of water on a hot summer day. I would like to have seen her and her piano moved down stage left a little more so that her performances were not so removed from an audience that obviously loved her.

Magician Dean Apple, whose comedic antics had me smiling and laughing out loud almost immediately, obviously a very gifted performer as well as magician, he could give Houdini a run for the money.

Emcee and vocalist Justin Blake, led the audience through the history of Vaudeville, his duet, ‘baby it’s cold outside’, with Yve Evans, planted a permanent smile on my face.

Jeannette Knight is a class act. From her role as a chorus girl to her impersonation of Gracie Allen, she is smart and funny and never misses a beat.

Cat Lyn Day, Stephen Kauffman and Michel Seneca round a cast that most definitely knows how to work and play together. It’s an ensemble that pulls the audience up on the stage and along for the

ride as they showcase talent and skits from a golden age.

I loved seeing Burns and Allen, Will Rogers and Bessie Smith, alive and doing Vaudeville again.

This group of actors will take you back and make you long for something you never knew you missed. I would like to have seen just a little more cohesiveness in showing and less telling of what made Vaudeville so popular and why this show was so important.

Although I’ve never seen a program that gave no credit to anyone, except for a list of the actors. There is no identified writer or director credited for A Handful of Nickels and Dimes. No one identified for lights or sound or set design. A note of thanks to Jane Treacy for donating several costumes, though I’m not sure who made the costuming choices.

I thought perhaps it was just like in the early days of theatre, when a group of talented actors got together and decided to put on a show. Theatre is a collaborative art and this group certainly knows how to collaborate.

A Handful of Nickels and Dimes is performed at 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and 2 p.m., Sunday, through Sunday, March 22, at the Indio Performing Arts Center, 45175 Fargo St., Indio. There are no shows March 6-8. Tickets are $26 with discounts.

For tickets or more information, 760-7755200, or indioperformingartscenter.org.

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

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March 5 to March 11, 2015

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Local Music Spotlight

by chris clemens

Coachella Valley Community Trust Introduces a New Program: Academy of Musical Performance

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oachella Valley Community Trust (CVCT) have announced a new program, Academy of Musical Performance (AMP), designed to advance the musical abilities of youth who will be completing 6th through 11th grades at the end of June 2015. An open call on March 14, 2015 is the first opportunity to be considered for acceptance into the musical aspect of the program.

AMP is made possible by grant funding from Goldenvoice. It is a summer camp for students who know the basics of instrumentation and vocals and are eager to perform on stage. It also affords the opportunity for those interested in stage production, audio and visual production, event management and promotion to become involved in those aspects of the program. Applications for the production and promotion aspects of the program will be accepted online beginning March 15, after the musician and performer applicants have been seen.

On March 14, 2015 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., youth musicians and performers are invited to the open call, which will take place at the Indio Performing Arts Center (IPAC). Interested students are encouraged to pre-register for the open call online at http://www.cvcommunitytrust.org/AMP. They may also register in person at the open call, but online pre-registered students will take priority.

A total of 40 students across each of the music, production and promotion aspects program will be accepted. Tuition is $1500 per student and includes lunch and snacks for each day of the program. Scholarships are available to those in need. Music and vocal instructors will also be needed and are encouraged to contact CVCT. AMP will run four weeks from June 29 through July 24, 2015, taking place at IPAC Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A public concert performance on July

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25, 2015 will showcase the talented abilities of the students.

For more information about CVCT or AMP, please visit www.cvcommunityturst. org or call (760) 863-2333.

The Coachella Valley Community Trust (formerly the Indio Youth Task Force) is a unique, non-profit organization originally established in 1994 by the Indio Police Department and concerned citizens in an effort to stem gang activity. The organization continues to this day as CVCT networks with more than 100 community based organizations, including school districts, service organizations, local businesses, media, parents, law enforcement, probation, parks and recreation districts, boys & girls clubs, non-profits and religious organizations, all in its mission of fostering productive and responsible young people through effective community collaborations.

March 5 to March 11, 2015

Local Music Spotlight

Tilted Kilt Open Mic Competition New Year’s Edition-Week 7 eek #7 of The Tilted Kilt Open Mic a great show AND for being so supportive of the

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Competition New Year’s edition was a great night for newcomers! Between the new $100 weekly cash prize for 1st place, fantastic prizes for 2nd and 3rd places, and the new 50% judge vote and 50% audience applause vote, the crowd was rowdy and new musicians joined competition veterans in an energetic show.

Plus, giveaways from the Mary Pickford Theater such as hats, t-shirts, and movie tickets got the audience on their feet. After the tallying of the anonymous judge vote and the audience applause score, it was newcomers Danny Christina who won 1st place and $100 cash. The duo will now move on to the Grand Finals April 8th for a shot at a 3 day, 2 night trip to Las Vegas from Crater Lake Vodka, a $500 shopping spree at Guitar Center an Artist Development Session with Producer, Ronnie King, an artist spotlight article in Coachella Valley Weekly and a band/artist showcase concert from Morgan James Entertainment. 2nd place was awarded to Late for Dinner, another newcomer this week. The band took home Record Alley Gift Certificates from MIX 100.5. 3rd place was vocalist, Porsia Camille who was also awarded Record Alley Gift Certificates from MIX 100.5.

THANK YOU to ALL of our performers at the Tilted Kilt Open Mic Competition for putting on

other artists: Daniel aka The Puppet, Will Kelly, Jim Holiday, Kameron & Mike Sick-boy, Tyler Emerson, Dillan Baillard, Juan Espino, Seth & Matt, B-Blunt, Justin Kunz, Christina Tucker, Danny, Porsia Camille, Maddy Ebersole, Kyle Paras, Kirk Kelly, and Jason Romero. I hope to see you all next week! Look for coverage of this week’s event and the announcement of winners in the next issue of Coachella Valley Weekly! SPECIAL THANKS to all of our sponsors: Ronnie King Music, Guitar Center, Crater Lake Vodka, CV Weekly, Morgan James Entertainment, Stuft Pizza, Mary Pickford Theater, Skitzo Kitty and KAM Music Studio.

Remember, the Tilted Kilt Open Mic Competition is ALL AGES and runs EVERY WEDNESDAY. YOU may compete EVERY week!

PLEASE NOTE: Due to our overwhelming number of interested performers, sign in starts at 7pm and will be closed at 7:45pm. BRING YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY and FANS and note that the competition may run to 11pm so be sure your friends and family know to stay until the end to voice their vote!!!

For questions or information about sign-up, please see Facebook.com/TiltedKiltOpenMicCompetition or contact creator and host, Morgan James at MorganAliseJames@gmail.com or (714)651-1911

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March 5 to March 11, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Local Music Spotlight

All Night Shoes

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J and music producer Alex Harrington, also known as All Night Shoes, has to be one of the busiest DJ’s in the valley. From being booked almost every weekend to just recently announcing that he will be performing at the Coachella Music Festival Campground, Harrington is the IT guy right now. If I were to describe his sound in one word it would be “chill.” A fusion of EDM (electric dance music) that makes you want to close your eyes, sip a pina colada by the pool, and bob your head.

With staying true to the style of music he loves to play, All Night Shoes has created a niche for himself here in the Coachella Valley and there is no denying the people are starting to take notice.

MM: How old are you and where are from?

AH: I’m 28 years old, originally from Northern California. I was born in the Bay Area but grew up in a small town called Grass Valley, about an hour southwest of Tahoe. I moved here with my family in 2004 and have been here ever since.

MM: How did you come up with the name All Night Shoes?

AH: I’ve always been into dance music.

I wanted to come up with something that was fun and that reminded me of going out and dancing all night. It’s a play on words I guess.

MM: How did you become a DJ? AH: I’ve been playing music since I was nine. I grew up doing school musicals, recitals, etc. When I turned 14, I received a bass guitar as a gift. I taught myself how to play it. I used to come home every day and just sit there practicing. After a while I learned guitar, drums, and piano.

After moving to the desert I had no band members, so I starting getting more into production. From there I got into being a DJ. DJ’ing allowed me to share my productions

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as well as other music I was into.

MM: What was the first record you bought?

AH: What’s The Story, Morning Glory? from Oasis. I listened to that record over and over again. Still have it today!

MM: Who did you listen to growing up?

AH: Oasis, Fleetwood Mac, Metallica, Daft Punk. My Mom was a huge rocker and got me into a lot of the music that inspired me. I remember staying up to watch MTV’s late night videos. Back in 1997, I was 11 and saw the video for Daft Punk’s “Around The World” and I was hooked from there.

Jamiroquai is a huge influence as well, even so today.

MM: What would you describe as your style?

AH: I love House Music. It’s a broad term…there are lots of different kinds of House. I prefer the disco stuff, music you can groove to. Nu Disco and Deep House records fill up a lot of my collection.

MM: How do you find the music that you play?

AH: Mostly from the internet and other artists I work with. I’m always listening to new music so I follow blogs and profiles that share a mix of styles. You kind of have to look everywhere to be a complete DJ. MM: How do you decide what you are going to play at a gig?

AH: I draw off my collection and usually play as I go. Sometimes I’ll curate a list for a special event, but I like to provide a certain amount of rawness in my sets. Create a unique experience, a memory for the audience.

MM: What would you say is your biggest struggle as a DJ? AH: People assume a lot about what you do, as is the case with any artist. I feel that being a DJ is still a new thing. It’s exploding right now and with that there is a certain backlash. DJ’ing is an art form and can be performed in many different ways.

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

AH: The scene is growing, quickly. I think for a long time our scene stagnated and was tied to a select few acts. Now it’s opening up and you can see artists from different genres starting to gain traction, get attention.

MM: Do you feel that there is a stigma in the valley with DJ’s that don’t play Top 40 music?

AH: Absolutely. You’re always going to have that, though. The popular crowd will always believe they know what is “hip” and what is “in”. You have to stick with what you love because the only thing that can overcome popular judgement is pure creativity and passion.

MM: You recently announced that you will be performing at the Coachella Music Festival Campground this year. What a great accomplishment! How stoked are you?

AH: I’m extremely excited to play at the Coachella campgrounds. It was a huge goal

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Lisa Morgan Local Music Spotlight This is M.E. - Melissa Etheridge, Her Guitars and Her Heart

By monica morones of mine to play the “Splash House” festivals and after I did that last year, I set my sights on Coachella. I’m grateful to be part of the festivities this year and hope to share my passion with a bigger, international audience.

MM: Where do you see yourself in 3 years?

AH: Hopefully still performing and creating music. I take things day by day, step by step. I understand I’m very lucky to be where I am and I don’t want to take that for granted.

MM: What is the root of your inspiration?

March 5 to March 11, 2015

@ Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, SATURDAY, MARCH 7th, 8pm

AH: Creation. I want to use my emotions, experiences, and hopes to craft music that is different. I’m always looking to evolve and learn. Music is something you can throw yourself into and explore different worlds while still taking in the world around you.

MM: Where can we listen to your music and mixes?

AH: My SoundCloud is the best spot, I upload almost all my work there. You can find it at soundcloud.com/allnightshoes.

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ou cannot truly appreciate the lifetrail that Melissa Etheridge has blazed without stopping to consider the changes in our culture and the music industry over the last 27 years. In 1988, when the future Grammy Award Winning artist was just beginning to make some noise, things were very different for women, for the music industry and for gays, artist or otherwise.

On the music front, Rick Astley was “Never Gonna Give You Up”. Michael Jackson’s Bad hit five Billboard Hot 100 number one singles, the first album to do so. And only around 10 solo female artists were listed in the “Top 100 Albums”, with Madonna, Janet Jackson and Kate Bush making duplicate entries. CDs were the new big deal and the internet was a thing of the future.

That same year, the CDC mailed a brochure, Understanding AIDS, to every household in the U.S. Approximately 107 million brochures were mailed. And the World Health Organization organized the first World AIDS Day to raise awareness of the spreading pandemic. Many were in a state of panic, and the climate was unreasonably phobic toward homosexuals. As Melissa Etheridge stated in her interview with CV Weekly, “When there’s fear, a lot of crazy things happen.”

On to the scene, enters Melissa Etheridge, armed with an easy going demeanor, a big voice, and guitar skills that packed a wallop.

