Coachella Valley Weekly - April 16 to April 22, 2015 Vol. 4 No. 4

News

Music

Movies

Dining

Community Events

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com • April 16 to April 22, 2015 Vol. 4 No. 4

St. Paul & The Broken Bones

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Angus & Julia Stone

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Will Donato

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Techno Hillbillies

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April 16 to April 22, 2015

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SUPPORT YOUR INDEPENDENT RECORD STORE & CELEBRATE VINYL

By Lisa Morgan Record Store Day, This Saturday, April 18th. Record Alley Hours: 10am–9pm 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, Esther Sanchez Photographers Laura Hunt Little, Scott Pam, Lani Garfield, Chris Miller/ Imagine Imagery, La Maniaca Distribution Phil Lacombe, William Westley

Contents

Record Store Day.....................................3 Jack White................................................5 Don’t Be Clueless In The CV....................6 Discover The Dinosaurs...........................7 Junteeth...................................................7 Living Desert - Brew At The Zoo.............7 Boys & Girls Club PS Summer Sign Up...7 Parrot Heads............................................8 Cant’s Stand Losing You..........................8 St. Paul & The Broken Bones...................9 Fantasy Springs Events .........................10 Angus & Julia Stone...............................11 Hard Rock Hotel- Burnt Out Weekend...12 Backstage Jazz - Will Donato................12 LMS - Techno Hillbillies.........................13 Tilted Kilt Open Mic Competition.........13 Consider This - Sufjan Stevens..............14 Art Scene - Bennie Alvarez....................15 Pet Place.................................................16 The Vino Voice........................................17 Club Crawler Nightlife...........................18 Pampered Palate - Restaurant Week....20 Screeners................................................22 Book Review...........................................23 Real Estate............................................... 25 Insurance................................................25 Haddon Libby........................................27 Dale Gribow...........................................27 Safety Tips..............................................28 ShareKitchen..........................................28 Community - Lumpy’s Golf Tourn.........28 Rosie Casals Tennis................................28 Sports Scene..........................................29 Make-A-Wish .........................................30 Free Will Astrology................................31 Mind, Body & Spirit...............................31 Life & Career Coach................................32 Weiss Cracks...........................................34

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April 16 to April 22, 2015

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he Record Alley participates in Record Store Day every year.

Celebrated internationally on the third Saturday of April each year, the day celebrates the art of music, most especially the last surviving, tangible format of music left that cannot be copied or duplicated.

More than the art of music contained within its ridges, vinyl represents the art surrounding the contents: the jacket, the lyrics, the notes, the photos. Now, used more for collectibles and for those who crave that classic needle to groove sound, vinyl represents a music era all but lost to us in these digital “daze”, when one would sit pouring over the artwork on the album cover and listen to the albums as the needle moved from the outer edge to the middle, from start to finish, because that is how the music was created to be played and that is how you truly came to understand the artists who crafted it.

Since 1978, when the music scene was a kaleidoscope of influences, Record Alley has managed, under great odds, to preserve a part of our culture that was almost lost to the impersonal and manufactured era of internet marketed music. Walking into this store that has been there for music lovers for decades, is truly an interactive experience that would be lost to our new and future generations if it weren’t for Record Alley. So for owners, Jim and Shelly Stephens, and their dedicated, incredibly brainy staff, Record Store Day is almost like Christmas. They always celebrate the day by making sure they have as good of a supply of used albums out as they can.

They make special orders for the singles and albums that are being released specifically for the day, along with some special request items for their customers. But they never know what will actually arrive those hours before the big day.

“We won’t have any idea what we are going to get until Wednesday or Thursday,” shared Eleni P. Austin, a long time Record Alley shopper turned employee. “We asked for a bunch of stuff. There are about 400 titles, and we’re competing with every other record store in the country. There are going to be some very cool vinyls that we are hoping to get: from N.W.A., Straight Outta Compton, to Dolly Parton’s The Grass is Blue. All of Bruce Springsteen’s early 70s stuff is being remastered and put on vinyl as is the Sons of Anarchy soundtrack. Robert Plant is putting out something special. Foo Fighters is putting

out a special 10” disk. White Stripes is putting out their 2005 album on vinyl. The list goes on, and we will have no idea exactly what we’ll get until it comes in. It’s the same way everywhere. Last fall (during Black Friday, a second, smaller, annual Record Store Day) there was a Guardians of the Galaxy cassette that sold out quickly. I was able to get an album curated by Morrissey that compiled all of his favorite tunes from the Ramones.”

“We will be open at 10 am, and there will be a line,” warned Austin. “Rob Bradley will be covering the event while it’s happening for Channel 2. There will be records available at Coachella, but since Goldenvoice has taken over the merchandising, there will be a much smaller collection available. Also, you’ll have to carry around your vinyl with you all day in the hot sun and put it down every time you want to take a selfie…I don’t know how that’s going to work out,” she said, with the dry wit she is famous for.

Record Store Day was conceived in 2007 at a gathering of independent record store owners and employees as a way to celebrate and spread the word about the unique culture surrounding nearly 1400 independently owned record stores in the US and thousands of similar stores internationally. There are Record Store Day participating stores on every continent except Antarctica.

The Record Store website boasts, “This is a day for the people who make up the world of the record store—the staff, the customers, and

the artists—to come together and celebrate the unique culture of a record store and the special role these independently owned stores play in their communities. Special vinyl and CD releases and various promotional products are made exclusively for the day and hundreds of artists in the United States and in various countries across the globe make special appearances and performances.

Festivities include performances, cook-outs, body painting, meet & greets with artists, parades, DJs spinning records and on and on.

Metallica officially kicked off Record Store Day at Rasputin Music in San Francisco on April 19, 2008 and Record Store Day is now celebrated the third Saturday every April.”

Not every store qualifies and can participate in Record Store Day, but Record Alley does! A Record Store Day participating store is defined as “a stand-alone brick and mortar retailer whose main primary business focuses on a physical store location, whose product line consists of at least 50% music retail, whose company is not publicly traded and whose ownership is at least 70% located in the state of operation (this means only real, live, physical, indie record stores—not online retailers or corporate behemoths).

And now a word from some of our time’s most influential troubadours in support of the independent record store and Record Store Day: “The resurgence and survival of the vinyl continue to page 5

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April 16 to April 22, 2015

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record as a sustainable tangible format for music lovers to fetish, collect and enjoy for generations is a beautiful thing in this ever growing digitized, down loadable culture.

Music, movies and products suggested by algorithms generated by our searches and purchases via the web is a reality we all live in, and I’m not saying that you-tube hasn’t turned me on to some really great music and visual art that I would have never discovered otherwise. However, there is something about the longevity of the vinyl record that gives me hope that we (the hopeless music fanatic at least) will always protect it and support it.

I remember very well, the local record store and the magic there within. In Palm Springs there were two that changed my life.

The RECORD ALLEY which opened its doors in 1978, was where I bought my first KISS record, Aerosmith, Mountain, Black Sabbath, The Seeds, Jimi Hendrix, ZZ Top, then in the early 80’s all the punk treasures that we would discover, Ramones, DEVO, imports like the Damned, Peter and the Test Tube Babies, Crass, and Bauhaus. L.A., San Francisco and O.C. bands like X, Black Flag, Adolescents, the Minute Men, the Dead Kennedy’s - we couldn’t wait to hit the bins, scoring the Who, Pink Floyd, Ram Jam, The Plasmatics, Iggy Pop, Frank Zappa, Motorhead....it goes on and on. Still on my shelf to pull down, play and gaze upon the awesome art work and read the liner notes like they were written just for me. Try to download that! – Mario Lalli (Fatso Jetson)

My introduction to all this great music and to ‘the music business’ came from hanging around, and eventually, working at independent record stores. Nothing beats browsing in your favorite store, listening to music, finding something new or old that you’ve been searching for, all that. And without these stores, there’s just no way Wilco would still be around.” - Jeff Tweedy (Wilco) “I don’t know if I’d ever have had the exposure to the roots and world music... folk, blues, classic jazz, gypsy, Celtic, African, Latin, had it not been for combing the racks of the local independent record stores in the Cambridge/Boston area when I was in college and the years since. Those ‘mom and pop’ stores and small chains, like radio, provided the rich soil from which so much of my passion and education sprang. Having the ability to linger and talk about selections with a staff person who really knew their stuff and was able to illuminate why certain albums by a given artist were better than others or steer me to new exciting finds I never would have discovered without their help, is another reason why preserving these independent record stores is so crucial. It’s the personal connection, the vastly more extensive collections, and being part of the community of like-minded music fans, that makes such a difference. I loved striking up conversations or just spending hours reading notes on vinyl record covers and having the visceral experience of being surrounded by so much history and variety. Nothing like it. So much of what I love about music of all kinds and eras

was hatched by just this kind of discovery and choice. The decisions about what to carry and the overall service of these stores is what has made so many of us who we are, as musicians and people. Indelible, irreplaceable...and a treasure to protect.” - Bonnie Raitt “Some of my fondest childhood memories are of going to a small record store in Florence, AL called The Turning Point every Friday or Saturday. I would skip lunch at school and save my lunch money for the week and it would put me within a dollar or two of having enough for a record a week (1974 prices)...

Here I am 43 with a wife and child and I’m still misappropriating my lunch money like in 5th grade. The record labels throwing the indie stores to the wolves and casting their lot with the faceless megastores is indicative the mindset that has put them in such sorry shape of late. The indie record store was the closest link between music and the consumer and there was no replacing that interaction.

It is good to see that some of the surviving indie stores are in some cases showing growth largely due to sales of vinyl records. It IS an interesting time to watch how all of this is going to pan out. Long Live Record Stores!” Patterson Hood (Drive-By Truckers) “Independent record stores are much more than the name suggests. They are an international community and platform where music has an outlet and an opportunity to grow over the long term, in a way that sincerely connects with community and culture. They are also a magnificent mob of highly opinionated musical bandits which I

April 16 to April 22, 2015 am proud to call my pals! Bill, keep that Indian ring shining for me. Matt, I’ll meet you in the morning for breakfast. John, we’ll always have Paris. Rhino…..straight outta Claremont!” Ben Harper “Do yourself a tremendous favor and go to a record store today. The relatively mild exertion of getting off your fat, computershackled ass and venturing out to find the object of your desire, the thrill of moving through actual space and time, through row upon row of records, and the tactile ecstasy of fondling the quested treasure—all this will augment and enrich the mental associations the music invokes in you for the rest of your life.” - Grinderman “Record stores keep the human social contact alive it brings people together.

Without the independent record stores the community breaks down with everyone sitting in front of their computers” - Ziggy Marley “The indie record stores are the backbone of the recorded music culture. It’s where we go to network, browse around, and find new songs to love. The stores whose owners and staff live for music have spread the word about exciting new things faster and with more essence than either radio or the press.

Any artist that doesn’t support the wonderful ma and pa record stores across America is contributing to our own extinction.” - Joan Jett Record Alley is located in the Westfield Mall at 72840 Highway 111, Palm Desert. For a current and complete list of on-going sales and merchandise check out their website www.recordalley.com

coachella

JACK WHITE ANNOUNCES FINAL ACOUSTIC SHOWS FOLLOWING COACHELLA HEADLINING PERFORMANCES

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fter many years of performing in a multitude of configurations, Jack White is announcing that he will be taking a break from performing live for a long period of time. To cap off an incredible run of shows promoting his latest album Lazaretto, and following what is shaping up to be a rollicking and fiery pair of headlining performances at this year’s Coachella Music and Arts Festival, Jack will embark on a short acoustic tour of the only five states left in the U.S. that he has yet to play. The states these shows are occurring in will be unannounced until the day of the performance. Joining Jack on his jaunt across these locations will be musicians making up an acoustic quartet, including Fats Kaplin, Lillie Mae Rische and Dominic

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Photo by © Jo McCaughey

Davis. The shows will be totally acoustic and amplified only with ribbon microphones to the audience as well. These shows will be the very first totally acoustic full concerts Jack White has ever done.

Each special acoustic performance will be announced day of show at 8am local time. Tickets for these engagements are priced at $3 per ticket and will be limited to one ticket per person. All tickets will be sold at the venue door starting at 12pm on the day of the show – first come, first served and cash only.

For more information and show announcements, stay tuned to” jackwhiteiii.com, @thirdmanrecords and facebook.com/jackwhite.

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April 16 to April 22, 2015

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Don’t Be

CLUELESS IN THE COACHELLA VALLEY

Going Greener

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t’s not easy being green,” sighed Kermit, the shyly fearless leader of The Muppets (watch for a return to TV!), singing and picking at his mandolin, decrying blending in with so many “ordinary” things, but finally deciding that as “the color of Spring,” big as a mountain, important as a river, tall as a tree and other living things, that is what he is and it’s beautiful. So there.

And now that Spring’s arrived with more spring-like temps thank you very much… we want something new --- we’re going for the green. Like Lime Green Margaritas inspired by picking the low, hanging fruit in our valley, plus fresh asparagus, avocados, scallions, artichokes, even broccoli we ask you do your part for the movement: Eat your greens! Spend the weekend picking at local Farmers’ Markets. And pencil in these events to enjoy as worthy, delicious accompaniments.

Thursday, April 16, Friday, April 17, & Saturday, April 18, 2PM and 7PM. For Immediate Release and your instant gratification: Curtain Up TONIGHT! Open to the Public! The McCallum Theatre Institute (MTI), the education division of the McCallum Theatre presents the Open Call Talent Competition 2015, the ultimate variety show. The Valley’s best vocalists, dancers, instrumentalists and novelty performers will appear on stage in four performances on Thursday, April 16 and Friday, April 17 at 7PM and Saturday, April 18 at 2PM and 7PM. This annual sell-out event has become an audience favorite and is fun for the entire family. Open Call 2015 will showcase 88 performers in 23 acts that were selected by audition. You can meet this group of talented performers by reading the “Meet the Finalists” document at www.mccallumtheatre.com/education/ opencall.php. The final performance will be judged and cash prizes will be awarded to

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an audience favorite, 2nd place and grand prize winner. The Helen Turner Grand Prize Award winner will receive $2500. Through the years Open Call has provided 1110 local artists the opportunity to work with and receive guidance from a professional artistic and production team and perform on the McCallum Theatre stage. $104,300 has been awarded to Open Call finalists since the first show in 1999. For the 7PM performances on Thursday, April 16 and Friday, April 17 and 2PM performance on Saturday, April 18 tickets are $10, $15, $25, $35 with a special ticket price of $10 for children 12 and under. For the final performance at 7PM on Saturday, April 18 tickets are $15, $25, $45 and $55. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at the theatre box office, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, by calling (760) 340-ARTS or online at www. mccallumtheatre.com. Wowee! Zowie!

Don’t miss these performances, or you won’t get bragging rights to say, you knew them when!

Sunday, April 19, 6:30PM. Pardon our sigh, but there’s no more romantic evening, more swoon-worthy, in a more spectacular setting than “Opera Under the Stars,” featuring operatic arias, classic Broadway and operetta performances by world class singers, and the presentation of the St. Cecilia Patron of Music Award to Palm Springs Life magazine in memory of Milt Jones, publisher. The setting? On The Rose Lawn of The Renaissance Esmeralda Hotel in Indian Wells, where no ceiling interrupts the flow of the musical masterpieces as they seem to reach the stars above the appreciative audience. OperaArts, created from the collaborative dreams and efforts of a small consortium of community residents and opera aficionados, is a non-profit organization whose goal is to present quality musical performances, with emphasis on Opera and operetta, accompanied by high quality visual arts and art experiences, to the Coachella Valley community, with emphasis on our youth and senior citizens.

Ticket per person, $125, full sit-down dinner at The Renaissance Esmeralda Hotel, 44400 Indian Wells. Lane, Indian Wells. For info, visit www.OperaArtsPalmSprings.org or call 760-323-8353.

by Diane Marlin-Dirkx

Friday, April 24, 6 – 9PM. R.S.V.P. Now! Follow the White Rabbit to Meet the Museum 2015! Now in its tenth year, the Meet the Museum membership drive party will take place on the Friday of White Party Weekend. An annual event to encourage new museum membership, it offers discounted admission to this signature party, along with the extensive benefits of museum membership for one full year. Last year nearly 1,000 people attended Meet the Museum and the one-night event raised more than $70,000. It is expected to sell out again this year. All proceeds benefit museum operations, exhibitions and education programs. This year’s fabulous Alice In Wonderland themed party is crammed with treats and surprises, including Matt Elson’s Infinity Boxes located in the Picture Parlor for photo ops for posting and souvenirs. Set amidst the museum and its art, the evening includes complimentary valet parking, surprise performances and musical acts with entertainment by Live It Up Productions, DJ entertainment by Pride Nation Radio & Proud Television’s DJ Corey D, and keepsakes featuring Matt Elson’s Infinity Boxes, multiple open bar stations, delectable edibles including the notorious Candy Bar by LuLu California Bistro, and much, much more! Financial adviser and philanthropist Jim Casey returns to chair the event with his Integrated Wealth Management as sponsor of Meet the Museum since 2011. Reserve now for exclusive admission to the VIP Lounge.

