Coachella Valley Weekly - March 26 to April 1, 2015 Vol. 4 No. 1

News

Music

Movies

Dining

Community Events

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com • March 26 to April 1, 2015 Vol. 4 No. 1

Food+Wine Festival

pg 7

Comedy @ IPAC

pg 9

Secret Garden

pg 11

The Monkees

pg 13

HooDoo Lounge

pg 20

March 26 to April 1, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Happy 3 Year anniversary cv weekly!

Coachella Valley Weekly

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

760.501.6228

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

Contents

CV Weekly’s 3rd Year Anniversary............ 3 2015 CV Music Awards Nominees........... 6 Food+Wine Festival.................................. 7 Food+Wine Festival Schedule................. 8 Food+Wine Festival - Chef Cat Cora........ 9 Weekend of Comedy At IPAC................... 9 Clydesdales on El Paseo......................... 10 Eggstravaganza at The Living Desert... 10 Cruise-In Event........................................ 10 Breaking The 4th Wall-Secret Garden.... 11 Theatre 29................................................ 11 Tilted Kilt Open Mic Competition.......... 12 Jazz at the Westin.................................... 12 Valley Rhythms - The Monkees.............. 13 Valley Rhythms - The O’Jays................... 13 Consider This - Bella & Sebastian.......... 14 Art Scene.................................................. 15 Pet Place................................................... 16 The Vino Voice......................................... 17 Club Crawler Nightlife............................ 18 Happy Hour Hotspot - HooDoo............. 20 Screeners................................................. 22 Book Review............................................ 23 Community - Boys & Girls Club.............. 26 Haddon Libby.......................................... 27 Dale Gribow............................................. 27 Safety Tips................................................ 28 ShareKitchen........................................... 28 Community - CVEP.................................. 29 Sports Scene............................................ 29 Sports....................................................... 29 Health & Fitness ...................................... 30 Free Will Astrology.................................. 31 Mind, Body & Spirit................................. 31 Life & Career Coach................................. 32 Ask The Doctor........................................ 32

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arch 29 will mark the 3 year Anniversary of CV Weekly being in print and online. As the Owner, Publisher and Editor of CV Weekly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has made this publication become the success that it is today.

There are so many people who have been an integral part of making this happen that it would be difficult to list everyone. I would like to mention a few key folks that have worked tirelessly beside me from the beginning. Phil Lacombe, who is my partner in life, has helped me every step of the way by handling our social media, Club Crawler nightlife section and taking over distribution a little over a year ago, along with William Westley, who from the beginning has made sure the paper got from the printer in Sylmar to the desert every week without fail.

Robert “Chance” Rickert, our Art Director for the past 2 years, has done a brilliant job designing our beautiful, edgy and eye appealing covers as well as laying the paper out alongside me every week and assisting in editing duties. His calm demeanor and easy going personality has held me together on a regular basis. Without these 3 men CV Weekly would not be where it is today.

I would also like to give a shout out to Oscar Arbulu Flores who was the Art Director for our first year and remains a friend.

I must also acknowledge Lisa Morgan who has also been part of CV Weekly from day one and was sent to me by my good friend BB Ingle.

Lisa has worked with my publication in many capacities including Sales Manager, PR guru and of course Music & Features writer. As many of you know Morgan performs all over town in many music projects and recently took a fulltime position with FG Creative. After 3 years of having a deadline to turn in anywhere from 2 to 6 articles each week, she has requested a brief leave of absence to, well, breathe and get acclimated to her new position and have a life. Readers and Morgan fans do not fret as it’s only for a few more weeks and she will be back writing at least one music article per week. I sincerely appreciate Lisa’s contribution over the years and am proud to call her my friend.

I would also like to mention our current Sales Manager, Alaina Majiros, who came on board about 6 months ago and took on the position with zest and energy and had become a vital part of the team until she was in a serious

car accident in mid-January. I look forward to her return as soon as she is able.

As for all of my feature writers and columnists who have also been with me from day one; without your contribution CV Weekly would not be the publication that “everyone wants to read”. Thank you Robin E. Simmons, Heidi Simmons, Haddon Libby, Dale Gribow, Angela Janus, Bronwyn Ison, Janet McAfee, Rick Riozza, Eleni P. Austin, Lola Rossi, Craig Michaels, Raymond Bill and Rob Brezny for all being part of my “original team” and for still being with me.

Several other writers joined in throughout the first year and a few in the last six months.

Thank you to Judith Salkin, Denise Ortuno Neil, Noe Gutierrez, Sunny Simon, Richard Weiss, Dr. Peter Kadile, Julie Buehler, Flint Wheeler, Laura Hunt Little, Rich Henrich, Bruce Cathcart, Amanda Dorta, Patte Purcell, Rebecca Pikus, Dee Jae Cox, Monica Morones, Kira Golden, Curtis Hendricks, Edward L. Prichard III, Karen Creasy, Jean Chariton, Dr. Maria Lombardo, Chris Clemens and Jack St. Clair.

Every article and column you have all written has been an important part of the overall appeal of CV Weekly.

I would also like to say thank you to all of our amazing photographers who have contributed their work and art on a regular basis including Chris Miller, Laura Hunt Little, Lani Garfield, Scott Pam, Steven Young, La Maniaca, Dre Naylor and Samantha Schwenck.

I have the best team and I appreciate each and every one of you.

It is also important to thank all of our advertisers who have made it possible, of course, to keep this publication going. Many of you have been with us from the beginning and I sincerely appreciate the long-term relationships we have built and that you continue to believe in CV Weekly as we do all of your businesses.

Cheers! And to all of our newer advertisers… welcome to the CV Weekly family!

I personally have been a long-time supporter of the bands/musicians in the valley and an important part of this publication is writing about local musicians and artists. Thank you to all of you that we have written about for opening up your hearts and letting us tell your stories on our pages. As many of you know I also own the CV Music Awards which will be held on Sunday, May 17 from 5-9pm at the Riviera

March 26 to April 1, 2015

By tracy dietlin in Palm Springs (which is where they were also held last year). For more info on the awards go to page 6.

I also decided to take on another project in my spare time (insert laughter here) which is the CV Music Summit, which will include 4 nights of bands competing in Showcases in front of industry professionals to win huge prize packages from music manufacturers such as Yamaha, Sennheiser, PC Audio Labs, F-Pedals and Presonus to name a few, as well as cash prizes and the opportunity to perform in front of record labels. This event will take place June 4 through June 7 at The Hood, Schmidy’s and IPAC. We have partnered with “Whisper to a Dream” to bring this event to the valley. Several workshops will also take place during that weekend which will discuss music licensing (getting your songs on TV, in movies and in gaming), legalities of the music industry, touring and merch, and more. If you are a band that is interested in showcasing your talent at this event please email me at publisher@ coachellavalleyweekly.com. A full article with all the details will appear in next week’s issue.

One of the things that I am most proud of CV Weekly for is our passion to give back to the community by sponsoring charity events and hosting our own events to raise money for some of our favorite charities. We have tried in one way or another to help every charity that has reached out to us. Last December we held a CV Weekly benefit at the Date Shed, thanks to the generosity of the owner Alex Haagen IV for allowing us to hold the event there and all of the bands who performed for free, we were able to give $1,000.00 to FIND Food Bank and $1,000.00 to Street Life Project. We also presented a $500.00 check to Desert AIDS Project at our Best of Awards event last August and were able to give over $1500.00 cash to Loving All Animals at the CV Music Awards and various mixers. There are so many charities that need help in our valley and we look forward to continuing to raise even more money for them in the coming years.

It’s sometimes hard to believe that it has already been 3 years since I first had the vision to start CV Weekly. Well actually I had the dream back in 2005 it just took a while to make it come to fruition. Publishing a “weekly” paper is an exciting, daunting, challenging and rewarding adventure and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Finally I would like to thank all of YOU, our readers, who give me a reason to continue down this path week after week! I look forward to CV Weekly’s growth in the coming years and being able to add more columns, feature writers, and pages for you to enjoy.

I invite you to come and join us at our 3 Year Anniversary Party at Schmidy’s Tavern (it’s also their 2 year Anniversary) on Saturday, April 4 starting at 7pm and celebrate this exciting milestone with us.

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March 26 to April 1, 2015

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March 26 to April 1, 2015

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March 26 to April 1, 2015

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2015 CV Music Awards Nominees

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he CV Music Awards nominees were determined by a panel of over 200 people consisting of radio & TV personalities, music writers/journalists, music photographers, club & venue owners, promoters, fans and musicians themselves. The musicians on the nominating panel were not permitted to nominate in any of their own categories or for themselves.

Best Band: Machin’ The Hellions Caxton Waxy You Know Who Blasting Echo Bridger Burning Bettie Spankshaft Perishment Best Rock Band: Burning Bettie Blasting Echo House of Broken Promises (HOBP) Rebel Noise Deadend Paradox Mighty Jack Best Metal Band: Perishment Remnants of Man In the Name of the Dead Brain Vat Robotic Humans Redivider Best Punk Band: Se7en4 Bridger You Know Who Accustomed to Nothing Facelift Boycott Radio Best Live Performance Band: Machin’ Blasting Echo Long Duk Dong Right On Right On Pedestrians Thr3 Strykes Spankshaft Se7en4 Burning Bettie Bridger Best Cover Band: Long Duk Dong Aphrodisiac Jacket Ozzmania Dude Jones 212 Band John Stanley King Best Female Vocalist: Chelsea Sugarbritches Christina Reyes Lisa Lynn Morgan

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The nomination ballot will be posted on www. coachellavalleyweekly.com on Friday, March 27. The public will then vote to determine the winners in each category. You may only vote once. We have this set up that only one vote per device will be counted. Voting will end on Monday, April 27 at midnight. Winners will be announced at the CV Music Awards Show on Sunday, May 17 from 5-9 pm at the Riviera

Giselle Woo Symara Stone Jesika Von Rabbit Best Male Vocalist: Michael Keeth Giorg Tierez Eevaan Tre Rick Shelley Josh Heinz Leo Rodriquez Best Alternative Band: Parosella CIVX War Drum Caxton Ideation Alchemy Best Rap/Hip Hop Band or Artist: Thr3 Strykes PharmTecs J Patron Lootenant Ldoubleo Death Merchants Cakes Best Reggae Band: Tribe-O Mikey Reyes Acoustic Movement Irie Junctions Higher Heights Rasun & The Struggle Mozaiq Best Jazz Band/Artist: Will Donato Penny Unniversity John Stanley King Chase Huna Mikole Kaar Gina Carey Best Blues Band/Artist: Kal David Mighty Delta-Tones Bonethumpers Barry Baughn Bobby Nichols Voodoo Hustlers Best Country Band/Artist: R Buckle Road Wade Crawford The Hick Ups Kelly Derrickson Wayward Sirens Rick Shelley

Best Adult Contemporary Band/Artist: John Stanley King Michael Keeth Eevaan Tre & The Show Jimi Fitz Gina Carey Todd Ashley Best Duo: Hive Minds ( Derek Jordan Gregg & Sean Poe ) Michael Keeth & Martin Barrera Sean Wheeler & Zander Schloss Mikey Reyes & Bryanna Evaro David Macias & Bri Cherry Jos Burrell & Rob Martinez Best New Band: Wayward Sirens The Sweat Act The Classy Motherfu?kers The Brosquitos The Yip Yops The Dirty X’s Best Frontman: Nick Flores Josh Heinz Giorg Tierez Ruben Gutierrez Jim Cathcart John Garcia Best Frontwoman: Chelsea Sugarbritches Lisa Lynn Morgan Linda Lemke Heinz Christina Reyes Lauri Bono Best Guitarist: Bobby Taffolla Rudy Mendez Mike Pygmie Bobby Nichols Ehren Groban Arthur Seay Best Bassist: Dan Wheat Laramie Eve Mondo Flores Aaron Ramson Brett McLaughlin Nick Oliveri Best Drummer: Katie Cathcart Mike Cancino Steven Hall

CVMAs

in Palm Springs.

Tickets are 25.00 in advance, 35.00 at the door and 75.00 for VIP which includes; a hosted bar, heavy appetizers, 2 DJs, a live nominated band, and special celebrity appearances and signings. VIP tickets are limited and will sell out. Partial proceeds will go to charity.

To purchase tickets call 760-501-6228.

Greg Saenz Jeff Bowman Tommy Winters Best Keyboards: Linda Lemke Heinz Christina Reyes Jack Kohler Charlie Ellis Eevaan Tre Herb Lineau Best Club DJ: Alf Alpha All Night Shoes Pedro Le Bass DJ Day Femme A DJ Smoke 1 Best Event DJ: Alf Alpha DJ Ray Phillips DJ Craig Michaels All Night Shoes DJ Habanero Desert DJ Ent. Best Club Promoter: Jack Kohler Ming Bob Brandon Henderson Johnny Sugarbritches

Mr. Miami Best Event Promoter: BB Ingle Steve Johns P-Lab Ray Phillips Reggie Cameron Best Live Performance Venue: The Hood Schmidy’s Date Shed Pappy & Harriet’s Tilted Kilt The Purple Room Best Local Album: Se7en4 – Let’s Get High and Fight Remnants of Man – Rise Perishment – Amidst the Black Hive Minds – Hive Minds Waxy – Chainsaw Holiday Thr3 Strykes – CMNCTN BRKDWN Best Producer: Ronnie King Mikey Doling Brad Garrow Dave Catching

food+wine

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

March 26 to April 1, 2015

By judith salkin Photos by Gerry Maceda

After fashion, it’s time for Food & Wine

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he fifth year of the Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Food and Wine Festival Palm Desert starts off with foursome of female chefs and proceeds to fill the Big White Tent with foods from some of the desert’s finest restaurants, vineyards from all of California’s wine regions and across the country and a marketplace where foodies can purchase everything from exotic spices to the products from the kitchens of some of the celebrity chefs they’ve spent the afternoon with.

For the past two years Tony Marchese, coowner of Trio and the Purple Room, both in Palm Springs, has produced this food and wine extravaganza. Not that he doesn’t have enough to do running two restaurants, “but this a labor of love,” he said in mid-February at a preview of this year’s event.

“The celebrity chefs are wonderful and we love having them,” he said. “But what we want to do is support our local chefs and restaurants.

We have great chefs here in the valley and this festival is a way for people to see them work (in the demonstration kitchens on Saturday and Sunday) and then discover their restaurants.”

The lineup of Coachella Valley restaurants ranges small, intimate places such as Rio Azul to the Venue Sushi Bar and Sake Lounge in Palm Desert to the resort restaurants such as Lantana at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort and Spa or Essense at the Two Bunch Palms Resort in Desert Hot Springs. All cooking styles are represented, too, from The Cowboy Way barbecue in Palm Springs to Clementine Gourmet Marketplace & Cafe mix of French Provencal and Mediterranean fare in Palm Desert and from desserts from Chicks with Bark Handcrafter Chocolates to Olea Farm’s Olive Oil Tasting Room.

Marchese came on-board partly from a love of putting together big events, but also from a love of sharing the knowledge behind the foods we all love. “These chefs work so hard and for the most part, people don’t get to see how much work goes into each plate,” he said.

Even with the abundance of celebrity chefs on television, “most people don’t really get a chance to see them work in person. It’s what I love about this event.”

Bringing together the celebrity chefs, “gets harder each year,” Marchese added, with the increasing number of food festivals around the

country. Luckily, the Coachella Valley is home to great chefs that have come from around the country and the world to work here. “Because of the time of year a lot of our local chefs are really busy, but we’ve been lucky because we have so many that want to participate.”

Top Chef Season 10 runner-up Brooke Williamson and her husband, Nick Roberts own and operate three restaurants in L.A.’s South Bay beach cities. In Playa del Rey, it’s the popular gastropub The Tripel; in Redondo Beach, it’s The Hudson House; and their most recent addition is Playa Provisions, that incorporates a four-inone concept of seafood house, café, creamery and whiskey bar.

Williamson has known “at least since the age of 12 or 13 what I wanted to do with my career,” she said recently from her home in L.A. “I knew the path I wanted to be on. I think I was kind of novelty when I was a teenager because I knew at such an early age what I wanted to do with my life.”