Today, the owner of 2 Grammys out of 17 nominations, an Academy Award and a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Etheridge is blazing yet another new trail. Her latest album, This is M.E., released this past September, is her first with an independent label. On this 12th collection of new material, Etheridge collaborates with music industry A-listers, Jerrod Bettis (Adele, One Republic, Eric Hutchinson, Gavin DeGraw), Jon Levine (Nelly Furtado, Selena Gomez), Jerry Wonda (Grammy Award-winning producer of the Fugees, Mary J. Blige, Akon) and Roccstar (Usher, Chris Brown). The songs are “right from the heart,” shares Etheridge, especially “Who Are You Waiting For”, the song she wrote and debuted at her recent wedding to Linda Wallem.

Etheridge will be bringing these new songs along with some fan favorites from her huge catalogue, to Fantasy Springs. This will be a “one-off” concert, as it isn’t part of a tour, but will act as the only precursor to her European tour. It will be simply her and her guitars and her soul gripping songs of heart and passion. Those who have witnessed these solo, acoustic concerts will attest to the fact that this is one artist who doesn’t need a band to back her up. Etheridge shines as musician, vocalist and entertainer.

Ever generous with fans and press (within reason), CV Weekly was honored to share a conversation with this ground breaking artist.

CVW: This will be your first album produced on an independent label. Why the change?

Etheridge: I changed management recently, and they came to me and said, “Hey, let me show you the numbers-how you can do this, and what it will mean.” When I looked at it, I saw that there were risks, but in the end, to own my own songs? People don’t quite understand that a major label owns the recording. If you want to put that song in a movie, you pay the record company, you don’t pay me. I own the song, but I don’t own that recording of it. So to actually make a record and own all the songs is a huge thing. Even though the money up front wasn’t the same as I get from a major label, it’s already been better than the last album.

CVW: You have played for a lot of different causes. What are the ones closest to your heart?

Etheridge: When I started out wanting to be a rock star, being an activist was not something I wanted to do at all. I just wanted to sing my music and be a rock star. And then life comes along. I started meeting people that were doing great work to change the world, volunteering so much of their time and energy, and I was very moved by that. In the last 25 years I’ve been very involved with the LGBT movement to get our rights and marriage rights. I have my own “Uprising of Love Coalition” that is involved in bringing funds to LGBT leaders around the world. People who don’t have the resources like we do here in America, are losing their jobs, being thrown in jail. I do these, because that’s my heart. I’m not involved in any breast cancer groups directly. I’m more involved in the healing aspects. There’s a cannabis dispensary that I give my money to.

I put a lot of work into that, because I really believe in the health and wellness side of fighting cancer, and I believe cannabis is a big part of that.

I think health is the main issue of our generation. We’re making our life pretty

great, and our life spans are getting longer.

We can’t fool ourselves anymore, and think we can eat processed food and survive. We just can’t.

CVW: Your performance with Joss Stone doing a Janice Joplin Tribute on the Grammys was powerful. You were bold, bald and powerful...a cancer survivor. What was that moment like for you?

Etheridge: That experience is definitely one of the most powerful ones. It reached the world. A week does not go by that someone doesn’t mention that.

CVW: Darn. I thought I was unique.

Etheridge: No bless your heart. I realize the scope of that performance, and I’m grateful. I’ve performed for Presidents, I’ve performed with rock stars. Bruce Springsteen was probably one of my favorite moments on stage. I’ve done so much, and I’m incredibly grateful.

CVW: How are your kids? Any of them showing signs of pursuing a music career?

Etheridge: Oh my kids! You know I’ve always had an open music policy in my house. The piano was to be banged on and played, guitars...well, certain guitars were to be banged on and played. They all know how to play. My older kids know how to play and are talented. They don’t have the crazy dream that I did, which is really what you have to have to get into the business - that thing that, even if it’s crazy, you have to do it, whether anybody wants you to or not. They don’t have that for music, but they have that for other things. My daughter is graduating this year and has been accepted into Columbia, off to study foreign politics and service. She is super smarty pants, and I’m just so proud of her. My son is in competitive snowboarding. As long as they’re following their dreams, that’s all I want for my kids. You hold your breath and yell: “Go solar! Fly!” CVW: You have been through all the changes in the music industry, and remain relevant. Any advice for younger, budding artists who are crazy enough to pursue the music business, “whether anybody likes it or not?”

Etheridge: I would say the good news is… people love music. Music is a part of everyone’s life. It’s something that is part of our human experience, and it’s a wonderful gift in this life. To be able to sing, play and create it is also a gift. If you approach it from the viewpoint that “this is a great gift and I love doing it and I would do it for who loves it and because I love it,” then everything else that happens after that is really going to be ok. You have to let go of the other stuff and play in the moment. Just play for everyone who loves it, in that moment. Let go of results in the future. Music, especially now a days, has got to be played in the now. I look back 25 years ago and I think, “Ah man, I wish I would have just relaxed a little bit and just enjoyed what was happening.” I didn’t, because I was looking to the future.

CVW: What insights do you have about how things have evolved for women and for gays over the years?

Etheridge: I feel there is a worldwide balancing and a worldwide change. We are coming into the understanding that there is a spectrum of male and female energy that goes from one side to the other. You could line up boy girl/boy girl in that spectrum.

Each of us has that male and female side of us, and it is our own journey to figure out how it balances out. When we can stop being afraid of anyone else’s journey, when we can understand that we are all different, and that is the thing that makes us the same, we begin to see that our diversity makes us strong. When we can really start standing on that strength, maybe one day, we can look at each other and not see the differences, but be judged by the contents of our character. That is the future that we are looking toward, and as long as we are, then we’ll get there.

CVW: How about in the music industry specifically?

Etheridge: There is a lot of fear, and when there’s fear a lot of crazy things happen.

They’re only afraid because it’s changing, and they are afraid of losing their own relevance.

What’s eventually going to happen is there is just going to be a beautiful releasing and understating that it’s not about being male or female. We don’t have to limit things. It happens every generation. The old guard goes away and the new comes in. I think we’re in the middle of watching it happen right now.

To follow Melissa Etheridge and purchase her music go to melissaetheridge.com To purchase tickets for her performance THIS SATURDAY, March 7th @ 8PM at Fantasy Springs Resort and Casino, go to www.fantasyspringsresort.com Fantasy Springs Resort Casino 84-245 Indio Springs Pkwy. Indio, CA 92203 800-827-2946 or (760) 342-5000

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March 5 to March 11, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Eleni P. Austin

DECEMBERISTS “

“What A Terrible World, What A Beautiful World” (Capitol Records)

Consider This

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ay what you will, say you will or will you won’t, or you whatever, You prevaricate your whole life don’t you? /This much I can say: I would’ve waited till the oceans fell away and all the sunken cities would reveal themselves to you/But you won’t will you? Because you never do.”

That’s the Decemberists, taking the hyperliterate high road chastising a long-lost love on “Lake Song.” The Portland, Oregon band, going strong now nearly 15 years, is the brainchild of Colin Meloy.

Meloy was born and raised in Helena, Montana, part of an artistic family. His original ambition was writing but he was sidetracked by music. He formed his first band, Happy Cactus, in high school.

His college years were split, studying English and theatre at the University Of Oregon in Eugene, and finishing up in the creative writing program at University Of Montana in Missoula. But he couldn’t resist the siren call of music.

Following graduation, he continued playing in Tarkio, a five-piece band he co-founded in college. They released a full-length album and a couple of EPs before Meloy decided to relocate to Portland in 1999.

As wickedly satirized in the television show, “Portlandia,” the city of Portland is full of beardy beard men, moustache wax and artisanal beverages. In short, the ideal place to let one’s freak-flag fly before biodegrading it.

Working at a pizza parlor to cover living expenses, Meloy immediately started performing at Open Mic nights around town.

He hooked up with bassist, Nate Query and multi-instrumentalist, Jenny Conlee. (The duo played in the local band, Calobo, together).

The three collaborated, scoring a silent film, and the nucleus of the Decemberists was born. With the addition of drummer, Ezra Holbrook and guitarist, Chris Funk, they selfreleased an EP entitled 5 Songs, in 2001.

Their full-length debut, Castaways And Cutouts was released on Hush Records. Soon after, Rachel Blumberg replaced Ezra Holbrook

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

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art Scene

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

March 5 to March 11, 2015

By rebecca pikus

STELLAR EXHIBIT - YOSSI GOVRIN & KRISTA AUGIUS at the Leslie Jean Porter Gallery

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on drums and the band signed with the wellknown Northwestern indie label, Kill Rock Stars.

Best known for signing bands like Bikini Kill, Sleater-Kinney and Elliott Smith, the label provided a solid foundation for the Decemberists’ wild flights of fancy. Their first album for the label, Her Majesty, The Decemberists arrived in 2003 and included tributes to author Myla Goldberg and a Marcel Duchamp painting.

The following summer, they spent a month recording in a church, adding accordion and hurdy gurdy to their already expansive sound.

Picaresque arrived in 2005, the title a tart acknowledgement of the band’s penchant for clever wordplay, as well as their roguish wit.

After the album was released, John Moen replaced Rachel Blumberg behind the drum kit.

In 2006 the Decemberists shocked the insular, somewhat elitist Portland Indie Rock community by signing with industry giant, Capitol Records. Any Hipster misgivings were for naught, the band didn’t suddenly morph into Coldplay. (The musical equivalent of “mom jeans”), in fact their Capitol debut was their most ambitious effort yet.

The Crane Wife arrived in late 2006, equally inspired by Shakespeare’s “Tempest,” and the Japanese folk tale it’s named for. Produced

by Tucker Martine and Death Cab For Cutie guitarist, Chris Walla, the effort was fiercely unconventional. Song-cycles are almost always a risky proposition, but their gamble paid off, both critically and commercially.

Their next release, 2009’s Hazards Of Love, took another left turn. The musical style was an intriguing mélange of Prog-Rock and British Folk, kind of Rush-meets-The Fairport Convention. The original concept was a stage musical. When that became too unwieldy, the band committed to performing the album from start to finish at each concert.

2011’s The King Is Dead dove head-first into the alt.country swimming hole. Their sound was made more bucolic and pastoral, with the addition of mandolin, banjo and bouzouki.

The band enlisted the talents of Indie Rock royalty, R.E.M.’s Peter Buck, along with singersongwriter Laura Viers and Roots-Rock fun couple, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings. An unmitigated triumph, the album received a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Song.

Following The King Is Dead, the band took a lengthy hiatus. Colin Meloy satisfied his

writing ambitions by collaborating with his wife, Carson Ellis on two children’s books.

The rest of the Decemberists concentrated on their musical side project, the Bluegrass acoustic band, Black Prairie.

Now the Decemberists are back with their seventh full-length record, What A Terrible World, What A Beautiful World. It kicks into gear with the marvelously meta “The Singer Addresses His Audience.” Along with “AntiSummer Song,” they drop the fourth wall and speak directly to their fans.

Opening with supplicating acoustic riffs and lone cello notes, Meloy acknowledges that the band appreciates their fans’ loyalty…

“We’re aware that you cut your hair in a style that our drummer wore in the video/ but with fame came a mounting claim for the evermore.” As the track gathers steam, piling on the instruments, the melody becomes a cacophonous din: Making the point that if they subvert expectations, they avoid becoming overly precious.

“Anti-Summersong” goes one further, referencing their jaunty “Summersong” from the Crane Wife. Over wheezy harmonica, pliant piano fills and a melody that splits the difference between a Celtic reel and a football chant. Meloy resolves to break with the past. “I’m not going on just to sing another ‘Summersong.’”

Musically, there’s no rhyme or reason to this album, which is a good thing. Three songs illustrate the band’s proficiency with myriad styles. “Calvary Captain” is a horn driven powerhouse. Simultaneously hook-filled and wistful, it’s a Shiny Happy sea shanty that would fit in nicely on an album by the Pogues or R.E.M. “Philomena” feels like Elizabethan DooWop. Sighing back-up vocals ooh and ah over treacly strings and chiming guitars.

The lyrics are a super-sly plea to perform cunnilingus...”open up your linen lap and let me go down.”