The $100 ticket provides instant entry and exclusive access to the VIP Lounge and VIPonly bar. Secure your ticket by contacting the membership department at 760-3224807. $75 (includes one-year individual

membership and one ticket to the event). $135 (includes one-year dual membership and two tickets to the event) Existing members can purchase a ticket for $40, or VIP ticket for $100, per person. Business level for $750 includes a one-year business membership, sponsorship acknowledgment on all publicity, 2 VIP Lounge tickets, and 6 museum guest passes. VIP admission upgrades are available for new members as well. For more info, please visit www. psmuseum.org/meet-the-museum.org or contact the museum’s membership office at 760-322-4807, membership@psmuseum. org. Tickets are not issued; names will be at the door. To make sure yours is listed, hop to it!

Saturday, April 25, 2 – 4PM. The massive, prancing horses with big hooves and light, happy gait are more than horses, they’re Clydesdales of Scottish origin and one of the highlights of Spring in Palm Desert is a return visit from the world-renowned Budweiser Clydesdales on April 25 from 2 to 4 p.m. Arriving in an eight-horse hitch 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.

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. The Budweiser Clydesdales will be remembered recently for Super Bowl XLIX, with a new commercial, “Lost Dog,” a sequel to the previous year’s “Puppy Love.” (Spoiler alert: Tear jerker! The series of commercials date back to the 1986 Super Bowl, when the Clydesdales tromped through the snow while a chorus chirped “when you say Bud you’ve said it all.” Indeed. Bring the whole family to welcome them!

“Don’t Be Clueless” wants to remind you that press releases for inclusion should be in to the Coachella Valley Weekly at least two weeks ahead of the scheduled event!

Thanks!

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By Sarah Hahne

Discover the Dinosaurs Exhibit Returns to Palm Springs Convention Center he Discover the Dinosaurs show painters offer simple dinosaur designs to full-

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roars back into the Palm Springs Convention Center, April 18-19, featuring nearly 60 dinosaur interactive exhibits. The unique show features a walk through exhibit area for attendees to see and touch museum quality and animatronic dinosaurs. Each exhibit scene is designed with the sights, sounds, motions, and realistic backdrops and landscaping to represent a period of time that best reflects when the dinosaurs lived.

The Discover the Dinosaurs show creates an educational and interactive environment for guests to explore the wonderment and mystery of the pre-historic past. Beyond the exhibits, families can also discover activities including: Dino Dig: A fun way to experience being a Jr. Paleontologist, guests can brush away sand to reveal dinosaur fossils beneath.

Dino Theater: Educational and entertaining movies on a dinosaur sized screen.

Dinosaur Rides: Ride on the back of a T-Rex or Triceratops! Hop in the saddle on top of one of these animatronic dinosaurs.

Inflatables: Jump, slide, play, and have a blast in several dinosaur themed inflatables.

Dino Face painting: Professional face

face painting for purchase.

WHEN: April 18: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. April 19: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

WHERE: Palm Springs Convention Center, 277 N. Avenida Caballeros, Palm Springs COST: Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at discoverthedinosaurs.com.

Adults : $18.00 (13yrs & older) Children:$22.00 (2-12yrs) – exhibit plus Includes Dinosaur Exhibit, Dino Dig, Dino Den, Dino Theater, Dino Coloring Station, Scavenger Hunt, Unlimited Dinosaurs Rides, Mini Golf, and Inflatables.

Children: $16.00 (2-12yrs) – exhibit only Includes Dinosaur Exhibit, Dino Dig, Dino Den, Dino Theater, Dino Coloring Station and Scavenger Hunt. (Individual ride tickets may be purchased for $5-$6).

Seniors: $16.00 (65+)

BUY EARLY & SAVE ON TICKETS FOR BREW AT THE ZOO AT THE LIVING DESERT

6th Annual Event May 2nd Features Unlimited Samples of Beer, Wine & Food

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ver 50 breweries and restaurants take over The Living Desert on Saturday, May 2nd from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., for the Sixth Annual Brew at the Zoo. Early bird tickets at reduced prices are on sale now.

Craft beer fans will love the selection of tastings from some of the finest specialty brews around. In addition to beer, there are also will be plenty of other delicious libations, including premium wines and nonalcoholic beverages to satisfy every thirst.

A culinary adventure awaits guests with delectable dishes and desserts from some of the Coachella Valley’s top restaurants and caterers. Live music stages add to the festive evening.

Brew at the Zoo, set amidst the spectacular backdrop of wildlife and botanical garden, is a major fundraiser for the zoo. By attending this annual event,

participants will be “Saving Wildlife One Beer at a Time,” and support the mission of desert conservation through preservation, education and appreciation.

Join fellow beer enthusiasts and foodie aficionados for this popular evening, which offers guests’ unlimited tastes of premium craft beers, wine and food. Now through May 1, tickets are $45 for members, $55 non-members. A limited amount of VIP Lounge tickets are available for $125.

Tickets on May 2 and at the door are: $50 member, $60 non-member, a Designated Driver ticket is $35. To purchase tickets visit: www.livingdesert.org.

Major sponsors of this year’s Brew at the Zoo include Heimark Distributing, A Taste of the Wild, Sis Jackson, Signature Party Rentals, and Fidelity National Bank.

For more info, visit LivingDesert.org or contact 760-346-5694.

April 16 to April 22, 2015

FAMILY HEALTH AND SUPPORT NETWORK PRESENTS ‘JUNETEENTH IN THE COACHELLA VALLEY’ amily Health & Support Network (FHSN) art and culture, with a

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presents a Juneteenth in the Coachella Valley Celebration and Pioneer Awards Fundraiser on Saturday, June 20, 2015 at La Quinta Resort & Spa, 49-499 Eisenhower Drive in La Quinta. The eighth annual event honors AfricanAmerican culture and heritage and is a benefit for Family Health & Support Network’s foster care, prevention, and early intervention programs.

The evening begins with a V.I.P. reception at 6 p.m. followed by dinner and the Pioneer Awards at 7 p.m. Guests are encouraged to wear “smart casual white.” Tickets are $55 for general admission, and $75 for V.I.P. reception and seating. Sponsorships available and individual or group tickets may be purchased at 760-340-2442 or juneteenthcv.com.

“The funds raised at the Juneteenth Celebration and Pioneer Awards are used to enhance the quality of programs and services we offer, and to educate our community,” explained Sandra Austin, Executive Director of Family Health & Support Network. “This event also provides much-needed recognition to high-risk youth and young adults who are in desperate need of healthy and supportive attention.”

The “It’s My Life” Pioneer Awards offer an opportunity to honor youth and young adults age 12-25 who, despite challenging life circumstances such as foster care, homelessness, economic, physical or emotional challenges, have persevered and thrived. Nominations are being accepted until May 15, 2015 in the following categories: Unity, Self Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith. Descriptions of each category and an online nomination form are available at juneteenthcv.com.

The event will also feature African-American

by Cindy Duffy

selection of vendors and exhibitors showcasing their artwork, products and services. This “All White Attire” evening inspires and empowers local residents and visitors, and 100% of the proceeds directly benefit the children and families served by the FHSN foster care program.

V.I.P. tickets include a private reception with a wine tasting, passed hors d’oeuvres, photo opportunity and live entertainment. V.I.P. guests will enjoy premier seating during the Pioneer Awards and the main celebration, including dinner and a special performance.

“FHSN has contracts with Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange Counties for the placement and administrative oversight of children and youth who have been removed from their homes as victims of abuse and neglect,” added Austin. “We are actively recruiting qualified individuals and couples who share our passion for helping children and youth to serve as certified foster parents.

Please join us for this very special evening.”

Family Health & Support Network, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit established in 2003 by founding members Sandra Austin, Robbie Peer, and Michael Scott, that serves high-risk children who have been removed from their homes as victims of abuse and neglect and who have been placed in protective custody.

For more information about Family Health & Support Network, Inc. please visit fhsnet.org To learn about the Juneteenth event, award categories, and to submit nominations, please visit juneteenthcv.com.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF PALM SPRINGS SUMMER PROGRAM

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ith summer just around the corner, Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs is now excepting registrations for its summer program to be held June 15 through August 13, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The summer program is open to all Club members. Those interested in joining can do so for a membership fee of $15 for six months that allows access to the Club from 2 to 6 p.m. during the summer. Membership periods are from January 1-June 30 and July 1-December 31. If parents are interested in all day care, kids must also be signed up for the summer program that is an additional $40 per week.

“Summer is always an exciting time at the Club. The kids’ energy levels are sky high and we are happy to provide a safe and fun place for them to spend their time off,” said Andrea Madrigal, Chief Professional Officer of Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs. “We have many new programs that we can’t wait to introduce to our members.”

Some of those activities include stimulating ways to curb summer learning loss, the new Robotech Program, game room tournaments, swimming in the indoor pool, art and crafts, sport leagues, organized gym tournaments, movies, video games, team building exercises and other various

group happenings.

Alongside the cost of the program, there is a one-time expense of $10 for the summer program T-shirt. To ensure a space, members must pay the Wednesday prior to the week they plan on attending. The option to pay for the full summer program upfront is available with a $40 discount bringing the cost to $320, which includes the cost of the T-shirt.

Space is extremely limited and based on a first-come, first-served basis. Summer program is open to members ages six to 12.

For more information or questions about membership and the summer program, contact Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs at (760) 327-1304 ext. 0.

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April 16 to April 22, 2015

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Parrot Heads Unite to Benefit Loving All Animals in Paradise Party Gary Seiler & the CoastRiders set to Perform your favorite buffett hits

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immy Buffett fans will rejoice to find that Parrot Heads are coming together in the desert to benefit Loving All Animals on Saturday May 2nd from 3-6PM featuring popular Jimmy Buffett tribute band, Gary Seiler & the CoastRiders.

Gary Seiler & the CoastRiders is a premier corporate and concert show band whose four-part harmonies take you back to the surf music of the Beach Boys, the unique California-sound of the Eagles and as they say, to the “second happiest place on earth, Margaritaville”, with Jimmy Buffett music.

Gary Seiler has played all over the world opening up for top drawer performers such as Jimmy Buffett, Willie Nelson, and Jan & Dean, to name a few.

The term “Parrot Head” was coined in 1985 at a Jimmy Buffett concert at the Timberwolf Amphitheater in Cincinnati, OH according to Wikipedia. Buffett has said numerous times that he attributes much of his fame to this area. At the show, Jimmy commented about everyone wearing Hawaiian shirts and parrot hats and how they kept coming back to see his shows, just like Deadheads (Grateful Dead fans).

Parrot Head clubs sprang up in Ohio in 1985 to pay homage to Jimmy Buffett by music

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fans who wanted to make a difference in their community. There are several Parrot Head clubs in the southwest area including San Diego, Apple Valley, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Tucson. They are dedicated to preserving and improving the environment, are active in many community-orientated projects in their respective areas and raise money through charity drawings, silent auctions, tribute concerts and donations at club events throughout the year.

Cheeseburgers in Paradise sponsored

by Sullivan’s and tropical appetizers will be available for purchase along with tropical cocktails, beer, wine and soft drinks at a nohost bar.

You don’t have to be a Parrot Head to come. Being on the guest list for the Parrot Head Paradise Party is reasonably priced at $39 per person before April 25th and $49 from April 26th until sold out. Parrot Head Club members are encouraged to get on the guest list early and reserve a table for their club. The Parrot Head Club with the most members will win a prize.

For more information or to be put on the guest list, visit www.lovingallanimals.org/ parrot-heads-paradise-party.html or call 760-834-7000.

FILM

CAN’T STAND LOSING YOU: SURVIVING THE POLICE “Must-See” documentary based on Andy

coachella

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by lisa morgan

St. Paul and the Broken Bones Bring it to Letterman and now to Coachella

Summers’ memoir ‘One Train Later’

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an’t Stand Losing You: Surviving The Police the rockumentary based on the acclaimed memoir of the legendary guitarist of the British new wave trio The Police, Andy Summers is coming to Palm Desert. The feature-length film, features Summers, Sting and Stewart Copeland, and tells of the band’s meteoric rise, headline-grabbing break-up, and reunion twenty years later, through rare archival footage and Summers’ personal collection of photographs. Fans lined up to see the film when in premiered in New York and Los Angeles, and the film continues to widen its release when it comes to the Cinémas Palme d’Or on Friday 4/17 for a commercial run.

Directed and edited by Andy Grieve, who recently edited “Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief,” “The Armstrong Lie” and “We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks”, the film tells of Summers’ musical journey from his early days in the London music scene to his chance encounter with drummer Copeland and bassist Sting and the formation of the neo-punk trio, The Police in 1977. From struggling musician to international ‘Rock God’ in two years, Summers’ camera captured the rollercoaster ride to fame and the Faustian trade-off between unprecedented success in the MTV era with love and creative freedom.

The film starts as Summers’ prepares for the band’s highly anticipated 2007 reunion tour, recalling the 1983 Shea Stadium concert the marked the end.

Based on the acclaimed memoir by renowned guitarist Andy Summers, Can’t Stand Losing You: Surviving The Police follows Summers’ journey from his early days in psychedelic ‘60s music scene, when he played with The Animals, to chance encounters with drummer Stewart Copeland and bassist Sting, which led to the formation of a punk trio, The Police.

Over the course of the band’s phenomenal rise and eventual dissolution in 1983 at the height of their popularity, Summers captured history with his candid photographs.

Utilizing rare archival footage and insights from the guitarist’s side of the stage, Can’t Stand Losing You: Surviving The Police, brings together past and present as the band members reunite, two decades later, for a massive world tour.

The film was produced by Norman Golightly, Nicolas Cage, and Bob Yari, and features an original score by Summers, who is also an Executive Producer. The reunion concert footage was directed by Lauren Lazin. North American rights were by Cinema Libre Studio from Yari Film Group in a deal negotiated by Executive Producer William J. Immerman and Cinema Libre Studio’s CEO, Philippe Diaz.

The film, which was brought to the attention of Cinema Libre Studio by Mandy Ward and Johanna Bennett, co-founders of the First Time Fest, will be released on DVD, Blu-ray, and On Demand platforms starting in July preceding a television broadcast.

The Police are considered one of the top 80s rock bands and have won six Grammys ®, two Brit Awards, an MTV Video Music Award, and were inducted into the Rock ‘N Roll Hall of Fame. Four of their five studio albums appeared on Rolling Stone’s list of Greatest Albums of All Time. Their best known songs include: “Can’t Stand Losing You,” “Message in the Bottle,” “Every Breath You Take,” “So Lonely,” “Walking on the Moon,” and of course, “Roxanne,” the lyrics known worldwide. The trio was featured in the iconic “I Want My MTV” promotional campaign. Their final studio album, Synchronicity, topped the American charts for 17 weeks and was number one in both the UK and the US, and sold over 8 million copies in the US alone. They have sold over 75 million records, making them one of the world’s best-selling artists of all time.

The band reunited in 2007 for a highlyanticipated world tour that covered the globe and continued into August 2008. The success of the tour made them the world’s highest-earning musicians in 2008 and 8th top grossing tour of all time.

STARTS FRIDAY APRIL 17 at Cinémas Palme d’Or (72840 Highway 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260, (760) 779-0430 ) www.cantstandlosingyou.com www.facebook.com/cantstandlosingyou Twitter:@asummersmovie #cantstandlosingyou www.cinemalibrestudio.com www.facebook.com/cinemalibrestudio twitter.com/cinemalibre

April 16 to April 22, 2015

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here I was, minding my own business, watching a little post-CV Weekly writing deadline TV – the late night music lover, David Letterman: “The first time I heard this song, I was screaming ‘til I cried,” said Dave, who was as on fire as a Pentecostal preacher at a tent sale. “That’s what I want. Can you do that for me tonight? And it won’t be your fault, but if I don’t get that, I’m going to stop the show, and we’ll do it over.” I thought to myself, whoever these guys are, they better bring it. Seemed like a lot of pressure for any band on this high profile gig. “We’ve known you guys for a long time...we know who you guys are,” Letterman said. “Let’s launch this rocket, OK?” St. Paul and the Broken Bones, composed of Paul Janeway, Browan Lollar, Jesse Phillips, Andrew Lee, Al Gamble, Ben Griner, and Allen Branstetter, unleashed their song, “Call Me” and they did not disappoint.

Letterman didn’t have to stop for a do-over, but he did make the band keep playing after the song ended, and they had no problem appeasing their most famous fan (or the one writing about them right now). I watched an unbridled soul pouring out pure musical joy, delivered through a vessel that was completely abandoned to the song, with no thoughts of the cameras or how he looked on them. It was inspirational.