That single-minded approach saw Williamson enter the Epicurean Institute of Los Angeles where she also worked as a teaching assistant, and later worked under some of L.A.’s best chefs, as a pastry assistant at Fenix at The Argyle under Chef Ken Frank and Chef San Yoon at Michael McCarty’s self-named Michael.

After moving to New York, Williamson earned the distinction of being the youngest woman to be invited to cook at James Beard House.

She acknowledges the fact that there are more men in restaurant kitchens than women.

“It just hasn’t been as common to see women running restaurant kitchens until recently,” she said. “For many years being a chef was a man’s job, it’s not the way anymore. For me, personally, I’ve always been someone who wants to prove myself and that’s what’s been important. Maybe because of that I haven’t really seen gender issues. Maybe it’s because I always believed that there was nothing that was going to hold me back; for me, it was motivating to show what I was capable of.”

For the James Beard Luncheon, Williamson is preparing an appetizer course of cucumbertomato water, Dungeness crab and green apple salad, with watermelon and sorrel gelee soup.

“I think since I grew up in California, I’ve always loved cooking with all the fresh produce we

have here and seafood,” she said. “I made a dish that similar to this last year, but thinking of the weather and were we are, I decided to make this something that was cold and maybe a bit more refreshing.”

When Williamson is finished with the weekend, you might just find her at a restaurant that serves Thai food. “I love the blend of flavors and textures and it’s the one type of food that I don’t cook or serve in any of my restaurants,” she said. “I eat and taste so much of the foods that I make, I think I don’t cook any Asian food so that I don’t lose my taste for it.”

The opportunity to get out of the kitchen and meet his guests on a different stage is part of what motivates Chris Mitchum, Executive Chef at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort and Spa to have participated in the Food and Wine Festival for the past five years. “I love being in front of an audience,” he said recently.

“And showing them what I do.”

While the celebrity chefs might draw people to the Food and Wine Festival, “The best thing is that it gives people a chance to meet and get to know the local chefs,” he said. “My name is pretty well recognized because I’ve been in the

valley for 15 years and I’ve done the Pendelton (Chef’s Auction) for about 10 years and this event for five years, but there are some great chefs like (Drew Davis) at Catalan that people might not know and it gives people a chance to see them work.”

It is the connections with guests and potential guests that Mitchum sees as the highpoint for chefs who come out to demonstrate at the festival. He’s worked at a number of food festival around the valley over the years, even though it adds a bit of pressure to his already full schedule at the resort.

“It’s really hard work for the local chefs,” he said. “Most of these guys are going to be here early to prep and demonstrate and then serve and talk to guests in the main tent – and they have to get back to their own restaurants and serve their guests. That is a lot of work and a really long day so you really have to love what you do.”

This year Mitchum is demoing a seared salmon with quinoa and tabouli with sun-dried tomato and olive tapenade. “It’s a dish that was on the menu a couple of years ago and when I was thinking about this year’s dish, I remembered how much I loved this dish,” he said. “I’m pretty sure it’s coming back very soon.”

And while he was in the last days of getting ready for this year’s event, Mitchum noted that next year’s festival isn’t that far off. “As soon as we pack up, I’ll start thinking about next year and what I’m going to make,” he said. “I’ll only have a year to get ready.”

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March 26 to April 1, 2015

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Three days of foodie delights

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hether you’re a foodie or a gourmand, the Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Food and Wine Festival Palm Desert is where you want to be on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (March 27 through 29, 2015). The festival takes over the Big White Tent on Larkspur Lane and overlaps with the closing days of the Saxony Group Fashion Week El Paseo with foods, wines and craft beers that are every bit as delectable as the fashions of the previous days. This year’s lineup of chefs includes American Iron Chef Cat Cora, Top Chef Season 10 runner-up Brooke Williamson, James Beard-winning pastry Gale Gand and “Entertainologist” best-selling author, event designer and entertainer, Lulu Powers.

For the first time in the event’s five year history, the opening James Beard Gourmet luncheon is in the hands of these four women. Each chef submitted their list of dishes, and the menu was chosen by the executives of the event. For Williamson, who grew up in SoCal, the idea was to showcase the fresh produce of the state and the bounty of seafood found off of her shoreline.

“It’s the flavors that I love,” Williamson said.

The highlight of this festival are two days of chef demonstration that feature a ton of local chefs. And this year rather than attempting to have the chefs compete with the noise of the grand tastings on Saturday and Sunday, there demos will take place in a separate tent.

“It was difficult for the chefs trying to compete with the noise of everything going on in the main tent,” said Tony Marchese, owner of Trio restaurant and for the past two years, producer of the Food and Wine Festival. “This year the chefs aren’t distracted and the guests can have the chance to really see what’s going on in the demonstrations.”

Food is only half of the menu for the Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Food and Wine Festival Palm Desert. As the title say, wine plays a big part in the Grand Tastings on Saturday and Sunday. And not only wines, “This year we’ve added more craft beers,” Marchese said. “We have better wine and beer pairings and the marketplace this year

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is incredible.”

The Grand Tastings on Saturday and Sunday, March 28 and 29, include the overall grand tasting with 20 celebrity chefs, 70 premium spirits, wines, sparkling wines, cognacs, and beers, and more than 50 fine restaurants and culinary brands, plus the celebrity chef book signings, and unique exhibits booths featuring culinary gift items. From 11 am to noon both days, VIP Grand Tasting Pass guests will receive early entrance into the event before the other ticket holders arrive; special caviar and champagne tasting; and exclusive celebrity chef cooking demonstration.

Ticket for the James Beard lunch on Friday, March 27, are $125, and as of this writing there were a few tickets available.

VIP Grand tasting tickets are $125 per day for Saturday and Sunday, March 28-29. Regular Grand Tasting tickets are $90 per day.

Because wine and craft beers are served, no one under 21 is allowed in the Grand Tasting Tent.

For tickets, visit palmdesertfoodandwine. com or call 888-596-1027.

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015 JAMES BEARD GOURMET LUNCHEON - A SALUTE TO WOMEN 11:30 am - 2 pm Details: The festivities begin with a fourcourse gourmet luncheon, paired with premium and sparkling wines. Each course created by James Beard Award-winning and nominated chefs. 2015’s featured chefs are Food Network Iron Chef Cat Cora, James Beard Award-winning pastry chef Gale Gand, chef and owner of Hudson House, The Tripel, and Playa Provisions Brooke Williamson, and The “Entertainologist,” best-selling author, entertainer and event designer Lulu Powers.

The luncheon takes place in the Big White Tent. Guests must be 21 years of age to attend. The James Beard Luncheon food is graciously supplied by Whole Foods Palm Desert. Catering courtesy of Scott Robertson, Owner, New Leaf Catering.

Menu: First Course - Brooke Williamson Cucumber-Tomato Water, Dungeness Crab and Green Apple Salad, Watermelon and Sorrel Gelee Cold Soup

By judith salkin Second Course - Lulu Powers Kale and Sweet Potato Hummus with Buratta wrapped in Persian Cucumbers adorned with Tomatoes, Dates, Kumquats and fresh Basil Third Course (ENTRÉE) - Cat Cora Halibut with Pepitas, Capers, Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Fourth Course (DESSERT) - Gale Gand Passion Fruit Soup served with Pistachio Meringue Sticks SATURDAY, MARCH 28 VIP Grand Tasting Pass 11 am - 4 pm Grand Tasting Noon - 4 pm Foodies and wine enthusiasts will experience more than 20 celebrity chefs and enjoy 80 premium spirits, wines, sparkling wines, cognacs, and beers, as well as tastings from more than 50 fine restaurants and culinary brands. Enjoy celebrity chef book signings, unique exhibits booths featuring culinary gift items, a silent auction, and more!

CHEF DEMONSTRATION SCHEDULE: FERGUSON STAGE 1 Noon: Chris Mitchum, Lantana Restaurant at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa 1 pm: Brian Malarkey, Top Chef Miami, Owner of Searsucker, Herringbone and Green Acre 2 pm: Cat Cora, Chef, TV personality, cook book author, Food Network Iron Chef 3 pm: Lulu Powers, The “Entertainologist,” best-selling author, entertainer, and event designer FERGUSON STAGE 2 12:15 pm: Zack Bruell, James Beard recognized, Parallax, Table 45, Ristorante Chinato, Cowell & Hubbard, L’Albatros, Kafeteria and DYNOMITE 1:15 pm: Richard Pelz, Wally’s Desert Turtle 2:15 pm: Ernesto Gastelum, Rio Azul Mexican Bar & Grill 3:15 pm: Kitt Fraser, Europa Restaurant Palm Springs FERGUSON STAGE 3 12:30 pm: Adam Palffy, Roy’s Restaurtant 1:30 pm: Jennifer Town, Purple Room Palm Springs 2:30 pm: Daniel Villanvera Jr, Balisage Bistro PERONI BEER GARDEN STAGE 12:30 pm: Ruben Galvez, Executive Chef,

food+wine Hacienda Cantina and Beach Club 1:30 pm: Andre Carthen, Executive Chef, kathy ireland Worldwide Design Ambassador 2:30 pm: Bruno Lopez, Executive Chef, The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage VIP PASS ONLY, FERGUSON STAGE 3 11:30 am: Gale Gand, SpritzBurger Restaurant & Tru Chicago, and James Beard Award-winning Pastry Chef, followed by book signing.

SUNDAY, MARCH 29 VIP Grand Tasting Pass 11 am-4 pm Grand Tasting Noon - 4 pm CHEF DEMONSTRATION SCHEDULE: FERGUSON STAGE 1 Noon: Patrice Martineau - Citron at the Viceroy Palm Springs 1 pm: Ari Taymor, Alma, named “Best New Restaurant in America 2013 “ by Bon Appetit and “Best New Chef 2014” by Food & Wine 2 pm: Engin Onural, The Venue Sushi Bar & Sake Lounge 3 pm: Mike Milligan, Aqua Caliente Casino Resort & Spa FERGUSON STAGE 2 12:15 pm: Gale Gand, SpritzBurger restaurant, Tru Chicago, and James Beard Award-winning Pastry Chef, followed by book signing 1:15 pm: Andrew Copley, Copley’s on Palm Canyon 2:15 pm: Andie Hubka, Cork & Fork Wine Bar & Kitchen 3:15 pm: Bonnie Barkley, CELLO’S Pantry, CELLO’S Bistro FERGUSON STAGE 3 12:30 pm: Drew Davis, Catalan Mediterranean Cuisine 1:30 pm: Thomas Horner, JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa 2:30 pm: Gavin Grabe, Clementine Gourmet Market & Café PERONI BEER GARDEN STAGE 1:30 pm: Chef Cossi Houegban - Two Bunch Palms Resort & Spa VIP PASS ONLY, FERGUSON STAGE 3 11:30 am: Zack Bruell - James Beard recognized, Parallax, Table 45, Ristorante Chinato, Cowell & Hubbard, L’Albatros, Kafeteria and DYNOMITE ALL SCHEDULES SUBJECT TO CHANGE Book signings takes place immediately after CHEF DEMO at Just Fabulous, located in the Reception Tent.

food+wine

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

By judith salkin

There’s a Cat in the Kitchen a quick Q&A with Chef Cat Cora

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t only 4 ft. 11 inches (wow! She’s the same height as Chef Sara Moulton!), Cat Cora casts a much bigger profile when it comes to working in the kitchen at her restaurants, Ocean by Cat Cora located at Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore and Cat Cora’s Kitchen in the Houston, Salt Lake City and San Francisco Airports.

Growing up in Mississippi in a family where both her father and grandfather owned their own restaurants and learning to cook with her mother and grandmothers, Cora made the decision early on to one day have a career as a chef. Along with her family, she says her other kitchen influences include Julia Child, Barbara Tropp and M.F.K. Fisher.

Following advice from Child, after earning a Bachelor of Science degree in exercise physiology and biology, she moved to New York to follow her kitchen dreams and attend the prestigious Culinary Institute of America.

Cora has apprenticed and worked for Chef Anne Rozenweig at Arcadia and Chef Larry Forgione at the Beekman Tavern. She sharpened her skills further as Sous Chef at The Old Chatham Shepherding Company under Chef Melissa Kelly before moving to Northern California to serve as Chef de Cuisine at Bistro Don Giovanni in Napa Valley.

She hit the small screen in 1999 as the co-host of Food Network’s Melting Pot with Rocco Di Spirito, before going on to host My Country My Kitchen: Greece, Date Plate, and was a featured host on Fine Living’s Simplify Your Life. Cat’s In The Kitchen was the documentary, produced in 2002 that covered her first James Beard.

She made TV history in 2005 as the Food Network’s first female Iron Chef America.

And in November 2006, Cora received Bon Appetit magazine’s Teacher of the Year Award, which she called, “the greatest recognition she could achieve as a chef.”

We caught up with Cora for a quick five question Q&A on a number of subjects: COACHELLA VALLEY WEEKLY (CVW): Fifty years ago the most influential female chef was Julia Child, but she was most noted for translating classical French cuisine and techniques into the home kitchen. It’s only been in the past 25 or so years that women began taking lead positions in restaurant kitchens. Why did it take so long for women to be recognized for their culinary talents?

CAT CORA: Men have taken center stage since the beginning of time. So women have been passed over for various reasons that are more social issues than skill and smarts. Now that the world is changing,

events

by jeanette knight

A WEEKEND OF COMEDY AT IPAC FEATURES FESTIVAL WINNERS

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society and our own perception about women’s capabilities have evolved. A lot of that in the food industry is the introduction of food television. It has allowed the public to see women in action and their strength.

CVW: You›ve worked under some very strong executive chefs -- both men and women -- starting with your own family.

Who were the greatest influences in your cooking style or pushed you the most?

CC: I would say my family, Anne Rosenzweig, Melissa Kelly, Larry Forgione, Roger Verge, George’s Blanc and Donna Scala have been the most influential for me.

CVW: I›ve read that at 15 you had already developed a business plan for a restaurant. What would that restaurant have been like and are there elements from that original plan in your current restaurant?

CC: It was very much like Kouzzina that I opened with Disney (which closed in September 2014), very Mediterranean, family style restaurant.

CVW: When you and your family cook at home or go out for a meal, what kind of foods do you like to eat? Is your cooking style at home similar to what you do at your restaurant?

CC: Fresh, farm to table, healthy. We eat a lot of sushi and fish, grains, salads, we get great fish so good fish tacos are always a hit.

CVW: With so many cooking and celebrity chef shows now on television, there is a whole generation of kids who look at being a chef as a vehicle to stardom.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in the kitchen?

CC: To work in a real kitchen to get a true idea of what the reality of working in kitchens is all about.

March 26 to April 1, 2015

he Indio Performing Arts Center, 45-175 Fargo Street in Indio, is proud to present “A Weekend of Comedy” March 27, 28 & 29, 2015.

Friday and Saturday performances are at 7PM, Sunday’s performance is at 2PM. What makes this show special for the Coachella Valley is that the performers were chosen by audience votes at the inaugural Coachella Valley Improv/Comedy Festival, where improv groups and stand-up

comics from across the nation performed and competed last July.

The overall winner and headliner for the “Weekend of Comedy” is a Los Angeles-based improv group called “White Women.” This ingenious troupe takes a suggestion from the audience and creates a completely improvised piece of comedy based on the suggestion. “White Women” regularly perform at the Upright Citizens Brigade theatre in Los Angeles, which was co-founded by Amy Poehler.

Local resident Richard Weiss, who has performed stand- up comedy for eight years in clubs like “Caroline’s” in New York, has also toured the country in sold out shows as part of the “Stand Up to Addiction” tour.

He will be acting as emcee for the event as well as performing. Dr. Mike, a former Marine and practicing physician from Los Angeles who believes “the only true way to heal someone is to make them laugh,” will be doing his stand-up comedy.

Tickets are available for $19-$26.

Patrons can select their own seats by going to the interactive seat map at www. indioperformingartscenter.org, or by calling IPAC at (760) 775-5200 Monday through Friday, 10AM – 4PM.

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March 26 to April 1, 2015

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by chris clemens events Numerous Events Coming to El Paseo in April, Including Budweiser Clydesdales

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he season may be slowing down, but more is to come in April on El Paseo, including a visit by the beloved Budweiser Clydesdales.

Throughout the month while the weather remains near perfect, a plethora of options are available for visitors to enjoy.

The highlight of April is a return visit from the world-renowned Budweiser Clydesdales making a visit on April 22.