Jittery guitar chords and downcast piano notes cascade over the spare arrangement of “Make You Better.” The lyrics paint a vivid portrait of marital ennui. On the instrumental break air raid siren guitars succeed in ratcheting up the tension.

The best songs here are the aforementioned “Lake Song” and “12/17/12.” The former is an ethereal minor key waltz anchored by a hiccup-y rhythm, flickering, firefly acoustic guitar and prickly piano chords

The lyrics conjure up the exquisite angst of first love. By turns melancholy and bitter, accusatory and thankful. “And I, seventeen and terminally fey, I wrote it down and threw it all away, and never gave a thought to what I paid/And you, sibylline, reclining in your pew, you tattered me, you tethered me to you.”

It’s an epochal song, matching the urgent eloquence of Nick Drake’s “Pink Moon” and Jeff Buckley’s “Last Goodbye.”

The melody of the latter is eerily reminiscent of Cat Stevens’ “Trouble,” (which scored a pivotal moment in the cult classic film, “Harold And Maude.”) The lyrics juxtapose the horror of the Newtown shooting spree, and President Obama’s reaction to the carnage, with the simple pleasures of parenthood. Addressing God directly, they note the dichotomies that make up life. “O my God, what a world you have made here/What a terrible world, what a beautiful world...”

Three songs continue to stretch the Decemberists musical horizons. On “Till The Water’s All Gone,” Gypsy Jazz guitar collides with lush organ fills and a stuttery waltz rhythm. “Carolina Low” is a Southern Gothic murder ballad.

Finally, “Easy Come, Easy Go” is a smorgasbord of genres High lonesome harmonica channels the expansive Spaghetti Western tones of Ennio Morricone, the ornate arrangement recalls the Space Age Bachelor Pad sounds of Les Baxter while the reverbdrenched guitar echoes the twangy Surf Guitar approach of Dick Dale, Duane Eddy and Link Wray. Player-Piano flourishes are layered throughout, somehow the calibrated chaos works.

Other interesting tracks include “The Wrong Year,” which is propelled by a kick-drum beat and crackling guitar riffs, the banjo-riffic “Better Not Wake The Baby,” and the breezy tilt-a-whirl of “Mistral.”

The album closes, ironically, with “A Beginning Song.” A grandiloquent benediction that offers this intriguing piece of advice, “Document the world inside your skin, the tenor of your shins, the timbre of your limbs/ Now commence to kick each brick apart to center on your heart.”

The Decemberists’ boundless ambition is only exceeded by their sharp capabilities.

What A Terrible World, What A Beautiful World blurs lines and blends idioms. In short, it’s everything you have come to expect from this weird and wonderful band.

he most exciting & creative Art Exhibit in the Desert is taking place right now!

It can be seen at the new & innovative Leslie Jean Porter Gallery in Cathedral City, Ca. Leslie opened last Fall, and through her ingenuity, brilliance, and incredible hard work, she has presented spectacular & eclectic openings every single month. The current exhibit features the artwork of Yossi Govrin, Krista Augius, Hiroshi Mori, Gary Kott, & Leslie Jean Porter.

Yossi Govrin is a national and international multi-media artist, creating hemp & cement sculptures, bronze sculptures, paintings, photography & film. He has received many commissions, including a monument in Tel Aviv, Israel in honor of the late Prime Minister, Yitzhak Rabin, and a bust of General James H. Doolittle in the Santa Monica Museum of Aviation. Govrin is the Director of Santa Monica Art Studios and Arena 1 Gallery. In 2014 he was awarded the Arts Leadership Award by the Santa Monica Arts Foundation.

His prestigious education includes Bethzalel High Academy of Art & Design in Jerusalem, and Hebrew University, Jerusalem with Major Studies in International Relationship & Sociology.

His hauntingly beautiful sculptures on installation at the LJP Gallery must be experienced in person: “In the ‘Night Watch’ series the sculptures relate directly to ‘human conductivity’ and are made from hemp and cement; emphasizing the transient nature of humans and their environment, and a single mold reflecting our common origin. The added elements such as chandeliers, stones, and rope suggest the sense of individuality and uniqueness and resonate across cultural and national boundaries.”

Krista Augius brings an entirely different art perspective. She too is a multi-media artist: oil paintings, sculptures, installations, photography and short films. Krista has been an artist since childhood and is self-taught.

In 2006 she traveled to Cadaques, Spain (the hometown of Salvador Dali) to learn the Mische technique. This essentially dates back to the Dutch Masters style of painting in the 1500s, using a combination of oil paints and resins to achieve a luminous, resonant realism. This technique produces the phenomenon of light refracting through many subsequent layers of

paint. Augius has earned a degree in Biology and a clinical doctorate in Physiotherapy.

Krista has exhibited both nationally and internationally. Her most recent body of work, Mythical Codes, “explores relationships between contemporary optical illusions and their effects on the brain while using folkloric Lithuanian symbology that have historical roots in Indian Vedic mythology as well as historical transcontinental influence in South America during pre-Columbian times.” Her current paintings are in support of wildlife causes (endangered elephants, bees, wildcats). Her baby elephant series of paintings champions the campaign “Save the Elephants”; see also: International Society for Endangered Cats, & FloridaPanther.Net. “Yossi Govrin & Krista Augius” Exhibit runs Feb. 21 - March 14, 2015.

LESLIE JEAN PORTER GALLERY, 68703 Perez Rd, Bldg. A-#16, Cathedral City, CA 92234; www.ljpgallery.com; (760) 880-7139.

Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Saturdays 10AM6PM

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March 5 to March 11, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

PET PLACE

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Janet McAfee

GET BY WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY “FRIENDS”

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here is always something new and exciting at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter to benefit our furry friends.

Managed and operated by a non-profit organization, Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, this shelter has the flexibility to develop creative ways to promote their animals for adoption. Now the “Friends” have developed a pet food bank program for low income pet owners that helps them keep their animals rather than relinquish them to a shelter.

The Friends Pet Project Food Bank opened in January, 2015. Operated by the Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, the food bank collects pet food donations for low-income and in-need folks who are struggling to feed themselves and their beloved pets. Friends President Stephen Boyd explains, “Often times, illness and other life challenges force pet owners to choose between feeding themselves, feeding their pets, or turning their pet into the shelter because they can no longer afford to care for them. Friends Pet Project hopes to end the need for those heart

wrenching decisions.” In its first month, the program fed 137 dogs and 78 cats.

The new food bank is the “pet” project of Joey Reiter, board member of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. Reiter modeled the food bank after one at the Helen Woodward Animal Center in San Diego. The decision was made to distribute pet food to three social service agencies already feeding people, and those organizations have established a means test (income level) for their recipients. Bodhi Tree provides pet assistance to people in hospice. The Mizell Senior Center provides meals for low income seniors, and now Fluffy and Fido also get a meal.

The Aids Assistance Program is another agency that provides pet food to low income clients who also receive their food vouchers.

Pictured here are Joey Reiter and Mark Anton distributing pet food to AAP clients.

Currently, the pet food bank program is not open for public distribution. The focus is helping the most needy, and that includes folks who are housebound due to age or disability. While many Coachella

Valley neighborhoods are home to wealthy retirees, pockets of low income housing are tucked away on side streets. Distributors of the pet food have heard more than once, “I would rather go without a meal myself then let my dog go hungry!”

Reiter is pleased with their progress so far, and envisions this program will expand to include other organizations. She reports, “What surprised me the most is the extent that we need this type of service in this community. I discovered that many of our residents are low income and their animals

mEET fLASH

This 8-mo old beauty has lovely grey and apricot markings. Loving & playful, Flash is the purrfect pet waiting for you at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, 4575 E. Mesquite Avenue, Palm Springs, (760) 416-5719.

SIMON SAYS “ADOPT ME!” This 4-yr-old Boxer/ Ridgeback fellow is a comical, cudley goofball who will bring love and laughter. He’s at the Palm Springs shelter, 4575 E. Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs, (760) 416-5719.

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are their only family. Their pets keep them going, and some of them would go without if the choice came down to feeding themselves or feeding their pets.” We think it’s important that they not have to make that choice. Studies confirm that having a pet in the home improves one emotional and physical health, and even helps one to live longer.

Join the “Friends” on Monday, March 9, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, at The Purple Room, 1900 E. Palm Canyon, Palm Springs for a fun evening that benefits the pet food bank.

This fundraiser features local blues band, Gand Band. A donation of $65 or $120 per couple includes entertainment, delicious appetizers and cocktails. Join the fun, and meet some fellow animal lovers.

Drop off pet food donations at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter at 4575 E. Mesquite Avenue in Palm Springs. All types of dog and cat food are welcome, except for open bags and products made in China. For additional information contact petfoodbank@ psanimalshelter.org or call (760) 832-6261.

This program is making a difference in people’s lives, and keeping our animals out of shelters.

Jmcafee7@verizon.net

March 5 to March 11, 2015

by Rick Riozza

Pulling Corks, Sniffing Caps - A fun time for all!

C

ertainly, this was the scene somewhere at some time: You’ve got a great bottle of wine—even quite valuable—that’s been waiting to be enjoyed. And one of your favorite dinners is being advertised, prepared and served over at a new restaurant in town. You bring in your wine, it’s properly uncorked and served with the utmost pomp and circumstance; everyone is enjoying the food & wine. Then you receive the check and find that you have been charged a “corkage fee” of $25. Dinner is dampened.

These days, pretty much every wine enthusiast who brings in their own bottle of wine knows of the awaiting “corkage fee policy” and will have to pay the fee or have it waived for some reason or another.

It’s almost a weird thing going on when the wine-loving customer meets up with the restaurateur and this issue comes between them. Some of the “arguments” are fueled by these considerations: Patrons hate to have to pay that “markup” fee—sometimes as much as three times the cost of the wine; in other words, a $25 dollar bottle of wine is listed as $65 on the wine list. Ouch! Now really, most wine lovers know what the wine costs at the stores and an outrageous mark-up tends to be a topic of tension.

Restaurant owners often times hire sommeliers and have spent considerable time and money putting together an interesting and eclectic collection of wines to meet the wine demands of a variety of customers. Owners often have special wine ware that is especially polished and handled, have ice-buckets shined and ready to chill, have decanters ready to fill and will go out of their way to have someone personally available to discuss the various wines offered, suggest wine pairings to the chef’s preparations, and to pour and be attentive to the customer’s needs as to the wine.

So many factors, of course, play out here. A very fancy high-end restaurant is surely going to assess some fee for their very professional wine skill to handle your valued wine. At that level—you will receive top-flight and expert wine service. And you have no problem paying the fee as they open your 25 year old Lafite Rothschild at your table in front of the world.

On the other side of things, is it a bit rude to bring in a cheap bottle of wine, even when paying a nominal corkage fee? Can one really expect the sommelier to pretend to be interested when pouring Two-buck Chuck?

Personally—I applaud those eateries that consider the circumstances of the visiting bottle of wine. For instance, a corkage of $25 is reduced to$10 when bringing in a wine whose vintage is 10 years or so older.

This shows an appreciation by both the restaurant and patron.

And how about when the restaurant waives the corkage fee for your bottle when you go on to their wine list and order a bottle of theirs. This policy definitely works and brings back the customer. If you’re bringing in a magnum of wine (that holds twice the amount of a standard bottle), charging twice the corkage fee can be a bit problematic—it’s not the best idea for a returning customer.

Most avid wine lovers these days will go on line to check out the prospective wine list and determine the better deal consideration for the night. Most will never object to a $15 corkage fee when bringing in a hundred dollar bottle of wine. Here you save as does the restaurant since they never had to buy nor store the wine.

It’s been my experience—especially when bringing in a magnum or a very nice bottle, to offer a small glass or a nice taste to both the sommelier and chef. This often gets the corkage waived. Even if you’ve only brought in a regular size bottle, offer them a taste, it’s a classy gesture and they’re not going to drink that much—they’re working.

Around our desert valley—especially during this tourist season, so many restaurants offer great wine deals during the week. Whether it’s “50% off bottle price night” or “Corkage fee waived night”, check the local ads or call your favorite eatery, and I’ll bet they’ve got something going on to get you in their doors.