Little did I know that in a few weeks, I’d be talking to the lead singer who pulled that national audience into their fan base like a weaponized pied piper.

(In his native accent) “They said Dave’s a fan of y’alls and I said, ‘Cool,’ thinking they were just paying us lip service. Turns out, he really was, and that was way cool,” shared Paul Janeway, lead singer of the seven-

piece soul band based out of Birmingham, Alabama.

CVW: I think what impressed me most was your absolute, selfless abandon to your music along with your incredible vocals. Not many people can do that without a six pack of beer in them. You appeared to be completely sober. How did you get to the place where you could do that so inspirationally well?

Janeway: (Laughs) Thank you. Being uninhibited is definitely part of what I do, and I have never drank a drop, ever. It’s a weird thing. Maybe it’s a lack of knowledge.

It is almost stupidity in a way. You love it so much you just do it. I‘m hot or cold; I am really into it, or really not into it. That’s how I sing, and that’s how I do a lot of things.

My parents were strict about what I listened to musically. I grew up in church. I really love the church, but I could only listen to gospel music and a little bit of soul...

Sam Cook, The Stylistics, old-school Marvin Gaye…pre ‘Let’s Get It On’ Marvin Gaye.

Then there was Aretha Franklin…man, to this day, I think she’s one of the best singers ever. But at 18, I started listening to Tom Waits and other lesser known artists. And Muscle Shoals is right down the road form us; Rolling Stones, Wilson Picket, Aretha Franklin…all these great folks performed and recorded there. There is this kind of tradition for great music ... you can’t half ass it. You literally put it all on the table, and that’s what we do EVERY show.

CVW: You put out an EP, Greetings from St. Paul and The Broken Bones, before you even did a show together, and you gained attention from managers and labels alike.

In January 2013, you began to record your first full length album, Half the City, at the Nutthouse Recording Studios Sheffield, Alabama and Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. One year later it was released under Single Lock Records (a record label owned by Ben Tanner, Will Trapp, and John Paul White of The Civil Wars). Half the City received immediate critical acclaim from many national journalistic outlets including Paste magazine, Rolling Stone and NPR, among others. In its first week of sales, Half the City reached #62, and ultimately #56 on Billboard 200 charts. When did it occur to you that this music thing just might work out for you?

Janeway: This was going to be our last

hurrah, but then, something just clicked…”

(Laughs) “I think the first time we sold out a show in our hometown, Birmingham… that was a big moment for us. I thought ok, ‘I’m going to be doing this longer than just a few months.’ Then we sold out a show in Chicago before our album had even come out. I thought, ‘Maybe this will turn into a living.’ The music business is a combination of luck, skill and hard work...those 3 things have to line up to have a lasting effect. And it just doesn’t happen for a lot of people.

We have a great booking agent who knows how to feel a room. We played 200 shows last year so we have been busy. I definitely feel lucky, but I’ve also worked my ass off.

CVW: You guys are an interesting addition to a music festival that, progressively, has more of an EDM/Techno

element. How do you feel about playing this world famous festival?

Janeway: I went to Coachella in 2008.

I’m a huge Prince fan. I was working at a construction company and I was getting over a bad break up. I told myself that I didn’t care how much it cost me, I was going to take a few days and fly out to California to see Prince at Coachella. I spent my whole paycheck on a plane ticket, and I waited all day to see him.

CVW: All to heal a broken heart?

Janeway: Yes, to heal my broken heart.

I got up early in the morning and waited at the gate, then waited all day to get front and center. I about passed out ‘cause I’m not used to the heat. It is pretty special to do these things when you are a fan of music, and then turn around and perform at them. It’s a dream.

When I told our booking agent that I had gone to Coachella, and I’d really like to play it, he said ‘You know, Coachella is a lot of EDM – there’s not a lot of room for real bands.’ So he basically prepped me that we weren’t going to get it. So when we got it, I could barely contain my excitement.

2015 Coachella traffic Information

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he Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival will be held at the Empire Polo Club on April 10, 11 and 12 and April 17, 18 and 19, 2015, at 81-800 Ave 51.

FRIDAY APRIL 10-SUNDAY APRIL 12 AND FRIDAY APRIL 17 - SUNDAY APRIL 19, THE FOLLOWING ROADWAYS WILL BE PRIMARY ACCESS ROUTES FOR THE FESTIVALS: · Jefferson St, southbound, from I-10 to Ave 52 · Washington St, southbound, from I-10 to Ave 52 · Monroe St, southbound, from I-10 to Ave 52 · Highway 111 at Jefferson St · Highway 111 at Monroe St · I-10 exit eastbound at Jefferson · I-10 exit eastbound at Monroe ROAD CLOSURES: · Ave 49 between Hjorth St and Monroe St · Ave 50 between Madison St and Jackson St · Hjorth St between Ave 49 and Ave 50 · Madison St between Ave 49 and Ave 52 ALTERNATE ROUTES: · North and South travel, use Washington St, Jackson St, Calhoun St and Golf Center Pkwy · East and West travel, use Fred Waring Drive, Miles Ave, Ave 48 and Ave 54 UBER/TAXI LOCATION: · Ave 49 and Monroe St on the southwest corner inside the venue PARENT DROP OFF AND PICK UP: · Ave 52 and Madison St inside the venue CONTINUED FOR 2015: Absolutely NO PEDESTRIANS OR PEDESTRIAN FESTIVAL ACCESS will be allowed on Monroe St between Ave 49 and Ave 52.

Pedestrian Access IS available at the corner of Ave 49 & Monroe St AND at the corner of Ave 52 & Madison St. Please note that golf carts are not permitted on any of the above-listed streets.

There will be approximately 35,000 guests shuttled into and out of the concert venue from various locations throughout the Coachella Valley to help ease traffic conditions.

For concert questions or problems, please call (760) 541-7800 or email to concertinfo@ indio.org

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April 16 to April 22, 2015

PITBULL

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

By bradley Ryan

events

THE INTERNATIONAL MUSIC SENSATION IN CONCERT AT FANTASY SPRINGS RESORT CASINO Saturday, May 9th at 8pm

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iami-native Pitbull aka Mr. Worldwide and Mr. 305, a globally successful musician, performer, fashion icon and actor continues to take the music scene by storm. On Saturday, May 9th the global sensation brings his high energy live performance to Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.

Pitbull has #1 hits in more than 15 countries and his videos have been viewed more than 7 billion times, his music video for the single “Give Me Everything” has alone received over 300 million views on Youtube.

His career sales exceed 5 million albums and 40 million singles worldwide. Globalization, Pitbull’s eighth studio album, features an allstar line-up of featured performers such as Ne-Yo, Sean Paul, Chris Brown, Jason Derulo and many more. Pitbull’s single, “Feel This Moment” featuring Christina Aguilera, from his critically-acclaimed album Global Warming became a global hit. It was the highly anticipated follow-up to Planet Pit, which earned critical acclaim and enjoyed massive commercial success with sales of more than 1.7 million albums and 19 million singles. “Don’t Stop The Party” was released on the heels of Pitbull’s 2 million-selling single “Back In Time,” the chart-topping

anthem from the action-adventure-comedy Men In Black 3. Pitbull’s new single “Time Of Our Lives” featuring Ne-Yo is another worldwide smash. His world tours have sold out concerts in United States, Canada and Europe, before bringing the party to the Japan, China, Latin America and Australia.

Tickets for the 8PM performance go on sale NOW for $129, $99, $89, $69 at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, via telephone (800) 827-2946 or online at www.

FantasySpringsResort.com.

DEEP PURPLE

HARD ROCK AND HEAVY METAL LEGENDS COME TO FANTASY SPRINGS RESORT CASINO Saturday, August 15th at 8pm

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ne of the biggest pioneers of hard rock and heavy metal in history, Deep Purple bring their megahits like “Smoke On The Water,” “Hush” and “Perfect Strangers” to the Special Events Center stage at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on Saturday, August 15th at 8pm.

With an ever-increasing global fan base that grows by the day, Deep Purple continues to run on all cylinders. Fueled by rush of the crowds at their live shows, Deep Purple is still leaving it all out on the stage for their fans. The group has released 4 studio albums since 1996 providing new ammunition for live shows. All five band members also have an impressive amount

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of solo projects they’ve completed over the years.

Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Ian Paice, Steve Morse and Don Airey, continue to travel and explore the landscape of hard rock. The band’s newer material compliments their time-honored catalogue and the result is one of the finest musical outputs to grace rock music. Fans can see it all come together live on stage at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on Saturday, August 15th.

Tickets for the 8pm Deep Purple performance on sale NOW for $79, $59, $49 at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, via telephone (800) 827-2946 or online at www.FantasySpringsResort.com.

coachella

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

April 16 to April 22, 2015

by lisa morgan

Angus and Julia Stone, an Aussie Family Tradition

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ngus and Julia Stone, a brother and sister duo from Sydney, Australia, are nothing short of enchanting. The vocal blend that is unique to these singers sharing the same genetic singing gene, is absolute ear candy. The two have released three studio albums, A Book Like This (2007), Down the Way (2010) and their self-titled album (2014), they won five awards from nine nominations: Album of the Year, Best Adult Alternative Album, Best Cover Art and Producer of the Year for Down the Way and Single of the Year for “Big Jet Plane”. Angus and Julia have each issued two solo albums, with Angus releasing Smoking Gun (under the pseudonym Lady of the Sunshine) in 2009 and Broken Brights in 2012; Julia’s albums are The Memory Machine (2010) and By the Horns (2012).

Their latest album, produced with the industry hero, Rick Rubin, famed American record producer, former co-president of Columbia Records, co-founder of Def Jam Records and founder of American Recordings (need I say more) created quite a buzz. This time last year, Julia tweeted from her Twitter account, “Up at the studio in Malibu. Recording with me brethren and the man of wonder, Rick, for the new album.” Rubin helped reunite the duo and co-produced the album. “This album is extraordinary,” said Rubin. “Angus and Julia are truly unique musicians. They are authentic and pure people who do things from the heart. I’ve never worked with anyone like them before,” as he went on to describe the album as one of “blended harmonies....and experimental guitar textures.” The album, Angus & Julia Stone, was released in August that same year in Australia through EMI Music Australia, and on the same day in the United States through Rubin’s American Recordings. The album is the highest-charting by the duo to date, reaching the top 10 in several countries including France, Germany, the Netherlands and New Zealand.

I had the privilege of speaking to Julia,

Thursday afternoon, just before their trip to the desert from LA, for their performance at weekend one of Coachella: Stone (in her warm and graceful Australian accent): “Last time we came out to Coachella, it was hot and windy. It seems really lovely this time.”

CVW: Having played many festivals, how does Coachella feel to you both?

Stone: We played Coachella 6 years ago, on the side stage at like 11am when we first started out…when hardly anyone was there.

It’s kind of a happy, nostalgic memory.

There’s less pressure on the smaller stage - you don›t feel like you have to prove anything. But it is always so beautiful to play outdoors. And with the palm trees and mountains, the area is so special.

CVW: This last album, the two of you wrote songs together for the first time.

How was that process for you? You both have very different writing styles. Did that make it difficult?

Stone: When we make albums, we don’t really talk about how we’re going to make it sound. Angus is really interesting writer. He can write a really great kind of pop melody but his sensibilities are classic rock and verging on psychedelic rock. It is an interesting mix of styles. He has a great ear for melody and an interesting way of putting lyrics together. He is able to find the right few words to capture a direct message. I think I use more words to create an idea, and that affects the way I work with melodies, as it moves around a lot. It›s reflective of our personalities as

well. Angus has a really reflective way of watching the world and watching things happen and it comes out very refined. For me, I›m figuring things out as I go along... there›s a bit of exploration that goes on.

This album, there is a mix. There are 4 songs that Angus wrote on his own, 4 songs that I wrote on my own and some that we wrote together. We thought it wouldn›t work because we have such different styles, but it was actually very natural. We have been through so much together and know each other so well. We felt free to just try things, and we got really comfortable and trusting. It was an exciting and surprisingly easy process.

Angus & Julia Stone perform this weekend at Coachella on Friday at 4:20pm on the Outdoor Theater Stage.

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April 16 to April 22, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Local Music Spotlight

By adele Van gerwen

Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs presents a Second “Burnt out” Weekend of DJs

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ith all the activity that took place last weekend around the valley, a few hundred guests at Hard Rock Palm Springs were among the lucky fans who were treated to world class music from the comfort of their poolside loungers.

“Burnt Out” is an understatement after last weekend with ASOAE (A Series of Awesome Events) at the Hard Rock. Kicking off Weekend 1 with some funky future disco vibes was the lounge-y Le Youth on Friday night in the hotel lobby. Adding to the groove were artists Hotel Garuda and Rambo V whose tropical vibes left guests feeling sundrenched at night.

On Saturday, the iconic poolside location was the scene where party goers were transported from a futuristic time warp to a palm tree-infested utopia with a special set from Le Youth. Preparing festival-goers for his set the following day in the Mojave tent with RAC, artist Penguin Prison delivered a phenomenal closing set.

On Sunday, things got very tropical with marimba-filled tunes from San Diego local artist Rambo V, and then transitioned very smoothly into the melodic sounds

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Backstage Jazz

Will Donato

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from Dirty Bird artist Justin Jay. Following his performance at the Do Lab stage on Saturday, Justin Jay catered to his post set blues by surprising the crowd with live vocals and guitar. Closing Sunday at the pool was AM Only artist, Hotel Garuda, who blew the crowd away with his Banks “Begging For Thread” (Hotel Garuda Remix).

If you missed out last weekend, don’t worry, ASOAE is back at the Hard Rock for a second weekend and has another spectacular line up. Gracing the decks will be Vegas resident DJs Strip and Baroud who you can count on to spin their top 10 hit, Aaliyah - One In A Million (Strip & Baroud Remix) as well as a live performance by Santana C and several others. Parties are scheduled for Friday and Saturday nights in the lobby, as well as Saturday and Sunday afternoon at the pool.

There is no cover charge for the “Burnt Out” events poolside or in the lobby at Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs, but you will need to present your ID. Over 21 only. Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs is located at 150 S. Indian Canyon Drive in the heart of Palm Springs.

’ve been into smooth jazz since I first discovered David Sanborn back in the 90’s.

That has led me into some of the best music in the world and started my passion for smooth jazz.

Right after my husband Len passed away I was driving to downtown Palm Springs to have some dinner when I heard Len say in my ear “go to the Riviera” so I did. Len and I had always planned to go to hear the jazz by the pool, but never made it there. I pulled up and asked the valet if they had someone playing. He said that the music started at 5. I parked my car and went to the poolside area. I was the only one there. I took a seat and in walked this adorable smiling guy with blue sunglasses. It was Will Donato.

Will Donato and Art of Sax ‘serenaded me’ as he calls it. I was so intimidated yet mesmerized I could hardly look at him. Will Donato blew me away. He was so good and so entertaining and yes, gorgeous. I could not believe that an entertainer of this caliber was playing in a local venue.

As I came to find out, Will Donato is no ‘local’ musician. He is one of the top smooth jazz sax players in the industry. He is also a smooth jazz composer and recording artist. He has had 10 ‘singles’ hits on the charts. In fact he was one of the Top 50 Billboard artists in 2010. He plays all over the country, plays on Jazz Cruises, and plays on other artists CDs. He has 5 CDS to date on Innervision Records with a new one on the way.

Right now he’s in the process of recording his new single release for radio produced by Steve Oliver and mixed by Darren Rahn (who also mixed his hit ‘Funkability’. He’s played with everyone from Euge Groove to Spyro Gyra.

For those that don’t know. Will was diagnosed with cancer in his tongue in 2010.

Conventional therapy would have rendered him unable to play sax anymore. He and his beautiful wife Diana visited Mayo Clinic. The doctors there urged him to apply for an experimental laser surgery they performed. They did, and nothing less than a miracle happened when they donated their services to Will to treat the cancer. Thanks to that operation and the prayers of scores of people, Will’s cancer was removed 100% and no further treatment was necessary.

I will never forget the night he came back to play after being off for a month. I had run out to my car to get something and Will had just gotten out of his car as I was walking in. He told me he was scared because he hadn’t played since the operation. He was embarrassed by the large scar that was running down his neck.

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By patte purcell

I told him he was going to do just fine and that no one would mind about the scar. We were just happy he was ok. He went into the Riviera and started to play softly. He picked up volume as the evening progressed. The next Thursday when he played at the Hyatt I saw an almost normal Will play his heart out.

I hired Will and Art of Sax to come back to Omaha to do a fitting ‘going away party’ for my husband of 34 years and we had a blast!

We also did a concert at Soaring Wings Vineyard the next day and brought in Blake Aaron. Johnny Meza also performed. I have no doubt that it was the best celebration of life possible and I will always treasure it.