Arriving in an eight-horse hitch at 1 p.m. they will be harnessed and hitched to the red beer wagon on a side street at the west end, and will start their journey on El Paseo, stopping to make deliveries along the way from 2 to 4 p.m. They will be accompanied by their iconic traveling pal, a Dalmatian, which in the early days of brewing were trained to protect the horses when the driver made deliveries.

City of Palm Desert’s First Weekends also continues on El Paseo on April 3 and 4, bringing special events and activities for the public while highlighting world-class arts, entertainment and cultural interests.

On Friday, April 3, it’s El Paseo After Dark with the renowned El Paseo Art Walk – a long-standing tradition on El Paseo –from 4

to 8 p.m. featuring art galleries, exhibition openings and special receptions. Other events include extended shopping hours until 8 p.m. in participating stores, and El Paseo Cruise night showcasing classic cars cruising the avenue at 4:30 p.m. (earlier previews of the cars take place at 3:15 p.m. in the upper level of the parking structure at The Gardens).

On Saturday, April 4 from 10 to 11 a.m., visitors can enjoy a free guided walking art tour of the public art collection lining the median and other locations on El Paseo, and for music lovers, the popular Concert Series at The Gardens on El Paseo welcomes Joe Baldino, music writer and guitarist. For a $12 donation, guests have seats on the lawn and can enjoy a wine and cheese reception held before the concert begins at 6 p.m. The donation benefits the Braille Institute.

Other events throughout the month include the Concert Series every Saturday night, with Organic Sol acoustic duo on April 11, and John Stanley King band on April 18.

El Paseo Cruise Night continues on Friday, April 20, showcasing the classic cars cruising the drive at 4:30 p.m. with earlier previews of the cars. Not to be forgotten are the boutiques and other shops (of about 250) open every day, as well as tasty restaurants with a wide selection of cuisine styles. In addition, daily Happy Hour specials and entertainment can be found at the many restaurants, as well as special Easter menus and brunch options.

JOIN THE LIVING DESERT FOR A TWO-DAY EGGSTRAVAGANZA APRIL 4TH & 5TH

Visit by Easter Bunny, Easter Egg Hunt and Activities Planned

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gg-cellent family fun awaits you at the annual two-day Easter “Eggstravaganza” at The Living Desert on Saturday and Sunday, April 4th and April 5th from 10am - to 2 p.m.

Over 10,000 eggs will be hidden in Gecko Gulch for one of the biggest Easter egg hunts in the area. There will be four different hunts offered each day, as well as a special egg hunt for adults only. Adult egg hunt winners can walk away with tickets to Brew at the Zoo, special zoo tours and more.

One of the highlights of each egg-citing day is a visit from the Easter Bunny. The Easter Bunny along with his friends will be strolling the zoo and taking pictures with guests.

A variety of entertaining activities are planned including Easter crafts, face painting and a photo booth. There are plenty of chances to win fabulous prizes like free zoo admission, animal plush toys and more, with the always-entertaining peep-eating contest. Kids will also enjoy the bounce houses and a special animal encounter.

CARS, CARS AND MORE CARS ON DISPLAY AT CRUISE-IN EVENT APRIL 4 AT WESTFIELD PALM DESERT

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n the first Saturday of every month, over 150 classic cars fill the parking lot at the Westfield Palm Desert for the monthly Palm Springs Cruisin’ Association’s (PSCA) Cruise-In Event.

On Saturday, April 4th, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., car aficionados will be treated to an impressive display of classic cars, muscle cars, hot rods, street rods, corvettes, customs, antiques, restored and original collectable cars and motorcycles.

The Cruise-In series, which started in October, will run through May with the final event of the season on Saturday, May 2. Cruise-In takes place in the northwest parking lot near Macy’s and Red Carpet Car Wash behind Westfield Palm Desert and is free for spectators to attend. There is a $5 entry fee to show your vehicles. There are food, drink and clothing vendors, as well as raffles and prizes given to the top cars. In addition there are special areas for kids with coloring, hula-hoop contests and more.

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Along with the Cruise-In Series, the PSCA hosts the popular Dr. George Car Show in February. This year over 8,000 car lovers attended the annual event, which raised over $65,000 for Desert Cancer Foundation (DCF). In 12 years, PSCA has donated over $600,000 for DCF, which equates to almost $4 million in medical services.

The Desert Cancer Foundation is dedicated to helping cancer patients throughout the Coachella Valley pay for treatments, providing assistance to those with significant financial needs to cover costs associated with diagnosis and treatment.

For more information visit www. palmspringscruisinassociation.com

The Living Desert’s “Eggstravaganza” is free for members and included with paid admission to the park for non-members.

Parking is always free.

Easter “Eggstravaganza” Schedule April 4 and April 5: 10am - Egg Hunt (ages 2-8) at Gecko Gulch 11am - Egg Hunt (ages 9 -12) at Gecko Gulch 12pm - Tortoise and Hare Race followed by the Easter Parade 12:15pm - Adult Egg Hunt 12:30pm - Egg Hunt (ages 2-12) at Gecko Gulch 1:30pm - Egg Hunt (ages 2-12) at Gecko Gulch 1:45pm - Peep Eating Contest at Discovery Center All Day - Face Painting, Bounce Houses, Photo Booth, Crafts, Corn Hole, Maze The Living Desert is open daily from 9am - to 5pm - For more information, visit www.

LivingDesert.org or contact 760-346-5694.

Breaking the 4th Wall A Stage Review of “The Secret Garden”

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he stage is a magical arena that transforms and transfixes and transports your imagination into new realms and worlds. As the lights came up on the Palm Canyon Theatre’s Production of Tony Award winning musical, “The Secret Garden” I was immediately pulled into a world where I was reminded of Emily Dickinson’s classic poem, “Hope is a thing with feathers”. This production of “The Secret Garden” is theatre at its best and exemplifies the reason why I fell in love with the stage.

With music by Lucy Simon (Sister of famed songwriter Carly) and book and lyrics

by Marsha Norman, “The Secret Garden” is a musical that is about love, loss, inspiration and hope. Simon and Norman created the musical based on the 1911 novel of the same name by Frances Hodgson Burnett, and infused their own wonderful additions to this timeless classic. The story is set in the

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early part of the twentieth Century. Young 11 year old Mary, brilliantly portrayed

by Ava Tethal, is tragically orphaned and sent to live with an uncle whom she has never met. Ava is perfect in her role as Mary, carrying the lead role in this massive production with grace, poise and above all, mega talent. Few adults could claim such an accomplishment.

Mary’s uncle, Archibald Craven, performed by Chris Sands, who after many years, is still morning the loss of his wife, Lily, is reluctant to open his heart to the young girl, but his obvious good nature prevails. Lily, (Sylvia Tethal) Archibald’s deceased wife and young Mary’s mother’s sister, is seen in ghost form. Lily magically guides Mary and the story to its magical ending. Both Chris Sands, and Sylvia Tethal, are powerful in their performances as the lovers ripped apart by death and tragedy.

Their duet, “How Could I Ever Know” was one of the most heartfelt moments I have seen on stage and I will confess a tear or two over their loss of one another.

A performance that stole the show for me was Alisha Bates, in her role as Martha, the simple young chambermaid, whose rendition of “If I Had a Fine White Horse” was fun and insightful and whimsical.

Martha gave me hope for Mary’s future

By Dee Jae Cox Photos by Paul Hayashi

every time she entered the stage.

There must always be an antagonist for flavor and Mark Almy, as Dr. Neville Craven, does not disappoint. I wanted to boo him for his obvious and devious intentions. Mr. Almy’s depth of skill is remarkable. Nicholas Sloan as Martha’s brother, Dickon was a pure delight. I could not help but smile every time he spoke, or sang and my heart felt just a little more hopeful.

With over twenty members in the cast it is impossible to make note of all of the wonderful moments that each presented to the audience. The direction of a musical such as this would be a daunting task for any director, with a super-sized cast, many moving about the stage simultaneously, singing, dancing, inside the dull, grey mansion and outside into the magical garden. Hats off to Director William Layne, who did a remarkable job. He succeeded in bringing a slice of Broadway to Palm Springs.

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By kristy Kneiding

acting troupe and our emcee/guide through the story. He is quick witted with a dry sense of humor. A jovial character comfortable with addressing the audience directly. (Vocal range is Baritone) John Jasper/ Clive Paget (Ages 30-35) A handsome leading man type with a dark side.

He is burdened with complex hidden desires and emotions. Secretly in love with his vocal student.

We must believe he is capable of violence. (Vocal range-Baritone) Edwin Drood/ Alice Nutting (Ages 25-35) A female actor who portrays male roles in the troupe. Educated, forthright and confident with a stubborn streak as Drood. A bit of a diva as Alice, prone to hissy fits.( Vocal range - Mezzo/ Soprano) Rosa Bud/ Deidre Peregrine (Ages 2024) Innocent ingénue. Vocal student of John Jasper but afraid of him. She has an outward vulnerability with an inner strength. (Vocal range-Soprano with a lower range) Rev. Crisparkle/ Mr. Smythe (Ages 35-45) A sincere, good natured and educated gentleman.

A Vicar with a secret (Vocal range-Lyric Baritone) Helena Landless/ Janet Conover (Ages 2530) Portrays an East Indian woman in the troupe.

Strong, smart character who is protective of the people she cares about and aware of her surroundings and situations. A woman on the ball. (Vocal range-Alto/Mezzo) Neville Landless/ Victor Grinstead (Ages 27-35) Handsome leading man type with a bit of a stubborn chauvinistic bent. He is prone to

This script is magical, the music transforming, the cast and the performances all seamlessly flow together and take the audience on a journey that reminds everyone what good theatre is all about.

The Secret Garden is a show that can and should be enjoyed by all ages: A timeless tale of a special place where magic, hope and love grow. Take everyone you know to see this show. Then go and get the soundtrack, you’ll want to savor this musical experience.

“The Secret Garden”, is being performed through March 29th, at the Palm Canyon Theatre, located at 538 North Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs.

For Reservations: 760.323.5123 or go to palmcanyontheatre.org.

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

theatre

THEATRE 29 ANNOUNCES AUDITIONS FOR THE DO-IT-YOURSELF MURDER MYSTERY MUSICAL, “THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD”

uditions for the fourth production of Theatre 29’s 2015 season, the comedic musical whodunit “The Mystery of Edwin Drood”, have been scheduled for Monday, April 13th at 6:30pm on the Theatre 29 Main Stage at 73637 Sullivan Road in Twentynine Palms. The Broadway hit show will take the stage for five weeks beginning May 29th to June 27th.

At the hit Broadway musical, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, the audience finishes the story because Charles Dickens didn’t! It’s the only show that ends differently every night, depending on what the audience decides.

Take a trip back in time to a Victorian music hall where a rowdy ensemble of actors mounts a staging of Charles Dickens’ unfinished novel.

Everyone on stage is a suspect in the murder of young Edwin Drood. Is it John Jasper, Edwin’s protective but slightly maniacal uncle? Rosa Bud, his reluctant betrothed? The debauched Princess Puffer? Neville and Helena Landless, the tempestuous siblings newly arrived from the Orient?

The rollicking winner of the Tony® “Triple Crown” (Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Score), Come to the show and you will help solve The Mystery of Edwin Drood!

Veteran director Charles Harvey will be seeking a cast of around 22 (12 - 14 male and 7 10 female) performers for this production. Each role plays a minimum to two characters (as listed below). The roles being cast are: Chairman William Cartwright/ Mayor Sapsea (Ages 50 -65) Is the leader of our show’s

March 26 to April 1, 2015

challenging others when he feels threatened or belittled. He portrays an East Indian character in the troupe. (Vocal range-Lyric Baritone) Durdles/ Mr. Nick Cricker (Ages 50-60) Good comedic timing. Grave digger, tomb builder and father to Master Nick. A bit of a drinker (Vocal Range-Bass/ Baritone) Deputy/ Master Nick Cricker (Ages 20-25) A young man with a sense of innocence. New to the acting troupe but wants to move up the ranks. (Vocal range-Tenor) Princess Puffer/ Angela Prysock (Ages 4560) Proprietress of a brothel and Opium den.

Road and life weary but still has a sense of humor about it all. She has seen everything and been subjected to much. (Vocal range-Alto) Bazzard / Servant/ Philip Bax (Ages 4045) Wants to be an actor very badly, ever the understudy. Sings “Never The Luck” (Vocal range-Lyric Baritone) Alice/ Isabel Yearsley (Ages 20-24) Schoolmate and friend of Rosa/ Ensemble Beatrice/ Florence Gill (Ages 20-24) Schoolmate and friend of Rosa/ Ensemble Stage Manager/ James Throttle/Harold (Ages 40-45) Dry sense of humor, efficient company man (Vocal range-Bass) Horace/ Ensemble / Brian Pankhurst (Ages 35-45) As Horace he leads a vigilante group Shade of Jasper/ Ensemble / Harry Sayle

(Ages 25-30) Dance experience very helpful Shade of Drood / Ensemble / Mantague Pruitt (Ages 25–30) Dance experience very helpful Julian/ Ensemble / Alan Eliot (Ages 20-30) Ensemble / Christopher Lyon (Ages 20-25) Ensemble / Gwendolyn Pynn (Ages 20-25 ) Ensemble / Sarah Cook (Ages 20-25) Ensemble / Violet Balfour (Ages 25-30) Show dates are May 29, 30, June 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 26 & 27.

Auditions will consist of vocalization for 16 bars in the style of the show, movement, improvisation skills and cold readings. Dress prepared to move. Various English accents are sought as these characters range from Queen’s English to Cockney. The roles of Neville and Helena Landless require an “East Indian” affectation.

The production is also seeking technical assistance as stagehands, set builders and costume construction. Any wishing to participate in these capacities, please also attend auditions (you will not be required to audition). For more information, check out the audition details on Theatre 29’s Facebook page, facebook.com/ Theatre29TwentyninePalms or on theatre29. org/auditions or contact the director, Charles Harvey, via email at webmaster@theatre29.org.

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March 26 to April 1, 2015

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Local Music Spotlight

Tilted Kilt Open Mic Competition New Year’s Edition-Week 10 eek #10 of The Tilted Kilt Open Mic the other artists: Ron Taylor, Alan Ehrlich, Mike

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Competition New Year’s Edition was the day after the BIG St Patrick’s Day celebration, but still 10 performers turned out to share their music! The $100 weekly cash prize for 1st place, fantastic prizes for 2nd and 3rd places, and the new 50% judge vote and 50% audience applause vote, plus giveaways kept everyone on their toes. Once everyone performed and the anonymous judge vote was tallied and added to the audience applause score, it was newcomer Alana Cross who won 1st place and the $100 cash. Alana will now move on to the Grand Finals April 8th for a shot at a 3 day, 2 night trip to Las Vegas from Crater Lake Vodka, a $500 shopping spree at Guitar Center an Artist Development Session with Producer, Ronnie King, an artist spotlight article in Coachella Valley Weekly and a band/ artist showcase concert from Morgan James Entertainment. 2nd place was awarded to Maddy Ebersole who took home $20 to Stuft Pizza. 3rd place was a tie between Solus Lupus and Wonderwench who both received $20 Stuft Pizza.

THANK YOU to ALL of our performers at the Tilted Kilt Open Mic Competition for putting on a great show AND for being so supportive of

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Sick-boy, Gustavo Gonzalez, Maddy Ebersole, Alana Cross, Kylie Jenkins, Rick Dame, Kameron Laitinen, and Tanya Nunez. I hope to see you all next week! Look for coverage of this week’s event and the announcement of winners in the next issue of Coachella Valley Weekly! SPECIAL THANKS to all of our sponsors: Ronnie King Music, Guitar Center, Crater Lake Vodka, CV Weekly, Morgan James Entertainment, Stuft Pizza, Mary Pickford Theater, Skitzo Kitty and KAM Music Studio.

Remember, only 2 weeks remain before the finals for this session of the Tilted Kilt Open Mic Competition. It is ALL AGES and YOU may compete EVERY week! PLEASE NOTE: Due to our overwhelming number of interested performers, sign in starts at 7pm and will be closed at 7:45pm. BRING YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY and FANS and note that the competition usually ends by 10:30pm, but may run to 11pm so be sure your friends and family know to stay until the end to voice their vote!!!

