Coachella Valley Weekly - April 25 to May 1, 2019 Vol. 8 No. 6

coachellavalleyweekly.com • April 25 to May 1, 2019 Vol. 8 No. 6

The Vine Wine Bar

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Lisa Lynn Morgan

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Reborn By The Sunshine

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Juicy Juicy

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America

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April 25 to May 1, 2019

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MY STAGECOACH APPROACH AND PICKS

Coachella Valley Weekly (760) 501-6228

publisher@coachellavalleyweekly.com coachellavalleyweekly.com facebook.com/cvweekly twitter.com/cvweekly1 Publisher & Editor Tracy Dietlin Art Director Robert Chance Sales Team Kirby, Sheila Rosenthal, Dori Berry Club Crawler Nightlife Editor Phil Lacombe Feature Writers Lisa Morgan, Rich Henrich, Heidi Simmons, Noe Gutierrez, Avery Wood, Tricia Witkower, Jason Hall, Crystal Harrell, Esther Sanchez Writers/Contributors: Robin Simmons, Rick Riozza, Eleni P. Austin, Craig Michaels, Janet McAfee, Bronwyn Ison, Haddon Libby, Dale Gribow, Laura Hunt Little, Sam DiGiovanna, Rob Brezny, Dr. Peter Kadile, Bruce Cathcart, Flint Wheeler, Dee Jae Cox, Denise Ortuno Neil, Angela Romeo, Aaron Ramson, Lynne Tucker, Elizabeth Scarcella, Aimee Mosco, Michelle Anne Rizzio Photographers Robert Chance, Laura Hunt Little, Chris Miller, Iris Hall, Esther Sanchez Website Editor Bobby Taffolla Distribution Phil Lacombe, William Westley

CONTENTS

2019 Stagecoach Music Festival............ 3 Pampered Palate - The Vine Wine Bar.. 4 Stagecoach - Bret Michaels................... 5 Stagecoach - LANCO ............................... 7 Stagecoach - Scotty McCreery ............... 7 Stagecoach - Parker Millsap.................. 8 Stagecoach - Ruby Boots ...................... 9 Lisa Lynn Morgan................................. 10 Reborn By The Sunshine....................... 11 Consider This - Val McCallum.............. 12 Art Scene............................................... 13 Pet Place ............................................... 14 The Vino Voice ...................................... 15 Club Crawler Nightlife .................... 16-17 Good Grub - Juicy Juicy........................18 Brewtality.............................................. 19 Screeners .............................................. 20 Book Review.......................................... 21 Safety Tips ............................................. 21 Haddon Libby ....................................... 23 Dale Gribow.......................................... 23 Theatre - Real Women Have Curves... 24 Travel Tips 4 U....................................... 24 America at Fantasy Springs................. 25 Free Will Astrology............................... 27 Mind, Body & Spirit ............................. 27 Swag For The Soul................................ 28 Ask The Doctor ..................................... 28 Cannabis Corner - Bare Dispensary.... 30

I

have a confession to make. Country and Americana music are my heart’s wheel house, but I haven’t tuned into contemporary country radio for a while now.

I’ve been listening to Americana Radio on my iTunes or the Outlaw station on Sirius Radio. I’m not alone in my age bracket. The truth is, I’m getting older, and country music is skewing younger. I don’t drink and party these days or drive a truck, so I don’t find the apparent standard formula of new country relatable often times. I absolutely refuse to “Shake It” for Luke Bryan or anyone else for that matter (the exceptions being our local bands, Long Duk Dong, a killer 80s tribute band, and The Ghost Notes with their tip of the hat to the Grateful Dead, Allman Brothers, and The Band). I’ll be the first to tell you that Nashville is putting out the best pop music in America, but short of a token banjo in the background and an artist leaning heavy on country slang and drawl, Twang Town hasn’t put out a whole lot of country music, at least in the way I have always defined it. Therefore, this year’s Stagecoach lineup is full of names I’ve never heard of.

As an artist, I was raised with fierce loyalty to the “K.I.S.S.” music theory (Keep it Simple Stupid) when it came to production, and have always cherished the ideal of “three chords and the truth,” being the truest definition of country music, demanding clever songwriting skills. I love my outlaw country icons, Waylon, Willie and Merle and their kids. I love the way my friend Travis Meadows can pen tunes that etch their lyrics into my soul (“Riser” recorded

by Dierks Bentley, “Better Boat” by Kenny Chesney, “What We Ain’t Got” recorded by Jake Owen, to name a few), and I hate that he isn’t on one of these stages. So when my publisher asked me to write a Stagecoach round up my personal picks, I have to admit

that I was at a loss for a country minute.

I had a bit of a wakeup call recently. I was riding shotgun while being towed to a shop in Yucca Valley and the conversation with my 20 something driver turned to music. He shared that he didn’t like country music radio either.

He preferred the classic stuff. I felt validated and said, “Me too! Nobody writes like Haggard, Willy or Waylon. He looked at me and said, “Uh, I don’t really know their stuff.

My grandparents listen to that stuff. I’m more into Tim McGraw and George Straight and stuff like that.” I had the same sick feeling in my stomach that I got when I heard Pearl Jam listed as “classic rock.” I realized I was going to have to turn in my “I’m way more hip than your grandma” card or make a change in my perspective and attitude. I began listening to our local country stations. I found songs that

Ashley Monroe

Cody Johnson

Joe Diffie

Mark Chesnutt

Rita Wilson

Whiskey Myers

Copper Chief

Kane Brown

Nikki Lane

April 25 to May 1, 2019

BY LISA LYNN MORGAN

I loved among some that made me want to throw my radio out the window.

Stagecoach may be the best festival at allowing someone to find new country music loves in a setting that is more intimate than the larger arenas. Frequenting the Palomino and Mustang stages can expose you to newer artists as well as some timeless icons you may never get another chance to see. The Sirius Stage is a great discovery location as well.

I’m going to go with an open mind this year. I encourage my fellow 40 and 50 somethings to do the same. I’m going to take some time to learn more about these newer artists without prejudice. After all, they are all badasses in my book just for having the guts to turn their dreams into realities. And no one gets to one of these stages without working their ass off. continue to page 5

Honey Country

Sammy Kershaw

Whitey Morgan

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April 25 to May 1, 2019

THEPAMPEREDPALATE

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THE VINE WINE BAR: A NEW FAVORITE SPOT

W

e recently stopped in to a new venue called Vine Wine Bar, which instantly has become our new favorite place. Nestled at the end of the Ralph’s Shopping Center on Country Club Dr. in Palm Desert, this place is surely to win you over too.

When you think Wine bar you think flights of wine, and yes, they have many flights to choose from, but what I found

both interesting and exciting is the fact that they have flights of Vodka, Tequila, Rum and Whiskey. They also have a good selection of beers, with a tasty one called the Wells Banana Bread beer that is so delicious, even though I’m not a big beer drinker.

Owner Cathy Serif, who was the most delightful hostess, actually went next door to Ralph’s to buy my husband a piece of banana bread to eat with the beer.

BY TRACY DIETLIN

How many owners go that extra mile to do something like that? Cathy does! It’s obvious how passionate she is about her business by the way she dotes on all of her customers. It was a real treat to be taken such good care of and she had no idea we were going to write a review. Neither did I, but we were so impressed I had to. Our waitress Josie was equally attentive and was at our beckon call.

Now let’s talk about these flights. We started off with a red wine flight for me and white wine for my daughter, to enjoy with the food we selected, which was the fresh lump crab meat cocktail (simply divine), the Italian Meatballs (so delicious) and The Mixx, which included 3 cheeses (we chose Gouda, Brie and Goat cheese), and 3 meats (Prosciutto, Salami and Soppressata) grapes, olives and crackers. This spread perfectly paired with the wine flights.

Moving on to the hard alcohol flights, I, of course, partook in the martini flight which was delivered to the table in the most darling little martini glasses and included a mango, white peach, coconut and Godiva white chocolate mini martini, with the latter 2 being my favorites, but all 4 being delicious. So tasty, that I ordered

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a customized second flight with just the coconut and Godiva white chocolate.

My daughter and husband tried out the Whiskey, Tequila and Rum flights and were equally impressed.

The menu boasts several other items including an array of meat and cheese selections, paninis, flat bread pizzas, salads, artisan cheese and tomato fondue, along with many other items that will pair well with whichever flight you should choose.

They boast over 125 varieties of wine with over 60 that you can order by the glass. And if it’s a sweet tooth you have they have several delectable desserts to choose from as well.

Also making this a perfect outing was the fact that one of our favorite new performers in the desert, Vinny Berry, was playing his acoustic set there that night.

They have entertainment several nights a week and you can check their website for the schedule of performers.

There is also a separate back room perfect for throwing a private party or event. Yes, CV Weekly will definitely be taking advantage of that in the near future.

I could go on and on about this classy, comfy and cozy little place, but you really must see it for yourself.

The Vine Wine Bar is located at: 74868 Country Club Dr. in Palm Desert 92260. Call 760-341-9463 or visit thevinewinebar.com.

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STAGECOACH 2019 continued from page 3

There are however, artists in the lineup I will make sure to not miss seeing: FRIDAY Ashley Monroe: This young Grammy Nominee has an early spot at the Palomino Stage, Friday at 2:25 pm.

Cody Johnson was a new voice with an old school feel and strong songs I discovered

on our local country radio station. Funny how I always find myself parked at the Palomino Stage. He goes on Friday at 4:55 pm.

Joe Diffie: BECAUSE HE’S FREAKING JOE DIFFIE! He was one of my 90s country staples and I’m grateful to Goldenvoice for giving me a chance to see him here. Palomino Stage, Friday at 6:15 pm.

Bret Michaels: See my interview and subsequent article on this glam rock icon for a slew of reasons to be present for this show.

Palomino Stage, Friday at 7:40 pm.

Kane Brown: This kid intrigues me and I’m sorry I’ll miss him as he’s on at the same time as Bret Michaels. I love his song, “Good as You.” His performance on a morning show recently bled genuine earnestness, and I love that in a young artist. He’s on the Mane Stage, Friday at 7:30 pm.

Saturday I figure I’ll park at the Palomino again: Rita Wilson, Aubrie Sellers, The Wild Feathers, and Whiskey Myers have my attention, and the iconic Sammy Kershaw and Lynyrd Skynyrd get a respectful, “Hell Yeah!” complete with fist in the air out of this Oklahomafied, Southern rocker; 1:30 pm – 8 pm. Then I’ll happily move to the Mane Stage to catch Luke Combs and Sam Hunt. Their golden voices pack some powerful songs.

Sunday makes it official – the Palomino Stage is my favorite. Ruby Boots, Parker Millsap, Terri Clark, Whitey Morgan, one of my favorite songwriters of all time – Mark Chesnutt, followed by Tom Jones who is… well, he’s Tom freaking Jones. These artists play between 2:25 pm and 7:40 pm, at which

April 25 to May 1, 2019 point I’ll book it over to the Mane Stage to see Old Dominion.

Nikki Lane: I’ve seen her in her hometown of Nashville touring with Lukas Nelson and the Promise of the real. There is something a bit punk rock about this tiny thing. Her songs are honest and her spirit authentic.

She is intriguing, a skillful songwriter and very personable. She plays Sunday at the Horseshoe Stage at 6:30 pm.

Bands to Note: Copper Chief is playing Stagecoach Friday night. If you miss them or want to see them again, they’ll be playing at Big Rock Pub, Saturday, 8:30 pm – 11:30 pm.

The same opportunity goes for the talented ladies of Honey County who will be featured at Big Rock Pub’s Country Brunch on Sunday from 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm.

Perhaps with a fresh attitude, a foot massage and pedicure, I’ll walk away from this year’s Stagecoach with a less curmudgeonly attitude and some new country flavored inspiration.

Author, Lisa Lynn Morgan, is founder, front woman and vocalist for the CV Music Award winning Country Band, Lisa and the Gents.

She has been writing for CV Weekly for 6 years.

STAGECOACH BRET MICHAELS: SURVIVOR, THRIVER AND ASS KICKER

PLANS STAGECOACH PARTY THROWDOWN

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here are literally thousands of stories in print about Poison and their iconic front man, Bret Michaels, written by far more talented and seasoned writers than I. What I’m trying to explain is - there might have been an involuntary moment where I may have said in my outside voice, “Oh my gosh, Bret Michaels in on my phone!” In spite of my lack of decorum, the interview turned into a conversation that felt more like I was talking to a really cool neighbor who I would always want to stop and talk to, even it made me late for work. With a tremendous respect for the artist, and a responsibility to you, the reader, I will do my best to eloquently present Bret Michaels to you as he presented himself to me – an incredibly dauntless, courageous individual with a contagious passion, whose fearless optimism is quite mind bending.

This self-proclaimed “Drealist” (his term for a dreamer who is also a realist) is fueled by equal parts true love and tenacious determination.

The kid from Philly has not only habitually turned his own dreams into reality, he makes it a practice of helping others do the same.

If there is an opportunity within arm’s reach to inspire or encourage, through music or otherwise, Michaels will step up to the plate.

Michaels’ super powers are humility and gratitude, and they soaked through everything he shared openly about the reality of staring death in the face, dealing daily with a chronic, life threatening illness, and what has fueled him through the highs and lows of his music career. Rest assured, Stagecoach Festival goers, Bret Michaels and crew know how to get down with good country people, and the experience he has planned for you will, without a doubt, be imbedded in your memory hall of fame.

Michaels was a force of nature when it came to helping drive the band, Poison, to success. Capitol Records A&R man, Stan Foreman, local to the desert, confirmed this: “We always knew that when Bret was there, everything would get done. These guys lived the rock star life to the fullest. It could get crazy. But When Bret was there, we knew it was all going to be ok.”

I asked Michaels about the early days of Poison, pushing through setbacks, band members dropping out, the avalanche of early rejection, and their ultimate success. When I let him know that we would likely have a lot of young musicians reading this, the floodgates of his boots-on-the-ground wisdom opened.

CVW: “How accurate are the stories of your early start, and pushing the band to produce the video that ultimately led to a deal with Capitol?”

Michaels: “It’s true – we loaded up this beat up old ambulance van in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and drove out to Los Angeles, California. We were the first DIY/Independent band. We were our own label, but no one would sign us. No one. We had songs like, “I won’t Forget You,” “Talk Dirty,” “Every Rose,” and nobody thought they were hits. The one thing I say to all artists is, ‘You have got to bet on yourself.’ I am a self-proclaimed ‘Drealist,’ a dreamer and a realist, and that’s what you have to be. You have got to take care of your business in order to live out your passion.

I can’t explain it enough. You have to have both. Managers and agents are there to help you live out YOUR dream, so stick to your dream, and stick to your guns. You want to stay rockin’ and relevant and real, but you’ve still got to have that home base. And when you know it’s not right in your gut – those

BY LISA LYNN MORGAN

decisions are tough, they’re never easy, ‘No’ is a powerful word.”

“We scrounged up enough money from family and everybody we knew to produce our first video. “Cry Tough” ended up doing ok for an independent record, so Capitol came on board with distribution. We did “Talk Dirty to Me” for next to nothing; When we went in to make the video, I told the guys, ‘Let’s just make it a party.’ We gave 1000%. It was a combination of luck and hard work. It’s not just luck, because you only get lucky once or twice. The hard work makes you luckier. And that’s what we did - we took our music to the street.”

CVW: “The industry has changed drastically since the 80s. How do you feel about the changes brought on by the digital age of music?”

Michaels: “I’m one of the few guys of my genre who says this, but I love the digital age, because the gate keepers have gone away.

What I mean is that you don’t have to impress 60 people to get your song out; you go on the internet and your song is out. However, I say this over and over – with becoming easily exposed, comes being easily disposed. People can have a sensational viral hit, and two weeks later no one cares. You still have to take your music to the streets and to the people and find ways to make your passion monetize.

Poison and myself have learned to truly love what we do. We have been punched in the face so many times; we have learned how to pick ourselves back up, bet on ourselves, and build our house from the ground up. We’d build up three levels, and then get knocked back down one, but we knew exactly where to fix it and build it back up. That’s truly been my strong suit…when things got tough, I got way tougher. They could cut me down, but I wasn’t a give-up person. I was like, ‘Ok, I can still be cool and humble and kind, but I’m an ass kicker.’ I love to go out there and kick ass. When you see the party we throw at Stagecoach, you’ll see it. I pick out the details of the music to play as the people are walking in or coming to the stage, our crew goes out handing out guitar picks to the crowd, I bring veterans first responders and teachers during “Something to Believe In.” We’ve always done that, since the beginning of my career.” continue to page 6

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April 25 to May 1, 2019

BRET MICHAELS continued from page 5

“Here it is, I am 100,000% still a kid from Philly. I’m still the guy. My passion at being able to do this is still at the same level as the moment I started dreaming about doing it.

It has never left me. If I have ever thanked God for something, it’s for not allowing that passion to slip away. You will never see me phone it, mail it or email it in. That isn’t just with music – that’s with my kids, my family, if I’m doing reality TV. Here’s my life: I wake up in the morning and I check my blood sugar.

I’m diabetic. I take 5 shots a day, so insulin is the next thing. Then I eat just a little and I’m out on my ranch. I’ve got a full on motorcross course, I’ve got ATVs, mountain bikes, so I get into that instantly. Ever since I was kid, I always liked seeing my shoes in the dirt. I like being outside doing stuff. Country music talks about that, but I’ve lived it. Dirt biking, camping, all of that.”

CVW: “You’ve stared death in the face, and hold it at bay daily. How does that affect you that maybe people don’t understand on the surface?”

Michaels: “Here’s the choice I’ve had: I can live in self-pity or I can suck it up and go out there and kick ass. I made being diabetic a part of my life. It’s a very complicated disease, especially when you’re insulin dependent. If you were to look at my fingers – you can see that I check my blood sugar 10 times a day.

Once you mentally give up, physically, it’s a pretty rapid decline. If I was given a chance, I always got right back into the fight.”

CVW: “What inspires your writing most?”

Michaels: “It’s ironic, but the songs that are the easiest to write, are the ones that come from the most tragic moments in life. When my best friend died, I wrote, “Something to Believe In.” When my heart was broken, I wrote, “Every Rose.” When I missed my family, I wrote, “I Won’t Forget You.” “Unbroken,” was written when my youngest daughter went through a horrific time in her young life. These songs come to you with a passion. But the hardest songs to write are the party songs, like “Nothing But a Good Time,” or “Unskinny Bop.” When you’re having a good time with your friends, you don’t want to sit down and write about it. When you’re partying with your friends, you don’t write to anyone on your phone until later when a bummer moment happens. For me the heartbreak songs are easier for me because I have an exact emotion.”

CVW: “What can fans at a country music festival expect from a rock icon?”