Will loves to give back and he’s always the first one to show up to play if it helps a cause.

I’ve known him to drive to San Diego to make a PR appearance at a Jazz Brunch, do a party in the afternoon and then show up for his weekly gig at the Riviera on Sunday, where he packs them in from 5-9.

He truly deserves the title of ‘Hardest working man in smooth jazz’. In addition to that he’s been mentoring Chase Huna, a 15 year old protégé, who is going to go all the way. He makes a point to remember people’s names and always calls out to them when they come in to see him. He does this in honor of his Mom who just passed after years in a home with Alzheimer’s.

He is warm and welcoming to artists and fans alike and always gives a platform for artists to showcase their talents.

Most people don’t realize that he was the valedictorian of his class.

He’s not only a hard worker but he and his wife, buy and manage rental properties. He’s not your typical musician.

Will expressed his love for the desert and the nostalgic feeling of ‘The Rat Pack’ an entertainment legacy that is at the base of this town.

He and his wife just purchased a new house and he finally has that studio he’s been dreaming about.

When I asked Will what he’d like me to write about him, he said, “just tell them how much I love what I do.” He loves the travel, he loves the playing, he loves the recording. He loves the life (and his wife who he refers to as “The Goddess”.) His goals include playing his originals like “Italia” with a full orchestra. He’d also like to do a college clinic for budding musicians.

Check out Mightmusic.com for a list of his upcoming national concerts. He plays with Art of Sax Sundays at the Riviera and Fridays and Saturdays at the Hyatt in Indian Wells. He now has 61 of his songs on itunes and is shooting for 100.

Will Donato is nominated for the ‘BEST JAZZ ARTIST’ in the CV Music Awards and yes I voted for him. I’m honored to call him my friend.

Local Music Spotlight

Article and Photos By esther sanchez

Techno Hillbillies

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he Techno Hillbillies are a group of guys who could individually be considered musical icons in the Coachella Valley. An ever-evolving group of musicians, they generally thumb their noses at the notion of being categorized into a signature genre or style. Frankly, this trio of world-class musicians can look down the barrel of any musical challenge with a raised eyebrow and a sly grin. That is because they can pretty much do it all and do it well.

Shannon Graham, founder and keyboardist: “The concept for the Techno Hillbillies was inspired by my observations of DJs and various EDM artists & their explosive influence over music in recent years. I wanted to create a kind of acid-jazz fusion that is all improvised and combines various grooves that transcend genres like bossanova, ska, funk and techno beats, all with live musicians.”

Graham, a pianist since childhood, is an unassumingly charismatic dude who emits a warm, inviting energy & classic Southern charm. Graham grew up along the Mississippi River north of Memphis, Tenn.

April 16 to April 22, 2015

where he studied under a well-known, Southern Big-Band pianist for over 10 years and became seasoned in classical, jazz and rag-time piano. Graham: “What we are doing is similar to what a DJ does with a dual deck spinning perpetual grooves. My vision is only made possible with top-notch musicians. To me, it’s a new form of jazz.”

When he is talking about “top-notch musicians” he is not blowing smoke. I have had the pleasure of jamming with these guys at a fantastic property in Sky Valley and the skills they are packing are impressive on any level. In my experience, a typical Techno Hillbillies’ set begins something like Santana on psychedelics. Much of that feel comes from guitarist, Alex A. At the ripe age of 28, Alex A has built himself an impressive resume and is known amongst valley musicians as a highly-skilled guitarist with capabilities that far surpass his age. I have personally described Alex many times in casual conversation as the, “Hypothetical love-child of Carlos Santana & B.B. King.” He has demonstrated mastery in genres from classical Spanish & bossanova

to flamenco, jazz, blues, rock and beyond.

He has performed throughout Southern California as a soloist and in many bands including Tribe-O and The Road Runners. An “Honarary Shondell” from Tommy James & the Shondells, he has played the Stagecoach Festival with Jon Linn and finally fulfilled a boyhood dream when in 2009 he, as a guitarist for Tribe-O, opened for his hero, B.B. King at the Rhythm Wine & Brews Festival.

Alex A: “It was a dream come true and of course I was going to take the opportunity to meet my hero. Unfortunately, Mr. King’s staff was not interested in me meeting my hero because they basically intercepted me and threw me out of the venue. It was like slapping my dream right out of my hand as soon as I was able to grab hold. I had to try, though.”

The trifecta is completed by the diverse styling of veteran drummer and Palm Springs Native, Alfredo Hernandez. Best known as drummer for desert rock bands Kyuss, Queens of the Stone Age, Brant Bjork and the Bros and Yawning Man, he studied at Musician’s Institute. He currently drums in other local bands including, Whiskey & Knives, Brave Black Sea & Family Butcher.

Hernandez: “Music has always been a huge part of my life. My Dad always played his vinyl throughout our home every day as I grew up. At MIT I was able to learn & be

exposed to music from all over the world which really nurtured & enhanced my playing. This project, however, will be the first time I have ever had the opportunity to play with a pianist and guitarist in a manner that allows us to change the style of music to whatever we are feeling at the moment, which is unusual.”

Techno Hillbillies are a band that can fit your mood and style, whatever it may be and are continuously transitioning.

Graham: ‘’ We became affiliated with the solar company, Hot Purple Energy and were happy to perform events for them as the, ‘Hot Purple Energy All-Stars.’ Through the solar company we were able to perform at various events with icons such as Robby Kreiger from The Doors, Michael Bolton and members of Culture Club, which were all fantastic experiences.”

Check out the Techno Hillbillies on April 25th at Schmidy’s Tavern in Palm Desert along with Right On, Right On and Fearless Moonshiners. Also, keep an eye out for their newest project in the works, “Dance Cartel.’’

You can find Techno Hillbillies on Facebook, for booking info contact David@ hotpurpleenergy.com

Tilted Kilt Open Mic Competition New Year’s Edition Grand Finals

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hat an exciting conclusion for the Grand Finals for session 3 of the Tilted Kilt Open Mic Competition on Wednesday April 8th. 13 finalists put on their best performance for an absolutely packed house and to impress judges Giorg Tierez of Burning Bettie, Kyle Paras from Guitar Center, Kathy Schriefer from Crater Lake Vodka, Sean Poe of The Hive Minds, Kara Aubrey of KAM Music Studios, and Ted Hane General Manager of the Mary Pickford Theatre. While scores were being tallied and triple checked, last session’s winner, Will Kelly wowed the crowd with a beautiful music. In the end, it was Banjer Dan who pulled through and

took home first place and was awarded a $500 shopping spree at Guitar Center + 3 days/2 nights in Las Vegas from Crater Lake Vodka + an artist spotlight article in Coachella Valley Weekly + an artist showcase concert from Morgan James Entertainment + an Artist Development Session from Producer Ronnie King at his Chateau Relaxo.

THANK YOU to ALL of our finalists at the Tilted Kilt Open Mic Competition for putting on a great show AND for being so supportive of each other: The BrosQuitos, Brandon of Before the Funeral, Nuclear Cowboys, Alana Cross, Porsia Smith, Solus Lupus, The Classy Mother Fu?kers, Danny Cristina, Razor J, Broken String, Rick Dame, and Maddy & Eddie. SPECIAL THANKS to all of our sponsors: Guitar Center, Ronnie King Music, Crater Lake Vodka, CV Weekly, Mary Pickford Theater, Skitzo Kitty, KAM Music Studios.

DON’T MISS the Tilted Kilt Open Mic Competition which starts WEDNESDAY May 6th, 2015. There will be fantastic new prizes!!!

Remember, the Open Mic Competition is ALL AGES and runs EVERY WEDNESDAY. YOU may compete EVERY week! PLEASE NOTE: Due to our overwhelming number of interested performers, sign in starts at 7pm and will be closed at 7:45pm.

BRING YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY and FANS and note that the competition runs from 8-10:30pm so be sure your friends and family know to stay until the end to voice their vote!!! For questions or information about sign-up, please see Facebook.com/TiltedKiltOpenMicCompetition or contact the creator and host, Morgan James at MorganAliseJames@gmail.com / (714)651-1911.

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April 16 to April 22, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

by Eleni P. Austin

& Lowell” (Asthmatic Kitty Records) SUFJAN STEVENS “Carrie “

F

uck me, I’m falling apart.” That’s Sufjan Stevens channeling his grief on “No Shade In The Shadow Of The Cross,” the first single from his achingly beautiful new album, Carrie & Lowell.

Sufjan Stevens never had an easy childhood. His parents, Rasjid and Carrie, married and quickly had four children.

Devotees of the inter-faith religion, Subud, they gave their children Arabic/Persian names like Djamilah, Djohariah, Marzuki and Sufjan.

His mother Carrie, abandoned the family when he was just a year old. (They later discovered she suffered from depression and schizophrenia). Their father remarried, raising the children in Michigan. But their early years remained chaotic. Sufjan has characterized the relationship between his parents and siblings as more like a “landlord/tenant” arrangement.

When Sufjan, (pronounced “Sooof-yon”) was five, his Mother married Lowell Brams.

For the next few years the children spent their summers with Carrie and Lowell in Oregon. They were happy times and Lowell exposed them to a variety of music. Sadly, their marriage only lasted a few years. But Lowell always remained in contact with his step-kids.

By his teens, Sufjan had become a proficient multi-instrumentalist. After college, he played in a couple of bands before striking out on his own. He recorded his debut, A Sun Came, on a four-track recorder and released it in 2000, through Asthmatic Kitty Records, a label he cofounded with his step-father, Lowell, and other musicians.

A prolific and prodigious talent, Sufjan quickly recorded his sophomore effort, Enjoy Your Rabbit, in 2001. An experimental Electronica album, it was inspired by the animals in the Chinese zodiac.

2003 saw the release of his third LP, Michigan. It offered an homage to his home state that was equal parts meticulous and

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

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sprawling. It was also the first of what Sufjan described as “The 50 State Project.”

Seven Swans, appeared in 2004. It was primarily lo-fi Folk and acoustic. The lyrics explored Christian and spiritual themes.

Although he is devoutly religious, Sufjan has referred to Contemporary Christian Music as “didactic crap.”

The following year saw the arrival of Sufjan’s masterpiece, Illinois, also known as Sufjan Stevens Invites You To: Come On Feel The Illinoise. The second in his “50 State Project,” it was an exploration of the culture, art and geography of Illinois.

The record was a perfect execution of form and function. It featured sharp storytelling, complex orchestrations and elaborate vocal parts, offering up compelling portraits of everyone from Abraham Lincoln to serial killer John Wayne Gacy. A triumph from start to finish, Illinois was a critical and commercial success.

After completing such a daunting effort, and touring behind it, Sufjan laid low for a few years. Avalanche, an album of Illinois outtakes and Songs For Christmas, a five CD box set of Christmas music came out in 2006. In late 2009, he admitted his 50 states project was a bit of a gimmick, and he might never complete it.

It was five long years before he released another full-length album of original material. 2010’s The Age Of Adz was heavily

Consider This

inspired by the artwork of schizophrenic artist, Royal Robertson. The instrumentation was primarily electronic. Anyone expecting “Illinois 2 Electric Boogaloo” was woefully disappointed.

In 2012, Sufjan’s mother, Carrie was diagnosed with stomach cancer. The Stevens siblings rallied round, offering comfort and unconditional love and support. She passed away in December, and while Sufjan internalized the grief for quite a while, he realized he couldn’t contain it. The result is his heart-rending tribute, Carrie & Lowell.

The opening track, “Death With Dignity” offers an ethereal melody anchored by sun-dappled acoustic guitar, Sufjan’s beatific vocals and haunted piano chords.

His helplessness is palpable. “I forgive you mother, I can hear you and I long to be near you/But every road leads to an end, your apparition passes through me in the willows…you’ll never see us again.” The song ends with a wordless chanting coda that kind of breaks your heart.

The specter of death hangs over this album, but three songs, “Should Have Known Better,” “Eugene” and “Carrie & Lowell” revisit happier times and come to terms with dashed expectations.

Delicate acoustic arpeggios and pulsating synths provide ballast to Sufjan’s wistful recollections on “Should...,”as he parses the past. “When I was three, three maybe four, she left us at that video store.”

Prickly guitar propels the Simon & Garfunkel-esque melody of “Eugene.”

The lyrics juxtapose cheerful childhood memories: “The man who taught me to swim, he couldn’t quite say my first name/ Like a father he led community water on my head and he called me ‘Subaru;’” with an almost unbearable yearning for maternal closeness, “I just want to be near you.”

On the title track, a gossamer lattice of guitar and banjo thread through the melody as Sufjan’s layered harmonies dart between sweet echoes of childhood; “Carrie and Lowell, such a long time ago..” and witnessing signs of her schizophrenia: “Carrie come home (Thorazine’s friend).”

His heart wrenching loss bleeds through the music on “Fourth Of July,” “The Only Thing” and “No Shade In The Shadow Of The Cross.” Pulsing piano keys provide a metronome rhythm on “Fourth Of July.”

Suffused in sadness, the lyrics recount the moment of farewell. “The hospital asked should the body be cast, before I say goodbye, my star in the sky/Such a funny thought to wrap you in cloth, do you find it alright, my dragonfly?”

Filigreed fret-work can’t camouflage the depression that cloaks “The Only Thing.”

Sufjan questions it all, “Should I tear my eyes out now, everything I see returns to you somehow/Should I tear my heart out now, everything I feel returns to you somehow, I want to save you from your sorrow.”

“No Shade...” is the nadir of hurt and anguish. Over delicate finger-picking and somber piano tones, psychic pain is duly medicated; “get drunk to get laid.” Even suicide is contemplated... “I’ll drive that stake on the center of my heart/Lonely vampire inhaling it’s fire.”

Both “Drawn To Blood” and “John My Beloved” offer spiritual comfort. On the former urgently strummed guitar and swoony synths underscore Sufjan’s pointed questions for God. “For My prayer has only been love, what did I do to deserve this…

How? God of Elijah.”

There is a light at the end of the tunnel on the latter; click-track percussion and plinking piano notes pulse in Waltz-time, kind of like a heartbeat. Sufjan searches his soul and surrenders to his higher power.

“Jesus I need you, be near me come shield me from fossils that fall on my head/ There’s only a shadow of me; in a manner of speaking, I’m dead.”

The only track that lightens the mood offers the album’s most infectious melody.

Jangly guitar licks shimmer and dance on “All Of Me Wants All Of You.” A carnal respite in a sea of sadness, Sufjan employs these neat turns of phrase; “You checked your text while I masturbated...I feel so used/Now all of me thinks less of you.” The repetition of this last phrase echoes and swirls like a roundelay.

The album closes with “Blue Bucket Of Gold.” Warm piano chords wash over the melody and choir boy harmonies that search “for things to extol. “ The final, simple sing-song notes of “whoo-oo-oooo” are on the same astral plane as Brian Wilson’s sonic ‘60s masterpiece, “Surf’s Up.” An encouraging end to a devastatingly beautiful record.

This album isn’t an easy record, but it’s rich and rewarding, brave and cathartic. It may leave the listener feeling melancholy and blue.

Carrie & Lowell perfectly illustrates the French phrase, La Donleur Exquise. It literally means the exquisite pain of wanting someone you can never have. Usually it refers to romantic love, but basically, it is a love that is not, and cannot be reciprocated.

Somehow Sufjan Stevens has found a way to articulate that, make peace with it and set it to music.

art Scene

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

April 16 to April 22, 2015

By monica morones

Bennie Alvarez

E

very time 20 year old artist Bennie Alvarez, from Thermal, posts a new picture of his art, I’m intrigued. Raw, emotive, and clever is what I get from his pieces and when I’m around him I see his artistic nature and how smart he is. A lot of his pieces have a profound message and touch on his everyday experiences and I see a young, thriving artist breaking through with his own style and his own outlook on the trends and culture happening today.

MM: How did you get into art?

BA: I got into art when I was young and troubled and I would get sent to my room as a punishment a lot. I grew up poor but there was always some form or canvas and medium. I would use anything from nail polish to paint and even chalk to draw.

MM: What would you describe as your style?

BA: My style is clean and chameleon like, simple and not to crazy, also trendy. I try not to stick to one style, it bores me.

MM: Did you go to school or are you selftaught and what are your thoughts about that?

BA: I only took art in High School but I was making art way before then. I didn’t really want to paint but my high school teacher Mrs. Long made me and I was good at it so I ran with it. I want to eventually get into an art school but I don’t see that happening soon unfortunately.

MM: What is your biggest struggle as an artist?

BA: My biggest struggle as an artist is sitting down and painting. I have to be in the mood or else it doesn’t come out how I want it to.

MM: What is your favorite medium?

BA: Acrylic paint, it’s very versatile and forgiving.

MM: What do you think of the art scene in the Coachella Valley? Do you think it supports up and coming artists?

