Coachella Valley Weekly - April 21 to April 27, 2016 Vol. 5 No. 5 by CV Weekly

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Music

Movies

Dining

Community Events

coachellavalleyweekly.com • April 21 to April 27, 2016 Vol. 5 No. 5

A.M.P. Open Call

pg 5

KCOD CoachellaFM

pg 6

Cactus Wine Experience

pg 7

The Bermuda

pg 8

Kacie Rickert

pg 19

April 21 to April 27, 2016

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Coachella Valley Weekly

BRIGHTENER

April 21 to April 27, 2016

BY MORGAN JAMES

COVER & ARTICLE PHOTOS BY LANI GARFIELD

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

760.501.6228

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

CONTENTS brighteners...............................................3 Academy Of Musical Performance..........5 Calvin Harris..............................................5 KCOD CoachellaFM...................................6 Cactus Wine Experience...........................7 The Bermuda.............................................8 Backstage Jazz..........................................8 Fantasy Springs Upcoming Events..........9 Consider This - Cheap Trick....................10 Art Scene - Peter Busa............................11 Pet Place..................................................12 The Vino Voice ........................................13 Club Crawler Nightlife............................14 Art Scene - Fusion Art.............................17 Screeners.................................................18 Book Review............................................19 In Memory Of Kacie Rickert...................19 Haddon Libby.........................................21 Dale Gribow............................................21 DHS Chamber Of Commerce..................22 Safety Tips...............................................22 Sports Scene...........................................23 Free Will Astrology.................................23 Mind, Body & Spirit ................................24 Life & Career Coach ................................24

whirlwind of a week was in store when Will Sturgeon got the call from Goldenvoice asking if his band, brightener, would play at The Coachella Music and Arts Festival on Saturday. Just five days away, Will expertly coordinated his fairly newly formed band and played a show that they will remember for a lifetime. I spoke with Will about his experience playing at Coachella Fest, the band as a whole, and where he hopes to take his impressive music project from here. Morgan James: So tell me what are some of your favorite memories from playing at Coachella Saturday? Will Sturgeon: “I have been going to Coachella as a fan for 9 years now. The best part (about playing the festival) was having artist assistance so that I could get free waters all of the time. That was pretty clutch! I also got to eat a lot of popsicles. (laughing)I love Coachella every year. I think it is the perfect festival. To be on the other side, on that stage, was a really cool experience and I met a lot of people.” MJ: Was that the largest show you have played? WS: “Well we played at noon,” he chuckled, “So I have played bigger shows, but never on a bigger stage. That stage is my dream stage. To look out from that vantage point was amazing.” MJ: Did everything go as planned with the set up and preparation, or were there any hiccups along the way? WS: “Yeah I think we were the only group who played that didn’t have a manager and who played on a 5 day notice. So it was a crazy week for me trying to get some press going and running through it all in my head the night before. We had 2 members in our band who were booked to play a wedding at 4pm in L.A. that same day so I had a bit of a panic attack Friday night. But we got there really early and everything ran smooth. Goldenvoice had us take quick photos after our set and my band mates had a golf cart waiting and were able to make it to the wedding. It may have been the best day ever.” MJ: You also have the Tachevah Finals May 18th? WS: “I wanted to compete in Tachevah in previous years. But I didn’t really start this brightener project until last September. We picked and chose our time to enter wisely and now we are moving on. I have always gone to Tachevah and experienced

the block party, so again, being on the other side and heading to the finals is just awesome.” MJ: So it seems, you were ready, so now things are just starting to happen for you? WS: “Yeah it is crazy that in such a short amount of time we went from playing for the Coachella Valley Art Scene at the Mary Pickford Theatre in October, to now playing at Coachella! It has been an odd smattering of shows. I feel very fortunate. The band has such a familial feeling and this last month has been very bonding. It was so great to have them all there on stage with me this weekend.” MJ: I know your sister plays in the band with you. WS: “Yes! Abby (Abigail Sturgeon) is my sister. Aman Alem and I went to music school together. The two of them met through me playing a gig and the next day they told me they were in love. Plus our drummer Elias Texel and bassist Raefer Finnigan are best friends and have been out here in the desert forever. It makes the band a really nice organism and I am really grateful for it.” MJ: You mentioned you don’t have a manager. Will you be looking for

management? To tour? A record label? Or will you continue to wear all of those hats? WS: “It’s never gotten to the point that I have needed someone else to take a managerial role. Also I have been doing it so long on my own that it might be hard for me to relinquish control of the project. Of course there has never been a week where we have needed a manager more than this week. But I have yet to see how this whole thing will play out and what this will mean for us as a band. I do want to take as much advantage of this opportunity as we can. We actually released two songs on a small label earlier this week. My friend Greg owns New Professor Record Company and has been a mentor for me as well as for a lot of L.A. artists. So when I got the call from Coachella I spoke with him and decided to strike while the iron is hot and go ahead and release them. We would also like to play more shows locally and then around southern California so we will see where this all leads.” brightener.bandcamp.com facebook.com/brightenermusic youtube.com/willsturgeonmusic twitter.com/brighten_r instagram.com/willfrombrightener

April 21 to April 27, 2016

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April 21 to April 27, 2016

ACADEMY OF MUSICAL PERFORMANCE ANNOUNCES NEW LOCATION LOCAL MUSIC SPOTLIGHT FORcademy SUMMER PROGRAM AND PREPARES FOR MAY 7 OPEN CALL of Musical Performance practicing and improving tremendously.” participate in the three-week program, which

(AMP), a Coachella Valley Community Trust program, announced a new location for its second annual summer Youth Music Performance Camp to be at Shadow Hills High School Performing Arts Center, located at 39-225 Jefferson Street in Indio. The program is designed for young musicians and singers seeking a hands-on music experience as well as those who are interested in stage production, lighting, event management, and promotion. Coachella Valley students completing the 6th grade through 11th grade in June 2016 can now sign up for open call at www.ampcv.com. “The first open call on April 2 was well attended and we were excited about the talented musicians who performed. Many returned from last year and clearly have been

exclaimed Kate Spates, AMP Program Director. The second and final open call will take place at Indio High School Performing Arts Center, located at 81-750 Avenue 46, on May 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. AMP is seeking talented musicians and singers, including students proficient in vocals, guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, drum set, percussion, brass, woodwind, electronic mixing/DJs; and students interested in the technical and production side of performance. On the day of open call, students will meet the judges, AMP committee members and the music director for the program. Judges will ask questions and students can perform either a song or a mash-up of songs, not to exceed five minutes. Based on skill level and commitment, 40 students will be selected to

CALVIN HARRIS UNVEILS NEW SHOW AT FIRST EVER DJ HEADLINED COACHELLA PERFORMANCE

rammy Award-winning and multiplatinum selling artist Calvin Harris unveiled his new touring production show at Coachella on Sunday night, April 17th. His landmark headlining slot at the festival on the main stage was met with adoring fans and festival goers, and featured guest performances by Rihanna, Big Sean and John Newman. The show fused stadium scale live show production with DJ worldflow. Using uniquely customized software, Calvin was able to play any track from his record box and still have bespoke programmed lights, video, lasers and sfx. The visionary design featured the largest concentration of light ever used in any show, so much so that Calvin’s team secured every single Solaris Flare lighting fixture available in the United States. The show also featured two unique elements specific to Coachella that took months of negotiating with festival owners and production teams to achieve. Calvin commented “I’m very proud of the new stage show we’ve put together and couldn’t be more thankful to everyone who stayed out to party last night.” Paul Macrae, Head of Touring at Three Six Zero shared: “We wanted to deliver an innovative and immersive show that compliments Calvin’s performance. It was

very important for him to maintain his DJ workflow rather than playing back a time coded track. We gave him this flexibility along with pinpoint timing on all lighting and video cues, something rarely achieved.” Calvin Harris made history as the first DJ to be billed as a premiere headliner at the globally renowned music festival,

begins on June 27 and runs through July 15. While tuition is valued at $1,500, the fee is set at $399, with full scholarships available. No talented student will be turned away based on ability to pay tuition. AMP’s judge and Assistant Music Director, Will Sturgeon and his band Brightener played an afternoon set at the Coachella Music and Arts Festival on weekend 1 in front of many locals who were delighted a local band had the opportunity to play the internationally recognized festival. “Will was involved with our camp last year and related to the students as a desert native and they certainly respected him with his USC music school education.” Spates adds, “his band sounded amazing and how great for our AMP students to work with someone who has been on a Coachella stage! He is an absolute pleasure

to work with.” Students accepted into the program will be announced on May 14 with the first day of camp starting on June 27. The program is Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A final showcase performance on July 16 will be open to the public at Shadow Hills High School Performing Arts Center. AMP was created in 2015 by a committee of volunteers involved with Coachella Valley Community Trust, and is made possible by grant funding from Goldenvoice. For more information about Academy of Musical Performance visit ampcv.com. For more information about Coachella Valley Community Trust visit cvcommunitytrust.org or call (760) 863-2333.

COACHELLA performing on both Sunday night dates (April 17th and April 24th). The groundbreaking performance was not Harris’s first Coachella performance – in his last in 2014, the festival drew one of the largest crowd’s in Coachella’s history. Harris recently won the iHeartRadio Award for Dance Artist of the Year (2016). The Scottish Producer/DJ recently extended

his residency deal at the OMNIA Nightclub at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, where he will play Friday night performances on select dates throughout 2016. Tickets for Calvin Harris’s Las Vegas residency are currently available for purchase for dates through September 2016 by visiting omnianightclub.com. For more info, please visit: calvinharris.com.

April 21 to April 27, 2016

KCOD COACHELLAFM W

ith The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Annual Festival happening right now in the valley, excitement abounds as coverage from all local media is frenzied. Driving among the lines of hurried Coachella goers with windows down, music up, laughing carelessly, I wonder how the all the buzz is affecting KCOD, our local community college radio station. I sat down with Station Manager at KCOD CoachellaFM, Toni Bakal, and Faculty Advisor, Laurilie Jackson to find exactly how in tune the station is with Coachella Fest, what that means for the students, and where the station is headed from here. “We look at our role in the community as helping local artists and musicians in our community rise up and get more attention, more ears listening,” states Toni. “We play music artists that play Coachella as well as local music artists. We do both because it’s a way that we not only take our listeners down that memory lane of listening to music artists who have played in our home at Coachella, but also the local music artists that are coming out of our home and that we are proud of. And the music quality of the local music artists is just as good as the Coachella artists.” “Last year we entered College Radio Day and out of thousands of submissions, they picked our station because of our uniqueness,” Toni continues excitedly. “We submitted a “Best of Coachella” episode where we interviewed students around campus about their favorite Coachella memory, then we would cut directly to that artist and play a song. There are so many different memories out there and so many tastes. Coachella offers so many genres and styles of music so we made this epic playlist. Thirty students worked on the show. That was the telling thing. Even students who haven’t been to Coachella are affected because they sit atop their roofs and listen, or they go to the parties. It is so prevalent in our students lives, it is amazing to see how connected people are to this festival and how big the festival is now.”

Toni Bakal

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Laurilie Jackson & Brad Fuhr

“And it makes learning so much fun now,” Laurilie adds. “You can teach a radio course, or production, or announcing, but once you throw in assignments tailored around Coachella, it brings a whole new level of excitement. The students are probably learning more because they can associate with it.” “I started the station 5 years ago, but my expertise was in television broadcast,” Laurilie explains. “We didn’t have a lot of courses in radio, but we had an opportunity to have a radio station. It was great to get Brad Fuhr, our other faculty advisor, in because he had been really successful starting his own radio station. Over the years the students have really stepped up and I am so proud of them. The interest has been incredible. The students are creating fresh ideas and reaching their audience. It is not something we as faculty create and make them implement. We advise them and give them ideas, but the students run it.” “In 2011 we were 1650am and met in a little dungeon room and we would play local programming and just break in,” Laurilie continues, laughing. “It wasn’t until we went to a radio conference in Los Angeles where we met John Tesh, the keynote speaker, and he donated a program called Backbone to us, which allows us to be an internet station. By going to some of these conferences, even in New York, seeing that these other stations have been around for 30 or 40 years and are not as far along as we are. We have something so unique because of Coachella Fest. It brings in a lot of interest. Students this day and age love music and love the festival.” “Then we also want to be a voice for the community,” Toni notes. “I really like KCRW. I would like to model us after what they are doing. Not only music and entertainment segments, but it would be great to have local city officials involved in segments as well. We have so many departments and opportunities... music, sports, news, events, social media, production, public affairs. We offer classes in radio announcing, radio and TV writing, and radio and TV production and those filter interested students into our KCOD station.”