For questions or info about sign-up, please see Facebook.com/TiltedKiltOpenMicCompetition or contact creator and host, Morgan James at MorganAliseJames@gmail.com or (714) 6511911

Jazz at the Westin

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ow, what a concert! Michael Paulo producer, entertainer and Sax Man extraordinaire put on the finest smooth jazz show I’ve seen in the desert. ‘Grooves at the Westin’ is a continuation of the popular jazz series which started at the La Quinta Resort 5 years ago. Its new home at the Westin Hotel and Spa in Rancho Mirage is the pinnacle of possible venues to hold such an event. Marketing Director Jim Pedone has promoted this series since its inception at the La Quinta Resort and has spent 15 years marketing smooth jazz. His association and friendship with Michael has been a driving force. His passion for smooth jazz has taken this to a new level with this series.

The star filled sky, framed by palms, was the setting for a night filled with the smooth sounds of Gregg Karrukas, Brian Simpson, Saxtress Jessy J, Land Richards on drums, Adam Hawley on lead guitar, and Darryl Williams on bass.

The biggest surprise was an appearance from super star trumpeter Rick Braun.

He rocked the house and the whole band jammed together for several songs including the finale. What a night!

Michael Paulo brings world class experience to the smooth jazz concert scene. He also produces the ever popular ‘Temecula Wine and Music Show’ which will be celebrating its 13th season this year. As one of the most versatile and cosmopolitan

By patte purcell

Valley Rhythms

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The Monkees WILL perform this Friday at Fantasy Springs Casino

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saxophonists in pop, soul and contemporary jazz, for nearly 20 years, Michael Paulo has added his distinct sound to a virtual who’s who of artists, including: Al Jarreau , James Ingram, number one smooth jazz trumpeter and guitarist Rick Braun and Peter White, Oleta Adams, Kenny Loggins, Patti Austin, Jeffrey Osborne, Jeff Lorber, David Benoit, Carl Anderson, Bobby Caldwell, Johnny Mathis and others.

The All Star line up showcased some of the biggest names in smooth Jazz. The 2013 Grammy Award winner, Gregg Karukas, continues to place on Billboard’s Top Jazz Songs with “Elegant Nights,” released in 2014. As a solo artist, Karukas’ 11 CDs have garnered consistently solid reviews for his signature piano touch, pristine production, and melodies that are both soulful and sophisticated.

Also performing was celebrated keyboardist, composer and studio musician, Brian Simpson. The chart-topping musical chameleon has been the ‘go-to’ man for everyone from Janet Jackson and Teena Marie to George Duke, Stanley Clarke and Dave Koz, for whom he has had the distinction of being musical director for the past 15 years.

Nouveau sax-woman Jessy J burst onto the contemporary jazz scene in 2008, blending her love for Latin rhythms and jazz on her chart-topping, award-winning debut album Tequila Moon. Jessy J has worked in studio with Michael Bublé and toured with music icons Michael Bolton, The Temptations, Jessica Simpson and Seal.

Hiroshima concludes the spring series on Saturday, May 16. With over 30 years performing together, Hiroshima offers crowds an unforgettable musical experience. Their unique blend of Japanese instruments, with the smooth rhythm of Western R&B, makes them the number one Asian-American band in the world. All shows take place at the outdoor Masters Plaza and begin at 7:00 p.m. with gates opening at 6 p.m. Ticket prices range between $45 and $75. For more information about the resort visit www.westinmissionhills.com or call (760) 770-2150. For concert tickets visit www.tix.com.

earing up for the 50th Anniversary of The Monkees television show that debuted on September 12, 1966, Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork make their debut performance here in the Coachella Valley this Friday, March 27, 2015 at Fantasy Springs Casino.

Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, Micky Dolenz was a child actor in the 1950’s series Circus Boy on NBC. Approximately ten years later, another series opportunity came his way. It was going to be a comedy about the adventures of a “make believe band” but The Monkees became a phenomenon instead.

“In the early 1960s, I was in Folk groups and Rock and Roll groups singing and playing guitar,” said Dolenz. “My audition piece for The Monkees was ‘Johnny Be Good’ by Chuck Berry.

Hollywood wanted a zany, young, pop/rock band styled as The American Beatles. We were singer, actor, entertainer, musicians and they were casting this new TV Series called The Monkees, so, my agent got me an interview; Peter has been a performer basically his whole life and tells the story that Steven Stills told him about the interview; Mike (Nesmith) was a musician performing in town; Davy (Jones) was an actor who had been on Broadway; and so we met during the audition process.

Then one day, they said, you four guys are The Monkees.”

They recorded “Last Train To Clarksville” and released it in August of 1966, preparing the world for the new television program.

Much to their surprise, the song became an instant hit. When the show aired that September, The Monkees became International Super Stars. “We were fortunate to have a stable of really great writers, writing songs for us,” shared Dolenz.

The critics may have dubbed them The Pre-Fab Four, but they were competent musicians, who weren’t allowed to play their own instruments on the show.

However, with their growing popularity, Screen Gems decided to take the “garage band act” on the road. On December 3,

by Lola Rossi

Music Legends The O’Jays GAVE AN AMAZING PerformANCE

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1966, The Monkees made their concert debut in Hawaii; their confidence as a real band grew; and they continued with a 12 city tour.

The young men weren’t a “pretend band” any longer, so they stood up for themselves and seized control in a very “high stakes mutiny”, as mentioned in Behind The Music on VH-1. They recorded their third album Headquarters that went to number one on the charts. However, the times were changing and the ever popular TV Show was cancelled. It ran from 1966 through 1968, only two seasons, but the reruns still air today.

On February 22, 1986, MTV aired a 22hour marathon of The 20 year old Monkees television shows. It sparked a revival of MonkeeMania with a 145 show tour. Arista Records released The Monkees Greatest Hits with a new song sung by Dolenz, “That Was Then, This Is Now” and it was The Monkees first hit since 1968. In 1996, their album JustUs was produced by The Monkees to commemorate their 30th year anniversary, followed by an ABC television special written and directed by Michael Nesmith. A month later, they kicked off the tour with 12 Concerts in England.

We can expect a great concert featuring all of their hits along with some of their favorite cover tunes from other bands. Hey, Hey, It’s The Monkees...I’ll see you there...

March 26 to April 1, 2015

ock and Roll Hall of Fame recipients, The O’Jays, brought their 5 decades of R&B music to the Special Events Center at Fantasy Springs Casino last Saturday.

Their stellar performance included songs written by Gamble & Huff of Philadelphia International Records, who signed with CBS in New York for distribution in the early 1970s. Mega O’Jays hits include: Love Train; Back Stabbers; Use Ta Be My Girl and I Love Music, to name a few.

Walter Williams and his musical partner, Eddie Levert, were childhood friends, born and raised in Canton, Ohio. His Father was the Choir Director for St. Mark’s Baptist Church and they sang in the Junior Choir.

Known as The Mascots, The five original members included: Williams, Levert, Bill Isles, William Powell and Bobby Massey, who all went to High School together.

They moved to Los Angeles in 1962 and

worked with H. B. Barnum, who got them a deal with Liberty Records. They recorded “Lipstick Traces” and had a Top 40 hit. They worked with The Beach Boys, Jan and Dean, The Dave Clark Five and many other groups.

They moved back East in 1965 and started working in the Theaters. Eddie O’Jay, a Disc Jockey in Cleveland, eventually became their Manager. Their contract with King Records was ending and they signed with Thelma Gordy. Their new label didn’t like the name, so the Disc Jockey told them to call the band O’Jay’s Boys. Williams recalls listening to the radio at home and hearing a local AM Radio Disc Jockey say, “Here’s a new one by The O’Jays.” The name seemed to suit them, just fine.

Performing with them for the past 20 years is Eric Grant. He completes the Trio.

Their success continues and talk of reuniting with Gamble & Huff for an upcoming album is in the works.

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March 26 to April 1, 2015

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by Eleni P. Austin

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BELLE AND SEBASTIAN

elle And Sebastian have been making a very specific style of rainy day music for nearly 20 years. Hushed and delicate, their songs have provided a soundtrack for sad-eyed hipsters since 1996.

The brainchild of Stuart Murdoch, the band began as a school project during the years he was taking a music business course at University in Glasgow. He decided to form a band for his final class assignment.

He recruited seven players from the local café scene, Chris Geddes on keys, violinist Sarah Martin, guitarist Stevie Jackson, bassist Stuart David, drummer Richard Coburn and cellist Isobel Campbell. Murdoch wrote all the songs. The plan was to record two albums and break up.

Murdoch christened the band Belle And Sebastian, after a series of French children’s books. Their first album, Tiger Milk was recorded in three days and released through the University’s in-house record label, Electric Honey. The initial pressing of 1,000 quickly sold out.

Buoyed by the album’s warm reception, the band signed with Jeepster Records in the U.K. and recorded a follow-up, If You’re Feeling Sinister in 1996. It was a critical and commercial success. The melodies were delicate and ethereal, grounded by Murdoch’s droll vocals and wry observations.

If Kinks leader, Ray Davies fronted the Smiths, it might have sounded like this.

Belle And Sebastian inked a deal with America’s premiere indie label, Matador and

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

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Consider This

“Girls In Peacetime Want To Dance” (Matador Records)

the music arrived at a furious pace. Every two years a new album with a suitably cryptic title would arrive; The Boy With The Arab Strap in 1998, Fold Your Hands Child, You Walk Like A Peasant in 2000 and Storytelling, (a musical companion to Todd Solondz’s film of the same name), in 2002.

Although the band’s sound remained the same, Stuart David and Isobel Campbell had each left the band by 2002, to pursue their own projects. Belle And Sebastian hit their commercial peak in 2003 when they collaborated with producer Trevor Horn on their Dear atastrophe Waitress album.

Horn is best known as the man behind the band Buggles. Not only was their song, “Video Killed The Radio Star” weirdly prophetic, it was also the first video played on MTV in 1981. Horn has gone on to produce everyone from ABC to Paul McCartney to Yes. The album was a sharp blend of kaleidoscopic hooks and vivid storytelling.

The band pressed on, releasing The Life Pursuit in 2006 and Belle And Sebastian Write About Love in 2010. After a five year hiatus they have taken a sharp left turn with their new record Girls In Peacetime Want To Dance.

The album opens with the hushed quietude of “Nobody’s Empire.” The instrumentation is all plinky piano and sibilant synths, lush and plangeant. Stuart Murdoch’s vocals remain whimsical, his lyrics rich in detail. In short, everything one expects from a Belle And Sebastian record. But as Murdoch

notes, it’s the “quiet before the madness.”

The album is oddly bi-polar. A queer collision of their patented Chamber Pop and clangorous early ‘80s Disco. It’s as though this band exchanged their corduroys and wool jumpers for Sergio Valente jeans and sequined, satin blouses and jumped into the Way Back Machine headed for 1982.

The mix and match begins slowly. “Allie” feels comfortingly like vintage B&S, blending jangly guitars, skittery percussion and mordant lyrics admonishing a young girl intent on growing up too quickly.

The Disco tracks, “The Party Line,” “The Power Of Three,” “Enter Sylvia Plath” and “Play For Today” are spread across the record. The least they could do would be to lump them all together so the listener could take their musical medicine all at once, or skip them, en masse.

“The Party Line” isn’t too bad. Bubbling bass lines, percolating percussion and Chicstyle guitars crackle with good cheer. But to paraphrase Sonny And Cher, “the beat goes on, (far too long).”

Sweet-sour vocals, from Sarah Martin, a click-track rhythm and airy guitars anchor “The Power Of Three.” The lyrics are a numerological hodge-podge that reference Sherlock Holmes and the Three Musketeers.

Abba-On-Amphetamines is the best way to describe “Enter Sylvia Plath.” Despite the dour title, this tune is powered by galloping synths, treacle-y keys, and spoken word

declaration. It’s all much too perky.

“Play For Today” is overwrought on every level. The melody and instrumentation feel like a weird mutation between “Xanadu” soundtrack and those chirpy “Mentos” commercials from the ‘90s. Murdoch shares vocal duties with Dee Dee Penny from the Dum Dum Girls, commiserating over life’s inequities.

The lyrics are a fat fucking downer. “Life is a secret, death is a myth, love is a fraud/It’s misunderstood, work is a sentence, family’s a drag, this house is a trap.” Plus the song is nearly seven minutes long. Eeesh!

Girls In Peacetime... is at its most schizophrenic on “The Everlasting Muse.” The song opens with promise, slinky bass lines lock into a sly Bossa Nova groove, feeling like the theme from a sexy, ‘60s spy caper. But two minutes in, the song suddenly tilts on its axis, morphing into a “Those Were The Days” style sing-a-long. Then it shifts again accenting the Spy melody with prickly guitar riffs and bullfighter trumpet trills. Then back again to the over-enthusiastic cheery British Music Hall chant. It’s exhausting.

Both “The Cat With The Cream” and “Ever Have A Little Faith” are more in the Belle And Sebastian wheelhouse. The former weds a willowy string section to a languid melody and lyrics that offer a quiet meditation on mortality. The latter is a mid-tempo quest for spirituality and sanity.

Other interesting tracks include “Perfect Couples.” Blending Afro-Pop rhythms, angular guitars and deadpan vocals, it feels like a mash up between the Talking Heads and Haircut 100. Meanwhile, the superball bounce of “Book Of You” is tempered by some skronky guitar fills that dirty up the pretty.

The album closes with wistful “Today (This Army’s For Peace).” Lilting and pastoral, it shares musical DNA with the Monkees’ late period masterpiece “The Porpoise Song.”

This would all be easier to dismiss if the entire album was crap, but there are glimmers of the beloved Belle And Sebastian sound in the midst of the Disco dross. Maybe they’re just experiencing growing pains, but at nearly 20 years old, the band should be well past their musical puberty.

As it stands, Girls In Peacetime Want To Dance will probably go down in musical history as the UN-Funkiest White Boy music ever.

art Scene

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

March 26 to April 1, 2015

By rebecca pikus

“FASHION IS AN ART”

A

stunning, elegant & bold Fashion Show combining Fashion and Art took place this weekend at the Leslie Jean Porter Gallery, in conjunction with the Desert’s fabulous El Paseo Fashion Week 2015. This ambitious event took place on March 20, and March 21, with 3 shows each day, a total of 6 fashion shows! This unprecedented marriage of Fashion and Art was conceived by the brilliant & savvy Gallery owner, Leslie Jean Porter -- from Paris, L.A. & the Desert!

European flair came to the Desert from several Designers. Charmaigne Menn’s “Bohimi” collection (Palm Desert) featured spectacular evening wear. Harriet Selling (L.A. & Germany) featured sexy black & gold swimwear, and Alyssa Vasquez featured chic dinner dresses. Vintage Glam dresses from the collection of Leslie Porter were modeled.

Jewelry Art was presented by Sally Lanivich semi-precious Jewelry collection (many of her specialty chokers are collected by the Vampire’s author, Anne Rice), and Krystal Kelley, a new designer using new age crystals.

Fleet Easton, Entertainer extraordinaire from Palm Springs, also modeled his collection of new & vintage outfits. The classic & classy Charlotte Andre modeled and also featured her “mannequin lamps” artworks.

Fleet Easton, in addition to walking the catwalk solo & with Italian model Paola Pancino, provided amazing entertainment.

DJ RJ Taylor, Diane Sebo Powers, & Virginia Santillanes were the Photographers & Videographers. The famous Fashion Director was Karen Kott, and invaluable executive assistants Love & Richard were jack of all trades, & greeted all with the never-ending flow of Champagne & Mimosas! DJ’s “The Deep Ones” who hail from L.A., provided nonstop Music. Admission was free to the public -- and literally hundreds of attendees were enthralled over the 2 day, 6 shows fashion event! The exciting and elegant Fashion Shows on a great runway built by the Gallery just for this occasion, were surrounded by the unique sculptures & paintings of Yossi Govrin & Krista Augius. Special attendees were artist Mario Pikus, singer & performer Marylou Brooks, photographers Jon Abeyta & Erika Vito, authors Judy Taylor & Yara Da Silva, spiritual leader Dr. Susan Stroud, Tigerman (Mark Anthony Ciarlante), & iconic model Hildegarde.