Michaels: “I want the fans at Stagecoach to understand – I’ve done a lot of big country festivals. Last year I headlined “Rock on the River,” came back and did “Country on the River.” Country music is a big part of what I am and what I do for real. I went to Nashville in the early 90s and had a ranch down there and loved it… not just the music, but the people.

Country music is a lifestyle and attitude that’s a lot like rock music. I am what I call a “Crocker.” Classic Rock and Country, but the attitude and lifestyle is truly who I am. If you were to be around me on the ranch or the house in LA, you’d see that. I’m a true country fan and I’m honored to be part of this festival.

I’m going to be out there making a day of it having a great time.”

CVW: “What is the difference you’ve

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experienced between Los Angeles and Nashville music scenes?”

Michaels: “I hope you don’t mind me bragging on my kids a bit. My oldest daughter is going to be in the new Sports Illustrated magazine; she is a truly humble soul, and goes to a university in Nashville for music and journalism. My youngest who wrote unbroken with me, goes to a music school in Los Angeles.”

“In Nashville, there is such a vibrant, condensed and welcoming music scene.

When you get to LA or even the valley, there’s a vibrant music scene, but it’s more scattered.

That’s not a criticism… there’s just not one row of music. When you go down to Nashville and go to Music Row or Broadway, you can feel it organically. Music scenes like in Arizona, the Coachella Valley, and LA, are just not as condensed – it’s just more spread out. When you’re around a condensed scene like that, it makes you feel like you can be an artist. Half of why artists fail, is because they give up; they feel beat down. They feel like, ‘I don’t have a scene. I have no where to be encouraged and inspired.’ In Nashville, and please don’t misunderstand me, it is a tough game to break into, but they are very welcoming and encouraging. But it’s up to you to not give up.

You just have to stay in the game. There are never complete failures, there are just lesser successes, but you have to stay in it. Complete failure is when you quit. I’ve been at the height of it – everything going our way and then all of a sudden, it’s a ‘what have you done lately’ question. I’ve been in the situation where I’ve just sold 8 or 9 million records, thinking that’s pretty good, but that’s not how it works. If this is what you love to do, you’ve got to find a way to not only enjoy it, but stay relevant.”

CVW: “Seems like you’ve done everything.

What’s left?”

Michaels: “On a professional level – there are some things in the works. I have some Irish superstitions, so I don’t want to jinx it, so I’ll be

careful how I word this. In the next two weeks, I have a project coming out called, “Videos and Stories.” It’s a humble approach of what went on behind the scenes. It will be followed up with a series of books called, “Pictures and Stories,” a series of books that will bring you to your knees laughing. It will have you laughing at me and with me – some of my clothing choices in the past are all presented with a self-deprecating sense of humor. You’ll also cry with me in it. One of the first books in the series is called, “Victim to Victory.”

“I’ll also be on a new Guitar Hero game.

If all goes well, and usually they don’t, (he laughs) it will be out by Christmas 2020.”

CVW: “You’ve toured the world, written, directed and starred in your own movie, had your own reality TV shows, been “hired”

by Donald Trump, written the ultimate ‘80s anthem about heartbreak, a plethora of Platinum and multi-platinum hits and records, ad infinitum - what experience would you list as your favorite?”

Michaels: “Of all the experiences I’ve had, it comes down to one thing: In my professional life (and by the way, as an artist, your professional and personal life become one), my favorite moment is walking on that stage and playing. Don’t get me wrong, my life is about creating and making it a reality. I love everything I do. But it’s the minute the first notes come out and the fans get going.”

“But my most defining moment – I’ll never forget this… the greatest rock star moment and the most humbling moment all happened within the same couple of hours. It was our first record. We’re blowing up. So all of sudden here’s Paul Stanley from KISS, Steven

Tyler from Aerosmith, and we’re all at Texas Stadium. Poison’s on tour and it’s sold out. It’s all documented on the Poison, “I Won’t Forget You” video. You see us up there, I’m nervous, but I’m having the time of my life. Only three months before that, we were playing the smallest clubs in the world (I convinced Poison to play in the honkytonks along with the rock clubs – it’s always been a love of mine).

83,000 people going insane. I go back stage and party…rock star moment…I want to make sure to make this clear; by ‘rock star moment,’ I don’t mean arrogant, never. I’ve always believed in treating fans great. I’m back there partying with the fans – I’m talking the out of control fun. Then we get on our tour bus and travel to Carlson’s Corner to fuel up, and there isn’t two people in this truck stop who give a damn about our band. They walked by us like we were ghosts. People were just walking by, just doing their thing, and I realized right then and there, all fame is fleeting. Do what you love to do and do it because you truly love doing it. God could not have hit me in the head better than that. It immediately defined my life; there were going to be roses and thorns, but if I love doing this…it’s all about the music… because everything else is going to go up and down and sideways.”

Catch Bret Michaels’ Stagecoach Festival performance Friday, April 26, 7:40 pm-8:40 pm on the Palomino Stage, and be prepared for some inspirational surprises. bretmichaels.com facebook.com/BretMichaels twitter.com/bretmichaels instagram.com/bretmichaelsofficial youtube.com/bretmichaelsofficial

STAGECOACH

LANCO

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BY TRICIA WITKOWER

PERFORM ON SATURDAY, APRIL 26 AT 6:10PM ON THE MANE STAGE

STAGECOACH

SCOTTY McCREERY

April 25 to May 1, 2019

BY TRICIA WITKOWER

AN AMERICAN IDOL TAKES THE MANE STAGE ON FRIDAY AT 6:15PM

A

S

ince LANCO (short for Lancaster and Company, after lead singer Brandon Lancaster) burst onto the scene just a few short years ago, their much-deserved rise to fame has been meteoric.

The recipe for their success becomes obvious once you listen to their songs, which are as relatable as they are contagious. LANCO is frontman Brandon Lancaster, guitarist Eric Steedly, drummer Tripp Howell, bassist Chandler Baldwin and multi-instrumentalist Jared Hampton. These five are not only talented musicians, but write their own songs as well.

Hailing from various Southern towns, these guys have country in their blood. Their sound, as well as their energy, is infectious. LANCO has a sound boldly its own that distinguishes them from other country acts currently on the scene.

When the band formed in 2015, it wasn’t long before they met record producer Jay Joyce, who, fully impressed with their music, signed them to his publishing company before they signed to Arista Nashville. By the end of 2017, their breakout hit “Greatest Love Story” topped the Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts at #1, going double platinum in the U.S. In fact, the single went platinum before the album was even released, a first for any country band. In 2018, they released their highly-anticipated debut album, Hallelujah Nights, which also topped the country charts, winning over country music fans from your average listener to country/pop royalty Taylor Swift, alike. After a whirlwind of accomplishments – touring with Dierks Bentley, playing at Bonnaroo, and headlining their own tour, to name a few – LANCO heads back to the Coachella Valley to play at Stagecoach Country Music Festival for the second time since 2017 on Saturday, April 26.

I spoke with their drummer, Tripp Howell, ahead of their appearance and asked him how he felt to be asked to play Stagecoach again, this year with a more favorable set time – 6:10 pm rather than 3:30 pm – Howell answered, “Stagecoach is this legendary festival and we’re honored to play. We have a really good time slot and we’re playing the same day as our buddy, Luke Combs. It’s going to be a fun night.

It’s always a fun festival. And honestly, we’ve been touring all winter and it’s been very cold.

So to be outside in the sun…I’m pretty excited about that.”

As far as what fans can expect when they watch LANCO’s set, Howell promises to bring a “ton of energy” that you don’t always get to

hear in their recordings, and which makes them such a dynamic act to watch perform. Plus, fans will get to hear their new single, “Rival,” co-written by Brandon Lancaster and Tripp Howell. This catchy track from their upcoming second album, is an underdog song written with the intent of spreading the message of “being proud of who you are and the way you’re creating your own path,” as Lancaster stated.

In writing their own songs, the band has become accustomed to their fans personalizing their words and relating the lyrics to their own life experiences. “Greatest Love Story,” for example, has become the soundtrack for many of their fans big life moments, such as proposals and wedding songs. In this way, LANCO has become intrinsically woven into the tapestry of many fans lives. Said Howell, “You know, I think it’s a blessing because all you ever want to do is create art people can relate to. We take everyday life and lay it all out in a song. So when people are able to take pieces of one of our songs, even if it isn’t the exact same story, and make it their own, we love that. It’s an honor.”

In their music, you can hear their traditional roots and pick out pieces inspired by their idols, like Alabama. Not surprisingly, when asked out of all the iconic acts that have played Stagecoach in the past, who his dream headliners to watch perform might be, Tripp thought for a moment and then said, “A lot of the guys that are out today, we’ve already seen or even performed with, but to watch a full set…probably Brooks and Dunn or Alabama. Alan Jackson would be awesome too. Or us.” I remind him that this would only be the dream headliner to watch perform. “Right,” he says, “that’d be terrible for LANCO to be headlining and I’m not up there playing with them,” and laughs.

When asked what he sees as the next big goal for LANCO after so much success in such a short time, Howell chuckled and answered, “To buy a pontoon boat. (Pause) Just kidding.

It’s crazy… when we were starting out, we were just five guys in a warehouse. Now we’ve won an ACM Award (for Best New Vocal Group) and we’re selling out venues we only dreamed we’d ever play. There aren’t many more first-time things happening, so now it’s wanting to create the best song and best recording possible. We are challenging ourselves creatively to work on great art. I don’t know that we necessarily have any goals for what we want to do other than keep touring. We’re actually pretty terrible goal people, we’re kinda just hippies who love to play music.”

t an age when most people are only now setting out on their path of accomplishments, Scotty McCreery, at twenty-five has already had a remarkable career. And if his newest album is any indication, he’s just getting started. Scotty’s low, smooth baritone made him an instant hit with fans from the time he stepped on the stage of American Idol’s 10th season in 2011. Since winning that competition, he has transitioned from the babyfaced teen covering Josh Turner’s “Your Man” to a seasoned, mature singer with four studio albums under his belt (the first and second were certified platinum and gold, respectively), many chart-topping songs (including several number ones), supporting tours with big names like Rascal Flatts and Brad Paisley, as well as his own headlining tours, and ACM and CMT award wins (for Best New Artist and USA Breakthrough Video of the Year), to name a few professional accomplishments.

In that time, there were highs and lows.

He married his high school sweetheart (and wrote a beautiful song about his proposal, “This Is It”). He was dropped from his record label in 2016, but rather than get thrown off track by that, he got to work and wrote the song “Five More Minutes,” a touching ballad about his grandfather, which became the first song released without a record label to ever chart on the Country Aircheck/Mediabase Top 50 and it soared to the #1 spot. He signed with new label, Triple Tigers, and released his fourth studio album (which he co-wrote on all tracks), Seasons Change, which was well-received by fans and critics alike, many considering it his best album to date. He’s the same Scotty McCreery you’ve always known and loved. But better.

This Friday, you can see him on the Mane Stage at the Stagecoach Country Music Festival at 6:15 pm performing his hits. When I asked Scotty as a first-timer at Stagecoach what he was most excited about, he told me, “I’m really excited that I was asked to be part of this year’s show. Stagecoach has a legendary reputation already. I’m looking forward to seeing the fans and to also seeing some great performances by the other artists as well.”

He promises fans a good time and lots of energy. “We do a lot of songs from my current album Seasons Change, as well as past hits and a few covers. Our show is energetic and fun.

We just want to entertain the crowd and show

them what we’re all about.”

Stagecoach has been wildly successful at showcasing acts that are just starting out, as well as pulling the most iconic names in country onto the stage to draw crowds of country’s most dedicated fans year after year. So which iconic performers would be Scotty’s ‘dream headliners?’ That’s a tough one for him to narrow down. “Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, George Strait, Loretta Lynn, Ronnie Milsap, Charlie Daniels Band, Darius Rucker, Josh Turner, Brad Paisley, the Eagles. Any of those would be fantastic (and all of them would be awesome!).”

As someone who had to compete at the beginning of his career to earn his spot as a respected and successful musician/songwriter, Scotty gives this advice to aspiring country singers, “Find what makes you unique and concentrate on it. Practice your craft every chance you get. Perform everywhere you can.

Do the research and go where you can meet people who can offer advice and assistance.

Build a team who can help you, because it takes a team.”

Grab your boots, your hat, your Daisy Dukes (and maybe some sunscreen) and head to the Mane Stage to see Scotty McCreery as he kicks of his first of (hopefully) many Stagecoach appearances. stagecoachfestival.com

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April 25 to May 1, 2019

STAGECOACH

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

PARKER MILLSAP – A REALLY NICE GUY PERFORMING SUNDAY FROM 2:25PM-3:00PM ON THE PALOMINO STAGE

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t’s an overcast day in Nashville and Parker Millsap has his guitar in hand and lukewarm coffee on the table as he contemplates the writing of his next song.

Coachella Valley Weekly spoke with Millsap a week before his Stagecoach Country Music Festival 2019 appearance and in the middle of his tour supporting his most recent release, Other Arrangements. Millsap will be performing at Stagecoach on the Palomino Stage on Sunday at 2:25 p.m.

CVW: How are you feeling about Stagecoach? I know this is your second time performing.

Millsap: “I’m excited, we’ve done Stagecoach before. I’ve got a reminder on my phone to get on the plane. We’ll fly in the 27th and we play on Sunday the 28th. I think it’s been three years. I love playing festivals because I get to see a bunch of other bands. Us touring musicians don’t get to see a lot of other bands because we’re always on tour. I love playing for festival crowds; they’re in it for the whole day and are committed to the music experience.”

CVW: The Stagecoach line-up continues to expand types and genres. It seems you fit right in.

Millsap: “It leans more towards what I would consider mainstream country; the headliners are more mainstream country which is pretty cool. I’m honored. I don’t care what you call the music. I’m just glad I have a place to play.”

CVW: There’s a continued debate about labeling artists and pigeonholing music. I see the benefits and the challenges. What are your thoughts?

Millsap: “I love so many different kinds of music and I try to draw from all the music that I love from Vivaldi to the Grateful Dead to Vampire Weekend to Hank Williams to John Lee Hooker. Any of those are up for grabs. I love all music. People who are really into jazz have told me I was really good. I don’t think I play jazz but I’m honored somebody thinks that.”

CVW: Your long-time bass player, Michael Rose, is also your childhood best friend. What has it been like growing up and playing with him?

Millsap: “We’ve known each other since I was 14 and he was about 16. I hope he’s having a good time. I love Mike. I love playing music with him. He’s had a big last year, he and his wife just had a baby so that’s a whole new thing in his life. He’s my brother. We’ve sat in a vehicle together for about a million miles, sat, and played together a million times. I hope he still likes playing with me. We draw from a lot of the same influences; we grew up in the same town. We were the only two kids that were into blues music at Purcell High School when we were there. We’re kindred spirits. I’m glad that the universe helped us find each other.”

CVW: You’ve performed at Stagecoach before but you’ve also played Pappy & Harriet’s.

Millsap: We played Pappy & Harriet’s the last time the day after our Stagecoach set.

That’s a pretty beautiful place ya’ll are at, serene and in the middle of nowhere but still close to the city. I love the California scenery.

It’s always a treat, palm trees and the whole

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BY NOE GUTIERREZ

bit. As for Pappy’s, I love the space. It really feels like you’re out in the middle of the desert.

I love the small intimate crowd. Everyone that showed were are either their regulars or they drove a long way to see us, so they were pumped. I didn’t know Paul McCartney played there. I got to see him play Austin City Limits for the first time about six months ago. It was phenomenal.”

CVW: You have a string of Canada dates coming up this summer. What do you see as the differences between the U.S. and Canada?

Millsap: “We’ve performed there before, Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. And we did one show in Saskatchewan in the middle of the fields. They’re a little more polite than the American audience. They are real music fans. I love playing Canada. We’ve got to do a lot of cool things there. They have all kinds of cool public support for artists in Canada on a national level. I’ve met quite a few Canadian artists I’ve toured with on the road who have been helped to get started with their careers.”

CVW: Can you tell us a little about your family and support system?

Millsap: “I have a sister who lives in Western Australia. I’m from Oklahoma and moved to Nashville about four years ago. My parents still live in Oklahoma. I got engaged recently and I’m getting married. She’s got a regular job. My job is normal to me but…she works in the non-profit world for an agency called Collective Impact. It’s a cross-sector involvement to try and solve large social problems. It’s a complex thing with non-profits and local government and they get them all on the same page. For example, if we want to lower the childhood obesity rate by 5%, your businesses have money, your non-profits have expertise and your local people can enforce it.

It’s pretty intense stuff. She does more of the systems level stuff. It’s her job to get all those people in the same room and get them all up to speed. She asks, ‘here are these problems, so how can you all fix it?’ She’s one of the organizers basically. She’s in constant contact with 100 different people. These projects that she’s working on are long-term projects. She’s pretty amazing. I can’t do any of that. I’ll just play guitar.”

CVW: Can you please share your songwriting process?

Millsap: “I usually just sit down with a guitar

and notebook and just start throwing paint at the wall and see what looks good and follow that. A lot of times it starts as one little lyrical line, if I say, ‘I liked how that feels to say that’ or ‘I liked the image that lyric puts in my mind’ then I’ll try to unpack that central idea. And sometimes it’s a musical idea, and it’s the same thing like, ‘I love playing this little lick’ or ‘how can I write a song where this lick will sounds really good.’ It’s exciting. A lot of times It’s not until after the fact that I can tell I’ve done something good or bad, I just stay focused on the ‘doing’. Every once in a while I’m like, ‘holy shit, I did it! I made something cool.’ But pretty often I make something that’s not great and I just don’t release that stuff.”

CVW: How would you describe your artist/ fan connection? Is there a balance between writing/performing for yourself and/or others?

Millsap: “It’s somewhere in-between. I really don’t think, ‘what are my fans gonna like?’ I trust that my fans are fans of something about me, whether it’s my voice, my guitar playing or songwriting, they’re gonna dig whatever I put out. I’m not trying to be weird just to be weird. I do think about, ‘will this connect? can people, can someone connect with this? whether it’s one person or just me.’

A lot of times it’s just reminders to myself. So I do think about connection and I definitely think about what’s gonna sound good live more than studio because I spend so much more time playing live than in the studio.”

CVW: Is there a reawakening that has to happen prior to your album releases?

Millsap: “It’s a constant reinventing with slight adjustments here and there. Two years later when I have a batch of songs together it may seem like a reinvention from the outside.

Like this record I just put out. It’s heavier, more electric guitar-focused. From the outside, it seems like a real change of direction. For me it felt like slight little one degree turns. After the end of two years, it’s a couple of degrees.”

CVW: Where are you in your level of music maturity?

Millsap: “I think I’m a better live performer.

I think I’m a better singer. I think I’m a better guitar player. I think it’s because I have a lot more stage hours under my belt since the last time we played Stagecoach. I think last time we performed it might have even been as an

acoustic trio. So this time we’re a full band, electric guitar, etc. I think it’s a much more mature sound.”