And do we not have a plethora of great restaurants here that showcase the talents of so many wonderful and inventive chefs!

So how about a deal where you can enjoy the thrill of corkage fee waiver in over 55 of the top restaurants around town!

Well—one of the best deals for wine enthusiasts who maintain either a small or large collection of wine is to become members of The Wine Vault of the Desert, where one of the many benefits include free corkage at these 55+ restaurants.

The Wine Vault of the Desert is a stateof-the-art 10,000 sq. foot wine storage facility located in Palm Desert and has been in business since 2009. You can store as few as two cases or as many as several hundred cases. And during the desert’s summer months—i.e., May to October! there is no better place to house your vino collection and treasures than at the The Wine Vault,

77556 El Duna Court, Suite B Palm Desert, CA 92211 Phone (760) 345-3000.

The place provides the unique services of complete data based and bar coded inventory system, acceptance of your wine shipments—no more waiting for deliveries, and of course the corkage waiver program.

And if you’re signing up for the first time, mention this article to owners Jack and Ralph and get an additional 2 months free storage time.

Cheers! Rick is your somm-about-town entertaining & conducting at wine events & tastings. winespectrum@aol.com

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March 5 to March 11, 2015

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www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

March 5 to March 11, 2015

Club Crawler Nightlife

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

­­­THUR MARCH 5

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29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Reunion w/ DJ Day Amigo Room 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Paul Elia 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Tommy Dodson 6pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 Eevaan Tre 9pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Live Entertainment 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6pm DESERT FOX; PS; 760-325-9555 Thirsty Thursdays 7pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760-9920002 Courtney Chambers 5pm EUREKA; IW; 760-834-7700 TBA 6pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 T.B.A. 7:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Open Mic 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Punk Rock Thursdays w/ Gutter Candy and Nellvana 9:30pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Battle of the Bands 8:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Country Night w/ Jimi Nelson 8pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 Quinto Menguante 8-1am MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Blues and Supper Club Night w/ Kal David 7pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Far West 7:30pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Game Night w/ The Deep Ones 8pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 Jason Weber 4:30pm, Mike Costley 7pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3278311 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 6pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 8-12am THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773

Tony DiGerlando 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-3459770 Rodeo Drive’s Happy Hour Cabaret 3:30-5:30pm, Stan Watkins Latin Swing 6:30-10pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-9pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-3285955 Michael Keeth 6-10pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 TBA 8pm THE WINE BAR BISTRO; LQ; 760-5648744 Rob Martinez and Todd Ashley 7pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Bill Saitta 6pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Locals Night 9pm

FRI MARCH 6 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 The Bob Garcia Band 6pm 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ T Bone 9pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Desert Daxe Weekend noon poolside and 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 TBA 7:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Fleet Easton 7:30pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 T.B.A. 10pm BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-5010620 The Carmens 6pm BLUE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760775-5566 DJ PWee 8pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 The Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CAFÉ DES BEAUX- ARTS; PD; 760-3460669 Brigette Marie Valdez 6pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CLEMETINE; PD; 760-834-8814 Gina Carey 6pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 DICKIE O’NEALS IRISH PUB; PS; 760325-2600 The Hive Minds 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm EUREKA; IW; 760-834-7700 TBA 6:30pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 House Band 8:45pm HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 “Jump Off” DJ 9pm Lobby THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Latin Night w/ Machin 9pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Live DJ 8:30pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 The Larry James Band 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company in the afternoon, Hot Rox in the night

LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 New Breed 9pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 DJ 9pm MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Mark Gregg & The Horde 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-345-0222 Trill 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Wild Reeds 8pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228-1199 T.B.A. 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 Matt Alber 5:30pm, The Gand Band 8:30pm, The Yip Yops and Organic Junk Fude 11pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 TBA 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3278311 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 7pm, Stoney “B” Blues Band Sidebar Lounge 10pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Caxton, Ideation and The Hive Minds 9pm 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 Smooth Brothers 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Rock 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Demetrious and Co. TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 TBA 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Pat Rizzo 6:30pm TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 T.B.A. TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760-328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE; MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-7555391 The Rick Whitfield Band 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Trish Harley & Barney McClure Duo 6:3010pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 T.B.A. 1:30-4:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Slim Man Solo Show 5:30pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 T.B.A. 9pm

THE WINE BAR BISTRO; LQ; 760-5648744 Rob & jb 7:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Rose Mallett 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Girl’s Night Out w/ The Men on the Hollywood Strip 9pm

SAT MARCH 7 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bev & Bill 6pm 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 9pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Desert Daze Weekend noon, poolside, Stronghold Reggae 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Cabaret on the Green Open Mic w/ Les Michaels and Wayne Abravanel 7:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Denise Carter 7:30pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 10pm BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-5010620 The Carmens 6pm BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760775-5566 DJ PWee BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Gina Carey 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6:30-9:30pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 Ozzmaniafest w/ Ozzmania, Black Vulture Conspiracy, Perishment, In The Name of The Dead and Brain Vat 6pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm DICKIE O’NEALS IRISH PUB; PS; 760325-2600 Karaoke 8pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 T.B.A. 9pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 T.B.A. 8:30pm THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ 8pm HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 “Solid” Guest DJs, 11am poolside, 9pm Lobby THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Rockabilly Night w/ The Deadbeat Daddies and The Original Miguel and The Atomic Three 9pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9p m INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm, Doo Wop in the Desert 8pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 T.B.A. 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 DJ Geo 9pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night continue to page 24

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March 5 to March 11, 2015

The Pampered Palate

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

“Sun, Spoon & Stars” Series presents a weekend with Celebrity Chef Rocco DiSpirito

O

mni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa has announced a new partnership with iHeartMedia to create “Sun, Spoon & Stars” a special culinary weekend series featuring cooking demonstrations and dining with renowned celebrity chefs. The series, to be held at the lush, 240-acre resort in Rancho Mirage, Calif., will be led by a rotating cast of culinary talent beginning with Chef Rocco DiSpirito March 6 - 8.

“We’re thrilled to announce Chef Rocco DiSpirito to charge Sun, Spoon & Stars,” said Brian Hughes, general manager Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa. “Excellent F&B is a top priority for us, and being able to bring in topnotch culinary talent speaks to both our commitment and passion for world-class cuisine.”

Sun, Spoon & Stars will create unique opportunities for foodies, amateur cooks and anyone with an appetite for good food and conversation to witness renowned culinarians in their element.

The premiere of the series, “A Weekend with Rocco DiSpirito,” will feature Chef DiSpirito, who was nominated three times as Best Chef: New York City by the James Beard Foundation and became nationally

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www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

March 5 to March 11, 2015

the resort’s signature restaurant, and taste a specially designed menu by bluEmber’s talented culinary team.

Make a date for the debut of Sun, Spoon & Stars at Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa, with a special package that includes a one-night stay in Deluxe Accommodations starting at $379. Based on double occupancy, two night minimum Friday Sunday, Reception and Events included, tax not included.

For more information about Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa or to make reservations, please contact (760) 568-2727 or visit www.omnihotels.com/ RanchoLasPalmas.

renowned on the NBC reality television show, “The Restaurant.” DiSpirito has also authored 11 highly acclaimed cookbooks, including three No. 1 New York Times bestsellers: Now Eat This!, Now Eat This!

Diet, and most recently, The Pound a Day Diet.

“A Weekend with Rocco DiSpirito” will kick off Friday night with an exclusive cocktail reception hosted by Chef DiSpirito.

The program continues on Saturday morning with an intimate cooking demonstration and Q&A session on the Sunrise Terrace. On Saturday evening, enjoy a sunset soirée with DiSpirito followed by a dinner at bluEmber,

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March 5 to March 11, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Movie Reviews with Robin E. Simmons

A FUN NEW MOVIE GENRE: ROM CON

FOCUS It’s been nearly ten years since Will Smith has played his charismatic, charming persona on the big screen. You know, the guy we first met on his hit TV show ”Fresh Prince of Bel Air.” Smith has taken on a series of serious sci-fi action guys in the last decade that ended with the dreary AFTER EARTH, an illconceived vehicle to apparently promote Jaden, his rapper teen son as a movie star.

The movie was also criticized as laden with Scientology notions. It did not help that there were rumors of Smith’s embrace of the controversial “religion.”

It’s great to see Smith back on the big screen being his old self. We love that confident, good-looking guy. And this film

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amply displays Smith’s considerable charm in the character of Nicky Spurgeon, a master hustler with a crew of skilled underlings who takes on Jess Barrett (Margot Robbie), a stunning looking but naïve apprentice. Or is she naïve?

The first half of the film is a lesson in the art of filchery. Highly choreographed sequence of stranger’s pockets being picked is a delight to watch. But are things what they seem? (Are they ever?)

Soon, the glamorous, dapper con artists are in trouble. Of special concern are a billionaire gambler (a terrific B.D. Wong) and an Argentine racecar entrepreneur (Rodrigo Santoro).

I liked the numerous twists, the great looking stars and the hyper glam setting.

I thought it was interesting to see two people who are masters of deception with everyone else apparently trying to be honest with each other – or are they? That’s a fascinating paradox for a character trait is it not?

Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, the cowriters and directors behind CRAZY STUPID LOVE and the little seen but hilarious PHILIP MORRIS I LOVE YOU, starring an unhinged Jim Carrey in one of best performances.

Sometimes it’s enough to be diverted with a frothy, lightweight entertainment,

Screeners No.154

with two beautiful actors who have real onscreen chemistry. All stories are contrived, but this fun film radiates a sexy, glamorous aura that is downright seductive.

APPOINTMENT WITH DANGER

Another Girl Gone

S

NEW FOR THE HOME THEATER: Trusted home video distributor Olive Films has resuscitated and restored – for the first time -- some nearly forgotten but cool vintage noir films (among other hard to find domestic and foreign titles) in nice looking Blu-ray transfers. Check out these cool movies and their wonderful old-school posters.

DARK CITY

Originally titled NO ESCAPE, this 1950 revenge thriller’s title was changed just before release. I like the original title, it better conveys the tone of this engaging story about some gamblers who hustle a sucker out of $5K in a fixed poker game and then experience a dark vengeance closing in on them after the man kills himself. Charlton Heston is just fine as the dead man’s vengeful brother who picks off the bad guys one-by-one. This film was Heston’s first professional film appearance.

He was 27. You can see Heston’s trademark vocalizations as well as his deliberate physicality are already in place. It served him well for the next 50 years.

Directed by William Dieterle and produced by Hal B. Wallis, the film costars Lizabeth Scott, Dean Jagger, Jack Webb and Harry Morgan. You may recognize Webb and Morgan as co-stars of TV’s iconic Dragnet series.

It’s fun to see great LA locations from 65 years ago. I easily recognized Griffith Park Observatory, Union Station, the pier at Ocean Park, North Hollywood, the Wilshire Plaza Hotel, and Valley Vista Motel on Ventura Blvd. Other effective locations include Las Vegas and Chicago. Olive Films.

Blu-ray.

Book Review

Al Goddard (Alan Ladd) is a U.S. Postal Service detective who’s assigned to investigate the murder of a fellow Postal Service officer. When Goddard arrives in Indiana, he finds key witness, Sister Augustine (Phyllis Calvert), is a beautiful nun. Goddard infiltrates the gang of murderers, who are planning a million dollar mail job. But when the gang exposes him, he has to find a way to save himself and Sister Augustine. Lewis Allen directs from a pretty good screenplay by Richard Breen and Warren Duff. Olive Films. Blu-ray.

ROPE OF SAND

Set in West Africa, Burt Lancaster is Mike Davis, a hunting guide who stumbles across a trove of diamonds but refuses to reveal its whereabouts, even when tortured by a diamond company’s security guard. When Davis plans to retrieve the diamonds he’s stashed, a beautiful seductress hired by the diamond company to get the diamonds sidetracks him. I was fully engaged when Lancaster’s character made plans to sneak back into the mining are and escape to Angola! Besides Lancaster, the great cast includes Paul Henreid, Claude Rains and Peter Lorre. Produced by Hal Wallis and directed by William Dieterle, this 1948 “blood diamond” tale still works for me.