BY MORGAN JAMES

EVENTS

KCOD took home 8 awards at the IBS Radio Conference & Awards

“As Coachella keeps growing, so does the interest in our program,” Laurilie voices. “Whether the students want to announce, produce, DJ, work in social media, we are allowing them all of these avenues and they want to capture this feeling of the Coachella spirit and really be a part of something. The media world itself is so cuthroat and students struggle to get in,” Laurilie sighs. “Yet the feeling here, and I wish it could resonate throughout the world, is that mentoring concept. We don’t have to step on each other to be successful. We have an environment that is friendly and happy and supportive.”

“Sometimes in here, what is created is truly magical,” Toni adds imploringly. “My hope is that this station, just like Coachella Fest, becomes a staple here in the valley, with professional staff, yet always having the students creating the content. I think it would be great to have that type of apprenticeship- student voices melding with radio professionals and the output be KCOD Coachella FM. That would be the heartbeat.” KCOD just took home 8 awards at the IBS Radio Conference & Awards. Listen to KCOD radio 24/7 on 87.9 FM in Palm Desert, or stream online at www.coachellafm.com.

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THE CACTUS WINE EXPERIENCE I

“It’s hotter than a whore house on nickel night.” - Charlie Moan f you are one of the few who have been planning to, but have yet to make the trip to the world renowned Pappy and Harriet’s in Pioneertown, don’t expect to do so on Saturday, April 30th after 9 PM. It won’t be there. Due to the unique alignment of stars, the placement of the moon and a strong dose of Evaro magic, patrons will be transported, willingly or not, into the Wild West of the 1800s and the Cactus Wine Saloon burlesque experience, and they will be glad they were. Enjoy Pappy and Harriet’s amazing menu, full bar and adjoining Pioneertown all you like, but when the clock strikes nine, hold onto your hats as you will be swept up into the Cactus Wine Saloon time portal and find yourself entertained by an 1800’s house band called The Saguaros, and hot little dancers known as the Dusty Coyotes. This Wild West burlesque is fixin’ to be a hog-killin’ time, complete with a dirty blues and dusty boots rollickin’ roadhouse revue. There will be song and dance, Wild West romance, and girls that will kick up a row for all you late night lovers. The hottest spot in the Wild West, the show will get particularly blurry once the Cactus Wine Experience commences. “Shake me all night long” is the 2nd Series of the Cactus Wine Experience, a Rock’n’Roll series with good old fashioned blues at the heart of it all. From Slim Harpo, Credence Clearwater Revival, Booker T and the MGs to the Rolling Stones, it will be unlike any other burlesque you have ever dreamed of! This Cactus Wine Experience is the heart-meets-brainchild of Gabriella Evaro, which was launched at the Joshua Tree Music Festivals in 2015, both Spring and Fall, and again for the May of 2016 festival. The response of those in attendance was incredible. CV Weekly writer, Esther Sanchez, had rave reviews for the experience: “The CWE was one of the highlights for me at the last JT fest. You gotta love this gorgeous group of talented performers who keep it classy while peppering in just a bit of raunch exactly where you want it. I have never seen

anything quite like it. It really is a show that nobody should miss.” FROM THE HEART AND MIND OF GABRIELLA EVARO: “For years, while my family was doing music, I chose dance, theater and created large scale visual art installations. When I started doing music with my family about 8 years ago, I stopped focusing on my other projects. For the last couple of years I’ve been looking for ways to bring dance, visual art and theater back into my life. I attended LIB (Lighting In a Bottle Music and Arts Festival) two years ago and was inspired by the art installations. They had a cool massive room with sexy game toys and girls walking around all done up, and it was super cool. Then there was another section of the installation with cool western themed art. I’ve always loved Wild West themes. That was my, ‘Ah ha,’ moment! I told myself, ‘I can do this! I can still have my brother and everyone I love be part of this show, and create this western burlesque experience with music, dance, visual art and theater all in it.’ I had all these ideas come together in ten minutes, and knew right then, this is what I was going to do!” WHAT TO EXPECT: “Traditionally, the heart of the Cactus Wine Experience is old blues music from the early 20s to early 60s - music by artists like Johnny Lee Hooker, Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters. For this show at Pappy’s however, it’s going to be a classic rock and roll and blues show called, ‘Shake You All Night Long,’” Evaro shares. “I really wanted there to be at least one show in the Cactus Wine Experience history with some classic rock and roll music. I love rock and roll as much as I love old blues, so for this show, we’ll have music by Creedence Clearwater Revival, T. Rex and Rolling Stones, along with the blues artists who influenced them, like Bo Diddley. It’s got a little bit of both worlds. It’s not traditional in any sense. This show is my take on burlesque and my take on the Wild West story. The guys in the show, Gene Jr. (aka Charlie Moan) and Chris Unck (aka Hollis Wood), play the part of brothers who inherited the hottest spot in the west, the Cactus Wine Saloon, and their girls, the ‘Dusty Coyotes.’ “ “I was researching the wild west during the 1800s when I came across a popular beverage of the era called ‘Cactus Wine.’ Modern day Cactus Wine is wine made from prickly pears, but in the old west, it was a

BY LISA MORGAN

combination of tequila and peyote. The backdrop on the outdoor stage will be the frontage of the Cactus Wine Saloon where you enter into our world. We create a space to make you feel you’ve entered into the old western world with the look and feel of the 1800s, down to the clothes, the old cowboy slang and habits (like chain smoking).” The music and cast of characters of the Cactus Wine Experience promise to provide a psychedelic journey (sans the peyote of course) into the old Cactus Wine Saloon. CAST OF CHARACTERS: • Gene Evaro Jr. (Mc/Piano/Guitar/ Singer) Charlie Moan • Chris Unck (Stage call/Guitar/ Harmonica) Hollis Wood • Scott Kissinger (Trombone) Barnaby Bones • Andy Gorril (Stand-up Bass) George McJunkin • Benjamin Kennedy (Drummer) Blind Man Uriah • Michael Reyes (Singer/Special Guest) Jimmy Lee Ripple • Bryanna Evaro (Singer/Special Guest) Emma Smith

April 21 to April 27, 2016

EVENTS

• Gabriella Evaro (Dancer/Writer/Stage Director/Designer) Howlin Rose Black • Kacie Dorame (Dancer) Desert Dolly • Kali Poulin (Dancer) Jane West • Piper Robision (Dancer) Pixie June • Liesl Clouse (Dancer) Quintcesa Tomuch • Bonnie Blue Britt (Dancer) Lady Blue Deville THERE WILL BE THREE SUPRISE GUEST APPEARANCES! SHOW TIME AND TICKETS: Advanced ticket purchase is recommended as they are first come first serve and going fast. VIP seating sold out shortly after the show was advertised. Outside Doors open at 7:00pm with OffTime Jive Boys- spinning vinyl, blues classics and rock’n roll favorites. Pappy & Harriet’s is located at 53688 Pioneertown Road, Pioneertown, CA, 92268 Go to pappyandharriets.com for tickets. VIDEOS, PHOTOS AND INFORMATION ON THE CACTUS WINE EXPERIENCE: facebook.com/cactuswineexperience Instagram.com/cactuswineexperience Search Cactus Wine Experience on YouTube.com.

April 21 to April 27, 2016

LOCAL MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

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ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY ESTHER SANCHEZ

THE BERMUDA: A TRIFECTA OF DOPE

riends since childhood, this trio of emcees has been honing their skills as lyricists, producers and performers for the past couple of years and now they are chomping at the bit to be heard. Feeling as though they are as ready for the local scene as the scene is for them... The Bermuda has arrived. Armed with a new album consisting of 20 tracks and a couple of new videos, they have plenty to offer. I first met the boys who go by the monikers, Bunkz, Ivy the Giant and Madd Hatter, when they competed against Chill Magnet, Upper Class Poverty and Wicked Jed in the 2nd preliminary round of competition for the CV Music Showcase. Wicked Jed ended up taking the win that night, but, myself, along with the audience, judges and fellow competitors were all impressed by The Bermuda’s performance and the balls that it took for them to compete in a situation where they were rappers with tracks going up against full bands. Jeanette Krehbiel, owner of Plan B in Thousand Palms was one of the judges the night of the competition, Krehbiel: “Their performance was tight. I told them they must practice their lyrics in their sleep because they were so synchronized and spot on with each other!” The chemistry that Jeanette is mentioning comes from a deep connection the three of them have that is clear as day, not only when they are performing, but more so when they are just hanging out. They were friends before they were bandmates. In fact, 2 of the 3 members of The Bermuda had never even considered rapping before the encouragement of their more experienced friend who simply didn’t want to rap alone anymore. Madd Hatter: “I have been rapping since around the age of 12. I did it by myself for a while and started a group with my brother. That didn’t last long, but by the time I was a freshman in high school I had pretty much decided that this is what I want to do with my life. Bunkz and I got together around that time because I found out that he was making beats. Ivy the Giant was this homie that was just always in the studio.” Ivy the Giant: “Honestly, I never really

considered rapping or even producing tracks. I was just always hanging out because I liked to be around the music. Making beats came first. Bunkz got me into that.” At this point, I can’t help but interject…. Esther Sanchez: “So basically, they figured since you were always there you needed to stop wasting everyone’s oxygen and make yourself useful?” (everyone laughs) Madd Hatter: “That’s exactly what it was! I was rapping by myself as usual and I was like, ‘Dude, just hop on this track with me! Just try it!’ And admittedly, the first few times were terrible. In fact, if you listen to any of our tracks from way back in the day, they were pretty much all just awful; the flows, our voices, all of it, was bad. But, we kept at it. Then we did this song together called, “Reppin” that was produced by Bunkz and it sort of changed everything for us.” It was more encouragement from Madd Hatter that brought in the 3rd member that completes The Bermuda. Bunkz: “Yeah, I had produced “Reppin” but up until that point I had never rapped before and he (Mad Hatter) was like, ‘...just try it.’ I finally did and it came really natural to me.” The Bermuda have a list of somewhere in the ballpark of 75 original songs under their belts. They aren’t exactly sure on the number but they picked 20 of them to be on their new CD Backyard Hooligans.’ Check out their videos and follow them online for upcoming gigs and more. thebermudamusic.com Instagram @thebermudaa YouTube.com/TheBermuda

BACKSTAGE JAZZ

BY PATTE PURCELL PHOTOS BY MARCO NAJERA

CELEBRITY JAZZ JAM SLAMS THE DESERT

Karl Stober, writer for numerous national jazz magazines said it is a ‘very organic show’ uests raved about it! The musicians were excited just to be a part of it. The Celebrity Jazz Jam at Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Desert, an incredible outdoor patio with meltingly beautiful views of the golf slammed the desert. Jazz aficionados and the press delighted and danced to the incredible sounds of a full jazz band with uber talent from LA, San Diego, and Las Vegas. The sound and lighting from our guru Willie Robinson of Live Audio was amazing. There were wine tastings, Alien Tequila tastings, even Kangen water from Oasis Water Store. Renova Solar was there too. The jam started with a Michael Jackson medley from sax player and vocalist Rick Parma who killed it and got the crowd hopping! Rob Sabado played his latest hit on Billboard. Greg Vail, sax guru who’s sold millions of CDs brought the crowd to its feet with his version of “Europa.” Joe Baldino wowed the crowd with his original song from his new CD, Fire and Water. Slim Man emceed with his dry humor and sang two of his originals. Latin jazz’s Bob Desena from Las Vegas performed 2 beautiful pieces and played vibes, trumpet and flugelhorn. John Carey played the blues on guitar. A list bass player Darryl Williams funked the place. Greg Manning played just two of his string of hits. Victor Robles nailed his number on the sax. And co-producer Karl Erikson sang a beautiful rendition of “Unforgettable.” Then Deanna Bogart took the stage

with her ‘bluesion’ style on vocals and keys. She had the crowd up and applauding. This dynamic 4 time national blues award winner knows how to excite the crowd with her wild flying hair and high energy. She tours the world performing her special boogie boogie style. She then joined with the entire band that performing “Everybody Needs Somebod” (Blues Brothers) and the crowd stood up and danced and sang along. Three straight hours of solid smooth jazz, blues, funk, R&B, and groove. It was an exciting night to say the least. This was the 4th in the Celebrity Jazz Jam series at Desert Willow Golf Resort, held outside on their patio with stunning views on a balmy night under the moon and stars. Special thanks to Todd Kelly, management and staff, and Chef Francois for the jazz jam buffet, great service and a wonderful time. Sheryl Aronson from the Hollywood Times, Mikey and Jack Cohen from Smooth Jazz Live and Karl Stober, writer for numerous jazz magazines all covered the event. The next Celebrity Jazz Jam is on Monday, May 16 from 6-9 pm. Guitarist, pianist, producer, and TV performer Terry Wollman will be guesting. Bobbi Eakes, actress, performer, and soap star will be a featured guest as well, along with an incredible core band. More artists to be announced. In future jams we will be hosting Melissa Manchester, Jose Feliciano, and Jeff Goldblum as special guests. For questions contact 1-702-2196777. Tickets are available at purplepass.com/ celebrityjazzjam5

