Coachella Valley Weekly - March 24 to March 30, 2016 Vol. 5 No. 1 by CV Weekly

News

Music

DJ Day

Los Lonely Boys

Movies

Dining

Community Events

coachellavalleyweekly.com • March 24 to March 30, 2016 Vol. 5 No. 1

pg 6

pg 7

ZUN

pg 8

Hollace

pg 9

The Hive Minds

pg 10

Craig Chaquico

pg 11

March 24 to March 30, 2016

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Coachella Valley Weekly

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

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

March 24 to March 30, 2016

Happy 4 year anniversary CV Weekly!

t’s hard to believe that we are actually celebrating our 4 years in print with this week’s issue. It seems like just a year ago I was out talking to people about the new publication I was starting, with my mock paper in hand, with BB Ingle on the cover. As the Owner, Publisher, Editor, Sales Manager, Office Manager and Special Events Coordinator of CV Weekly, I must say that it is both exhausting and exhilarating, grueling and gratifying, putting out a publication week after week. What has made this possible is the amazing team that I have working alongside of me. With that said, I would like to thank everyone that has been involved with this paper from the beginning, but please indulge me while I give some personal shout outs.

While I usually save him for last, this time I will talk about him first. My partner in crime Phil Lacombe, who refers to himself as #2 at CV Weekly, is the best partner I could ask for. He is the Distribution Manager, Club Crawler Editor, and our Social Media guru, that makes sure everyone online and on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and every other platform out there knows about CV Weekly. #Phacy Next I would like to give serious accolades to Robert “Chance” Rickert, my Art Director, and #3 at CV Weekly. This guy, week after week, for the last 3 years, consistently comes up with these brilliant covers that set us apart from other publications in the valley. He also has to deal with me and Phil every week so for that he deserves an award. Not only does he do the covers, build

ads, update the website weekly, and layout the paper with me, but he assists in editing, and always with a calm demeanor no matter what is going on around us. He’s simply the best! William Westley has been with us from the beginning, driving over 2 hours every week out to LA to pick up the paper from our printer and then help Phil deliver it to all of our locations. Thank you Billy, for never letting us down in 4 years, even when you were in a head on collision. Now that’s dedication! Lisa Morgan has held many positions since the inception of the paper including Sales Manager, PR guru and Music Writer. She has been a constant support of CV Weekly in every way possible and our appreciation for her contribution is immense. continue to page 4

Contents

CV Weekly 4 Year Anniversary................3 CV Music Awards Nominees....................5 The Dinah.................................................6 DJ Day.......................................................6 Los Lonely Boys.......................................7 Valley Rhythms- Happy Together Tour...7 ZUN...........................................................8 Hollace......................................................9 The Hive Minds......................................10 Backstage Jazz ......................................10 Criag Chaquico.......................................11 Consider This - Bonnie Raitt..................12 Art Scene................................................13 Pet Place.................................................14 The Vino Voice .......................................15 Club Crawler Nightlife...........................16 Screeners................................................20 Book Review...........................................21 Theatre - “Conversations With...” .........21 Haddon Libby........................................23 Dale Gribow...........................................23 Safety Tips..............................................24 Transgender Day...................................24 Boys & Girls Club Youth Track & Field...25 Sports Scene - CV Derby Girls...............25 Breaking the 4th Wall- I Love You Marilyn..26 Free Will Astrology................................27 Mind, Body & Spirit ...............................27 Ask The Doctor ......................................28 Life & Career Coach ...............................28

March 24 to March 30, 2016

CV WEEKLY ANNIVERSARY continued from page 3

There are several writers that have been my core team since day one, and have stood alongside of me since the beginning that I have serious gratitude for. They are: Robin Simmons, Heidi Simmons, Rick Riozza, Janet McAfee, Bronwyn Ison, Dale Gribow, Haddon Libby, Craig Michaels, Raymond Bill, Eleni P. Austin and Lola Rossi. Joining us along the way: Bruce Cathcart, Noe Gutierrez, Esther Sanchez, Sunny Simon, Patte Purcell, Jack St. Clair, Dr. Peter Kadile, Dr. Maria Lombardo, Rebecca Pikus, Angela Romeo, Julie Buehler, Flint Wheeler, Sunny Simon, Sam DiGiovanna, Rob Brezny, DeeJae Cox, Rich Henrich, Judith Salkin, Denise Ortuno Neil, Diane Marlin-Dirkx, Jack Kohler, and most recently joining the team: Maily

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O’Neil, Jenny Wallis, Ben Crowson, Alex Updike, Daniel Duardo and Morgan James. I would also like to thank our ongoing contributing photographers: Chris Miller, Scott Pam, Laura Hunt Little, Steve Young, Lani Garfield, Esther Sanchez, Dre Naylor and Samantha Schwenck. I am also excited to announce my new Sales team: Morgan James, Jenny Wallis and Donna Ava Marie. Without this amazing team, CV Weekly would not have grown into the publication it is today. With that said I must also thank all of our advertisers, many of which have also been with us from day one, and of course, YOU, the readers for picking us up week after week. Cheers! Here’s to another year.

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nominees of the 2016 Coachella valley music awards

March 24 to March 30, 2016

CVMAs

ominees were chosen by a committee of almost 200 musicians, fans, producers, venue owners, music writers and promotes, all of whom were able to vote in all categories except their own. Thank you to all who participated for us to arrive at the following nominees in 32 categories. Please go to www.coachellavalleyweekly.com to cast your vote. You may only vote once per IP address. While you might think you are being able to vote ore than once, you are not, and it will kick the other votes back. Congratulations to the Nominees and Good Luck! Voting ends at midnight on Monday, April 25. Winners will be announced at The 2016 CV Music Awards to be held on Sunday, May 22 at the Riviera in Palm Springs. And the 2016 CV Music Awards Nominees are:

Best Band The Sweat Act Bridger Caxton You Know Who The Flusters The Hellions Gene Evaro Jr. & The Family Se7en4 The Hive Minds Eevaan Tre & The Show Best Rock Band Blasting Echo Hollace Ideation Waxy The CMF’s Mighty Jack Best Metal Band Perishment HOBP Remnants of Man Kill the Radio Brain Vat Robotic Humans Best Punk Band The Sweat Act Bridger Se7en4 You Know Who Whiskey & Knives Upper Class Poverty Best Alternative Rock Band Caxton War Drum CIVX The Hive Minds The Dirty X’s IIIZ Best Rap/ Hip-Hop Band/Performer Thr3 Strykes J Patron Lootenant 2 Toxic Tip Toe Stallone Dozzi Doz Best Reggae Band/Artist Irie Junctions Tribe-O Higher Heights Mikey Reyes’s Acoustic Movement Mosaiq Desert Rhythm Project Best Jazz Vocals Slim Man Rose Mallett Yve Evans Cat Lyn Day John Stanley King Mikael Healey

Best Jazz Instrumental Chase Huna Will Donato Smooth Brothers Joe Baldino Mikole Kaar Craig Chestnutt Best Blues Band/Artist Kal David John Stanley King Barry Baughn Bonethumpers The Stanley Butler Band Deanna Bogart Best Country Band/Artist R Buckle Road Lisa Lynn & The Country Gentlemen Rick Shelley Lucky Bones Cisco & Dewey The Hick Ups Best Adult Contemporary Band/ Artist Gina Carey Michael Keeth Jimi Fitz John Stanley King Rick Shelley Mark Gregg Best Duo Mikey Reyes & Bryanna Evaro Sean Wheeler & Zander Schloss Michael Keeth & Martin Barrera David Macias & Giselle Woo Josh Hall & Josh Fimbres Derek Jordan Gregg & Sean Poe Best New Band 5th Town Hollace Monreaux SunDrug Lorialla The Flusters Best Live Performance Band Bridger The Sweat Act Right On Right On Thr3 Strykes Hollace HOBP Best Cover Band Long Duk Dong Dude Jones Aphrodisiac Jacket Dead Milkmaids The Refills 212 Best Female Vocalist Chelsea Sugarbritches Christina Reyes

Lisa Lynn Morgan Giselle Woo Courtney Chambers Gina Carey Best Male Vocalist Michael Keeth Eevaan Tre Alex Antonio Gene Evaro Jr. Lance Riebsomer Giorg Tierez Best Frontman Jim Cathcart Nick Flores Alex Antonio Josh Heinz Chris Long Sean Wheeler Best Frontwoman Chelsea Sugarbritches Jesika Von Rabbit Cakes Christina Reyes Lisa Lynn Morgan Giselle Woo Best Guitar Mike Pygmie Arthur Seay Jon Arnold Bobby Nichols Bobby Taffolla Juan Espino Best Bass Dan Dillinger Dylan Brown Mondo Flores Jerry Bryson Aaron Ramson Damien Lautiero Best Drummer Troy Whitford KT Zapcart Steven Hall Mike Cancino Greg Saenz Jeff Bowman Best Keyboards Christina Reyes Jack Kohler Linda Lemke Heinz Herb Lienau Jeff Mazur Andy Cahan Best Club DJ DJ Day DJ Femme A DJ Sugarfree DJ Captain OSIV DJ Chase Martinez DJ Alex Harrington

Best Event DJ DJ Alf Alpha DJ Alex Harrington DJ Luthergates DJ Guy Worden DJ Alex Updike DJ Smoke 1 Best Club Promoter Johnny Sugarbritches Jack Kohler Ray Phillips Noe Gutierrez Ming Bob Lisa Lynn Morgan Best Event Promoter BB Ingle Ming Bob PLab Lyfted Entertainment Ray Phillips Steve Johns Best Live Performance Venue Date Shed The Hood Schmidy’s Pappy & Harriet’s Bart Lounge Tryst Best Unsigned Album (album must have a release date between March 1, 2015 and March 1, 2016) Lorialla “Fly” Michael Keeth “Get Back Up” Rick Shelley “1909” Bridger “Forces Against Us” Alex Harrington “Tru Groove” You Know Who “You Know Who” War Drum “Risk Taker” J Patron “Latino Immigrant” Dali’s Llama “Dying In The Sun” Gina Carey “Can You Dig It” Best Producer Ronnie King Esjay Jones Chris Unck Brad Garrow Tariq Beats Harper Hug & Trevor Whatever Best Band Photographer Chris Miller Scott Pam Steve Young Laura Hunt Little Samantha Schwenck Esther Sanchez

March 24 to March 30, 2016

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CLUB SKIRTS DINAH SHORE WEEKEND eventS

Local MusicSpotlight

¡Reunión! 6 Year Anniversary Farewell

PRESENTS ITS BLOCKBUSTER ADDITION TO THE 2016 DINAH ENTERTAINMENT LINE-UP: DJ TARYN MANNING, KATE MOENNIG & CAMILA GREY, ANGEL HAZE AND MADISON PAIGE TOP THE BILL

he Palm Springs, California-based all girl party and music festival will again take place over the span of 5-days (March 30 through April 3, 2016) at the Hilton Hotel, the PS Convention Center and Zeldaz Nightclub. Celebrating 26 years as the largest lesbian event in the world, Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend delivers yet again another roofraising celebration with a steamin’ hot lineup that will most definitely blow the lid off the sunny oasis! “We have put together the most exciting Dinah line up ever. If I could only pick one Dinah to attend, it would be this year. I’m really happy how things came together. Everyone we asked said yes, and as a result we have the most star-studded, talented Dinah ever! 26 years and we’re better than ever, thanks to our customers and to the amazing talent who see this event as a must do. It’s going to be a supreme year,” says Mariah Hanson, founder and promoter of The Dinah. The stellar entertainment roster is led by a strong and diverse presence of kick-ass female artists including two-time Grammy nominee Elle King, Orange is the New Black stars DJ Taryn Manning and comedian Lea DeLaria, celebrity DJs Samantha Ronson, L Word iconic star, Kate Moennig & UH HUH HER’s lead singer Camila Grey (who together form The X-Names), international top model Madison Paige, and one of the most exciting figures of today’s rap scene, Angel Haze. They’ll be joined by pop newcomer JoLivi and the all-female power pop/punk band and The Real L Word Season 3 cast members, Hunter Valentine who will perform their farewell show - their scheduled last stop – to thank the fans for one hell of an amazing ride. If that weren’t hot enough, did we mention the “Hot as L” party, one of the Dinah Shore Weekend’s signature events? Bringing back the magic of Showtime’s hugely popular lesbian drama series and reality TV show, The L Word & The Real L Word, “Hot as L” will feature some of our community’s most beloved and popular stars including Elizabeth Keener, Clementine Ford and Tracy Reyerson. It will be a weekend of high-energy performances and premieres whether singing in front of a mic or spinning records behind the turntables. World famous cover girl and super model Madison Paige is set to debut her music career at the epic lesbian event this spring. This year the Dinah is putting an extra focus on trail-blazing female DJs with a diverse group of high-profile talent all bringing something different to the decks. Taryn Manning, international DJ, musician and star of the Netflix hit original series Orange is the New Black is undeniably a go-to favorite