Olive Films. Blu-ray. robinesimmons@aol.com

adly, violence against women plagues this planet. In Paula Hawkin’s The Girl on the Train (Riverhead Books, 336 pages), homicide, infanticide and rape make this tale more about examining victims than exploring a mystery.

The story begins with Rachael on her daily train commute to London. The back and forth trip is the highlight of her day. She enjoys looking out from the train to get a glimpse of the lives of others. She routinely sees the same people in their yards or in the windows of their homes as she passes.

One of the houses she watches from the train is that of Tom, her ex-husband and Anna, his new wife. They have a baby, Evie.

Rachael can see the pink curtains in the baby’s room that was the guest room when she lived there.

Tom had an affair with Anna that resulted in pregnancy. When they divorced, Tom kept the house, paying Rachael a small settlement. Now, when she passes the home that was once hers, she feels the sharp pain of lost love and betrayal.

Rachael has a serious, serious, drinking problem. She blacks out. And when she drinks, people must fill in the blanks. She’s ashamed and humiliated by her bizarre

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

March 5 to March 11, 2015

By Heidi Simmons

The Girl On The Train

By Paula Hawkins Fiction behavior. She calls her ex-husband at all hours, stops by his house and harasses Anna and the baby. Further more, Rachael’s obnoxious, overweight, self-loathing and doesn’t understand boundaries.

As a voyeur, Rachael fantasizes about another couple just a few houses down from her former home. Seems every time she passes, they are outside enjoying each other and their garden; in the mornings the couple drink coffee together and in the evenings they sip wine. It’s the perfect romantic life she always wanted with Tom. One day, Rachael briefly observes someone else in the yard of her “ideal couple’s” home. It’s a different man in an intimate embrace. A few days later, the couple is in the news and she learns their real names are Megan and Scott. Megan has gone missing and is eventually found. Dead.

Coincidently, Rachael was in the neighborhood on a drunken rampage at the time of Megan’s disappearance. Haunted by bad dreams and with a nagging sense she knows something important, Rachael interjects herself into the investigation.

Not only does she go to the police, but also goes to see Scott, the handsome, grieving husband.

This complicates things for Rachael, Scott and basically everyone else in her life,

including Tom and Anna.

Rachael’s a mess and sobriety is unlikely, if not impossible. But as she considers the events of the night Megan went missing, she realizes she must know who the killer is and her road to redemption is solving the crime.

The Girl on the Train is told by the first person accounts of the women in the story. Rachael, Megan and Anna. Rachael dominates the narrative. Each woman tells her perspective which starts with a date and time of day. They are not journal entries, but rather a chronology that overlaps and gives the reader a bigger picture of unfolding events and developing suspense.

All three women have something in common. Each is dealing with the psychological implications of motherhood.

Rachael believes her downward spiral is due to her inability to conceive. This results in her feeling inadequate and generates low self-worth.

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Megan was abandoned by her lover after her baby died in an accident.

And Anna got knocked-up by the man she was having an affair with and found herself unprepared for being a parent.

Rachael, Megan and Anna are pathetic and tragic characters. Instead of overcoming their misfortune, they wallow in it. Worse, the men in their lives victimize them. Not a single female character in this book has a healthy relationship with a man.

The men are abusers and rapists. One is a killer.

As readers, we are starved for wellwritten, page-turning mysteries. Gillian Flynn’s novel, Gone Girl, was a terrific suspense thriller with a fresh and surprising twist. The construction of the narrative was equally clever and engaging. Flynn uses the journal entries as chapters, which correspond to the date of the girl’s disappearance.

It’s easy to compare the two novels and no doubt the publisher took advantage of the similarities. And there are a few: “Girl” in the title, dated chapters and a missing woman. But The Girl on the Train doesn’t come close to the suspense of Gone Girl.

The characters’ dated entries are just a way to have multiple first person voices to tell the story and nothing more.

Rachael’s drinking becomes tedious. The psychological torment and domestic abuse is painful and dreary. The pathology of the women is one-dimensional. The suspense is minimal and the outcome is disappointing.

Author Hawkins’ writing is smooth and easy. Her characters act and talk like real people. I just didn’t like or care about them.

But for many women, The Girl on the Train shows how easy it is to get derailed by men.

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March 5 to March 11, 2015 continued from page 19

LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 New Breed 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 Fluid in Motion 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Lucky Tongue 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-345-0222 Geninne Francis 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Shadow Mountain Band 5pm, Black Crystal Wolf Kids 9pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 T.B.A. 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Broke Ass promotions Presents: They Don’t Give a Fuck About Us Rap Showcase 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext230 Matt Alber 5:30pm, The Gand Band 8:30pm, DJ Journee & DJ AimLo 11pm RENAISSANCE PALM; PS; 760-322-6100 Art of Sax featuring Sax Man Will Donato & Eddie Reddick 7-10pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Spanglish Latin Night w/ Machin’ and Cholo Bueno 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3278311 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 7pm, Machin’ Sidebar Patio 7pm, Stoney “B” Blues Band Sidebar Lounge 10pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 The Batskinners, Safety Net, Alchemy, Venus & The Traps and The Radioactive Kid 7pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-3229293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-7771601 Smooth Brothers 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-3297929 Karaoke w/ Milly G 6pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Music 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 TBA 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-3271773 Darci Daniels 6:30pm TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 T.B.A. 9pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760-328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951755-5391 DJ Hektik 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-3459770 Pat Rizzo & All That Jazz Band 6:30-10pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Rob & JB 1:30-4:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Chris Lomeli 8pm

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www.coachellavalleyweekly.com WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 TBA 8pm THE WINE BAR BISTRO; LQ; 760-5648744 Scott Carter 7:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Stanley Butler Trio 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJs 9pm

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

SUN MARCH 8

MON MARCH 9

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob & Allison 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Slacker Sunday w/ Ladypills 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-2021111 Jazz Brunch 11:30am AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 The Judy Show 7:30pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Steve Madaio 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT; PS; 888-999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 9pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-3422333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 “Fusion” Pool Party 11am poolside THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 War Drum, Black Pussy and CIVX 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Ted Herman’s Big Band 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Open Jam 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Sunday Jam 4-8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7:30pm THE NEW YORK COMPANY RESTAURANT; PS; 760-778-7789 Lili Rose 7pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Longest Running Jam Session in the valley. Hosted by JB, Sign up 6pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Hot Fudge Sunday Band 7pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 The Jam Session 5-9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 The Judy Show 5:30pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3274080 Art of Sax Sidebar Patio 5pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Eddie Gee 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Smooth Brothers TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 Reaction 3-6pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-3271773 Luck Be a Lady w/ Francesca Amari and Darci Daniels 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-3459770 Jazz Time Band 2-5pm, John Stanley King 6-9pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Scott Carter 1:30-4:30pm, Rob & JB 4:30-9pm, DJ Idol Eyez 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Tony DiJerlando 6pm

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bonny Jean 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DJ D Rad noon poolside CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Ron Kalina’s Jazz 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Kevin Quinn 8pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 The Gand Band w/ Liz Mandeville 5pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 T.B.A. 6pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-3459770 Joanne Tatham 8pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-2am, Michael James & 3sum 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Tony Grandberry 6:30pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Family Karaoke hosted by Joleene 6pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Trish Hatley & Barney McClure 6pm

TUE MARCH 10 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Paul & Jo 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Ace Karaoke with Kiesha 9pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Bella da Ball Dinner Revue w/ guest performers 7:30pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 Vinyl Sessions 8pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com Jaggi 6pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760992-0002 Jesse Sweitzer 5pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Karaoke hosted by Phillip Moore 9pm INDIAN CANYONS GOLF RESORT; PS; 760-833-8700 DJ Randy Johnson 6pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Michael D’Angelo 6:15pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Ted Quinn’s Open Mic Reality Show Jam 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Tim Burleson 7:45pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-327-4080 Acoustic Guitar Night Jam 8pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 Darci Daniels 6:30pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Open Mic 8pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3274080 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 6pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Demetrious and Co. VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-3459770 Joanne Tatham 4pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Live entertainment VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Chris Lomeli 6pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 John Bolivar & Barney McClure 6pm

WED MARCH 11 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Dan Horn 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 TBA 7pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-2021111 Jazz Jam 7:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Tommy Dodson 6pm

BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 T.B.A. 6-10pm CAFÉ DES BEAUX- ARTS; PD; 760-3460669 John & Gina Carey 6pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 6pm ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760992-0002 Jesse Sweitzer 5pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Open Mic w/ Rich Bono & Poupee Boccaccio 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Live Music KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Open Mic hosted by Amy Angel 6:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 “Sing Jam” w/ Michael Healy 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Jack Rivio 6:30pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2881199 Karaoke w/ KJ Ginger 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke Talent Quest 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 The Michael Holmes Trio 6pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 D Phillips Band 6pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Straight Ahead Jazz THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-3271773 Open Mic w/ Les Michaels 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-3459770 Lizann Warner 6:30-10pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-2am, Nite Fixx 9-2am WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Karaoke THE WINE BAR BISTRO; LQ; 760-5648744 Scott Carter 7:30pm WOLFGANG PUCK’S; PD; 760-568-2700 WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Deana Bogart 6pm

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March 5 to March 11, 2015

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the palm springs Local

By Denise Ortuno Neil

Ahh…the Desert Weather

S

o let’s talk about the weather. No really, it’s not small talk, it is what everyone is talking about who lives in the Coachella Valley or who is visiting or considering visiting the desert. It is what draws disturbingly huge droves of people to our valley for a myriad of events from golf tournaments to gay pride, fashion week, music fests and tons more…the list is long and impressive. But at the end of the day… our fabulous weather is what rules, no doubt.

It was John McCallum back in the late 1800’s who started the trend when he brought his family to Palm Springs in a last ditch effort to cure his son Johnny from his bout with Tuberculosis. Ever since then, people have been coming to our precious desert not only to heal from their repertory ailments, but to also heal from stress and sometimes just to down right party and have fun. But our weather was and will always be at the forefront of it all.

Personally speaking, the weather is what brought me to the Coachella Valley over 36 years ago (yes I’m only 36). My parents wanted to buy a restaurant in a dry climate to accommodate my mother’s asthma.

The area of Orange County was way too humid, so the desert was a top option…go

26

east Ortuno family…so we did. Back then in the 1979, the desert was a great place for people with breathing problems. The air was clean…water too. I remember when our season was constant. It was hot as hell in the summer with ridiculous storms (thunder and lightning galore) and cold in the winter (December for sure, January and February were bonus) at least what we as desert dwellers consider to be cold…but it did snow several times, as I mentioned in my column a while back.

But things have changed throughout the years. The air and climate have been slightly compromised due to the influx of golf courses, traffic pollution and other environmental elements.

In honesty, the desert itself has changed from when Mr. McCallum brought his son Johnny out here for a cure all. With the yearly re-seeding of almost 200 golf courses and some serious drought issues, the deserts weather has surly been tweaked.

But our exceptionally amazing desert continues to thrive and morph itself to survive, and continues to drive throngs of visitors to our sandy shores….because at the end of the day….our weather is pretty awesome!

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Real Estate

By Bruce cathcart

Always Use a Local Agent

T

his year February allowed Coachella Valley residents to enjoy day after day of clear skies and sunshine with daily temperatures in the mid 80’s while we watched the Midwesterners and East Coasters get pounded with an arctic blast and one snowstorm after another. You would think it would be impossible to keep those poor folks from coming our way… but for one reason or another this season is just a little off for us so far this year.

In last month’s article I wondered if our Coachella Valley real estate market could sustain the slow but sure recovery process from the great recession without the aid of foreign investors due to the US dollar reaching new highs against most foreign currencies. I thought we would just have to wait and see since; after all, we were enjoying significantly reduced gas prices and near historic low interest rates on home mortgages. Between first time home buyers, boomerang buyers and baby boomers, the three groups most likely to benefit from these savings, we surely should be able to sustain our local recovery.

What a difference a month makes as I just paid $3.45 for a gallon of regular gas and interest rates have slowly crept up over the past two weeks! Could this be the perfect storm in the making for the Coachella Valley Real estate market? Let’s take a look at the data for last month’s sales and see how we are doing.