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UPCOMING EVENTS AT FANTASY SPRINGS RESORT CASINO

SPECIAL GUEST RITA WILSON HAS BEEN ADDED TO THE JULY 1ST CHICAGO SHOW

Following the release of her second, self-titled album and songwriting debut, garnering praise for her “sweet, lightly smoky voice (USA Today)” that conveys the ability to “address life’s issues in practical language and tunes that have strong melodic hooks (The New York Times)”, sing, songwriter, actress, and producer Rita Wilson announced today that she will support iconic rock band Chicago for their show at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on Friday, July 1st. The New York Times praised Rita Wilson’s captivating live show, “[If you] closed your eyes at certain moments you could imagine you were cruising down a Southern California highway in the early 1970s. Sandwiched between the music of Joni Mitchell and Jackson Browne on the car radio was a promising new voice whose sound fit right in with theirs.” Wilson said of the upcoming shows, “I am beyond thrilled to be opening for Chicago, a band who has made up so much of my musical life… I cannot wait for these shows!” Set to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame this year, Chicago was the highest charting American band in Billboard Magazine’s recent Hot 200 All-Time Top Artists, coming in at number 9. In addition, Chicago is the first American rock band to chart Top 40 albums in six decades. From the signature sound of the Chicago horns, their iconic vocalists, and a few dozen of their classic songs such as “25 Or 6 To 4,” “If You Leave Me Now,” “Hard Habit To Break,” “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” and “Saturday In The Park,” Chicago’s concerts are celebrations and 2016 will mark the band’s 49th consecutive year of touring without missing a single concert date! Chicago’s lifetime achievements include a Grammy Award, multiple American Music Awards, a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame, a Chicago city street dedicated in their honor,

and proclamations and keys to an impressive list of U.S. cities. Record sales top the 100-million mark and include 21 top 10 singles, 5 consecutive number one albums, 11 number one singles, and five gold singles. An incredible 25 of their 36 albums have been certified Platinum and the band has a total of 47 Gold and Platinum awards. Chicago continues to thrill audiences around the world and they are true ambassadors for its beloved hometown, carrying the city’s name with pride and dignity wherever they go. Tickets for the 8pm Chicago performance with special guest Rita Wilson on Friday, July 1st are on sale now for $79, $59, and $39 at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, via telephone at (800) 827-2946 or at FantasySpringsResort.

COUNTING CROWS & ROB THOMAS

For The First Time Touring Together, Music Superstars Announce Major North American Tour. Two of music’s most captivating live performers will unite for their first time touring together this summer. Multiplatinum-selling band Counting Crows and multiple Grammy Award winning singer and songwriter Rob Thomas announced a co-headlining tour that will blaze a trail this summer across North America with a stop at the Special Events Center

at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, CA on Friday, September 16th. For Counting Crows, the tour announcement comes on the heels of their recent news of an exciting run of European shows, which includes a coveted opening slot for Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band in Rome, Italy. Praised as “one of the most popular and easily identifiable rock groups in America (NPR)”, the band will be performing hits from their complete discography spanning the past two decades. Counting Crows’ latest release, 2014’s ‘Somewhere Under Wonderland’, earned critical acclaim as one of the “band’s best” and scored a top 10 debut. The album was recognized as one of the group’s “stronger works (USA Today)” and claimed a spot on Rolling Stone’s Top 50 Songs of the 2014 list with the track “Dislocation”. The upcoming tour celebrates Rob Thomas’ 3rd solo effort, The Great Unknown, which was released last year. The album had a Top 10 debut on the Soundscan/Billboard 200 chart and earned critical acclaim on its arrival. Rolling Stone hailed Thomas as “the same consummate poprock craftsman who has been making it all sound so smooth for years…Thomas piles on the hooks right from the opener.” The Great Unknown was produced by a remarkable roster of studio all-stars including longtime collaborator Matt Serletic, Ryan Tedder (OneRepublic, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé), Ricky Reed (Jessie J, Jason Derulo, twenty one pilots), and Shep Goodman & Aaron Accetta (American Authors) and features the hit single, “Hold On Forever” as well as the soon-tobe released “Pieces.” “Twenty years ago Rob and I were like kids running around Italy in the middle of the night getting drunk and playing gigs. I still love nothing more than touring with my friends. This is going to be a great summer,” said Adam Duritz. “Music is about good friends getting together and celebrating life. Our fans are going to be doing that in the audience and we will be doing that on stage as well. Bring on the summer!” said Rob Thomas. For more information on Counting Crows visit: countingcrows.com. For more information on Rob Thomas visit: robthomasmusic.com. Tickets for the 8pm Counting Crows and Rob Thomas performance on Friday, September 16th are on sale now for $119, $89, $69 and $49 at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, via telephone (800) 827-2946 or online at FantasySpringsResort.com.

April 21 to April 27, 2016

EVENTS

SPEND THE NIGHT WITH ALICE COOPER ON HALLOWEEN WEEKEND THIS OCTOBER

Alice Cooper pioneered a grandly theatrical brand of hard rock that was designed to shock. Drawing equally from horror movies, vaudeville, and garage rock, the group created a stage show that featured electric chairs, guillotines, fake blood and boa constrictors, and Alice Cooper will be bringing that amazing theatricality to Fantasy Springs Resort Casino for a special “Spend The Night with Alice Cooper” Halloween weekend show on Saturday, October 29th, 2016. Known as the architect of shock-rock, Alice Cooper (in both the original Alice Cooper band and as a solo artist) has rattled the cages and undermined the authority of generations of guardians of the status quo, continuing to surprise fans and exude danger at every turn, just like a great horror movie. The band’s breakthrough album Love It to Death hit the charts in 1971, followed by Killer, School’s Out, Billion Dollar Babies, and Muscle of Love. Each new album release was accompanied by a bigger and more elaborate touring stage show. 1974 saw the release of a “Greatest Hits” album, and then Cooper released his first solo album, Welcome to My Nightmare in 1975, accompanied by the legendary and groundbreaking theatrical Welcome to My Nightmare concert tour. With his influence on rock & roll long since acknowledged, there is little that Alice Cooper hasn’t achieved in his remarkable career, including platinum albums, sold-out tours and any number of honors and career achievement awards. Alice, Dennis, Neal, Michael, and the late Glen Buxton (posthumously) were inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame in March, 2011. In addition to touring, Cooper owns Cooper’stown (his Phoenix-based restaurant/sports bar) and hosts the “Nights With Alice Cooper” nightly radio show, syndicated domestically and worldwide on over 100 stations. Tickets for the 8pm “Spend The Night with Alice Cooper” show on Saturday, October 29th, 2016 are on sale now for $79, $59, and $39 at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, via telephone at 800-827-2946 or online at FantasySpringsResort.

April 21 to April 27, 2016

CONSIDER THIS

CHEAP TRICK W

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

BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

“BANG ZOOM CRAZY…HELLO” (BIG MACHINE RECORDS)

hen the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame was conceived in the early ‘80s, it was an idea that seemed long overdue. Spearheaded by Atlantic Records President Ahmet Ertegun, Rolling Stone publisher Jann Wenner and assorted music industry insiders, it paid homage to the people who created a genre of music that was originally considered to be a passing fad. The inaugural ceremony was held 30 years ago in 1986. Inductees included the architects of Rock & Roll: Chuck Berry, Fats Domino and Little Richard, their original disciples: Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis and the Everly Brothers. As well as a trio of Soulful progenitors: James Brown, Ray Charles and Sam Cooke. Since then, the criteria has been simple; an artist is eligible 25 years after releasing their debut recording. Things went smoothly for several years, as plenty of ‘50s and ‘60s icons were easily inducted. But since the turn of the 21st century, the nomination process seems to have been tilted toward the influence of publishing titan Jann Wenner. Artists who have been eligible for years, decades, like the Monkees, Yes, Harry Nilsson, Motorhead, X, the Blasters, Los Lobos and Warren Zevon have been bypassed or rebuffed. Finally, in 2012, the Hall Of Fame opened the nominee voting to fans around the world. The top five nominees as voted by the fans count as one ballot entry. That is how popular bands like Kiss and Rush got inducted. This year inductees included over-looked artists like Cheap Trick, Chicago, Deep Purple and Steve Miller. N.W.A. also made it in, having qualified in 2013. A going concern for over 40 years, and eligible since 2001, Cheap Trick was finally inducted last week. The band’s origins can be traced to Fuse, a Rockford, Illinois band Rick Nielsen formed in the late ‘60s. Born in 1948, Rick Nielsen grew up surrounded by music. Both his parents had been opera singers, in later years his father owned a music store. Preternaturally gifted, before he hit puberty, he had already mastered drums, keyboards and guitar. In high school he cycled through a series of bands. His longest lasting combo, the Phaetons morphed into the Grim Reapers, which featured future Cheap Trick bassist, Tom Petersson. By the early ‘70s, the pair collaborated again in a Philadelphia band called Sick Man Of Europe. Drummer Bun E. Carlos (ne’ Brad M. Carlson), was added to line-up, right as the band collapsed in on

WESTFIELD MALL

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itself. The trio reconvened in Rockford with singer Randy “Xeno” Hogan, but he was quickly replaced by protean tenor Robin Zander. Between 1974 and 1977, the four-piece played probably 200 shows. Starting in local bars and clubs, and opening for whatever headliner came through town, Kiss, Boston, Santana, Journey and the Kinks. Along the way, they created a kinetic live set, adopting quirky stage personas that weren’t as wildly theatrical as Kiss, but just as effective. Robin Zander and Tom Petersson were the pretty/handsome front men. Bun E. Carlos looked like a bored accountant moonlighting as a drummer in a strip club. Rick Nielsen modeled his look, (from the flipped bill of his baseball hat, to his loony facial expressions), to mirror the bratty rebellion of Bowery Boy Huntz Hall. Honing their chops for three years meant the band had amassed a catalog of at least 200 songs. They signed with Epic Records in 1976. Their self-titled debut arrived the following year. A sharp synthesis of Beatlesque Power Pop and Who-tastic Power Chords, it was met with indifference. But America was in the midst of post-Bicentennial malaise and careening toward a Disco Apocalypse. Maybe they weren’t ready for something really cool. Seven months later, their shiny sophomore effort, In Color arrived, and in the Spring of 1978, their third (and most assured) album, Heaven Tonight was released. Even though America wasn’t buying, Japan was paying attention. All three of their albums went gold there. On their first Japanese tour, there was pandemonium; it was their own version of Beatlemania. Capitalizing on their popularity, the band recorded two live shows at the indoor Budokan arena in front of 12,000 screaming fans. Cheap Trick At Budokan was meant as a thank you for their passionate Japanese fans, as such, it was only released in that country in October, 1978. But a funny thing happened, suddenly, America woke up and began paying attention. Import copies of ...Budokan were flying off the shelves. Radio embraced the live version of “I Want You To Want Me,” as well as the weirdly subversive “Surrender.” Seizing the opportunity, Epic released the album domestically in February, 1979 and it shot to the top of the charts, hitting #4 on Billboard’s Top 200 and ultimately selling three million copies. Cheap Trick rode out the remainder of the Me Decade as unlikely superstars. Their fourth studio album, Dream Police was released in September, 1979. It peaked at #6 and was certified platinum a few months later. The ‘80s were less kind to the band. Sick of the constant touring and recording, and hoping to make a mark as a solo artist, Tom Petersson left the band right after they recorded All Shook Up. Despite the fact that their fifth effort was produced by the “fifth Beatle,” George Martin, it felt overcooked. The band floundered through the first half of the decade. Petersson was replaced, first by Pete Comita and then John Brant. Over the next few years, they released a series of lackluster albums that tried the patience of loyal fans. One On One, Next Position Please, Standing On The Edge and The Doctor seemed consigned to the cut-out bins five minutes after they appeared. Tom Petersson re-joined in 1988, and they