CVW: What types of trials have you experienced recently?

Millsap: “Lately I’ve been focusing on lyrics and trying to write lyrics that are meaningful.

There are certain songs that I’ve written that after a year or just a couple months of playing them live, something about the lyrics don’t sit right with me or the music doesn’t quite feel right. Like it has lost its meaning. I’m trying to write songs that will full-on hold on to their meaning and for me not to be disconnected from them.”

CVW: Nashville?

Millsap: “I was 21 when I moved to Nashville. I was touring a lot during that period.

If you’re considering moving to Nashville, I’m still trying to figure it out. My piece of advice to any up-and-coming musician would be to buy the Donald Passman’s book All You Need to Know About the Music Business. It’s like 250 pages explaining how labels and publishing works, music copyright, etc. It basically gives you a bunch of information so that you can make an informed decision if you decide to try to make money playing music.”

CVW: Do you have any new music forthcoming?

Millsap: “I don’t have any studio time booked yet but I have a bag full of songs that I’ve been working on so there’s new stuff on the way. I’m also going to get to co-produce the record which has been a goal of mine for a while in the next year so that might stall my new stuff.”

CVW: Anything else you’d like to share?

Millsap: “Yeah, tell them I’m a really nice guy!” parkermillsap.com

STAGECOACH

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

RUBY BOOTS – YIELDING PEARLS PERFORMING ON THE PALOMINO STAGE ON SUNDAY 1:30PM

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ex Willcot is more widely known as Ruby Boots, an Australian singersongwriter who is identified with Alternative, Country and Americana music.

She exudes willpower, bleeds courage and is now enthusiastic about vulnerability. She openly admits that there was a time where she didn’t feel she had those qualities. After speaking with her by phone from her home in Nashville, where she transplanted from Perth, Australia, Bex is all-systems-go for her Stagecoach 2019 performance while enjoying the West Coast portion of her U.S. tour.

Ruby Boots most recent album, Don’t Talk About It, was released in 2018 on Bloodshot Records. Produced by Beau Bedford and recorded with The Texas Gentlemen, the collective pulled a handful of songs from the 40 she had waiting and began recording at their Dallas-based studio Modern Electric Sound Recorders.

Bex shared with me that the name Ruby Boots, comes from the idea of being fiery and passionate like a ruby and the boots implying that as a touring troubadour she travels around a lot. Here’s our Coachella Valley Weekly conversation with Ruby Boots.

CVW: Hi Bex. What are your thoughts on the other ‘Music City USA’ Indio, California and the desert in general?

Bex: “I’ve been there before. It’s a magical place man!”

CVW: What has your Spring Tour been like thus far?

Bex: “The tour has been great. I’ve done the West Coast thing since late March then I’ll be back home in Nashville in early May then I head to the East Coast. I love it!”

CVW: You moved to Nashville in 2016 as a direct result of your success in Australia.

What was that positive stroke like for you?

Bex: “When I moved to Nashville, I didn’t really feel like writing a new album but I was in a position where I had to. I simply couldn’t write when it came time to do it. I’d sit down and start crying and be completely blank like I’d never written a song before in my life. I realized I needed to have a bit of space to live life again. I had been sober for a year and so I started drinking again for a couple of months and then realized that wasn’t helping. I had to start living life, digging deeper into who I was now, how I see the world and how it affects me. The album is written around that time and my growth, I needed that time for selfreflection. Having everyone in the audience singing back at me, it reminds me of how much I accomplished in Australia. Coming home and getting a response like that gave me an incredible feeling of validation. I needed that extra lift-up. I need the positive strokes.”

CVW: There’s a vulnerability I hear in the music you play and especially in “Don’t Talk About It.” Bex: “A lot of indie artists are doing this and I support them all. There’s a strong theme running through the songs that I wanted to keep and that I felt passionate about. The balance between vulnerability and strength is one of many layers of what the record is about. Each song has its own feel in terms of message but the thing that has come through is the idea of what strength is. Is it about being able to take on the world all the time or is it about being able to be vulnerable while still retaining that strength needed to navigate through life with a sense of defiance.

Managing that in relationships and other life instances is what it is all about.”

CVW: The trajectory of your career seems almost story-like. From your success in Australia winning awards all the way to Nashville. How are you feeling about your career right at this moment?

Bex: “I’m emotional. I’m in such a good place right now. It’s all been worth it. It hasn’t always been easy and I worked hard for what I have earned. It can be difficult to keep things going and stay empowered. I’m dependent on

April 25 to May 1, 2019

BY NOE GUTIERREZ the work. I’m a workaholic. I put in the hours.”

CVW: You’re playing Pappy & Harriet’s on 4/25/19 with Aubrie Sellers.

Bex: “That’s a late addition. I’m so excited.

I’ve been there before. I have a cool story about Pappy’s I’ve never shared with anyone.

In my early years of coming out I went to Nashville. I got burnt out and said, ‘fuck this!’

So I took a drive. It was like a holiday. I decided to drive to the desert and I just happened to show up to open mic at Pappy’s. I didn’t go there to perform but you know how artists are and I got the bug to get up there. It was late, they were almost done, and they said, ‘alright, you can come up and play a couple of songs.’ After two songs they wanted me to keep playing and that was a great feeling. Now I get to come back and perform a full set. It’s my payback for helping me through a tough time.”

CVW: Is this your first time at Stagecoach?

Bex: “Not really. I had a friend who had business set up and I got up last year and played a couple of acoustic songs. So that was my unofficial first performance at Stagecoach.”

CVW: How much do you believe your environment impacts your music/ songwriting and the message you’re trying to relay?

Bex: “It’s huge. I think it’s inevitable. It’s an open-ended question. My music is constantly interconnected with what’s happening around me. Your experiences and surroundings are inescapable in your music.”

CVW: How different are you now from 2016 when you released Solitude? How do you view things and process things?

Bex: “I’m less angry about things. There was a lot of anger. On my album Don’t Talk About It, the song, “I Am a Woman,” was conjured up amid recent events where men have spoken about, and treated women’s bodies, the way no man, or woman, should.

This kind of treatment toward another human being makes every nerve in my body scream.

These kinds of incidents are so ingrained in our culture and are swept under the carpet at every turn. It needs to change. As tempting as it was to just write an angry tirade I wanted to respond with integrity, so I sat with my feelings and this song emerged as a celebration of women and womanhood, of our strength and our vulnerability, all we encompass and our inner beauty, countering ignorance and vulgarity with honesty and pride and without being exclusionary to any man or woman. My hope is that we come together on this long drawn out journey. The song is the backbone to the album for me.”

CVW: I go back to the topic of vulnerability.

You are more open than ever before and are willing to put yourself out there.

Bex: “Once you write a song, record it and release it, it’s not really yours anymore. The fan’s interpretation is welcoming.”

Don’t miss Ruby Boots on the Palomino Stage on Sunday at 1:30 p.m.! rubybootsmusic.com

9

April 25 to May 1, 2019

LISA LYNN MORGAN:

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY TRACY DIETLIN

COACHELLA VALLEY’S COUNTRY SPITFIRE

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isa Lynn Morgan has been gracing our desert stages with her soulful, passionate and powerful vocals for the last 7 years. She has won 4 CV Music Awards for Best Country Artist/Band and 1 for Best New Band and is nominated again this year for Best Country Artist, Best Female Vocalist, Best Frontwoman and Best Club Promoter for Big Rock Pub where she has worked as the Marketing & Entertainment Director and Talent Buyer, booking both National touring acts as well as nurturing the local talent. She has also been the head music writer for CV Weekly for the past 6 years. She took some time out of her crazy schedule to answer a few questions for us.

CVW: Tell us about how and when you got started performing? Also how it felt after taking time off from your music career and those first few shows performing again?

Lisa Lynn Morgan: “It had been a long journey struggling between being a young mom and wanting to be an artist. I finally decided, after a stint in Vegas, that I wanted and needed the security of a day job… a career that had more potential to support myself and my family. I was standing on the stage at the Monte Carlo with a couple of contracts pending and a New Year’s Eve booking at the Stardust for Y2K. Twelve years later, James St. James, my friend and favorite drummer insisted I get up and sing one with the band at Palm Desert Country Club. Sean, the booking manager at PDCC at the time, booked me for New Year’s shortly after hearing me sing that night. I was teamed up with Meltdown, and it seems it all took off for me again. The music in a musician never dies… it just stays quiet for a time and then comes back with a vengeance, I guess. I was scared to death for the first year.

It was like starting all over again. But it was something I was once again compelled to do, and I’m grateful to have it back in my life.”

CVW: You’ve come a long way in the last 7 years personally and professionally. How does it feel to finally have come into your

own as a performer?

Morgan: “I don’t know if that’s actually happened yet, actually. I feel like I’m still finding my voice and seeing what I am capable of. The drive for me is to dive deeper into ways I can connect with people through music. I’ve been chronically blessed to play with some of the best, highly decorated and experienced musicians who have loved me and believed in me more than I do myself. It kind of feels like I’m just getting started.”

CVW: How does it feel to have won the CV Music Award for Best Country performer how many times now?

Morgan: “It’s pretty awesome. Anyone who says it isn’t, isn’t being real. There are only a few ways we, as artists, can receive acknowledgement that what we’re doing is worth the huge investment in time, sacrificing other things in an absolutely upside-down business plan. CV Music Awards not only gives us a platform to be celebrated, but a tool to help us work more, which in turn helps us record more. As far as this year’s awards go, I see some beautiful possibilities for new winners in the country music category. Don’t get me wrong, I like winning. But I also like seeing the genre grow, especially from those creating new music that the country music industry could benefit from. We’re all one big musical family when it comes right down to it. And as corny as it sounds, I truly love being part of helping other succeed, either through writing about them or booking them. When one of us win, we all win. There’s enough good feels and success for all of us to share.”

CVW: I know you were working on an album. How is that coming along? Release date?

Morgan: “I’m at the mercy of the old day job, so it’s been difficult lately to give it the time and attention needed. 6 songs are produced waiting for vocal tracks. Chris Unck at High Lonesome Studio in Joshua Tree has produced my originals brilliantly. He even recorded me playing piano on a gorgeous

PHOTO BY STEVEN YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHY

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1899 grand piano… something I thought I’d hand off to a more experienced player. I am overwhelmed to hear my songs through his creative expertise, and I’ll be taking my time to make sure the vocals are right.”

CVW: Do you continue to write new music?

Morgan: “Always. There are piles of lyrics all begging for my attention. I already have a few for the next album.”

CVW: How difficult is it to work a fulltime job at Big Rock that requires a lot of after hour work booking the entertainment and keeping your own career alive?

Morgan: “It’s been the challenge of a lifetime. Balance seems to be the ever-evasive goal. I can’t complain too much – I’m doing so many things that I love and feel I am built to do. To be a productive human being after spending a good chunk of my life held back by self-doubt, alcohol and bad decisions, I’m determined to make the best of all the opportunities I’ve been given and am grateful for all of them, especially to the people who have trusted me with them.”

LOCAL MUSIC CVW: How do you feel your live shows have changed over the last several years?

Morgan: “I’m more fearless, I’ve found more notes in my range and my desire to connect with the audience has truly begun to affect everything I do. I’m still having fun because I’m letting myself take risks and have musicians in my life who encourage and praise it.”

CVW: You guest host at Pappy’s open mic often. Tell us about that experience?

Morgan: “It’s an incredible gift and honor to be part of that Pappy and Harriet’s family.

Those walls have magic in them, and I feel it every time I host. I am constantly awed by new artists who travel hundreds of miles to play on that stage, and the crowd is so open and receiving… it’s a lot of work to run a show with over 20 artists, but the rewards are huge.”

CVW: What has been the most exciting moment of your performing career so far?

Morgan: “Most recently, signing Grace Slick’s part in “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now,” alongside the amazing and gracious Mickey Thomas for the YMCA’s celebrity golf tournament at Big Rock Golf and Pub. I never dreamed as a young, single and pregnant 18 year old that my path would bring me to a place where I would be singing live on a stage with that same iconic voice I would sing along to on my radio.”

CVW: Who do you most respect in the music business?

Morgan: “The musicians and songwriters who keep ever at it in spite of unfair streaming pay rates, lackluster crowds and grueling hope sucking experiences daily, people telling them they can’t and shouldn’t, and continue to pour themselves into their craft anyway, doing it all for the sake of the song.”

CVW: Who would you most like to open for?

Morgan: “Willie Nelson and Family.”

CVW: Who are you listening to right now?

Morgan: “Brandi Carlile is breathing some serious inspiration into me right now. “ CVW: Who would be your top 3 headliners for Stagecoach?

Morgan: “Kris Kristofferson, Neil Young, Loretta Lynn.”

CVW: Coachella?

Morgan: “Kings of Leon, Eagles of Death Metal/Queens of the Stone Age, Foo Fighters.”

CVW: Desert Trip?

Morgan: “Robert Plant, Chrissie Hynde & The Pretenders, Annie Lennox & The Eurythmics You can catch this desert songbird performing at the following shows: April 24 – Big Rock Pub 7pm-10pm May 12 – Coachella Valley Brewing Co – Here’s to Mom, Shelter from the Storm Benefit Concert Stage 1, 4pm May 20 – Pappy and Harriet’s 7pm June 2 – CV Music Awards – Paul Rogers Tribute June 22 – Big Rock Pub 8:30pm-11:30pm July 25 – Idyllwild Summer Concert Series 6pm-9pm August 18 – Idyllwild Strong Benefit 4:35pm-5:20pm Ferro Stage

LOCAL MUSIC

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

April 25 to May 1, 2019

REBORN BY THE SUNSHINE THESE OLD FEELIN’S EP RELEASE. COME ALONG FOR THE RIDE 4/26/19 AT BIG ROCK PUB

BY NOE GUTIERREZ

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019 Coachella Valley Music Award nominees for ‘Best Americana/ Folk’ and ‘Best Country’ artist Reborn By The Sunshine are all set to release their first recorded material, These Old Feelin’s, on 4/26/19. RBTS has documented a four-song EP that channels that old familiar sound of roots rock alongside a nostalgia-inducing breath of Americana. RBTS includes James Dorris on guitar and vocals, Brett McLaughlin on bass and sings backup vocals, Chelsea Dorris on banjo and tambourine, Brian Gelesko on lead guitar, and Scott McLaughlin on drums.

Coachella Valley Weekly spoke with bandleader James Dorris as they prepare for their EP release show at Big Rock Pub on Friday, April 26, 2019. Providing support for their release is Desert Americana artist Rick Shelley and The Desert Dogs as well as High Desert concerted effort The Adobe Collective. The show starts at 8 p.m.

CVW: The EP appears to be a great representation of what you’re attempting to display in your sound. What are your feelings on the outcome of These Old Feelin’s?

Dorris: “We are really excited about These Old Feelin’s! Being that this is our first official release of music as a band, we feel that we were able to present our sound exactly the way we intended to. An album doesn’t always turn out the way you first envision it and we did have plenty of

inspiration-driven changes in the studio, but we poured our hearts into these four songs and I think this EP is a good representation of the larger picture of our sound.”

CVW: What are some of your sentiments about each band member, Brett, Chelsea, Brian and Scott, that they may not know you have of them?

Dorris: “We are a family. With the exception of my gorgeous wife Chelsea of course, I didn’t really know Brett, Scott, or Brian before having them become a part of RBTS. Everyone in this band is selfless, hardworking and committed to our vision.

That is what I wanted to surround myself with when I first started RBTS and I couldn’t be more grateful to all of them for trusting me and putting their full heart and effort into our music. We are continually growing as a band and family and always have songs cooking.”

CVW: The EP will obviously be available on all major platforms 4/26/19. How soon will you be offering CDs and vinyl recordings of These Old Feelin’s?

Dorris: “It will absolutely be available on all platforms and we will have CDs for sale at our EP Release show at Big Rock Pub alongside some new merch. We will also have a limited amount of vinyl records for sale, custom cut by my best friend and Coachella Valley native Ryan Schilling and his company American Vinyl Co out of Ashville, N.C.” CVW: The desert’s not known for its

overabundance of Americana artists. How did Reborn by the Sunshine decide this was the path they would take? Was there a conscious decision or is this the product of organic musical synthesis?

Dorris: “There has definitely always been a vision for RBTS from the very beginning; priority number one is that we always aim to make sure that our songs are from the heart and that our sound is something we can be proud of. It started with me and a guitar shortly after coming home from a summer tour of the south with our friends Christy Lynn Band. I was inspired and I needed to make music. After grinding out a couple of songs, Chelsea joined in on banjo and percussion and we had something going. Brett contacted us after hearing a couple of demos and after one rehearsal; we were immediately on the same page.

He is a ‘ride-or-die’, just like me, and a wizard on the bass, so he was in. We then got Brian to try out and I loved his guitar playing and overall attitude when it came to making music, so he was in. We had some issues finding the right drummer and Brett suggested that his brother Scott could fill in for a while. Well Scott is not only a great drummer, but he brings so much personality to the band so after a few rehearsals he was in too! I don’t think anyone can keep their influences and the music they love listening to out of their songwriting. We love Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Band, and many other timeless artists and I

think you can find those sounds embedded in our music.”

CVW: You have Rick Shelley and the Desert Dogs along with The Adobe Collective opening the show. What are your thoughts on your fellow Desert Americana artists?

Dorris: “I wanted this bill to be full of heart and these two bands have just that. Amazing songwriting from both groups and I have a deep respect for both bands. I’m excited!”

CVW: Your EP release show is at Big Rock Pub. How did you come to that decision?

Dorris: “Big Rock Pub is one of our favorite desert venues for a few reasons: 1. Lisa Lynn Morgan is awesome and she is always supporting local artists in any way she can. 2. We love the sound. Jeff Mazur does a great job and is always so professional. 3. The crowd at Big Rock Pub is full of many generations of listeners and they aren’t afraid to get up and dance!

There is nothing more satisfying than playing your ass off and seeing the crowd let loose!”

CVW: You’ve shared with me in the past that a ‘hook’ can sometimes just come to you, you record melodies on your phone, and you build on that as a foundation for a song. Is this the norm or do you have other songwriting processes?

Dorris: “I’ve always said that inspiration chooses when, where and how it finds you and not the other way around. I believe that with all my soul. I’ve sat there for hours attempting to force it out (as I’m sure we all have) producing nothing but what may seem like nonsense at the time.

On the other hand, I’ve had moments where it’s just pouring out and I know that I’m onto something good. The problem is that sometimes when inspiration shines her light on me, I might be waiting in line surrounded by a million people or taking a pee break in the studio ha-ha. But when you have it, you must capture it! So yes, I will pull out my phone and record a melody continue to page 26

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April 25 to May 1, 2019

CONSIDER THIS

W

hy we love is such a mystery, a human force Akin to gravity, the only crime is when it disappears.”