According to the Desert Area MLS (as of 03/01/15) there were 888 pendings of residential properties here in the Coachella Valley in February. There were 801 pendings in the previous month (January) which means activity is up slightly following our normal seasonal sales pattern. Checking the pendings from February last year (2014) we had almost exactly the same number at 900 for the month. Unfortunately last year’s activity was off 11% from the year before and so staying the same is not an improvement in the overall trend necessary for our market to recover.

If anything, it represents a pause while the market decides which way to go, up or down.

Checking the actual sales, in January there were 555 solds and in February there were only 546 solds. Not only are the solds down (slightly) from the month before, but they are also down from February 2014 where there were 575 solds. This month over month and year over year drop in sales suggests that 2015 is not off to a very good start. Our inventory of homes for sale was up again slightly to 5,099 as of March 1, 2015 compared to 4,971 at the beginning of February. Whatever is holding our market back, it is not a lack of inventory.

Before we make any predictions this year we will have to see the numbers for March and April, usually two of our strongest months of the year for sales.

My real estate tip this month is to use the services of a local Real Estate Broker or Agent when selling your property. Acting as a Trustee for my mother-in-law’s estate, I

was charged with the duty to sell her home located in Orange County. Since I have been a real estate professional for approximately 33 years now and with all of the data sources available in this computer era I figured that I could accurately value, list and sell the home myself; after all, it was only 90 miles away! I did my research and came up with a number I that I thought the house would sell for in the current market. I then followed my own advice that I had given my readers in an article I wrote two years ago and I interviewed 3 local agents based upon referrals from folks I trust. One agent’s opinion agreed with my own, but two of the agents suggested a value $125,000.00 higher than I thought possible.

Of course I challenged their value but in the end I listed the property with the agent who did the best job of supporting all the reasons why he believed that HE could sell the home for the higher price. You know what? He did it, and I am so happy that I went with a local agent. As a Coachella Valley real estate broker I see properties listed all the time here in our local market by what we call “out of the area” agents. Occasionally they get it right, but usually they are either way too high or way too low. In either case they are doing their clients a disservice. Don’t allow this to happen to you! If you have a friend or family member with a real estate license (and who doesn’t!) who does not specialize in sales in the area that your property is located in, allow them to help you by asking them to “refer” you to a local real estate professional. Both you and they will profit from this arrangement.

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

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

Haddon Libby:It’s all local

Danger, Will Robinson!

W

hich city is the safest in the desert?

According to data compiled by location.com for use by real estate agents nationwide, Twentynine Palms comes in as the safest place to live in the desert. With one property crime per 72 residents, they were the only city in the area to have lower crime levels than national average with a 51 score (safer than 51% of the United States).

Coming in second was the unincorporated area 1000 Palms with a score of 45 followed

by Cathedral City at 33.

For comparison, Laguna Niguel scored 73, San Clemente 61, Simi Valley 58, Los Angeles, 28 and Santa Barbara 16.

One of the most dangerous places in America was Palm Springs with a score of 6 due to unusually high levels of property crimes. Annually, 1 in 23 residents can expect some theft to be committed against them.

Ninety-four percent of America is safer than Palm Springs - not a happy statistic for a resort town.

Coming in second was Desert Hot Springs with a score of 8 and Palm Desert at 10.

Violent crimes were most likely to happen in Desert Hot Springs where 1 in 100 residents become victims of either a

murder, rape or robbery each year. Indio was second with a violent incident for every 173 residents followed closely by Palm Springs with an incident for every 176 residents. The national average for violent crimes is one for every 435 people. Palm Springs and Indio led the rest of the area in rapes with one for every 2,000 residents, 50% higher than national averages. Indian Wells, La Quinta, Coachella and Rancho Mirage all reported less than one rape for every 10,000 residents.

Below are highlights by city: Cathedral City, the safest city in the Coachella Valley basin, had one crime per 42 residents (national average 36). The safest areas were in the Vista Chino/Horizon and Landau/Tachevah areas. City Center

Dale Gribow On The Law

PALM DESERT ATTORNEY EXPOSES MORE SCAMS (Part 2)

C

rooks have smartened up and now use clever schemes to defraud millions of people every year. The bad guys often combine sophisticated technology with age-old tricks to get people to send money or give out personal information. New twists to old schemes are added to pressure people, especially seniors, to make important decisions on the spot.

Last week CBS discussed the IRS scam where the caller claims to be IRS, Palm Springs Police or Riverside County Sheriff. The caller ID confirms the Police or Sheriff advising you owe taxes and may be arrested, deported or have your business shutdown.

Property rentals on Craigslist for rentals by owner where prospective renters are asked to send money for a home rental during a major city event, such as Stagecoach or Coachella. The home may not even exist, may already be rented to someone else, or may not even be for rent.

Some scammers move in and refuse to pay because things are not working. They extort money from the homeowner for the poorly maintained home and requests money to vacate, in lieu of filing a lawsuit. Others demand free rent for a month or money for keys to move.

KMIR reported loan scams where the victim receives a call saying it is understood that the victim is looking for a loan, and ‘voila’ they have been pre-approved for an installment loan.

The caller asks for bank routing information to send the money and to secure the loan but the borrower must purchase gift cards in an amount that will be reimbursed when the loan takes place.

A caller says you won the Mega Millions Jamaican Lottery after you pay money for taxes and fees and the big jackpot is then yours after you temporarily pay money.

Cramming unauthorized charge on your cell phone bill occurs when the scammers buy lists of mobile numbers and enters them into subscription services without contacting consumers.

Business Directory Scam: A call confirms your directory listing, then you are invoiced for hundreds of dollars for an on line directory or for charges for listings you never ordered.

Debt Collectors: An alleged Law Firm calls to collect a phantom account or your driver’s license will be revoked.

Hotel Scams: A late night front desk call says there is a credit card problem and requests information confirmation. Sometimes a Pizza delivery flyer is slipped under your hotel door and your delivery order steals your info and ID. Scam free vacation: Take only needed ID/ credit cards leaving social security card home.

Copy your Medicare card blotting last 4 digits.

Skimming devices, the size of a tablet, at ATMs, Gas stations, stores or airports can capture your credit card info.

Cell phone credit mulling involves college students (Credit Mules) encouraged to open multiple wireless contracts that include new smart phones and tablets. The scammers pay with someone else’s ID and the mules are reminded to cancel the contract within the allotted 1015 days. The recruiter sells the phones and the mules are stuck, not realizing they have to return

and the Cove were the least safe.

Coachella had the highest car theft levels in the area at one per 100 residents, 4.5x the national average. Violent crimes happened to one in every 362 residents, 38% below the national average. You were safest near the City Center and least safe on 52nd between Harrison and Frederick.

Desert Hot Springs ranks as the third most dangerous place in California and 86th most dangerous in the nation due to high violent crime rates behind only Oakland and Compton. The safest areas are in the Sky Valley and southeastern areas of town while the City Center is the least safe.

While Indian Wells has the lowest violent crime rate and car theft levels, property theft caused this city to be less safe than 82% of the United States.

Indio had some of the higher rape and robbery levels in the Valley and was safer than only 15% of the country. While Monroe/40th and areas above Route 10 were the safest, City Center was the least safe.

Rancho Mirage had the second lowest violent crime levels in the area. Like Indian Wells, high property crime levels made it safer than only 16% of the United States.

The northeastern area is the safest while areas south of Highway 111 have the

the phones to cancel.

Timeshare resale fraud: A company, alleging to buy lots of timeshares after the owner pays $500--$2000 via credit card for registration and other fees.

The day in court scam is similar to fake funeral notices where you are asked to click on the supposed court notice which downloads malware onto your computer or you are told you missed jury duty and must send money via a prepaid card to avoid arrest.

How NOT to use Gift Card: Website offers new TV, GPS devices and other gadgets at deeply discounted prices which you confirm by reviewing the site showing good reviews. You are told to purchase Amazon gift card and provide the info for payment.

One-ring cell phone scam: Auto dialers call cell phones across the country hoping you call back and you get a please hold. If you called 268, 284, 473, 664, 649, 767, 809, 829, 849 or 876 you are calling an international number in the Caribbean that is slamming you with hefty per minute charges while you hold.

Computer Scams: Per US Senate Special committee on aging, the fraudsters trick consumers into believing their computers are riddled with malware and then charge to fix the problems.

Grandparent’s scams: Con artist pretends to be a family member, often a grandchild, who is in urgent need of money for medical care or a legal problem like bail.

Health related scams, especially medical alert device schemes: Scammers attempt to collect personal information or convince seniors to pay for devices or services they never ordered.

Social Security Fraud: Benefits are re-

March 5 to March 11, 2015

highest crime rates.

Palm Desert was less safe than 90% of the country due to the highest theft rates in the region. You are safest if you live in Sun City or near Highway 74 and Grapevine.

Down the hill near El Paseo or around Cook and Country Club are the least safe.

As mentioned, Palm Springs’ high property crime rates made it one of the least safe places in California. You are safest in the southwestern area of the city and least safe in the northeastern areas.

routed from the accounts of rightful recipients to fraudulently created bank and debit card accounts Remember the bottom line is that everything is not always as it seems so be careful and check before giving out any private information. If it looks too good to be true it probably is…

Report FRAUD and potential ID thefts by contacting: Fraud alert hotline toll free 855 303 9470 or visit website aging.senate.gov/fraud-hotline.

Charitable Donation Cons/ Telemarketing/ Mail/Internet Fraud: State Attorney General’s Office 916 445 2021.

Adult Protective Services, DPSS 760 773 6700 Medicare Fraud 800 633-4227 Funeral and Cemetery Fraud 916 574 7870 IRS at 800-829-1040 or forward emails to phishing@IRS.gov SENIOR VET FRAUD HOTLINE: 760 837 7555 Federal Trade Commission ID Theft Hotline 877 IDTheft/ consumer.gov/idtheft Social Security hotline 800 269 0271/ ssa.gov/oig Equifax: 800 525 6285/ equifax.com Experian: 888 397 3742/ experian.com Transunion: 800 680 7289/ transunion.com Keep the above numbers and information in a safe place just in case!

For questions regarding this column or ideas for future columns please contact Dale Gribow Attorney at Law at 760 837-7500 and or dale@ dalegribowlaw.com

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March 5 to March 11, 2015

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safety tips

by Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

Singing In the Rain, But Driving In It?

I

t’s nice to finally write about rain! We have a few more storms in the forecast and we certainly need it. We all like singing in the rain but driving in it? It’s rather stressful even when it’s not raining says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. Most people just don’t pay attention or exercise common sense much anymore. We have far too many distractions at our disposal. There are around 707,000 automobile crashes each year due to rain, resulting in approximately 3,300 deaths and 330,200 injuries.

Driving in the rain doesn’t have to be an added stressful experience. First and foremost –Think! “Many people drive subconsciously, out of habit,” says Chief DiGiovanna. Make sure your habits are good ones. “When it rains, we often don’t adjust our thinking.”

Drivers need to stay alert and focused.

Turn on those headlights. It’s the law in all states to turn headlights on when visibility is low, and many states also require having the headlights on when the windshield wipers are in use. Make sure your wipers are working well.

Good tires, brakes and distance are also ‘must-haves’ when driving in rain. Beware

of hydroplaning. That’s the technical term for what occurs when your tires are getting more traction on the layer of water on the road than on the road itself - the result is that your car begins to slide uncontrollably.

If you start to hydroplane, let off the accelerator slowly and steer straight until you regain control.

Speed limit signs are designed for ideal conditions, “and that means driving when you have little traffic and good visibility.”

That’s hardly the environment you’re driving in when it’s raining, so let up on the accelerator and allow more time to get to your destination.

Cell phone and texting? Don’t even think about!

Drive Safely!

Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

Full Service Feline Only Veterinary Clinic

Dr. Rebecca Diaz

760-325-3400 Dr. Rebecca Diaz is a cat-loving veterinary professional, dedicated to keeping your cats and kittens happy and healthy with top-quality care in a stress-free environment.

Feline Veterinary Service

Every aspect of our clinic is designed with the special needs of cats in mind.