BA: I don’t really know about the art scene here. I did have my art in a gallery in Palm Springs by a couple of now good friends Marnie and Melissa and have shown my work through Raices Cultura’s Day of the Dead event.

MM: Who are some of your favorite

artists whose work you admire?

BA: Some of my favorite artists are Aly Michael Ferrante. I love her style so much, it’s very appealing to the eye. Gustavo Rimada’s art makes me want to paint. He gives me hope that I can get even better and surpass myself. Nancy Ramirez is an artist I went to high school with. She inspired me while we were in art class at CVHS. I pretty much admire all artisst that are making something and putting it out for people to see. It’s a very vulnerable thing to do, you have to grow tough skin as an artist I think.

MM: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

BA: I see myself out of the Coachella Valley in the art scene in L.A. or San Diego, somewhere slightly cooler.

MM: What is the root of your inspiration?

BA: The root of my inspiration comes from the people I’m around and also making people happy or laugh or cry tears of joy with my art, which has happened twice. It’s a very weird, happy feeling which I enjoy a lot.

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by Janet McAfee

on a rocky terrain, doggie boots offer good protection.

Safety - Check your dog’s paws for any signs of blistering or rawness. Remember that walking on hot concrete can be painful for our four legged friends. Some of my friends enjoy taking their dogs out to remote locations and letting them run off leash. However, I recommend keeping a dog on leash for safety and to keep control of him in case you run into unfriendly animals such as snakes. Most public dog trails require your pet be leashed. You may find it easier to use a waist belt leash system.

Trail Etiquette - When you meet other hikers, the dog and owner must yield the right of way to allow other trail users to pass. Likewise when you meet a horse, the hiker with a dog must yield. Step clear of the trail, and ensure your dog refrains from barking and moving toward the horse. And of course, use those poop bags!

Where to go - The Homme/Ralph Adams Park, located off Highway 74 at 72-500 Thrush Avenue in Palm Desert, has dog friendly hiking trails. The Cove Oasis Trailhead in La Quinta,

Meet Evita Meet Evita, a lovely 2 year old German Shepard who’s theme song is “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!” Playful and smart, she seeks an active fun family.

Palm Springs Animal Shelter, 4575 East Mesquite Ave. Palm Springs. psanimalshelter.org 760-416-5718

gregory Gregory is a stunning salt and pepper guy ready to sweep you off your feet. Just 6 years old, he’s got a lot of purring left to do. At the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, 4575 East Mesquite Ave Palm Springs www.psanimalshelter.org 760-416-5718

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located just outside the National Monument, permits leashed dogs only between Calle Tecate and the flood control levee. Most California state parks limit dogs to campground and picnic areas, but some parks have trail areas where leashed dogs can join you for a hike. The Joshua Tree National Park allows pets, but they must stay within 100 feet from a road, and are not permitted on trails.

Dog Beaches - Here’s another great idea for a healthy excursion with your dog. You can both escape the upcoming hot summer for a day at one of the dog beaches in San Diego County.

Most popular is the dog beach in Ocean Beach, located at the foot of Voltaire Street. Tucked away near the Del Mar racetrack is Solana Beach, a lovely spot that allows dogs from September 15 through June 15. It’s almost surreal to see all the dogs happily frolicking in the ocean while the people sit on the sand watching them.

Head for the beaches or the hills and have fun with your “best buddy”!

What if you are “dogless in the desert”? Head over to the Coachella Valley Animal Campus shelter and meet hundreds of special rescue dogs. This county shelter is located at 72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms. 760-343-3644.

View their adorable adoptables at rcdas.org.

April 16 to April 22, 2015

by Rick Riozza

The Scintillating Wines of Sicily

S

o I see a telephone call coming in from my Mom on a late Sunday evening.

Sure we talk often, but always during the day. I never get a call from her that late— on a Sunday to boot. I wince and sort of brace myself for maybe some not-so-good news.

I answer the phone. “Hi Mom!— everything all right?!”

“RICKY!—what are you watching on TV?” What am I watching on TV?? Now I’m certain there’s some 32 letter German word out there that means feeling both relieved and unnerved at the same time over hearing some news. “I’m watching 60 Minutes and some recorded stuff—why?”

Her voice has an accusatory tone. “How come you’re not watching PBS!” “PBS!!” Geez—(since when is she watching PBS!) “Why—what’s going on!”

“It’s a series on the immigrant ItalianAmericans. They just mentioned our grandfather coming over from Sicily in the late 1800s!”

I’m making faces. “They mentioned him personally!?

“Well they mentioned a few last names of families coming over and ours was one of them!”

Okay—I got it. “Hey Mom! That is cool!

Sorry to miss it. I’ll go on-line and catch the program!” I could hear it in her voice that she was especially proud that night of her heritage and our family—which included veterans of both wars.

So to linger in the spirit of sustaining my Mom cheeriness, I hope you will join us as we introduce and assess the scintillating wines of Sicily.

But of course, before we ever talk wine we must comment about the sacred flavors of the ancient island Sicilia. Owning a true Mediterranean cuisine with influences from about every culture around, from an array of meat dishes brought down by red-headed Normans back in the day, to the citrus, spices, herbs introduced by Arabs during their dynasty. Add Spanish, French, Greek and more to the mix—everything savors sublime grown on the volcanic soil.

And the fish. Ask any world renowned chef about the seafood of Sicily and you’ll hear them emote and sing praises of the best dishes they’ve ever had. You can see Naples and die; or, you can dine on Sicilian Grilled Swordfish and live well.

So becoming an expert—or at least a fan of Sicilian wine is fast, fun, and easy. The red wine from the south of the island is the Nero D’Avola [NEH-roh DAH-voh-lah]. It’s dry, medium-bodied and a fairly tannic wine that we can drink young with anything from spaghetti and meat balls to roast lamb. And it’s got great aging potential if you can leave it alone.

The Nero D’Avola is a smart break from

California reds when you wish to drink something entirely different. It’s fruity with notes of blackberries, black cherries, dried fruits, plums, raspberries, and spices. Subtle notes of black pepper, chocolate earth, flowers, tar, tobacco, and violets can also play out.

By the way, it is traditionally the blending grape for the famed Marsala wine. Veal anyone?

The red wine from the north is from the Nerello Mascalese [neh-REHL-loh MAHSkah-LEH-zeh] grape grown on the slopes of the volcano Mount Etna. The wine is like a fortuitous mix of Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo. It offers bright red fruit, with an herb and spice character. But its tannins are more akin to those of Barolo. This is a must on the radar for any red wine fan.

The perfect entry level wine that showcases both the Nero D’Avola and the Nerello is the Cantine Colosi Rosso Sicilia IGT at around $9. The color is an intense dark ruby red with a bouquet of black fruit, blackberry, flowers, and herbs. Great with red meats and aged cheeses.

As to Sicilian white wine, you’ll often

find blends of these four grapes: Carricante, Catarratto, Grillo, and Inzolia.

The Grillo [GREEL-loh] is dry and fullbodied but an easy quaffer that is fresh, crisp, fruity and aromatic with notes of almonds, apples, citrus, flowers, green peppers, lemon, minerals, peaches, sea breeze, spices and vanilla. That’s a lot of stuff for a nifty white wine. It’s a great alternative to the usual Pinot Grigio.

As to pairings, think antipasti, cheese (esp. young), chicken, pasta, pork, seafood, and vegetables.

A very pleasant entry level Grillo is the popular 2013 Feudo Arancio Grillo Sicilia IGT at around $8. The PR on this wine reads: “This native Sicilian is a real all-rounder, and goes great with a range of foods from poached chicken to soft cheeses. It’s a soft, rich style

of white that shows tropical fruit salad smells mingling with savory notes of toast and roasted nuts.

You could pay the big bucks and grab the 2011 Marco de Bartoli Grillo Sicilia Grappoli for around $40. Check out the tasting notes on this one: “Bright and harmonious, with a backbone of tangy acidity and a saline-tinged note of raw almond underscoring the flavors of white cherry, green plum fruit, ground spice , and pickled ginger. The salted almond accent echoes on the lasting finish.”

I think you’re getting the idea of the Grillo wine.

Amuri is a uniquely Sicilian word for love, a sentiment that underlies all aspects of the Sicilian culture, landscape, cuisine, and people. Here’s to food, wine, and love!

Salute!

& FO R K

K

&

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oachella Valley residents can still enjoy walks and hikes in our beautiful desert before the hot summer arrives. All dog owners know how much their canine pals love being included in their activities, and exploring nature with “Benji” makes it more enjoyable for the humans. In the final days of Spring the time is right to head out to Coachella Valley hiking trails with your “best buddy” tagging along. This is a great way for both of you to get exercise and spend some quality time together. The experience will relieve your dog’s boredom, and may even eliminate negative behaviors.

Assess your dog’s readiness for hiking.

Before heading out, evaluate your dog’s level of fitness. If he is elderly or overweight, it’s best to stick with walks around your neighborhood and avoid overheating. Remember that dogs are “people pleasers” and will push beyond their level of endurance to please you and keep up. It may seem too obvious to state, but ensure that your pet is friendly to people and other canines before heading out to public trails. Make sure your dog knows the most important command of all, “Benji (his name), Come!” in case he gets loose.

Plan Ahead - Purchase needed supplies and

make sure your destination permits dogs on trails. Most United States national parks do not allow dogs on trails. The book “140 Great Hikes in and near Palm Springs” provides a list of local trails that permit dogs to accompany hikers.

Supplies - Your dog can help carry some of the needed supplies in his own special backpack.

A healthy dog can carry up to 25% of his own weight, however some breeds with long backs such as daschunds may not be able to carry much at all. You need to bring along enough water for both of you, with a collapsible bowl to serve it to your pup. Give him plenty of water during the excursion because dogs become dehydrated quickly. Water in streams and lakes may contain parasites and viruses. Bring high quality treats to keep up Benji’s energy level. Make sure your dog is always tagged with your phone number, and bring a photo of him just in case he gets lost.

Putting a colorful bandana around his neck will protect your dog in case you run into hunters who may mistake him for a game animal. A hat will protect him from strong sunlight. Other items to include are a map, compass, cell phone, first aid kit, sunscreen, and snacks for yourself.

If you venture out on a warmer day, a Ruff Wear Swamp Cooler vest will cool your dog down. You soak it with water to dissipate the heat as the water evaporates. If you’re walking

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PET PLACE

Tail-Friendly Trails

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April 16 to April 22, 2015

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April 16 to April 22, 2015

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29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Desert Gold 2015 Weekend 2 AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Paul Elia 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 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; 760-5643660 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 HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Chris Lomeli 6:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Open Mic 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 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/ Gojira Island VS. Hotwyre 8:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Country Night w/ Jay Hollister 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 Jamie XX and Jon Hopkins 8pm, Hivern Discs feat. John Talabot, Pional and Marc Pinol 11pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 8pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 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 Strangers You Know and Caxton 9pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-

341-3560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 8-12am THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Tony DiGerlando 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-3459770 Flyer 4-6pm, Stan Watkins 6:3010pm 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 New Thursdays 6pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Locals Night 9pm

FRI APRIL 17 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 The Bob Garcia Band 6pm 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ T Bone 9pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Desert Gold 2015 Weekend 2 Stronghold Reggae 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 TBA 7:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Fleet Easton 7:30pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 T.B.A. BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-5010620 The Carmens 6pm BLUE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760775-5566 DJ PWee 8pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 The Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CAFÉ DES BEAUX- ARTS; PD; 760-3460669 Brigette Marie Valdez 6pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CLEMETINE; PD; 760-834-8814 Gina Carey 6pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-5643660 Bill Baker 6pm DATE SHED; IND; 760-775-6699 EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-3422333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm EUREKA; IW; 760-834-7700 TBA 6:30pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 House Band 8:45pm HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 “Jump Off” DJ 9pm Lobby THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Kal David 6:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-

2250 Live DJ 8:30pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 The Larry James Band 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company in the afternoon, Hot Rox in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 New Breed 9pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 DJ 9pm MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Mark Gregg and The Horde 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-345-0222 Trill 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Orwells 9pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 T.B.A. 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 PS Jump 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, TBA Sidebar Lounge 10pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Wyldsky 9pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 Smooth Brothers 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Rock 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Demetrious and Co. TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 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; 760-3459770 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

April 16 to April 22, 2015

VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Slim Man Solo Show 5:30pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Awesome 80’s Party w/ Alyce Bowie 9pm THE WINE BAR BISTRO; LQ; 760-5648744 Rob & jb 7:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Rose Mallett 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 Girl’s Night Out w/ The Men on the Hollywood Strip 9pm

SAT APRIL 18 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bev & Bill 6pm 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ T-Bone 9pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Desert Gold 2015 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 TBA BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-5010620 The Carmens 6pm BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760775-5566 DJ PWee BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Gina Carey 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CORK TREE; PD; 760-779-0123 Live Entertainment 6:30-9:30pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-5643660 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; 760-3422333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 T.B.A. 9pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 T.B.A. 8:30pm THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ 8pm HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 “Solid” Guest DJs, 11am poolside, 9pm Lobby THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Bear on Fire, War Drum and Caxton 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Bill Ramirez 6:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 T.B.A. 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Battle of the Bands Finals w/ Ornament VS> Mojave Sky 8:30pm continue to page 24

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April 16 to April 22, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

The Pampered Palate PALM SPRINGS DESERT RESORTS RESTAURANT WEEK RETURNS 10 DAYS OF EXCLUSIVE DINING, LODGING, AND ATTRACTION DEALS. MAY 29-JUNE 7, 2015

New and Returning Participants showcase why the Coachella Valley is the ultimate “Eat. Stay. Play.” Getaway. he Palm Springs Desert Resorts Restaurant Week Association, Inc. announces the return of Palm Springs Desert Resorts Restaurant Week, taking place May 29-June 7, 2015. The Restaurant Week’s signature “Eat. Stay. Play.” experience provides travelers a unique opportunity to explore the Coachella Valley, offering not only exclusive deals at area restaurants, but also specialty rates, packages, and perks at luxury desert hotels and discounted tickets to popular area attractions.

Palm Springs Desert Resorts Restaurant Week takes place over 10 days and allows diners to choose from three-course, prix fixe dinner menus available for $26 or $38 per

T

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person at over 90 participating restaurants in La Quinta, Palm Springs, Indian Wells, Desert Hot Springs, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Cathedral City, and Indio. Participating hotels will offer an array of perks exclusive to Restaurant Week, including specialty room rates, upgraded in-room amenities, and more. Local attractions—from spas to The Living Desert Zoo and Desert Adventures-Red Jeep Tours—are also offering special rates and premiums available exclusively during Restaurant Week.

A full list of participants—with additional restaurants, hotels, and attractions is available at palmspringsrestaurantweek.com.

ABOUT PALM SPRINGS DESERT RESORTS RESTAURANT WEEK Founded in 2007, Palm Springs Desert Resorts Restaurant Week showcases the diverse dining and leisure opportunities in the city of Palm Springs and surrounding communities of the greater Coachella Valley. In just eight years this annual event has grown from fewer than 30 participating restaurants, hotels, and attractions to more than 100. Restaurant Week offers ten days of its signature “Eat. Stay. Play.” experience, featuring exclusive dining, hotel, spa, and attractions deals. Sponsors include Sysco, Rum Chata, City of Palm Springs, City of LA Quinta, City of Indian Wells, City of Palm Desert, City of Rancho Mirage, Pacific Premier, Palm

Springs Hospitality Association (PSHA), and US Bank, among others. For more information and a full list of participants, please visit www.palmspringsrestaurantweek.com, “like” Restaurant Week on Facebook, or follow the organization on Twitter.

ABOUT PALM SPRINGS DESERT RESORTS RESTAURANT WEEK ASSOCIATION, INC. The Palm Springs Desert Resorts Restaurant Week Association, Inc., officers and committee members represent a cross section of prominent restaurateurs and hoteliers from throughout the Coachella Valley, as well as operators of local attractions and publications and executives of local tourism boards. Officers include Ex officio Kim Crandal, co-author of the book Savor a Taste of the California Desert, featuring recipes from top Coachella Valley chefs; President Tony Marchese (Owner of TRIO restaurant and The Purple Room in Palm Springs); Vice President Eric Morcus (Director

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

April 16 to April 22, 2015

of Sales for the Kaiser Family Restaurant Group, with locations in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, La Quinta, and Indio); Secretary Marc Lodovico (General Manager of Vicky›s of Sante Fe in Indian Wells); Treasurer Juliana Manion-Copley (Owner of Copley›s on Palm Canyon in Palm Springs); and Director of Communications Bob Schneider (Operator of Desert Adventures-Red Jeep Tours in Palm Desert). Overall, the 21-member committee represents award-winning restaurants, acclaimed resorts, golf clubs, influential local publications, attractions, and area convention and visitor bureaus.