recorded their best-selling album of the ‘80s, Lap Of Luxury. Ironically, they were propelled back on the charts by “The Flame,” an unctuous and flatulent power ballad they didn’t even write. (Epic insisted the band rely on hired guns. Four of the album’s ten tracks came from outside writers.) As the 20th century came to a close, it seemed as though the record industry had abandoned Cheap Trick. Luckily, their fans hadn’t. Kids that memorized every note of At Budokan were now leading lights of the Grunge era. Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins and Pearl Jam all sang the praises of the band. Even the Beastie Boys’ opened their Check Your Head album by quoting Robin Zander’s halting, spoken Budokan intro to “Surrender;” “this is the first song on our new album.” Suddenly they were touring with Guided By Voices, and playing concerts with Pearl Jam and Smashing Pumpkins. Although it was poorly distributed, their selftitled 1997 release was their best received album since 1979. They began the new millennium covering Big Star’s “In The Street” which was used as the theme song for the TV series, “That ‘70s Show.” For the last 16 years the band has toured consistently and sporadically released albums, “Rockford” in 2006 and “The Latest” in 2009. They commemorated the 40th anniversary of the Beatles’ epochal Sgt Pepper album by recording their own version. In 2010, Cheap Trick suffered an acrimonious split with drummer Bun E. Carlos. His position on the kit has since been filled by Rick Nielsen’s son Daxx. Recently, their paths collided with Scott Borchetta, a life-long fan who just happens to be the founder of Big Machine Records. The Nashville label is home to Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw and Rascal Flats. Now Cheap Trick is aligned with one of the biggest labels in the Country and they have just released their 17th studio album, Bang Zoom Crazy…Hello. Any worries that Cheap Trick has made a Country record are quickly dispelled by the squally feedback that opens the first track, “Heart On The Line.” Powered by a pile-driving rhythm, thundering bass and Nielsen’s cyclonic riff-age, Zander captures the frisson of instant attraction. “Standing in the middle of a traffic jam, my heart’s playing bumper pool, one thing lead to another then I took a shot/My heart was on the line, I was working overtime with my balls in the pocket will I ever be the same.” Three tracks display Cheap Trick’s virtuoso versatility. Despite the title, “No Direction Home” isn’t a Dylan-esque Dust Bowl Ballad. In reality,

it’s an irresistible slice of souped-up Power Pop. Propelled by a locomotive back-beat, strafing synths and electro-jangle guitar, Zander’s feverish lyrics chart a Homeric odyssey back to a loved one. His urgency is underscored on the vocoder assisted chorus and the scattershot guitar solo. In a blind Pepsi challenge, one might mistake “Long Time No See Ya” for the work of a feral pack of enfant terribles. Actually it’s been crafted by a cadre of wily sexagenarians. A fractious and Punky party anthem, it opens with plinky synths, doubles down with a rock steady beat, blitzkrieg riffs and Zander’s angst-y vocals. “When I Wake Up Tomorrow” offers a stylistic 180, a thoughtful, mid-tempo track that recalls “Oh Caroline” from the In Color album. Over stabby keys, crashing cymbals and lowkey strumming, Zander’s unadorned vocals are center-stage as he insists he’s on his knees, hoping for a happy ending to a tumultuous relationship. Nielsen can’t resist adding a scorching solo on the instrumental break. The best songs here acknowledge Cheap Trick’s rich musical legacy, but still push the envelope. “Do You Believe” is anchored by a kick drum stop-start rhythm and muscular chord changes that share some musical DNA with Bachman, Turner, Overdrive’s “Let It Ride.” As Zander advises a cuckolded pal, Nilsen cranks the tune up to 11, with his hopscotch pyrotechnics. Meanwhile, guitarist Wayne Kramer, (from ProtoPunk pioneers the MC5) ratchets up the tension with a caterwauling solo. A boomerang back-beat and sidewinder bass lines drive the candy-coated bubblegum crunch of “Blood Red Lips.” It’s a Glam-tastic blast of concupiscence. Finally, “Roll Me” is fueled by pummeling drums, throbbing bass and rapid-fire guitar licks. Other interesting tracks include the sleek “Sing My Blues Away” and the sandblasted grace of “The Sun Never Sets.” The latter provides a nice showcase for Daxx Nielsen’s percussive prowess. Cheap Trick has always managed to add their own subversive spin to well-loved cuts from artists like Terry Reid, the Move and Fats Domino. This time they tackle the epitome of ‘60s Cool Jazz, “The In Crowd.” They eschew the fingerpopping elegance of Ramsey Lewis’ definitive version, adding stutter power chords, fluttery synths, a walloping back-beat, pulsating bass lines and Zander’s blasé vocals. The album careens to a close with “All Strung Out.” A wicked, stream of conscious rave-up, the lyrics randomly name-check Frank Serpico, Patsy Cline, the Seeds, Johnny Cash and Courtney Love. Bang Zoom Crazy…Hello was produced by Julian Raymond, who has been around since the ‘90s and worked with everyone from Everclear, Fastball, Fleetwood Mac and Rosanne Cash. Most recently, was behind the boards for Glen Campbell’s last four albums. Although Bun E. Carlosis missed, Daxx Nielsen is an excellent addition to the band. The album is consistently great. To paraphrase their classic hit from 1978: “It wasn’t easy it was hard as hell, they didn’t get luck in a wishin’ well/Never worked so hard, had so much pain/Woudn’t change it for anything.” Cheap Trick is truly on top of the world and they can’t get any higher.

ART SCENE

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April 21 to April 27, 2016

BY REBECCA PIKUS

PETER BUSA P

eter Busa (1914-1985) was known for his Abstract Expressionist art, and “Indian Space Paintings”. Busa was a truly original thinker, and a pioneer of modern art. This brilliant artist came out of what was called The New York School. This was an informal group of American painters, poets, dancers, and musicians active in the 1950s &1960s in New York City. They often drew inspiration from Surrealism and the contemporary avant-garde art movements, in particular action painting, abstract expressionism, jazz, improvisational theater, and experimental music. Though difficult to categorize, Busa’s work was clearly influenced by his close associations with Matta, Pollock, Motherwell, Baziotes, Kamrowski, and Hofmann. His early work is of two types. The first was based on the technique of the Surrealists. The paintings of this type rely heavily on poured or dripped paint and date from the mid-forties typically. The second type of painting was more geometric -often angular- and these paintings were heavily influenced by Native American design motifs. These are commonly referred to as “Indian Space paintings.” Busa’s Indian Space paintings date from the late thirties to the late fifties. In his introduction to the catalogue for Peter Busa’s 50 year retrospective exhibition: “Life Colors Art”, Robert Metzger summarized Busa’s career by saying: “…Busa has presented problems for…art historians since his highly original and diverse body of work and his mastery of styles…have made him difficult to pigeonhole. His expansive repertory of forms defies translation into verbal language for they reveal truths which cannot be expressed in words. …”

Peter Busa studied at the Art Students League in NYC with Thomas Benton in the same class as Jackson Pollock, and in 1935 he began studies with Hans Hofmann both in New York and in Provincetown. In 1938-39, Busa made many visits to the Museum of Natural History and the Museum of the American Indian with his friends Steve Wheeler, Will Barnet, and Robert Barrell. In writing about artisans of these earlier cultures, Busa commented, “There was a genuine love for economy of forms and unfettered simplicity of direct statement… the structure of the space reflected by American Indian art was all-positive, without negative space.” Peter Busa’s work is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC, National Collection of Fine Arts, Smithsonian Institute, Washington, DC, and The Whitney Museum of American Art, NYC. Peter Busa: “Visually Speaking - Color & Light”. REBECCA FINE ART GALLERY, 68895 Perez Rd, #7, Cathedral City, Ca 92234 - (760) 534-5888 - Online Gallery: Fineartvortex.com - Ongoing Exhibit - Gallery open Wed-Sat, 11am-4pm or By Appointment

April 21 to April 27, 2016

PET PLACE

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BY JANET McAFEE

SUPERSTARS MILISSA AND DELILA

he small Pomeranian mix dog was out of time at the San Bernardino County shelter at Devore. One of the most adorable dogs I’ve ever seen, she was on the 4th day of availability. I wondered why she was not adopted until I noticed her head slightly shaking. Loving All Animals, my rescue group, recently

saved another dog with a foxtail imbedded inside her ear, and I suspected this dog had the same condition. If so, a simple surgical procedure could correct it. I named the spunky pup Delila, and we made the joyful freedom ride back to the Coachella Valley. The vet removed a total of five foxtails from Delila’s ears. This evidence suggests the stray dog was out in the desolate fields and tough streets of San Bernardino for quite some time. It soon became apparent Delila was an amazing little dog, with a giant Alpha attitude that rivaled none. She quickly established her placement as “leader of the pack” taking charge of other canines she encountered. Delila’s alpha attitude and “tough girl” body language probably kept her alive in a community where large stray dogs and predators abound. At adoption events, Delila took a defiant stance towards the dogs of prospective adopters. Preferring the company of humans, Delila was a precious gem who would melt lovingly into human arms. We concluded Delila would do best in an “only dog” household. One prospective adopter was sure Delila could successfully join her home with 2 other rescue pups,

only to call two days later with a desperate plea the dogs were not getting along. Delila came back. Milissa Meyer was still grieving the loss of her precious dog Amy when she attended “Yappy Hour” at the Draft Horse Ranch. She was decidedly not in the market to adopt another one. Ignoring her comments, I handed her Delila. Milissa recalls, “When I met Delila she looked at

MEET DIAMOND Sweet loving Diamond promises to bring sparkle to your life! This 2-yrold beauty looks part Ragdoll. Her kittens found homes, now it Mom’s turn! Rescued by Loving All Animals, contact Mary at (760) 834-7000.

SWEET SHANE Sweet snuggle bug Shane gets lots of foster love, but he yearns for a home of his own. This handsome 2-yr-old Pom/ Chi fellow was rescued by Loving All Animals from a shelter. Contact (760) 834-7000.

me as if to say ‘please take me home’ and wrapped her paws around my neck. We are the perfect match. When I wake up in the morning and look into her eyes, all my disappointments go away and I’m filled with joy. I love this dog so much, and she always has her eye on me. When I look at Delila, I feel a flutter in my heart. We were meant to be together.” Milissa went on a casting call for Altura Credit Union, and named Loving All Animals as her favorite charity when she was chosen. This gorgeous duo was featured in Altura’s televised commercials promoting Altura’s services and Loving All Animals’ rescue of homeless pets. Delila and Milissa were on billboards throughout Southern California. Altura Credit Union presented Loving All Animals a check for $5,000 to help us save more animals like Delila. Delila’s stardom is all the more amazing considering her survival on the streets and narrow rescue from the shelter with only minutes to go. For more information about rescue dogs and cats contact Loving All Animals at www.lovingallanimals.org or (760) 8347000.

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THE VINO VOICE

BY RICK RIOZZA

WONDROUS WALLA WALLA WASHINGTON WINES

t’s such a wonderful wide world of wine— that keeps most wine columnists from ever getting writer’s block. The problem, sometimes, is that there may indeed be too much stuff to write on and keep up with— especially for one columnist. Okay-okay—mea culpa, Walla Walla wine country has been on my radar for a long time. And of course I’ve desired to write about the very seductive red wines of the area. It’s been seven years; perhaps it’s time I reported. My wife and I traveled to Washington state wine country a couple of years ago, wondrously winding up in Walla Walla. It’s a very scenic city with that small-town feel. A walk down treelined streets reveals a trendy eclectic mix of vintage shops, boutiques, cafes, bookstores, tasting rooms, restaurants and more. Walla Walla is one of the most fertile agricultural areas in the nation, producing such crops as wheat, asparagus, strawberries and the famous Walla Walla Sweet Onions. However, these days, it is wine country that Walla Walla is most celebrated, with more than 100 wineries representing a wide range of varietals. And the stuff that’s especially bowling us over is their red wines: Syrahs, Cabs, Merlots, and red blends. Actually what prompted me to decisively get on the Walla Walla wine writing train was the action of the multi-tasking Palm Springs’ restaurateur, ZIN American Bistro & Alicante owner & beverage director, Mindy Reed. Leave it to this wine wise gal to be on the leading edge promoting and showcasing the wonderful red wines from south-east Washington. Palm Springs’ chic and charming restaurant, Zin American Bistro, is in the midst of their 2016 Wine Dinner Series. Last month was the marvelous Saxon Winery dinner with winemaker Jeff Gatner on hand. And just this week, fortunate diners were treated to an exquisite food & wine pairing featuring the wines from Walla Walla Vintners, where owner Gordy Venneri resonated with the crowd. When Gordy Venneri and co-owner Myles Anderson launched Walla Walla Vintners in 1995, they thought they might be too late to the game. After all, Walla Walla already had seven wineries — including some of the state’s luminary producers: Leonetti Cellar, Woodward Canyon Winery and L’Ecole No. 41. “We felt like we were johnny-comelatelies,” Venneri said. “We thought, well, there’s already seven wineries. Is there room for another? Are we going to be able to sell our wine?” Little did the two longtime friends realize that they were still on the forefront of a Walla Walla Valley wine explosion. Walla Walla Vintners has now risen to the top of the list with its quality, history and place in the wine industry and has earned Wine Press Northwest magazine’s 2016 Pacific Northwest Winery of the Year!” At the ZIN wine dinner, Gordy spoke a bit on the three stellar red wines that were paired with the three courses: Walla Walla Vintners 2013 Cabernet Franc – This wine is characteristic of the wonderful Cabernet Francs crafted since 1995. With 9% Merlot and 3% Carmenere, the appealing nose

of fresh picked strawberries is followed by a mid-palate of blackberry, huckleberry and cassis. The 2013 Cabernet Franc is no longer available for purchase on the Walla Walla website so it was a special treat for the night! Walla Walla Vintners 2013 Merlot – The attention-getting nose of cedar, oak and violet jumps from the glass and takes you to a sweet espresso beginning, a thick middle of wild huckleberry jam and a finish that dances with flavors of caramel, mocha, leather and fresh black Mission fig. Walla Walla Vintners 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon – Wafts of violets and woody herbs envelop a heart of pure, black fruit; blackberry, currant and plum. Velvety tannins deliver black cherry flavors dotted with cinnamon, anise and clove, turning to cassis, currant and cedar on a lingering, earthy finish. You can check out their total wine portfolio