That’s Val McCallum waxing philosophical on “Outlaw Song,” From his new album, Chateauguay.

You may not be familiar with the name Val McCallum, but you’ve probably heard him play. As a guitarist, he has played with everyone from Sheryl Crow, Shelby Lynne, Bonnie Raitt, Lucinda Williams, Willie Nelson, Randy Newman, Harry Nilsson and the Wallflowers. He has toured with Jackson Browne on and off for decades. He even appeared as part of Vonda Shepard’s house band on the “Ally McBeal” television series.

His intersecting musical and showbiz histories run deep. His Scottish Grandad was a professional concert violinist from Glasgow and concert master of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Not only did he play on the Beatles’ “A Hard Day’s Night,” he advised Jimmy Page to use a violin bow on his guitar strings.

His dad, David McCallum, first gained international attention in the early ‘60s playing secret agent, Illya Kuryakin on “The Man from U.N.K.L.E.” series. More recently, he has won a new generation as Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard” on the popular “NCIS” television show. Val’s mother, Jill Ireland, was also a well-known actress in Great Britain. The couple married in 1957 and divorced 10 years later. Val’s stepdad was iconic Action movie star, Charles Bronson.

Valentine McCallum was born and raised in Los Angeles, the youngest of three sons.

By the age of seven, he was already learning guitar. Encouraged by his older brother, Paul, he began taking lessons at Westwood Music Store. Once he learned a few chords, he grew impatient with formal instruction. His record player became his official tutor, moving the stylus back and forth on his favorite songs became his real education.

Although his mother advised Val to learn music theory, he took his cues from standard bearers like Chuck Berry, Jimi Hendrix, Keith and Mick Taylor from the Stones. Long-lasting Inspiration came from growing up listening to ‘70s Top 40 radio, which was chockablock with effortlessly intricate Playing from Wrecking Crew players like Tommy Tedesco,

“

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VAL MCCALLUM

inventive string-benders like Amos Garrett and emerging guitar heroes like Don Felder and Jesse Ed Davis.

Despite growing up in relative comfort in Los Angeles, Vermont and on movie sets all over the world, by his mid-20s, Val had experienced his share of tragedy. His brother Jason died from a drug overdose in 1989 and a year later his mother lost her six-year battle with breast cancer. He began his musical career with Harry Nilsson at age 18, and he hasn’t looked back.

Earning his keep playing recording sessions and as a touring guitarist, has enabled Val to interact with a cross-section of superstars and journeyman players. He’s appeared on albums by Joan Osbourne, Ivan Neville, Jonatha Brooke,Tim McGraw, Was Not Was, John Doe, Shelby Lynne, Gregg Allman and Matthew Sweet.

It was while he was working on the “Ally McBeal” series that he connected with Pete Thomas and Davey Faragher. By then, Pete’s regular gig was as Elvis Costello’s drummer, a spot he had held since 1977. Davey had played bass with everyone from Camper Van Beethoven, Cracker and John Hiatt. (Since 2002 he has held down the bottom in Elvis Costello & The Imposters) There’s a lot of downtime in television, and the trio hatched a plan to start a new band, Jackshit.

Kind of a Bakersfield version of the Traveling Wilburys, they created a colorful backstory and created new musical Alter-egos, Val is Beau Shit, Pete is Pete Shit and Davey Is Shorty Shit. Their live sets around L.A. won them a devoted fan base and between 2000 and 2015 they’ve released three albums, their self-titled debut, 2006’s Jackshit 2-Welcome Nugget and (inevitably) Fresh Shit. Last year the three-piece backed Jeffrey Gaines on Alright, his brilliant 2018 album.

In the last few years, Val has somehow managed to carve out time for a solo career, his debut, At The End Of The Day, appeared in 2012, which featured the bittersweet “Digging For Gold,” the luminous “Tokyo Girl,” the heartbreaking “Deal With It,” a song he co-wrote with him mum about the death of his brother, as well as “Rare Bird,” an homage to his mother. Now he has finally returned with Chateguay.

The opening cut, “Stellar Girl,” sounds like a long-lost collaboration between the Eagles and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

Steeped in warm Country Comfort, the sturdy melody is anchored by bramble-thick guitar riffs wrapped around sunny harmonies, a stutter-step rhythm, thrumming bass and rustic organ notes. Lyrics speak of love and redemption; “You found my love in a broken heart, you found my heart on a broken street, yeah you gave my love a second chance, when you found your way to me.”

While his first album was stripped-down and bare bones, here, he adds panoply of colors to his sonic palette. On “Shotgun And Bombshell” razor-sharp guitar riffs ride roughshod over sinewy bass, sylvan acoustic licks and a crackling beat. The melody is quintessentially Californian, and

“CHATEAUGUAY” (DEAR STELLA RECORDINGS)

BY ELENI P. AUSTIN

the arrangement adds a soupcon of Stonsey swagger. The lyrics are cryptically cinematic, unspooling a saga “Played out on the silver wall.” Everything cosmically collides on the break, as gutbucket guitars manage the neat trick of sounding impeccably dirty. Val’s scratchy vocals, which sandwich comfortably between Don Henley’s drawl and Tom Petty’s Gainesville growl, are the through line that ties it all together.

Burnished and brilliant, the title track is the album’s centerpiece. Braided acoustic notes intertwine with twinkly piano. There’s a grace and gravitas to this minor key melody, accented by hushed harmonies, shivery viola, violin and bottleneck guitar. Named for the woodland area behind Val’s place in Vermont, the lyrics paint a vivid picture; “There was nothing but the long-edged blade of the winter wind on the outer plains, and the disappearing road he’d lost and the line he’s never crossed/ In the shallow sun, in the unseen light, he had thrown his heart to the ragged night on the back of her skin, he’d wagered his life for a horse he couldn’t win.” This admission ignites a scorched earth guitar solo.

The scene shifts from unfettered woodlands to the shackles of mass incarceration on “Feel Her Fire.” The song opens with ethereal Beach Boy-esque harmonies, before giving way to Val’s whiskey-soaked rasp. Effortlessly slipping into the skin of a convicted “enemy of the state,” he pines for a lost love. The vibe is sultry and subdued until the arrangement suddenly shapeshifts, adding frenetic whiplash guitars and a jackrabbit beat, only to bommerang back to the relatively quiescent verses. On paper, these wild mood swings might seem like musical schizophrenia, but as sun-kissed harmonies crest over cantilevered guitars, the musical dexterity shines through.

He executes a stylistic 180 (because he can), on the aforementioned “Outlaw Song.” The instrumentation is spare and unvarnished, just Val and an acoustic guitar.

Liquid arpeggios cascade over a mid-tempo melody. A fugitive from love and the law, on the run, on the lam, notes that ephemeral pleasures are fleeting. “Did you ever sit and watch the water flow, you know back is where it cannot go.” Spanish-flavored filigrees on the break underscore the song’s evanescent bliss.

The best tracks here, “Brothers” and “Charlie’s Coal,” feel deeply personal. The

former is a clear-eyed encomium to his late brother Jason. Nine months older than Val, the pair were raised almost as twins. Nearly 30 years on, the loss remains keen. The wistful melody is powered by tandem acoustic and electric guitars, spidery bass, a wash of organ and a kick-turn beat. The lyrics, something of a one-sided conversation; “You used to say you were just kicking ass and taking names, and you kept your foot on the gas as your life went up in flames.” Bent electric notes bookend the feathery chorus as Val admits “Until I run out of road, I’ll never find anyone like you in this life again, brothers ‘til the end.”

The latter, a cracked Country waltz, offers a tender tribute to his world famous step-dad, who began his journey the son of Lithuanian immigrants that made their living as coal miners. Charles Bronson, (ne’ Charles Dennis Buchinsky), escaped that fate by entering the military during World War II and utilizing the G.I. Bill to jumpstart his acting career. Brushed percussion connects with airy acoustic guitar, fluttery organ and stately piano. The lyrics sketch out poignant biographical notes, saving the final verse to offer a heartfelt expression of gratitude; “I live by the ocean, a California dream, he lives under the earth now, what he left isn’t seen/He gave me my first guitar, I still remember that day, I still see his smile every time I play it, it gets in your heart and never goes away.” The guitar solo here, Buzzy and tough-minded, feels wildly apropos as a salute to a stoic action star.

Other interesting tracks include the backporch ramble of “Ridge Runner” and the jittery delight of “Nobody Lives Forever.” The album closes with the Folk/Blues of “Hell And Back,” which seems to offer an oblique commentary on the cost of artistic compromise. Hard-won truths are buttressed by wily harmonica, blistering guitars, tensile bass, keening keys and a rock-steady rhythm.

Val is backed on Chateguay by a wolfpack of pickers and players, including drummers Joe Seiders and Shawn Pelton and Kaitlin Wolfberg adding violin and viola. Backing vocals were provided by Z Berg and Shelby Lynne. Of course, his Jackshit brothers pitched in as well. Davey played bass and added harmonies to every track and Pete was behind the kit on a couple of songs.

Not enough can be said about producer Chris Price, who added electric and acoustic guitars, organ, piano, percussion and vocals to nearly every song. He helped create a soundscape that shifts from charming chiaroscuro to stunning Technicolor.

Chateguay is a dazzling achievement, conjuring comparisons to Crosby, Stills & Nash, Nick Drake, the Eagles, Dennis Wilson, Sun Kil Moon and Jonathan Wilson, without feeling secondhand or derivative. It provides the perfect introduction to Val McCallum, a protean talent who has been hiding in plain sight.

ARTSCENE

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

April 25 to May 1, 2019

BY ANGELA ROMEO

LIFE AFTER DESERT X

A

s Desert X, Coachella Music Festival and Stagecoach prepare to leave the valley, the local art scene thrives. To keep the arts alive requires that the local community be involved. There are many opportunities to be engaged, and the following are several items for consideration.

Art Queen East Gallery, never a location afraid to push boundaries, will open The Diorama Show, May 3- 26. Artists joining in the exploration of miniature realities include Thyrza Segal, Julie Carpenter, Joe Alvarez, Snake Jagger, Art of Rune, Jon Otterson, Chris Lugo Small, Harlan Emil Gruber, and Zara Kand.

An opening reception night will be held on Sat, May 11th from 6-8:30pm, will featured a music performance by Mojave Improv Collective and cinemagraph projections by Art of Rune. Art Queen East Gallery is located at 61855 29 Palms Hwy, Joshua Tree 92252.

For more information visit www.sharielf.com.

JTAG is currently inviting submissions to its JTAG Expo to be held on June 15-19.All work must be no larger than 30” x 40” in any dimension. No commission is taken by JTAG during this event. The deadline for application submission is June 1st. The submission form is available at joshuatreeartgallery.com.

JTAG is located at 61607B 29 Palms Highway, Joshua Tree, CA 92252.

The current exhibition, EXTENSIONS, features work by Barbara Spiller and James O’Keefe. That runs through April 28. PAINTED

PERCEPTIONS, featuring the work of Paul Donaldson, Marcia Geiger and Ester Shaw open s May 11.

Acting is also thriving in the desert Dan Gauthier Acting Studio is offering a commercial workshop beginning April 29th.

The studio was founded by Dan Gauthier and Lisa Fuller. Dan has been a working actor for over 30 years. In 2007 he received an Emmy nomination for the role of Kevin Buchanan on One Life to Live (ABC). He played Lt. Johnny McKay on the critically acclaimed television show Tour of Duty (CBS). Lisa has appeared in movies and numerous recurring roles and many guest spots on many television shows.

Lisa released an album, Teach Me Tonight that is available on ITunes and Spotify.

For more information visit the website dangauthieractingstudio.com. The studio is located at 34400 Date Palm Dr. Cathedral City, CA 92234.

Desert Theater Works will be hosting auditions for its upcoming 2019-202o season. The Theater will present several plays and musicals including Mamma Mia, Neil Simon’ Rumors, The Producers, All My Sons, and Beehive: The 60’s Musical. Auditions will be held on May 11 and 22 at The Indio Performing Arts Center, 45-175 Fargo St. Indio, CA 92201. For more information visit dtworks.org.

The arts offer unlimited opportunities for education, discussion and enjoyment. Be engaged.

BECOME ONE OF OUR SALES TEAM publisher@coachellavalleyweekly.com

760.501.6228

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April 25 to May 1, 2019

C

PET PLACE

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

Assess your dog’s readiness for hiking - before heading out, evaluate your dog’s level of fitness. If he is elderly or overweight, it’s best to stick with walks around your neighborhood and avoid overheating.

Remember that dogs are “people pleasers” and will push beyond their level of endurance to please you and keep up. It may seem too obvious to state, but ensure that your pet is friendly to people and other canines before heading out to public trails. Make sure your dog knows the most important command of all, “Benji (his name), Come!” in case he gets loose.

Plan Ahead - Purchase needed supplies and make sure your destination permits dogs on trails. Most United States national parks do not allow dogs on trails. The book “140 Great Hikes in and near Palm Springs” provides a list

MEET SAHARA This adorable kitten and her 4 siblings were rescued by www. lovingallanimals.org.

Sweet Sahara will curl up on your lap and purr when playtime is over. To meet this precious little girl, call (760) 834-7000.

MEET CADEN Caden is still waiting for a home…Looking for a special hiking buddy or new best “furever” friend? Come meet Caden (dog ID#A1501434) at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus shelter, 72050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, (760) 343-3644. www.rcdas.org

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TAIL FRIENDLY TRAILS

of local trails that permit dogs to accompany hikers.

Supplies - Your dog can help carry some of the needed supplies in his own special backpack. A healthy dog can carry up to 25% of his own weight, however some breeds with long backs such as Dachshunds may not be able to carry much at all. Give him plenty of water during the excursion because dogs become dehydrated quickly. Water in streams and lakes may contain parasites and viruses.

Bring high quality treats to keep up Benji’s energy level. Make sure your dog is always tagged with your phone number, and bring a photo of him just in case he gets lost. A hat

will protect him from strong sunlight. Other items to include are a map, compass, cell phone, first aid kit, sunscreen, and snacks for yourself.

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

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

Trail Etiquette - When you meet other hikers, the dog and owner must yield the right of way to allow other trail users to pass.

Likewise when you meet a horse, the hiker with a dog must yield. Step clear of the trail, and ensure your dog refrains from barking and moving toward the horse. And of course, use those poop bags!

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

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

Dog Beaches - Here’s another great idea for a healthy excursion with your dog. You can both escape the upcoming hot summer for a day at one of the dog beaches in San Diego County. Most popular is the dog beach in Ocean Beach, located at the foot of Voltaire Street. Tucked away near the Del Mar racetrack is Solana Beach, a lovely spot that allows dogs from September 15 through June 15. It’s almost surreal to see all of the dogs happily frolicking in the ocean while the people sit on the sand watching them.

What if you are “dogless in the desert”?

Head over to the Coachella Valley Animal Campus shelter and meet dozens of special rescue dogs, including Caden pictured below.

This county shelter is located at 72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, 760-343-3644, www.rcdas.org.

Janetmcafee8@gmail.com

Y

THE VINO VOICE

EE-HAW! Stagecoach, California’s largest country music festival is headlining this weekend and goodness! Do I have a western-tinged wine line-up for your consideration.

Most of you wine enthusiasts are well aware of the fast-growing category of “bourbon barrel aged wines”. The wild bunch of millennials are quick to try these new wines on the western horizon, and now, we’re finding the old guard giving the wines a try—and are takin’ a liking to it, as the wine’s popularity increases.

Enter in: The Beringer Brothers. More than 150 years ago the Beringer brothers, Jacob and Frederick, founded a winery and distillery in Napa Valley, bringing forth a pioneering spirit and setting a standard for innovation that has helped Beringer become the oldest continually operating winery in Napa Valley.

Early on, they make some decisions for efficiencies sake, including aging some wine in used spirits barrels. And they made some spirits all the way through prohibition. Well— as they say...the more things change, the more they stay the same.

To honor the founders, Beringer has introduced Beringer Bros. Bourbon Barrel Aged wines, including a Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Red Cuvee aged for 60 days in charred American oak bourbon

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April 25 to May 1, 2019

BARREL TOTING BERINGER BROS BACK IN TOWN

barrels, and, a just released Sauvignon Blanc aged in Tequila barrels once used to age Reposada Tequila.

Mark Beringer, the great-great grandson of Jacob Beringer, oversees winemaking for the new offerings, bringing the family connection full circle. And while honoring the past, the spirit of innovation continues with the Living Wine Labels app, which brings Jacob and Frederick to life, with a special request to consumers for help in spreading the word about the new wines.

Now you readers know I’m not big on the overly-done marketing when it comes to labels and bottle design—I’m more what’s on the inside. But I’m changing my tune quick when it comes to these bb bottles. The new wines not only feature a historic photo of the

BY RICK RIOZZA

Beringer Brothers in front of the old winery distillery sign, but are offered in a traditional spirits shaped bottle using typography and colors common to the late 1800’s. Everything about the bottle and label design are so authentically old western that I do not wish to see another barroom movie set without these wines on the shelves. Hollywood has to pay some homage here!

The verdict is in and wine enthusiasts have come to realize that the unique aging and finishing process that come from used bourbon barrels offer consumers a bolder and richer wine. Since bourbon barrels by law need to be 100 percent new American oak, and heavily charred, there is an amazing amount of flavor remaining in the wood.

Thus, we see with all four Beringer offerings a recipe or process that utilizes temperaturecontrolled stainless steel fermentation of each wine and then 20% is aged and finished for 60 days.

I recently had the pleasure to taste through these wonderful wines and accompany them with certain foods to see how they match up with meals. Also keep in mind that the wines are generally listed at around $16.99, which is a temping deal considering the quality of the wines.

The exciting new wine on the block is the 2017 Sauvignon Blanc. Here we have a unique varietal composition of 92% Sauv Blanc, 4% Albariño, 3% Chardonnay, and 1% Muscat. And to boot, the oak barrel used in this wine was previously aged Tequila! I’m knocked out with this wine. It’s both tasty fresh and complex; it takes Sauv Blanc to a

new level with its dynamic richness.

Bursting with aromas of bright citrus, fresh herbs, with a hint of vanilla cream, that merges into the flavor profile. We enjoyed this wine with a chicken salad prepared as you would a tuna salad. The combo brought out fresh peach notes from the cream base.

The 2017 Chardonnay delivers everything that one would wish in a bold butter and oak Chard while maintaining a fresh and crisp quaff. That’s right: it’s the best of both worlds.

Further, there’s a light smoky finish that keeps you aware of the barrel influence and how it transforms the typical Chardonnay.

This wine works well as chilled aperitif, and, we really enjoyed the wine with pan fried pork chops.

The 2016 Red Blend is a real crowd pleaser.