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April 16 to April 22, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

Movie Reviews with Robin E. Simmons

PARALLEL LOVES THE LONGEST RIDE

Master storyteller Nicholas Sparks’ books and movies are an acquired taste, except for readers and movie fans of sentimental, romantic stories – and they are legion. So what if it oozes a contrived plot and a mawkish sweetness, it is still less manipulative than the typical Sparks’ book or film.

The plot centers on the star-crossed love affair between Luke (Scott Eastwood, Clint’s son), an injured champion bull rider hoping to make a comeback, and Sophia (Britt Robertson), a college coed embarking upon her perfect first job in Manhattan’s art world. Naturally, lots of conflicts test Sophia and Luke’s relationship but they are inspired by connecting with elderly Ira (Alan Alda), who shares memories of his decades long romance with his beloved, art collecting wife Ruth (Oona Chaplin). The two love stories are

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intertwined like a double helix for a rewarding taste of true love that spans generations –- and maybe time itself. David Tattersall’s stunning digital cinematography greatly enhances the mood with a sometimes painterly glow. The invisible but standout direction by George Tillman, Jr. deserves special mention. Even if you tend to be cynical about these kinds of stories –- and they definitely invite cynicism, that’s part of the game -- this one arrives at its emotions honestly making this ride well worth the effort. Recommended. Now playing at Cinemas Palme d’Or. NEW FOR THE HOME THEATER: ODD MAN OUT

In Carol Reed’s superb 1947 psychological noir, the action all takes place during the course of a single night after a botched holdup, meant to finance the activities of now wounded Johnny McQueen’s (James Mason) IRA cell. McQueen takes shelter in the dark

Screeners No.160

back streets of Belfast where safety dances with peril. A police hunt spreads an evertightening net on McQueen while the woman (Kathleen Ryan) McQueen loves desperately searches for him in the shadowy underworld Reed and cinematographer Robert Krasker –- who collaborated later on THE THIRD MAN -- create powerful images in this “fierce, spiritual depiction of a man’s ultimate confrontation with himself.”

Generous extras include: New interview with British cinema scholar John Hill, author of Cinema and Northern Ireland: Film, Culture and Politics; Postwar Poetry, a new short documentary about the film; New interview with music scholar Jeff Smith about composer William Alwyn and his score; Home, James, a 1972 documentary featuring actor James Mason revisiting his hometown; Radio adaptation of the film from 1952, starring Mason and Dan O’Herlihy plus an essay by critic Imogen Sara Smith. Recommended.

Criterion. Blu-ray.

MR. TURNER

Timothy Spall’s masterful performance under the direction of Mike Leigh makes this a truly superior biopic that resurrects the last 25 years in the daily life of the celebrated, eccentric 19th century artist.

J.M.W. Turner (1775-1851) was deeply impacted by the death of his father. He was loved buy a housekeeper he sexually exploits; but in Chelsea, he forms a relationship with a seaside landlady he lives with incognito until his death. We share the turbulent personal and public life of this genius as he visits whorehouses, travels and of course paints.

He has himself strapped to the mast of a ship during a storm so he can better paint the sea, stays with country aristocracy and makes splashy encounters with the Royal Academy of Arts. Turner’s popularity with both the public and royalty was matched by those in both camps who also reviled him. Don’t miss this marvelous film of great insight and beauty. It is on its own a work of art. Extras include a terrific commentary by Mike Leigh and on the Blu-ray, an exclusive featurette on DP Mike Pope: “The Cinematography of Mr.Turner.”

Recommended. Sony. Blu-ray DANCE WITH ME HENRY The final (1956) Abbott & Costello movie takes place in “Kiddieland,” an amusement park operated and owned by Lou Henry (Costello). Kind-hearted Lou has adopted orphan kids Shelly (Gigi Perreau) and Duffer (Rusty Hamer); he’s also provided a safehaven for inveterate gambler Bud Flick (Abbott), whose gargantuan gambling debts have alerted gangster Big Frank who is being monitored by DA proctor (Robert Shayne).

However, when Proctor is murdered, Lou

becomes the numero uno suspect. The big finale is a chase through the amusement park. For me, it ‘s kind of sad to these two high-energy comic actors looking older and weary. Still, there a few bright moments in a sea of old jokes and obvious gags. Olive Films.

Blu-ray.

BOY NEXT DOOR I was hoping for a great B stalker movie but was disappointed with this wanna-be psychological thriller. Jennifer Lopez stars in a semi-steamy story about a “forbidden” attraction that goes a tad too far. Written by Barbara Curry and co-directed by Rob Cohen (THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS) and Neill Fearnley, the film co-stars Ryan Guzman, John Corbett and Kristin Chenoweth. Universal.

Blu-ray.

THE BABADOOK

Writer director Jennifer Kent’s spooky film got great reviews when it hit theaters.

It’s about a widowed mom whose husband died violently. Samuel, her 6 year-old kid, dreams of monsters. When he gets a book, “The Babadook,” he’s convinced the book is about his nightmares. When his imagination spirals out of control, he becomes violent and mom is forced to medicate him. That’s when she senses a sinister presence around her and realizes that Samuel’s warnings may be much more than mere hallucinations.

Recommended. Scream Factory. Blu-ray.

ISLAND OF LEMURS: MADAGASCAR

Morgan Freeman narrates this IMAX 3D documentary that transports viewers to the remote and magical island of Madagascar, the only place in the world where lemurs live. These highly endangered, charming and singular creatures arrived as castaways eons ago and evolved into hundreds of widely different looking, adorable species. This short (41 minutes) film is perfect for the entire family. Some of the 3D is stunning when we go into the forest with these acrobatic cousins.

Recommended. Warner Bros. Blu-ray 3D. Comments? robinesimmons@aol.com

Book Review

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

April 16 to April 22, 2015

By Heidi Simmons

Go Ahead and Get in Trouble T

ired of reading stories about a normal world with dysfunctional people? Then it’s time for a blast of a dysfunctional world with abnormal people? In Kelly Link’s Get in Trouble (Random House, 352 pages), nine short stories reveal characters and places beyond traditional comfort zones.

The first story in the collection is “The Summer People.” Fran is feverish and her father has left her to find Jesus in Florida.

He has also left her with the job of preparing and caring for the summer visitors. Too sick to take care of business, Fran teams up with Ophelia, a rich girl from school who is eager to help.

Up an old road and against the mountain in the deep woods, there is a magical cottage inhabited by fairy-like people who depend on Fran. When Ophelia goes in Fran’s place, the Summer People like Ophelia and Fran sees an opportunity to change her life and destiny.

“I Can See Right Through You” is about Will, aka “Demon Lover”, an actor whose fame came from his role playing a teen heart throb vampire and his subsequent love affair with his co-star Meggie. Now,

Get In Trouble

By kelly link

Stories years later, facing a scandal and divorce, he reconnects with Meggie on the set of a reality television show about ghosts. The two, for the first time, discuss the ghost that haunted their relationship and ultimately destroyed it.

Billie, a 15-year-old girl, goes to New

York to meet her online boyfriend, Paul Zell, who is 19 years her senior in the story “Secret Identity.” The hotel is hosting dentists and a superhero convention. Away from home for the first time, the world is strange and she worries what Paul will do when he discovers she is only a child.

A group of wealthy, entitled teens get caught up in a world of Egyptian mythology building pyramids and death masks in “Valley of the Girls” that ultimately brings about their demise and -- maybe their immortality.

On a trip to a theme park called “Land of Oz”, two old friends, Bunnatine and Biscuit, discuss their childhood and the bizarre events that shaped them in “Origin Story.”

Harper and Thanh are expecting a child in “The Lesson.” Their surrogate is 24 weeks along and is ordered to stay in bed.

When Harper and Thanh reluctantly go to a friend’s wedding on a remote island, their fears of a premature birth come to fruition. They discover how much they love their child and that they truly are dedicated fathers.

“The New Boyfriend” is the story of jealous high school girls who order dolls instead of having real boyfriends. When one friend falls in love with another girl’s boy toy, she discovers love is real and painful – even if it’s not with a human.

In “Two Houses,” space explorers party and tell ghost stories that the on board computer, Maureen, generates visually.

Eventually, they see the ghost of themselves and their missing sister spacecraft.

“Light” is set in the Florida Keys during hurricane season where giant iguanas roam and singing mermaids swim in the canals. Lindsey works in a Sleeper facility – where humans in a deep sleep are stored.

Lindsey was born with two shadows. Her husband left her suddenly and her twin brother has come to live with her. With the

storm bearing down, it’s more than she can handle.

All the stories are set in odd and colorful worlds where the fantastic and surreal are the norm. It’s as if author Link has traveled into the future where young people dominate the population in a new earth epoch. There are remnants of our world and people are similar, yet things are strangely different.

Ghosts and superheroes are reoccurring themes. Most of the stories are dominated by selfish people looking for opportunities to prove they exist in a world that has evolved too fast. “The Lesson” is the only story that might be set in our world today and is the collection’s most normal tale.

Link explores not only new worlds, but also different voices. Although most of the characters are young and female, the narratives are written with a fresh and intriguing style. This is important because so much of the collection could be considered as young adult literature. However, Link is clever and daring in her story construction in a way that is the antithesis of YA. Some stories are out there and require a second read to fully grasp the narrative. But I enjoyed the second time through, getting more subtle detail and nuance of the world and characters.

Don’t look for metaphors or blazing themes. However, if I had to say what the collection is about, I’d say no matter the dimension, humans must be flexible to survive.

I like Link’s strange and ephemeral worlds. It’s a challenging read at times, but it is also refreshing, intriguing and fun.

I encourage you to go ahead and Get in Trouble.

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April 16 to April 22, 2015 continued from page 19

LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 New Breed 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888-999-1995 Machin’ 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm MARGARITA’S; PS; 760-778-3500 Live Music 6pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 VooDoo Hustlers 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760-345-0222 Agave Blues Masters 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-3655956 Shadow Mountain Band 5pm, Zachariah & The Los Riders 8pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 T.B.A. 9pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Higher Heights 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext230 PS Sings Round 2 5:30pm, The Gand Band 8:30pm RENAISSANCE PALM; PS; 760-3226100 Art of Sax featuring Sax Man Will Donato & Eddie Reddick 7-10pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 TBA 9pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3278311 Beauty & The Beat Poolside Party noon-4pm, Martin Ross Starlite Lounge 7pm, TBA Sidebar Patio 7pm, TBA Sidebar Lounge 10pm ROCKYARD @ FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; Playground and Bonfire ( AC/DC Tribute ) 7:30pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 R Buckle Road and Rick Shelley 9pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-3229293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-7771601 Smooth Brothers 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-3297929 Karaoke w/ Milly G 6pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Music 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 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

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www.coachellavalleyweekly.com 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 Rico Brown 7:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Stanley Butler Trio 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJs 9pm

SUN APRIL 19 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-3673505 Bob & Allison 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Desert Gold 2015 AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-2021111 Jazz Brunch 11:30am AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 The Judy Show 7:30pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Steve Madaio 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT; PS; 888-999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 9pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-3422333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm HARD ROCK HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9676 “Fusion” Pool Party 11am poolside INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Ted Herman’s Big Band 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Open Jam 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Sunday Jam 4-8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7:30pm THE NEW YORK COMPANY RESTAURANT; PS; 760-778-7789 Lili Rose 7pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Longest Running Jam Session in the valley. Hosted by JB, Sign up 6pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 The Hot Fudge Sunday Band 7pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 The Jam Session 5-9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 The Judy Show 5:30pm RIVIERA RESORT & SPA; PS; 760-3274080 Art of Sax Sidebar Patio 5pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Eddie Gee 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Smooth Brothers TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-3479985 The Betabums 4pm 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 6:30pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 The Smooth Brothers 5:30pm

MON APRIL 20 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-3673505 Bonny Jean 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DJ D Rad noon poolside CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Ron Kalina’s Jazz 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760325-2794 Hot Rox NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Kevin Quinn 8pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Trivia Night Hosted by Chelsea Sugarbritches 7pm 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 APRIL 21 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-3673505 Paul & Jo 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Ace Karaoke with Kiesha 9pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Bella da Ball Dinner Revue w/ guest performers 7:30pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 Vinyl Sessions 8pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com 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 FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Karaoke hosted by Phillip Moore 9pm INDIAN CANYONS GOLF RESORT; PS; 760-833-8700 DJ Randy Johnson 6pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Michael D’Angelo 6:15pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Ted Quinn’s Open Mic Reality Show Jam 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760325-2794 Palm Springs Sound Company NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Tim Burleson 7:45pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Acoustic Guitar 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 SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 Open Mic Hosted by Josh Heinz 9pm 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 22 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-3673505 Dan Horn 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Trevor Menear 7pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-2021111 Jazz Jam 7:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar

6pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 T.B.A. 6-10pm CAFÉ DES BEAUX- ARTS; PD; 760-3460669 John & Gina Carey 6pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 6pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-5643660 Bill Baker 6pm ESCENA LOUNGE & GRILL; PS; 760992-0002 Jesse Sweitzer 5pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760-345-6466 Open Mic w/ Rich Bono & Poupee Boccaccio 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-3662250 Live Music KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Open Mic hosted by Amy Angel 6:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760325-2794 Hot Rox MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 “Sing Jam” w/ Michael Healy 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Jack Rivio 6:30pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2881199 Karaoke w/ KJ Ginger 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke Talent Quest 9pm PURPLE ROOM@CLUB TRINIDAD; PS; 760-327-1161ext.230 The Michael Holmes Trio 6pm SCHMIDY’S; PD; 760-837-3800 D Phillips Band 6pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760341-3560 Straight Ahead Jazz THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-3271773 Open Mic w/ Les Michaels 6:30pm TILTED KILT; PD; 760-773-5458 Open Mic Competition 8pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-3459770 Lizann Warner 6:30-10pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-2am, Nite Fixx 9-2am WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 Karaoke WOLFGANG PUCK’S; PD; 760-5682700 WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Experimental Wednesdays w/ Deanna Bogart 6pm

Real Estate

April 16 to April 22, 2015

by rachel Montoya

BUYER BEWARE: 13 Extra Costs to be Aware of Before Buying a Home

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oachella Valley: Whether you’re looking to buy your first home, or trading up to a larger one, there are many costs - on top of the purchase price - that you must figure into your calculation of affordability. These extra fees, such as taxes and other additional costs, could surprise you with an unwanted financial nightmare on closing day if you’re not informed and prepared.

Some of these costs are one-time fixed payments, while others represent an ongoing monthly or yearly commitment. While not all of these costs will apply in every situation, it’s better to know about them ahead of time so you can budget properly.

Remember, buying a home is a major milestone, and whether it’s your first, second or tenth, there are many

small but important details, not to mention stress and excitement, to deal with during the process. The last thing you need are unbudgeted financial obligations in the hours before you take possession of your new home.

To help homebuyers understand what these extra costs are, and in what situations they may apply, a free industry report has been prepared called “13 Extra Costs to Be Aware of Before Buying a Home.”

To hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE copy of this report call toll-free: 1(866)279-4621 and enter 1008.

You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Get your free special report NOW to make sure you’re budgeting properly for your next move.

This report is courtesy of Cassie Alongi-RE/MAX Results BRE#01362135.

Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. Copyright © 2015.

S and G

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insurance

Health insurance policieshow to avoid hidden costs

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he Affordable Care Act promises to expand access to healthcare.

However, it can be daunting to find a policy that meets your health care budget along with your family’s requirements for care. One of the good things about the ACA website through covered California is you can look at a plan’s potential total cost. This would include the monthly premiums, deductible, copayments, the flat dollar amounts, and coinsurance, or what others may refer to as cost-sharing.

Not only do we use covered California’s website, but we also have our own quoting system that will show you side-by-side percentages and differences for individual and family plans. The next couple of weeks include a special enrollment period (SEP) for those people who have not enrolled in a health insurance plan. If you are just now realizing

By Jean Chariton that you have tax consequences, then it is the time to take a look at what’s available and affordable for you and your dependents.

We always tell our clients, to protect themselves against medical costs, they should look at the worst-case scenario. If they have chosen to go with PPO, which is a preferred provider organizing ocean, they should always try to stay in network. This avoids any out of network charges that are in excess of their out-of-pocket.

Another type of plan is an HMO. These are referred to as health management organizations and have a network of primary care doctors and specialists. They are the gate-keepers for in network care. These types of plans can work very well and are generally more economical.

If you spend a little time with a knowledgeable, licensed health insurance agent, your odds of making the right choice increase and you may save thousands of dollars and get the care you need.