April 21 to April 27, 2016

at www.wallawallavintners.com, and peruse ZIN’s wine list for feature wines by the bottle or the glass. As both your “wine steward of Rancho Mirage” and “somm-about-town”, I’m just amazed how narrow the Syrah shelfs in our wine markets are. A decade or two ago, Syrahs were the bomb! The shelves were full of them. Everybody was enjoying the full fruit flavors and interesting complexities found in these wines. But they seemingly went out of favor. With so many Millennials getting into the wine game, I think Syrah will be back in the high life. While the Rhône, Australia and California are the leaders when it comes to Syrah production, watch out for Walla Walla. My current wine love affair is Syrah from Walla Walla. The terroir—if you please, appears to work as a heavenly garden garrison allowing the Syrah to shine with vibrant and complex

flavors which produce a wine of elegance and balance that’s a splendid match for a meal. The classic profile includes aromas of cured meat leading to flavors of dark fruit, blueberry, black pepper, black tea and earthy minerality that are backed by smooth, approachable tannins in the lengthy finish. Interesting—as I’m writing this piece, the current Wine Spectator magazine was just placed on my desk; and, it features on the cover winemaker, Christophe Baron, founder of Cayuse Vineyards that makes some of Washington’s best Syrahs from—well, you guessed it! Walla Walla. By the way, another up-coming Wine Pairing Dinner at ZIN American Bistro will feature Hyde Wines from Napa-Carneros on May 17th. Always expect the best. Reservations: (760)322-6300 ZIN American Bistro 198 S. Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262 Bon Appétit & Cheers!

April 21 to April 27, 2016

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THUR APRIL 21

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bobby Furgo & Co. 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Desert Gold Weekend 2, Full Moon Party 7pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Francesca Amari Jazz Trio 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Dancing & DJ 9pm open 6pm-2am THE BLOCK; CC; 760-832-7767 Open Mic Hosted by Robert Poole 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Live Entertainment 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-770-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 Barry Baughn and Bob Gross 6:30pm GADI’S RESTAURANT AND BAR; YV; 760365-6633 Open Mic Night 7pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 T.B.A. 7:30pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Chris Lomeli 6:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Open Mic 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Punk Rock Night 9pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Hot Rox LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Country Night w/ JB & The Big Circle Riders 8pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 Quinto Menguante 8-1am MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Miike Snow and Bob Moses 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Jet Black Ent. Presents Creatives Circle w/ Cali Elijah and Friends 8pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Sharon Sills 7pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 TBA 9pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 The Smooth Brothers 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Dude Jones 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 T-Bone Karaoke 8pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Anthony DiGerlando Show 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Flyer 4-6pm, Carolyn Martinez Trio 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-9pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Laurie Morvan Band 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 8pm

FRI APRIL 22 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Dude Jones 9pm 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob Garcia Band 6:30pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Desert Gold Weekend 2 AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Siobhan 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Fleet Easton 7:30pm BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 TBA 9pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 DJ and Dancing 9pm Open 6pm-2am BISTRO 60 @TRILOGY; LQ; 760-501-0620 The Carmens 6pm BLUE BAR, SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-7755566 Lady Eris 8pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 The Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 TBA 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 Gina Carey 7pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 House Band 8:45pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 T-Bone Karaoke 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; 760345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Live DJ 8:30pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Blue 62 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company in the afternoon, Hot Rox in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Dax Band 9pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 DJ 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm

NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 9pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760345-0222 Radio 60 6:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Zachariah & The Los Riders and Chris Laterzo 8:30pm PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 Karaoke 7:30pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 At the Corner of Cabaret & Jazz 7pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Blackwater 9pm ROCKYARD@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND ; 800-827-2946 Pandora’s Rock and Smooth (Santana Tribute) 7:30pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 8pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Carmens 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Rock 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Demetrious and Co. 6pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 TBA 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Pat Rizzo & Dennis Michaels 6:30pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VIBE; MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-7555391 The Rick Whitfield Band 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Meet The Corwins 5:30-7:30pm, John Stanley King 8pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 T.B.A. 1:304:30pm, Nite Fixx 9-2am, DJ Anwaar Hines 9-2am VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 TBA 5:30pm

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WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 Michael Keeth 6-10pm WILLIE BOYS; MV; 760-363-3343 TBA 9pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Rose Mallet 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 9pm

KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company,in the afternoon,Hot Rox,in the night LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Dax Band 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 Circle of Fifths 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bev 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm & Bill 6:30pm MITCH’S ON EL PASEO; PD; 760-779-9200 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 Karaoke w/ Michael Keeth 12-3pm T-Bone 9pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Desert Gold 8-1:15am Weekend 2 AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm 760-674-4080 Art of Sax 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-327AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 4080 Southbound & Co. 9pm Cabaret Open Mic 7:30pm PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Denise Carter 345-0222 Off Da Cuff 6:30pm 7:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Jim BAR; PS; 760-537-7337 TBA 9pm Lauderdale 9pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 DJ and PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 Dancing 9pm open 6pm-2am Karaoke 7:30pm BLUE BAR; SPOTLIGHT 29; IND; 760-775PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND 5566 DJ 9pm COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Gina Carey Karaoke 9pm 6-10pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Comedy CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; Night w/ Jason Stuart ft. Jenny McNulty 7pm PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 The Spenders CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick 9pm Tuzzolino 5:30pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill RIVIERA; PS; 760-327-8311 Michael Keeth 7-10pm Baker 6pm ROCKYARD@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND ; 800DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 827-2946 212 and Led Zepagain (Led Zeppelin Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm Tribute) 7:30pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-228SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers 1199 DJ 9pm 8pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 Blues 8-11pm Jack Ruvio 6:30pm THE GRILL ON MAIN; LQ; 760-777-7773 TBA SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Carmens 8:30pm 8-11pm THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ 8pm CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Get Furgo 9pm ColdCocked !! ColdCock Whiskey Party w/ DJ SIDEWINDER GRILL; DHS; 760-329-7929 42 10pm Karaoke w/ Milly G 6pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Bill Ramirez 6:30pm SMOKIN’ BURGERS; PS; 760-883-5999 Ron James 6pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760Music 10pm 345-6466 Frank DiSalvo 6pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 TBA 8:30pm 3560 TBA 6pm

SAT APRIL 23

April 21 to April 27, 2016

TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 TBA 9pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 The Carolyn Martinez Show 6:30pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm TRYST; PS; 760-832-6046 Gutter Candy 9pm VIBE, MORONGO CASINO; CAB; 951-7555391 DJ Hektik 10pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 The Carmens 6:30pm 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 WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 Michael Keeth 6pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Stanley Butler Trio 6:30pm ZELDA’S; PS; 760-325-2375 DJ 9pm

SUN APRIL 24 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob Garcia 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Desert Gold Weekend 2, David Liebe Hart 8pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Brunch w/ Rose Malett 11:30am AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 The Judy Show 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Motown, R&B and Funk 6pm-2am BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Steve Madaio 6-10pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT; PS; 888999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 9pm continue to page 22

April 21 to April 27, 2016

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MEET THE HOFFMANS

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BY ANGELA ROMEO

THE FUSION ART GALLERY ARRIVES

here is a new kid in town – sort of. Artist Chris Hoffman and Valerie Hoffman are set to open Fusion Art. Originally conceived as an online gallery that hosts international juried art competitions and exhibitions, Fusion Art has now grown to include a brick and mortar space at the Backstreet Art District in Palm Springs. It joins a diverse collection of original, contemporary art galleries and artist studios. “The gallery was envisioned and formed out of a passion for art and the artists who create it, said Chris. “I have been painting my whole life. There were gaps – starts and stops – as other things came into my life, but it has always been my dream to open a gallery and I’m fortunate to now be at a point in my life to make it a reality.” “I know how difficult it is for an artist to receive wall space in any gallery. A gallery has economics attached to it and is in the business of

Painting By Jeanie Gebhart

selling art. But Val and I also know that exposure is key to sales. So we launched Fusion Art, initially, on the web,” continued Chris. “The goal,” noted Valerie, “when the website was launched in mid-2015, was to give emerging and established artists the opportunity to gain experience and exposure as well as promote and connect artists with collectors and art enthusiasts.” The website currently hosts monthly, themed, international online juried art competitions and exhibitions. The gallery gives monetary awards to the top three winners in each category and the Best in Show winners receive an invitation to participate in a group exhibition to be held annually in Palm Springs. The first group exhibition will be held at the gallery in November 2016. “Many artists dream of owning a gallery. For over 20 years Chris has had that dream. He wanted a gallery for his own work and to showcase the work of other artists. Fusion Art was the opportunity for me to help Chris realize his dream,” continued Valerie. Since arriving in Palm Springs in 2010 Chris has immersed himself in the local art community. His work was shown at Heath Gallery Annex, Studio D (a former Backstreet Gallery) and most recently in Artize Gallery, also located in the Backstreet Art District. “We saw Backstreet as the right fit for Fusion Art. The decision was made and the gallery is set to open May 4th, which is the monthly First Wednesday Art Walk at Backstreet,” beamed Valerie. “We are very proud to be a part of this art-centric area of Palm Springs.”

The portraits and scenes of everyday life by master artists such as John Singer Sargent, Claude Monet and August Renoir always have inspired Chris. He is known for his use of rich, vibrant watercolors. Chris has captured the beauty of nature in his abstract landscapes. He cleverly blended landscapes with Hollywood Glam (always a Palm Springs favorite) in his Legend and Landmarks series. He combined Hollywood Icons with legendary Palm Springs landmarks. Chris explained, “Fusion Art will also be my working studio, so I expect the pull of the gallery and visitors will have a positive impact on my upcoming work.” The gallery will showcase Chris’s art as well at the artwork of several other very talented artists including Chicago based abstract artist, Michael Goldzweig; Cleveland based Op Art artist, Evie Zimmer; Colorado based palette knife artist, Jeanie Gebhart; and Los Angeles based, Argentinean artist and figurative bronze sculptor, Alicia Savio. “I am honored and pleased to have such talented artists as Michael, Evie, Jeanie and Alicia joining me on this journey.” Fusion Art Gallery (fusionartps.com) is located at 2658 South Cherokee Way, Palm Springs, in the heart of the Back Street Art District. This gallery is the newest gem in the art necklace that continues to make the Coachella Valley an Art destination.

April 21 to April 27, 2016

ART SCENE

Painting By Evie Zimmer

April 21 to April 27, 2016

SCREENERS

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BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS

No. 209

ACTION FOR ITS OWN SAKE! HARDCORE HENRY

I think “Hardcore Henry” is trying to to reinvent the pure action flick in the same way that “first-person shooters” redefined video gaming. The plot is secondary to the action and I found none of the characters especially sympathetic – even with the irony of actually being the main character!! But make no mistake – it’s the crazy ride that matters most. Here’s the main storyline., Your wife awakens you (from the dead?) and says your name is Henry. Immediately someone shoots at you and kidnaps your wife! You attempt to get her back and discover a powerful warlord has taken her. You find yourself in an unfamiliar city where everyone wants you dead except for a mysterious Brit who may or may not be on your side! Your job is to survive the craziness and discover the truth of who you are and your purpose. I got a little tired of the first-person point-of-view gimmick since I had no control over it. –- unlike the best video games. In fact, I kept reaching for a non-existent controller. Must’ve been muscle memory, Now playing. THE JUNGLE BOOK Grossing a massive $103.6 million over its opening weekend as well as garnering universal critical and audience praise, Disney continues its success in transforming its animated classics into live-action hits.