An upcoming Exhibit in celebration of The White Party, Dinah Shore Golf Classic, Coachella Fest, & Stagecoach is coming to the Gallery in April: Leslie Jean Porter Gallery, 68703 Perez Road, Cathedral City, CA 92234 (760) 880-7139 - www.jlpgallery.com . Email: curator@ljpgallery.com

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March 26 to April 1, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

PET PLACE

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Janet McAfee

COCO, THE LITTLEST CANCER SURVIVOR

T

he tiny grey teacup poodles scamper merrily across the vast greenery of the yard. Tails wagging, heads bobbing to greet arriving humans, the dogs are a picture of canine joy. They run seamlessly with the group of larger dogs, as if they were part of the pack forever. No one would ever guess the little female is 8 years old, and that her matching gentleman friend Rudy is 11 years old. No one would ever guess Coco came through breast cancer surgery with flying colors a month before.

Coco’s story can’t be told without Rudy, because these two have been together for Coco’s entire life. They almost didn’t have a story. Their elderly owner died without a plan for their custody or care.

The woman’s distraught granddaughter was desperate for help, reporting that one of her grandmother’s sons was about to take them to the county shelter. Sadly, dogs of this age, whatever breed and cuteness, rarely get adopted from shelters.

Loving All Animals agreed to accept custody of the dogs and find them a new home. They arrived badly matted and dirty.

Oblivious to their appearance, they were

happy and social, apparently well treated.

However, it soon became apparent they were seriously neglected in terms of their veterinary care.

A trip to Country Club Animal Clinic revealed both dogs had heart murmurs, bad teeth, and had never been spayed or neutered. Rudy did well with his surgery.

But there was concern for Coco who had two large tumors that appeared to be breast cancer. No one could guarantee 3 pound Coco could survive the surgery.

Our domestic pets are developing cancer at an alarming rate. It is a subject for debate whether this increase is due to chemicals in pet food and other toxins, or whether better diagnostic tools bring more cases to light. Today, specially trained veterinarians specialize in oncology offering treatments for domestic pets.

There was good news for Coco. She made it through her operation like a trooper, and within days this queen bee pup was again taking charge of the household. Tiny but mighty, Coco herds the other dogs and takes charge with her body language.

Dr. Lillian Roberts at Country Club Animal

Clinic reports, “Coco is a very lucky dog to have been taken in by Loving All Animals.

In addition to her tumor, she had to be spayed at an advanced age (always more complicated than in a young dog) and had several rotting teeth extracted. Now she feels great, and is a sweet little dog. If she’d been spayed as a pup, she never would have developed the tumor to begin with.”

Coco may be the tiniest cancer survivor

meet bolt Bolt is another famous survivor! A precious 2-yr-old Chi/Papillion boy, Bolt had life threatening burns when he entered the Palm Springs shelter. This 8-lb angel pup seeks a home with loving, gentle folks. Come meet him at 4575 E. Mesquite, Palm Springs, (760) 416-5718

Color Me Apricot

in the Coachella Valley. With an 8 inch scar running across her chest and belly, she carries on full of hope and with the optimism of a dog. Coco’s alpha girl attitude and love of life are an inspiration. She teaches us to hope alive in our own lives, whatever illness and obstacles we face, and remain thankful for our blessings and second chances.

Coco and Rudy would love to be adopted together. Rudy cries when his beloved Coco leaves him for any time. We were told they were purchased for breeding purposes, but never produced offspring. Gentleman Rudy isn’t talking about their mating history, but they cuddle together, and check to make sure the other is okay. Dogs their small size can live up to 18 years of age with good care, which puts them in the “middle age” range.

Contact Loving All Animals at (760) 8347000. Funds are needed to cover the dogs’ vet bills. Go to the DONATE button on Loving All Animals’ website, lovingallanimals.org, and under “reason for donation” write COCO. Or mail your tax deductable donation payable to Loving All Animals to 73550 Alessandro Drive, Palm Desert, CA, 92260.

Write in Coco’s name on your check, she thanks you for your kindness! jmcafee7@verizon.net

March 26 to April 1, 2015

by Rick Riozza

My Accidental & Casual Lunch with Mike Grgich

P

erhaps everyone in the wine world knows of Miljenko “Mike” Grgich. The long time Napa Valley winemaker and part time La Quinta resident was the “hero” of the Judgment of Paris in 1976—where Mike’s California Chardonnay was deemed the “finest white wine” by a panel of French judges scoring over their own French wine for the first time in history.

I refer to him as “our Champion winemaker”.

So things start like this: I’m off to enjoy the first of the wine-dinner series at Pinzimini Restaurant at the Westin Resort & Spa. Just as I was leaving the house, I receive a call from a wine distributor who had a bottle of JAM Cabernet Sauvignon for me to taste. We carry this wine at Pavilions but I had yet to try it.

The distributor lives in San Diego and was out and about in Palm Desert. So I’m thinking, why not have him simply leave the bottle for me over at 3rd Corner Wine Shop & Bistro—that fun eatery that sells first class wine—and, I’d go by the next day and pick it up.

The Pinzimini wine dinner was an absolute hit, which I recently wrote of in these pages; and, I hope that article will prompt you to attend the next one. While enjoying the great Italian fare along with the great Italian wines of Marchesi De Frescobaldi, I sat alongside two ladies who were college roommates but were now enjoying a reunion of sorts at the resort.

Apparently I had let it slip out that I was a wine, food & tennis columnist, so they were all about me with interesting wine questions and they liked my lifestyle. They got me thinking that maybe I am a bit important, so I try to impress them further by suggesting they join me for lunch the next day to taste a wine that’s waiting for me at 3rd Corner. They appeared stoked at my offer.

It was a date that I was regretting come the next day at noon hour: Eating and drinking big time the night previous and working a busy morning stewarding at Pavilions—all I desired was to take a nap!

But I’m a man of commitment, and I drag

myself over to the bistro with my game face on. I enter through the bar but I don’t see the women. I guess I was stood up—but I’m not bothered because I’ll have that wine all to myself. I quickly locate the sleek black bottle with red JAM written on it and a small note taped to it stating, “For Rick Reels”.

As I’m exiting the stylish bistro, I glance to my right and to my wonderful surprise, there sat Mike Grgich and his assistant Maria quietly enjoying lunch. I’ve covered Mike and his wines before and have met Maria at various tastings through the years, but it had been a while since I last saw them—perhaps two years?

Not wishing to disturb their lunch, I simply came over to the table to pay my respects. He is no less than wine royalty; mentioning his name alongside the likes of Robert Mondavi and Piero Antinori is correct and appropriate.

But Mr. Grgich and Maria were having none of my evanescence. They insisted I join them for lunch, Maria pouring me the delicious Grgich wine while Mike portioned me some of his Chicken Schnitzel. They were absolutely gracious and it was so nice to relax in their presence.

We caught up with each other’s lives and of course all things lead to talking of the fantastic life of enjoying food and wine.

Wearing his iconic French beret, the famed winemaker, who is into his nineties, was happy to speak about his daughter, Violet, is who handling most of the affairs of the Napa Valley Grgich Hills Estate winery.

Indeed, Mike alerted me that, Violet and the winery’s assistant wine maker will be here in the desert to join the next Grgich winemaker dinner. I casually asked him where the dinner was being held, and Maria chirped in that they’re having it at the Westin. I blurted, “At Pinzimini?” They responded, “Yes—that’s right, Pinzimini.

How fortuitous! I told them I was scheduled to cover that dinner for CV Weekly—but had no idea yet of the wines to be featured. We all chuckled and toasted to “serendipity”. Mike and Maria then graced

me with the pleasure of meeting with them in the near future to do an in-depth interview—something Mike rarely does these days.

We could have talked and quaffed the entire afternoon, but me being a working stiff again, I said my goodbyes, looking forward to our prospect interview soon.

The Grgich Hills Estate wine that will be served at the Pinzimini wine dinner is the 2012 Napa Valley Chardonnay and Fumé Blanc along with the 2011 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. The courses to be paired with

these world class wines include Date & Apple Stuffed Quail; Pan Seared Mano De Leno Scallop; Point Reyes Blue Cheese Crusted New York Strip. Yum! The last course will be a Trio of Artisan Cheeses to be paired with Grgich’s 2012 Late Harvest dessert wine, Violetta, named after his daughter. See you there!

Bon Appétit! & Cheers!

“Le Serate Di Vino” Grgich Hills Estate Wine Dinner $85 per person. March 26, 2015 6pm. Pinzimini Restaurant at the Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa: 71333 Dinah Shore Dr, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 (760) 770-2150

Apricot is a fabulous cream shaded American shorthair boy. This regal 5-yr-old feline hopes to meet you at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, 4575 E. Mesquite, Palm Springs, wwwpsanimalshelter.org.

(760)416-5719

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March 26 to April 1, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

March 26 to April 1, 2015

Club Crawler Nightlife

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

­­­THUR MARCH 26

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29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Reunion w/ DJ Day Amigo Room 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Paul Elia 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Tommy Dodson 6pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 Eevaan Tre 9pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Live Entertainment 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DESERT FOX; PS; 760-325-9555 Thirsty Thursdays 7pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760-9920002 Courtney Chambers 5pm EUREKA; IW; 760-834-7700 TBA 6pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 T.B.A. 7:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Open Mic 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Punk Rock Thursdays 9:30pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Battle of the Bands w/ Ornament VS. Hotwyre 8:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Country Night w/ Rob Staley 8pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 Quinto Menguante 8-1am MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Blues and Supper Club Night w/ Kal David 7pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Patrolled by Radar 7:30pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Desert Beatz Open Mic 8pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 Jason Weber 4:30pm, Mike Costley 7pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3278311 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 6pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Beasto Blanco and the Hellions 9pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 8-12am

THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Tony DiGerlando 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Flyer 4-6pm, Stan Watkins 6:30-10pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-9pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-3285955 Michael Keeth 6-10pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 TBA 8pm THE WINE BAR BISTRO; LQ; 760-5648744 Rob Martinez and Todd Ashley 7pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Bill Saitta 6pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Locals Night 9pm

FRI MARCH 27 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 The Bob Garcia Band 6pm 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ T Bone 9pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Guy Blake and DJ Maya Bean 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 TBA 7:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Fleet Easton 7:30pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 T.B.A. 10pm BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-501-0620 The Carmens 6pm BLUE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760775-5566 DJ PWee 8pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 The Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CAFÉ DES BEAUX- ARTS; PD; 760-3460669 Brigette Marie Valdez 6pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CLEMETINE; PD; 760-834-8814 Gina Carey 6pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm EUREKA; IW; 760-834-7700 TBA 6:30pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 House Band 8:45pm HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 “Jump Off” DJ 9pm Lobby THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 J Patron Album Release w/ Special guests 9pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Live DJ 8:30pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Randy Godfrey and Friends 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company in the afternoon, Hot Rox in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Six Hot Live 9pm

THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 DJ 9pm MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Mark Gregg & The Horde 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-345-0222 Trill 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Gang of Four 9pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228-1199 T.B.A. 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke Celebrating Red’s Birthday !!! 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 Simply Barbra 5:30pm, The Gand Band 8:30pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 TBA 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3278311 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 7pm, Machin’ Sidebar Lounge 10pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 CV Weekly and Sugarbritches Productions Present: March Metal Madness w/ Sangre, Contortion, Perishment and In the Name of the Dead 8pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 Smooth Brothers 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Rock 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Demetrious and Co. TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 TBA 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Pat Rizzo 6:30pm TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 Tilted @ Night 10pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760-328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE; MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-7555391 The Rick Whitfield Band 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 John Stanley King 8pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 T.B.A. 1:30-4:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Slim Man Solo Show 5:30pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 T.B.A. 9pm THE WINE BAR BISTRO; LQ; 760-564-

8744 Rob & jb 7:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Yve Evans & Deana Bogart 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Girl’s Night Out w/ The Men on the Hollywood Strip 9pm

SAT MARCH 28 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bev & Bill 6pm 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 9pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DJ Nina Tarr noon, poolside, Highlife w/ DJ Day 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Cabaret on the Green Open Mic w/ Les Michaels and Wayne Abravanel 7:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Denise Carter 7:30pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 Jesika Von Rabbit’s Record Release Party 10pm BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-501-0620 The Carmens 6pm BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760775-5566 DJ PWee BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Gina Carey 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6:30-9:30pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 T.B.A. 9pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 T.B.A. 8:30pm THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ 8pm HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 “Solid” Guest DJs, 11am poolside, 9pm Lobby THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Throw the Goat Record Release w/ Blasting Echo, Whiskey & Knives and Suburban Outlaw 9pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9p m INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 T.B.A. 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 DJ Geo 9pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Six Hot Live 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 80’s All Stars 9pm continue to page 24

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March 26 to April 1, 2015

happy hour hotspot

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

March 26 to April 1, 2015

By patte purcell

Hoo Doo Lounge- Get Buzzed!

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says “What a great way to take ‘buzz’ to a whole new level. We are delighted that the Buzz Trolley offers free rides throughout downtown.” The Buzz Trolley service is a 14 mile loop. The four trollies stop at 30 locations every 15 minutes, each Thurs.Sun. evenings from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m., making it a great way to see the hotspots of Palm Springs.

The party was packed with happy revelers sampling appetizers, passed by servers, along with tasty cocktails including some great marguerites, wine, and a killer Manhattan.

The most interesting new item they served was the BuzzBar, an adult gourmet ice cream and sorbet bars laced with alcohol. I ‘tested’ the Vanilla Daze (vanilla ice cream and cognac) and it was delicious!

Other flavors include; The Drunken Cookie, (cookies and cream ice cream and bourbon), Citrus Berry Drop (raspberry lemon drop

wine, sherry and prunes) to familiar thermal hot wings at $12, tossed in Tequila BBQ sauce. Entrees include a Petit Mignon for $16 (7 oz. filet mignon topped with their chimi churri sauce), several pastas including, Poblanito Bucanito for $23 (prawns, garlic in a poblano cream sauce) and other mouthwatering entrees at great prices.

Open Thursday - Saturday from 12 pm to 10:00 pm the Hoodoo Lounge is a perfect place to sip a cocktail, listen to great music, and enjoy yourself in the beautiful Palm Springs weather. The Buzz Trolley is the perfect way to see the sites of Palm Springs without having to worry about driving under the influence.

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sorbet and lemon vodka), Larry King Heart Bar (berry sorbet and merlot wine) and the Buzz Cafe (coffee ice cream and Irish cream). Hoodoo Lounge is the first stop along the trolley route to serve BuzzBar. You must try them, they are cool, refreshing and delicious!

There’s another great Buzz item, it’s Buzz Perks which offers discounts that allows Buzz Trolley customers discounts at more than 35 businesses along the trolley route, including Hyatt Palm Spring HooDoo Lounge, with 15% off of their food items (excluding Happy Hour).

For those that don’t know, the Hyatt Palm Springs Hoodoo Lounge offers live music 6:30-9:30 Thursday through Sunday.

Their menu includes: tapas offerings from Prawns and Chistorra at $12 (shrimp and chorizo sautéed in garlic, shallots, white

& FO R K

K

R

’ve driven by the Hoo Doo Lounge located outside on the patio of the Hyatt Palm Springs at 285 North Palm Canyon, but have never actually stopped in.

They have live entertainment outdoors and it overlooks all the action of Palm Springs.

I got the perfect opportunity to experience entertainment by Michael D’Angelo, tasty appetizers and complimentary cocktails at their “Buzz Party”.

This great party on March 6 was to introduce the new Buzz Trolley, Buzz Perks, and BuzzBar Ice Cream. Kees Zwemmer, Director of food and beverage for Hyatt

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EST. 2

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March 26 to April 1, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Movie Reviews with Robin E. Simmons

ZOOM! ZOOM! ZOOM! FURIOUS 7 The muscle car gang’s back in fine form.

Vin Diesel, the late Paul Walker and Dwayne Johnson lead the returning cast of Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Elsa Pataky and Lucas Black. In this seventh iteration of the ridiculously absurd high-octane, full-throttle franchise, the regulars are joined by new to the series co-stars Jason Statham, Djimon Hounsou, Tony Jaa, Ronda Rousey and Kurt Russell. There’s no need to follow the plot or even to summarize it here because the plot is totally irrelevant to the superbly staged action. In fact, it’s just an excuse for ever-bigger set pieces. It’s thrilling to see

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Screeners No.157

Walker’s brothers stood in for him and his CGI face was pasted and animated on their faces. I love this dumb movie for all the right reasons. And I was kind of choked-up with the knowledge of Paul Walker’s passing and his on screen departure (or should I say epitaph?). Recommended. Now playing.