Everyone seems to desire the bold fruit of the blend and now the bourbon barrel bumps things up. With Petite Sirah, Syrah, Petite Verdot, Cab Sauv, and Merlot, you’ll find the classic aromas of ripe black fruits along with the barrel influence of roasted hazel nuts and caramel.

The full-bodied blend has a creamy mouthfeel with ripe tannins and a wellbalanced acidity that keeps things fresh and lively. A great finish of toasted coconut, violets, and black cherry. It can handle barbecue ribs and sausages and the acidity’s a good cleanser.

Lastly, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is a delicious treat for cab lovers, especially at the price! Further I love the combination of 77% Cab Sauv, 11% Petite Sirah, and 10% Merlot in the mix. It’s got all the black cherries, dark chocolate, and dark fruit jam flavors mixing in with the vanilla and oak notes from the barrel.

The result is a very smooth fruit forward wine for those who desire that style; very tasty with a charred steak which can handle the sweet tone of the wine.

As you can tell, I’m very impressed with this portfolio at the listed prices. Indeed, I’ll be chatting with our corporate wine buyer with hopes that we carry all four wines on our wine aisle. Cheers!

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April 25 to May 1, 2019

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29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bobby Furgo & Co 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DJ 9pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 760-674-4080 Tyler Simmons 7-11pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Bill and Doug Duo 6:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 DJ 7pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Chris Lomeli Trio w/ Brian Dennigan and Leon Bisquera 7:30pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 John Stanley King 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CASUELAS CAFÉ; PD; 760-568-0011 Johnny Meza and Co. 6-10pm CATALAN; RM; 760-770-9508 George Christian 6-9pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; PD; 760-200-1768 Michael D’Angelo 6:30-9:30pm, DJ 9:30pm COPA NIGHTCLUB; PS; 760-866-0021 Lipstick hosted by Bella Da Ball 8pm, DJs Banks and Ax 10pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DESERT FOX; PD; Krystofer Do 9:30pm DESMOND’S @ THE S; RM; 760-328-2111 TBA 5-8pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm EUREKA; IW; 760-834-7700 TBA 8-10pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6534 Barry Baughn Blues Band 5:30-8:30pm FRANK’S PLACE; IW; 760-797-8700 Patricia Welsh 6-9pm HENRY’S SPORTS BAR AND GRILL; CC; 760656-3444 DJ 10pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm

HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Chris Lomeli 7pm HOTEL PASEO; PD; Michael Keeth 4-7pm LANDMARK LOUNGE; LQ; 760-289-6736 Lisa LaFaro 7pm LA QUINTA RESORT; LQ; 760-564-4111 Steppin Out 6-9pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Hot Roxx 6:30pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Country Night w/ Country Nation 9pm 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 Aubrie Sellers and Ruby Boots 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Buz Blvd and Van Vincent 9pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Sharon Sills 6:30pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 DJ Guy Worden 9pm ROWAN; PS; 760-904-5015 TBA 6-9pm 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 6:30pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Closed THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Mike Cosley 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Go Country 105’s Stagecoach Pre Party w/ Jimmie Allen, Neil Giraldo and Honey County 6-9pm THE VINE WINE BAR; PD; 760-341-9463 Derek Jordan Gregg 5-8pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Trio NV 5-8pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 An Evening of Jazz 6:30pm

CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; PD; 760-200-1768 Michael D’Angelo 6:30-9:30pm, DJ 9:30pm COPA NIGHTCLUB; PS; 760-866-0021 Viva Friday’s w/ DJ Banks 9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DESERT FOX; PD; Van Vincent CD Release Party 9pm DESMOND’S @ THE S; RM; 760-328-2111 Slim Man 5:30-9pm DRINGK; RM; 760-888-0111 DJ Journee 9pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 DJ Ceddy Cedd 9pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6534 Gina Carey 5:30-8:30pm FRANK’S PLACE; IW; 760-797-8700 Frankie DiSalvo 6-9pm GADI’S BAR & GRILL; YV; 760-820-1213 TBA 8pm HENRY’S SPORTS BAR AND GRILL; CC; 760656-3444 Karaoke w/ KJ Marjovi 9pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Bohemio 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 Keisha D 7pm HOTEL PASEO; PD; Michael Keeth 4-7pm HOT SPOT@SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-7755566 Nacho Bustillos 8:30pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Bob Allen 6pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Karaoke w/ Troy Michaels 7pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 8pm LANDMARK LOUNGE; LQ; 760-289-6736 Various Artists 7pm LA QUINTA BREWERY; PD; 760-200-2597 The Sieve and the Saddle 6:45-8:30pm LA QUINTA RESORT; LQ; 760-564-4111 Steppin Out 6-9pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 Hot Roxx 7:30pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Kevon Tyree 9pm THE LOUNGE; AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 DJ Jerry 9pm MASTRO’S; PD; 760-776-6777 TBA 6:3011pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 19TH HOLE; PD; 760-772-6696 The Refills 8pm 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm MOXIE; PS; 760-318-9900 Eevaan Tre 6-9pm, 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bill DJ Pedro Le Bass 9:30pm and Bob Duo 6:30pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DJ noon, 8-1:15am 10pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm IW; 760-674-4080 Avenida 7-11pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-327AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 4080 TBA 9pm Live Music 6:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 J Patron’s PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760345-0222 The Orlando’s 6:30pm Dirty Perreo w/ DJs Dxsko, Rich Brandon and PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Nikki CieloHigh 7pm Lane, Jonathan Tyler and Ansley Oakley 9pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Bill Gulino PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 4-7:15pm, Horice Miller, Brian Dennigan and Karaoke 7:30pm Leon Bisquera 7:30-11pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Reborn COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar by the Sunshine, Rick Shelley and The Adobe Karaoke 9pm Collective 8:30pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Ann BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 The Stanley Hampton Callaway 8pm Butler Trio 6-10pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Sun Dawgs CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; 9pm PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Chase Martinez 9-1am RENAISSANCE; PS; 760-322-6000 Derek CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Jordan Gregg 6-9pm Tuzzolino 5:30pm CASUELAS CAFÉ; PD; 760-568-0011 The Myx RIVIERA; PS; 760-327-8311 Michael Keeth 8-11pm 6:30-10pm SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers CATALAN; RM; 760-770-9508 George Christian 6-9pm 8pm

FRI APRIL 26

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SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn Blues 8-11pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Smooth Brothers 8-11pm SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm SOLANO’S BISTRO; LQ; 760-771-6655 Michael Madden 6-9pm SONOMA GRILL; PD; 760-340-6600 Denny Pezzin 6-9pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Rock 10pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Demetrious and Co. 6:30pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Closed THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Dennis Michaels 6:30pm TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VENUE@VENUS; PD; 760-834-7070 Bob DeSena 6-9pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 “Meet the Corwins” 5:30-7:30pm, The John Stanley King Show 8pm THE VINE WINE BAR; PD; 760-341-9463 Jack Ruvio 6pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 DJ Galaxy and the House Whores 5pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 Michael Keeth 5-7pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Rose Mallett 6:30pm

EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FISHERMAN’S GROTTO; PD; 760-776-6534 Jack Ruvio 5:30-8:30pm FRANK’S PLACE; IW; 760-797-8700 Frankie DiSalvo 6-9pm GADI’S BAR & GRILL; YV; 760-820-1213 Project:Human, Phoenix Alleyne and Exhaust 8pm THE GROOVE LOUNGE; SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-775-5566 DJ 8pm HENRY’S SPORTS BAR AND GRILL; CC; 760656-3444 DJ Ray 9pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Mozaiq 9pm HOODOO COCKTAIL GARDEN @ THE HYATT; PS; 760-322-9000 The Carmens 7pm HOTEL PASEO; PD; Michael Keeth 4-10pm HOT SPOT@SPOTLIGHT 29; INDIO; 760-7755566 Nacho Bustillos 8:30pm INDIAN WELLS RESORT HOTEL; IW; 760345-6466 Bob Allen 6pm JC’S CAFÉ; PD; 760-568-0733 Vinny Berry 3-7pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 8pm LANDMARK LOUNGE; LQ; 760-289-6736 Eevaan Tre 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-325-2794 PS Sound Company 1pm, Hot Roxx 8pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-345-2450 Kevon Tyree 9pm THE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE; RM; 888999-1995 TBA 9pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Ron Greenip 8pm MOXIE; PS; 760-318-9900 Derek Jordan Gregg 6-9pm, DJ Pedro Le Bass 9:30pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm 29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bev THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry and Bill 6:30pm 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DJ, poolside, PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-327and 10pm 4080 The Buck and Bo Roadshow 9pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB; PD; 760IW; 760-674-4080 Steppin’ Out 7-11pm 345-0222 Deems Dup 6:30pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Nikki Cabaret on the Green Open Mic 7:30pm Lane, GospelbeacH and Whitney Rose 9pm BACKSTREET BISTRO; PD; 760-346-6393 PEABODY’S CAFÉ; PS; 760-322-1877 Linda Peterson 12:30-3:30pm Karaoke 7:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Block PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND Dance Party w/ Femme A 7pm COCKTAILS; TP; 760-3432115 Red’s Rockstar BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Chris Lomeli, Karaoke 9pm Brian Denigan and Leon Basquera 7:30-11pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Renee BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Copper Olstead 8pm Chief 8:30pm RED BARN; PD; 760-346-0191 Merl Jager BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Gennine Band 9pm Francis 6-10pm ROWAN; PS; 760-904-5015 Lance Riebsomer CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT CASINO; 6-9pm PS; 888-999-1995 DJ Michael Wright 9-1am SAMMY G’s; PS; 760-320-8041 Evaro Brothers CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick 8pm Tuzzolino 5:30pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S CASUELAS CAFÉ; PD; 760-568-0011 The Myx MARKET; PS; 760-322-9293 Barry Baughn 6:30-10pm Blues 8-11pm CATALAN; RM; 760-770-9508 George SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S Christian 6-9pm MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 The Smooth Brothers 8-11pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; PD; 760-200-1768 Abie and Natasha 6:30SHELLY’S LOUNGE@TORTOISE ROCK 9:30pm, DJ 9:30pm CASINO; 29 Palms; Rojer Arnold & Bobby Furgo 9pm COPA NIGHTCLUB; PS; 760-866-0021 DJ Banks and Mr. Miami 9pm SONOMA GRILL; PD; 760-340-6600 Denny CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Pezzin 6-9pm Baker 6pm SOUL OF MEXICO; IND; 760-200-8787 Latin Music 10pm DESMOND’S @ THE S; RM; 760-328-2111 Philip Poe Epstein 5:30-9pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 Demetrious and Co. 6:30pm DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Karaoke w/ DJ Scott 9pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 DRINGK; RM; 760-888-0111 DJ Journee 9pm Closed THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 DJ Ceddy Cedd 9pm Reggie “Vision” Alexander 6:30pm

April 25 to May 1, 2019

TRILUSSA ITALIAN RISTORANTE; PS; 760328-2300 Julius & Sylvia Music Duo 6-10pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 Rose Mallett and Co. 5-7pm, Kal David, Lauri Bono and the Real Deal 7:30pm THE VINE WINE BAR; PD; 760-341-9463 Live Music 7pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Live Music 6:30pm WESTIN MISSION HILLS; RM; 760-328-5955 Michael Keeth 6pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 The Stanley Butler Band 6:30pm

SUN APRIL 28

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Bob Garcia 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 DJ noon poolside, and 10pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Sunday Brunch w/ Live Music 11am BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Deep House Sundays w/ Paul Silva 7pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Bill Gulino 12:30-3:30pm, Patrice Morris 6:30-10pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Honey County 10am-2pm, Songwriter’s Spotlight 7pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Michael Keeth 5-9pm CASCADE LOUNGE, SPA RESORT; PS; 888999-1995 Nash with Quinto Menguante 9pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; PD; 760-200-1768 Paul Douglas 6-9pm COACHELLA VALLEY BREWING; TP; 760343-5973 Acoustic Afternoon w/ Lance Riebsomer, Jose Renteria, Tim and Val 2:305pm continue to page 22

SAT APRIL 27

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April 25 to May 1, 2019

GOOD GRUB

I

f you’re looking to add a little healthy juice boost to your diet, Juicy Juicy in Bermuda Dunes has what you need, because juice is good food.

It’s the kind of food that provides an instant jolt of energy, and an all-around feeling of well-being. Ah, the power of healthy food. It is the corner stone behind Juicy Juicy in Bermuda Dunes, owned by the Livreri family, to put forth the highest grade of organic food absent of GMO’s, and loaded with essential vitamins.

Juicy Juicy is conveniently located down the street from my gym, and is a great spot for me to pop into for a post workout boost. The juice bar has a homey feel, reminiscent of someone’s kitchen dinette, complete with checkered table coverings and farm like décor on the walls…it’s cozy and comfortable. The menu is extensive, including Juice Drinks, Smoothies, Bowls, and even awesome Bulletproof Coffee and CBD Oil. For me, I like to have one of their juice concoctions called Groovy Greens (Parsley, Kale, Celery, Cucumber, Apple Ginger and Carrot). It has a blend that I enjoy with an emphasis on greens, and I must say, after a couple of sips, I can feel the energy from it. Other juice drinks include “On The Defense!” (Garlic, Parsley, Carrot, Apple and Celery), and “Heart & Soul” (Apple, Beet, Cucumber and Radish), just to name a few.

Looking for something you can bite into?

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JUICE IS GOOD FOOD AT JUICY JUICY

Then try one of their Bowls such as the “Pitaya”, “Tropical” or “Acai’ bowl. They also have soothing Smoothies like the “Tye Dye Colada” (organic pineapple, coconut milk, and house made Lava Sauce made with pitaya, strawberry and acai) or a Green smoothie such as the “Sunshine” (spinach, kale, orange, pineapple, banana and agave with coconut and almond milk).

Juicy Juicy also carries Bulletproof Coffee, which is a must for coffee lovers!

This isn’t your average cup of Jo. Nope, this coffee is made with high end coffee, MCT oil (Medium-chain triglycerides) and grass fed organic butter. It has a full bodied robust flavor, and because of the oil and butter, it provides a healthy fat component.

As a bonus, you won’t feel the high/low that regular coffee can give you. Just a nice energy leveler that can last throughout the day.

It is more than apparent that Juicy Juicy cares about their customers, and believes in the properties of healthy eating. From their high grade organic ingredients, to their homey ambience with service to match,

BY DENISE ORTUNO

they certainly provide a healthy blend that’s good for you.

Juicy Juicy is located at 40-100 Washington St. Bermuda Dunes, Ca 92203 For more information visit www. juicyjuicy.biz

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BREWTALITY

A

fter last week’s article on the Coachella Valley’s new beer scene was published, friend and fellow beer writer Andrew Smith informed me that the valley has even more beer being produced in 2019. Las Palmas is a small 2-barrel brewery and lounge that’s set to open in August if all goes to plan. Boucher Cafe and Deli serve up “European style gourmet cuisine” and even brews its own beer under the St. Arnulf’s brand. With 7 breweries possibly cohabiting in the California desert, there are now more choices than ever for craft beer lovers.

Supplementing breweries in any scene are the additions of beer bars and beer bodegas, here are some of the best the Coachella

April 25 to May 1, 2019

THE COACHELLA VALLEY BEER SCENE II

Valley has to offer.

THE BEER BARS Eureka: More so than any other casual dining chain restaurant in the valley, Eureka always has a consistently great craft beer selection on tap. With a Nice selection of seasonal offerings and rotating taps, Eureka’s happy hour will not leave you disappointed.

Although they tend to favor California breweries, this isn’t a bad thing, as you’re always going to find fresh kegs of bright and lively IPAs. For the longest time they ran a special for $4 pints of anchor steam, and I was there weekly to take advantage of it.

Tap-In Taproom: Located inside of the Palm Desert Whole Foods, the Tap-

In Taproom has a small but nicely varied selection of draft choices. Usually heavy on the more ubiquitous So Cal brands like Ballast point, Stone, and Belching Beaver, there’s still something for every mood, and they don’t shy away from adding stouts and porters to their lineup. Modern Times Black House, and Belching Beaver on nitro were two of several dark ales to choose from when I visited this location last week.

Draughtsman: Beer bars seem to get harder to find outside of the Rancho Mirage and Palm Desert areas, but Draughtsman has Palm Springs beer lovers covered. As the name would suggest, this place is all about draft beer, and offers great prices during their happy hour.

Yard House: This chain is popular amongst casual beer lovers for a reason; their extensive selection of taps that simply can’t be rivaled by any other establishment out here. With a wide variety of imports and domestics, macro and craft, there is literally something for everyone’s beer palate here. I find myself at the Yard House very infrequently, mostly because it’s usually so busy and loud with multiple sports games going on at once. But I’ve never once looked at their tap selection and thought, “welp, there just isn’t anything here I’m in the mood for.” Yard House always has something you’re in the mood for.

THE RETAILERS Total Wine and More: With an equal emphasis on craft beer, wine, and spirits, this place makes me feel like a kid in a toy

BY AARON RAMSON store every time I visit. An addled, bloated, mildly-alcoholic kid in a toy store. Known to carry even coveted bottles like Pliny the Elder from time to time, their craft beer isles have been classified by style and import, with California beers having their very own section. The staff is filled with knowledgeable and passionate lovers of beer and wine, and I kind of wouldn’t mind volunteering there just to be close to all that sweet, sweet fire water.

Whole Foods: Although they may have downsized their craft beer selections in recent months, Whole Foods still carries a carefully chosen selection of imported and domestic craft beers. There are bottles of Belgian ales there that I haven’t seen anywhere else, and the fact that they keep all their product refrigerated does me a proud. No dusty old bottles sitting on shelves forever at Whole Foods, they keep their stock rotated.

BevMo: While I do find their selection to be smaller and less varied than Total Wine, BevMo has a solid enough offering of popular craft beer to keep east-end valley residents satisfied. Aside from the usual stock that can now be found in most grocery stores, BevMo has a nice variety of imports that makes them the go-to when shopping for new beers to try.

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April 25 to May 1, 2019

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SCREENERS

n lieu of no major big screen theatrical openings this week in the CV, I thought it’s always good to be reminded of the wonderful older films restored and distributed by such labels as Kino, Arrow, Film Chest, Shout Factory, Criterion and especially Twilight Time.

Check their websites for full catalogs. And thank them. Tell them I sent you.

A FACE IN THE CROWD (1957)

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

No. 366

FROM THE ARCHIVES

that Rhodes is worthy of a TV guest spot and he becomes an overnight sensation.

Andy Griffith’s hick radio star is clearly modeled on Arthur Godfrey. But unlike Godfrey, he is a frightening and sinister character.