By esther sanchez

A Beloved Tradition in the Coachella Valley Music Scene is Ending

of the entertainment industry. Whether on screen, behind a mic or putting the needle on the record or on a piece of fabric, this triple threat does it all and does it impressively well. With an exceptional ear for music, DJ Taryn Manning has emerged as the club scene’s golden child. Manning has booked gigs including high profiled events such as House of Hype’s Sundance and Coachella parties, Rock The Vote Friends & Family Grammy Party, and Richard Bransons Rock The Casbah, to name a few. Joining her are Camila Grey and Kate Moennig slated to bring their trademark tomboyish style, sexy swagger and killer turntables to the Dinah, adding their names to an already phenomenal 2016 Entertainment line-up. This will mark the first time the beloved ladies who together form The X-Names, will team up to showcase their spinning skills. What started as “dabbling” for this electrifying pair quickly spiraled into a DJ partnership that has been successful beyond anything they both could have ever imagined. Now together X-Names - who spin a blend of Indy, Deep House, Darkwave, Nuwave, Nowave, Electro, Disco, Hip-Hop, 70’s and 80’s - travel the world to play a variety of clubs and parties entertaining A-List clients such Stella McCartney and Amour Vert, to name a few. These community icons are about to pack the Dinah dance floor with high voltage vibes taking the epic all-girl party to a whole new zenith. The five-day world-renown weekend is already making a lot of noise and is well on its way to be the most EPIC Dinah ever… you’d never seen anything like it yet! Celebrities confirmed to be attending also include Ariel Shepherd-Oppenheim, Bridget McManus, Chef K, Erika Ringor, Haviland Stillwell and Ilea Matthews. For a full Talent List & Tickets to the event are now on sale at: TheDinah.com

or the past 6 years, Thursday nights at The Amigo Room in the Ace Hotel and Swim Club have been an oasis of top-notch music and the chillest of vibes in an intimate environment. ¡Reunión! was the brainchild of one of my favorite local boys who made it big, Damien Beebe. Beebe who goes by the professional moniker, DJ Day, has in recent years worked his way to a level of international success and acclaim in his field, but anyone who knows him knows that his heart is proudly rooted in the desert. The decision to wrap up his weekly sessions at the Ace was a difficult one to make and solely his. Beebe: “I’ve actually been with Ace since the very first day they opened, so 7 years total. I was DJing Sundays by the pool for the first year and they had an opening for Thursday nights. I always wanted to do a weekly nighttime party and I knew Ace would give me the freedom to be “me” so I ran with it. I just felt it was time for me to move on to something new. I love the Ace and this was entirely my decision, but I’m ready to focus fulltime on my own music again.” Seeing as how the venue itself has been a hotel, there have of course always been a lot of out-of-towners in attendance at ¡Reunión!, but the handfull of times over the years that I showed up, I could not help but notice the familial atmosphere of many faithful locals who see Thursday nights at the Amigo Room as their ritual stompingground. I asked DJ Day what he will miss the most about his weekly gig. Beebe: “The camaraderie and seeing good folks week after week. There was always a lot of love that permeated those nights and that’s one thing I’ll definitely miss. And being able to play everything

from Fela Kuti and Slum Village to New Order and Ron Hardy all in a single night. I could probably write a book on all the crazy stuff I’ve seen over the years, but the best times have been random nights where everyone is on the same vibe and really locked in together almost spiritually through the music. Those nights usually end up with me on the mic drunkenly singing along with the whole room until the lights come on. Good times.” As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. The final ¡Reunión! is taking place on March 31st and will no doubt be bitter-sweet for DJ Day, the good people who run the Ace Hotel and the faithful family of party people who have made it the success that it has been. Beebe: “I just want to send an enormous thank you to everyone who’s ever made it out, all of our regulars and past guests and without a doubt, my man Aimlo who’s been a part of ¡Reunión! with me since the first night. It’s been an experience I will never forget and I’m thankful to the Ace and everyone who’s supported to help make it the longest running weekly party in Palm Springs history. I will miss you all.” Feeling the need to focus on upcoming projects, Beebe will also be taking a hiatus from his typically busy tour schedule. However, for those who find themselves fiending for their fix of funk, Beebe will be continuing with, “Highlife,” his monthly party at Ace on the last Saturday of every month. soundcloud.com/iamdjday facebook.com/IAmDJDay twitter.com/djday mixcloud.com/DJDay pl70.net/artists/dj-day

Local MusicSpotlight

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March 24 to March 30, 2016

by noe gutierrez

Los Lonely Boys

“Give a little more Take a little less The truth’s gonna find you if you don’t confess Fight a little harder Dig a little deeper Can anybody hear what I’m saying?” Taken from the song “Give A Little More” -From the Los Lonely Boys most recent album Revelation os Lonely Boys have been giving a whole lot of themselves since they banded on April 10, 1997. The Grammy award winning band includes brothers Henry (guitar, vocals), Jo Jo (bass, vocals) and Ringo (drums, vocals). Los Lonely Boys are in the midst of their Spring 2016 tour and will find themselves back in the Coachella Valley on Friday, April 1 at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, sharing the stage with East L.A. legends Los Lobos. Coachella Valley Weekly spoke with Jo Jo Garza this past week via phone as the band was preparing for a show in Minnesota. Originally from Snyder, Texas the boys moved to San Angelo at an early age where they established familial roots. They then continued on to Lubbock, Texas, the hometown of Buddy Holly. Garza recalls, “We lived in Lubbock a couple of years. It was a significant place for us. We’ve been

around Lubbock all our lives.” Influenced by prominent Tex-Mex musicians like Little Joe, Los Lonely Boys have established themselves as a powerhouse trio in the rock and blues communities. “We’re not purposely trying to do anything that hasn’t been done, but in a way we are. We’re not classifying ourselves as gospel or as rock or pop or anything. The message that we’re trying to share has to do with what everyone wants in life; the good thing.” Garza, at 33 years old, has a solid grasp on the meaning of his life. “There’s something greater than a signature, greater than an album. We’re Chicanos who grew up on the streets coming up hard and having respect for our Lord Jesus Christ and putting him first. It’s crazy to visit all these locations that most of us didn’t even know about growing up. It’s a true blessing to get up and share what our outlook is and perspectives on love and life. We share about society, things that are going

Valley Rhythms The Happy Together Tour comes to Spotlight 29 Casino

on in the world while avoid being political. Some of the songs pop out of thin air. Some of the messaging in the lyrics are to gain an understanding of what our true purpose is.” That true purpose has transformed in recent years. Garza and his brothers have had to delve deep to maintain their faith through the loss of their mother in 2015 and the significant injuries sustained by Henry while falling off a stage in early 2013. “Our faith is applied every day and in everything that happens to us. We’re the kind of believers who will give our testimony to those who want to know. Our faith has pulled us out of every single thing, both good and bad. When you start understanding the truth you don’t really look at things as good and bad. You look at it as what the truth is and that there is a bigger plan for all of us. On this tour everyone has been gracious and said they’ve missed over the last year since

by Lola Rossi

he “Happy Together” Tour featuring The Turtles, a tour named after their 1960s hit single, comes to Spotlight 29 Casino in the Spotlight Showroom this Saturday, March 26, 2016 at 8 p.m. This tour will feature hits by The Grass Roots, Gary Lewis & The Playboys and The Buckinghams followed by The Turtles. During an interview from his home in Chicago, Carl Giammarese of The Buckinghams, said he and Nick Fortuna, both original members of the band, are looking forward to being part of this years tour. “The Buckinghams started in Chicago around 1965. We were together until 1970; we didn’t really perform at all during those years so I sang on over 300 radio and TV jingles during that time,” said Giammarese. “Then 1980 rolls around and there was a resurgence of 60’s music and we started playing again and we haven’t stopped since.” The Turtles, who started the first “Happy Together” Tour in 1984 invited The Buckinghams to join the tour in 1985. They did 200 concerts in 8 months and were part of the Top 10 highest grossing national tours that year. The “Happy Together” tour continues every summer with The Turtles featuring Flo and Eddie performing with various groups from the 1960s. “Since then, we have been performing 60 to 100 dates every year. We have been very fortunate to still have a ‘Baby Boomer’ crowd who wants to hear our music, it’s because of them we

can do, what we love to do.” Their songs and melody lines were basically love songs, protest songs, and their music was connected with the temperament of what was going on in the world during the 1960s. “It’s always a surprise when someone comes up to me after a show and tells their story of where they were when they listened to one of our songs. One man told me he remembered hearing our music on Vietnam Radio and how listening to it made his life a little easier, being so far away from home.” Giammarese was the oldest of two siblings, Rosalie and Victor. His Father was a professional singer before WWII and later became a part of The Continentals for the Glenn Miller Band, performing in England and France. His father knew keeping his son busy learning an instrument would keep him off the streets of Chicago and getting into possible trouble. He purchased his son a Harmony open top guitar when he was 13 years old and gave him guitar lessons from instructor Harvey Mandel. “I loved playing the guitar and really wanted to learn all I could. I listened to Elvis,

we’ve been gone dealing with the loss of our mom.” They found comfort in music and their musical family. The Garza brothers have a long-standing relationship with Los Lobos. “Those guys are our heroes. We will always open the show for them. It’s about love, respect and the passion and joy for the music. Those guys are a big influence and inspiration. It’s crazy that we can stand there and perform with them and crack jokes. It’s something we never imagined, at least not on this scale.” You may find each of the bands’ members joining each other on stage during their respective sets. Los Lonely Boys are booked through October and enjoy the tour cycle, especially when California is on the horizon. “Every time we come to California there’s a big response. It’s truly a second home for us. California has been really good to us. Turn outs are always great.” Their most recent album, Revelation, has been out for over a year now. It’s melodic and incorporates the acoustic guitar along with Henry’s signature Fender Strat guitar sound beautifully. Jo Jo left us with this. “Revelation is something that you don’t just realize on your own, it is revealed to you.” loslonelyboys.com

The Ventures, James Brown, Big Band music and Jazz.” During High School, his cousin, Gerald Elarde, who was a drummer and vocalist, invited lead guitarist Giammarese to join The Centuries which included Nick Fortuna on rhythm guitar and Carl Buchman on bass. They quickly became a very popular cover band playing at neighborhood events, teen sock hops, private parties and weddings. To set them apart, they created their first distinct “look” inspired by The Beatles. Then he was part of the Pulsations and earned the identity as “Rock and Roll Royalty” because of their superb look, sound and style. A few name changes and personnel changes led these talented Musicians to be called The Buckinghams and would later earn the new identity as “Chicago’s response to the British Invasion.” Written by Jim Holvay, “Kind Of A Drag” was their number 1 hit off their first album, with the same name, on USA Records. It was released in 1966 and by February of 1967, became the number 1 Billboard hit. “It’s kind of funny because

we were dragging our feet regarding the artwork on the album and they told us that if we didn’t get a picture of the band for the album they would leave the cover black. So, we had a friend, who had one of the first Polaroid cameras and we went down to Chicago’s lakefront at Grand Park where there was and still is the Buckingham Fountain; it lights up from April through October; we went down there and took a picture in front of the fountain. But, by the time they blew it up to the size of an album cover, the picture was so blurry that you couldn’t tell what was behind us.” An album Terra Firma, which is Greek for solid ground, was released in 1998 on Nation Records, with a song “I Knew You When,” one of my favorites. In 2002, Giammarese released an album which included his own compositions with lyrics written by Michele Sweeney-Adams on 8 of the 11 songs. One of his songs, “Oh Lord, Make Me More Like You” was recorded by Christian Artist Lisa Ann, and featured on Chicago Radio, The Fish. Giammarese most recently released a new album entitled Living In The Moment. He also has other projects in the works and believes, “Music keeps you young.” Visit The Buckinghams.com and CarlGiammarese.com, to keep up with their over 50 year career and what they will do next.

March 24 to March 30, 2016

ZUN

A Collaboration Made in Neo-Psychedelic Experimental Desert Rock Heaven

his collective soundscape is nothing short of transcendent and mesmerizing. It is the brilliant gathering of troubadours and the culmination of their respective careers dedicated to innovative music. The decadent layers began with the guitar tracks of Gary Arce, founder of Yawning Man, noted to be one of the first influential bands in the desert rock scene. Arce’s six string voicings and ambient melody lines have always had the power to transport the listener into a dream, but the creamy vocal layers in this delicious serving, are a dark, sexy dream in full color. With the nudge of Harper Hug, owner of Thunder Underground Studios, vocals were introduced to Arce’s traditionally lyric-free soaring sounds. Long-time friend and world renowned desert rock vocalist, John Garcia, was brought in (Kyuss, Slo Burn, Unida, Hermano, Aqua de Anniqe, Kyuss Lives!, Vista Chino). Sera Timms (vocalist and bassist for Black Mare, Ides of Gemini, Black Math Horsemen) was also invited. Both, with the finesse wielded only by seasoned troubadours fallen on the sword of innovative song crafting, brought riveting vocal instruments to the table. Fantastically and tastefully produced, this otherworldly project named ZUN by Arce, will leave you with a deep need for more. Sera Timms: Timms’ vocals are absolutely intuitive and would bring depth to any project. This is the obvious evolution of her tenured experience in experimental rock. Vocalist and bassist for Ides of Gemini and formerly of the recently disbanded Black Math Horseman, her current project, Black Mare, focuses on rhythmic repetition and atmospheric simplicity, unveiling a creative process that is all Sera’s own, and it is a brilliant pairing with Arce’s haunting riffs and dreamy psychedelic, wordless story telling. Timms’ hypnotic voice, ever sweet yet ever dark, seems as though it was always meant to fuse with Arce’s guitar. Sera recently completed a new Black Mare album which will be out in late 2016. Ides of Gemini are writing their next record, and doing a short West Coast tour in April. John Garcia: While many embody different unique and equally important aspects of what the world has come to know as Desert Rock, John Garcia’s voice represents the soft sand of the dunes versus the harsher harder crust of the desert sound in this project. Like the desert herself, John’s spirit and voice have remained strikingly strong, soulful and genuine in a constantly besieged and changing environment with an authenticity that can only be earned, not taught. His vocals and lyric lines draw you into the abyss while covering you in velvet. It is a voice you would follow anywhere because you believe every word that floats out of his deep melodic soul. “Working with Gary on this project along side Robby Krieger and Harper Hug was a blast. Such a cool interesting project, and challenging. New explorations are always welcome and this project was certainly that.... dig Gary’s direction and vibe for Zun.” Gary Arce: Arce creates music that has the thumbprint of a soul that feels safe at home but is forced to wander - like a deep thirst fed only drops at time, but never fully quenched. The angst that rests underneath every sweet riff and melody line he creates resonates in all of us - lost and afloat in a dream, sometimes sweet,