This beautiful rendering of Rudyard Kipling’s beloved story ranks as the secondbiggest April opening in history. Disney has no reason to discontinue this strategy of revitalizing its animated fairy tales. In fact, these films have almost become a brand if not a genre unto itself. Upcoming projects include “Beauty and the Beast” with Emma Watson (look for it in theaters exactly one year from now (March 17, 2017). There’s also a live-action “Dumbo” in the works. But by all means don’t miss director Jon Favreau’s fully engaging, immersive and lushly realized piece of cinema art that does not side-step its emotional threads. This latest movie incarnation of Kipling’s story is among the small handful of authentic and satisfying and thus rarest of family films. Now playing. NEW FOR THE HOME THEATER: THE REVENANT The main events of this visceral and starkly beautiful tale are true. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as as a vengeful spirit back from the dead who seeks justice. When on an expedition into the uncharted American wilderness, legendary explorer Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio) is brutally attacked by a bear and left for dead by members of his own hunting team his desire for revenge keeps him alive. Director Alejandro G.

Innarritu and cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki are a perfect team for capturing the raw look of this wilderness adventure. Both of them along with DiCaprio won Oscars for their exemplary work. Extras include a terrific documentary about the challenges involved in crafting this memorable film. 20th Century Fox. Blu-ray. BICYCLE THIEVES (1948) Since it’s initial; release more than 50 years ago, Vittorio De Sica’s neo-realist masterpiece has been hailed around the world as among the greatest movies ever made. The Academy Award–winning film defined an era in cinema. The simple story Is set in poverty-stricken postwar Rome where a man working his first day on a

new job that offers hope of salvation for his desperate family discovers that his bicycle, which he needs for work, has been stolen. With his lively young son in tow, he sets off to track down the thief. Simple in construction but profoundly rich in human insight, De Sica’s iconic film embodies the power of the Italian neorealist movement: “emotional clarity, social rectitude, and brutal honesty” – all without unnecessary sentimentality. Through the lens of this great film, we see in a new light the hopefilled frailty of our species. The exceedingly crisp 4K transfer is a sight to behold. As with most Criterion home video titles, there’s a treasure trove of fascinating and watchable extras. Criterion. Blu-ray. Comments? Robinesimmons@aol.com

BOOK REVIEW

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April 21 to April 27, 2016

BY HEIDI SIMMONS

COMING-OF-AGE IN THE AMERICAN WEST -----------------------------------------------------

“LAST BUS TO WISDOM” BY IVAN DOIG FICTION

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

here is nothing quite like the fame and allure of the American West. Its history and lore has called to many around the world who long for freedom and adventure. In Ivan Doig’s final novel, Last Bus to Wisdom (Penguin Random House, 464 pages), cowboy grit and Indian magic change the life of one boy. Set in 1951, Donal Cameron is 11 years old -soon to turn 12. He lives with his grandmother who is cook to the staff and crew on the Montana Double W cattle ranch, which sprawls below the rookies. Donal loves the ranching life, but when his grandmother has “woman” problems, she has no other choice but to send Donal to the only relative she has in Wisconsin. Before he leaves he begs the rancher to keep him on as a teamster swearing that he can manage and drive a team of horses during the wheat harvest. Unfortunately, that job is now done by machines, and the rancher kicks Donal out. But Donal doesn’t leave without the lucky obsidian arrowhead he found on the ranch -taking it back from the landowner before he slips away.

IN MEMORY OF

Donal has to take a bus just to get to the “dog” bus. His grandmother has packed his things in a wicker suitcase and pinned some money to the inside of his shirt pocket. Trying to be brave and not feel alone and worried, he gets on the Grey Hound for the home of his great aunt Kitty and her husband “Dutch.” Along his way, Donal collects little ditties with autographs from the people he meets on his long trip. And an eclectic group they are: a sheriff taking his brother back to the hoosegow, a kind, elderly couple off to visit their son; a sexy cigarette-smoking waitress and service men on their way to Korea. He even crosses paths with Jack Kerouac who is happy to sign a page. When he arrives in Wisconsin, aunt Kitty is a huge woman and he mistakes her for the famed signer Kate Smith. Her husband, “Dutch” insists his name is Herman and talks with a thick accent. He is Herman “The German.” Donal is given the attic for his room and he and his great aunt struggle to get along. Soon, she has Donal learning canasta. But Donal can’t win with his aunt – not in cards or any other way no matter how hard he tries. His only ally is Herman, which Kate resents. Kate decides Donal is too much for her to handle and sends him back. But there is no back anywhere. His grandmother is recovering at the charity hospital and she no longer has the job at the Double W. It means foster homes and the orphanage for Donal.

After Donal boards the dog bus for the journey back to Montana – trying not to cry and feel at all sorry for himself— he discovers Herman has left Kate and will be going with him. And, they can go wherever they want as long it’s out West. A fan of the western writer Karl May since he was a child, Herman longs to experience the “West” first-hand. Herman and Donal have a wild adventure that seems to get them into far more trouble than if they tried to avoid it. They meet cowboys and Indians. They become hobos and hay cutters. Donal drives a team of horses. But together, they form a friendship and an alliance that pulls them through challenging roadblocks and difficult events. Told in first-person, Last Bus to Wisdom is a wonderful story of bravery, sacrifice, and friendship. It’s not only just about the adventure, but also the power of storytelling. Donal could easily be a young author Doig

exploring what it means to write something meaningful down on paper. Although the story is narrated by the adult Donal, it is the child who shows the reader the most important summer of his life -- that time just before he turned 12 years old when the world once again flip-flopped. As unreliable a narrator as the boy is, it’s what gives the story so much emotional power and endearing charm. Donal’s bunkhouse upbringing may get him in hot water, but it’s also what gets him out of it. His tall tales and half-truths are beguiling and entertaining as he just tries to survive his ordeal alone in a world ruled by adults. Last Bus to Wisdom, transports the reader back in time. It’s the American west with small towns and lots of open space. Author Doig writes beautifully. There are passages that are poetic and noble. Some of the ditties written in Donal’s autograph book made me cry. Donal is filled with wisdom without even knowing it. He is wise beyond his years as he absorbs and observes life unfolding around him. But the title refers to Wisdom, Montana where Donal and Herman come to the end of the road. It’s here they discover truth, love and happiness. Thank you Ivan Doig for the wonderful adventures, hours of joy and beautiful wisdom. RIP.

KACIE RAE RICKERT – APRIL 25, 1989 - APRIL 16, 2016

On behalf of the whole CV Weekly team I would like to express our deepest sympathy and extend our heartfelt condolences to our Art Director, Robert “Chance” Rickert, who lost his sister Kacie Ricks last week. Chance is more than part of our CV Weekly team. He is family to us and we grieve alongside him during this difficult time.

acie Rae Rickert passed away unexpectedly in Rancho Mirage California on Saturday April 16, 2016 at the age of 26. Kacie is survived by her parents: Andrea Rickert, James Howard and Scott Rickert of Indio California; grandmother Henrietta Tiaga; siblings, Cody Rickert, Destiny Ruiz, Chance Rickert, Mae Jones, Stevie Rickert, Mark Rodriguez, Andra Howard, Aaron Howard, Hayley Howard, and Hunter Howard. She is also survived by her niece, Jaidyn Rickert and nephews, Johnathan Rickert, Noah Rodriguez and Maximus Rickert as well as a very large extended family. She is preceded in death by her oldest

brother Matt Rickert. Kacie graduated from Indio High School in 2007. She was active in many activities in high school including cheer and theater. She studied Psychology at College of the Desert where she graduated with an Associate’s Degree and Cal State San Bernardino. Kacie will always be remembered as a fun loving, funny, beautiful person inside and out. She was very passionate about having fun with family and friends, movies, education, and music. A memorial service is scheduled for April 25, 2016 at Destiny Church 82545 Showcase Pkwy Indio CA 92203. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Kacie’s life.

April 21 to April 27, 2016

CLUB CRAWLER NIGHTLIFE continued from page 17 CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 John Stanley King 6-9pm 6pm VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 TBA DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 6pm Radio 60 & Friends 3-6pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 The EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Smooth Brothers 5:30pm Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Ted Herman’s Big Band 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Open Jam 6pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-32529 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 2794 Palm Springs Sound Company, in the The Luminators 6pm afternoon, Hot Rox, in the night AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; Bill Marx 6:30pm 760-325-2323 Sunday Jam 4-8pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Mood NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Golden Deep House Lounge 6pm-2am Era Karaoke 4-7pm, Red’s Rockstar Karaoke CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 8pm-1:15am 6pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 7607:30pm 345-6466 Larry Capeloto 6pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325327-4080 Longest Running Jam Session in 2794 Hot Rox the valley. Hosted by JB, Sign up 6pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am Rim Rock Ranch Hand-Off Hoedown w/ Sara THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry Petite & The HWY 62 Tones, Nena Anderson 7pm and Rimrock Rhythm Pushers 7pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND PETE’S HIDEAWAY;PS; 760-322-6500 The COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Industry Evaro Brothers 7pm Night w/ DJ Tone 2pm-close PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Open Mic w/ 3560 T.B.A. 6pm Stacey Bear 5pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 The Judy TBA 6:30pm Show 7pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Eddie Gee Rayne 4:30-2am, Michael James & 3sum 7pm 9-2am SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-341VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Tony 3560 The Myx 6pm Grandberry 6:30pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Trish The Chris Gore Group Pro Jam 7pm Hatley & Barney McClure 6pm

MON APRIL 25

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TUE APRIL 26 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Dana Larson 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Ace Karaoke with Kiesha 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Linda Peterson 7pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Bella da Ball Dinner Revue w/ guest performers 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Open DJ Night text 760-799-8800 to sign up 6pm2am BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Stanley Butler Trio 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Joe Jaggi 6pm CORKTREE; PD; 760-770-0123 Michael Keeth 6-9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 Chuck Alvarez 6:30pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Karaoke hosted by Phillip Moore 9pm INDIAN CANYONS GOLF RESORT; PS; 760-833-8700 DJ Randy Johnson 6pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Michael D’Angelo 6:15pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Ted Quinn’s Open Mic Reality Show Jam 8pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Palm Springs Sound Company NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Tim Burleson

7:45pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760327-4080 Jethro BoDidley 7pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Ladies Night 7pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Rose Mallett 7pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Demetrious and Co. THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Douglas McDonald Duo 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Mike Costley and Trio 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 Tequila Tuesdays 9pm VUE GRILLE & BAR; IW; 760-834-3800 Chris Lomeli 6pm WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 Closed for Private Event 6pm

WED APRIL 27 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Daniel Horn 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Desert Gold 7pm, Johnny Ashby AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Pro Jazz Jam w/ Shelley Yoelin Jazz Quintet 7:30pm AZUL; PS; 760-325-5533 Piano Bar 6pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Beer Pong Contest 6pm-2am BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Michael Keeth 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 Karaoke 7pm

S and G

PUMPING SERVICE

Septic Tank & Grease Trap Pumping Sewer & Drain Cleaning Odor Control

760-404-6325

FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6533 Gina Carey 6pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Live VJ 9pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Open Mic w/ Rich Bono & Poupee Boccaccio 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Live Music KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Open Mic hosted by Amy Angel 6:30pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Rox MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 “Sing Jam” w/ Mikael Healey 8pm MITCH’S ON EL PASEO; PD; 760-779-9200 Michael Keeth 12-3pm 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 Roger Lemieux 5pm PJ’S SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-288-1199 Karaoke w/ KJ Ginger 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Michael Holmes Jazz Trio 6:30pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 The Hive Minds Acoustic Duo 6:30pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Mike Costley Band 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Lizann Warner 6:30pm VILLAGE PUB; PS; 760-323-3265 DJ Khodi Rayne 4:30-2am, Nite Fixx 9-2am WOODY’S BURGER; PS; 760-230-0188 TBA 6:30pm

HADDON LIBBY

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

GUTTING THE SOCIAL SAFETY NET

s the Coachella Music Festival is doing a re-run of last weekend’s festival, I thought I’d do something similar with an article from four years ago as the topic is important enough to write again. If you are under 55, there is a strong likelihood that Social Security will barely be there for you when you retire. As touching Social Security benefits is the third rail of politics, the way Washington DC achieved the reduction in payouts was by changing the numbers used to calculate future increases. Both Democrats and Republicans are responsible for these adjustments, including the Obama Administration. None have complained about nor tried to change these adjustments. It is easy to realize why – current Social Security benefits were unsustainable with bankruptcy forecasted within twenty years. By making these changes quietly, Washington DC gutted the social safety net that future retirees are increasingly relying on during a period of life when they are most vulnerable. Anyone who buys groceries knows that a dollar could buy more ten years ago than it does today. Given the way the dollar is being systemically devalued, within ten years, social security payouts could be worth onethird less than they are today. Within twenty years, payouts could be worth less than half

of today’s levels. The ‘trick’ to reducing Social Security payments over time is by redefining the Consumer Price Index also called the CPI. What is the CPI? As the Bureau of Labor Statistics defines it, CPI is “a measure of the average change over time in the prices paid by urban consumers for a market basket of consumer goods and services.” What Washington DC has done is watered down an already watered down CPI with something called a “chained CPI.” Chained CPI means that if your medical costs go up, you will buy less food. Seriously! This is not a joke. The index has been systematically and definitionally changed to exclude inflation.