This cinematic essay on media demagoguery is rightfully disturbing especially considering today’s political climate so wedded to our addictive electronic connections. Someone just said to me, “Watching Andy Griffith play a money-grubbing, amoral, unlikeable bastard is like watching Mister Rogers play Hannibal Lector.” Oh yes indeed. Nice extras befitting Criterion.

triumphantly cruising down the hi-def Blu-ray highway.

In The New Yorker Pauline Kael said: “A lyrical, almost flawless act of sympathetic imagination… Jonathan Demme shows perhaps a finer understanding of lower-middle-class life than any other American director.

If you haven’t seen it, please consider this shining, affectionate look at striving, dreamy American life. Twilight Time Limited edition (only 3,000 units).

THE SNAKE PIT (1948)

DESTROYER

MELVIN AND HOWARD (1980) Winner of top 1980 film awards including Best Picture (National Society of film Critics), Best Director/Jonathan Demme (New York Film Critics), Best Screenplay/Bo Goldman (Academy Award) and Best Supporting Actress/ Mary Steenburgen (Academy Award, Golden Globe. LA Film Critics, NY Film Critics – now This poignant film about celebrity, the mass media, and the political process is another fruitful collaboration between Elia Kazan and Budd Schulberg (On the Waterfront), Sizzling, cynical and oh so relevant it also presents Andy Griffith in his first screen role as Lonesome Rhodes, a rustic philosophical country-western singer discovered in a smalltown jail by TV talent coordinator Patricia Neal and her assistant Walter Matthau. They decide

BY ROBIN E. SIMMONS

Nicole Kidman’s raw performance as an emotional unstable Los Angeles detective in director Karyn Kusama’s action thriller is an intense and visceral character study of a heroine’s fuzzy state-of-mind while dealing with dangerous cults and gangs and her own fragile memories of the assured person she once was. 20th Century Fox. THREE COINS IN THE FOUNTAIN (1954)

This breathtaking study of woman’s mental illness still startles and spellbinds 70 years later now on hi-de Blu-ray in a crisp 4K-restoration transfer.

Nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Picture and director (Anatole Litvak) – and an Oscar© winner for Best Sound Recording, it features a riveting central performance by Olivia de Havilland that earned Best Actress honors from the National Board of Review and New York Film Critics.

Don’t miss Litvak’s classic adaptation of Mary Ward’s book. The film is a unique and harrowing portrait of a young woman (Olivia de Havilland in a stunning performance) whose life is torn apart when she suffers a mental breakdown and is admitted to an institution.

This still timely film is not only a plea for understanding, but also a critique of contemporary conditions and treatments.

Above all elsei it remains a superb melodrama, this that both horrifies and touches. Leo Genn is memorable as a shrewd and sympathetic psychiatrist. Twilight Time Movies.

STAGECOACH (1966)

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This classic Twentieth Century Fox melodrama directed by the painterly Jean Negulesco is a Cinemascope dream of Italy that also falls squarely into the “three gals looking for love” genre. The gals here are Dorothy McGuire, Jean Peters, and Maggie McNamara, all working women in glamorous 1950s Rome, all pursuing romance by any means fair or foul. Gorgeously shot by Milton Krasner, and featuring one of the most famous songs of the era by Jules Styne and Sammy Cahn sung by Frank Sinatra.

Delightfully proving all roads lead to Rome, there’s no doubt that scenic splendor, stereophonic sound and Cinemascope were never better utilized than in this spectacular looking, location-shot romantic confection boasting a wonderful star ensemble, a lush score by the truly legendary Victor Young, and a pair of Oscars© for the breathtaking cinematography and hugely popular title tune.

Now making a big 4K-restoration splash on Bluray in intoxicating 1080p hi-def. For more info on this limited edition, go to: screenarchives. com

When this great-looking movie was released in the 60s, the first thing that drew me to it was Norman Rockwell’s terrific poster and his portraits of the illustrious cast (Ann-Margret, Red Buttons, Alex Cord, Michael Connors, Bing Crosby, Bob Cummings, Van Heflin, Slim Pickens, Stefanie Powers and Keenan Wynn) Gordon Douglas directs the all-star cast in this handsome remake of the 1939 Western classic about a motley group of travelers – alcoholic doctor, brassy dance-hall girl, mysterious gambling man, meek whiskey drummer, pregnant cavalry wife, absconding banker and the glamorously antiheroic Ringo Kid among them – on the road to Cheyenne, struggling with bands of marauding Sioux, a gang of outlaws and the turmoil of their own personal dramas. Shot by the great William H Clothier and featuring a soaring Americana flavored score by Jerry Goldsmith (available here as an isolated track). Twilight Time Movies.

BOOK REVIEW

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"NEON PREY"

BY JOHN SANDFORD FICTION

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adly, the world has an abundance of bad people. There are actually folks who enjoy hurting their fellow human beings. It is hard to understand what exists inside someone that they can take a life without any thought. In John Sandford’s Neon Prey (Putnam, 390 pages), bad guys inspire a female groupie to cross over to the dark side.

This is Sandford’s twenty-ninth installment of a Lucas Davenport novel.

Davenport is a handsome and macho US Marshall. He is also a tech genius and independently wealthy. As kick-ass and tough as Davenport is, he is also wellgroomed and a sharp dresser.

When Deese, a low-level “enforcer” for a big-time criminal, loses his cool and goes too far beating the tar out of a guy, he gets arrested. Deese then skips bond. The Feds want to catch Deese in order to get to his boss.

But when they get to Deese’s rural Louisiana cabin, they discover a multitude of graves. Deese is a serial killer – and he

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HUNTING BAD GUYS

barbeques and eats some of his victims!

Davenport is called in to help find Deese.

Marshalls have authority to work across the country with the assistance of all law enforcement agencies.

The hunt begins and Davenport teams up with fellow Marshalls Rae and Bob. The three get lucky and are quickly on Deese’s trail, which takes them to Los Angeles and then Las Vegas. It is a dangerous cat and mouse game as Davenport tries to get the bad guy and his deadly gang.

I liked the Davenport character when I first discovered him. He can beat the shit out of a criminal and still be sophisticated.

He’s smart, clever and dangerous. In Neon Prey, however, he steps back a bit and Rae and Bob do a lot of the work.

Davenport is 52 years old. He has had his fair share of beatings and taken bullets. In fact, he gets blasted again when they close in on the gang. I don’t think of 52 as that old, but it did feel like author Sandford was setting up Davenport’s retirement. I didn’t get enough full Davenport is this iteration and I hate to see him retire.

I did like the character Rae. She is fun and smart and maybe we will see her get her own Sandford series.

Sandford does a great job writing about bad people and horrible criminals. I enjoy the books best when we are in the bad guy’s lair. Sandford does not give the reader

much psychological insight as to why they are the way they are, but fortunately the reader doesn’t have to spend time in their fucked-up heads.

I enjoy going back and forth between the good guys and the bad. It’s interesting to see each side as law enforcement works to catch the criminals, while the bad guys try to get away and still make a living being thieves and killers.

Neon Prey reveals that men are not the only bad folks walking the planet and that

April 25 to May 1, 2019

BY HEIDI SIMMONS women can become just as easily involved with the dark side.

A young women, Cox, is a character that started as a groupie to the gang. Her boyfriend kept her in nice things, drugs, and parties. She liked the excitement but was never directly involved in the crimes until Deese joins up.

As the horrors of the bad guys gets worse, instead of parting ways or going to the cops, she plans to get her share and leave no witnesses. Everyone thought she was just a dumb blond, but she too can be clever and evil enough to get what she wants.

Sandford delivers a very real scenario of criminal thought and intent, while providing equal opportunity for women, even in crime.

SAFETY TIPS

BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

DRIVING OURSELVES TO DEATH!

S

ituational Awareness (aware of your surroundings at all times) is huge in the fire service. It provides firefighter safety at all times by maintaining situational awareness and being present at all times. The same holds true with driving.

We all need to be aware and present and expect the unexpected at any time.

Since this is the last week of April, I wanted to write one more article as April is National Distracted Driver Awareness Month.

You’ve seen it, and likely have even done it. They’ve drifted into your lane, driven right through red lights, blown past you in a hurry only to sit when the light turns greens because their texting or distracted. They injure or kill thousands annually.

At any given daylight hour there are over 700,000 drivers using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices in this country. Over one third of drivers admit to texting and driving and three quarters say they regularly see or encounter others doing it.

Five seconds is the average time your eyes are off the road while texting. When traveling at 55mph, that’s enough time to cover the length of a football field blindfolded.

“In 2014 drivers with smart-phones had grown to 80 percent and is rising (the phone may be smart but the users aren’t!). April is Distracted Driver Awareness Month,” reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. “Now is the time to unplug yourself before you hurt yourself, others, or worse: “drive yourself to death.”

When driving, put your cell phone away.

Not where you can see it light up for every notification you receive. Your cell phone should also be on silent mode. Just because your hands aren’t on your phone doesn’t mean the distraction has been eliminated.

If a phone call or text message is really important, it’s best to pull over into a safe location — preferably a parking lot — before using your phone.

The same holds true with eating and driving, putting on makeup or fumbling for your smokes. It’s all called “Distracted Driving” and it’s deadly!

Be safe, be civil and be smart, without the phone!

For more information visit: nsc.org/ learn/NSC-Initiatives/Pages/distracteddriving-awareness-month.aspx Stay and Drive Safe!

Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

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April 25 to May 1, 2019

CLUB CRAWLER NIGHTLIFE continued from page 17

DHS SPA LOUNGE; DHS; 760-329-6787 Radio 60 3-6pm EL MEXICALI CAFÉ 2; IND; 760-342-2333 Cesar Daniel Lopez on the harp 6-9pm FRANK’S PLACE; IW; 760-797-8700 Ted Herman 6-8pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Comedy Night 8pm LANDMARK LOUNGE; LQ; 760-289-6736 Scott Carter 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 PS Sound Company noon, Hot Roxx 6:30pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Sunday Jam 3:30-7:30pm, Mikael Healy 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Sunday Jam Session 2-5pm, Kevin Henry 7:30pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Sunday Jam Session 7pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Reverend Horton Heat and Legendary Shack Shakers 8pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-3432115 Game of Thrones 8pm SHANGHAI RED’S @ THE FISHERMAN’S MARKET; LQ; 760-777-1601 Jack Ruvio 6-9pm SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE; PD; 760-3413560 The Myx 6:30pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Closed THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Darci Daniels and Reggie Vision 7pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 The John Stanley King Trio 6-9:30pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Live Music 5pm WILDEST GREENS; PD; 760-636-0441 Lance Riebsomer 11-2:30pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Motown Too! 6:30pm

MON APRIL 29

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 The Luminators 6pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Bill Marx 6:30pm BACKSTREET BISTRO; PD; 760-346-6393 Johnny Morris 5:30-9pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Music

by Touchtunes 7pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Bill Gulino & Brian Dennigan 6:30-10pm CASUELAS CAFÉ; PD; 760-568-0011 The Mighty Sweet Nothings 5:30pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm COPA NIGHTCLUB; PS; 760-866-0021 DJ Banks and Mr. Miami 8pm DESMOND’S @ THE S; RM; 760-328-2111 Sergio Villegas 5:30-9pm DRINGK; RM; 760-888-0111 DJ Journee 9pm FRANK’S PLACE; IW; 760-797-8700 Larry Capeloto 6-9pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 PS Sound Company 6:30pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Mikael Healey 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 7:30pm PAPPY & HARRIET’S; PT; 760-365-5956 Open Mic 7pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-3432115 Open Mic w/ Rockin Ray 7pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Keisha D 6:30pm ROWAN; PS; 760-904-5015 Michael Keeth 6-9pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 John Stanley King’s Country Band 6:30pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Nick Sosa 7pm

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Motown Mondays 7pm

TUE APRIL 30

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Jasmine Tomasso 6pm ACE HOTEL; PS; 760-325-9900 Ace Karaoke 9pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Shelley Yoelin Group 9:30pm BACKSTREET BISTRO; PD; 760-346-6393 Live Jazz 6:30pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 TBA 7pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Horice Miller, Leon Basquera and Brian Denigan 6:30-10pm BIG ROCK PUB; IND; 706-200-8988 Big Rocking Country Tuesdays 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; PD; 760-200-1768 Lizann Warner 6:30-9:30pm, DJ 9:30pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DESMOND’S @ THE S; RM; 760-328-2111 John Carey 5:30-9pm FIRESIDE LOUNGE; PS; 760-327-1700 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm FRANK’S PLACE; IW; 760-797-8700 Terri Olsen and the Perfect Blend 6-9pm HENRY’S SPORTS BAR AND GRILL; CC; 760-656-3444 Karaoke w/ KJ Danny 9pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Comedy Bingo 9pm HUNTER’S; PS; 760-323-0700 Karaoke 9pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Ted Quinn’s Open Mic 7pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Karaoke 7pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 PS Sound Company 6:30pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Brad’s Pad 7pm

MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Mikael Healey 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Tim Burleson 7:45pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Acoustic Music Lounge 7pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-3432115 Game Night w/ Luke O 8pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Rose Mallett 6:30pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Country Night 6pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 John McCormick and The Shelly Scott Band 6:30-10pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Alex Santana 5-8pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Yve Evans and John Bolivar 6pm

WED MAY 1

29 PALMS INN; 29 Palms; 760-367-3505 Daniel Horn 6pm AGAVE LOUNGE@THE HYATT REGENCY; IW; 760-674-4080 Azhia 7-11pm AJ’S ON THE GREEN; C.C.; 760-202-1111 Jazz Jam w/ Doug MacDonald & Friends 7pm BART LOUNGE; C.C.; 760-799-8800 Whiskey Wednesdays w/ Guest DJ 7pm BERNIE’S; RM; 760-202 4499 Horice Miller, Leon Basquera and Brian Denigan 6:30-10pm BLUEMBER; RM; 760-862-4581 Michael Keeth 6-10pm CASTELLI’S; PD; 760-773-3365 Patrick Tuzzolino 5:30pm CHEF GEORGE’S PICASSO LOUNGE; PD; 760-200-1768 Barry Minniefield 6:309:30pm, DJ 9:30pm COACHELLA VALLEY BREWING CO; TP; 760-343-5973 Uncle Ben’s Open Mic 6-8pm COPA NIGHTCLUB; PS; 760-866-0021 Issa

Wednesday Humpday w/ DJ Ax 9pm CUNARD’S SANDBAR; LQ; 760-564-3660 Bill Baker 6pm DESMOND’S @ THE S; RM; 760-328-2111 Joe Baldino 5:30-9pm DRINGK; RM; 760-888-0111 S.I.N. w/ DJ Mirage 9pm ELECTRIC SPORTS LOUNGE; YV; 760-2281199 Karaoke 7:30pm FRANK’S PLACE; IW; 760-797-8700 Terri Olsen and Patricia Welsh 6:30pm THE HOOD; PD; 760-636-5220 Open Mic Hosted by Josh Heinz 8pm JOSHUA TREE SALOON; JT; 760-366-2250 Karaoke 7:30pm KOKOPELLI’S; YV; 760-228-2589 Open Mic 8pm LAS CASUELAS TERRAZA; PS; 760-3252794 Hot Roxx 6:30pm LIT@FANTASY SPRINGS; IND; 760-3452450 Latin Night 7pm MELVYN’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE; PS; 760-325-2323 Mikael Healey 8pm NEIL’S LOUNGE; IND; 760-347-1522 Karaoke 8pm-1:15am THE NEST; PD; 760-346-2314 Kevin Henry 6-8pm Tim Burleson 8pm PALM CANYON ROADHOUSE; PS; 760-3274080 Roger & Friends 7pm PLAN B LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND COCKTAILS; TP; 760-343-2115 Red’s Rockstar Karaoke 9pm PURPLE ROOM; PS; 760-322-4422 Michael Holmes Trio 6:30pm TACK ROOM TAVERN; IND; 760-347-9985 Karaoke 8pm THREE SIXTY NORTH; PS; 760-327-1773 Katheryn White 6:30pm VICKY’S OF SANTA FE; IW; 760-345-9770 The Slim Man Band 6:30-10pm WANG’S; PS; 760-325-9264 Jeff Bonds 5-8pm WOODY’S PALMHOUSE; PS; 760-230-0188 Shelley Yoelin’s Jazz Showcase 6:30pm

S and G

PUMPING SERVICE

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

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760-404-6325

HADDON LIBBY

O

n Friday, Luke Bryan closes out the Stagecoach Music Festival and a three-week span where Empire Polo Gardens was the center of the music universe.

Bryan comes to the festival as country music’s top earner in 2018 at $52 million due to tour income and his gig on American Idol. Behind Bryan amongst country music performers is the legendary Garth Brooks with $46 million due to his relentless tour schedule. Other country music performers having exceptional 2018’s included Kenny Chesney at $37 million and Florida Georgia Line at $27 million.

Looking at data compiled by Billboard and Forbes for 2018, the musical performers that earned the most for the year was U2 at $118 million for approximately $30 million a band member. Coldplay was second at $116 million. While Chris Martin most likely gets the largest share, this averages to $23 million each.

The individual performer who, by far, earned the most in 2018 was Ed Sheeran at $110 million. As a reminder, Sheeran came to the United States as a 21 year old kid on holiday and was playing coffee houses when Jamie Foxx saw him and helped Sheeran to become what he is today. How much of that $110 million is owed to Foxx and his team is unknown. The same can be said for most of

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2018’S TOP EARNING MUSICIANS

those on this list as it is very expensive to be so successful.

Close behind Sheeran is Bruno Mars at $100 million followed by Katy Perry at $83 million and Taylor Swift at $80 million.

Mr. Beyonce aka Jay-Z earned $77 million…which seems wrong as his much more talented wife, Beyonce Knowles earned 78 cents for every dollar that Jay-Z earned. At minimum, I hope Jay-Z pays for dinner when they go out.

One of Coachella’s favorites, Roger Waters, is next at $68 million followed by Sean Puff Daddy P. Diddy Diddy Puff Love Combs at $64 million and another Coachella favorite, The

DALE GRIBOW ON THE LAW

Weekend at $57 million.

If we look at celebrities as a whole, Floyd Mayweather earned the most in 2018 at $285 million. George Clooney is second on the list at $239 million due to the sale of Casamigos tequila brand that he co-founded and sold for $700 million. Kylie Jenner is third at $167 million with a net worth of $1 billion at the age of 21. Jenner makes this money because of 177 million social media followers who buy her cosmetic products. Judge Judy Sheindlin is fourth at $147 million followed by Dwayne The Rock Johnson with $124 million.

While performers and celebrity get all of the headlines, very few make as much as

April 25 to May 1, 2019

America’s top corporate CEOs. Bloomberg recently reported that the average salary for the top 132 CEOs in the United States is $12.4 million a year. The Economic Policy Institute estimate that CEO pay is 312 times more than the average of their employees.