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sometimes dark, but strangely comfortable. Arce doesn’t simply create music, he creates experience - experience you are free to build your own imaginary world around, with or without your own words. It is the reason continents of people who have lived through many more seasons, much darker than ours, clamor to Yawning Man performances. Somehow, the addition of lyrics and vocals does not take anything away from Arce’s signature, and therein lies the magic of ZUN. CV Weekly had the privilege of hearing from some of the key collaborators to this new project, whose album was set to be released March 25th of this year but looks to launch sometime before Yawning Man’s fall European Tour. Harper Hug (Drums, Owner- Thunder Underground Studio): “I met Gary four years ago when he came in my studio to work on some new Yawning Man material. We have a lot in common and became friends pretty quickly. I think that is evident in how much we have done together in such a short time. In those four years we have worked on Yawning Man, Ten East, Dark Tooth Encounter, John Garcia, Steak, and Yawning Sons together. I feel like Gary is my brother. Gary wanted to do something that was different. Gary’s projects have been primarily instrumental. We decided to add vocals but in a more ambient way that supported the music.” “It seemed to come together naturally. The first track we posted with Sera Timms in 2013 got a positive response which motivated us to do a full-length record. Gary had contributed to a John Garcia solo record I had produced, and it seemed like a perfect fit. Gary and John have been friends since the Kyuss days. Gary wrote the Kyuss song “Catamaran”. It’s great to see such love and mutual respect between two artists. It’s inspiring to me.” “I think the vocals really elevate the music which is what Gary really wanted. I think both John and Sera treated their vocals as instruments complementing Gary’s avant-garde style. I am very proud of the final result. Gary and I learned a lot on this journey. We want to take another trip soon!” Sara Timms: “I’ve been a fan of Yawning Man for many years, especially Gary’s guitar style. Mario Lalli (who played bass on two of the tracks) has been supportive of my music for many years, and I look up to him as an amazing musician, as well as a person who’s maintained true musical integrity throughout his career. Gary and I agreed then that it was a good idea to collaborate, but things did not align until Zun was born.” “I kind of feel like I get to visit another world

by Lisa Morgan

Local Music Spotlight

on this project as it consists of people that all come from the desert and share a musical history with the exception being me. I’m from the forest originally, and that is something that always influences my creativity. There is a place in Death Valley where you’re in the middle of the vast desert at sea level, but there is a mountain you can drive up to the top of in 20 min or so and be surrounded by these ancient Bristlecone Pines and sometimes snow, and look out across the desert. It’s a place where two worlds come together - that’s what this project feels like to me.” “Sonically, Gary and I have very similar sensibilities, and it’s always special to work with someone who seems to pull from the same well of creativity as yourself. I think we both seek whether consciously or not, to find a place in music that is timeless, spacious, and colored by one’s eternal soul.” “Also, John Garcia! Kyuss was hugely influential to me in my formative years of playing music, and I will always hold any of

those guys in high regard. It’s an honor to be in a project with all of these people.” Gary Arce: “ZUN initially was simply Harper Hug editing, and looping guitar parts I had laid down at Thunder Underground in Palm Springs. He called me asking me to come in and listen to what he had done, and I was really inspired. I laid down bass parts and lap steel, but it still felt incomplete. I was always a huge fan of Sera Timms vocals, and we had spoken in the past and this was our chance. I sent her a few tracks to listen to. She started on three of the tracks.” “John Garcia and I have known each other since we were basically kids growing up in the desert scene. We also have spoken a lot about doing music together. I contacted him and sent him a few tracks and he picked what he felt comfortable with. Harper laid down drum tracks on four of the songs, and Bill Stinson played on two of the songs (which we tracked live). Both John and Sera came up with the lyrics and melodies to the tracks.” This first born child of this collective is set to release March 25, 2016, but as album releases go, nothing ever seems to go as scheduled. Follow this project at facebook.com/ zunofficial to stay updated. Search YouTube.com for “Nothing Farther featuring John Garcia” & “Into the Wasteland featuring Sera Timms” Yawning Man is set to release a new EP, Historical Graffiti from Buenos Aries, Argentina through Netherland’s Laybar Recordings. And a new Ten East album (title pending) will be released on Burning World Records (also based in the Netherlands). YM is scheduled for a new tour with new female bassist, Justine Summer Heaven.

Local MusicSpotlight

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Becoming “Hollace”: For The Love of Music

by Lisa Morgan photos by scott pam photography

hile much attention has been paid to the Southern California desert’s legendary rock scene, and deservedly so, several younger bands have been emerging under their long cast shadow. With the heavy sonic textures and innovative spirit passed down to them by their predecessors like a Supernova, these band, with a little luck, could very well catch their own star, continuing the desert legacy on their own terms. Hollace, in the opinion of many, is one of those bands. A melding of accomplished musicians with authentic motivations and personalities, Hollace is one of our top shelf rock bands who inspire one’s respect. Fronted by a passionate and animated front man with a voice that can hang with any of the great rock vocalists, backed by strong, hard earned musicianship, Hollace has carved a unique, lyrically strong sound that has been drawing energetic crowds for almost a year now. In that short time, the quality of their music and performance along with their love for their audience has organically grown a fan base that was motivated to vote them into the annual Tachevah Concert Tour competition. It has also earned them several nominations in the 2016 Coachella Valley Music Awards including: Best New Band, Best Male Vocals (Alex Antonio), Best Frontman (Alex Antonio) Best Rock Band and Best Live Performance Band. If their performance at the Date Shed last Friday night, opening for Alien Ant Farm, was any indication of things to come, this band could find themselves in front of a national audience soon, giving their loyal fan base “I told you so” rights. CV Weekly spoke with the guys about all that has transpired over the year and what their hopes for the future are: Josh Ballard (drummer): “This whole thing has been an exciting ride already! We went from jamming and writing songs together to winning battle of the bands and opening for bigger acts, all within our first year of creating Hollace. It is very exciting and inspiring! When the band all started, we knew we had something special from the start! We really took our time to hand craft these songs. With all of us having full musical backgrounds, it wasn’t hard to do, and it came quickly and creatively. As far as our hopes for the future of this band, we want to continue to write and record, and gain as much fan base momentum as possible. We hope by this time next year we will have a great fan base and many more shows under our belt. When it comes to songwriting, it comes from us all, but

Alex is so good at writing melody and lyrics, to a point of genius, we just let him have his freedom. We all go over each song, and work out each part until it’s deemed “done”. Currently we are finishing our first full length album and getting our merchandise in order. We’re just excited to see where this crazy roller coaster ride we call “BAND LIFE” takes us!” James Hollis Eaton (Guitar/Vocals): “Frank, Josh, Stretch (Shawn Fisher) and I were still playing and writing together after our last band separated from our singer. We just stayed positive. We knew that the four of us wanted to keep jamming together, to keep moving forward towards our goal of making a career out of making and playing music. Then when we brought Alex in, we knew we had something really special as a band, and we felt like we had a really good chance at making this happen. These guys have been so awesome to work with the last year. We all get along so well and the writing process with this band just comes so easy and naturally and makes all of us better creatively. These guys are such good musicians that you can’t help but be inspired and learn and be more creative when you are around them. I feel this band has what it takes to make it. We are all on the same page and have a great management team in Mystic Avalanche to support and back us up. I have no doubt about us taking this band to the next level. Our fans (the few we have) love our sound and our style. We love our fans and hope to get many more. I love this band, Hollace, and can’t wait to see what lies ahead and where we take it.” Shawn Fisher aka “Stretch”: “We are coming up on our first year as being a band and it seems a lot longer. When we brought Alex in, it was as if he was supposed to be there the whole time. Chemistry between musicians is paramount. He brings a talent that seems a bit lost in today’s music. A great front man captures his or her audience with charisma and energy. Most of today’s music feels rushed and choreographed

March 24 to March 30, 2016

and lacks character. Our sound is important to us. We take our time and try different things and are often surprised by the outcome. We mesh very well in that regard. If something doesn’t feel right, then we try something else. Alex wastes no time in recording our sessions of writing new material, and will have lyrics ready to work with in no time. For me, that’s what this first year for us has shown me, is that we don’t put off anything. We are constantly working on something and not putting it on the back- burner.” Alex Antonio (Lead Vocals): “Personally, before playing with these guys, I was seeking something new musically and creatively. I had always had the desire to just be a lyricist and a singer, and when I had the chance to jam with these four guys that would eventually make up Hollace, I saw it as an opportunity to take a chance and see where this road would take me. I feel I’ve grown leaps and bounds with them, not only with the music, but in my own personal creativity. I feel now, more than ever, that I no longer need to be afraid to take risks when working on any aspect of creating things whether it be music, art or poetry. It’s fun creating my own world around me, and these guys are a huge part of that. The beauty of life is that you can never really be sure where it’s going to take you. Right now, I feel we are definitely in a place that we all want to be. Our songwriting all comes together so naturally; at times it’s a little scary how easy it is for us as writers to come together and just belt out song after song. It’s definitely one of my favorite aspects of this band. I’m the main lyricist, but musically, it varies. Sometimes Frank and I will collaborate on a riff, just guitar and vocals, and other times, it will just come out of a jam session. Our song, “Peace Loves A New Day,” is a perfect example of that.” “Since our first debut show at Bart Lounge to now, we’ve had nothing but support from everyone. We are very thankful because as they say, we would not be here if it wasn’t for our fans.

So this Tachevah contest is just as much about them as it is for us. We are just glad everyone this past year has been so responsive to what we are putting out. I guess we must be doing something right!” Frank Michel (Guitar/Vocals): “I was in a good place in my life when Hollace formed. Musically, the four of us had already created a strong band and by adding a singer just as strong, we knew from day one that Hollace had huge potential. Musically, nothing has been difficult; we gelled pretty quickly with a high level of talent and communication. The most difficult thing has been dealing with having day jobs! One year from now, I see Hollace releasing an album and performing at venues all throughout California possibly even a tour.” “Something funny I noticed was about our drummer, Josh, when we first met was that he liked quoting movies a lot. Turns out, he can quote entire movies word for word. One that stands out at the moment is Billy Madison, the Adam Sandler movie; the band gets quotes from that movie routinely. Josh is a responsible dependable person as well as an amazing musician. Obviously, a great drummer, he's also great at piano and just hearing ideas in the moment. His knowledge of live sound and recording gets us great sound always. He's also the best Cook!" "James I see as quiet but strong, and just gets the job the done. He is so solid. Stretch is the only one of us that didn't have music in mind for a career. Josh brought him in to play bass when we met before Hollace, and he learned almost from scratch. His willingness to learn and his overall dedication is amazing to me. Alex makes singing sound so natural, and in general, he feels energy and conveys it really well. He hears riffs brought in and just soaks himself in them and then becomes an extension of them. At the same time, he gives our music more edge with his strong voice." "Most of our ideas in our songwriting start on guitar, and then a collaboration process starts from there. Alex writes the majority of his vocal melodies and lyrics. No one ever says, "That's gonna be it, and that's that." We have good communication and always hear each other out on any part of the writing." "I feel we have dedicated and amazing fans! Our fan base has been growing little by little, but it's been a strong one since the beginning. They believe in us, and it makes us believe in ourselves that much more. We really feed off of them for live show energy as well!" "Aside from being 'Hollace', we brew our own beer, have our own recording studio, and just like to have a good time sharing our music." Make sure and catch Hollace at: Sat, Mar 26 @ Schmidys Tavern, Palm Desert, CA, US Thu, Mar 31 @ Pappy & Harriets Pioneertown Palace, Pioneertown, CA, US Fri, May 6 @ Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs, Palm Springs, CA, US Follow them on Facebook or on Reverbnation reverbnation.com/hollace

March 24 to March 30, 2016

Local Music Spotlight

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by morgan james

The Hive Minds

backstage jazz

By patte purcell

Back to the Classics!

he Hive Minds haven’t even released their new EP, but the album is already generating buzz throughout the Coachella Valley. “The Hive Minds definitely have something special!” exclaims Trevor Stone of MIX 100.5FM Palm Springs after listening to The Hive Minds new single “Chasing You Around.” After 4 years together playing an expansive amount of local gigs and gaining a steady audience, Derek Jordan Gregg (vocals and guitar) and Sean Poe (drums) decided to kick their act up a notch by adding bassist Matt Styler to the mix. In just a few short months, the guys have written an EP with all new songs, signed with management, and recorded the album with legendary Producer, Ronnie King. The next couple months begin an exciting preparation to launch their album, Really Don’t Mind the Waiting, as The Hive Minds head out on tour this summer. I sat down with Derek and Sean to discuss their music and what’s next for them. Now that the album has been written and recorded, the guys reflect on the songs, the recording process, and the future. “I’m most looking forward to having an actual CD in my hand,” says Sean, reflecting on the process. “It feels a whole lot better to have the fruits of your labor actually in hand like whoa, this is real. (The album) feels very cohesive like there is an over-arching story to the whole thing whereas our last album is just a bunch of songs about different things. This is a narrative.” The band brought this set of songs to life through Grammy nominated Producer, Ronnie King. “I really felt like we bonded and that we respected each other’s artistic integrity. He pushed my buttons because he knew what I could do. He brought out the best in me,” Derek states, of working with Ronnie. Currently The Hive Minds are shooting their first music video for “Chasing You Around” with Director, Robert Sandoval. “I

really enjoy working with Robert because he shoots the way I play... He doesn’t stick to protocol or a plan necessarily. He lets reality and the variables at hand dictate what the next move is. I think when you let things happen in the moment, spontaneously, that’s when magic happens,” Derek says. Sean chimes in, “My favorite part of shooting has been all the goofy things we try. Sometimes we get a shot and we have extra time or just come up with some odd ball ideas and try them out! So there may be a blooper video of that someday.” The music video is slated for release before the actual album, most likely in May. Many of The Hive Minds fans already have their self-titled first album, so I asked Derek what fans could expect from Really Don’t Mind the Waiting. “The two albums almost sound like different bands. The first is Americana and this one is really an Indie pop album. This is our bands album, whereas the first was a band bringing my solo project to life. I suppose the fans will have to decide which they prefer.” You can catch The Hive Minds playing their music, old and new, every Wednesday at Sullivan’s Steakhouse 6:30pm to 10pm and decide for yourself. So what’s next? The Hive Minds prepare for a Summer tour after the album release. Local radio stations are already playing The Hive Minds music such as 98.9 KDHS and 87.9 KCOD. Both have been extremely supportive of the band booking them in multiple sponsored shows throughout the Coachella Valley. The band was featured live last Summer on Local Music Spotlight at MIX 100.5 and Local Artists Live at KCOD. The buzz around the hive keeps growing as the guys gear up for their tour. “Put The Hive Minds on for the Summer!” recommends TK of 93.7FM KCLB Palm Springs. I know that’s exactly what I will do!

t was a fun filled night as artists from LA, Las Vegas, and the desert, performed some of the Great American songbook to the delight of the audience, under the stars at the stunning Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Desert. The show started with John Carey’s version of “Jump Jive and Wail” with Slim Man on vocals and most of the musicians on stage. We were then treated to the amazing sounds of Jay Gore on guitar with his rendition of “Little Sunflower.” It then moved into a fun couple of songs with former Rat Pack show member, Paul Elia, who worked the audience with his Dean Martin scenario. It was followed by the beautiful and talented Cat Lyn Day, who did a great Marilyn Monroe “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend.” ‘A list’ bass player Darryl Williams performed the Stevie Wonder song, “Overjoyed.” Curtis Brooks, the amazing 20 year old sax player, performed a beautiful rendition of “Autumn Leaves,” which received a huge round of applause. Local actress

and vocalists Bonnie Gilgallon sang “Lady is a Tramp” and finally Bob Desena, who combined his talents of singing, vibes, trumpet and flugelhorn finished the first set performing “I Got You Under My Skin” and the very groovy “Grazin’ in the Grass.” Slim Man emceed the event with his dry humor and he opened the second set with 3 classics including; “Sway,” “Bessa Ma Mucho” and a rocking version of “Route 66.” Guitarist Joe Baldino was joined by a classic flamenco guitarist and he sang vocals on a beautiful rendition of “Look of Love.” Greg Manning, composer and pianist, performed the classic “Watermelon Man.” Vocalist Karl Erikson (Mannheim Steamroller) performed “Feelin Good” the Michael Buble classic. We were treated to Curtis Brooks on “Fly Me to the Moon” where he sang and played sax. Jay Gore performed “Caused We’ve Ended” and the entire band performed the finale “Sing, Sing, Sing” with a swing with the audience singing along. The audience loved every moment. The April Celebrity Jazz jam features 4 sax players, Bob Desena on vibes, trumpet and flugelhorn, 4 time blues award winner Deanna Bogart, A List players including; Greg Vail on sax, Greg Manning on keys, Darryl Williams on bass and a special appearance by actor Jeff Goldblum on piano (Jurassic Park, the Fly). Tickets are $30 for assigned seating and $25 for general admission. Tickets can be purchased at www.purplepass.com/celebrityjazzjam4 or by calling Purplepass at 1-800-316-8559. For information on the event contact Patte Purcell at 702-219-6777. Coachella Valley Weekly is a sponsor of the event.