Book Review

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March 26 to April 1, 2015

By Heidi Simmons

Spring Forward With Books

THE GUNMAN cars (with drivers) dropped from planes or crashing through buildings and surviving to finish the mission (that we really don’t care about).

James Wan directs the extended and frenetic sequences with a touch that is truly inspired and he never lets up. Wan fully grasps the art of mayhem -- yes, it is an art -- for the big screen. And the sound design!

Wow. It is equally masterful. Okay, so what that it’s sometimes a sensory overload but isn’t that the whole point of a movie like this? Over and over, scene after scene, there’s perfect melding of image and sound powers the visceral thrills of the hurtling, crashing, grinding and flying vehicles on screen. This wonderfully over-the-top, overtly silly movie knows its audience and it delivers big time.

And if you’re wondering, I was not able to identify any of the scenes in which

Pierre Morel directed Liam Neeson in TAKEN; it was a megahit. Here he directs a taciturn Sean Penn as a middle-aged, humorless hero that mainly proves Penn is no Neeson. The screenplay, co-written

by Penn, is top-loaded with dumb dialogue and, further, attempts political heft with its Congo setting. But I was not convinced by Penn or the premise and didn’t “suspend disbelief.” I kept wondering about Penn’s workout routine to get fit for this derivative cinematic exercise that attempts to rebrand Penn as a Stallone style character with carefully lighted shots of his sweaty, unexpectedly bulging biceps. And then I wondered if Penn’s high-profile girlfriend Charlize Theron was happy in this seemingly unlikely relationship. My thoughts continued to meander for the duration of the film. I share this only because when a movie repeatedly triggers random thoughts outside the film and plot, it’s a major fail.

I’m sorry to report this, because I love movies and want them to work. I wish Penn luck with his acting career, life and Charlize.

He has some great films under his belt as actor and director. My free advice to Penn -- he didn’t ask: If this attempt to ignite a new franchise fails, you can always talk to Stallone about being part of the crew of middle-aged bros in the inevitable next edition of the EXPENDIBLES. Now playing.

NEW FOR THE HOME THEATER: CONVICTS Robert Duvall, James Earl Jones and Lucas Hass bring to life Horton Foote’s sublime but tough western screenplay. The drama is set on a Texas sugar-cane plantation around 1900. It’s run by ageing boss Soll Gautier (Duvall) who, in an attempt to keep his farm afloat, employs cheap labored convicts.

The core story has young Horace Robedaux (Hass) trying to make enough money on the plantation to buy a tombstone for his father’s grave. Sadly, Gautier’s mental state is not conducive to Horace ever getting paid.

This story has been beautifully adapted from Horton Foote’s “The Orphan’s Home”

I

series of plays. Authentic locations, nice compositions and invisible direction from Peter Masterson make this fine 1990 film one to find and enjoy. Foote (1906 – 2009) understood what makes us human and he had a way of conveying it in his exquisite writing. Olive Films. Blu-ray.

WOLFY

Aimed at kids, this Frenchanimated import (it’s dubbed in English) is an allegory rooted in surprising serious ideas that may trouble American children. At its heart, this is an anti-fascist fable. Not really funny, but powerful in its surprisingly brutal depiction of resistance against a ruthless leader and an elite force. What I like about this movie is the strong moral force that takes on some of the same forces at work in today’s real world, and not just the forces at play in mid 20th century Euro history as the movie intended. Perhaps this is an adult film, only surreptitiously disguised as a children’s cartoon. Watching it, I was reminded of the 1954 George Orwell animated film ANIMAL FARM that we now know was funded in part by the CIA. I like the sleek, simplified look of this movie and wonder when someone will make a “cartoon” that takes on the fascism of religious extremism that pervades our media and infects our world. Cinedigm.

DVD. robinesimmons@aol.com

t’s wonderful to read by natural light.

And now that the clocks have been moved forward, when you get home from work, there’s still time to read before the darkness invites television viewing.

Spring is the season for new books.

What’s more engaging than a great read!?

Below is an eclectic list of fiction that’s coming soon. Plan on finding something fun. Here are some ideas: This week Harlan Coben’s The Stranger is in bookstores. This looks to be an exciting suspense-thriller about a man whose perfect world suddenly changes after a stranger whispers a secret in his ear. In over

his head, can the protagonist survive the very world he created?

Cotton Malone returns in The Patriot Threat by Steve Berry. This globetrotting mystery unfolds around the question: Is Federal income tax legal? More history than fiction, this should be an exciting and informative read. You can pick it up today at Barnes and Noble.

If a good heroic fantasy sounds fun, Peter Brett’s fourth book of the “Demon Cycle” series The Skull Throne is out this week. These meaty, multi-volume books explore a dark and mysterious world filled with good and evil characters. Better finish

The Daylight War because The Skull Throne is on sale Tuesday.

In April, Nora Roberts’ The Liar will be in bookstores. This is a romance gone bad story where the heroine must protect herself and her little daughter after she discovers the “truth” about the man she loved: He’s not just dead, he never existed!

David Baldacci’s Memory Man introduces Amos Decker who, after a head injury, now has a perfect memory. He becomes a police detective but after he discovers the horrific murder of his own family, the memories are an unbearable curse. To heal, Decker must confront the memory as well as the murderer.

Gathering Prey by Pulitzer Prize winner John Sandford in on bookshelves at the end of April. A father goes on a road trip with his daughter to help her friend and finds a subculture of Travelers -- harmless panhandlers -- who are being murdered.

Toni Morrison’s God Help the Child is her first novel set in contemporary times.

A young woman comes to realize that what happens to a child affects the adult. This is certain to have the same rich characters and poetic style we expect from Morrison.

In May, James Patterson’s (with Maxine Paetro) 14th Deadly Sin sets the “Deadly Women’s Murder Club” back in business. The 14th in the series, this murder investigation might lead to one of their members being a killer.

Kate Atkinson’s A God In Ruins is available the first week of May. This is a companion to her bestseller Life After Life. The character in her new book is the little brother of her last protagonist. Returning back to normal

life after being in the war, he must endure a world that is more complicated and complex than he ever imagined.

A thought provoking science fiction epic, Neal Stephenson’s Seveneves, begins with the impending end of the world. Expect big ideas, social dilemmas and geo-political debates. This book is over 800 pages and spans thousands of years. What will become of humankind? Find out in mid May. In late May, find Clive Cussler’s Piranha which brings back character Juan Cabrillo and the crew of the Oregon. Count on covert operations, conspiracies and traitors.

Can Cabrillo stop the villain and keep evil from ruling an empire? No doubt plenty of action and machismo will fill the pages.

Spring means it’s time to enjoy being outside. Whether a mystery, suspense, scifi, fantasy, romance or drama, find a new book (or old), that entertains you and read it in the sunshine.

For great books at an incredible deal, check out the “Friends of the College of the Desert Library” Spring Book Sale. It’s this Friday, March 27 through Sunday March 29, 9:00am to 3:00pm. Friends of the COD Library “Members” get first dibs on books March 26 from 4:00 to 6:00pm. The location is the Cravens Student Services Center, 43500 Monterey Avenue, Palm Desert.

This Spring Book Sale is free to attend and has all genres with thousands of hardcover and paperback books. On Sunday, you can stuff a big bag of books for only five bucks!

All proceeds benefit the COD Library. This sale is a great opportunity to find the perfect spring read without a huge investment.

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March 26 to April 1, 2015 continued from page 19

MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Lucky Tongue 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-345-0222 Agave Bluesmasters 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Shadow Mountain Band 5pm, I See Hawks in LA 7pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 T.B.A. 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Broken Souls 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext230 Simply Barbra 5:30pm,The Gand Band 8:30pm, Dunes and Alchemy 11pm RENAISSANCE PALM; PS; 760-322-6100 Art of Sax featuring Sax Man Will Donato & Eddie Reddick 7-10pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Machin’ 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3278311 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 7pm, Gino & Jade Sidebar Patio 7pm, Arnie Vilches & Friends Sidebar Lounge 10pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Aaron’s Rockin 50th Bday Bash w/ Nightmare ( Alice Cooper Tribute ), Attack of the Rising and Lit Soul 8pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-3229293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-7771601 Smooth Brothers 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-3297929 Karaoke w/ Milly G 6pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Music 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 212 Band 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-3271773 Darci Daniels 6:30pm TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 T.B.A. 9pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760-328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951755-5391 DJ Hektik 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-3459770 Pat Rizzo & All That Jazz Band 6:30-10pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Rob & JB 1:30-4:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Chris Lomeli 8pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 TBA 8pm THE WINE BAR BISTRO; LQ; 760-5648744 Scott Carter 7:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Stanley Butler Trio 6:30pm

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www.coachellavalleyweekly.com ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJs 9pm

SUN MARCH 29 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob & Allison 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DJ Brian Waters noon poolside, Slacker Sunday 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-2021111 Jazz Brunch 11:30am AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 The Judy Show 7:30pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Steve Madaio 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT; PS; 888-999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 9pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-3422333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 “Fusion” Pool Party 11am poolside INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Ted Herman’s Big Band 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Open Jam 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Sunday Jam 4-8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7:30pm THE NEW YORK COMPANY RESTAURANT; PS; 760-778-7789 Lili Rose 7pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Longest Running Jam Session in the valley. Hosted by JB, Sign up 6pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Cracker 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 The Jam Session 5-9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 The Judy Show 5:30pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3274080 Art of Sax Sidebar Patio 5pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Eddie Gee 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Smooth Brothers TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 Trill 4:30pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-3271773 Luck Be a Lady w/ Francesca Amari and Darci Daniels 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-3459770 Jazz Time Band 2-5pm, John Stanley King 6-9pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Scott Carter 1:30-4:30pm, Rob & JB 4:30-9pm, DJ Idol Eyez 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Tony DiJerlando 6pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Line Dancing w/ Tina 5:30-9pm THE WINE BAR BISTRO; LQ; 760-5648744 Michael Keeth & Martin Barrera 7pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 The Smooth Brothers 5:30pm

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

TUE MARCH 31 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Paul & Jo 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Ace Karaoke with Kiesha 9pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Bella da Ball Dinner Revue w/ guest performers 7:30pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 Vinyl Sessions 8pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-5643660 Bill Baker 6pm ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760992-0002 Jesse Sweitzer 5pm

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Karaoke hosted by Phillip Moore 9pm INDIAN CANYONS GOLF RESORT; PS; 760-833-8700 DJ Randy Johnson 6pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Michael D’Angelo 6:15pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Ted Quinn’s Open Mic Reality Show Jam 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Tim Burleson 7:45pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-327-4080 Acoustic Guitar Night Jam 8pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 Darci Daniels 6:30pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3274080 Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 6pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Demetrious and Co. TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 9pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-3459770 Carolyn Martinez 6pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Live entertainment VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Chris Lomeli 6pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 John Bolivar & Barney McClure 6pm

WED APRIL 1 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Dan Horn 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 TBA 7pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-2021111 Jazz Jam 7:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Tommy Dodson 6pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 T.B.A. 6-10pm CAFÉ DES BEAUX- ARTS; PD; 760-3460669 John & Gina Carey 6pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick

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March 26 to April 1, 2015

Community

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Haddon Libby

By Ashley Hudgens

Coachella’s Hermanamiento

Boys & Girls Clubs Grand Auction Draws Supporters and Donors by the Hundreds Paddles went up for Trips to Paris, Hawaiian Islands,

S

omething unique and special happened to a Coachella Valley city on Friday, March 20th. A ‘hermanamiento’ or sister cities agreement was signed between the cities of Coachella and Mexicali, Mexico.

The signing ceremony took place at the Casa de la Cultura in Mexicali and was attended by cultural, educational and government leaders from both cities. The Mexican delegation included Mexicali Mayor Jaime Rafael Diaz Ochoa, several members of the Baja California Tourism & Convention Bureau as well as representatives from the Presidents’ office.

Our Coachella delegation included Mayor

NYC and VIP Tickets to Coachella and Stagecoach

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oys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley (BGCofCV) helped kick off its 50th year celebration with the organization’s biggest annual fundraising auction yet. All proceeds of the event support the efforts of local Boys & Girls Clubs as they work to give valley youth a safe haven where they can grow and learn.

The fête, held on Saturday, March 14 at the Hyatt Regency in Indian Wells, was an enchanting night celebrating art in Paris. A stunning array of auction items drew more than 625 supporters. Mark Nickerson of Primetime International was honored as the “Champion of Youth” for his commitment to youth in our valley.

Attendees were swept off to Paris with live music from BGCofCV’s Heatwave Jazz Band. The silent auction was followed by a three-course dinner. At the highly anticipated live auction, bidders brought home incredible items while supporting life-changing youth programs. The H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation matched donations during the auction in the amount of $125,000.

This year, attendees bid on one of the most impressive lists of auction items in the

event’s history, including: • Four night stay with Broadway/event tickets in New York City • Accommodations in Paris, the French countryside, Maui, Kauai and more • Rose Bowl and Rose Parade tickets • Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Helicopter Ride Along • VIP passes to BNP Paribas, Coachella and Stagecoach • Sammy Hagar signed guitar package • Premium Angels tickets • Private cruise in Newport Beach • Rounds of golf at spectacular courses • Spa and wellness packages • Fine wine, and much more!

Sponsored by Mathis Brothers Furniture, the auction raised funds vital to the operation of BGCofCV’s five clubs serving more than 7,800 members across the Coachella Valley. Raffle winner, Jan Hawkins also took home a $10,000 Mathis Brothers gift certificate.

All proceeds from the Grand Auction support BGCofCV. For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley, to donate or volunteer, call 760-836-1160, or go to www.bgcofcv.org.

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Steven Hernandez, City Attorney Carlos Campos, Coachella Economic Development Manager Mark Weber, Coachella Public Relations contractor Jeff Crider, Coachella Chamber of Commerce Manager Elsa Reyes, nonprofit ShareKitchen’s Executive Director Angela Janus and Univision Reporter, Marco Gonzalez The agreement that was signed creates a long term partnership between the communities of Coachella and Mexicali to support each other in matters of culture, education and economics. The agreement was facilitated by Sister Cities International, whose goal is to ‘Connect globally and Thrive locally’. SCI was formed by desert resident, President Dwight Eisenhower in 1956 to promote diplomacy between US and international cities.

“We share a common language, common roots,” said Hernandez. “Most of our citizens in Coachella are of Mexican descent. Many have parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers and sisters and other family members in Mexicali. We live in different countries with different histories, but there is much that we can learn from one another.”

During the agreement signing ceremony Mayor Hernandez presented a gift pack as a formal gesture to Mexicali Mayor Ochoa from “Desert Valley Dates” who also

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provided dates for the reception.

In return, Mexicali gifted each delegate with a basket of locally produced goods including Extra Virgin Olive Oil by Olivarera Bajamar; Artisan ‘Salsa De 4 Semillas’ by Yutt and marmalade and cranberry juice by Arandano Plus.

The two cities celebrated this new agreement with the first of many cultural exchanges during a reception following the ceremony which featured freshly harvested produce from the Coachella Valley that was prepared by Mexicali’s featured local artisan chef, Ilean Padilla Casillas of La Cava de Qorot.

Casillas prepared an array of Hors d’oeuvres for the reception including Coachella Valley produce provided by ‘Sea Mist’ of Coachella.

Foods served included jicama ceviche, artichoke Mexican chimichurri, stuffed dates with queso fresco crema and a broccoli, spinach and cauliflower crostini with cured Mexican ham.

ShareKitchen presented Mexicali’s officials with the locally made artisan products by Sylvia Garza of Que Mami Organics whose company and products are rooted in her family’s Mexican heritage. The recipes for Garza’s Roasted Tomato Salsa and Mami’s Mole Sauce come directly from her own mother Elvira’s recipes.

During the reception, Chefs Ilean Padilla Casillas and Angela Janus received special recognitions by Mayor Ochoa of Mexicali.