Haddon Libby is the Founder and Managing Partner at Winslow Drake Investment Management. As a reminder, use a fiduciary advisor instead of a broker advisor in managing your stock and bond investments. Why? Fiduciaries must use a Fiduciary Standard of Care that put your interests first or a fiduciary can get in a lot of trouble as Wells Fargo recently proved.

Broker advisors meanwhile put their firm and themselves first and second meaning…caveat emptor…buyer beware.

Fiduciaries who make up only 6% of all advisors must disclose every penny that they and their firm earn while brokers do not.

Work with Registered Investment Advisory practices whenever possible. Winslow Drake Investment Management is a fiduciary practice. Visit us at www.WinslowDrake. com or email Haddon directly at Hlibby@ WinslowDrake.com.

LEGAL REPRESENTATION OF THE INJURED & CRIMINALLY ACCUSED

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FROM CV READERS

Q

. I understand you have said the most common question you get is Why Won’t You Accept My Accident Case Mr. Gribow? If that is so what could the reasons possibly be, when someone is rear ended and has medical bills?

Isn’t that enough?

A. When a car is rear ended then liability is clear. However, there are other issues in deciding a case.

A good lawyer will also look at the amount of the property damage. When it is a minor tap with under $1500 in PD, we normally would not accept the case because the jurors do not award much money under those circumstances.

In addition a lawyer looks at whether the client was taken by ambulance to the hospital or went to an urgent care directly from the scene. When there is a 2 month delay in seeing a doctor and all of a sudden the plaintiff starts treating, that will be a difficult case to settle.

If the client had been talking to the adjuster and trying to settle the property damage and thinking they can handle the matter themselves, then there is a good chance the client has said something that can hurt the case. There is no way for a lawyer to learn what was said or what the adjuster “Thought s/he heard the client say. Learning about that conversation in the middle of trial, is the worst thing that could happen. If the client had prior accidents, then the adjuster would argue that some of the treatment was for pre- existing

injuries. Of course these things will reduce the value of a case. Lastly if the client did not have auto insurance for his/her car then they cannot collect for pain and suffering.

Q. Has the value of an accident case gone up since you started and why?

A. Actually, the value has gone down.

In part because of the Haniff case in 1988 which established the law on what a plaintiff can recover, A person injured by another’s tortious conduct is entitled to recover the reasonable value of medical care and services reasonably required and attributable to the Tort. More recent Tort law determined value, based on what the plaintiff has to pay out of pocket. If Eisenhower has a bill of $100,000 but the insurance co has an arrangement to only pay $25,000 then the smaller bill is what is presented to the jury. In addition, for settlement, the insurance co will look at the amount the plaintiff pays out of pocket and bases the settlement on that amount.

On top of this the insurance companies have built a computer program called Colossus. It requires the adjuster to plug in the numbers for the amount of the Property Damage, Med Bills, info on who caused the accident etc. and spits out an amount for the adjuster to offer. The offers are smaller than they use to be.

Q. Mr. G I know you handle DUI cases.

How can you accept a case when a client comes in for representation for injuries s/he received as a victim of a DUI accident, caused

by another driver?

A. I Change Hats when I sue a drunk driver for damages to my injured or deceased (wrongful death) clients.

Every client is entitled to their constitutional rights being protected and by representing a DUI driver, a lawyer is doing just that. When I represent the injured victim I protect the rights of the victim and when the defendant is a Drunk Driver there is case law that allows us to recover more than normal. We shoot for the largest amount possible.

Remember... Silence is Golden and Handcuffs are Silver, SO DON’T TALK TO POLICE without your lawyer’s permission.

SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE ARTICLE? CONTACT DALE GRIBOW 760-837-7500/ dale@dalegribowlaw.com.

DALE GRIBOW EPRESENTING THE INJURED AND CRIMINALLY ACCUSED “TOP LAWYER” - California’s Prestige Magazine, Palm Springs Life (PI/DUI) 2011-20 “TOP LAWYER” - Inland Empire Magazine 2016- 2019 PERFECT 10.0 AVVO Peer Rating “PREEMINENT” Rating - Martindale Hubbell Legal Directory “DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE OR TEXT AND GET A DUI OR ACCIDENT. CALL A TAXI, LYFT OR UBER. THEY ARE A LOT CHEAPER THAN CALLING ME”. SO DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER.

23

April 25 to May 1, 2019

REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES

D

esert Theatreworks presents Real Women Have Curves, a celebration of real women with real bodies working together, at the Indio Performing Arts Center May 10 – May 19, 2019.

Show Description: Should Ana leave home, go to college and experience life? Or stay home, get married, and keep working in her sister’s struggling garment factory? It may seem like an easy decision, but for 18-year-old Ana, every choice she makes this summer will change her life. At home, she is bound to a mother who wants her to become someone she’s not. But at school, she’s encouraged by a teacher who sees her potential, and adored by a boyfriend who loves her for who she is. Right now, Ana may be making clothes for less shapely women. But she’s about to discover that real women take chances, have flaws, embrace life, and above all, have curves!

Real Women Have Curves was written by Josefina López, set in a tiny sewing factory in East Los Angeles in September 1987. It is marked by the issues of gender politics and the Latina immigrant experience. The story is told from the point of view of Ana, the youngest employee at the factory. Ambitious and bright, Ana yearns

to go to college, but does not have the money.

The action follows the course of a week at the factory, as the women talk about their lives, loves and deepest desires while attempting to meet impossible production deadlines.

Josefina López is best known for authoring the play and co-authoring the film Real Women Have Curves. Although Real Women Have Curves is López’ most recognized work, it is only one of many literary and artistic works she has created since her artistic career began at 17 years old. Born in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, in 1969, López was 5 years old when she and her family immigrated to the United States and settled in the East Los Angeles neighborhood of Boyle Heights. López has been an activist and has been doing public speaking for more than 20 years and has lectured on various topics including Chicano theatre, women’s history issues and minority representation in cinema at more than 200 universities including Yale, Dartmouth and USC. She has been the subject of countless TV and radio interviews in which she has passionately discussed immigration issues and other controversial subjects concerning women and minorities. López is the recipient of a number of other awards and accolades,

TRAVEL TIPS 4 U

PALM DESERT, CA

I

n 2012, the museum opened a satellite exhibition and education space in Palm Desert. It features an architecturally distinctive building named The Galen that presents ongoing and temporary exhibitions of internationally important art and is surrounded by the Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden that features significant sculpture works surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens.

FREE ADMISSION Sponsored by Helen V. Galen HOURS FAYE SARKOWSKY SCULPTURE GARDEN Always Open

24

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including a formal recognition from U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer’s 7th Annual “Women Making History” banquet in 1998; and a screenwriting fellowship from the California Arts Council in 2001.

In the playwright’s notes, López writes about how she grew up in Los Angeles herself. With the threat of La Migra looming over her childhood, she once saw a meter maid in a corner store and immediately attempted to “act white” out of fear that the official looking person could deport her. After the 1987 Simpson-Rodino Amnesty Act, López was able to become a legal resident.

She reflects on the undocumented people she knew who were afraid to register themselves for fear that the act was a trick. “They, like me, couldn’t believe that after hiding and being persecuted for so long they were finally going to have the freedom to live and work in this country.” She recounts that before she went to college, she worked in a garment factory; those experiences inspired Real Women Have Curves.

RATED PG-13 “What makes this play so special is that it doesn’t preach about body image, the Latina experience, or what being Hispanic in Southern California is like in 2019.” Says Lance Phillips-Martinez, Artistic Director of Desert Theatreworks. “These topics are merely highlighted in a very funny coming-of-age comedy.” - Lance Phillips-Martinez, Artistic Director “It’s a joy working with these “Real Women”, we’ve just begun rehearsals and already they have an instant bond like they’re a tightly knit group of friends. I can’t wait to see the final results.” - Rebecca Havely Director of Real Women Have Curves

PS ART MUSEUM PALM DESERT

MUSEUM Sunday 10am-5pm Monday Closed Tuesday 10am-5pm Wednesday 10am-5pm Thursday 10am-5pm Friday 10am-5pm Saturday 10am-5pm LOCATION 72567 Highway 111, Palm Desert, Greater Palm Springs, CA 92260-3306 For more information and directions please visit www.psmuseum.org.

Lynne Tucker is a Travel Writer and Photojournalist based in Palm Desert Photographs by Lynne Tucker

THEATRE

“Through the play Real Women Have Curves at DTW, we have the opportunity to represent women of color in our community and showcase the amazing talents we have here. This play ties into immigration issues and gender politics, revealing the femininity and body positivity for these women. It is exciting to see DTW bring this show to the stage and cannot wait for you to come see it!” - Leslye Martinez Assistant Director/Cultural Advisor PERFORMANCES: Indio Performing Arts Center at 45175 Fargo Street in Indio, CA 92201 SHOWTIMES: Friday May 10 - 7:30PM Saturday May 11 - 7:30PM Sunday May 12 - 2:00PM Friday May 17 - 7:30PM Saturday May 18 - 7:30PM Sunday May 19 - 2:00PM RUNTIME: 120 minutes with a 15-minute intermission.

BOX OFFICE: Online: www.dtworks.org Phone: (760)321-3087 In person: M-F 10am-6pm at the IPAC - Indio Performing Arts Center (45175 Fargo Street, Indio CA) TICKETS: (Reserved Seating) $28 General Admission $20 (Teen, 13-18)) $16 (Children 12 & Under) GROUP SALES - Contact Iris@dtworks.org or call 760-321-3087 Desert Theatreworks is a 501(c)3 Community based theatre company serving the Coachella Valley For more information, please contact Desert Theatreworks at (760) 980-1455 or email at iris@dtworks.org.

ARTICLE & PHOTOS

BY LYNNE TUCKER

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AMERICA CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF FOLK-ROCK HITS AT FANTASY SPRINGS RESORT CASINO G

BY MICHAEL FELCI

rammy Award-winning folk-rock duo America is currently on tour in celebration of its 50th anniversary, including a stop at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on Saturday, May 11 at 8 PM. Tickets are on now on sale at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, via phone (800) 827-2946 or online at www.FantasySpringsResort.com.

Founded by singer-songwriters Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell (along with the late Dan Peek), the group is best known for its catalog of ’70s classic rock staples, including “A Horse With No Name,” “Ventura Highway,” “Sister Golden Hair,” “I Need You,” “Lonely People,” and “Tin Man.” Bunnell reflected on the group’s legacy in a recent interview.

FELCI: America is associated with the California sound of the early 1970s, but the group has a myriad of influences. Can you talk about who those influences were, and tell us how your shared upbringing as the sons of Air Force personnel stationed in London shaped your sound?

BUNNELL: “Being part of a military family involved moving to several bases around the country and the world during my youth, which exposed me to different cultures and lifestyles. In the early ’60s we lived in California and I discovered the surf music of the day — Dick Dale, the Ventures, the Surfaris and ultimately, the Beach Boys. That’s when I first picked up a guitar and began to teach myself the surf music instrumentals. By 1964, the Beatles arrived and the British Invasion music became a huge influence —I formed a band in the 8th grade playing songs like “House of the Rising Sun.” Then in 1966 my father was assigned to a base in England, where I spent my sophomore year of high school and continued to strum my guitar, and then we ultimately moved to London where I met Gerry and Dan and we graduated from high school together in 1969. During that time we shared our musical influences and sought out the live music and records of the day in London, seeing most of the great bands live like the Who, Jimi Hendrix, the Rolling Stones. Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd. We absorbed the British music scene while also getting the American releases at the base. Our influences ranged from the Beach Boys and Beatles to Simon and Garfunkel, the Byrds and Buffalo Springfield and more.”

FELCI: Take us back to 1971. You’re fresh out of high school and you’re making your first record for Warner Bros. What were your expectations at the time?

BUNNELL: “It was the era of singersongwriters like Crosby, Stills & Nash, James Taylor and Joni Mitchell, and after high school we began writing our own songs.

We spent a lot of time honing those early songs, working out the instrumentation and vocal harmonies. The idea that we might get a record deal became a reality and we were fortunate to meet Jeff Dexter and Ian

Samuel, who exposed our music to some label executives and we ultimately were signed to Warner Bros., recording and coproducing our first album at the ages of 17, 18 and 19. It was fast moving, exciting times as we built a local following and our music began getting airplay on the BBC, and before we knew it we were on the charts and doing shows with Elton John, Cat Stevens, the Who, Traffic and touring in Europe… Ultimately an important U.S. club tour broke the album back home.”

FELCI: America’s debut album is now recognized as a folk-pop classic, but at the time it received a tepid reception from both fans and critics. It eventually shot to No. 1 when it re-released with the single, “A Horse With No Name.” Tell us about the mystery behind that song’s lyrics and how it became associated with Neil Young.

BUNNELL: “Neil Young was certainly a big influence at the time and his first three solo albums made a major impact on me. He is an undeniably great songwriter. Nature has always been another interest in my life and I missed the times spent as a kid in different states hiking around the cornfields in Nebraska, the swamps in Mississippi and the deserts of the Southwest with my brother Chris. “Horse With No Name” was an attempt to recreate the sights and sounds of the desert in song on a rainy day in England. As it happened, we had finished the first album and the label asked if we had more tunes, so we offered up four songs between the three of us and that song was selected. It took off immediately upon its release on Nov. 12, 1971 in the U.K., which was in fact before “Heart of Gold”

by Neil Young was released. Who knew it would bump “Heart of Gold” out of the top

position on the Billboard charts when it was released in the U.S. in January 1972!”

FELCI: America eventually relocated to L.A. and expanded its sound by adding session musicians such as drummer Hal Blaine of the famed Wrecking Crew. A new documentary, “Echo in the Canyon,” explores that period — what do you recall about this golden era for singersongwriters?

BUNNELL: “After doing a week at the Whisky A Go Go, our first club tour of the U.S. ended. We were barely back in England when we were approached by David Geffen and Elliot Roberts of Lookout Management for representation, and we jumped at the opportunity to join the L.A. music community. It was a special time to find ourselves befriending both our heroes like Brian Wilson and his brothers and the rest of the Beach Boys, CSNY and Joni Mitchell, and the newly formed members of the Eagles, as well as Jackson Browne, J.D. Souther and Joe Walsh. We hung out at the Troubadour and saw great shows around town while working on our second album.”

Even though Gerry and Dan played bass, we were basically an acoustic trio so we needed a rhythm section. That’s when we became aware of the so called “Wrecking Crew” and were able to bring Hal Blaine and Joe Osbourne into the studio to help on drums and bass respectively, while we looked for a permanent musicians for the live show. It was “on-the-job training” at that point!

FELCI: The song “Ventura Highway” has come to epitomize the warm Southern California sound of the era. Talk about the spirit of the lyrics and why it continues to resonate with so many.

April 25 to May 1, 2019

MUSIC

BUNNELL: “That’s another song that was written in England and inspired by my memories of living in California as a kid.

I remembered being in the car with my family driving south into L.A., and watching the ocean out of the window and seeing the surfers and beach life going by. I saw the freeway signs showing the way to Ventura and we drove through the town and it stuck in my head in a very idealistic way. It didn’t hurt to also have Beach Boys music in my head as well!”

FELCI: In the mid-’70s, George Martin was brought in as producer. As Beatles fans, how thrilling was it to work the man at the helm of “Sgt. Pepper’s,” “Revolver” and “Abbey Road”? Did you feel intimidated initially?

BUNNELL: “The ‘George Martin Years,’ as we refer to them, were terrific. We ultimately released seven albums with George producing, including five studio albums, “History: America’s Greatest Hits” with earlier hits re-mixed by George, and “America Live.” He was a wonderful man and we had such a good time making all those albums in various locations like Hawaii, Los Angeles, San Francisco, London, Colorado and even working at George’s AIR Studios on the island Montserrat in the Caribbean. For the first album, “Holiday,” we were a bit concerned about how the experience would be with the great George Martin so we were as well rehearsed as possible before we headed over to London.

But it went incredibly well and we got along very well with George producing and Geoff Emerick engineering. We remained life long friends with both of them. Sadly they are both gone now, but we will never forget those wonderful projects and the fun we all had.”

FELCI: How did Dan Peek leaving in 1977 affect the band? Aside from the logistical challenges it presented, what was the emotional fallout? Did you ever consider disbanding the group all together?

BUNNELL: “It was a rocky time for the band at that point. We had been together for seven years and had great success together. We had been pals in high school before that and it was sad to realize the trio would become a duo. There were no thoughts of disbanding or actually replacing Dan as such, but our longtime guitar tech, Michael Woods, took over Dan’s position as lead guitarist and we added two other players: Jimmie Calire on keyboards and saxophone, and Tom Walsh on percussion and vibes. It was a new sound for the live band at that time as we moved on.

Meanwhile, Dan did very well with his solo continue to page 26

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April 25 to May 1, 2019

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AMERICA continued from page 25

career in contemporary Christian music and was nominated for a Grammy.”

FELCI: America returned the charts in a big way in 1982 with the album “View from the Ground,” which featured the hit “You Can Do Magic” by Russ Ballard, who also produced the track. Did you view it as a “comeback” and did it in some way validate your decision to carry on as a duo?

BUNNELL: “As with most bands with long careers we had our peaks and valleys, and new genres of music were appearing as we moved into the ’80s. Our style as singersongwriters remained the same but we were not getting the traction we had in the ’70s with our newer songs. Changes needed to be made and the first thing we did was to change management. Jim Morey took over that role and had some great ideas, beginning with more international touring to take us out of the U.S. for a while. He also recommended we work with a great British writer named Russ Ballard, who wrote “You Can Do Magic” specifically for us and our vocal arrangement styles. It worked well and we had our first top 10 record in several years, and our visibility returned for the ’80s… I suppose that qualifies as a comeback!

FELCI: Jumping ahead to the new millennium, tell us about how your association with indie rockers Fountains of Wayne resulted in the album “Here & Now” (2007). What were your favorite collaborations from those sessions?

BUNNELL: “That was another special project. Gerry had been in contact with Adam Schlesinger from Fountains and their discussions led to meetings and a plan to have Adam and his production partner, James Iha of Smashing Pumpkins, produce

an album for us. It turned into a great learning experience for me after years of working in my own comfort zone. Singing a song like “Golden” written by Jim James of My Morning Jacket was a highlight. And we befriended Mark Rozzo of a band called Maplewood who wrote “Indian Summer” which turned out great, in addition to Adam’s own song, “Work To Do.” So it was a new collaborative experience for sure.”

FELCI: You and Gerry are now touring in celebration of America’s 50th anniversary.

What is the group’s legacy and what can fans expect from your performance at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on May 11th?

BUNNELL: “Well, we started in 1970, so 2020 will mark 50 years doing what we do — hard to believe! At the same time that the music business began changing and recording lessened for us, our live show seems to have gotten stronger with the addition of two newer members in Ryland Steen on drums and Steve Fekete on lead guitar, keyboards and banjo, in addition to our longtime great bass player and high harmony singer Rich Campbell. We have incorporated video to enhance select songs, and Gerry and I have honed the set list down to a varied cross-section of the 50year catalog of songs, which include all the hits of course and some more album cuts.