Local Music Spotlight

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by Lisa Morgan

Jefferson Starship’s Craig Chaquico

Shares 50 Years of Chart Topping Music and His Quest to be Reunited with His Stolen Instruments

he Grooves at Westin will be presenting a musical opportunity that no classic rock, jazz or new age music lover should miss. For the last five decades, world renowned, original Jefferson Starship guitarist, Craig Chaquico has found his way to the top of each of the billboard charts in one genre or the other, a feat few (if any) others have accomplished. Having seen this artist in action, I can personally say that Chaquico’s engaging and uplifting performance, along with his hand selected group of friends and fellow stellar performers, will leave an inspirational, lifelong impression. The Platinum selling lead guitarist and songwriter has successfully charted records in a variety of genres from the 1970s with Jefferson Starship, in the 1980’s with Starship (Jefferson Starship’s evolution), and in the 1990s and 2000s as a contemporary jazz, blues and new-age solo artist. Chaquico is touring throughout the world this year, which so happens to be Jefferson Starship’s 40th anniversary. His performances, including this one, will include Starship songs as well as his solo releases from the past 23 years. His 50 year love affair with music has earned him 20 Platinum and Gold records. His life as a famed troubadour has not been without its heartaches. A riveting documentary can (and should) be made about the incredible gains and the devastating losses Chaquico has endured, including a complete rebuild of his musical endeavors that were initially rejected by many in the industry. One of the most devastating events of his early career took place the summer of 1978 in Lorelei, Germany. Fans rioted and destroyed the stage as a result of the show being cancelled due to legendary singer, Grace Slick, who was unable to perform due to illness. The band had to evacuate quickly leaving all their equipment behind. Chaquico returned the following morning to find only the charred remains of his Fender Bassman amplifiers. All was assumed lost. I had the incredible opportunity to talk to Craig Chaquico about the incident and his journeys since, as well as the miraculous resurgence of his beloved 1959 Les Paul Standard Sunburst guitar discovered in the hands of a collector some 36 years later. CVW: “What was it like for you to discover that your guitar was not in the ashes, and where are you in your quest to be reunited with it?” Chaquico: “When I went to the scene of the riot, the aftermath looked like a plane had crashed… there was debris everywhere. The

analogy for me was like hearing the story of how your girlfriend got on a plane and it crashed leaving no survivors, only to discover years later that she never got on the plane and had amnesia all this time.” “When I first contacted the owner we agreed to work with each other to make sure he was compensated and all was handled fairly. For some reason, he changed his mind. It’s all in the hands of the court now. We’ll see how that turns out. I’m sure whatever is meant to be will be. In a way it helps to draw attention to the earlier songs and some of that music I was lucky enough to be a part of with Jefferson Starship – I played my Sunburst on many of those songs, so at least I can hear it. But it would be nice to get my hands back on it. It’s a miracle in itself that it is still completely original and very well preserved. It hasn’t been modified at all. And maybe with all the press about it, one of the other guitars may turn up. There’s another guitar that we have the serial number to now – the one I played on Dragonfly and Octopus.” CVW: “Will you make sure we all get to see that reunion when and if that happens?” Chaquico: “Oh yeah! I’ll be blowing that up and framing it! You know, you brought up the word ‘reunion’ and it made me think about the last time the original Jefferson Starship played together. I was just talking with Grace about maybe finishing the tour. Maybe then, Pete (who recently recovered one of his instruments thought lost in the riot) and I could play our instruments that have been discovered since.” CVW: “Tell me about your transition from the music you created and played in Jefferson Starship and Starship to the various genres of music you have created since?” Chaquico: “I’m the only one that played on all the albums when Starship disbanded - basically after I left. By the time I left, all the people I had enjoyed playing with had already gone except Mickey. During my time, I was able to write more guitar oriented songs like “Jane,” then the band evolved into something more pop with “We Built This City,” “Sarah” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us” – I enjoyed playing all the songs. Even in the very beginning there were pop overtones, like in “Miracle” and “Count On Me.” Over the years since 1974, even though people left, there was still kind of a core band. But at the end, there really wasn’t. It seemed like the musical direction was going to be more of a Mickey solo band, and I thought, ‘Ya know... I’m gonna leave.’” “I really didn’t know what I was going to do

March 24 to March 30, 2016

next. I started writing songs that were more like “Jane” and “Find Your Way Back” on electric; I wanted to get back into rock. But in the 90s, Grunge was happening. It was a total fluke how the move into the New Age music came about. My wife was pregnant, and suddenly the acoustic guitar was a lot more welcome than the electric guitar, and so I played a lot more acoustic. I had no idea that it would lead to what it did.” “Initially, we got passed on by a lot of labels. It was all acoustic, very high fidelity, and very different from the Starship stuff. It didn’t meet with a lot of enthusiasm. We took it to every style of label – rock, new age, jazz, and each one said, ‘You need to be a little more like this artist’ or ‘that artist.’ It was a really frightening time. When we finally did get signed by Higher Octave in Malibu, it became the number one New Age album of the year. All that rejection just made it so much sweeter to finally get such great recognition. And I say this not to brag, but to encourage any artist that’s out there hearing, ‘No No No’ all the time. It is very discouraging. Ironically, the fact that it was different was the reason we were not getting signed, but ultimately it was because it was different that we had such success on the charts. Years later, I was told that one of those labels that told me I needed to sound more like someone else is now telling candidates to ‘Sound more like Craig Chaquico.’ It sounds like I’m bragging but I only share that to encourage the many people who have had to deal with the painful rejection of something that is very heartfelt.” “I guess I owe it all to my wife for getting pregnant! And now, I get to do it all.” “Whenever we (the band) play somewhere, it’s a team effort – we depend on the support of the audience. I’m really happy to be getting back to the Palm Springs area knowing that there are people there who from the beginning have shown us such amazing support. If it wasn’t for that audience down there, I probably would not be playing this music. Like they say, if a tree falls in the forest and nobody hears it …” CVW: “You’ve been a very vocal spokesperson for the benefits of music therapy. How did that come about?” Chaquico: “I was in a bad car accident when I was younger – two broken arms, a broken clavicle, broken wrist, broken foot, broken leg... my guitar was my companion during that very challenging time. A doctor had encouraged me to

play it, even though she knew I could only move my fingers a little bit. It was pretty progressive of her at that time. Many years later, I went to the hospital to thank her. She was no longer there, but that’s when I discovered the American Music Therapy Association, bringing the healing power of music to people who might not have access.” CVW: “What can the audience look forward to in your show?” Chaquico: “Well, we’re going to have to bring our A game since we’ll be playing with the band Heatwave from the Boys and Girls Club. I’ll have my band, who are a bucket list of the best players I’ve met and come full circle with over the years. Vocalist, Joan Burton, will be joining us as well. Joan is a wonderful singer and gorgeous too!” CVW: “You have had a viable career in spite of so many changes in the industry over the last 50 years. What are some of the core principles you have learned that have attributed to your longevity?” Chaquico: “An artist will always come across road blocks – it just seems par for the course. Now that I’ve been able to find a place where the music is appreciated and heard, I can say this: Once you have succeeded in the thing that others told you that you could not do, you will never again take other’s opinions as seriously.” “I’ve also found this in common with others who have made it in the industry; even if they had never ‘made it’, they would have done things exactly the same way. You can see it in them when they’re playing. Of course, when it comes to success, Lady Luck and people who help spread the word about what you’re doing need to be involved, but if you have this sense about you, you’re 99% there.” “Ultimately, I believe in Divine intervention – I feel it’s more than just me. Music is the light, and sometimes we get to be the light bulb. You yourself are not the light - the light comes from somewhere else. That’s how I look at it. And you have to love it so much, that you’ll do it, no matter what.” A portion of every ticket sold for this concert will support the band’s participation in the upcoming Monterey Music Festival in September. Raffle tickets will be sold for an opportunity to win an autographed guitar with all proceeds going to the band. This special performance, provided by the Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa’s “Grooves at the Westin” concert series, will be held Saturday, March 26, at 7 p.m. The concert takes place under the stars at the resort’s Masters Plaza. Ticket prices range from $35 for general open seating, $45 for gold reserved seating, $60 for table seats that have cocktail and menu service, and $85 for premier seating and the VIP Reception to meet the artist and enjoy gourmet appetizers, wine and other beverages. Tickets are available at westinmissionhills.com/ grooves. Each ticket purchaser will receive a raffle ticket at check-in for the autographed guitar, and additional raffle tickets can be purchased at the concert for $5 each or $20 for five tickets. Check out Craig Chaquico at the following links: www.craigchaquico.com Facebook.com/CraigChaquicoOfficalPage (this includes Craig’s recent statement regarding the passing of Paul Kantner) Twitter.com/CraigChaquico Official YouTube Channel - youtube.com/ user/CraigChaquicoVideo

March 24 to March 30, 2016

ConsiderThis

BONNIE RAITT

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

by Eleni P. Austin

“Dig In Deep” (Redwing Records)

hen done correctly, Rock & Roll hits you in the solar plexus. It should make your loins go all tingly. It’s a visceral art demanding a physical response. In the early days, when it was called Rhythm & Blues or Race music, songs about Rocking and Rolling had one real connotation, sex. Elvis Presley understood that, so did Tina Turner and Mick Jagger. Bonnie Raitt gets it too. She never had to twerk on the end of a foam finger or pop out a nipple to verify her sex appeal. Her sensuality is implicit in the way she uses her voice, or strums her guitar. That’s a talent, not a skill. It really can’t be taught. Bonnie Raitt was born in 1949, into a show business family. Her mother, Majorie, was a talented singer and pianist and her dad, John, was a leading man on Broadway, originating the lead male roles in both “Carousel” and “The Pajama Game.” Bonnie and her brothers, David and Steven grew up in Los Angeles. The whole family was musical, Bonnie studied piano and taught herself guitar as a kid. But she truly became a Blues aficionado when she began attending Radcliffe College in the late ‘60s. As a habitue of Boston’s thriving coffee house scene, she saw Blues idols like Sippie Wallace, Son House and Mississippi Fred McDowell up close. Better still, they became friends and mentors. Soon she was playing those same clubs, reinterpreting Blues classics and revealing herself to be an accomplished slide/bottle-neck guitarist. Pretty soon she took a sabbatical from college and was touring the Blues/Folk circuit, playing with her heroes. Initially, it seemed like a novelty, a flame-haired hippie girl singing the Blues and playing guitar like a Delta master, but Bonnie’s talent and tenacity paid off. Record labels came a ‘callin’ and she inked a deal with Warner Brothers. Her eponymous debut arrived in 1971. Sales were modest, but Bonnie was immediately embraced by critics. That remained the blueprint for the next dozen years, on albums like Give It Up, Takin’ My Time, Streetlights, Homeplate, Sweet Forgiveness and The Glow. Her music was a cogent blend of Blues, Folk and Country. Bonnie didn’t just recycle old Blues numbers. Instead, she wisely cherry-picked songs from contemporaries like Jackson Browne, Randy Newman and John Prine. Occasionally, one of her

WESTFIELD MALL

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original songs made it onto an LP, but at that point, she was more of an interpreter than a songwriter. Bonnie always burned the candle at both ends. Early on, she assumed some of her Blues authenticity hinged on being able to match her idols drink for drink. But, to paraphrase the Doobie Brothers, what were once vices became habits. By the mid-eighties, her substance issues were out of control. Plus, her career had plateaued. Warner Brothers had even shelved her 1983 album, Tongue & Groove. Despite the fact that though heavy hitmakers like Prince were interested in producing her, the label dropped her. Two years later, they had her re-record some tracks for Tongue… and released it in 1986 as Nine Lives. It tanked, and Bonnie was burning through her savings trying to stay on the road. By the late ‘80s, Bonnie had an epiphany. “I thought I had to live that partying lifestyle to be authentic, but in fact if you keep that up, all you’re going to be is sloppy or dead.” Stevie Ray Vaughan’s newfound sobriety proved to be an inspiration. His playing only improved once he tackled his addictions. She firmly put drinking and drugs behind her. Almost immediately, her abstinence was rewarded. Signing with Capitol Records, Bonnie hooked up with musician and producer Don Was. Her 10th album, Nick Of Time was released in the Spring of 1989. Hollywood couldn’t have crafted a better comeback story. Not only did the record receive critical acclaim, it also garnered massive airplay on the radio, initially peaking at #22. In 1990, Bonnie won three Grammys and it shot to #1 on the Billboard charts. For the remainder of the 20th century Bonnie Raitt could do no wrong. Each subsequent album, Luck Of The Draw in ’91, Longing In Their Hearts in ’94 and Fundamental in ’98 matched critical hosannas with commercial success and more Grammys. That streak continued into the new millennium with Silver Lining in 2002 and Souls Alike in 2005. Sadly, between 2004 and 2009 Bonnie was dealt some harsh blows in her personal life. First, her parents died within a year of each other. In 2009, cancer claimed the lives of her beloved brother Steven, as well as her best pal, musician Stephen Bruton. Devastated, she decided to retreat, giving herself some time to grieve. Bonnie’s last sabbatical had occurred when she suspended her academic career in 1970. Forty years on, she spent her time focusing on listening to other artists’ music, rather than creating her own. She returned rejuvenated in 2012 with Slipstream. Co-produced with Joe Henry, it was the inaugural release on Redwing, the label she started after her deal with Capitol expired. Not only did it debut at #6 on the charts, it was also the best-selling Blues album of 2012 and it gave Bonnie her 10th Grammy. Now she is back with her 17th studio album, Dig In Deep. The record gets off to a rollicking start with the opening track, “Unintended Consequence Of Love.” Roiling Hammond B3 notes, Bonnie’s arch vocals and teasing bottle-neck riffs all seem to pulsate with salacious intent. At age 66, her