“We are very excited about this agreement. The opportunities for us to connect are significant,” said Ochoa. He added that the sister cities agreement with Coachella was approved at the highest levels of the Mexican government.

The Coachella official delegation also met with representatives of the Mexicali Industrial Development Commission, the Datilera Rio Colorado Date Producers Association of Mexicali, and Dean Mario Dipp from the Graduate Business School of CETYS Universidad, a technical high school and university that offers training in technical subjects, including aerospace, robotics and renewable energy.

“Our first round of meetings was very productive,” Hernandez said, adding that Coachella officials will schedule follow up meetings in the coming weeks to identify specific economic, cultural and educational objectives that the two cities can achieve in the short term. “Mexicali officials made it very clear to us that they want this to be a productive relationship that produces tangible economic, cultural and educational benefits for both cities and we share that desire and that commitment,” Hernandez said.

may not exist; may be rented to someone else, not owned by the other party or not for rent. · When looking for a rental or renting your home, look carefully at the spelling and language in the AD as they are often prepared by non-Americans. Consider checking Google Maps to be sure the address exists. Also, be wary if the renter asks for money up front or asks for $40 to run a background check. · Sometimes the scammer moves into the home, complains nothing works and refuses to pay any rent. The renter then extorts money from the homeowner for the poorly maintained home demanding $25,000 to 50,000 to vacate and not file a law suit. We have represented several homeowners on these matters. · KMIR reported Loan Scams last year where the caller says it is understood that the person being called is looking for a loan, and ‘voila’ they have been pre-approved for an installment loan. The caller may ask for your bank routing info to send the money to you.

Then in order to secure the loan the borrower may be asked to purchase items such as gift cards in an amount that will be reimbursed when the loan takes place.

Report FRAUD /ID thefts: Federal Trade Commission ID Theft Hotline: 877-ID-Theft/ consumer.gov/idtheft Social Security hotline 800-269-0271/ssa. gov/oig Contact credit bureaus: Equifax: 800-525-6285/ equifax.com Experian: 888-397-3742/ experian.com

Transunion: 800-680-7289/ transunion.com Keep the above numbers in a safe place just in case! Remember the bottom line is that everything is not always as it seems so be careful and check before giving out any private information.

Dale Gribow : 1) TOP LAWYER rating by Palm Springs Life 2011-2015 2) Perfect AVVO 10.0 Peer Review Rating by fellow attorneys 3) “Preeminent” Rating by Martindale Hubbell 4) Selected for Rue “Best Attorneys of America” (Limited to Top 100 Attorneys per state).

5) 2015 Client Appreciation Award For more than 30 years Gribow has been committed to protecting client’s civil and criminal constitutional rights. Regardless of whether the matter concerns a Serious Accident, DUI, Business, Real Estate or Estate Planning issue, every case is diligently handled with the utmost of respect and care. Gribow offers clients decades of experience and success, thus making him the attorney of choice for thousands of clients.

DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE, CALL A TAXI OR UBER………IT IS A LOT CHEAPER THAN CALLING ME!

Dale Gribow On The Law

WHEN THE IRS CALLS… HANG UP!

Dr. Rebecca Diaz

March 26 to April 1, 2015

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n March 13, 2015 CNN and the Desert Sun warned of Fake IRS Agents targeting 400,000 people with harassing phone calls demanding payments and threatening jail. This nationwide scam has cost taxpayers almost $16,000,000.

Timothy Camus, the Treasury Deputy Inspector General for Tax Administration, said since 2013 over 3000 people from almost every state have been scammed… with one taxpayer losing $500,000.

It is suspected there are several nationwide groups perpetrating this pervasive scam with some from overseas. The fake IRS agent calls the taxpayer claiming they owe taxes and demanding immediate payment with a prepaid debit card or wire transfer. The fake agent had one guy drive from one place to another buying pre-paid cards for $500 each.

Law enforcement is “on the way” they claim and will arrest and close down your business. They scare the taxpayer threatening custody, deportation of illegals and loss of your California Driver’s License.

Ironically I received such a call last year that made my fraud antenna immediately go up because the caller’s accent was very thick and not understandable. I questioned why the IRS would employ agents that did not speak clearly as IRS matters are highly sensitive.

Being suspicious, I questioned the caller who YELLED, “Just hang up!”… “Hang up $#%&* @#(^#$ or you will be sorry”. Wow!

The IRS does not call taxpayers but would instead send a letter. However it is not that hard to print IRS stationary with a fake number. Upon receiving a call or dialing out, the caller ID will show “IRS”. As an elderly resort community we are considered easy pickings.

There are many SCAMS going on every minute of the day. I googled SCAMS and read up on some listed below. · A caller claims to be a law enforcement officer acting on behalf of the IRS, or with the Palm Springs Police or Riverside County Sheriff.

The caller ID confirms same. If this happens… call the IRS 800 829 1040 or forward their emails to phishing@IRS.gov. · A caller claiming to be a City official or Sheriff’s Department threatens “you missed Jury Duty” and asks for Money Orders to correct same. They may request you call with the information on the back of the suggested money order you are ordered to purchase,,, or ask you for a prepaid debit card. · They may claim you won the lottery and they need your bank account information to wire you money. · SCAMS in Palm Springs may involve Rental Properties. Be wary of listings on Craigslist for vacation rentals by owner. Be careful when no phone number or email address is listed.

Prospective renters may be asked to send money for a home rental during an event such as Coachella/ Stagecoach or Tennis. The home

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March 26 to April 1, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

safety tips

by Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

Don’t Drought Yourself, It’s True!

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ur State’s Drought really is a State of Emergency reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. The state is now around 40 million people, and growing.

Nearly half of all undocumented, illegal immigrants live in California. This has added millions to the state’s population increasing our water usage. What happens when America’s most populous state runs low on its most precious resource for the fourth year in a row?

Let’s start with the obvious, Wildfires. In February crews battled a wildfire south of Mammoth Lakes which tore through more than 7,000 acres and destroyed 40 homes.

February fire in Mammoth? Unheard of but certainly a very early and extremely dangerous wildfire season ahead. Start preparing now!

Water restrictions will certainly be the norm, resulting in limited usage, brown lawns, no car washing and fines for excessive use to name a few. Dry air, dust and pollen in the air will affect our respiratory systems and allergies.

An Increase in West Nile Virus Cases as a lot of water in nature becomes stagnant.

Rats, rattlesnakes, ants, will have their sights

on human populated areas (our homes) seeking water. Foothill areas will see bears, mountain lions and other wildlife doing the same.

Food prices, restaurants, hotels, recreation etc. will increase as our most precious resource remains in demand with limitations.

Make no Drought about it, we have a serious problem and we need to take action!

For additional water conservation tips visit: www.bewaterwise.com Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

Community 2015 Coachella Valley Economic Forecast Conference Featuring Nationally Noted Speakers and Panelists Thursday April 9 at Miramonte Resort & Spa

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he fourth Annual Coachella Valley Economic Forecast Conference hosted

by Claremont McKenna College with the UCLA Anderson Forecast, in conjunction with CVEP, is on Thursday, April 9 at the Miramonte Resort & Spa in Indian Wells, CA. This exclusive Economic Forecast Conference, which drew 400 attendees last year, features nationally noted economists, and industry experts. Seating is limited. Registration and breakfast begin at 7:00am. The Conference runs from 8:00am to 10:30am. Tickets: $115 per person and $900 for a table of 8. For more information, call (909) 607-7572. To register, visit: inlandempirecenter.org/conference.

“We are bringing the UCLA Anderson Forecast who will present the national and California forecast. Claremont McKenna is presenting the Inland Empire Forecast and Coachella Valley Forecasts,” notes Marc Weidenmier, Professor of Economics and the Director of the Lowe Institute of Political Economy at Claremont McKenna College. Jerry Nickelsburg, Senior Economist, UCLA Anderson Forecast will present state and national

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forecasts. The Coachella Valley Forecast will be given by Manfred W. Keil, Professor of Economics at Claremont McKenna College and the former Chairman of the Faculty at the Robert Day School of Economics and Finance at Claremont McKenna College and Research Associate at the Lowe Institute of Political Economy at Claremont McKenna College.

Tom Davis is the moderator for the Industry Perspective Panel. He is the Chief Planning and Development Officer for the Aqua Caliente Band of Cahuilla. Panelists include: Rob Field, Assistant County Executive Officer/Economic Development Agency (EDA) for the County of Riverside and Nachhattar Chandi, President & CEO of the Chandi Group USA. Rabobank and the County of Riverside EDA are Gold Sponsors. Best, Best & Krieger and the Chandi Group USA are Silver Sponsors and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is a Community Sponsor. Media Sponsors include: Time Warner Cable, Desert Radio Group, The Desert Sun, and The Public Record. For sponsorship opportunities contact Marionette Moore at (909) 607-7572.

sharekitchen Do you know where your food comes from? You will soon!

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hareKitchen is excited to announce a local contest to create a logo design for CV FRESH, the Coachella Valley›s new local food branding project funded by a USDA Local Food Promotion Program grant awarded to ShareKitchen. This fresh, new branding and logo program is designed to help all of us easily identify food products and farm goods produced here in the Coachella Valley whenever we are shopping and eating locally! The winning logo will be determined by a Selection Committee at the ShareKitchen CV FRESH Tent during the first annual Passport to Health Fair on May 2 in Downtown Cathedral City. This evening event from 5 pm to 10 pm will feature a health fair with free health screenings, cooking demonstrations and a ‘Glo-tastic’ 5K Run Walk (healthglo5k.com) produced

by Palm Springs Unified School District in collaboration with Cathedral City Rotary, the City of Cathedral City, Salvation Army and ShareKitchen.

The grant funds received by ShareKitchen for the CV FRESH logo design project will be used to help the logo design winner put their logo into final form with a graphic designer, design and purchase merchandise stands for grocery stores and retail outlets that will hold

locally made products, provide participating farmers and local food makers with labels for their goods and digital logo files for their use, window clings for restaurants and retailers who source and sell CV FRESH products, shelf tags to help you identify products and more.

Join the conversation about our local food, get involved and visit CVFRESH.info for contest information, rules and entry form. Want to support our community and be a part of the new food economy? Follow us on Facebook for the latest info on the CV FRESH contest, upcoming workshops and community events. facebook.com/ShareKitchen

sports Scene

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

March 26 to April 1, 2015

by Julie Buehler

More Than A Good Time, It’s A GREAT Cause

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s a sports reporter, I’ve said many times in print, on radio, TV and to my friends, the BNP Paribas Open is one of my favorite sporting events each year.

But 2015 was the best I’ve ever experienced.

Once again, the greatest tennis players on planet Earth gather to enjoy one of the most illustrious venues, communities and events on their schedule and the Coachella Valley and world-wide tennis audience felt compelled to do the same.

This year was particularly special as Serena Williams made her return after 13 years of boycotting the event due to a controversial couple of days in 2001. She ended up withdrawing before her semi-final match against Simona Halep, the eventual champion, but there was no question the buzz around this tournament was massive thanks to Serena coming back. How massive?

How about Bill Gates joining BNP Paribas owner Larry Ellison court side for Serena’s first match.

And then, of course, the final on the men’s side between the top two players in the world, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer left fans on their feet with Djokovic tying Federer for his fourth title.

Had it just been about the tennis, the tournament would have justified the new attendance record it set over the gorgeous, sunny 2 weeks, but I discovered an incredible

sports Scene

group of dedicated individuals who use such an occasion, as in a gorgeous, sunny 2 weeks of tennis, to have a blast raising money to fund cancer research through the American Cancer Society.

The Cancer Research Racquet is a group of nearly 8,000 tennis fans who travel the globe searching for a bottle of Champaign to raise their glass and funds to help those who have struggled or are struggling with the disease.

The organizers, Rob Kinas, a 10-year cancer survivor himself, and Lauralyn McCarthy, who lost her childhood best friend to breast cancer, say the success of the group, which started with about 25 of their closest friends, is due to the fact they don’t ask for commitments to be part of the group. They just ask that you know how to have fun and do what you can to donate. Whether that’s time, talent or currency is irrelevant to the Cancer Research Racquet because after surviving cancer, or watching someone’s battle draw to a victorious or tragic end, the dedicated bunch of tennis fans turned activists know life’s greatest gifts are the memories created with loved ones and their mission is creating those moments to cherish forever.

The fact they’ve raised nearly $600,000 while on that mission is no small thing. The fact they’ve connected with some of the world’s largest corporations to assist and back them is no accident.

While The Cancer Research Racquet has

evolved through grass roots efforts, gathering those of a like mind with similar passions for a good time, great tennis and open hearts to ensure those facing the difficult reality of a battle against the deadly disease feel included, protected and supported, they’ve also recognized attracted the attention of international corporations will help the organization’s long-term goal of funding research projects through the American Cancer Society.

Kinas, the groups founder, won his battle with a cancer that gave him 18 months to live thanks to some researchers in Houston that offered him experimental drugs that not only worked to save his life, but also ignited his passion to help others.

When Kinas was diagnosed with the long-term death sentence, his wife and him decided to keep the announcement in their close circle of family and friends. But once they shared his story and diagnosis, it became clear how many others had been touched by cancer and wanted to share their support and affirmation. Kinas quickly realized his

battle was not a singular cause, but a rallying cry for hundreds, now thousands, who know what that diagnosis feels like, sounds like and a bout with cancer looks like.

Thus The Cancer Research Racquet began when one man’s intended private journey to face a deadly adversary became a public platform to create friendships and life-long bonds with others who have the particular and distinct connection of either being a cancer survivor or a friend or family member of one.

It’s a passionate group who travel the globe to the largest tennis events in the world to raise their glasses and funds to battle of the planet’s deadliest diseases.

If you’d like to get involved, however you can, go to www.cancerresearchracquet.com for more information.

Julie Buehler hosts the Coachella Valley’s most popular sports talk radio show, “Buehler’s Day Off” every day from 1-4 on 1010 KXPS, the valley’s all sports station.

She can also be seen every morning between 6-7am on KMIR sharing the coolest stories in sports. She’s an avid gym rat, slightly sarcastic and more likely to recite Steve Young’s career passing stats than American Idol winners.

Tune in M-F 1-4 pst at www.team1010.com or watch “Buehler’s Day Off” on Ustream and KMIR.com for her sports reports.

by Flint Wheeler

NCAA Big East: No Longer the National Power of Yesteryear..

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ow that Villanova has been unceremoniously dismissed from the NCAA Tournament, don’t expect to see the Big “Least” dancing at the Final Four in Indianapolis.

Thirty years ago, when the Big East was the beast of college basketball, it boasted three teams in the Final Four in Lexington, KY. St. John’s vs. Georgetown in the semifinals, then Villanova upsetting the Hoyas for one forever shining moment.

My, how times have changed. Now Chris Mack and Xavier, conquerors of Georgia State, are left to carry the tattered banner of Big East basketball into the Sweet 16, with their rich two-year Big East tradition.

Even though St. John’s returned to the Big Dance and the conference was buoyed by having six representatives, no one was under any illusions that anyone but Villanova was a Final Four contender.

But ’Nova failing again to get over its Sweet 16 hump as a No. 1 seed in the East Region against N.C. State was a blow to the self-esteem of a conference still reeling former standard-bearer members leaving for the greener football pastures.

Fox Sports 1, which holds Big East

broadcasting rights, will be keeping its fingers crossed for a sustained St. John’s renaissance that is critical to its long-term commitment to the Big East Conference, which didn’t get a single team to the Sweet 16 a year ago. If the university thinks it can do better than Steve Lavin, it better identify the next young, can’tmiss rising star. A vote for Lavin would be a sensible vote for stability. Until the Red Storm rises and stays risen, the network might want to show “UFC Fight Night” clips at halftime of the games.

St. John’s had little chance once Chris Obekpa was suspended. Weed it and weep indeed.

Providence College had the misfortune of playing against Dayton in the not-so-neutral site of Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, which sounded much more like Daytonwide Arena. The suspect technical against head coach Ed Cooley didn’t help. Neither did a stinker from LaDontae Henton. More impactful was the Flyers shooting 39 free throws and the Friars shooting seven. It doesn’t excuse a 13-point loss.

Butler was gritty and game, only to lose an overtime death struggle to Notre Dame. And Brad Stevens coaches the Celtics these days.