The theory used to justify ‘chained CPI’ this is that consumers have so much money so it is natural that the consumer will reapportion their limited funds as best as they can. As this change brought on an immediate backlash with seniors, the Powers-ThatBe added a kinder, gentler version of the calculation for seniors called CPI-E. The ‘E’ stands for ‘elderly’. Using this ‘experimental’ calculation, what they did was put more emphasis on medical expenses for current seniors than future seniors. Not only do all of these adjustments mean that Social Security payments are going down relative to real price increases, the adjustments also serve to mute salary increases that business or government pay workers today as inflation adjustments are

April 21 to April 27, 2016

kept well below real inflation. By adopting the chained CPI, Washington DC has excluded price increases from the headline inflation rate and the CPI. As the inflation rate already excludes food and fuel prices along with housing price changes, the CPI adjusts away the last big expense that most American face – medical costs. Definitionally, Washington DC has achieved price stability despite double-digit increases in food, fuel and medical costs in recent years. With Social Security costs increasing at a much lower rate than the already artificially low inflation rate, Washington DC has fixed the impending bankruptcy of Social Security that was projected to occur within twenty years. While Social Security’s future is assured, that financial crisis that faced Social Security is quietly being shifted to the people who can least afford it - future seniors. At the same time, they have figured out how to help employers justify lower wage increases helping to further erode a once robust middle class. Haddon Libby is Managing Director of Winslow Drake and can be reached at 213.596.8399 or hlibby@winslowdrake.com.

DALE GRIBOW ON THE LAW

“BLACK AND WHITE” VEHICLES AWAIT CONCERT GOERS

oachella concert goers encountered major wind gusts last weekend which may have prevented them from seeing our valleys finest Black and White vehicles awaiting them. Of course many drivers develop Black and White Fever when they see a police car even when they have nothing to hide. “Coachella” brings a yearly spike of 3 kinds of arrests DUI’s; DRUGS, and Minor in Possession or phony ID. These arrests occur from the concert season through Memorial Day and then again on July 4th. Parents from California to New York call me when their kids are arrested. Some arrests are minors who purchased an alcoholic beverage. However most have used a 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 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. The DA’s have previously taken a hardline

approach, refusing to reduce the arrest to a lesser charge... as would be the case in most of the other CA counties. 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 popular arrests are for being drunk in public, drunk driving and or possession (or sales) of drugs (a controlled substance). The next few weeks will yield a lot of DRUNK DRIVING and Drug arrests in the greater Palm Springs area. 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 (FST) and Breath Test at the scene are optional. Be courteous and tell the officer you understand they are optional and you elect not to take them. Advise the officer you are happy to cooperate and take a Blood test at the station or hospital. Of course the officer will book you for about 4 hours if he smells alcohol and believes you are under the influence. Most DUI clients have never been arrested and are scared to death. They call me when released from the drunk tank. Everyone asks

“what happens now?” The chronology below will answer your questions. 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 ask for jail time on a first time DUI. We will then work to trade the jail time for home arrest with an ankle bracelet....so you are NOT going to Jail. You are usually allowed to go to work for 12 hours and be home 8-12 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: 1. Arrest; 2. Blood or breath test; 3.Booking; 4. Release on bail or OR citation; 5. We call DMV within 10 days to request a DMV hearing; 6. At the Arraignment we appear for you, enter a plea of not guilty and obtain the police report and review it with you; 7. Pre Trial where we appear for you and begin discussions with the DA; 8. 2nd Pre Trial (optional) where 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;

9.Attorney and client meet again and review the options available to you; 10. 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 attend court. To avoid all this aggravation: DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE, CALL A TAXI OR UBER.......IT IS A LOT CHEAPER THAN CALLING ME! If you have any questions regarding this column or ideas for future columns please contact Dale Gribow Attorney at Law at 760837- 7500 or dale@dalegribowlaw.com. DALE GRIBOW “TOP LAWYER” - Palm Springs Life (DUI) 2011-2016 10.0 AVVO Perfect Peer Rating “Preeminent” - Martindale Hubbell Legal Directory “Best Attorneys of America” Selected by “Rue” (Limited to Top 100/State)

April 21 to April 27, 2016

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HOLDING FAST AND MOVING FORWARD: DESERT HOT SPRINGS STATE OF THE CITY

he Desert Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce put on a party to celebrate the city, its residents and its future. With valet parking, a red carpet walk, Champagne, hors d’oeuvres and a party atmosphere, the message was clear, Desert Hot Springs has a bright future and good times are here. “The State of the City is an important event, and we wanted to do it right,” said Heather Coladonato, President and CEO of the Desert Hot Springs chamber. “We have a lot to be proud of. We have new businesses and industry coming into town, and the community is open and excited about what’s next. We wanted to honor the city’s leadership and its residents with a special evening.” Residents were given free admission and the event was filled to capacity with standing room only. After serving six years on city council, Scott Matas was elected Mayor in November. He has lived in Desert Hot Springs since he was a kid. Matas began the evening by saying, “Tonight in our beautiful city, the future is here. The future is in Desert Hot Springs. It has not been an easy road to this point for our city, but we have learned from our predecessors and we are moving forward.” He introduced and praised councilmembers Russell Betts, Joe McKee, Anayeli Zavala, Yvonne Parks and former councilmember Jan Pye for their hard work and efforts in keeping the city solvent and running. For the last two years the city faced a fiscal emergency with a budget deficit that threatened to force the city into bankruptcy. Working diligently, the council managed to pull through by tightening budget items and cutting non-essential spending. Where once the city employed 82 people, it now employs 19. In November 2014, the city’s coffers suffered a $6.2 million deficit. Today there is $5.3 million in the bank and the mayor says by the end of the year it will be over six million. He warned, “It’s not where it needs to be, but it’s on its way.” Matas addressed the sensitive issue regarding keeping the local police department rather than contracting with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. Remarking that the community’s response was significantly in favor of supporting the local police, Matas said that a “tentative” agreement had been reached to continue with the DHS PD. After a loud cheer from the audience, he stressed it was “tentative” but that he was confident the agreement would go through. Public safety is the city’s largest expenditure and officers have taken pay cuts of 22% and higher. Desert Hot Springs Police Chief Dale Mondary addressed the crowd and reported that DHS was one of only two valley cities to have a decline in crime rate.

He said the department was combining efforts with other law enforcement agencies to do regular raids to combat gang activity. Regarding the city’s parolees, Mondary said the department was going to use funds provided by AB109 to develop sports programs to help the parolees in the community. Mondary reported that the department has benefited with the help of citizen volunteers. Their donated time added up to over 3,000 hours a value equated at $70,000. “We are working smarter,” said Mondary. “We are making the best of our resources.” He finished by asking the community to get and stay involved. Mondary said, “We have great citizens here who help us get criminals off the street.” City Manager Martin Magaña spoke to the group about Desert Hot Springs joining California’s strong culture and tradition by going into the agriculture business. This was his way of referencing the city’s initiative to be a leader in the marijuana cultivation business. “We are at the forefront of changing the city,” said Magaña. “This industry is going to generate revenue. For a disadvantaged community, it’s going to turn it around and into a thriving, healthy community that can change the face of this entire region.” Magaña showed a Power Point map with large swatches of red areas that represented the city’s cultivation sites. He said that nearly 1.7 million square feet are already zoned, and when he’s done, it will be close to two million square feet. However, the challenge for the city is creating an infrastructure and supplying utilities like water and electricity. Magaña hopes to hire an administrator who will deal directly with the applicants to move the growing projects forward. Desert Hot Springs currently has four opened medicinal marijuana dispensaries and has approved a total of 19, which is the number of applications the city received. Magaña believes the marijuana business will help the city reach short-term economic stability as well as aid in the long-term growth of the city. He appeared confident that the marijuana business will bring jobs and increase the local housing demand. Mayor Matas came back on stage after Magaña to finish his presentation acknowledging the event was getting long, but that there were other important issues he still wanted to be sure to cover. Some of those significant items included the building of a Walmart. The Walmart Corporation owns 15 acres on Palm Drive and has guaranteed the Mayor that they will decide by the end of this year if Walmart will move forward and build a 160 thousand square foot store. Architectural renderings showed the store set back on the property with smaller stores toward the street. Matas highlighted: the bold art

BY HEIDI SIMMONS

installations on the main thoroughfares, three new housing developments, which are under construction, the groundbreaking of Angel View’s new distribution center, an AQMD solar project to take city buildings off the grid, a new – long overdue and highly anticipated – library, and additional hotel rooms coming on line soon which will add to the city’s Transit Occupancy Tax. Referring to a map, Matas showed how Desert Hot Springs will benefit from the recently added Sand to Snow National Monument, a 154 thousand acres on the south-west edge of the city. With this new monument and Joshua Tree National Forest directly north of the city, Matas was enthusiastic about the great hiking and then the fabulous “soaking” in the city’s award-winning healing, natural hot springs.

COMMUNITY

Matas encouraged more community involvement and praised those who work hard at providing the city with fun things to do and entertaining events adding, “There’s plenty to do here.” Finishing the State of the City address, Matas said to the community, “DHS, stand tall, stand strong and respect one another.” The evening a success, the Mayor shared that he and the council are working together to build a strong and solid future for the “city on the hill.” “This year’s State of the City “white tent” event was the largest in attendance with nearly 300 guests,” said Coladonato. “Residents, business owners, investors and elected officials all experienced an evening unlike any other in the city. It was a true celebration of the future of Desert Hot Springs.”

SAFETY TIPS

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

IN THE ZIKA ZONE - WHO’S AT RISK?

lthough anyone can contract the virus, the greatest threat is to unborn babies. The number of those at risk increases in correlation with the population of Aedes mosquitoes which is growing here in California and other states according to Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. Are we prepared? There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine available. The best protection against Zika is prevention, which consists of reducing mosquito bites through the use of mosquito nets, insect repellents containing DEET, and clothing that covers the skin. Good sanitation and hygiene measures in the home, covering water tanks and stopping water from collecting both inside and outside the house, is also essential to reduce mosquito breeding. For this reason,

poorer communities lacking in water and sanitation infrastructure may be more at risk from the virus. • Zika is a virus transmitted by mosquitoes • Originating in Brazil, the virus has spread to 20 other countries • There is no treatment or vaccine available • Symptoms include mild fever, skin rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis normally lasting 2 – 7 days • Pregnant women are mainly at risk and may cause birth defects in babies • Prevent transmission by avoiding mosquitoes altogether. Use insect repellent and cover exposed skin. For more info visit: www.cdc.gov/ vitalsigns/zika/index.html Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

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SPORTS SCENE

BY FLINT WHEELER

LOS ANGELES RAMS MAKE DRAFT SPLASH..

fter months of speculation over the Tennessee Titans’ desire to keep the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, the Titans finally decided to ditch it for a monster package. According to reports, the Titans and Los Angeles Rams completed a blockbuster trade for the No. 1 pick, moving the Rams to the top of the draft. The deal is a massive one that includes a total of nine picks between the two teams. The Titans had long been rumored to be shopping their pick. Reports indicated that after getting Marcus Mariota with the second pick last year and adding some pieces this offseason in free agency, the Titans would rather build the team with numerous assets, as opposed to swinging for another superstar. The trade is interesting from the Rams’ perspective. With moving to Los Angeles, the Rams can now boast a No. 1 pick to show off to a new fan base. Who that pick will be remains unknown, but with Case Keenum and Nick Foles currently slotted as the two quarterbacks this season, it will be interesting if the Rams take a chance on one of the top two quarterbacks in the draft, either California’s Jared Goff or North Dakota State’s Carson Wentz. There are several reasons why it had been 12 years since a first-overall NFL draft pick had been traded, but the primary explanation for that astonishingly long tradeless run is this: Quarterbacks have become more valuable than ever and, since the turn of the century, have been top picks more often than not. Combined with the notion that even quarterbacks picked first overall are hit-ormiss propositions, this creates a dynamic in which teams are often “stuck” with top selections. Not this year, because the Rams have fallen in love. And when that happens, you do irrational things. Irrational things like trading a first-round pick, two second-round picks and a thirdround pick in order to move up from the

15th selection to the top spot mortgaging the future of a franchise that is desperate for redemption in a new setting after posting a losing record in nine consecutive seasons to close out its tenure in St. Louis. The Washington Redskins surrendered a similarly large bounty four years ago in order to move up in the first round and draft a quarterback they’d fallen in love with. Sure enough, that quarterback—No. 2 overall pick Robert Griffin III—became a bust and is no longer on the roster. And that should have served as a cautionary tale for the Rams, especially because they were the team the Redskins traded with. But love is love—often blind, rarely rational. Who’s the lucky quarterback? Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times reported on Thursday that the Rams are “targeting” North Dakota State’s Carson Wentz, before noting in a follow-up tweet that Cal’s Jared Goff remains “heavily in [the] mix.” And Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller reported that the Rams “specifically traded up to get in front of the Browns to get Goff”. The fact that there are mixed reports on who the Rams actually like has the sport wondering if the tinsel town nightlife has already effected the St. Louis executives judgment. Leveraging this much of a franchises future on an educated guess at the top of a mediocre draft in hopes that it’ll all work out is reckless to say the least. They want a quarterback, and come hell or high water, the Rams are getting a quarterback in this year’s draft. My advice - careful what you wish for.