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April 16 to April 22, 2015

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BECOME ONE OF OUR SALES TEAM info@coachellavalleyweekly.com

760.501.6228

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Haddon Libby

The New Wild West

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ere is a commercial that you might see on the Fox Business Channel in the not too distant future: “A $16,000 investment in Apple back in 1980 earned two Buffalo, New York grandparents a cool $2 million! Don’t you wish you were them? Guess what, you can be! Invest now in Pondse Cold Fusion and you too could make millions of dollars!

Not only are you investing in a revolutionary energy source of the future, if you invest in the next thirty minutes, we will throw in this 20 piece knife set made from genuine replica Madagascar ivory. Postage and handling extra.

Not enough you say? For every friend that invests in Pondse Cold Fusion, we will give you ten free shares! Act fast as supplies

of stock certificates are running out fast.

Don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime investment opportunity…and 20 piece knife set. Operators are standing by now!”

Why do I surmise that you might be seeing this kind of pitch on television?

The Securities Exchange Committee (SEC) recently finalized rules for what is commonly referred to as Regulation A+ of the JOBS Act. As a refresher, the JOBS Act (Jumpstart Our Businesses) was passed three years ago. The legislation was meant to make it easier for small and mid-sized businesses to raise capital, grow and hire more people.

Previously, only accredited investors could participate in these small fundraisings.

An accredited investor is someone who earns more than $200,000 a year or is worth at least $5 million. In the United States, we have 8 million accredited investors of which only 3% or 240,000 people have ever invested in a small or “mini IPO” (Initial Public Offering). The majority of these accredited investors do so via venture capital funds ($30 billion annually) or as Angel investors ($20 billion annually).

The rule change means that anyone can invest up to 10% of their annual earnings or net worth in these mini IPOs. It also means that the cumbersome and expensive state-

Dale Gribow On The Law

COACHELLA SHOWCASES THREE AMIGOS

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oncert goers of Coachella and Stagecoach may encounter the THREE AMIGOS…but this time it will not be funny. No, I am not talking about the popular movie with Martin Short, Steve Martin and Chevy Chase. I am referring to the 3 related arrests that occur during every Coachella and Stagecoach event… False ID (Minor in Possession False ID and Alcohol), Drugs and DUI arrests.

There is a yearly spike of these arrests from the concert season through Memorial Day. I get parent’s calls from California to New York whose kids were arrested for being in possession of a phony License.

Some underage kids have purchased an alcoholic beverage. However most used the false ID to get into the VIP areas to purchase a drink. These kids have done nothing wrong…yet, other than possess an ID incorrectly showing they are over 21.

A lawyer’s challenge is that this arrest is a crime of MORAL TURPITUDE and can have lingering effects that will affect future jobs and schooling. Last year I represented two junior USC Students that were roommates. One lost his dream aerospace summer job and the other was concerned about the effect of getting accepted to law school.

Last year the DA’s took a hardline approach and refused to reduce the charge to a lesser charge as would be the case in most of the other CA counties. A retired Judge from LA sat on

assignment in Indio for a month and did what they would do in LA county and that was to offer to the 600 kids charged a chance to plead to a disturbing the peace or drunk in public. After 6 months if they were good he would dismiss the charges.

Three hundred kids accepted his offer but the DA appealed the sentence arguing he did not have the authority to do so.

The DA can offer a plea bargain or the Judge can determine the sentence if the arrestee pleads “to the sheet” i.e. to the charge. However a judge cannot offer a lesser charge without the DA reducing the charge.

The remaining two amigos deal with arrests for being drunk in public or drunk driving and being in possession (or sales) of drugs (a controlled substance). Again there is nothing funny about these “amigos” either.

There will be a lot of DRUNK DRIVING and Drug arrests in the CV because of all the concert weekends and Memorial Day parties. The best advice is DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE! Call a taxi or Uber. It is a lot cheaper than calling me.

However if you do not follow my advice, please remember that the Field Sobriety Tests and Breath Test at the scene are optional. Be courteous and tell the officer you understand they are optional and thus you elect not to take them. Then advise the officer you are happy to cooperate and take a Blood test at the station or hospital.

by-state approval process of the past will be streamlined via the SEC. It is expected that this rule change will create a new class of retail investor. It is also expected that this will create a new class of fraudster as well.

A key risk for fraud exists on fundraisings of less than $1 million - the SEC have stated that they have no intent on monitoring these stock issues. Meanwhile, most state regulators will have limited to no ability to perform supervision. As for the stock brokers promoting these small issuances, federal rules prevent the regulation of these stock brokers by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), the regulatory agency that supervises the industry.

Given such intentionally lax supervision of an investment space filled with vastly more failures and frauds than successes, it seems curious that federal authorities are leaving such a big gap through which you

Most DUI clients have never been arrested and are scared to death. The calls me when released from the drunk tank. Everyone asks “what happens now?” The chronology below will answer that question.

In most DUI cases our office is able to arrive at a good disposition. A disposition means that you will plead either to a lesser charge or you will receive the most minimal sentence that is possible under the unique facts of your case. In the Indio court the DA’s always asks for jail time.

We will then work to trade the jail time for home arrest with an ankle bracelet. You are usually allowed to go to work for 12 hours and be home 12 hours.

As an experienced DUI lawyer we will ensure that you will not suffer any undue penalties or disabilities as a result of your arrest. The chronology of a DUI is: - Arrest - Blood or breath test - Booking - Release on bail or OR citation - We will call DMV within 10 days to request a DMV hearing.

- Arraignment. We appear for you and enter a plea of not guilty and obtain the police report and review it with you.

- Pre Trial. We will appear on your behalf and begin discussions with the DA. - 2nd Pre Trial (optional). We appear for you and obtain additional discovery such as maintenance records of the breath machine or a copy of the video in the patrol car or other information in the DA’s file.

- Attorney client meeting again where we

April 16 to April 22, 2015

and I can be defrauded with limited to no recourse against the bad guys.

Despite these substantial concerns, lower regulatory thresholds will be welcomed by people who have invested in small startups through Kickstarter campaigns. To date, Kickstarter campaigns have helped people and companies raise over $1.5 billion in capital by offering future services or some other benefit in return for cash. The downside to that approach has been that these investors have no ownership in those businesses that they help. As an example, early Kickstarter investors in Oculus Virtual Reality were happy to see this company succeed but less thrilled that they did not participate in the $2 billion sale of the company to Facebook.

To protect yourself from this Wild West for Capital Raising, assume every investment opportunity could be a fraud and be prepared to lose every penny you invest.

Haddon Libby is Managing Partner at Winslow Drake, an investment advisory practice and co-founder of ShareKitchen.

review in the office or on the phone the options available to you. We assist you with signing court forms if there is a fair offer and again appear on your behalf. With a little luck you never have to go to court.

DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE, CALL A TAXI OR UBER…IT IS A LOT CHEAPER THAN CALLING ME! Dale Gribow: 1) TOP LAWYER rating by Palm Springs Life 2011-2016 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.).

2015 Client Appreciation Award 2015 Martindale Hubbell Client Distinction 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.

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

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April 16 to April 22, 2015

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

safety tips

by Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

It’s This Thing Called Stress..

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t surrounds us all. At home, driving, work, in stores, school, the news, everywhere you go it’s there. It’s this thing called “stress.” Like water, it finds its way into every level and area in our life. Unfortunately it’s very unhealthy reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. It’s been reported to cause heart disease, ulcers, headaches, obesity, depression, anxiety, and accelerates aging to name a few. “It can exacerbate just about any health condition you can think of.”

Don’t despair; you may be surprised by the number of stressors in your life that you can eliminate! First, learn how to say “no.”

Know your limits and stick to them. Whether in your personal or professional life, taking on more than you can handle is a surefire recipe for stress. Avoid people who stress you out.

If someone consistently causes stress in your life and you can’t turn the relationship around, limit the amount of time you spend with that person or end the relationship. If traffic gets you uptight, give yourself more time.

If something or someone is bothering you, communicate your concerns in an open and respectful way. Be open-minded and compromise. When you ask someone to change their behavior, be willing to do the same. Manage your time better. Poor

time management can cause a lot of stress.

You can practice breathing, yoga or other relaxation techniques.

The next time you feel stressed, here are a few stress relief tips you can try. Breathe deeply. Just a few minutes of deep breathing can calm you and tame the physiologic stress response. You can calm yourself by bringing yourself back to the present moment. Keep your problems in perspective. It might seem Pollyannaish, but the next time you’re feeling stressed out, think about the things for which you’re grateful.

We get stressed when we focus so much on a specific problem that we lose perspective. Visit: www.cdc.gov/features/ CopingWithStress Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

Community

LUMPY’S 12TH ANNUAL BRINGS SCRAMBLE FOR AUTISM A GOOD A GREAT CAUSE GOLF TOURNAMENT TIME FORTOGETHER

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he Lumpy’s 12th Annual Scramble for Autism golf tournament presented by Cobra, Puma, and The Nest will be held Friday May 1st at Indian Wells Country Club (IWCC). The annual event, benefitting local families with kids with autism, promises to bring together a good time for a great cause.

This year the fundraising efforts are projected to surpass an accumulated one million dollars raised for local kids with autism. Every dollar raised benefits local kids with autism and goes to speech, music, occupational and social therapies benefitting families by easing the financial burden of these costly services. While the monetary value helps the families, the emotional benefits far outweigh any dollar amount. A father getting to hear “Dad” for the first time, even getting eye contact, is something they hold a bit closer to their hearts.

The event kicks off Thursday, April 30th at 6:30p.m. with a Happy Hour pre-party at The Nest. Then, the fun continues Friday, May 1st at IWCC with golf check in at 10:30 a.m., lunch at 11:30 a.m., and the scramble start at 1:00 p.m.

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Immediately following golf, IWCC will host the After Golf Party sponsored by The Nest. Activities include the best local jam session by the John Stanley King Band, meal

by IWCC, awards, and the “Scramble for Autism” Silent Auction and Raffle Bonanza.

A wide variety of prizes and raffle items worth over $50,000 from golf’s major manufacturers, local restaurants, and golf courses will be offered throughout the day.

Player and sponsorship packages are still available, but filling up fast. To play, give or for more information visit www.

LumpysFoundation.org or email Scramble@ Lumpys.com today.

sharekitchen

Slow Money Making 1st Visit to the Coachella Valley

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low Money Southern California is making their first appearance in the Coachella Valley on Monday, April 27th at 6:30pm at ShareKitchen located at 68-805 E. Palm Canyon Dr in Cathedral City.

This event is a great networking opportunity where you can meet local food entrepreneurs, farmers, business leaders and investors. At the event, there will be a panel discussion entitled, “Improving Local Food Systems in the Coachella Valley.”

What is Slow Money?

“Slow Money” is a non-profit organization founded in 2008 and based in Boulder, Colorado with the mission of bringing the flow of capital to local food enterprises and organic farms. Slow Money gatherings nationally have led to more than $40 million being invested in more than 400 food enterprises. The 2015 Slow Money national meeting led to the investment of more than $7 million in 35 businesses.

Woody Tasch, the former Chairman of Investors’ Circle, a nonprofit network of angel investors, venture capitalists, foundations and family offices started Slow Money. The movement started with the publishing of his book, “Into the Nature of

sports

Slow Money - Investing as if Food, Farms and Fertility Mattered.”

Slow Money’s goal is to connect investors to the places where they live, creating healthy relationships and new sources of capital for small food businesses. This originates from the believe that companies are too big and finance is too complex. As such, we need to slow our money down and invest as if what we invest in actually matters.

To assist people at investing as if it mattered, Slow Money created Beetcoin as a place where you and I can invest as little as $25 to help local and organic food enterprises find the funding that they need to grow.

If you want to attend the April 27th event, email info@slowmoneysocal.org.

by alison Elsner

TENNIS HALL OF FAMER ROSIE CASALS TO HONOR LOCAL PIONEER JACKIE COOPER AT TEAM TENNIS INVITATIONAL

Benefits Junior Tennis Through Variety Children’s Charity

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ndian Ridge Country Club will host the first Rosie Casals & Jackie Cooper Invitational, an event that will include local professionals and juniors who will play in a Team Tennis Pro-Am with paid amateurs.

All proceeds will benefit the Tory Fretz &Jackie Cooper Junior Tennis Fund at Variety the Children’s Charity of the Desert. The event will take place on Sunday, April 26, 2015 at 8:30am.

Tickets are $200 per person, which includes a barbecue lunch, or $75 for lunch only. Attendees may RSVP by calling 760772-9411 or emailing Sportswomn@aol.com.

A registration form is also available to print out at www.sportswomanevents.com. Indian Ridge Country Club is located at 76375 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert, California, 92211.

Rosemary “Rosie” Casals, a Palm Desert resident and well known tennis legend, was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1996. She is organizing the fundraising event through her company, Sportswoman, Inc., to honor the legacy of her friend and tennis pro, Jackie Cooper, who was instrumental in promoting junior tennis in the Coachella Valley.

Esurance is this year’s title sponsor, and Mylan World Team Tennis (WTT) is the presenting sponsor. Sportswoman, Inc. serves as host sponsor with Indian Ridge County Club as venue sponsor. Star Ortho has also signed on to support the event. Media sponsors

include KPLM Big 106 FM and KJJZ 102.3 FM (Marker Broadcasting) and Desert Golf & Tennis magazine. High visibility sponsorships are welcome and available by visiting www. sportswomanevents.com or by emailing Sportswomn@aol.com.

The Rosie Casals & Jackie Cooper Team Tennis Pro-Am will feature a Pro-Am with local juniors and professionals competing in a team tennis format that will consist of one pro, one junior and two amateurs. Billie Jean King and her World Team Tennis League, celebrating their 40th Anniversary this year, has come on board as a sponsor and supporter of junior tennis in the Coachella Valley. There will also be a “Doubles Shootout” with the pros and juniors teaming up with one another for trophies and cash prizes for the pros.

Billie Jean King, doubles partner and close friend of Rosie’s, said, “I’m so glad Rosie is holding this tournament in her home club of Indian Ridge to raise funds for needy juniors in the desert. I know this is just the beginning of great things to come.”

Rosie Casals said, “I’ve personally helped a lot of the junior tennis players whenever possible here in the desert. I know from my own experience on public courts that supporting these boys and girls is essential to help them realize their dreams and reach their goals. Events like this Invitational are crucial to help give kids a start.”

sports Scene

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

April 16 to April 22, 2015

by Julie Buehler

Angels Show Little Sense In Handling Of Hamilton’s Big Dollar Contract

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omeone made a phone call or sent an email to get the Angels’ newly acquired outfielder, Josh Hamilton, a locker all set up.

Someone sent some correspondence to erect a 5-story mural of the slugger who had been signed to a fully guaranteed, 5-year, $125 million dollar deal.

Someone sent the order into the merchandise manufacturer to get an extra shipment of #32 jerseys for the new Halo’s superstar.

And someone surely should have known there was a possibility of Hamilton’s dark, well-documented past of drug and alcohol addiction would resurface while he played at Angels Stadium.

And now, someone had to have made a phone call or sent an email to the equipment manager and have Josh Hamilton’s locker removed.

Someone had to have sent correspondence to the promotions department to have them take down that same 5-story mural.

And someone had to have called the merchandising shop and directed them to remove all the #32 jerseys from the sales racks.

The exact identity of that “someone” or those “someones” remains unclear and in the words of Angels manager Mike Scioscia,

‘it gets foggier and foggier’ every day, but what’s very clear is that the same people who welcomed Josh Hamilton with open arms, celebrating one of baseball’s purest talents willfully ignored one of its player’s most tainted pasts, showered him with money and adulation and have now deserted him.

The situation begs questions like: Why’d the Angels invest so much money if they were willing to invest support for a player facing obstacles? Why just 2 years into a 5-year deal can a team eradicate a players presence in the clubhouse, promotional materials, merchandising and more when they’re going to have another 3 years to face his physical presence? And why didn’t they know better?

Are the Angels trying to convince the public that they were in the dark about Hamilton’s issues? Or are they trying to save money from a bad deal they never should have made by selling Hamilton down the river? Is this their thinly-veiled attempt to somehow void the rest of Hamilton contracts? And are the other players right, would the Angels be more than willing to welcome Hamilton back if he were performing at a high level?

All questions that need to be answered directly, but can be analyzed based on the current information we have.

But before we do that, this column isn’t about feeling badly for Josh Hamilton. It’s

sports Scene Jordan Spieth, 21 - Life & Masters Champ

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t has been almost 20 years since a 21-year-old Tiger Woods stormed the course at Augusta en route to his first victory at the Masters in 1997, and this year there is another hot young American star is breaking course records, wearing Green Jackets and, at 21, sets the bar as a person even higher - Jordan Spieth.