From the quiet serene waiting room to the relaxing exam rooms and cat-friendly cages for hospitalized patients, our goal is to promote a peaceful, stress-free environment for your cats.

Services include: • Routine Care • Geriatic Care • Spay/Neuter

• Digital Radiology • Laboratory Services • New Kitten Care

• Vaccinations • General Surgery • Dentistry

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www.catcitycat.com

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sharekitchen

Spring is in the air!

Coachella Valley Wildflower Festival Join ShareKitchen and the Friends of the Desert Mountains for their annual signature event on Saturday, March 7th from 9:00am – 4:00pm. Located at the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center at the base of Highway 74, the Coachella Valley Wildflower Festival is a FREE event celebrating wellness, recreation, and the outdoors. This year’s event features vendors and exhibitors, a kids’ zone, interpretive hikes, beer & wine garden, food and beverages for purchase by ShareKitchen’s team and more! Please park at St. Margaret’s Church, 47535 Highway 74 and take a comfortable shuttle up to the Visitor Center.

The ABC’s of Starting Your Own Business A workshop to help a pre-venture entrepreneur determine the feasibility of their small business idea in the current market. The discussion centers on business plan development, entity formation, and funding opportunities. This FREE workshop will be held at the CVWBC location in Palm Desert at 77806 Flora Road, Suite A Palm Desert, CA 92211 on Wednesday, March 11

from 5:30pm–7:30pm. Registration required – Sign up online at www.cvwbc.org or call 760.345.9200 MAXIMUM IMPACT! 4 Part Business Plan Writing Series In this series, participants learn how to efficiently and effectively write a business plan by breaking the project down into four parts. This interactive and easily relatable series clarifies and condenses the process of writing a business plan. Learn how your business plan is your navigational plan, de-mystifying financial projections, how to designate your management team and explore your competition and strategizing to minimize their impact on your business. Two tracks available: Thursday Track: 3/12/2015 - 4/2/2015 from 5:30pm – 8:30pm Tuesday Track: 3/17/2015 – 4/7/2015 from 5:30pm – 8:30pm Both workshop tracks will be held at the Indio Workforce Development Center Skills Lab located at 44-199 Monroe Street in Indio 92201. Registration required and cost is $80 for the 4 part series – Sign up online at www. cvwbc.org or call 760.345.9200

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

sports BNP Paribas Open – Bigger and Better Than Ever!

T

he BNP Paribas Open – the largest combined WTA and ATP World Tour event in the world – continues to receive praise from both players and fans, as more than 431,000 fans flocked to the 2014 event, the largest turnout in the tournament’s history. With a complete site renovation of the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, which included a new permanent Stadium 2 with 8,000 seats and three fine dining restaurants, one of which is Nobu, the world-famous Japanese restaurant, new concession stands and bars, another shade pavilion, public Wi-Fi, a BNP Paribas

Open mobile app, and increased parking, the event continues to shine with amazing upgrades and amenities to enhance the overall experience.

While the off-court renovations have drawn rave reviews, the entry list for 2015 featuring global superstars such as Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, Flavia Pennetta, Ana Ivanovic, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and more than 300 of the other best tennis players in the world should generate overwhelming praise. Over the course of two weeks the singles and doubles action across nine Stadium courts

sports Small High School Game Makes National Impact..

A

ccording to the NCAA, which tracks such things in the case of girls’ basketball, only 3.7 percent of those who play high school ball will go on to play for a college team. The percentage is even lower for males - 3.3 percent - because there are more boys’ high school teams and roughly the same number of college teams.

Wouldn’t every player who finished his or her high school career love to have those final moments immortalized on video to cherish over the years? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to look back across the decades and see the pride in wearing the school colors one last time? Ha! I’d love to be in the room 20 years from now when current seniors from the girls’ teams at Smyrna High School and Riverdale High School in Rutherford County, Tenn., pull up the YouTube video from their final games, which were played against each other in the local district consolation game.

Both teams were going to advance to the regional tournament regardless of the outcome, but the winner of the game would be placed in the same bracket as powerhouse Blackman High School, which had beaten Smyrna and Riverdale, and everyone else in Rutherford County, earlier this season. The Blaze’s only two losses have been to Mater Dei, of Santa Ana, Calif., and Potter’s House

Christian, of Jacksonville, Fla., two other nationally ranked teams stocked with the best players the AAU can provide.

Blackman, which finished last season ranked No. 1 by USA Today, ESPN, and MaxPreps, has one starting guard going to Tennessee and the other committed to Connecticut. So, yeah, not a school you go out of your way to schedule, if possible.

Because of the way the high school playoff system is constructed in Tennessee, the regional finalists both qualify for the next round, which are sectionals. That meant a team able to avoid Blackman until the championship of the regional round - by being on the other side of the bracket - could conceivably keep playing for a while.

Of course, for either Smyrna or Riverdale to make that possible, winning the district consolation game would be a severe roadblock.

Before we get to the game, however, let’s take a step back and applaud the administrators who set up this system and put these players and their coaches in this position.

What happens next is American ingenuity at its finest.

The coaches didn’t tell their players to try to intentionally lose the game, but the players were aware of the consequences of the

annually leaves no doubt the tournament is one of the premier events anywhere.

This year, the tournament, to be held March 9-22, has more in store for fans including more seating around one of the great attractions at the tournament – the practice courts. With seating being added around five of the courts, and new video boards being placed near all the practice courts, it will make it easier than ever for fans to identify players and get closer to the action and their favorite players, and fans can keep track of all the action through the BNP Paribas Open mobile app. Additionally, eight new large (9 feet x 5 feet) video screen will be placed inside Stadium 1 to enhance the visual experience, and a brand new patio area will be installed outside the fine dining restaurants in Stadium 2. The 2015 event also features expanded television coverage, as each main draw match will be broadcast.

March 5 to March 11, 2015

From the McEnroe Challenge for Charity presented by Masimo, the free event held the weekend before the tournament that features John McEnroe, Andy Roddick, Lindsay Davenport, Tracy Austin and other legends and rising stars, to the middle weekend of the event which has a cornucopia of action both on and off the court, to the final weekend of the event where the winners will raise trophies and singles champions will take home $1 million each in prize money, the 40th edition of the BNP Paribas Open promises to be the best in the event’s history.

For more information and tickets, visit bnpparibasopen.com, download the tournament app, call 800-999-1585, or visit the box office at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

by Flint Wheeler

outcome. So, there were players missing free throws by several feet, and lots of bricked field-goal attempts, and players who were called for 10-second violations because they simply didn’t dribble across midcourt. There was an instance in which a girl simply dribbled into the backcourt, and also a possession in which one player tried to take a shot at the other team’s basket but, fittingly enough, was called for a 10-second violation before getting off the shot.

The referees tolerated this for a while what rules were being broken? - until there was a conference with the two coaches in which the refs tried to shame them into playing the game properly. Finally, an administrator for Smyrna went to coach Shawn Middleton on the bench and told him to put the starters back in and stop embarrassing the school.

Smyrna went on to win by 26 points.

Because of the uproar - which was largely due to the video, as with so many things these days - both teams were suspended from participating in the regional tournament and

both coaches have been suspended through the 2015-16 season.

The human-nature element of what happened isn’t that different from what we are watching with the 76ers. The Sixers don’t tank games, but they tanked the roster.

Why? Because the NBA set up a system in which losing in the short term can ultimately be to their advantage in the long term. That isn’t any different from losing a district high school consolation game in order to advance to a preferable bracket in the regional tournament.

The basic brilliance is how human beings dealt with the system in place. The problem was with the system.

If you want proof, check out the video of the Smyrna-Riverdale game. It will be there forever, and the seniors can get a good laugh in their 40’s.

FlintWheeler.com - Founder of Silex Strategies L.L.C. providing sales and consulting in Insurance, Retirement, Real Estate and Taxes through A.I.G./Valic. PGA Class A Member and T.P.I. Certified Golf Trainer. Host of “The Tilted Sports Radio Show” on Fox Sports 1270 from 3-7pm on Thursdays, Live from The Kilt. Contact at 760-409-4612

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March 5 to March 11, 2015

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Social Security By maria YOUR FINAL FOUR FROM SOCIAL SECURITY

Miranda

S

ince 1939, March has meant one thing in the world of sports: March Madness. In this tournament, 68 college basketball teams compete through the month until only the final four teams remain. Coaches gather their teams to drive home the gravity of the moment, reminding them that they’ve worked hard and that how they respond to the pressure directly determines the outcome.

When it comes to retirement, you can secure your own winning outcome by teaming up with Social Security and taking advantage of services offered online. Start by opening a my Social Security account at socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

What can you do with a my Social Security account? Allow us to introduce you to my Social Security’s own final four.

Use your account to view your Social Security Statement and verify your earnings history each year. Your future benefits are based on your recorded earnings.

Stay focused on your financial future by getting estimates of your retirement, disability, and survivor benefits, if you are still working.

Keep up the full-court press by managing your benefits, if you already receive them.

Get immediate proof of your current Social Security benefits or a replacement

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SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S for tax purposes.

While everyone focuses on college basketball, create your own March Madness with Social Security. You can open your online my Social Security account during one of the commercial breaks.

Don’t wait until crunch time. Your moment is now. Take advantage of your own personal my Social Security account to stay on top of your annual earnings history and future benefit estimates. Staying ahead of the game is key to having a winning future in retirement. Social Security is a dependable team player, assisting you to your retirement championship, and my Social Security is the Most Valuable Player on the court. Check out your final four at socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

Maria Miranda is Social Security District Manager in Palm Springs CA

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events

DESERT BUSINESS ASSOCIATION TO HOST INSTALLATION & AWARDS DINNER

D

esert Business Association (DBA), the Coachella Valley’s Lesbian and Gay Chamber of Commerce, will host its annual installation and awards dinner on Monday, March 9, 2015 from 6-9 pm at Tinto restaurant at The Saguaro Hotel, 1800 E. Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs. This year’s honorees are: Business of the Year: Gay Desert Guide, sponsored by Compass Rose Financial; Business Person of the Year: Chad Ballard, sponsored by Contempo Lending Outstanding Community Service Organization: Desert Regional Medical Center, sponsored by Morgan Stanley Outstanding Community Service Leader: Ron Deharte, sponsored by Desert Regional Medical Center.

“I am delighted to work side-by-side with our members as we continue to grow this great organization,” says Kerry Hendrix, DBA Executive Director. “We invite all of the business people who make up our diverse community to join us as we take the DBA to the next level of business networking.”

Tickets for the event are $55 for DBA members ($70 for non-members), which includes cocktails and appetizers from 6-7 pm, followed by a three-course dinner

and the awards presentation. To purchase tickets, call 760-904-4589 or go online at www.DesertBusinessAssociation.org.

Desert Business Association, Coachella Valley’s only gay Chamber of Commerce, is a business network that promotes and supports LGBT and allied businesses, professionals, and individuals who have joined together for business promotion, economic development, educational, and humanitarian purposes. Formed in 1979, the DBA has forged relationships with fellow LGBT organizations and with mainstream Chambers of Commerce throughout southern California.

For more information, call 760-904-4589 or visit DesertBusinessAssociation.org.

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY Week of March 5

ARIES (March 21-April 19): To depict what lay beyond the limits of the known world, medieval mapmakers sometimes drew pictures of dragons and sea serpents. Their images conveyed the sense that these territories were uncharted and perhaps risky to explore. There were no actual beasties out there, of course. I think it’s possible you’re facing a comparable situation. The frontier realm you are wandering through may seem to harbor real dragons, but I’m guessing they are all of the imaginary variety. That’s not to say you should entirely let down your guard. Mix some craftiness in with your courage. Beware of your mind playing tricks.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Whenever I close my eyes and seek psychic visions of your near future, I see heroic Biblical scenes. Moses is parting the Red Sea. Joseph is interpreting Pharaoh’s dream. Jesus is feeding 5,000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish. What’s the meaning of my reveries?

Well, this psychic stuff is tricky, and I hesitate to draw definitive conclusions. But if I had to guess, I’d speculate that you are ripe to provide a major blessing or perform an unprecedented service for people you care about.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In a New Yorker cartoon, Tom Gauld outlines “The Four Undramatic Plot Structures”: 1. “The hero is confronted by an antagonistic force and ignores it until it goes away.”