powers of seduction remain immutable. Ironically, the lyrics paint a different picture, as she tries to resuscitate a relationship on carnal lifesupport. “I’m calling on you baby, now or never, let’s dig in deep and get out of this rut/ We’ll get back to what brought us close together, baby, and find a way to resurrect our strut.” Bonnie has never been a prolific songwriter, but she has always managed to find songs that seem tailor-made to suit her strengths. The midtempo “I Knew,” by Pat McLaughlin is sleek and sparkly, it even shares some musical DNA with Pablo Cruise’s “Love Will Find A Way.” (in a good way). But gritty vocals, along with her stinging lead guitar work, complete with shuddery slide runs, envelope this rueful tale of regret. She’s still on a bit of an apology tour on “All Alone With Something To Say” by Gordon Kennedy and Steven Dale Jones’ rippling guitar riffs wash over the spare melody, the lyrics parse the language of lamentation; “I should be writing a column to the people on how not to let your love life slip away/It would be clever, witty and entitled ‘all alone with something to say’.” “Gypsy In Me,” from Gordon Kennedy and Wayne Kirkpatrick, feels like a cosmic cousin to Bonnie’s own “The Road’s My Middle Name.” The sultry tune is anchored by a rattle-trap rhythm, lapping Hammond B3 and electric piano, churning bass lines and her see-saw guitar licks. The lyrics offer persuasive argument for the nomadic life she has led since the Me decade; “When I’m in one place too long, I don’t know why, but I’m like the wind and I just keep blowing.” Sometimes Bonnie writes one song on an album, sometimes none. For “Dig In Deep” she must have felt unusually inspired because she has contributed five songs here. “What You’re Doing To Me” is equal parts roadhouse shuffle and Big Easy “second-line” groove. Sanctified Hammond B3 fills wrap around a boogie-woogie beat and incendiary guitar chords. Here she playfully chastises a new beau for luring her out of romantic retirement. Over infectious handclaps and wah-wah guitar “If You Need Somebody” slyly acknowledges that sometimes friendship can be the best aphrodisiac. “Never could have guessed it, best friends since we were kids, but now I lose it every time you’re near/With every new dead end, it’s getting harder to pretend, when I know all you need is standing right here.” For Bonnie, the personal has always been political. Growing up a Quaker, her activism began in childhood. She has protested everything from the Vietnam War to Nuclear proliferation to George W. Bush, so it isn’t surprising that “The Comin’ Round Is Going Through” takes dead aim

at Conservative politics. A blistering rave-up, it kind of recalls the kinetic bliss of Billy Squier’s “Everybody Wants You.” Piledriving guitars are bookended by a whip-crack rhythm. Of course the song was written before the (scary) meteoric rise of Donald Trump, but this tart excoriation feels like a sharp and prescient poke at the candidate Spy Magazine dubbed a short-fingered vulgarian, way back in the late ‘80s. “You got a way of running your mouth, you rant and you rave you let it all out/The thing about it is, little you say is true/Why bother checkin’ the facts’ll be damned, It’s how you spin it, it’s part of your plan/I’m here to tell you, your sicken loan is coming due.” The track’s extended instrumental coda give’s her longtime backing band a chance to spread their wings. Bonnie always has a way of taking other people’s hits and giving them her own sui generis spin. Here, she manages that neat trick with INXS’ “Need You Tonight” and Los Lobos’ “Shakin’ Shakin’ Shakes.” The former was originally a tensile, Stonsey groover. Bonnie slows the action slightly, coating the track in a Funk-encrusted patina, staccato riffage collides with a rock-steady beat, sinewy bass lines and an extended Hammond B3 solo. Her sensuality is at full smolder as she declares “You’re one of my kind.” The latter moves with locomotive speed as dueling guitars ricochet through the muscular melody. Bonnie unleashes a scorched earth solo that shakes rattles and rolls. The mood is so lubricious, the listener may require a wet-nap by the end of the track. Other interesting tunes include Bonnie Bishop’s soulful ballad, “Undone” and Joe Henry’s world-weary, albeit optimistic “You’ve Changed My Mind.” That song was left over from the “Slipstream” sessions. The album closes with a Bonnie Raitt composition, “The Ones We Couldn’t Be.” Simultaneously stately and spare, it’s just Bonnie on piano, accented by muted keys. Warm hearted, but shot through with regret, the lyrics offer a clear-eyed post mortem on a romance gone awry. She adds this sweet benediction; “I wrap the dark around me, there’s no solace here tonight/ There’s just wishing and regret for company, my glass is raised for all the ways we tried to get it right.” A powerful finish to an excellent album. Bonnie Raitt has always surrounded herself with exceptional musicians. Most of her longtime backing band has been with her for almost a quarter of a century. That includes guitarist George Marinelli, bassist James “Hutch” Hutchinson, drummer Ricky Fataar, along with Mike Finnigan and Jon Cleary on keys. The album was mixed and recorded by Ryan Freeland, and this time Bonnie handled the production chores herself. “Dig In Deep” does just that, offering songs ripe with emotional complexity and nuanced melodies. Popular perception portrays sixty-something women as dried out husks who can’t seem laugh without peeing simultaneously. Bonnie renders that archetype obsolete. Speeding toward her seventh decade, she shows no signs of slowing down.

art Scene

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March 24 to March 30, 2016

By angela romeo

“Visually Speaking: Color & Light”

Hosted by Rebecca Fine Art Gallery, from March 26 - May 30

hat makes this exhibition unique? “It is the culmination of, not only the career of artist Joe Novak, but the coming together of art – the partnerships, the influences, the collaborations,” noted gallery director Māris Kazaks. “This is a special opportunity that the valley has not seen before, the coming together of works from over 50 artists. Some of the works are from well-known artists, other works from lesser known. But in every case the art stands strong and speaks loudly.” Artist Joe Novak is the guest curator. “I took this task on because it afforded me the opportunity to present in a very visual and bold way, my sentiments about artists and their place in society. ‘Art’ is not about the art world – the hype and hyperbole. ‘Art’ is not about the museums nor the galleries nor event nor the artists themselves. ‘Art’ is simply about art, a force that connects generations,” stated Mr. Novak. “The common thread of this exhibition is abstract/ nonobjective painting, drawing, print making and sculpture that focus on color and light.” Joe Novak has explored the concept of color and light through abstraction throughout his career. Constantly exploring and always pushing boundaries, Joe’s work includes large monochromatic color field canvases with tonal gradations and soft edges. While living Santa Fe, New Mexico, he created Light Emanations, a computerized program of changing light levels and configurations on a selection of his large paintings. But Joe’s work cannot be limited to any category. He has created significant work on canvas, panel and paper as well as monotypes, drawings, assemblages, mixed media and prints. At 85 Joe continues the journey. “I have been influenced by the work of other artists. Sometimes in a dramatic way; other times in more subtle way. No artist cannot be influenced by what he sees and feels. I have also been fortunate to collaborate with other artists. Collaboration is art bridging ego, and defying expectations to create pure art.” Joe drew on those experiences when selecting works for this show. “This exhibition is impactful because it allows the public to see how art lives and breathes. Art is crucial to us – in our everyday life and as the bridge to generations and societies. It is

the dialogue.” “Many of the works are for sale and I hope that collectors will recognize this opportunity to purchase significant art. Art needs to be seen and patrons are the doorway to that.” “For a young gallery, such as my own, the show is amazing. It proves what I have known all along, that art lives in the Coachella valley. That we are perched to take our place as an art destination, “noted Gallerist Rebecca Pikus. “We are, and this show proves, a destination for art. There are few galleries that could have put together this show. But collaboration, as Joe has noted, can do great things. My gallery offers this work, not just for sale, but also to show that art is not to match the sofa. It is to mirror our lives.” Rebecca Fine Art Gallery is located in the Perez Art & Design District, 68895 Perez Rd, Suite7, Cathedral City.

March 24 to March 30, 2016

PET PLACE

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by Janet McAfee

Pippen’s Happy & Healthy Ending!

ast summer this column featured the story of Pippen, a small one-year-old Terrier in Loving All Animals’ foster program. Rescued from a high kill shelter in San Bernardino, Pippen was a bit fearful at first, but thrived in her wonderful foster home with Luanne Parks. She learned to walk on a leash, overcame her separation

anxiety, gained weight, and enjoyed the company of other canines, all the while keeping a watchful eye on her special human. However, one evening Pippen seemed a bit lethargic and slept closer than usual next to Luanne. She uttered a high pitched yelp when she jumped out of bed the next morning. She suddenly fell sideways with her legs stiffly outstretched, becoming immobile. Pippen stayed overnight at the vet, and seemed to improve. When the dog suffered a second episode, no Coachella Valley veterinarian had an MRI, magnetic imaging machine, to properly diagnose her condition. Loving All Animals was referred to neurology specialist, Dr. Stephen Hanson, with the Veterinary Neurology Center in Tustin. An MRI diagnosed Pippen with a birth deformity of the C2 vertebrae, a condition called atlantoaxial subluxation. She was born without a dens, a small fingerlike hook, that connects the vertebrae which became dislodged when she jumped out of bed. This marked spinal compression would cause more episodes in which the dog would become immobile, cease breathing, and suffer an awful death. Dr. Hanson generously

offered us a 20% “rescue” discount for the corrective surgery which has nearly a 100% success rate of restoring a dog to a normal life. There is no full time neurologist practicing in the Coachella Valley, but thankfully Dr. Hanson operates a satellite office in Palm Desert two days a week. When he first set up his Orange County practice in 1996, Dr. Hanson was the only veterinary neurologist in Orange and LA counties. Dr. Hanson

sweet shane This precious little fellow is a handsome 2-yr-old Pomeranian/ Dachshund blend. He promises to charm you with his sweet ways. Rescued by Loving All Animals (760) 834-7000.

Meet panda Seeking love, a lap, and a new life! This mellow Tuxedo girl was rescued by ForeverMeow. To adopt precious Panda, call (760) 335-6767

advises pet owners, “If your animal exhibits weakness or becomes wobbly, it’s important to get it evaluated by a vet as soon as possible.” Luanne Parks is an angel who provided extensive nursing care while Pippen remained encased in a surgical bandage, hand feeding her and carrying her around during the weeks of healing. Today Pippen runs and plays with the other dogs, joyfully playing with her favorite green alligator stuffed toy. Her life took another wonderful turn when she was adopted this month and became “Pippen Parks”. Luanne reports, “Pippen is like my little child. She trusts me so much, and she is very attached to me after I nursed her during her recovery. I know her ways and habits, while others might not understand as well. We have a strong connection, and I can’t imagine her being anywhere else but with me.” Pippen got a second “second chance” thanks to Loving All Animals, their generous donors, a wonderful veterinarian, and a loving foster mom. Contact Loving All Animals at www.lovingallanimals.org or (760) 834-7000. Contact veterinary neurologist Dr. Stephen Hanson at (949) 784-8703.

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THE VINO VOICE

Wine Pours About Town

don’t see much of any March Wine Madness going on here in the valley; more along the lines of March Happiness with some tasty vino being poured and delicious food and meals being served at our marvelous local venues. We’ve just had some major wine players mixing it up with our local talented culinary artists in the kitchen; in particular, Saxon Brown Wines at Mindy Reed’s ZIN American Bistro, and Cakebread Wines at LULU California Bistro. So let’s catch up and highlight a bit of these wonderful wine events. Pretty much every California wine enthusiast knows and dreams about Saxon Brown Wine. Ever since Wine Spectator magazine started reviewing its wines close to 20 years ago, there’s been an on-going love affair between the winery and the publication which continuously score the wines in the mid 90 point scale. Just amazing ratings! Owner and winemaker Jeff Gaffner joined Mindy Reed as they both casually sat and visited about the dinner tables at last week’s fabulous wine dinner at ZIN American Bistro in Palm Springs. We diners felt pretty lucky having Jeff down here in the desert. In addition to Saxon Brown, Jeff enjoys critical acclaim as consulting winemaker for artisan labels including Xtant (Napa Valley), Stephanie by Hestan (Napa Valley), Black Kite Cellars (Anderson Valley) and Ram’s Gate Winery (Carneros). We are into a new season of stellar wine dinners at ZIN. The chef and kitchen continue to provide culinary mastery, matching delicious dishes with world class wine. We wine folk will definitely calendar the next dinner here featuring Walla Walla Vintners, Tuesday April 19th at 6pm. I’m personally heading out to Walla Walla wine country this summer; high quality wines coming from this region are ethereal! The match-made-in-heaven pairings for the Saxon Brown dinner included the first course of Black Cod over leeks and fresh fava beans in a Chardonnay foie gras sauce, with of course, the 2012 Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay This is a luxurious, Montrachet-style Chardonnay that offers exotic white peach, lemon crème and pineapple aromatics with