It seems to keep our audiences coming and we’re happy with the show!”

Who: America 50th Anniversary Tour Where: Fantasy Springs Resort Casino’s Special Events Center, 84245 Indio Springs Drive, Indio, CA When: Saturday, May 11 at 8 PM Tickets: ($59, $49, $29, on sale at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, via phone (800) 827-2946 or online at www.

FantasySpringsResort.com

I’ve never really had much appreciation for putting music like ours in boxes or genres. If we have to call it one thing, then we’ll call it Rock N Roll. You will hear a diversity of influences interlaced throughout this record and our sound, but it always resonates around that Roots Rock/Americana core. I hope that anyone listening can find a way to relate to it in some way or another, whether it is lyrically or musically. Everyone hears a song in a different way and I think that’s the magic of music.”

CVW: Anything else you’d like to share with your fans and our music-savvy readers?

Dorris: “Thank you to the people that

work hard to support local music. Some people might not see the importance of a community surrounding local arts, but there’s nothing like having a strong foundation to build from. We have a tribe of incredibly talented people who have helped us put this record out and have helped us in so many other ways. We all have amazing families and people in our lives who support what we are doing and we could not do it without them. We’ll be releasing a music video very soon and so much more throughout the year. We hope to see you at our release show. This is only the beginning for RBTS!” rebornbythesunshine.com

REBORN BY THE SUNSHINE continued from page 10

in that line I’m waiting in or voice out a guitar riff in that restroom and I’ll get whatever I can out of it. Sometimes I take entire songs to rehearsal or just a few seeds to see what we can make of them. Other times someone else might have an idea that we work on. If there is something to an idea, you can usually feel it. We then follow it wherever it takes us.”

CVW: You’ve also shared that having heart in everything you do musically is of utmost importance to you. Did you always have that feeling or has it developed over time?

Dorris: “I want to say I’ve always had that feeling, but even if I have, I’m sure the meaning of that ‘feeling’ has changed over time just as I have. I’ve been through some tough times with loss in my life and have also experienced a lot of love. I’ve only

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been in this life a short time and already my experiences have made me a different person along the way. Where I am now, I not only want to have heart in what I do, but I need to as a release. It’s who I am and my band family feels the same way.”

CVW: We’ve joked about the “grey area” and how unfair it can sometimes be to classify and thereby inhibit artists who don’t necessarily fit into preconceived categories. With regard to the RBTS sound, what do you want listeners to derive from your music?

Dorris: “This is one of those topics that I’m sure has been around a long time in the realm of music. I don’t think it’s really unfair as much as it can be a deterrent for someone who may be interested in listening to your music when another person decides to categorize you as one genre or another.

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY

Week of April 25

ARIES (March 21-April 19): In the U.S., the day after Thanksgiving typically features a spectacular shopping orgy. On «Black Friday,» stores sell their products at steep discounts and consumers spend their money extravagantly. But the creators of the game Cards Against Humanity have consistently satirized the tradition. In 2013, for example, they staged a Black Friday “anti-sale,” for which they raised their prices. The coming weeks will be a favorable time for you to try something similar. Is it possible you’re undercharging for your products and services and skills? If so, consider asking for more.

Reassess your true worth and seek appropriate rewards.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Whether or not you believe in magic, magic believes in you right now.

Will you take advantage of the fancy gifts it has to offer? I guess it’s possible that you’re not interested in seeing deeper into the secret hearts of those you care for. Maybe you’ll go “ho-hum” when shown how to recognize a half-hidden opportunity that could bring vitalizing changes. And you may think it’s not very practical to romance the fire and the water at the same time. But if you’re interested, all that good stuff will be available for you. P.S. To maximize the effects of the magic, believe in it.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In 1815, the most ferocious volcanic eruption in human history exploded from Mount Tambora in what’s now known as Indonesia. It flung gas and ash all over the planet, causing weird weather for three years.

Sunlight dimmed, temperatures plummeted, skies were tumultuous, and intense storms proliferated.

Yet these conditions ignited the imagination of author Mary Shelley, inspiring her to write what was to become her most notable work, Frankenstein. I suspect that you, too, will ultimately generate at least one productive marvel in response to the unusual events of the coming weeks.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): For over 40 years, Cancerian musician Carlos Santana has made music that blends rock and roll with Latin and African rhythms. In the early years, his creations sold well, but by the mid-1980s his commercial success declined. For a decade, he floundered.

His fortunes began to improve after a spectacular meditation session. Santana says he was contacted by the archangel Metatron, who told him how to generate material for a new album. The result was Supernatural, which sold 30 million copies and won nine Grammy Awards. I mention this, Cancerian, because I suspect that you could soon experience a more modest but still rousing variation of Santana’s visitation. Are you interested? If so, the next seven weeks will be a good time to seek it out—and be very receptive to its possibility.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “Expergefactor” is an old English word that has fallen out of use. In its original sense, it meant something that wakes you up, like an alarm clock or thunderstorm or your partner’s snoring. But I want to revive “expergefactor” and expand its meaning. In its new version, it will refer to an exciting possibility or beloved goal that consistently motivates you to spring out of bed in the morning and get your day started. Your expergefactor could be an adventure you’re planning or a masterpiece you’re working on or a relationship that fills you with curiosity and enchantment. In my astrological opinion, the coming weeks will be an excellent time to identify and fine-tune an expergefactor that will serve you well for a long time.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): We live in a cultural moment when satire, sarcasm, cynicism, and irony are prized as supreme emblems of intelligence. If you say that you value sincerity and earnestness, you risk being considered naive and unsophisticated.

Nevertheless, the current astrological omens suggest that you will generate good fortune for yourself in the coming weeks by making liberal use of sincerity and earnestness. So please try not to fall into the easy trap of relying on satire, sarcasm, cynicism, and irony to express yourself. As much as is practical, be kindly frank and compassionately truthful and

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© Copyright 2019 Rob Brezsny

empathetically genuine. (P.S. It’s a strategy that will serve your selfish aims quite well.)

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): “Most people don’t find their creativity,” mourned Libran author Truman Capote. “There are more unsung geniuses that don’t even know they have great talent.” If that describes you even a little bit, I’m happy to let you know that you’re close to stumbling upon events and insights that could change that. If you respond to the prompts of these unexpected openings, you will rouse a partially dormant aspect of your genius, as well as a half-inert stash of creativity and a semilatent cache of imaginativity.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Do you know the word “sfumato”? Its literal meaning in Italian is “smoked.” When used to describe a painting, it refers to blurred borders between objects or fuzzy transitions between areas of different colors. All the forms are soft and hazy. I bring this to your attention because I suspect the coming weeks will be a sfumato-like time for you. You may find it a challenge to make precise distinctions. Future and past may overlap, as well as beginnings and endings.

That doesn’t have to be a problem as long as you’re willing to go with the amorphous flow. In fact, it could even be pleasurable and useful. You might be able to connect with influences from which you’ve previously been shut off. You could blend your energies together better with people who’ve been unavailable.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): “You have a right to experiment with your life,” declared author Anaïs Nin. I agree. You don’t necessarily have to be what you started out to be. You can change your mind about goals that you may at one time have thought were permanent. I suspect you could be at one of these pivot points right now, Sagittarius. Are there any experiments you’d like to try? If so, keep in mind this further counsel from Nin. It’s possible “you will make mistakes. And they are right, too.”

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You have one main task to accomplish in the coming weeks, Capricorn. It’ll be simple and natural if you devote yourself to it wholeheartedly. The only way it could possibly become complicated and challenging is if you allow your focus to be diffused by less important matters. Ready for your assignment? It’s articulated in this poem by Rupi Kaur: “bloom beautifully / dangerously / loudly / bloom softly / however you need / just bloom.”

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): When the forces of the Roman empire occupied the British Isles from the years 43 to 410, they built 2,000 miles of roads.

Their methods were sophisticated. That’s why few new roads were built in England until the eighteenth century, and many of the same paths are still visible and available today. In this spirit, and in accordance with astrological omens, I recommend that you make good use of an old system or network in the coming weeks. This is one time when the past has blessings to offer the future.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “I’m not enigmatic and intriguing enough,” writes a Piscean blogger named RiddleMaster. “I really must work harder.

Maybe I’ll start wearing ankle-length black leather coats, billowing silk scarves imprinted with alchemical symbols, and wide-brimmed hats.

I’ll listen to Cambodian folk songs and read rare books in ancient Sanskrit. When someone dares to speak to me, I’ll utter cryptic declarations like, ‘The prophecies will be fulfilled soon enough.’” I understand RiddleMaster’s feelings. You Pisceans need mystery almost as much as you need food. But I believe you should set aside that drive for a few weeks. The time has come for you to show the world who you are with crisp candor.

Homework: Compose an exciting prayer in which you ask for something you’re not “supposed” to. FreeWillAstrology.com ---------------------------------------Rob Brezsny Free Will Astrology freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

April 25 to May 1, 2019

MIND,BODY & SPIRIT

BY BRONWYN ISON

EVOLVING IS A NECESSITY

W

hen opening the doors to my yoga studio almost seven years ago choosing a name that would resonate with me and potential clients was going to be very important. It’s natural as humans to evolve. Change is constant and evolving is rather similar. When it came time to open my studio I was in one of the most evolutionary times of my life. Deciding to call my place of business Evolve was a natural.

Evolving can be scary. Fear is generally the common denominator in most decision making. In order to evolve we must make incredible choices that will absolutely alter our lifestyle. Even some decisions that are small can be a life changer.

Inspiring people to evolve is a passion for me. It brings me incredible joy to watch others achieve their dreams and goals. Part of experiencing life to its fullest is to follow the seed that has been planted inside. All of us are born with talents and interests. Fulfilling them and making them come to fruition is one of the reasons we are living.

Opening and embarking on an entrepreneurial journey was a one of the most frightening and exhilarating moments of my life. Now that I’ve done it, am doing it, there isn’t anything that refrains me from believing that I can do more. Starting from absolutely nothing and building a new life for myself restored hope. However, I had faith, I believe and I do not give up. Ingredients such as these are what it takes to prosper personally and

professionally. I’ve evolved into into so much more than I ever thought possible. With this being said, I believe anyone can take their seed (that thought or desire) and turn it into whatever their heart desires.

One must endure hardships and tribulations to appreciate what is on the other side and waiting for them. Creating a program that inspires evolution has been extremely rewarding. I’ve witnessed incredible transformation with people who have made conscious decisions to make changes for themselves.

While creating a program I had to reflect on what helped me achieve my personal and professional goals. Fortunately, I was able to develop a plan of action for others to pursue.

It’s simply a navigational tool for people to implement into their daily lives.

Fortunately, on a monthly basis, I share my seven principles with people who desire to make significant and actionable change in their lives. I’d love to help you find and pursue your passions. It’s never too late or too early to start rising to the top of your game.

Join me Saturday, May 4th at Evolve Yoga 10:30am-4/5pm for a One Day Retreat.

760-564-YOGA or email me at bronwyn@evolveyoga.com for details.

Bronwyn Ison is the owner of Evolve Yoga, Founder of evolveyogaonline.com Yoga classes on DEMAND & Better For It Now, a 7-Principle Online Retreat Program.

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April 25 to May 1, 2019

SWAG FOR THESOUL

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

BY AIMEE MOSCO

LIVING WITH PURPOSE

Y

ou have all likely heard the phrase “Live with purpose”. It is a noble idea and great in theory, but if you don’t know what your purpose is or which purpose you are meant to live by, then how is “it” supposed to govern your life?

Those of you who are fortunate enough to know what your life purpose is know it is an underlying force that guides you into the actions you take. It is the voice in your head that tells you which way to go when you reach a fork in the road. It is the feeling you get in your body when you know something good, or something bad is imminently unfolding.

If you are trying to identify your soul purpose or align your life more deeply with a purpose, it is wise to begin by exploring the basics. Consider why you are here as a soul living a life in the first place.

The one thing all human beings have in common is that we are here to learn and grow on the soul level. Each of us has a more specific reason for being, but as you are exploring what your reason for being is, it is helpful to remember that all purposeful roads lead back to soul growth.

If the name of the game is to grow, think about all of the skills and talents you have developed over the course of your life. These talents represent successful achievement of personal and soul growth. Pay close attention to which of these skills brings joy and satisfaction into your life.

It is especially important to periodically evaluate your progress based on the idea

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that you are a soul intending to grow by means of your physical existence when you are unearthing your soul purpose. Whether or not you have connected fully with the details of your specific purpose, there is benefit to asking the following questions of yourself on your journey of discovery: “Does what I am doing promote the growth of my soul? Is there something else I could choose to do that better supports my growth? Is there another course that will allow me to use the talents that bring me joy to honor my purpose?”

Thoughtful answers to these simple questions will help you gain clarity on your specific purpose and how to best incorporate it in your life.

While it may take some effort to set yourself on a course to live with purpose and honor your life to the highest degree, any efforts you make will speak to the big reason you are here; to grow.

In my pursuit to help you further awaken to your creativity as an enlightened being, I invite you to join Facebook group Evolve through Love hosted by Elizabeth Scarcella, BB Ingle and me. Go to facebook.com/ groups/evolvethroughlove.

Aimee Mosco is an Author, Intuitive Channel, Spiritual Teacher and Co-Founder of Intentional Healing Systems, LLC. Aimee’s passion for helping others inspired her book “Gratitude + Forgiveness x (LOVE) = Happiness”. For more information, find Aimee at aimee@ihsunity.com.

ASK THE DOCTOR

MEASLES! T

BY DR PETER KADILE

his month the total number of measles cases in the United States has reached 626 for 2019. This is the second highest number of cases in a single year since the disease was eliminated in the United States in 2000. Since the disease has been virtually eliminated in this country I have never diagnosed or seen a patient with the measles, but that may change. There have been a high number of measles outbreaks around the world with infected people traveling to the United States thus spreading the virus to nonvaccinated people.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that can live in the nose and throat of an infected individual. It is spread by coughing and sneezing. The virus can live up to 2 hours in the airspace where an infected person has coughed or sneezed, so someone (nonvaccinated) can catch measles if they simply breathe the air where an infected person was 2 hours prior.

Signs and Symptoms • Appear 7-14 days after being infected • High fever • Cough • Runny nose • Red, watery eyes • Tiny, white spots may appear inside the mouth (Koplik spots) • The rash of small flat red spots will start on the head and spread downward to the feet

Complications of Measles • ear infections and diarrhea can commonly occur • sometimes severe complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis can occur which may require hospitalization and may lead to death • the most common cause of death from measles in young children is due to pneumonia • children with measles who develop encephalitis (swelling in the brain) may have convulsions and can result in deafness.

• A rare long term complication called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) can occur up to 10 years after the person has measles and has fully recovered. SSPE is a fatal disease of the central nervous system Vaccination The measles vaccine is very effective. One dose of the vaccine is about 93% effective in preventing the disease if exposed to the virus.

Two doses are 97% effective.

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April 25 to May 1, 2019

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CANNABIS CORNER

BARE DISPENSARY

ARTICLE & PHOTOS

BY CRYSTAL HARRELL

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are Dispensary in Palm Springs has brought the term “homegrown business” to the next level by being one of the leading marijuana dispensaries in the Coachella Valley. Having been licensed to sell in 2007, Bare remains as one of the first dispensaries established in the desert, originally CAPS Apothecary before adopting the Bare name.

The dispensary carries a variety of cannabis-based products from edibles, vapes, and concentrates, to tinctures, topical skin treatments, and CBD products. “What actually separates us from a lot of the other shops is that we have quality at affordable prices. We carry a lot of the same stuff that other dispensaries have, but Bare has them for five-to-ten dollars cheaper. We automatically apply a discount to customers with the tax because we are for the people and the culture,” explains Joel Diaz.

Diaz is in charge of vendor relations and also acts as a bud-tender at Bare Dispensary with two-and-half years in the business under his belt. He and the rest of the dispensary staff work to provide unique products accessible to buyers.

They will even do a price match to the cost of the same products at other licensed marijuana dispensaries in the Coachella Valley.

Diaz also emphasizes the medicinal aspect of the shop that goes beyond their surplus of nonalcoholic medicated beer and popcorn.

“Every patient that comes in here knows us.

We’re really connected with them on a first name basis. There’s a misconception that everyone that comes in here just wants to get high. While it’s recreational, it’s also medicinal.

At the end of the day, there are symptoms that can be treated,” says Diaz.

Last weekend’s 4/20 celebration brought a full house to Bare Dispensary, as customers took advantage of the Patient Appreciation Day discounts and other product vendors out to celebrate the cannabis-centric holiday. Bare Dispensary also recognizes national holidays in the form of charity fundraisers for organizations like Toys for Tots in December.

All menu items are licensed for adult use recreationally for customers aged 21 and over with identification. Patients must be 18 and over with a doctor’s recommendation in order to access medical cannabis. There are also some exclusive deals for first-time customers, like 10% off purchases for veterans and seniors aged 65 and up Before the 4/20 weekend, Bare Dispensary provided a shuttle service to some lucky concertgoers during the first weekend of the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival. The route started at the Indio Empire Polo Grounds and took

attendees to Bare Dispensary for a tour of the establishment and a chance to sample some of the exclusive cannabis products.

Located off the I-10 East when entering the desert, the dispensary is one of the first buildings to greet out-of-towners during their Coachellabound journey. While this location initially deterred the amount of foot traffic into the shop, Bare Dispensary has quickly developed a loyal following over the years.

“We went from seeing barely fifty people a day come into the store to where we are now in a span of just five or six months, we’re seeing well over that amount, probably around 400 people a day. Give us another six months, and it’s going to get pretty crazy,” states Diaz, who sees the inevitable growth of Bare Dispensary in the near future.

Despite the prominent name of Bare selling various cannabis products, Diaz asserts that the success of the dispensary derives from its modest beginnings as a mom-and-pop marijuana shop appealing to both recreational and medical marijuana usage.

“The staff here is very knowledgeable and will have answers to any questions that are asked. On the off-chance we aren’t sure about something, we research it right in front of you and guide you every step of the way [for firsttime cannabis use],” says Diaz.

As the stigma behind the use of marijuana products begins to fade with the legalization of cannabis in the state of California and other relevant events like the Kind Music Festival held in Desert Hot Springs this year, Bare Dispensary continues to provide for patients and customers alike in a welcoming environment.

Bare Dispensary is located at 690 Garnet Ave. in Palm Springs 92262. (760) 673-7400.

www.coachellavalleyweekly.com

April 25 to May 1, 2019

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April 25 to May 1, 2019

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www.coachellavalleyweekly.com