Georgetown made strides this season, but losing in the third round to Utah makes guy wonder whether the Hoyas require the opposing coach to guarantee victory, à la Eastern Washington’s Jim Hayworth.

It was nice having a marquee coach and program such as Rick Pitino and Louisville for a decade.

And gone are the days when Lou Carnesecca, Big John Thompson, Jim Calhoun, Jim Boeheim and Rollie Massimino - five Hall of Fame coaches - roamed the Big East sidelines.

John Beilein made West Virginia into a national power during the Mountaineers’ Big East tenure, and there’s never a dull moment with Bob Huggins, who reached his eighth Sweet 16 berth Sunday night as West Virginia stopped Maryland.

And it figures Mike Brey finally gets to a Sweet 16 after a 12-year absence with a likable Irish team that now calls the ACC home.

Ditto for Kevin Ollie and the UConn Huskies of the American Athletic Conference winning the 2014 national championship.

“We go back to being a basketballcentric… league going forward,” Providence College president Rev. Brian Shanley said two years ago at a press conference announcing the launch of the new Big East. “I think [founder] Dave [Gavitt] is smiling down right now on what it is that we’re doing.”

Perhaps Mr. Gavitt will smile again tomorrow. But today we have been served a reminder that a smile is just a frown turned upside down.

FlintWheeler.com - Founder of Silex Strategies L.L.C. providing sales and consulting in Insurance, Retirement, Real Estate and Taxes through A.I.G./Valic. PGA Class A Member and T.P.I. Certified Golf Trainer. Host of “The Tilted Sports Radio Show” on Fox Sports 1270 from 3-7pm on Thursdays, Live from The Kilt. Contact at 760409-4612

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March 26 to April 1, 2015

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Health&Fitness

by Personal Trainer Karen Creasey

Water for Heath

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here is a general misconception that water aerobics is suitable for only pregnant women and the elderly.

But in all reality water aerobics, done right, can prove to be a very intense workout for all ages and fitness levels – even the professional athlete who needs to cross train can find benefit in water aerobics. In fact, this type of exercise has been shown to provide many of the same benefits in terms of physical fitness as land-based training programs.

There are a number of unique pluses to this type of exercise. It provides significant cardiovascular and strength training benefits due to the water’s built-in natural resistance to movement and hydrostatic pressure. The duel effects of buoyancy and resistance create an environment that requires high levels of energy expenditure with relatively little movement or strain on low-joint extremities.

In water aerobics exercise, water surrounds the exerciser during the entire exercise routine making resistance threedimensional. Depending on the force exerted, the speed of movement, and the surface area presented, the range of resistance obtained will adjust and add to the challenge of the workout.

This type of exercise increases lung

capacity as well, forcing the lungs to work harder as a result of the waters hydrostatic pressure. The pressure of the water on the chest wall during aquatic exercise opposes the muscles that expand the chest for breathing. With regular water exercise, this resistance can strengthen these muscles and subsequently enable intake of a greater volume of air when involved in land activities.

When the body is submerged, the water environment provides a wider range of motion to the joints, which in turn can increase flexibility. Aquatic exercise provides a mode for performing difficult stretches that may not be as possible otherwise.

And according to the American Council on Exercise, water buoyancy reduces the “weight” of a person up to 90 percent.

This “reduction” subsequently lessens the burden on stress-bearing joints and muscles.

It is possible that if you are having difficulty performing specific joint movements on land, you may find relief when moving in similar fashion underwater.

The Palm Desert Aquatic Center currently offers multiple water aerobics classes throughout the week. They range from shallow to deep, challenging to less strenuous, and early in the day to later in the evening. Call 760-565-7467 or go to pdpool. com for more information.

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FREE WILL ASTROLOGY Week of March 26

ARIES (March 21-April 19): The term “jumped the shark” often refers to a TV show that was once great but gradually grew stale, and then resorted to implausible plot twists in a desperate attempt to revive its creative verve. I’m a little worried that you may do the equivalent of jumping the shark in your own sphere. APRIL FOOL! I lied. I’m not at all worried that you’ll jump the shark. It’s true that you did go through a stagnant, meandering phase there for a short time. But you responded by getting fierce and fertile rather than stuck and contrived. Am I right? And now you’re on the verge of breaking out in a surge of just-the-right-kind-of-craziness.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): If you happen to be singing lead vocals in an Ozzy Osbourne cover band, and someone in the audience throws what you think is a toy rubber animal up on stage, DO NOT rambunctiously bite its head off to entertain everyone. It most likely won’t be a toy, but rather an actual critter. APRIL FOOL! In fact, it’s not likely you’ll be fronting an Ozzy Osbourne cover band any time soon. But I hope you will avoid having to learn a lesson similar to the one that Ozzy did during a show back in 1982, when he bit into a real bat -- a small flying mammal with webbed wings -- thinking it was a toy. Don’t make a mistake like that. What you think is fake or pretend may turn out to be authentic.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In the spring of 1754, Benjamin Franklin visited friends in Maryland.

While out riding horses, they spied a small tornado whirling through a meadow. Although Franklin had written about this weather phenomenon, he had never seen it. With boyish curiosity, he sped toward it. At one point, he caught up to it and lashed it with his whip to see if it would dissipate. This is the kind of adventure I advise you to seek out, Gemini.

APRIL FOOL! I half-lied. I don’t really believe you should endanger your safety by engaging in stunts like chasing tornadoes. But I do think that now is a favorable time to seek out daring exploits that quench your urge to learn.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Novelist L. Frank Baum created the make-believe realm known as Oz. Lewis Carroll conjured up Wonderland and C. S. Lewis invented Narnia. Now you are primed to dream up your own fantasy land and live there full-time, forever protected from the confusion and malaise of the profane world. Have fun in your imaginary utopia, Cancerian! APRIL FOOL! I halflied. It’s true that now would be a good time to give extra attention to cultivating vivid visions of your perfect life. But I wouldn’t recommend that you live there full-time.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “The national anthem of Hell must be the old Frank Sinatra song ‘I Did It My Way,’” declares Richard Wagner, author of the book Christianity for Dummies. “Selfish pride is Hell’s most common trait,” he adds. “Hell’s inhabitants have a sense of satisfaction that they can at least say ‘they’ve been true to themselves.’” Heed this warning, Leo. Tame your lust for self-expression.

APRIL FOOL! I was making a little joke. The truth is not as simplistic as I implied. I actually think it’s important for you to be able to declare “I did it my way” and “I’ve been true to myself.” But for best results, do it in ways that aren’t selfish, insensitive, or arrogant.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): No matter what gender you are, it’s an excellent time to get a gig as a stripper. Your instinct for removing your clothes in entertaining ways is at a peak. Even if you have never been trained in the art, I bet you’ll have an instinctive knack. APRIL FOOL! I lied. I don’t really think you should be a stripper. But I do recommend you experiment with a more metaphorical version of that art. For instance, you could expose hidden agendas that are causing distortions and confusion.

You could peel away the layers of deception and propaganda that hide the naked facts and the beautiful truth.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Give yourself obsessively to your most intimate relationships.

Don’t bother cleaning your house. Call in sick to

© Copyright 2015 Rob Brezsny

your job. Ignore all your nagging little errands.

Now is a time for one task only: paying maximum attention to those you care about most. Heal any rifts between you. Work harder to give them what they need. Listen to them with more empathy than ever before. APRIL FOOL! I went a bit overboard there. It’s true that you’re in a phase when big rewards can come from cultivating and enhancing togetherness. But if you want to serve your best relationships, you must also take very good care of yourself.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): It’s after midnight.

You’re half-wasted, cruising around town looking for wicked fun. You stumble upon a warehouse laboratory where zombie bankers and military scientists are creating genetically engineered monsters from the DNA of scorpions, Venus flytraps, and Monsanto executives. You try to get everyone in a party mood, but all they want to do is extract your DNA and add it to the monster. APRIL FOOL! Everything I just said was a lie. I doubt you’ll encounter any scenario that extreme. But you are at risk for falling into weird situations that could compromise your mental hygiene. To minimize that possibility, make sure that the wicked fun you pursue is healthy, sane wicked fun.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): If you were a ladybug beetle, you might be ready and eager to have sex for nine hours straight. If you were a pig, you’d be capable of enjoying 30-minute orgasms.

If you were a dolphin, you’d seek out erotic encounters not just with other dolphins of both genders, but also with turtles, seals, and sharks.

Since you are merely human, however, your urges will probably be milder and more containable.

APRIL FOOL! In truth, Sagittarius, I’m not so sure your urges will be milder and more containable.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “The past is not only another country where they do things differently,” says writer Theodore Dalrymple, “but also where one was oneself a different person.”

With this as your theme, Capricorn, I invite you to spend a lot of time visiting the Old You in the Old World. Immerse yourself in that person and that place. Get lost there. And don’t come back until you’ve relived at least a thousand memories. APRIL FOOL! I was exaggerating. While it is a good time to get reacquainted with the old days and old ways, I don’t recommend that you get utterly consumed by the past.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Some Aquarian readers have been complaining. They want me to use more celebrity references in my horoscopes.

They demand fewer metaphors drawn from literature, art, and science, and more metaphors rooted in gossipy events reported on by tabloids.

“Tell me how Kanye West’s recent travails relate to my personal destiny,” wrote one Aquarius. So here’s a sop to you kvetchers: The current planetary omens say it’s in your interest to be more like Taylor Swift and less like Miley Cyrus. Be peppy, shimmery, and breezy, not earthy, salty, and raucous. APRIL FOOL! In truth, I wouldn’t write about celebrities’ antics if you paid me. Besides, for the time being, Miley Cyrus is a better role model for you than Taylor Swift.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Annie Edson Taylor needed money. She was 63 years old, and didn’t have any savings. She came up with a plan: to be the first person to tuck herself inside a barrel and ride over Niagara Falls. (This was back in 1901.) She reasoned that her stunt would make her wealthy as she toured the country speaking about it. I recommend that you consider out-of-the-box ideas like hers, Pisces. It’s an excellent time to get extra creative in your approach to raising revenue. APRIL FOOL! I half-lied. It’s true that now is a favorable time to be imaginative about your financial life. But don’t try outlandish escapades like hers.

Homework: Describe what you’d be like if you were the opposite of yourself. Write Truthrooster@gmail.com.

Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

March 26 to April 1, 2015

Mind, body & Spirit

STRETCH IT OUT

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by Bronwyn Ison

tretching regularly is equally as important as exercising. Most people neglect this aspect of their exercise routine. Lengthening your muscles by stretching them renders a plethora of benefits. Often we overlook stretching because we want to move on with the rewarding part of exercising. Change your mindset and know that stretching can be just as fun.

Yoga is an incredible discipline to incorporate into your exercise routine. The practice is virtually all stretching. Here are some benefits to stretching and yoga.

If you lift weights you are in anticipation of achieving muscle development. Without stretching you run the risk of stunting and shortening the muscles. Stretching will assist in establishing long and lean muscles versus stunted and short. Plus, stretching helps you move through a full range of motion.

You can increase your range of motion and flexibility. This should be great news for an athlete. Many athletes are tightly bound. If you have been to a Major League Baseball game and have witnessed batting practice you will often see a handful of players stretching on the field before the big game. This is also a part of their warm-up.

Regardless your sport you need to stretch prior to and concluding your workout.

Stretching can decrease your incidence

of injury. Did you know the more flexible you are the less likely you are to injure yourself in the event of a fall? Why? Your muscles can travel the extra distance and they are less likely to tear.

Increasing blood flow to the muscles is important to complete, prior to a workout.

Oxygen is supplied as well as other nutrients and this assists the muscles to maintain viability.

We also know that we can improve our posture via stretching. If you have poor posture you’re likely to experience some kind of back pain. Back pain is often experienced due to tight hamstrings and hips. If your hamstrings feel like a brick, as most of yours do, it’s time to get serious about stretching. Focus on your tightest areas and address them daily. Doing nothing at all is the worst infliction upon self.

If you sit at a desk all day or find yourself in and out of your car … do yourself a favor and take a few moments throughout your day to take a few stretches. It will be an enhancement to your workday. Stretching is also good for your mind. It provides your brain a healthy mental stretch also.

Take ten minutes to stretch or engage in yoga and Pilates. This will maintain your muscles in a healthy state. You owe it to yourself to keep your muscles smiling.

Bronwyn Ison is the owner of Evolve Yoga. e-volveyoga.com (760)564-YOGA

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March 26 to April 1, 2015

Life & career Coach

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Sunny Simon

Reacting to Prickly People

H

ow do you fare in dreamland? My husband often dreams of flying.

I’ve read people who soar above the clouds in their dreams are confident of achieving their goals. That description fits him well. Last night I was lost in dreamland and found myself wandering into a series of hotels seeking directions from some very testy concierges. This morning it occurred to me I recently encountered a prickly member of a hotel staff who seemed quite bothered when I inquired about finding a particular conference room. Waiving me off she told me to ask at the check-in desk where I eventually received a competent answer. I remember muttering to myself how ill-suited the concierge was for a customer service job. Rude people do not normally get under my skin, but it’s apparent somewhere deep in my subconscious the incident smoldered and resurfaced in a dream.

There is no getting around it. We all encounter and deal with difficult people. On my good days, it isn’t my practice to go around muttering about an individual’s behavior. I shrug it off and remind myself not to take it personally. On my best days, I try to respond with kindness. In Don Miguel Ruiz’s book “The Four Agreements.” the author developed a premise that “nothing others do is because of you.” I believe my simple request for

directions had nothing to do with the way I was treated. The concierge may have been struggling with a personal problem or perhaps was under pressure to resolve an emergency situation for a guest.

Sometimes living out the “don’t take it personally” strategy is challenging. Dealing with rudeness on a consistent basis calls for some type of action. If your co-worker, friend or mother-in-law has a consistent habit of tossing sarcastic barbs your way, it may be time for a serious discussion. People sometimes fall into negative behavioral patterns without realizing the effect their delivery has on others. It may take only a few minutes to offer up a gentle reminder that words can hurt. Or, you might have to stand firm and request the sarcasm comes to an end.

Try resorting to humor. Nothing diffuses a negative encounter better than a good laugh.

In some instances it’s best to ignore a rude comment. Just let it go. After analyzing my dream I realized I was holding onto pent-up emotions and quickly sent a silent blessing to the concierge then moved on to enjoy my day. Do you have a silent blessing you want to send? Do so. It cannot hurt and may end up improving someone’s disposition.

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

Ask The Doctor

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

March 26 to April 1, 2015

by dr peter kadile

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

Take two and call me in the morning

Dr. Peter, what is the difference between sea salt and regular table salt? - Ervin, Cathedral City

Ervin, sea salt is produced from the ocean and table salt is mined from underground salt deposits. Sea salt crystals tend to be larger and have more unique flavors compared to table salt. A common misconception is that sea salt is healthier than regular table salt, but they actually contain the same amount of sodium. Don’t use more sea salt in your food because you think it is better than table salt. You should always try and minimize adding extra salt to your food.

Your body needs sodium to perform a lot of vital functions, but too much sodium can contribute to high blood pressure. The RDA (recommended daily allowance) for sodium is 2,300mg a day. If you are above the age of fifty or have medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes or kidney disease, sodium intake should be 1,500mg/day.

so then what can I drink? - Joseph, Coachella

Joseph, a big myth is that diet soda is good for you and will help you lose weight.

Diet soda will actually CAUSE weight gain. A study at Purdue University found that rats that were fed yogurt artificially sweetened gained more weight compared to rats that were fed yogurt sweetened with sugar.

Another study from the University of Texas, found that there was a 41% higher risk for obesity for each can of diet soda consumed each day. There are numerous other studies that confirm the health risks associated with diet soda intake. There is increased risk for diabetes type 2 and even osteoporosis.

Now just because diet soda is bad for you, doesn’t mean you should go back to regular soft drinks. A typical 20oz soda can contain as much as 15-18 teaspoons of sugar in it. Imagine relaxing and watching a sporting event and just spooning sugar into your mouth 15-18 times!

Bottom line, soft drinks offer no nutritional value and can actually cause harm with regular intake. I recommend don’t drink this liquid candy. Drink water.

Dr. Peter, I have been trying to lose weight since the New Year. I’ve started exercising, changed my diet and even switched my soda intake to diet soda.

My friend told me diet soda is bad,

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March 26 to April 1, 2015

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