March 24 to March 30, 2016

by Rick Riozza

just a hint of coconut milk. Buoyant and mouthfilling, the generous palate balances vibrant apple and tropical notes with crisp acidity and refined oak tannins, all of which carry through the lingering finish. The perfect fish and wine pairing. The second and third course absolutely wowed the guests. We enjoyed a Pork Loin Roulade stuffed with wild mushrooms along with roasted potatoes. And the wine was none other but one of the most flavorful Pinot Noirs coming from the Sonoma Coast 2012 vintage: Glass House Vineyard. Wine Enthusiast magazine aptly wrote, “A wonderful spicy, toasted oak character runs through the aroma, flavor and finish of this fullbodied and eminently smooth wine. It smells full of grilled baguette and baking spices like vanilla and nutmeg, tastes almost like cherry pie topped with cream and has a luscious, lingering finish. While technically dry, it seems almost sweet with all those bakery impressions. The third course was a Slow Braised Lamb Shoulder with carrots and onions. This impeccable comfort dish was matched with the Saxon Brown 2011 Stonewall Zinfandel. This Zin is intensely rich and vibrant but is not overly heavy. A wonderful “food friendly” Zin. The sumptuous nose of allspice, light cedar, ripe plum and cherry coupled magnificently with the yummy dish. The dessert included the 2009 Late Harvest Sémillon that tasted like a baby Chateau D’Yquem! How does Jeff do that stuff! Cheers to him, Mindy and the staff for a great time! ZIN American Bistro 198 S. Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262. Make reservations soon (760) 322-6300 LULU California Bistro, whose slogan in town is: “There’s always a party at Lulu!” took a major step up with their first wine dinner ever, on March 9, 2016, with a six-course dinner that paired with the world class wines and great vintages of Cakebread Cellars! “We’ve always admired the spectacular wines produced by Cakebread Cellars in northern California,” says Jerry Keller, owner and creator of Lulu. “And now for the very first time, it was our culinary team’s dream to create a custom menu paired with some of Cakebread’s best varietals and blends from Napa, Sonoma, and Washington State.” Since its founding in 1973 by Jack and Dolores, Cakebread Cellars has been famous for its warm, gracious hospitality and unmatched wines. With an enduring commitment to quality, the belief that life’s occasions are elevated by good people, good food, and good wine flows through everything they do. With 40 harvests under their belts, and the second generation of winemaking, Cakebread Cellars has become one of the most successful and respected wineries in America, renowned for its world class vineyards, wines, and hospitality. It has vineyard properties located throughout Napa Valley and a location in the Anderson Valley. The winery ranches surrounding the production facility in Rutherford are where it all began. LULU California Bistro first opened its doors on August 22, 2011 and has served its delicious California cuisine to over two and one-half

million guests since opening. Owners Barbara and Jerry Keller have made careful choices in creating “Palm Springs’ hippest restaurant.” Although I’ve hung out at Lulu’s famous bar enjoying the cocktails and bites, this was the first time I got to try an array of dishes by the chefs. The meals were delicious, inventive and majestically paired to the Cakebread wines. For you foodies crowd who wish to see my notes and review of the individual dishes and wine at the Cakebread Dinner, you can go online at examiner.com/review/lulu-californiabistro-welcomes-cakebread-cellars-for-lulu-sfirst-wine-dinner LULU California Bistro 200 S Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.327.LULU(5858)

March 24 to March 30, 2016

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THUR MARCH 24

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bobby Furgo & Co. 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Reunion w/ DJ Day 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Francesca Amari, Bill Marx and Doug MacDonald 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Dancing & DJ 9pm open 6pm-2am THE BLOCK; CC; 760-832-7767 Open Mic Hosted by Robert Poole 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Live Entertainment 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-770-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 Barry Baughn and Bob Gross 6:30pm GADI’S RESTAURANT AND BAR; YV; 760365-6633 Open Mic Night 7pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 T.B.A. 7:30pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Chris Lomeli 6:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Open Mic 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Punk Rock Night 9pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Country Night w/ Country Nation 8pm

THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 Quinto Menguante 8-1am MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Battlefield 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 The Ken Brown Hip Hop Show 9pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Jason Weber 4:30pm, Sharon Sills 7pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 DJ Dracer 9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 End of the World Festival 4pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 The Smooth Brothers 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 T-Bone Karaoke 8pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Anthony DiGerlando Show 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Flyer 4-6pm, Carolyn Martinez Trio 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-9pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Laurie Morvan Band 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 8pm

FRI MARCH 25 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Dude Jones 9pm 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob Garcia Band 6:30pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 SXSW Caravan Tour w/ Thee MVPs, Friendly Males, Janelane and more 9pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Siobhan 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Fleet Easton 7:30pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 TBA 9pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 DJ and Dancing 9pm Open 6pm-2am BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-501-0620 The Carmens 6pm BLUE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-7755566 Lady Eris 8pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 The Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm

CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 Seedless and Mikey Reyes Acoustic Movement 8pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 Lisa Lynn & The Country Gentlemen 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 Gina Carey 7pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 House Band 8:45pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Michael Graves, The Hellions, Fight Like a Girl, The Kathy’s and Ritual Rastrero 8pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Bill Ramirez 6:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Live DJ 8:30pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Buck and Bo Road Show 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company in the afternoon, Hot Rox in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 TBA 9pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 DJ 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Southbound & Co. 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760345-0222 Avalon Blonde 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The White Buffalo 9:30pm PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 Karaoke 7:30pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 AJ Lambert 7pm, Lauri Bono’s Late Night Jazz 9pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Blackwater 9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 End of the World Festival 4pm

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SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Carmens 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Rock 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Demetrious and Co. 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 The Refills 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Pat Rizzo & Dennis Michaels 6:30pm TONGA HUT; PS; 760-322-4449 The Hive Minds Acoustic Duo 9pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE; MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-7555391 The Rick Whitfield Band 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Meet The Corwins 5:30-7:30pm, John Stanley King 8pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 T.B.A. 1:304:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 TBA 5:30pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 Michael Keeth 6-10pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 TBA 9pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Rose Mallet 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 9pm

SAT MARCH 26 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bev & Bill 6:30pm 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 9pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DJ Pleasure Principle noon poolside, Rain Supreme 4pm, Highlife w/ DJ Day 10pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Cabaret Open Mic 7:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Denise Carter 7:30pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 TBA 9pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 DJ and Dancing 9pm open 6pm-2am BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760-7755566 DJ 9pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Gina Carey 6-10pm

March 24 to March 30, 2016

ROUTE 74 @ PUEBLO VIEJO; PD; 760-6742171 Live Band TBA SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 End of the World Festival 11am SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Carmens PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am 8-11pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK Tuzzolino 5:30pm CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Furgo 9pm Bill Baker 6pm SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-329-7929 DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 8pm Karaoke w/ Milly G 6pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm James 6pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin 1199 DJ 9pm Music 10pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 3560 TBA 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Jack Ruvio 6:30pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 TBA TBA 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 8:30pm The Carolyn Martinez Show 6:30pm THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ 8pm 328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Rattlesnake TRYST; PS; 760-832-6046 Gutter Candy 9pm Milk and Julian Neel 9pm VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-755HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE 5391 DJ Hektik 10pm HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Bill Ramirez VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 6:30pm The Carmens 6:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Rob & JB INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 7601:30-4:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar 345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm Hines 9-2am JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Chris TBA 9pm Lomeli 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 8pm Michael Keeth 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 2794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the Stanley Butler Trio 6:30pm afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 9pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345continue to page 22 2450 Vietnamese Dance Party 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 TBA 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm MITCH’S ON EL PASEO; PD; 760-779-9200 Michael Keeth 12-3pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Hotwyre 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760345-0222 Off Da Cuff 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Elephant Revival and Mandolin Orange 9pm PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 Karaoke 7:30pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Comedy Night w/ Jason Stuart ft. Gloria Bigelow 7pm, Kal David, Lauri Bono & The Real Deal 9pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 TBA 9pm RIVIERA; PS; 760-327-8311 Michael Keeth’s CD Release Party 7-10pm

March 24 to March 30, 2016

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March 24 to March 30, 2016

SCREENERS

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by Robin E. Simmons

No. 205

CAN VIRTUAL WARFARE CREATE A LITERAL HELL?

t’s good to be back. Thank you for the many kind words and thoughts during my absence. I feel strong and it’s good to be back among my movie family. I have been reminded during my unexpected sabbatical how much movies matter in the real world. Recently in the Intensive Care Unit of Eisenhower Medical Center, I was surprised to get caught up in an emotional conversation about the 1935 version of “Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Movies matter most of all because it’s a way we can share our common human experience and make it meaningful. Also, movies remind us that we are not alone. They can warn us and show us how to live fully, be brave, and laugh hard. Movies matter because they can be healing. Now playing: EYE IN THE SKY Director Gavin Hood’s fiercely moral thriller is a riveting case study about modern drone warfare and the unexpected personal toll on those that pilot the drones and have their fingers on the buttons of the virtual guns and bombs that kill enemies of the West and spill actual blood and guts in real time. Helen Mirren and the late Alan Rickman star in this terrific movie that explores President Obama’s specialized and singular

military policy. But make no mistake, the movie is not a political diatribe, but rather an unsettling autopsy of how we wage war. “Eye in the Sky” asks a provocative question: Does conscience still figure in modern warfare? How does one determine right and wrong? In fact, what moral guidelines are there against which warfare itself can be examined and justified? And what about those long embedded religious notions? For instance, is it worth accidentally killing an innocent person if it means saving the lives of 80? If you think the answer is easy, then maybe you are not ready to plunge into the morally complex, supremely provocative and viscerally exciting “Eye in the Sky.” The wonderful Helen Mirren stars as a British colonel in charge of a joint AngloAmerican operation. Consider this scenario: Working from England, she’s tracked three terrorists — two Brits and a Yank — to a house in Kenya. They’re loading suicide vests. And then a little girl wanders into the kill zone. If the Army takes out the terrorists now, the child will probably be killed. If they don’t, many more people are likely to die. So, what to do? Thousands of miles above, camera drones watch the scene far below unfold, while

nearby, armed drones hover. The colonel wants to fire the missile, but her government wants to wait for more intel. The American Secretary of State has no such doubts about going through with the attack. Meanwhile, the young drone operator (Aaron Paul) sits on a Nevada base, his finger on the trigger, has nothing but doubts. This is not a video game, however much it seems like one to him and to us. As the clock ticks, the window of opportunity closes tighter. Everyone argues a little louder. And the question is asked, again, quick: What’s the right thing to do? “Eye in the Sky” may start in low gear, when the players -- is this merely a game? -- begin making their arguments. The tension quickly builds to the breaking point. The actors all disappear into their roles. As the colonel, Mirren is terrific — a fierce warrior willing to bend as many rules of engagement as it takes to finish the job at hand. As her commanding officer, the late Alan Rickman, is equally dedicated but clearly weary of all the bloodshed and the looming prospect of more to come. Jeremy Northam, as the British government official on deck, sweats and stammers as he verbalizes the politics of it all. Please, is there anyone else who can make this impossible decision for him? Watching this thriller, I was as intellectually engaged as I was emotionally and viscerally thrilled. As the suspenseful plot unfolded on the screen, I realized “Eye in the Sky” had no intention of letting him or me off the hook. The tension just kept building. One thing the movie seems to be saying is that it is impossible to predict all the consequences of military engagement, however morally justified one chooses it to be. Or, just because we are so technologically advanced

to guarantee a win, do we then agree to engage in combat. Today, we enthusiastically wage war by remote control. But can evil be destroyed and the world made safer by using these modern almost miraculous hi-tech breakthroughs? And who’s to stop our enemies or our government from pointing killer drones at us? Don’t miss this great and relevant movie. Please note: At Cinémas Palme d’Or Friday night, March 25, there’s a LIVE IN-PERSON Q&A WITH STAR AARON PAUL, FOLLOWING THE 6:45PM PERFORMANCE OF “EYE IN THE SKY.” This special event will almost certainly sell-out, so get your tickets early. New for the home theater: POINT BREAK 3D In this visually adept reboot, thrill-seeking criminals again perform a series of daredevil stunts to loot money and gems, only to give it away to the less fortunate and fund ways to destroy those who seek to exploit the planet. Training for a job with the FBI, young recruit Johnny Utah (Luke Barker) suspects that only extreme athletes could pull off these heists. Utilizing his own special skills, Utah infiltrates the gang of thieves after befriending their charismatic leader, Bodhi (Edgar Ramirez). As Johnny experiences the rush of their lifestyle, his superiors realize that his loyalties are being tested to the limit. I really liked the incredible gravitydefying stunts performed by elite athletes representing the world’s best-in-class bigwave surfers, wingsuit-flyers, sheer-face snowboarders, free-rock climbers and highspeed motorcyclists. Warner Bros. Blu-ray 3D. Comments: RobinESimmons@aol.com

Book Review

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March 24 to March 30, 2016

By Heidi Simmons

Weird, Wild and Wonderful -----------------------------------------------------

“ark of gold” By david hatcher childress non-fiction

----------------------------------------------------With the upcoming “Contact in the Desert” in Joshua Tree this June 3-6, it’s appropriate to high-light a good friend. This event is one of the largest UFO conferences in the country. Author, explorer and television personality David Hatcher Childress (History Channel’s “Ancient Aliens”) is one of the keynote speakers. His latest book Ark of God: The Incredible Power of the Ark of the Covenant (Adventures Unlimited Press, 420 pages) is his 18th book and like his others, it is filled with travel adventure, compelling information and historical mysterious. Childress’ most beloved collection of books may be his travel series “Lost Cities and Ancient Mysteries” where he personal explores the globe in search of answers that inevitably lead to bigger unsolved mysteries and even more intriguing questions. All Childress’ books are filled with carefully curated diagrams, illustrations and photographs. He creates a narrative that incorporates archeology, history, mythology, legends, religions and superstitions to

better comprehend and speculate about our planet and its human inhabitants – past, present and future. In Ark of God: The Incredible Power of the Ark of the Covenant, Childress takes a fascinating and detailed look at the famous biblical object constructed by Moses based on God’s orders. He begins the book with an article that claims the Ark of the Covenant was stolen from its hiding place in Ethiopia. Having just visited the sight, he knows the story is a hoax. Childress is moved to take another look at this artifact and thoroughly examines the stories and the powers of the Ark of the Covenant. My favorite chapter explores the possibility that the Ark was like an ion lithium or dry-cell battery. Based on technology from a pervious high-tech civilization, which existed before being destroyed by a cataclysmic event, the Ark could be evidence that it served as some kind of electrical conduit. Not too long ago, this discussion sounded crazy and far-fetched, but today, the information makes much more sense as we now live in a wireless society, are generating electricity on our rooftops and finding new ways to store energy. Childress goes into detail about ancient

power devices that seem to have existed in Egypt and Lebanon. “Djed” columns that are seen in hieroglyphs are thought to be insulators and served as multi-purpose conductors. These columns often have globes or orbs that seem to radiate energy or light. What’s weird is the “djed” columns appear at other archeological sights around the world. Are they’re like Tesla coils? The author believes that there is no other artifact in the world more important than the Ark of the Covenant. (What about Noah’s Ark?) Childress tells the colorful stories of the possible locations of the Ark that include Zimbabwe, Ireland and Scotland, France, Mount Nebo and under Israel’s Wailing Wall. He talks about the Nazi’s interest in the Ark and speculates that some government may have it stored away. If you are thinking about the movie

Raiders of the Lost Ark, you should be. Childress is often referred to as the “real” Indian Jones. (I think Childress is friendlier, more curious and much more open-minded than the whip-wielding movie hero.) Clearly, this is a subject that fascinates Childress and he enjoys writing about it. Ark of Gold reads easily and is very entertaining. It helps if you have some biblical knowledge as he frequently makes references to the good book. But he explains things well always connecting the dots and the narrative flows naturally. In his conclusion, Childress addresses what the Ark may mean to humankind today. He refers to the Bible and the “New Covenant” writing: “People will come to know for themselves the truth of spiritual matters without outward inspiration and the use of ‘miraculous’ signs.” Finishing with a direct quote from Hebrews 8:8-12, Childress seems to be delivering a message that God still exists and so does the covenant with or without the Ark. God loves human beings and forgives us our iniquities and sins. What good news! Have a great Easter. See you at “Contact in the Desert.”