April 21 to April 27, 2016

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

Week of April 21

ARIES (March 21-April 19): “The writer should never be ashamed of staring,” said Aries writer Flannery O’Connor. “There is nothing that does not require his attention.” This is also true for all of you Aries folks, not just the writers among you. And the coming weeks will be an especially important time for you to cultivate a piercing gaze that sees deeply and shrewdly. You will thrive to the degree that you notice details you might normally miss or regard as unimportant. What you believe and what you think won’t be as important as what you perceive. Trust your eyes. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): The ancient Greek geographer Pausanias told a story about how the famous poet Pindar got his start. One summer day, young Pindar decided to walk from his home in Thebes to a city 20 miles away. During his trek, he got tired and lay down to take a nap by the side of the road. As he slept, bees swarmed around him and coated his lips with wax. He didn’t wake up until one of the bees stung him. For anyone else, this might have been a bother. But Pindar took it as an omen that he should become a lyric poet, a composer of honeyed verses. And that’s exactly what he did in the ensuing years. I foresee you having an experience comparable to Pindar’s sometime soon, Taurus. How you interpret it will be crucial. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): “I measure the strength of a spirit by how much truth it can take,” said philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. Measured by that standard, your strength of spirit has been growing -- and may be poised to reach an all-time high. In my estimation, you now have an unusually expansive capacity to hold surprising, effervescent, catalytic truths. Do you dare invite all these insights and revelations to come pouring toward you? I hope so. I’ll be cheering you on, praying for you to be brave enough to ask for as much as you can possibly accommodate. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Göbekli Tepe was a monumental religious sanctuary built 11,600 years ago in the place we now call Turkey. Modern archaeologists are confounded by the skill and artistry with which its massive stone pillars were arranged and carved. According to conventional wisdom, humans of that era were primitive nomads who hunted animals and foraged for plants. So it’s hard to understand how they could have constructed such an impressive structure 7,000 years before the Great Pyramid of Giza. Writing in National Geographic, science journalist Charles C. Mann said, “Discovering that hunter-gatherers had constructed Göbekli Tepe was like finding that someone had built a 747 in a basement with an X-Acto knife.” In that spirit, Cancerian, I make the following prediction: In the coming months, you can accomplish a marvel that may have seemed beyond your capacity. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In myths and folklore, the ember is a symbol of coiled-up power. The fire within it is controlled. It provides warmth and glow even as its raw force is contained. There are no unruly flames. How much energy is stored within? It’s a reservoir of untapped light, a promise of verve and radiance. Now please ruminate further about the ember, Leo. According to my reading of the astrological omens, it’s your core motif right now. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Uh-oh. Or maybe I should instead say “Hooray!” You are slipping into the Raw Hearty Vivid Untamed Phase of your astrological cycle. The universe is nudging you in the direction of high adventure, sweet intensity, and rigorous stimulation. If you choose to resist the nudges, odds are that you’ll have more of an “uh-oh” experience. If you decide to play along, “hooray!” is the likely outcome. To help you get in the proper mood, make the following declaration: “I like to think that my bones are made from oak, my blood from a waterfall, and my heart from wild daisies.” (That’s a quote from the poet McKenzie Stauffer.) LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In many cultures, the butterfly is a symbol of transformation and rebirth. In its original state as a caterpillar, it is homely and

slow-moving. After its resurrection time in the chrysalis, it becomes a lithe and lovely creature capable of flight. The mythic meaning of the moth is quite different, however. Enchanted by the flame, it’s driven so strongly toward the light that it risks burning its wings. So it’s a symbol of intense longing that may go too far. In the coming weeks, Libra, your life could turn either way. You may even vacillate between being moth-like and butterfly-like. For best results, set an intention. What exactly do you want? SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): “I gladly abandon dreary tasks, rational scruples, reactive undertakings imposed by the world,” wrote Scorpio philosopher Roland Barthes. Why did he do this? For the sake of love, he said -- even though he knew it might cause him to act like a lunatic as it freed up tremendous energy. Would you consider pursuing a course like that in the coming weeks, Scorpio? In my astrological opinion, you have earned some time off from the grind. You need a break from the numbing procession of the usual daily rhythms. Is there any captivating person, animal, adventure, or idea that might so thoroughly incite your imagination that you’d be open to acting like a lunatic lover with boundless vigor? SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): “Difficulties illuminate existence,” says novelist Tom Robbins, “but they must be fresh and of high quality.” Your assignment, Sagittarius, is to go out in search of the freshest and highest-quality difficulties you can track down. You’re slipping into a magical phase of your astrological cycle when you will have exceptional skill at rounding up useful dilemmas and exciting riddles. Please take full advantage! Welcome this rich opportunity to outgrow and escape boring old problems. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “When I grow up, I want to be a little boy,” wrote novelist Joseph Heller in his book Something Happened. You have cosmic permission to make a comparable declaration in the coming days. In fact, you have a poetic license and a spiritual mandate to utter battle cries like that as often as the mood strikes. Feel free to embellish and improvise, as well: “When I grow up, I want to be a riot girl with a big brash attitude,” for example, or “When I grow up, I want to be a beautiful playful monster with lots of toys and fascinating friends who constantly amaze me.” AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): In one of his diaries, author Franz Kafka made this declaration: “Life’s splendor forever lies in wait around each one of us in all of its fullness -- but veiled from view, deep down, invisible, far off. It is there, though, not hostile, not reluctant, not deaf. If you summon it by the right word, by its right name, it will come.” I’m bringing this promise to your attention, Aquarius, because you have more power than usual to call forth a command performance of life’s hidden splendor. You can coax it to the surface and bid it to spill over into your daily rhythm. For best results, be magnificent as you invoke the magnificence. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): I’ve got a controversial message for you, Pisces. If you’re addicted to your problems or if you’re convinced that cynicism is a supreme mark of intelligence, what I’ll say may be offensive. Nevertheless, it’s my duty as your oracle to inform you of the cosmic tendencies, and so I will proceed. For the sake of your mental health and the future of your relationship with love, consider the possibility that the following counsel from French author André Gide is just what you need to hear right now: “Know that joy is rarer, more difficult, and more beautiful than sadness. Once you make this all-important discovery, you must embrace joy as a moral obligation.” Homework: If you had to choose one wild animal to follow, observe, and learn from for three weeks, which would it be? FreeWillAstrologuy.com ---------------------------------------Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

April 21 to April 27, 2016

MIND,BODY & SPIRIT

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BY BRONWYN ISON

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

ou are not alone when you candidly admit to a broken relationship with a family member, friend, spouse, or potential life-long partner. We’ve all been wounded at one time or another. It is possible you have had numerous flawed relationships during your life. There continues to be a growing number of unsuccessful partnerships. Most often the relationship concludes prematurely. As a mature adult and someone who has had close associations not come to fruition as expected, I am here to share a few tips on how to improve your future engagements with others. Emotional Intelligence as defined by Wikipedia, Emotional intelligence (EI) or emotional quotient (EQ) is the capacity of individuals to recognize their own, and other people’s emotions, to discriminate between different feelings and label them appropriately, and to use emotional information to guide thinking and behavior. There is no such thing as a perfect relationship. In fact, relationships are comprised of two imperfect people. A key ingredient is for both people to be cognizant of their own emotions, how they control their tempers, and how well one expresses their feelings. Obviously this necessitates both parties be willing participants to communicate

in a healthy way. For a relationship to prosper each person must respect and listen to the other persons needs, wants, and desires. Step two, each person must communicate to their partner they have heard and understand them. Step three, make actionable their request the best your ability. Adopting these three helpful hints will commence a journey of cultivating healthy interactions. Emotional intelligence is a key ingredient to personal and partnering success. Identifying with your emotions and the emotions of those around can catapult you to great successes. Remain in touch with yourself. You will prosper in you personal and relational skills. There are five components you will need to nurture your EI (emotional intelligence): Self-Awareness- If you have exceptional self-awareness, you are likely to have a high IE. You understand your emotions and you don’t allow them to rule you. You are confident and don’t allow yourself to venture out of control. You are also willing to look at yourself and recognize your weaknesses and improve upon them Self-Regulation- This is the ability to control your emotions and impulses. You do not anger quickly, are rarely jealous, and do not make careless decisions. You are thoughtful, comfortable with change, and conduct yourself with integrity. Motivated- You’re highly motivated. You are willing to work towards a goal and defer immediate results for long-term success. Plus, you love a challenge. Empathy- This is the second most important element of EI. If you lack this characteristic it is likely you will suffer with EI. Thus, you cannot identify or care about others feelings, viewpoints, needs, or wants. Social Skills- You have exceptional social skills and are a team player. Plus, you love to allow others to shine first rather than yourself. You are a master at maintaining relationships. The great news, you can improve any of the areas needing a bit more nurturing. A healthy EI can be a key success to your LIFE. Bronwyn Ison is the owner of Evolve Yoga. e-volveyoga.com 760.564.YOGA

LIFE & CAREER COACH BY SUNNY SIMON

POPSICLES AND POCKETS OF JOY

ver breakfast my friend Dominique announced everyday is a Monday. Responding to my quizzical expression she filled in the blanks. Dom, a successful entrepreneur, is in the process of growing her second business. This venture means hitting it hard in back-to-back seven day work weeks. Understanding the amount of work that goes into a new business enterprise, I tipped my head in an empathetic nod. My friend continued talking about her busy life and related how one day while listening to a CD, she discovered a way to keep the pace without spiking her stress level. Adhering to the advice of a female combat soldier, Dom cultivated a way to look for, and take advantage of pockets of downtime. For example, when she has the rare 2 hour chunk of time she heads home to soak in her Jacuzzi. An extra thirty minutes may be used in the grocery store with her headphones on. Dom finds strolling the aisles relaxing as she leisurely accomplishes restocking her pantry. For a mere 15 minutes, she can find a quiet corner to sit still and “just be.” If her pets are around, Dom indulges in doggy cuddle time. (Stroking a dog is touted by experts as a healthy form of stress relief.) Author and speaker, Amanda Enayati,

is in complete agreement with Dom about mastering “the pause” during a demanding day. In a recent interview, Amanda referred to these portions of down time as “pockets of joy.” Enayati, who authored the book, “Seeking Serenity: The Ten New Rules for Health and Happiness in the Age of Anxiety,” discusses a pause as a way to deal with negative stress. The author recommends not over-thinking a pause. Just find a quiet space to rest and renew, or head outdoors to commune with nature. Establishing one of these new rules in your life might take a bit practice. Like Dom, you must develop an awareness and capture those precious moments of “me” time. By setting up these buffers, you can minimize and neutralize your stress level. A word of caution here: Don’t fritter it away thinking you should use the time to knock off a few more things on your “to do” list. Try it with me. This week I’m committing to my pockets of joy by instituting the 80/20 rule. For 20 minutes each day I’ll close my office door, think of nothing and enjoy my 80 calorie cold-brew coffee pop. Bye, bye toxic stress. 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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