2. “The protagonist is accused of wrongdoing, but it’s not a big thing and soon gets sorted out.”

3. “The heroine is faced with a problem but it’s really difficult so she gives up.” 4. “A man wants something. Later, he’s not so sure. By suppertime he’s forgotten all about it.” In my astrological opinion, Gemini, you should dynamically avoid all four of those fates. Now is a time for you to take brave, forceful action as you create dramatic plot twists that serve your big dreams.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): “To be happy is to be able to become aware of oneself without fright,” said heavyweight German philosopher Walter Benjamin, a fellow Cancerian. I am happy to report that there’s a good chance you will soon be blessed with an extraordinary measure of this worry-free self-awareness. And when you do -- when you are basking in an expanded self-knowledge infused with self-love and self-appreciation -- some of your chronic fear will drop away, and you will have at your disposal a very useful variety of happiness.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “As you get older, the heart sheds its leaves like a tree,” said French novelist Gustave Flaubert. “You cannot hold out against certain winds. Each day tears away a few more leaves; and then there are the storms that break off several branches at one go. And while nature’s greenery grows back again in the spring, that of the heart never grows back.” Do you agree with Flaubert, Leo? I don’t. I say that you can live with such resilient innocence that your heart’s leaves grow back after a big wind, and become ever-more lush and hardy as you age. You can send down such deep, strong roots and stretch your branches toward the sun with such vigor that your heart always has access to the replenishment it needs to flourish. The coming weeks will provide evidence that what I say is true.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): “I will not wait to love as best as I can,” says writer Dave Eggers. “We thought we were young and that there would be time to love well sometime in the future. This is a terrible way to think. It is no way to live, to wait to love.” That’s your keynote for the coming weeks, Virgo. That’s your wake-up call and the rose-scented note under your pillow and the message scrawled in lipstick on your bathroom mirror. If there is any part of you that believes love will be better or fuller or more perfect in the future, tell that part of you to shut up and embrace this tender command: Now is the time to love with all of your heart and all of your soul and all of your mind.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): I love the song “Shine On You Crazy Diamond,” by Pink Floyd. Other favorites are Tool’s “Third Eye” and Yo La Tengo’s

© Copyright 2015 Rob Brezsny

“Pass the Hatchet, I Think I’m Goodkind.” But all of these tunes have a similar problem. They’re more than ten minutes long. Even before my attention span got shrunk by the Internet, listening to them tested my patience. Now I have to forcefully induce a state of preternatural relaxation if I want to hear them all the way through. In the coming days, Libra, don’t be like a too-much-of-a-good-thing song. Be willing to edit yourself. Observe concise boundaries.

Get to the point quickly. (You’ll be rewarded for it.)

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Sneaking around isn’t necessary, Scorpio. There’s no useful power to be gained by hiding information or pursuing secret agendas. This is not a time when it’s essential for you to be a master of manipulation who’s ten steps ahead of everyone else. For now, you are likely to achieve maximum success and enjoy your life the most if you are curious, excitable, and transparent.

I invite you to embody the mindset of a creative, precocious child who has a loving mommy and daddy.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In 1953, Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first humans to reach the summit of Mount Everest.

It took them seven weeks to climb the 29,029-foot peak. In 1960, Jacques Piccard and Don Walsh got into a bathyscaphe and sailed to the lowest point on the planet, the Mariana Trench at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. It took them four hours and 47 minutes to go down 36,070 feet. Based on my analysis of your astrological omens, I think the operative metaphor for you in the coming weeks should be the deep descent, not the steep ascent.

It’s time to explore and hang out in the depths rather than the heights.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The African country of Ivory Coast has two different capital cities. Yamoussoukro is the official capital, while Abidjan is the actual capital, where the main governmental action takes place. I suspect there’s a comparable split in your personal realm, Capricorn: a case of mixed dominance. Maybe that’s a good thing; maybe it allows for a balance of power between competing interests. Or perhaps it’s a bit confusing, causing a split in your attention that hampers you from expressing a unified purpose.

Now would be a favorable time to think about how well the division is working for you, and to tinker with it if necessary.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): I’ve gone on three book tours and done my spoken-word show in scores of bookstores. But one of my favorite author events took place at the Avenue C Laundromat in New York City’s East Village. There I performed with two other writers as part of the “Dirty Laundry: Loads of Prose” reading series. It was a boisterous event. All of us authors were extra loose and goofy, and the audience offered a lot of funny, good-nature heckling. The unusual location freed everyone up to have maximum amusement. I see the coming weeks as a time when you, too, might thrive by doing what you do best in seemingly outof-context situations. If you’re not outright invited to do so, I suggest you invite yourself.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): When Arnold Schwarzenegger became Governor of California in 2003, the state had the eighth largest economy in the world, right behind Italy and just ahead of Brazil. Schwarzenegger had never before held political office. When Cambodian doctor Haing Nor performed in the film The Killing Fields, for which he ultimately won an Oscar, he had no training as an actor. He was a novice. Will you try to follow in their footsteps, Pisces? Is it possible you could take on a role for which you have no preparation or seasoning? According to my divinations, the answer is yes. But is it a good idea? That’s a more complex issue. Trust your gut.

Homework: Devise a plan not to get back to where you once belonged, but rather to where you must some day belong. Testify at FreeWillAstrology.com.

Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

March 5 to March 11, 2015

Mind, body & Spirit

by Bronwyn Ison

STAND STRONG AS A MOUNTAIN

I

f you practice yoga the terminology, Mountain Pose or Tadasana will be familiar. Whether you practice yoga or not you are in this posture daily. The posture is simply standing straight in one place.

However, executing its true form requires practice. Standing strong like a mountain that cannot be manipulated allows you to gain confidence. The beauty of the posture is that you can explore and gain awareness in all that you do from day-to-day.

Tadasana, a.k.a Mountain Pose may seem basic because you are simply standing in place. Form is important to executing the stance properly. Why? Tadasana is the foundational posture and starting point to our standing postures in yoga. You may be inquiring… What does this matter? I don’t do yoga. It is important because everything that we do in our daily routines derives from a standing position. We are talking about our posture. As a child or adolescent, how often did you hear to stand up straight?

I would imagine you heard this on several occasions. The importance of this posture in yoga assists one in transitioning from posture to posture. Much like we transition from activity to activity in our daily rituals.

Not only do we feel taller when we stand straight, we also exude high self-esteem.

I recall my first yoga class 15 years ago.

The instructor began the class in Mountain Pose, Tadasana. I stood in place at the top of my mat. As I waited for more direction, we stood for nearly five minutes. Was I missing something? No. Mountain Pose is standing in place, firm and sturdy like a monolith. I have also realized with many years of practice that simply standing can be relaxing and rejuvenating. You are grounding yourself as well as preparing for your next move.

How should you begin? You may visit your favorite yoga studio to glean detailed instruction by treating yourself to a private lesson. Or, consider following these tips suggested by Yoga Journal.

Stand with the bases of your big toes touching, heels slightly apart (so that your second toes are parallel). Lift and spread your toes and the balls of your feet, then lay them softly down on the floor. Rock back and forth and side to side. Gradually reduce this swaying to a standstill, with your weight balanced evenly on the feet.

Firm your thigh muscles and lift the kneecaps, without hardening your lower belly. Lift the inner ankles to strengthen the inner arches, then imagine a line of energy all the way up along your inner thighs to your groins, and from there through the core of your torso, neck, and head, and out through the crown of your head. Turn the upper thighs slightly inward. Lengthen your tailbone toward the floor and lift the pubis toward the navel.

Press your shoulder blades into your back, then widen them across and release them down your back. Without pushing your lower front ribs forward, lift the top of your sternum straight toward the ceiling.

Widen your collarbones. Hang your arms beside the torso.

Balance the crown of your head directly over the center of your pelvis, with the underside of your chin parallel to the floor, throat soft, and the tongue wide and flat on the floor of your mouth. Soften your eyes.

Standing firm on your mat and in your daily activities will bring you balance in all that you do. Stand strong. Be grounded.

Bronwyn Ison is the owner of Evolve Yoga. e-volvyoga.com 760.564.YOGA

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March 5 to March 11, 2015

Life & career Coach

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Sunny Simon

Slow Down, You Move Too Fast

M

y good friend Kay is calendar dependant. I sometimes think her happiness quotient is in direct proportion to the number of activities filling the hours of her daily schedule. Kay inundates the days of the month with everything from bocce ball meetings to pedicures. She sprinkles in community service, wedges in wine tastings with friends and logs many hours networking to promote her business. It is not unusual for Kay to rush into meetings late breathlessly murmuring apologies then quickly issuing a spoiler alert notifying all present that she must leave early due to a prior commitment.

While this state of heightened activity might seem to work for Kay, I’m sure my friend feels overwhelmed at times. Being busy is different than being productive. Setting limits is important. Restrictions guard us from becoming overwhelmed. Being in constant motion dashing from one event to another leaves no think time and zero down time to validate progress and measure outcome.

A quiet mind is a necessity for introspection.

Designating time to abstain from talking or reading, time to silence the internal chatter and reflect promotes good mental health. Over the years I’ve learned how to build some “me time” into my schedule that is non-negotiable.

I allow myself blissful unstructured hours to do whatever I choose and sometimes that choice

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is nothing at all. Well, not exactly nothing. I often enjoy magical moments spent taking in the sunset as it bounces off the mountains, watching the swans swim by on the small lake where we reside, or sitting on a bench alongside my dog Zoli just taking in the silence.

There is power in the white space on your calendar. Even during a busy day at the office a five or ten minute breather between conference calls and client meetings can impact the quality of your performance.

Nationally recognized corporate consultant Juliet Funt advises protecting your white space like a pit bull. Creativity soars during unscheduled time.

Even commute time can be converted into white space if you dial down the radio and free your mind from conscious problem solving and planning. A bit of free form daydreaming is like a mini vacation. You will arrive at work or a home in a more relaxed state.

Have I convinced you to take on the white space challenge? Pull out your weekly agenda and carve out some free time. And if anyone sees Kay or someone fitting her description this week, urge her or him to slow down. The result will be heightened productivity. You cannot ask for anything better.

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

local business

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March 5 to March 11, 2015

by chris clemens

Westin Desert Rangers Program

Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa Caters to a Younger Audience with Exploration & a visit to The Living Desert Zoo

W

estin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa’s Westin Desert Rangers Program was created for children to have a unique experience during their stay at the resort, learning about desert area wildlife and habitats while also making a special off-property visit to The Living Desert.

Children ages 5 through 12 can become a Desert Ranger for the day exploring the desert wildlife around the resort prior to departing to The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. Participants receive their own ranger outfit and have the opportunity to interact with the resort’s resident wildlife including an African spurred tortoise, Giant Flemish rabbits, reptiles and amphibians, and koi fish.

While exploring indigenous plants and foliage to the desert around the property, rangers will learn about different types of palm trees including the Queen Palm, Dwarf Palmettos and the Date Palm. In addition, the rangers will also create healthy and delicious smoothies with flavorful herbs from the chef’s garden, and fresh citrus such as tangerines and grapefruits which are found growing on trees throughout the resort. Children can make a strawberry, blueberries and mint flavored smoothie or a tangerine grapefruit smoothie, the possibilities are endless and children and encouraged to be creative.

Upon completing the resort exploration, the Rangers are taken via Westin’s Shuttle

Bus for a special visit to The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. This AZA-accredited zoo and gardens is dedicated to conservation and education. The zoo is home to wildlife from Africa, Asia, Australia and North America.

Residents include camels, giraffes, jaguars, leopards, bighorn sheep and more. As a group the Rangers will be given a tour of the grounds to see the varied wildlife situated in a desert garden setting. (For more about The Living Desert visit www.livingdesert.org.)

Westin Desert Rangers takes place every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and costs $75 per child which includes lunch and admission to The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. Reservations can be made by calling the resort’s Sun Shop at Las Brisas at (760) 328.5955, ext. 2297. There is a limit of 8 children per day. Reservations must be made at least 12 hours in advance.

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March 5 to March 11, 2015

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