“CONVERSATIONS WITH.. An Improvisational Gathering of Historic Women.”

he LA Women’s Theatre Project, presents;“CONVERSATIONS WITH... An Improvisational Gathering of Historic Women,” March 26th at the Rancho Mirage Tolerance Education Center. So often in the telling of history, one very important group tends to get relegated to the footnotes… women. It’s important to know that women did more than sew flags and give birth to the great men who shaped our world. Women have always been artists, writers, politicians, aviators, soldiers, scientists and mathematicians. Written music and novels, marched in the streets, and have sometimes had to adopt male psydenumes and don trousers. They have fought grave discrimination and oppression in order to seek rights and freedoms that brought them closer to equality. They have been jailed and imprisoned, beaten and scorned and yet they persevere. They have shaped history in ways that only women can and yet, they have most often been omitted in the telling of our tales. In 1981 Congress made an effort to begin to recognize some of these forgotten women, they passed Pub. L. 97-28 which authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as “Women’s History Week.” Women’s History Week morphed into Women’s History Month and we slowly began to recognize and acknowledge that women had also played a major role in changing and shaping our

world. We have all been asked that question… If you could spend time with anyone from the past, who would it be? What great minds or historical influences would you want to converse with and question? How did they see themselves? Did they know that they were influencing the outcome and direction of America? And so in keeping with the celebration of Women’s History Month and our curiosity to pick the minds of some of the greatest influential women, Writer/ Director and women’s advocate, Dee Jae Cox, has created “CONVERSATIONS WITH... An Improvisational Gathering of Historic Women.” This is a theatrical piece that allows audiences to experience meeting great women in history. “Conversations with….” is an improvisational gathering of historic women who respond to contemporary matters regarding women’s lives and cultural perspectives. Each show and presentation is unique and unscripted, as history’s greatest heroines come together to discuss their role in shaping America and how it has impacted modern times. The LA Women’s Theatre Project, a 501c3 nonprofit whose mission is to advocate, educate and create opportunities for women in the media and performing arts, is presenting a performance of this

creative, educational and entertaining piece featuring Suffragette and ERA author, Alice Paul, (Donna Fitzgerald), First Lady and humanitarian, Eleanor Roosevelt, (June August) and Congresswoman and first African American Presidential candidate, Shirley Chisholm (Keisha D). This panel of distinguished women will respond to questions from a moderator and the audience. Experience first-hand what it would be like to have a conversation

theatre

with a panel of history’s most accomplished women. “Conversations With…. An improvisational gathering of historic women,” will be performed on Saturday, March 26th, 6-8pm, at The Tolerance Educational Center, 35147 Landy Ln, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270. Tickets $10 For Ticket and show Information - visit www.californiawoman411.com

March 24 to March 30, 2016

CLUB CRAWLER NIGHTLIFE continued from page 17

SUN MARCH 27

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob Garcia 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Spring Launches In Fashion and Music noon, Intoxica Radio Live w/ Howie Pyro 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Easter Brunch w/ The Divas 11:30am AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 The Judy Show 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Motown, R&B and Funk 6pm-2am 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 Radio 60 & Friends 3-6pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Ted Herman’s Big Band 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 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 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 Sunday Band 7:30pm PETE’S HIDEAWAY;PS; 760-322-6500 The Evaro Brothers 7pm

PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 The Judy Show 7pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Eddie Gee 7pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 End of the World Festival 11am SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 The Myx 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Lisa Lynn & The Country Gentlemen 3-6pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 The Chris Gore Group Pro Jam 7pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 John Stanley King 6-9pm VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 TBA 6pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 The Smooth Brothers 5:30pm

MON MARCH 28 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 The Luminators 6pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Bill Marx 6:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Mood Deep House Lounge 6pm-2am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Larry Capeloto 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 PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Industry Night w/ DJ Tone 2pm-close SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 T-Bone Karaoke 8:30pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 T.B.A. 6pm

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 TBA 6:30pm 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 WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Trish Hatley & Barney McClure 6pm

TUE MARCH 29 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Cej 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Ace Karaoke with Kiesha 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Linda Peterson and Carole Hampton 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Bella da Ball Dinner Revue w/ guest performers 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Open DJ Night text 760-799-8800 to sign up 6pm2am BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-770-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-7766533 Chuck Alvarez 6:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Karaoke hosted by Phillip Moore 9pm INDIAN CANYONS GOLF RESORT; PS; 760-833-8700 DJ Randy Johnson 6pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Michael D’Angelo 6:15pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 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; 760327-4080 Open Mic Jam w/ Jimi Heil 7pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Ladies Night 7pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Jason Weber 4:30pm, Rose Mallett 7pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 T-Bone Karaoke 8:30pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Demetrious and Co. THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Douglas McDonald Duo 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Mike Costley and Trio 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Tequila Tuesdays 9pm VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Chris Lomeli 6pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 The Stan Watkins Dixieland Party 6pm

WED MARCH 30 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Daniel Horn 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Bryan John Appleby 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Pro Jazz Jam w/ Eric Lindstrom 7:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Beer Pong Contest 6pm-2am BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Michael Keeth 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228-

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Haddon Libby

The Hitler Card

n almost any heated debate, it is inevitable that one side will compare the other to Hitler. Sometimes called the “Hitler Card”, this tendency is so common that self-promoting and now noted attorney Mike Godwin termed this behavior as Godwin’s Law. Godwin’s Law states that the longer a discussion goes, the greater the probability that a comparison to Hitler will occur. As Godwin and any intelligent, reasoned person will note, the comparison of people to Hitler discounts the abject horror suffered by victims of the Holocaust. As a reminder, Hitler murdered two out of every three European Jews - six million men, women and children in total for the crime of being Jewish. The only people who should be compared to Hitler right now are associated with Da’esh a/k/a ISIS a/k/a ISIL. Nevertheless, many on both the left and the right are comparing Donald Trump to Hitler. In making this comparison, they state that both used racism to rise to power. Each proposed mass deportations - Jews for Hitler and Mexicans for Trump. Hitler blamed Jews for Germany’s problems while Trump blames undocumented or illegal immigrants. While Hitler was an anti-Jew fascist, many believe that Trump’s rhetoric is anti-Muslim.

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Others compare Bernie Sanders, a Jew, to Hitler. Both believe in universal healthcare, a higher minimum wage and higher taxes on the rich. Both blame their national problems on the most wealthy. We are not done. Sometimes called Hitlery, some Republicans compare Clinton to Hitler citing her quote, “We must stop thinking of the individual and start thinking about what is best for society.” Now I would say that quote sounds more like JFK but Hitler did say, “Society’s needs come before the individual’s needs.” I’d rather note that Clinton was on Wal-Mart’s board, seems awfully cosy to Goldman Sachs and believes in ‘fair’ trade that has American workers competing against $0.65/hour workers globally. Ted Cruz haters have compared him to Hitler as well. Where Cruz was born in Canada and moved to the US when he was three years old, Hitler was born in Austria

and moved to Germany when he was three. Both exploited bad economic times to rise to power. Cruz blames Obamacare for problems in the US while Hitler blamed the Jews. Both were financed by wealthy industrialists - Cruz by Peter Thiel and Hitler by Henry Ford. Cruz and Hitler both denounced homosexuals and Jews/Muslims. Finally, both have histories of being intelligent whack-a-doodles. Let us not forget Cruz’ belief that Obama was going to invade Texas to get an illegal third term. Cruz is also deeply connected to big oil and Goldman Sachs. To my knowledge, no one has compared Kasich to Hitler although Kasich has compared Trump and many others to Hitler. When author Naomi Wolf compared George W. Bush to Hitler, Kasich said that Wolfe went “off the deep end.” The comparison of anyone to Hitler is a lazy person’s way of distracting you from the issue at hand. Don’t take the bait.

March 24 to March 30, 2016

If we are to reason that the comparison to Hitler creates a sort of ‘guilt by association’ effect, let’s remember that Hitler was a big fan of the arts. If you like art or are a fan of the arts, you are exhibiting Hitler-esque behaviors? Under this argument, Eli Broad is very much like Hitler. The Palm Springs Art Museum, its patrons and sponsors must all be discreet patrons of the Third Reich. Do you see how silly this is? Next time someone on television, in the media or in general conversation makes this type of comparison, stop paying attention to them. Better yet, laugh at them. Haddon Libby is Managing Director of Winslow Drake, an investment advisory firm and can be reached at 213.596.8399 or hlibby@winslowdrake.com

Dale Gribow On The Law

HOW CAN WE SHUTDOWN DRUNK DRIVING?

wo years ago I was asked to speak to the Coachella Valley Association of Government (CVAG) on how to SHUTDOWN DRUNK DRIVING. A few days earlier I joined members of law enforcement at the Coachella City Hall to speak about the young girl whose family I was representing for the wrongful death of their daughter. She was jogging a few days earlier and killed by a drunk driver. CVAG is made up of representative of each city and every law enforcement department in the valley. As a lawyer who sues Drunk Drivers for Injuries and Wrongful Deaths to my clients, while at the same time defending the rights of those charged with Drunk Driving, I have a unique perspective on the subject. MY IDEA STARTS AND ENDS WITH EDUCATION, AS A COMPLIMENT TO LAW ENFORCEMENT. I suggested the formation of a Blue Ribbon Committee to study Drunk Driving. CVAG agreed and I have been honored to be the only lawyer among police chiefs, mayors to be appointed to the committee. The correct criminal charge is not Drunk Driving but rather Driving Under the Influence. You do not have to be drunk. You merely have to be under the influence or impaired. In California that occurs whenever the blood alcohol is .08 or higher....although law enforcement will arrest and the DA will

prosecute some local .07’s. Under the influence occurs after about three drinks but depends on one’s weight, how much you ate, the time lapse between drinking and driving. Most people mistakenly think they have to be loaded to be drunk.... that is incorrect. It is not the number of drinks but the amount of alcohol in each drink that is important. A drink is 12 oz. of beer; 1 oz. of alcohol or 4 oz. of wine. Many restaurants pour a 6-8 oz. pour of wine. Thus when you have two 6 oz. wines you had 3 drinks. Many restaurants and bars pour a 3 oz. pour of hard alcohol. That equals 3 drinks... not one. Alcohol and prescriptive drugs do not mix. When your RX vial’s label says you should “not operate heavy machinery/equipment” they mean cars. We need a warning law mandating a pharmacy’s label explain “you should not operate a car/vehicle” after drinking and/or taking a pill. People think that heavy machinery/ equipment is a tractor. We should educate the public there is something called Potentiation. This occurs when the RX pill, such as antidepressants, pain and diet pills, with this warning, are combined with an alcoholic drink. The result is someone more under the influence than they would be without the pill. With repeat DUI offenders in addition

to the standard 5 years of probation I would require the driver to attend refresher DUI classes every year until the probation is over. This is on top of the regular DUI classes currently mandated by the courts and DMV. Our Blue Ribbon Committee has worked in collaboration with CVAG, and MADD, TO SHUT DOWN DRUNK DRIVING and make a difference! I am proud to be part of that committee.

Remember Don’t Drink and Drive! Take a Taxi or Uber... It is a lot cheaper than calling me. If you have any questions regarding this column or ideas for future columns please contact Dale Gribow Attorney at Law at 760837- 7500 or dale@dalegribowlaw.com DALE GRIBOW “TOP LAWYER” - Palm Springs Life 20112016 (DUI and PI) 10.0 AVVO Perfect Peer Rating “Preeminent” - Martindale Hubbell Legal Directory “Best Attorneys of America” Selected by “Rue” (Limited to Top 100/State)

March 24 to March 30, 2016

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

safety tips

by Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

Make It “Eggstra” Safe This Easter!

unting for Easter goodies is an activity that children of all ages enjoy, however, there can be a few problems if parents are not careful says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. In order to prevent choking, avoid hard, round candy or candy with nuts. Children’s airways are higher and narrower than an adult’s, creating a choking hazard. Use the same caution with small Easter toys. Fake grass is not digestible, so keep it away from little children. Eggs are a potentially hazardous food. In other words, they are capable of supporting the rapid growth of disease-causing bacteria like Salmonella. Before boiling eggs for Easter decorating/painting, they must be kept refrigerated. Cool your eggs in cold water or just in the air. Be careful of hot water/scald accidents. Do not hide eggs in cupboards or drawers with dangerous products. Do not hide eggs in, on or under glass. Do not hide eggs in preexisting holes in the ground or trees. Do not hide eggs in any plant that have thorns or sharp stiff leaves. Do not hide eggs in any animal’s home, food bowl or play area. After

hunting – Eggs that show cracks or damage, throw them away. Many of us will be traveling to family, friends, Church and brunches. Buckle up, plan your route and drive safely as we share the road with others. Remember, “put that phone AWAY!” Have a great Easter! Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

Transgender Day of Visibility to be Held on March 31, 2016

rans Community Project (TCP) announced today the Trangender Day of Visibility will be held on Thursday, March 31, 2016, from 4 to 8 pm at the Local Color Gallery at 220 E. Arenas Rd, in Palm Springs. The annual event is organized to show support, raise awareness and celebrate the transgender community. The Trangender Day of Visibility (TDOV) will include a drop-in open house, live entertainment and performances from poets, and spoken word artists. According to Trans Student Educational Resources (TSER), the 2016 TDOV theme is #MoreThanVisibility. While visibility is

eventS

an important component of the annual celebration, TDOV also calls on the community to take direct action against transphobia. On the day of the event in Palm Springs, organizers plan to raise awareness through social media (facebook, twitter) and post facts hourly about trans rights and issues. A video project is also planned and will use the hashtag#IAmTransVisible. TCP organizers are working in collaboration with the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), Equality California (EQCA), The LGBT Community Center of the Desert, Greater Palm Springs Pride & National Center for Lesbian Rights.