Spieth, who finished in second last year’s tournament, is one of the best new golfers on the PGA Tour, and it is not just his stroke play that’s impressive. The Dallas, Texas native just plunked down $2.3 million on a stunning Texas mansion and has a gorgeous girlfriend, high school sweatheart, Annie Verett. All this, oh AND he’s a great guy. Take notes kids…

Spieth grew up the oldest of three siblings to Shawn and Chris Spieth. Steven, Spieth›s younger brother, is an athlete as well, and plays basketball for Brown. Then there is his youngest sibling Ellie, who was born with a neurological disorder that places her on the autism spectrum, and who has played the biggest role in shaping her brother›s career according to Spieth›s mother, particularly when it comes to the young superstar staying so grounded.

“Jordan wouldn›t be where he›s at today if he didn›t grow up with Ellie,” said Mrs. Spieth in an interview with ESPN. “Jordan realizes this isn’t real life at the

Masters. Trying to sit around and have dinner when his sister doesn’t want to eat when everybody else is eating and has a fit, that’s real life.”

Spieth on his own website has said; “Being Ellie’s brother humbles me every day of my life.”

It is for this reason he set up the Jordan Spieth Charitable Trust, which focuses on special needs youth, and was inspired by Ellie.

“She’s the funniest member of our family,” says Spieth of Ellie.

“I really love when she’s able to be out there, love spending time with her. It’s humbling to see her and her friends and the struggles they go through each day that we take for granted -- their kind of lack of patience or understanding, where it seems easy for us and it’s not for them.”

He then added, “But at the same time, they are the happiest people in the world, and when I say they, I speak to special-needs kids. And my experience with her and in her class and with her friends, it’s fantastic. I love being part of it and helping support it.”

Jordan began gaining notice in the golf world when he was just a teenager, becoming the only American besides Woods to claim two US Junior Amateur titles after winning in 2009 and 2011. As a result of his accomplishments in junior play, he even

well substantiated and Hamilton has been admitted that he has problems. And like anyone who struggles with addiction, IF they want to overcome it, it can be overcome and Hamilton certainly has the resources to do so.

So he does bare responsibility in this situation. When he signed a $125 million dollar contract, every penny of which is guaranteed, he took on a great responsibility to perform at his highest levels and stay clean.

He’s failed in both capacities. And that’s on his shoulders.

So I don’t feel badly for Hamilton as a baseball player, I do wish him the best in recovery and most of all, the best for his family.

But baseball is a business, we needn’t be naïve to that fact and if you had a partner that was underperforming and THEN you discovered there was drug and alcohol use that could explain that, you might pull the plug on that partnership as the Angels are attempting to do so with Hamilton.

The main difference is baseball contracts are FULLY GUARANTEED. As in, there’s no pulling the plug. Baseball teams just have to live with the contracts they signe. But for some reason, while the Angels have signed many REALLY bad contracts that they’ve had to live with for years, this is the first time we’ve seen them willfully sully a player’s name in order

to get out of a contract. It’s as though they’re acting like they’ve been duped.

But they weren’t.

When Hamilton was signed, there were multiple reports and questions raised about whether he could handle the temptation in Southern California and even more reports offered that outlined how his former team, the Texas Rangers, helped him navigate the rough waters of addiction.

For whatever reason, the Angels chose either to not heed those reports, not pay attention to those ideas or simply got lazy.

Regardless of the reasons, Hamilton deserves better, even if he bares some responsibility in this.

Someone knew exactly what they were getting when they signed him to a $125 million dollar deal, and that someone is still in the building acting like they were in the dark.

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

She can also be seen every morning between 6-7am on KMIR sharing the coolest stories in sports. Tune in M-F 1-4 pst at www.team1010. com or watch “Buehler’s Day Off” on Ustream and KMIR.com for her sports reports.

by Flint Wheeler

gained entry into a PGA event, becoming the sixth youngest player to ever make the cut when at just 17-years-old he began the third round in the PGA Tour’s HP Byron Nelson Championship, ultimately finishing in a tie for 16th place. Soon after he decided to attend University of Texas and lead them to the NCAA Championship in his first year. He got to play in the US Open in 2012, where he finished as low amateur. He left however during his sophomore year, and by the end of the 2013 season found himself 10th on the PGA Tour money list, winning the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year, an honor also won by Woods. This after he became the fourth youngest winner in PGA history after taking the John Deere Classic when he was just 19-years-old and was selected by golfing great Fred Couples to play in the 2013 Presidents Cup. 2014 was even better, with a final group pairing Sunday at Augusta and winning backto-back victories in November and early December.

He is now enjoying some of these winnings in the form of his new mansion in his native Dallas. Located in the city’s exclusive Preston Hollow neighborhood, the 7,378 square-foot estate sits on roughly an acre of land and boasts five bedrooms with private bathrooms, a 288 bottle wine closet, a media room, game room, pool, spa and plenty of room to put all those trophies and more than enough land to set up, at the very least, a chipping green.

As for Verret, little if known of the recent college graduate, and she keeps a low profile, though she did travel to cheer on Spieth during the 2013 President’s Cup. “This is the greatest week in our sport,” Spieth said after his round on Saturday.

“Last year definitely left a bad taste in my mouth. I’ve been looking to get some revenge. I’ve still got a long way to go.”

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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April 16 to April 22, 2015

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Giving Wishes Wings

D

o you remember pretending you could fly? The happy, unashamed abandon of it? The joy and celebration? Did you know that trillions of airline miles go unused each year? Instead of letting these expire or using them for magazine subscriptions, those miles can easily be donated to change the lives of sick kids battling life-threatening illnesses in your local community. Today, Make-A-Wish Orange County and Inland Empire begins a month-long campaign – Give Wishes Wings – focusing on the unique and critical need Make-A-Wish has for airline miles. This campaign encourages travelers who have unused airline miles to consider donating them to help grant the wishes that require travel.

The process to donate miles is as simple as visiting ocie.wish.org/ecbe choosing from a number of airlines – including Alaska, American, Delta, Jet Blue and United – and entering a few pieces of information. The number of miles you can donate range from a few hundred miles to millions. Donated miles never expire and are never used for anything other than wish travel for wish kids and their families. If you prefer, a form

Community

is included that you can fill out and return to us.

Most people have seen or heard of a wish come true – whether it’s a 5-year-old boy rescuing a city as his favorite superhero, a young girl wishing to dance with a prince, or a teenager relishing beachside moments in the Caribbean, miles away from the thought of treatment and the pain of hospital visits. However, few people recognize the resources Make-A-Wish Orange County and Inland Empire requires to make wishes possible. Travel is the most costly expense to our chapter. Donating airline miles is a little known way for supporters like you to help us grant more life-changing wishes without ever having to tap into their bank accounts.

Thank you for helping us give every eligible wish child and their family a transformative experience. With your investment in our mission, a wish child will look to their future with excitement instead of fear. Your support really does make all the difference.

Kindest regards, Debbie Finster Vice President of Major Gifts

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FREE WILL ASTROLOGY Week of April 16

ARIES (March 21-April 19): The California Gold Rush hit its peak between 1849 and 1855.

Three hundred thousand adventurers flocked to America’s West Coast in search of gold. In the early days, gold nuggets were lying around on the ground in plain sight, or relatively easy to find in gravel beds at the bottom of streams. But later prospectors had to work harder, developing methods to extract the gold from rocks that contained it. One way to detect the presence of the precious metal was through the use of nitric acid, which corroded any substance that wasn’t gold. The term “acid test” refers to that process. I bring this to your attention, Aries, because it’s a good time for you to use the metaphorical version of an acid test as you ascertain whether what you have discovered is truly golden.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): The time between now and your birthday will provide you with excellent opportunities to resolve lingering problems, bring drawn-out melodramas to a conclusion, and clean up old messes -- even the supposedly interesting ones. You want to know what else this upcoming period will be good for?

I’ll tell you: 1. Surrendering control-freak fantasies.

2. Relieving your backlog of tension. 3. Expelling delusional fears that you cling to out of habit. 4.

Laughing long and hard at the cosmic jokes that have tweaked your attitude.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In the mid-19th century, the entrance exam for the British Royal Navy was quite odd. Some candidates were required to write down the Lord’s Prayer, recite the multiplication table for the number three, get naked and jump over a chair, and drink a glass of sherry. I’m guessing that your own initiation or rite of passage may, at least initially, seem as puzzling or nonsensical as that one. You might be hard-pressed to understand how it is pertinent to the next chapter of your life story. And yet I suspect that you will ultimately come to the conclusion -- although it may take some time -- that this transition was an excellent lead-in and preparation for what’s to come.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): In 1909, Sergei Diaghilev founded the Ballets Russes, a Parisian ballet company that ultimately revolutionized the art form. The collaborative efforts he catalyzed were unprecedented. He drew on the talents of visual artists Picasso and Matisse, composers Stravinsky and Debussy, designer Coco Chanel, and playwright Jean Cocteau, teaming them up with top choreographers and dancers. His main goal was not primarily to entertain, but rather to excite and inspire and inflame. That’s the spirit I think you’ll thrive on in the coming weeks, Cancerian. It’s not a time for nice diversions and comfy satisfactions.

Go in quest of Ballets Russes-like bouts of arousal, awakening, and delight.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “Don’t ever tame your demons -- always keep them on a leash.” That’s a line from a song by Irish rock musician Hozier. Does it have any meaning for you? Can your personal demons somehow prove useful to you if you keep them wild but under your control? If so, how exactly might they be useful? Could they provide you with primal energy you wouldn’t otherwise possess? Might their presence be a reminder of the fact that everyone you meet has their own demons and therefore deserves your compassion? I suspect that these are topics worthy of your consideration right now. Your relationship to your demons is ripe for transformation -- possibly even a significant upgrade.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Will you be the difficult wizard, Virgo? Please say yes. Use your magic to summon elemental forces that will shatter the popular obstacles. Offer the tart medicine that tempers and tests as it heals. Bring us bracing revelations that provoke a fresher, sweeter order. I know it’s a lot to ask, but right now there’s no one more suited to the tasks. Only you can manage the stern grace that will keep us honest. Only you have the tough humility necessary to solve the riddles that no one else can even make sense of.

© Copyright 2015 Rob Brezsny

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): My message this week might be controversial to the Buddhists among you. But I’ve got to report the cosmic trends as I see them, right? It’s my sacred duty not to censor or sanitize the raw data. So here’s the truth as I understand it: More desire is the answer to your pressing questions. Passionate intensity is the remedy for all wishy-washy wishes and anesthetized emotions. The stronger your longing, the smarter you’ll be. So if your libido is not already surging and throbbing under its own power, I suggest you get it teased and tantalized until it does.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Karelu is a word from the Tulu language that’s spoken in South India. It refers to the marks made on human skin by clothing that’s too tight. As you know, the effect is temporary. Once the close-fitting garment is removed, the imprint will eventually disappear as the skin restores its normal shape and texture.

I see the coming days as being a time when you will experience a metaphorical version of karelu, Scorpio. You will shed some form of constriction, and it may take a while for you to regain your full flexibility and smoothness.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Georgia is not just an American state. It’s also a country that’s at the border of Western Asia and Eastern Europe.

Many people who live there speak the Georgian language. They have a word, shemomedjamo, that refers to what happens when you love the taste of the food you’re eating so much that you continue to pile it in your mouth well past the time when you’re full. I’d like to use it as a metaphor for what I hope you won’t do in the coming days: get too much of a good thing. On the other hand, it’s perfectly fine to get just the right, healthy amount of a good thing.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): When you’re a driver in a car race, an essential rule in making a successful pit stop is to get back on the track as quickly as possible. Once the refueling is finished and your new tires are in place, you don’t want to be cleaning out your cup holder or checking the side-view mirror to see how you look. Do I really need to tell you this? Aren’t you usually the zodiac’s smartest competitor? I understand that you’re trying to become more skilled at the arts of relaxation, but can’t you postpone that until after this particular race is over? Remember that there’s a difference between the bad kind of stress and the good kind. I think you actually need some of the latter.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Until the early 20th century, mayonnaise was considered a luxury food, a hand-made delicacy reserved for the rich.

An entrepreneur named Richard Hellman changed that. He developed an efficient system to produce and distribute the condiment at a lower cost. He put together effective advertising campaigns. The increasing availability of refrigeration helped, too, making mayonnaise a more practical food. I foresee the possibility of a comparable evolution in your own sphere, Aquarius: the transformation of a specialty item into a mainstay, or the evolution of a rare pleasure into a regular occurrence.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Piscean author Dr. Seuss wrote and illustrated over 40 books for children. Midway through his career, his publisher dared him to make a new book that used no more than 50 different words. Accepting the challenge, Seuss produced Green Eggs and Ham, which went on to become the fourth best-selling Englishlanguage children’s book in history. I invite you to learn from Seuss’s efforts, Pisces. How? Take advantage of the limitations that life has given you.

Be grateful for the way those limitations compel you to be efficient and precise. Use your constraints as inspiration to create a valuable addition to your life story.

Homework: When was the last time you loved yourself with consummate artfulness and grace?

Testify at FreeWillAstrology.com.

Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

April 16 to April 22, 2015

Mind, body & Spirit

EMPOWERMENT

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by Bronwyn Ison

hat is power? What does “power” mean to you? Is it imperative to feel a sense of power in your life? If so, why is this important? If your world revolves around attaining power in your life you may need to reevaluate your approach. The truth is most of us feel powerless more than we feel powerful.

It may be that you use power as leverage to get your way. Attempting to achieve perfection with material things will not render more power. Rather this impedes you from reality and is temporary. You may see others living a life of luxury and perceive them as powerful. Truth is … this person can feel more emasculated than the average person.

Relinquishing your power to another or others will be debilitating for you personally.

There is nothing to gain. Unfortunately this is a gradual process and generally goes unnoticed. This person happily gives away their power to feel accepted. Eventually the person who’s given of self feels powerless.

The harsh reality is predominant. When one allowed and accepted to give away their power they need to own their actions.

Take a glance at your life and recognize if you have been the victim of releasing your power to another. It does not make you less of a person. Yet, it does reflect that you have been willing to sacrifice your self-worth. Therefore, you have chosen to engage in “selfless pain.” You made a choice

that you were not important and concluded the other persons needs, wants and desires were a priority to you. You or someone you know is forgiving to a fault. They only have themselves to blame. If you are this kind of person then recognize those who are draining you. They will continue to play the game as long as you allow them.

Be the author of your own story. Know thyself. Take time to be cognizant of who you are, where you come from and where you are going. Living your story through the eyes of others will maintain you victim and lend an opportunity for others to control you.

Our society is full of people who are dwelling in their childhood or adolescent worlds.

Maturing into an adult requires work. A true sense of personal power requires looking at adulthood and living as an adult.

Attaining personal growth needs to be a goal if you desire to achieve a more empowered life. Your initial steps may be uncomfortable and possibly painful. You will need to face yourself. Remember you have everything to gain and nothing to lose. Your level of commitment will be your greatest and most challenging task. The personal rewards will be plentiful.

Trust you can live a fulfilled life that does not hinder or refrain you from all the greatness that lives inside of you. Be true to you and gain the empowerment that you deserve.

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

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April 16 to April 22, 2015

Life & career Coach

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April 16 to April 22, 2015

by Sunny Simon

Reflections of a Bright Red Piggy Bank

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fter months of job searching, Diane was excited to be back in the workforce again. During the first day on her new job she emailed me two JPG files. Opening them I smiled with delight. One was a picture of a cafeteria and the second a bright red piggy bank. Contrary to what you may be thinking, this is not one of my advice columns about finding a new job. No, it’s about…well, read on and see what you think.

Never before has anyone sent me a picture of a cafeteria. This was a first. Although my client, Diane, was grateful to secure a job which meant drawing a long-awaited weekly paycheck, she wholeheartedly appreciated the small perks that made her first day a welcoming experience. The cafeteria was sparking clean and shiny, well stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables. This meant no brown bagging it or running out to expensive, crowded restaurants. My client’s new employer was a large financial institution.

The bright red piggy bank was symbolic of perks such as a free checking account along with other benefits included in the total compensation package.

Later that day I thought about Diane taking a few minutes out of her lunch hour to share her excitement with me. When was the

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last time I hit the pause button and stopped to show appreciation for simple blessings?

About that time I gazed out my office window and watched a vibrant humming bird light on lantana bush. Yep, got the timely message, and bowed my head in thanks. Then I wrote this little motivational phase in my daily journal: “Just open your eyes and you will have many reasons to smile.”

It is so easy to get caught up in the rigors of everyday life always working toward that big pot at the end of the rainbow and overlooking reasons to smile and acknowledge tiny gifts.

Mahatma Ghandi is credited with saying, “There is more to life than simply increasing speed.” Perhaps it’s time we all slowed down a bit to observe the beauty in the details.

So, the next time you are presented with your own version of a bright red piggy bank, take action. Acknowledge it with gratitude and thanks. Think about sharing it with someone.

Snap a picture and email me your JPEG. I’d love to see what you uncovered when you stopped to find joy in an enchanting tiny gift.

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

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April 16 to April 22, 2015

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