In 2009, Michigan trans activist Rachel Crandall established March 31st as Transgender Day of Visibility, a day of observance to acknowledge and celebrate the successes of the transgender community. TDOV aims to bring attention to the accomplishments of trans people around the globe while fighting cissexism and transphobia by spreading knowledge of the trans community. Unlike Transgender Day of Remembrance, this is not a day for mourning: this is a day of empowerment and recognition for the trans community. The first celebration held in the Coachella Valley was in 2015. The grassroots group, Trans Community Project, collaborated with

HRC, The LGBT Community Center of the Desert and EQCA to organize an event at the Equality California district office in Palm Springs. Lead organizer, Paulina Angel said, “Last year we used materials from Trans Student Educational Resources and other LGBT organizations to raise awareness for the Trans community. It was a fun event and we received media coverage from The Desert Sun, KESQ & KMIR News. We’re expecting a big turnout this year.” For more information on the event, please contact TCP Organizer Paulina Angel at Paulina.A.Angel@gmail.com or visit www. facebook.com/TransCommunityProject.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

sports Scene

March 24 to March 30, 2016

By esther sanchez

Girl Power Alert! CV Derby Girls Find A Home

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR eventS TH 7 ANNUAL JOHN CARLOS By carissa Cascio YOUTH TRACK & FIELD MEET HOSTED BY BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF PALM SPRINGS

egistration is now open for Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs’ 7th Annual John Carlos Youth Track & Field Meet. This annual event will take place on Saturday, April 16 from 9am to 2pm at Palm Springs High School. Registration is open to all youths born between 2001 and 2009. The track events include a 50, 100 and 200-meter dash, plus 400, 800 and 1600-meter races. Additional events include the long jump, softball throw, shot put and high jump. This event pays tribute to Dr. John Wesley Carlos, a member of the USA Track & Field Hall of Fame, who won the bronze medal in the 200 meters at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City. He continues to be a prominent human rights advocate who has devoted much of his life to mentoring children and developing programs that promote civil

rights for all. A former Palm Springs resident, Carlos served as track & field coach at Palm Springs High School for many years. All those who enter the John Carlos Youth Track & Field event will receive a T-shirt and participation ribbon. Those who place first, second or third in any category will also receive a medal, as well as the opportunity to compete in the Southern California Municipal Athletic Federation Track Meet at a later date. The entry cost for each participant is $5 before the early registration deadline of 5pm on March 25, and $10 until the final deadline of 5pm on April 6. Those interested can register at Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs located at 450 S. Sunrise Way. For more information, contact Lupe Branson at (760) 327-1304 ext. 303. Palm Springs High School is located at 2401 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs.

fter several years of struggling for a facility to practice and host bouts against other teams, the Coachella Valley Derby girls have finally established themselves a top-notch homebase and they have big plans from here on. “Founded in 2012 by a small group of determined local women, The Coachella Valley Derby Girls (CVDG) has grown into a strong, full roster team of certified derby girls. Roller derby is the fastest growing women’s sport in the world with the WFTDA championships broadcast on ESPN this year and might even become an Olympic sport! Now there will be women’s flat track roller derby action right here in the desert with CVDG hosting their season opener at the iconic Empire Polo Grounds.” -CVDG PRESS RELEASE For those of you who are familiar with roller derby from its heyday in the past, you might know it as more of a theatrical spectacle of sorts, akin to professional wrestling. Nikki “Hitzcarraldo”Gordon who had never even heard of the sport, (much less seen Whip It, the Drew Barrymore flick that sparked new interest in the vintage sport) has been a member of the team for about a year now. Gordon: “One of the fundamental changes over the years is that roller derby is much less focused on theatrics and has become more of a sport to be taken seriously.” Roller derby girls are still known for their trademark fearlessness. Being a tough chick is pretty much a requirement because it is a rough sport and injuries can and do happen. That said, it is pretty thrilling to watch. With their new home at the Empire Polo Grounds, CVDGs will be hosting multiple bouts throughout the year against opposing teams from throughout the southwest. The first event will be Saturday, March 25th at 5:00 pm. Tickets are $10 at the door, $7 online at Brown Paper Tickets. Kids under 12 are free. The team will be hosting an afterparty immediately after the event at the Tackroom Tavern that is open to anyone interested in joining them. By chance, a gentleman named Dick

Holway who is a legendary announcer from the golden era of roller derby is now a desert local. Holway broadcasted the beloved “Roller Games” with the notorious Los Angeles T-Birds in the 1970’s and 1980’s and is coming out of retirement to bring another fantastic element to what the CVDGs have to offer. For more info on upcoming bouts and all things CVDG, like them on facebook www.facebook.com/CVDesertDerbyGirls or check out www.cvderbygirls.com

March 24 to March 30, 2016

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Breaking the 4th Wall

By Dee Jae Cox

A Stage Review of ‘I Love You, Marilyn’

ne of the things that I love most about theatre is that an actress can walk onto a stage, stretch out on a bench and then rise up as the deceased Jane Russell. Creative transformations are magic in the world of theatre and so it is always exciting to see new works take shape and come to life as in Astrid Ryterband’s one woman comedy, I love you, Marilyn, currently showing at the Step by Step Dance Studio Theatre, in Palm Springs. The play takes place in heaven, where former 40’s/50’s sex symbol Jane Russell has just arrived following her death in 2011. Russell (portrayed by Astridiva) meets up with her old friend Marilyn Monroe (portrayed by a busty puppet, with assistance from Astridiva) and comedy ensues. The two reminisce about their lives, films and men. Singing duets of some of Monroe’s well known classic tunes, Happy Birthday Mr. President, Diamonds are a

Girl’s Best Friend, One For My Baby, One More For the Road, and several other well known songs that will take you back to a bygone era. Astrid Rytherbrand is a wellrespected author and performer. Her love of classic Hollywood is apparent. I love you Marilyn appears to be a work in progress, and as a playwright I can attest to the importance of such performances. New works need to be developed and supported and put before an audience, in order to further develop the writing. The concept of Jane Russell and Marilyn Monroe connecting in heaven is funny and entertaining. Getting audience responses to jokes, humor and dialogue is critical in the development of new theatrical pieces and putting it out there is the best method for any playwright to gain a sense of direction for their work. Hats off to Ryterband, who has obviously put a lot of time into her craft and should be applauded for her efforts to bring historic women and creative ideas to the stage. Though this piece appears to still be in development, it is off to a promising beginning. Music Engineer Larry Waters did a wonderful job of orchestrating the music tracks for this show and Astridiva brings a lot of talent to her vocal performances. This show is not recommend for children due to some adult content, but if you are a supporter of theater and like to see new shows emerge, then go and have a few laughs with Jane and Marilyn. I love You Marilyn is currently running through March 26th. Performance at 4pm, located at the Step by Step Dance Studio Theatre, 316 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA. Ticket and show information: (760) 778-6192 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 the hit radio show, “California Woman 411”.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

Week of March 24

ARIES (March 21-April 19): When Orville and Wilbur Wright were kids, their father gave them a toy helicopter powered by a rubber band. The year was 1878. Twenty-five years later, the brothers became the first humans to sail above the earth in a flying machine. They testified that the toy helicopter had been a key inspiration as they worked to develop their pioneering invention. In the spirit of the Wright Brothers’ magic seed, Aries, I invite you to revive your connection to a seminal influence from your past. The coming weeks will be a favorable time to feed a dream that was foreshadowed in you a long time ago. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): “The task of a writer is not to solve the problem but to state the problem correctly,” said Russian writer Anton Chekhov. Whether or not you’re a writer, Taurus, that is also your special task in the coming weeks. The riddle that has begun to captivate your imagination is not yet ripe enough for you to work on in earnest. It has not been defined with sufficient clarity. Luckily, you have the resources you need to research all the contingencies, and you have the acuity to come up with a set of empowering questions. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The good news is that if you eat enormous amounts of chocolate, you will boost your memory. Science has proved it. The bad news is that in order to get the full effect of the memory enhancement, you would have to consume so much chocolate that you would get sick. I propose that we consider this scenario as a metaphor for what may be going on in your life. Is it possible you’re doing things that are healthy for you in one way but that diminish you in another? Or are you perhaps getting or doing too much of a good thing -- going to unbalanced extremes as you pursue a worthy goal? Now is a favorable time to figure out if you’re engaged in such behavior, and to change it if you are. CANCER (June 21-July 22): When the young director Richard Lester got his big break, he took full advantage. It happened in 1964, when the early Beatles asked him to do their first movie, A Hard Day’s Night. Lester’s innovative approach to the project propelled his career to a higher level that brought him many further opportunities. Writing of Lester’s readiness, critic Alexander Walker said, “No filmmaker . . . appeared more punctually when his hour struck.” That’s what I hope you will soon be doing in your own chosen field, Cancerian. Do you understand how important it will be to have impeccable timing? No procrastination or hemming and hawing, please. Be crisply proactive. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): As a young man, the poet Arthur Rimbaud (1854-1891) left his home in France and settled in Abyssinia, which these days is known as Ethiopia. “I sought voyages,” he wrote, “to disperse the enchantments that had colonized my mind.” You might want to consider a similar strategy in the coming weeks, Leo. From an astrological perspective, it’s going to be an excellent time both to wander free of your usual haunts and to disperse the enchantments that have colonized your mind. Why not find ways to synergize these two opportunities? VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): At one point in his life, author C. S. Lewis had a rude awakening as he took stock of the progress he thought he had been making. “I am appalled to see how much of the change I thought I had undergone lately was only imaginary,” he wrote. I want to make sure that something similar doesn’t happen to you, Virgo. You’re in the midst of what should be a Golden Age of Self-Transformation. Make sure you’re actually doing the work that you imagine you’re doing -- and not just talking about it and thinking about it. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): “There are questions that you don’t ask because you’re afraid of the answers,” wrote Agatha Christie. I would add that there are also questions you don’t ask because you mistakenly think you already know the answers. And then there are questions you don’t ask because their answers would burst your beloved illusions, which you’d rather preserve. I’m here to urge you to risk posing all these types of questions, Libra. I

think you’re strong enough and smart enough, and in just the right ways, to deal constructively with the answers. I’m not saying you’ll be pleased with everything you find out. But you will ultimately be glad you finally made the inquiries. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): If you are enmeshed in a jumble that makes you squirm or if you are caught in a tangle that stifles your self-love, you have three choices. Here’s how Eckhart Tolle defines them: 1. Get out of the situation. 2. Transform the situation. 3. Completely accept the situation. Does that sound reasonable, Scorpio? I hope so, because the time has come to act. Don’t wait to make your decision. Do it soon. After that, there will be no whining allowed. You can no longer indulge in excuses. You must accept the consequences. On the bright side, imagine the new freedom and power you will have at your disposal. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Here’s a proposed experiment. Sidle up to a creature you’d love to be closer to, and softly sing the following lyrics: “Come with me, go with me. Burn with me, glow with me. Sleep with me, wake with me.” At this point, run three circles around the creature as you flap your arms like a birds’ wings. Then continue your singing: “Rise with me, fall with me. Work with me, play with me. Pray with me, sin with me.” At this point, leap up into the air three times, unleashing a burst of laughter each time you hit the ground. Continue singing: “Let me get high with you. Laugh with you, cry with you. Make me your partner in crime.” At this point blow three kisses toward the creature, then run away. (P.S. The lyrics I’m quoting here were composed by songwriter Fran Landesman.) CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): In getting energy from food, we humans have at our disposal over 50,000 edible plants. And yet we choose to concentrate on just a few. Wheat, corn, rice, and potatoes make up two-thirds of our diet, and 11 other staples comprise most of the rest. Let’s use this as a metaphor for the kind of behavior you should avoid in the coming weeks. I think it will be crucial for you to draw physical, emotional, and spiritual sustenance from a relatively wide variety of sources. There’s nothing wrong with your usual providers, but for now you need to expand your approach to getting the nurturing you need. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “We teach each other how to live.” Poet Anne Michaels said that, and now I’m passing it on to you -- just in time for the phase of your cycle when acting like a curious student is your sacred duty and your best gift to yourself. I don’t necessarily mean that you should take a workshop or enroll in a school. Your task is to presume that everyone you meet and every encounter you have may bring you rich learning experiences. If you’re willing to go as far as I hope you will, even your dreams at night will be opportunities to get further educated. Even your vigils in front of the TV. Even your trips to the convenience store to buy ice cream. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In her poem “Time,” Piscean poet Lia Purpura wonders about “not picking up a penny because it’s only a little luck.” Presumably she is referring to a moment when you’re walking down a street and you spy an almost-but-not-quiteworthless coin lying on the concrete. She theorizes that you may just leave it there. It adds next to nothing to your wealth, right? Which suggests that it also doesn’t have much value as a symbol of good fortune. But I urge you to reject this line of thought in the coming weeks, Pisces. In my astrological opinion, you’ll be wise to capitalize on the smallest opportunities. There will be plenty of them, and they will add up. Homework: Imagine that seven years from now you will want a new career or line of work. What will it be? Write: Truthrooster@gmail.com. ---------------------------------------Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

March 24 to March 30, 2016

Mind,body & Spirit

DIVINE TIMING

by Bronwyn Ison

resumably you may read this weeks article as a sequel to my last. Previously, I shared with you how we need to demonstrate patience while waiting. Although, we may not like being delayed by standing in line or sitting at a stoplight, it’s simply a part of life. I have acquiesced to the mere reality that timing is, everything! Since my revelation of accepting that divine timing facilitates my destiny, my life is calmer and I feel less stressed. I don’t find myself in such a panic to progress from point “A” to point “B.” I am allowing myself enough time to reach my destination. Circumstances often intervene. Although, I may warrant myself ample time, you can’t help if there is an accident or some other event that dictates tardiness in your arrival. With this preface, I am a firm believer there is a season for every part of your life. Which may also result in your mind as a phase. Our teens, 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s etc; all are certain age intervals of our life but there are seasons of events that takes place during these times. Most us go through college in our early 20’s. I would consider this a season of your life. You graduate and then get a job. Your job is now a new chapter/season in your life. I believe this is true of the people who cross our paths. Good, bad, or indifferent; certain people come into our lives for a

reason and for a season. The reason may be to add benefit to your life or to teach you a valuable lesson. Also, people come and go. A person, who crosses your path, came at the predestined time for you, at that specific time. I know what you are thinking… there are some people you wish had not come into your life as you feel they did more harm than good. Although you may harbor such feelings or thoughts, move on and be grateful for the lesson learned from this individual(s). Of course, I can think of a handful of people I would have been relieved not knowing. However, I would not be the person I am today without experiencing those select individuals as a part of one of my seasons. How are we to learn if we don’t receive a lesson? Plus, it was only for a season. Time goes on and a new experience will materialize. Nothing last forever. As each of us has learned by now, there are highs and lows in life. If you find the good even in an adverse circumstance it will diminish the sting. Be open and excited about the many seasons that are upon your future. Each day I wake up and think… What can I give to life today? This renders me eager to learn; what does life have to offer today? Bronwyn Ison is the owner of Evolve Yoga. e-volveyoga.com 760.564.YOGA

March 24 to March 30, 2016

Ask The Doctor

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by dr peter kadile

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